Katdogs

I think Dirty Dogs is already registered? Pretty sure I saw a trailer with that on it somewhere. Our local grooming place is called 'The Happy Dog' which is simple and easy to remember and a 'positive' name - and it's been in business in a difficult area for decades, through the mobile hydrobath revolution. He doesn't have to advertise, word of mouth is so good. How about something like 'wagging tails'?

I have a spare clamshell to loan too, but can't help out otherwise. OH ruptured his Achilles tendon on the weekend and will be on crutches for a couple of months, and I've used up all work favours having some time off to be his maid for a couple of days. Poor dog in this heat, but lucky dog to have good people looking out for her now.

Can you test her with a cat, or bring her to me for cat and small dog testing? I'm not far from Parra really. There's something about this girl.... PM me, I'm across the road from TD and I'm sure she'd be up for the test.

I've heard of people driving up from Wollongong to visit Menai Vet, they're very good.

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/228017-recommendations-for-surgeon-in-sydney/page__p__5537111__fromsearch__1#entry5537111 So Stevie had a biopsy, and it's taken a week longer than expected to get her path results. And they're still confusing! Her xrays were asked for, the surgeon was called for more background, extra sections/angles were 'cut' and decalcified and studied. Surgeon and oncologist have discussed thoroughly and although there's suggestion of a 'fibrolipoma' it's "very very unusual and interesting" and "never seen this in a dog, just humans". Next step is to refer the samples etc to another pathologist for a second opinion. Although all the vets and pathologists say it doesn't look malignant and that malignancies are usually obvious, it's "very very unusual" (again) for the bone to have been affected as hers has, and also for growths to be fast, then stable, then very fast again. DOLers are clever and see many things. Anyone got any ideas about an unencapsulated fibrous and bony growth in the tarsal area, involving changes to bone, cartilage and soft tissue? Inner hind right hock. No pain, no restriction in movement, no sign of lymph node involvement? Poor girl is bursting with energy and can't understand why having a bandage would stop her going for walks/splashes in puddles

It's not restricted yet as far as I know, it's just a draft masterplan so if there are enough Anti comments there might be some changes made ETA only restrictions are Saturday afternoons - no random hounds allowed to join the obedience classes!

Yep but the snakes seem to take off faster when dogs are around! Actually I've only ever seen one in five years of going there, though they get talked about a lot. The area they have planned as 'leash free' is just so small, we wouldn't find it worthwhile going to the park any more.

Hurstville Council has released its draft masterplan for Gannons Park. It's planned that the leash-free area will be restricted to a small flat field, with no more bushwalking tracks for dogs. If you look at the plans attached and don't know the park, the leash-free area currently starts at the top of the 'soccer training field' and goes all the way to the Mangroves (and into the swamp, if you have a Lab). There is currently space for lots of dogs to play ball at the same time without conflict, for dogs to form into groups for zoomies according to size and/or craziness, and a wonderful chance for dogs to sniff in proper bush and jump into the 'creek' if they want to be cheeky. What gets me is the Mayor's message that kids need less iPod and Apps, and more "bushwalks and backyard cricket". That's already available at Gannons and has been for years - where's he been?! There's a petition going around objecting to the masterplan, and also opportunity to add your comments here: http://www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au/SPContent.aspx?PageID=98&count=1&ItemID=197

Just wanted to say I'm about to turn this year's calendar from the lovely Angel to the cute Tiger - and I'm going to miss Angel's eyes looking at me Might have to just keep that photo on the fridge anyway

Me too, and the most memorable happened just about the same time one of my dogs got caught in the other's collar. We have had breakaway collars for everyday since then, combined with good fencing, padlocks on the gates and I've spent time with our local pound and council companion animal officer.

I LOVE my big black Lab x GR's beautiful shiny coat and big goopy eyes. I would really like a black boy pup next, soon enough for Stevie to teach manners to. The only problem is that the black coat soaks up the heat and I see Stevie suffer much more than Jodie (dark brown Kelpie cross) and the yellow Labs and Goldens that we meet, so I'm not sure if it's the right dog for us in SW Sydney where the walking we do is on footpaths and roadways, dodging from shade patch to shade patch.

It's some time since I heard any comments about Beverly Hills vet, not since the renos, so MadWoofter's experience is more valid than mine. I've heard Mortdale Vet has changed the late finishes on weekends since becoming Green Cross, but they're great at staying back when required for emergencies. I got a 'feel' for the different practices around the area a couple of years ago, when my cat was paralysed by Orijen food. I rang around all the vets in a radius from the shop that had supplied the food, about 40 in all, and the difference in attitude (not just by receptionists/nurses, but by vets themselves) was amazing. They ranged from one who was already aware of the issue, had read the notices and asked me questions about symptoms and took notes about the supplier, down to one who had obviously had a very long boozy lunch and shouldn't have answered his phone at all!

