persephone

:) It depends where you live, I guess, and what sort of fences you have. Are there reports of missing/stolen dogs in your area? is it a neighbourhood which makes you uneasy? Can people see your dog from the front /laneway? If she is happy and non destructive indoors ..and has plenty of things to do ,gets walked/trained before you leave ... there are worse things ! You could always buy/build a roofed enclosure , with a lock - that way she could enjoy the sun and fresh air, but be contained.

How about phoning the vet, and asking about the incidence in your area? being warm all year round, and with plenty of dogs and mossies , it would be sensible to obtain a test and some medication asap., I think. from memory, it takes a few months for heartworm microfilaria to mature and lodge in the heart. AFAIK, preventative treatment is best carried out while they are very small, and the dead worms then don't clog up the blood vessels

I also have been involved in the industry ..supplying both pet and human consumption , and will only say that if roos are being wounded, and joeys starved, then the shooters should have their licences revoked if professional, and just be horsewhipped if hoons. This poor roo can not even scratch himself or make himself comfortable easily ... he can not feel the joy of his muscles working as he leaps .. and he can not even toilet properly. That's being kept 'safe' ? Fine .

Bother I have no more suggestions, except , when you do poke 'em down, that they are well coated with nutrigel, or bacon , or butter .. just to provide something a bit pleasant ...

If tablets are coated (ie:smooth/shiny, and and usually curved surfaces) do not crush them..they are coated so they dissolve at a certain point along the digestive tract .. they may not work properly, or do damage to the stomach if crushed . I second a pill popper ..it is much easier than fingers , and hopefully less distressing. Failing that, ask your vet if a substitute medication can be given per injection . Stressing an old dog with airway probs is not such a good plan . (stressing an owner isn't, either ;) ) Also - try giving him nutrigel , definitely!! Will he drink? make beef soup , or (lactose free) milk shakes with egg yolk .. try him on fish? sardines, or tuna maybe ? try him also on fresh roo mince- it usually smells pretty enticing to dogs . poor old fella.

Good explanation .

Actually, No...and we don't have aircon in bedrooms either ... (and yes it gets hot here ) ;) I will have a drink if I need painkillers in the middle of the night, though ! Sorry if you feel that we are 'ganging up' on you ....

of course :)

Wet (fluffy)Giants are cute :) I remember when you first posted that pic with the yabbie!! :)

You call them 'fads' ..and come across as being angry that you have been duped ... Your choice to try them - they are not compulsory. Chain collars are a very useful tool .. and are successfully used by owners trained in their correct application :) Dog food manufacturers try and develop new products to catch a market, sure - so do chocolate manufacturers, and coffee producers! Dogs are all individual, and may do better on one sort of protein/combination ,than another. It is the owners who are reading labels, and making decisions ..like the supplements.Lots of dogs are fed a comprehensive mix of foods which are complete in themselves ..no need to add bottled/packet supplements :) I have never used a crate, but have used short tethers , many years ago .. a similar principle . I can see many benefits of crate training with today's lifestyles .. but have no need of it for my dogs . yes, there are all sorts of methods/products on offer - however, it is the dog owner who knows their dog ,and makes the final decision as to what to use/buy. Just because something is *new and improved* doesn't mean someone should rush out and get it to solve their problems .

Better news :) Hope he continues to improve!

How are things today?

Oh Fierce little Bean .. R I P . Lovely tribute

:) lesson this morning , with our two youngsters , who were trying to jump on my lap . By blocking with my hands..they sat ...which was my cue to lift up my hands and say 'Hup' and encourage them to jump up :) they did very well ..and parked bums on ground really quickly , waiting for the chance to jump up ;) Fun, and educational (and muddy)

Clyde.. bet his story will filter down thru the grapevine .. it usually happens that way . :) Someone will know !

Two of my favourites .. (pre digital days).. my gorgeous Ozzie as a new born... so tiny , and prem . He was destined to not be on this earth- had to be PTS at 12 mths old ... he had the most wonderful temperament .. To give an idea of his size .. I made his 'jacket'from 1/2 a small bathtowel! and Gladys ( as in Glad It's Still alive) a goat kid rescued years ago .. yes, she did live indoors , loved her cushion by the heater, and grew up to be a strong and cheeky goat :)

Oh..and we need photographic proof :p

What a post!! I have something in my eye now ... I am so happy for you - the little beast!!!

Huski - I hear ya! fun and games = communication and bonding , which makes formal training easier later on :)

Hope you got some sleep last night ... and that you find a clue ,at least, this morning.

a friend's little chi x peering out from under her security blanket :)

Love the cone head's expression :) :) and the dane baby! Nice thread :D

:) And weren't they enjoying it!! What a lovely big yard for the dogs - they can really hoon around safely there :) Takoda is very sleek and handsome !!!

..and I guess it depends what else you are feeding your dog ..as to whether it is suitable .

Roo is organic it is lean ..... anf, fed on the bone in tails , it provides much chewing exercise, plus nice edible bone component