jerojath

Hope y'all had a good walk. I've only just got back. We took the kids to Port Fairy and to the beach etc, so Tarni got a really good run. Was hoping to be back in time to meet up with you guys though. Tarni came home scratching like crazy, was really driving her bonkers, so I took her to the dog-wash. She's fine now, thank god. She must've run through or rolled in something itchy! So who got together at AP today???? Pics tlc???

You were very brave. But he is a lovely sooky snake...... ;)

I shall do my best but can't promise. Really want to get out this Sunday as I'll be in Melbourne next Sunday again.

I'd love to get together for a run for the dogs. I will say 'yes', but will depend on what the OH has planned for Sunday. She's at work right now so I can't ask. Edited to say.... tlc we are open Saturdays til 4pm, although we usually don't get out before about 6pm.

Feel free to collect the cook-book anytime, tlc. Hope your Mum enjoys it.

Loaded quickly.

Great pics, tlc. The dogs owner looks very familiar.....

If there are no 'takers' tlc you are welcome to take it for your Mum, but the fact you can make copies for her makes me think we should really offer it to someone who doesn't have one at all. Maybe we'll give it til close of business today? ;)

Morning All! If anyone is interested, I ordered two DogzOnline Slow-Cooker Recipe Books some time ago which were part of a fundraising effort by DOL & MDBA. Anyway, it looks like a great book with some awesome recipes in it and I will be definately giving a few of them a run! Thing is, I ordered the second one for a friend who no longer has need for one. So, if any of you guys would like it you are welcome to it. First to post here can have it, but you will need to collect it from Repti-Life. The price is $100. Nah! I bought them to support the MDBA, and I paid for them SOOOOooooooooo long ago now I can't even remember what they cost! . It is going free to the first DOLer who says they would like it. But plesae, only take it if you will be sure to use it.... I'd hate for it to be stuck in a cupboard and not utilized.

Happy Birthdat tez. Miss you in here. Hope all's well.

Oh, that's ok then... just that I was picturing The Littlest Hobo X Lassie in Terrier form!

My God that's a demanding role for ANY dog! I believe the right dog would be one offering reliable companionship, and knowing a little about your sons needs, a calming, quiet demeanour. Buying a dog and expecting it to ensure your son doesn't climb fences or open gates??? Making sure he doesn't get out of the house and run down the road? Track him when he does??? Hmmmmmm. Helping ease or prevent a meltdown.... absolutely! Pets are great for this! My son has a favourite snake he gets out when he's feeling like this. When we see him about to 'loose it' we say "Go and get Mac out and sit on the couch".... works every time. Must say though.... regardless of special needs, parents need to stay "one step behind" their kids at the beach regardless of having a wonder-dog or not! Especially at your sons age. Please don't get me wrong... I'm NOT offering parenting advice here , just saying that I don't think it's reasonable what you are expecting from a dog. I have a particularly lovely dog here who has an incredible bond with my children and I trust her with them as much as a dog can be trusted, BUT I would never leave a child unattended in the yard and expect the dog to prevent the child escaping! Least of all 'track' him if he left the house. She may well do it, but that's NOT her job here and I certainly wouldn't expect it. Edited to say.... What are others thoughts???

Glad all's well, Cav! Hope you had a good day yesterday.

Quote: "We definitely arent going to give up on that avenue though. Would love to give a dog a home from the RSPCA rather then buying one through a backyard breeder." These are not your only two options, MC. Certainly not dumping on the idea of adopting from the RSPCA at all, but "backyard breeders" are not the only remaining option! How about a registered, responsible, ethical, reputable breeder? The benefits here are that you know exactly what size your pup will end up, you have a very good idea of the pups temperament, you can be assured the pup will be free of hereditary health concerns, you have a responsible breeder you can turn to if things "just don't work out" etc etc. If the RSPCA is unable to assist (although if anyone can help, Mawson can!) maybe you should consider this option. Yes, you will pay a lot more, yes you will probably have to wait a while, and yes you will probably have to travel some distance to meet the breeder etc, but when one has such important requirements these issues are of little concern. The chances of the perfect dog which meets all your requirements falling into your lap are pretty slim. We have sold a number of pups to people with various 'special needs' and owners have waited up to two years for their puppy and then driven across Australia to either meet us or collect their pup. When you plan on having this puppy as a part of your family for many, many years, these are a meer hurdle to obtain what you are after. Edited coz I'm an idiot.

Yeah he was really unlucky. Unfortunately he was thinking about not getting another one. Just bad luck.... never heard of that happening before.

Was just thinking.... (as one does to beat boredom!).... I can't believe we've crapped-on for over 400 pages! Who'd have thought? Mind you... there's been a few 'hair raising' moments which nearly killed this thread off! I still enjoy it. I don't get to catch up with you guys much these days, but it's good to be able to keep in touch. Especially when I'm bored on quiet days like today! What's everyone else up to on this fine Spring day?

As if She's gonna accept your 'friend request' when you have a Collingwood scarfe on your profile pic!

Just thought I'd pop in again to say.... to Cavalblaze!

tlc that must have been damn scary! The exact same thing happened to a Vizsla of mine about 20 years ago. And as with Tully, the Vet was unable to say exactly what happened, except to say it may have been a cramp or a pinched nerve etc. Suffice to say, it never happened again to Geordie or any Vizsla I've had since. Sure puts the wind up ya though!

Hey Mawson... I saw 'Shan's Van' out and about today. Very nice! ;)

Congrats on the new girl! I reckon Metalcorp would be your best bet. Can't remember what street they are on but they are in the industrial area of course. When I built my dog runs I went to Bunnings (LOVE Bunnings!) and bought lengths of pool fencing, posts, gate, quick-set cement, etc and they turned out great! Mind you, they don't have a lot of 'height' to them... my dogs really just need a physical boundary marked and they knew never to jump it. You could probably get taller panels of the pool fencing though which would be darn near escape proof! It worked out really cost effective too. Might be worth you going for a look.... they have heaps of fencing stuff.

It would be my opinion that equally as important as the choice in breed is the choice of breeder and individual dog. If you decide upon a breed, you will be sure to find many dogs are not at all suitable for your requirements. Alternatively, you may find individuals within a breed considered to be unsuitable who are in fact a perfect fit! I would personally choose the breed YOU like, and then source an understanding breeder.... one who is competent in assessing puppies temperaments (many are not!) and who will socialize and prepare the puppy for its life with your family. I have to agree with the suggestion that a Labrador Retriever may be a good option for you. Would you be prepared to move from your desire for a 'small' dog if it meant getting the right dog?