Longclaw

One way we went wrong was getting a 'top quality' bark mulch. It's great mulch, but terrible when Tommy runs through the garden beds - he often gets little cuts on his paws where it scratches him. We're looking into replacing it with a softer kind of mulch. Having said that, I don't know how much of a problem it would be for dogs with thicker skin that the paper-thin stuff greyhounds have got! Obviously steer clear of toxic plants, and remember if you're having a vegie garden, that common plants such as tomatoes can be poisonous to dogs. But the only plants we;ve had dog problems with are the raspberries... the greys eat the fruit straight off the canes!!

Oh, I'm so sorry varicool That's a lovely photo of them. RIP little ones.

I wasn't going to do this because I don't do very much in rescue, but what the hey... Name: Emma Age (optional): 28 Location: Canberra Rescue Group: CGAS (Canberra Greyhound Adoption Service) Time in Rescue: about 1 year Who can vouch for: Paula_Canberra, olly, Daisy. Paula, Daisy and olly's OH have been to my house. Who I can vouch for: As above, plus BMP, who I've met a few times but not at each other's houses. I've been to Paula's and olly's houses. Preferred Breed: Greyhounds Experience (if any): Fostered 4 dogs including my ff, Tommy. Have had Tommy for two weeks shy of 1 year. Tommy is our only dog and we only take on one foster at a time. Fosters must be cat safe and I must have back up in case things don't work out with our cats, so that severely limits my fostering. Have also donated to various rescue orgs around the place and helped fund raise in a small way for CGAS. Microchip: Yes Vaccination: Yes Desexing: Yes Heartworm test: Yes worming: Yes flea treatment: Yes vet work if required: Yes - and have looked after a young greyhound in the weeks following his orthopaedic surgery basic training/teach manners: Yes - fosters are taught 'mealtime manners' and we attempt to adhere to NILIF as much as possible. BUT they are definitely allowed on the furniture!! house train dogs: Yes, have never had a problem house training a greyhound Dogs inside the home or outside: Outside with my dog when we are out, inside most of the time when we're home. Sleep inside. They also get some 'alone time' training. Are you prepared to give extra care for a submissive nervous dog: Yes, and have done so in the past, however, I quote from Paula's response: "Special needs dogs are taken on a case by case basis, it depends on the situation, resources required, whether we have a suitable carer available, and likelihood that the dog can be responsibly cared for and rehomed. We do not rehome aggressive dogs or those with a high prey drive."

So sorry for your loss. What a grand old puss she must have been. Big for you, and for you mum for being strong enough to know when Puss needed to be given her wings. RIP Puss

I'm so sorry Rozzie John

So sorry Warley, what a horrible week this has been. Sarah Stafford, I didn't meet you but it's obvious that you touched a lot of lives and were greatly loved in your post-DAS life.

So sorry Paula RIP lovely girl

Erny my heart aches for you. Be at peace, Kal

Good luck Erny (and Kal). I know this must be really tough for you. I don't have any practical advice, but I will say this: when you're acting out of love with your boy's best interests at heart, any decision you make will be the right one, no matter how things turn out. I know it doesn't help much, but I hope you know what I mean. Will be thinking of the two of you over the next few days.

Hi openarms, when I lived in Sydney the vets had an after hours service (this is in the inner-west, don't know anyone out your way). The answering machine on your regular vet's number should have a mob number or something for the vet on call tonight. They will be able to ask for and identify warning signs and tell you if it's anything to worry about or if it can wait til morning. I hope he'll be ok :D