I'm happy with Julie or Karen at Mortdale, but they've just become Green Cross so not sure what that means for prices/services. Aymon at Narwee vet is a lovely bloke and excellent with the animals, but his offsider on weekends isn't very experienced. I haven't heard any good feedback about Boundary Road vet, or Beverly Hills, and I was totally unimpressed by Penshurst Vet quite a few years ago. Both Forest Road/Peakhurst and Padstow vets have great feedback from long-term patients, and so does the vet at (I think) South Hurstville/Blakehurst, on King Georges Road. Best feedback I ever hear is for Menai Vets but that might be too far out of your area. Ben at Kogarah is a cutie, I agree! I only saw him a couple of times when he was at Mortdale but I think a few of the female customers followed him!

I like Hero. Definitely a strong girl's name!

I don't know Anne, I'll ask if I get the chance Now that the two specialist hospitals at North Ryde are one, maybe he's taking a break? We have an appointment with Stephen Fearnside for next Wednesday, as my vet has referred to him many times in the past if Dr Black was unavailable. I'll be looking for a second opinion before having anything very intrusive done to Stevie, as she's so fit and happy and not in pain.

Thanks everyone, I've now got a few there to ask about. My vet was keen on Tony Black because he taught her (and of course many others, including David Ledbetter). I think Ledbetter put my sister's Iggy back together after a dreadful accident. I think what we're looking for is not so much the surgical skills to start with, but also the diagnostic skills as the x-rays and aspiration are so inconclusive. Sounds like all the recommendations are good for that too. Hopefully will find out it's all a big fuss about nothing, again.

Thanks. I'll suggest these names to my vet, see what she thinks.

My vet has recommended Dr Tony Black have a look at x-rays and Stevie's lump, but he's going on extended leave. Any suggestions for an alternative? I'll ask my vet as well of course, but she's off today and we'd like to have an appointment with someone as soon as possible. Lump was diagnosed as most likely OCD just over 12 months ago, but in the last couple of months the soft tissue swelling has grown and now it's about 4cm diameter, 1cm protruding from hock. The most strange thing is Stevie is showing no pain or limp, in fact she's more active than ever, she loves this time of year. She's six, a Lab x GR, only about 1kg overweight. My vet has discussed with all her colleagues and they can't decide definitely what to do, even whether the best course is core biopsy of the soft tissue or take a bone sample. A needle biopsy of the soft tissue was inconclusive. Any advice gratefully received, I'm trying to think positively about this

Sorry TD I did see you of course! Hope you had a great time too. Did you have a cuddle with the Rottie pup?

Today was the best fun! I saw so many breeds I've never seen before. I loved the Leonburger and Pyrranean Mountain dog that I met, they were such gentle giants. Two amazing coincidences - my sister's kids were saying how much the Iggy near us at lunch looked like theirs, and he turned out to be a full brother and we met the grand-dam and some puppy cousins, and I finally had a chance to say thankyou to the breeder of my childhood best dog ever, my Aussie Terrier, she bred about 35 years ago. Cairn Terriers are now at second place on my must-have list (after a Lab), and I can now pick the difference between Norwich and Norfolk terriers! I didn't talk to any DOLers but saw Mon having her photo taken and a Xolo going around the ring. OMG Poodle people are funny!

2000 dogs = BEST birthday present, please forgive stoopid questions. I'll be wearing my DOLz lanyard!!

I couldn't see anything about the public anywhere on the DogsNSW or Spring Fair website, that's why I thought maybe it was a bit closed off. Good luck Mon, I hope to see you there! I might also ask my neighbour if she's taking her beautiful Stafford boy to get his last few points for Champion :D Thanks for all the advice everyone, I'll bring chairs and possibly not the dogs - although Stevie's pretty stable with all situations, Jodie's turning into a grumpy old woman.

Yay! Hope the weather's nice. I'll wear my DOL lanyard!

Just wondering if general members of the public can go to the Spring Fair this weekend at Erskine Park? There's nothing on the website to say so, but I'd like to come along for a wander around on Sunday if I'm allowed. Is there food available? I presume I can't bring my dogs, but is it worth bringing some family and having a picnic and seeing what goes on? Are many DOLers going to be there?

There's a thread in General on this story as well, where Danielle has posted some useful (though sad and scary) information: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/224217-hendra-virus/page__pid__5422005#entry5422005