wednesday

I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy. RIP Abby Not-a-rott...

So sorry. What a lovely write up about her, she truely sounds like she was a special girl. Also, I'm glad you had closure over what had happened to her. Run free pretty girl.

So sorry to hear about Bronson II Griff. Like you said, he is now free of the aches and pains. Run free Bronson.

So sorry to hear of Chance's passing Anne. Our thoughts are with you.

Okay. After trying many, many months to get some kind of response from the Canine Council - I have just received the following (and no more): The RNSWCC or Dogs NSW as they are now known has recently amended its regulations Part II- Show as follows: © - Under no circumstances is a dog permitted to wear electric, spike, prong, pinch, or similar collars at any exhibition or at any other event conducted by an affiliate including training sessions. (d) - An affiliate shall not permit advertising of collars of the type referred to in Regulation 12.4© of this part in any club publication. My suspicion is that this was already on the cards when the Rotty fun day was on - and the Canine Council person probably meant against Canine Council rules - even though it was no where in the rules at the time. I'm sorry that it has taken so long to get any sort of official word (not that this helps much), but at least we now know where we stand with any future events, and I'm sure that many Rotty people will be put out by this amendment, as the prong collar is a popular and effective training device when used properly.

Just to clarify - no, the prong collar is not illegal in NSW. HOWEVER, we were on canine council grounds (private property) and although I am unaware of what regulations they may have at this time as I am currently looking into it (for future reference and consideration). I know they have a heap of rules (for insurance purposes mainly). I do not object to their rules if it keeps their insurance costs down, as that keeps our costs down when hiring this location. Being the first 'fun day' that I have organised, there was sure to be problems. This is the only one that has been brought to my attention. It's a pity no one approached me, the organiser, at the time. I would've liked to have seen you stay and see out the day, and resolve this issue to everyone's satisfaction. Barring this unfortunate incident, the rest of the feedback I have received regarding the day has been extremely positive. I have been inundated with emails today praising our efforts.

After the initial consultation and injection, the subsequent ones were about $12 with no consultation fee (that was about 2yrs ago though)

So sorry to hear Fifi.

Sorry to hear about Turbo.

I posted a link to the following article on my DDB forum. It's quite good. http://home.gci.net/~divs/behavior/coprophagia.html Never had this problem in my dogs, so can't be of any more help.

I use it on my two without problems.

So sorry to hear about Maggie, Kendall. I'm glad she found you to spend her remaining years with.

So sorry. :D

We've got a Dremel 'Multipro' - I think that's the name of the model. It has a cord, but we have a powerpoint outside under the awning and the dogs are used to lying near it for their manicures....

My Dogue de Bordeaux had luxating patellas in both hind legs, and she was from the top breeder in the country (at that time). She also ended up with a variety of other problems. Breeders can do everything possible but in the end, anything can happen. My Dogue recovered well from both surgeries and is now fine. I'm sure your baby will be too. It's better to have the surgery earlier before it gets arthritic. Hope Lulu gets better soon.

3yrs gone, and although it does get easier, we still miss you. Thinking of you today.

My Rotti's nails are usually kept short by her walking on concrete. We use a Dremel (tool) on my Bordeaux and have been very happy with it - it's better than cutting hers with nail clippers, they are big and very hard and I've yet to find a set of clippers that I like using on her. She's happy with the Dremel and so am I.

My Rotti's nails stay down naturally (walks on concrete), as for my Dogue, she's been crated due to knee surgery and her nails were growing long. We tried cutting and she hated it. So we now use a dremmel. At first I stayed at the top end giving her treats for not struggling (she was wary of the noise at first) and now there are no problems. She lets us do them no worries. If you cannot cut them, or file them (either manually or with a dremmel) then take the dog to the vet, and they will do them.

Just to add - DO NOT try to supplement calcium yourself. If you suspect there may be a calcium deficiency go to your vet to 1) diagnose and 2) give you the dosage for the calcium. Over supplementing can lead to a whole bunch of other problems in a 5mth old Rotti. My thoughts (on hearing everything you are already doing) is that it will work itself out, and not to worry too much at this stage.

From memory there could be quite a few things that can cause splaying in Rotti's. Weight can be one of them. It can also be hereditary a weakness in the foot, or it can be nutritional. Over supplementing or deficiencies can also cause it. I know my breeder said that if the toes are tight - it means their food intake is well balanced. Is your Rotti from a registered breeder? If so, you should be able to talk to them about it - they may be able to give you advice, or alternatively, speak to your vet.

So sorry Kaiahma.

Been thinking of you today too. Run free Zeus.

I think if you made this decision in the first place, you had a good reason, so you are doing the right thing. My thoughts will be with you tomorrow.

So sorry Vehs. In regards to how you're feeling, it's not unusual when you have been faced with a 'decision' and they go a different way. Although you are grieving it's a sort of relief (for want of a better word) that the decision has been taken away from you. I've been through it, and so have many others. Don't feel guilty. RIP Princess Nub

Tigger was on it before I got her, Abby got it about 10 months ago - no problems with either of them.