Vix

Hi again Jill, Malti has misunderstood my comment, I'd hate to think you would too, so just to confirm, I haven't heard from the donor, so either they haven't contacted us or they have contacted someone else believing it was us. Please let them know we haven't heard from them and if they contact me directly [email protected] we can sort out their refund. We have complete records of all donations and email contact so it won't be difficult to find. Vix

Hi all I have to say I'm equally disappointed to see these comments, especially the suggestion that we would keep a misdirected donation. Although as Shel has said, she has been away on mat leave, myself [email protected] and [email protected] (PetRescue member contact) have been here throughout. We are the same team as always. Jill, we haven't had anyone contact us about a donation being misdirected, we occasionally have people add extra zeros to donations or people who try to pay an adoption fee via our system and always refund their money immediately. We also contact all donors via email or phone after a donation is made to thank them, which would have given anyone an opportunity to let us know there was an issue. For those of you commenting, please have a look at the site yourself. You will see the donation button has text directly above it clearly explaining who and what we are. Clicking the donation button does not immediately take a donors money, instead it takes you to a full page that again explains who PetRescue is and what we do. You then need to click a further button to take you to a page to fill in your details to make a donation. Then further verification and confirmation of your donation. Each step of this process clearly states who we are and what we do. I can only reiterate - if you have concerns of this type, please let me know directly. [email protected]

You will shortly be able to bump, remove, rehome, place on hold and reactivate listings from the pet's profile (similar to the previous site) as well as from the manage listings area. Could I ask if anyone has any more questions, that you post them in the Help section in the PetRescue members area. (login to PetRescue and find 'Help' on the main menu of the members area) We want to answer everything promptly but it is difficult for us to monitor all the forums. Also by posting them in the Help section, we are building up the FAQ section, helping other members who may have the same questions. If you have a specific tech issue, please email [email protected] to have this resolved quickly Cheers Vix

Thanks Savane - I'll give it a go today

Hi all I'm going to try Rescue Remedy for my thunder storm phobic dog. Can anyone advise on how many drops for a 16kg dog? Cheers Vix

Hi Goldenluv What a cutie, I bet he is an absolute terror! I'm a behavioural trainer and I see this a lot. It's a difficult time with a pup this age, who doesn't have the best recall as you are faced with a couple of issues and have to weigh up what's going to work best for you. Obviously you need to make sure he's going to come back, but yes the lead makes a huge difference to other dogs. It's all a matter of misinterprated body language when a dog is on lead. Especially with a bouncy puppy keen to get closer to the other dogs. When the lead is tight it makes your dogs body point directly at the other dog (in a stright line as such) and if your dog is pulling it also tends to make them look as though the chest is out. Both of these are aggressive posturing signs to another. This is especially enhanced with retrievers vs working dogs. I always explain it like two different cultures meeting. A really overly friendly American who wants to be your best friend and a very reserved Englishman who has personal space issues (sorry to all the Americans and English out there). Retrievers tend to bounce up to other dogs in a fairly direct line, where as working dogs are usually a bit more anxious and like to preform obvious body language rituals, curve in toward the other dog, sniff bums etc. I have a particular interest in working dog vs retriever, body language as I have a Koolie, who's idea of hell is a Golden Retriever puppy. She is definitely the Englishman! If a GR pup runs up to her in the park she will go through all her repertoire of "go away" body language in half a second, and if the pup isn't listening, she will first show her teeth and then snap. This isn't aggressive as such (she isn't going to fight or take it any further) and she is in complete control, she is basically saying 'go away, go away, GO AWAY'. The pup will usually roll on his back. In the dog world this is all ok, but obviously for most owners seeing your pup snapped at and them throw themselves to the ground in front of an 'aggressive' dog can be quite terrifying! Now obviously I'm not saying that this would be what was happening in your experience but it's definitely something to be aware of. A couple of tips to help out in this situation; when your dog is meeting other dogs in close proximity, be brave and drop the lead. This means that he can move around the other dogs and preform better body language (keep in mind though as a pup he might be too much for some dogs). And if you can when you meet owners and dogs, rather than stand around chatting, try to keep everyone moving in the same direction, a lot of park fights start with everyone standing around in close quarters. And most of all, practice, practice, practice, your recall! Good luck Vix PS - I'm not referring to those idiot owners without control over their dogs (we've all experienced enough of them) but general issues associated with leads vs off lead.

On Monday one of my dogs suffered a FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism) - which is a sort of spinal stroke. I'm sure you can all imagine how traumatic it is to have a dog who is one minute is running in the park and the next is lying on the ground paralyzed. Things are ok and he is home, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has any experience of FCE Vix

Thank you. This is great information. It is a really hard decision as Mikalla is only 4yrs and is actually doing very well at the moment. Both her hips were broken by her previous owner when she was about 6 months old and she spent several months on cage rest. She is on permanent metacam and has been for two years, but seems to cope well. In fact most vets are quite shocked when the see her x-rays as she is doesn't show the damage too much - mainly because she sprints around like an idiot and does everything she shouldn't in the way of jumping, twisting and chasing things! Thanks again - I'll definitely look up these surgeons and recommendations. Cheers Vix

Hi again We have just seen a physio at UQ, and have previously seen one at the specialist centre at Springwood. Both of whom were excellent. I do actually have an appointment with a surgeon, for a chat on Friday, but as I know very little about the operation, I'd like to have a couple of opinions. Not because I have any doubts about the necessity of the op, but that I just have nothing to compare the information I get against, if that makes sense. I'm hoping if I get a few recommendations fr the same person I'll feel a bit better Cheers Vix

Hi One of my dogs will need a hip replacement and I'm starting to do some research on recommended surgeons and advice on the op from anyone who's dog may have had one (or similar). Can any one recommend a good specialist (I'm in QLD but would consider getting her done inter-state) I'm also having a debate with myself about when to get the operation done. Now, when she is fit and healthy and I assume will recover faster and better; Or wait until she is having issues - the very fact that she is fit and healthy, relatively pain free makes me reluctant to put her through the surgery now in case it actually makes her more disabled? Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers Vix