helen

I just checked their website and this is what I found, go to the link as there is a lot more info then I have posted http://www.gaws.org.au/ - and a bit about the future and the fact the changes will take time, and the professional bodies that are helping them The following initiatives have been implemented since 1 November 2011 In 2011 the following initiatives have been implemented. 1 Developing the foster care program for cats, dogs and rabbits. 2 Welcoming rescue groups to take animals from our shelter. To date we have released 14 cats and dogs. 3 Working with local vet clinics to take kittens and adopt them out from their centres. Four clinics have adopted 16 kittens so far. 4 Transferring cats and dogs to other shelters in Melbourne with space, when necessary. At this point 32 cats and dogs have been accommodated. 5 Treating injured and sick animals that would have been euthanised in the past for their conditions. 6 Sending dogs to organisations such as the Police Dog Squad, Seeing Eye Dogs, and to perform scent detection work. 7 Recruiting new highly-qualified staff with welfare backgrounds to complement the established crew. 8 Establishing a system of observation charts to monitor the health and behaviour of all our animals on a daily basis. 9 Implementing an effective system for data collection on incoming animals. 10 Developing new internal protocols for the humane euthanising of animals. 11 Implementing improvements in our OHS procedures. 12 Focussing on our dogs health, for example volunteers now take dogs for a walk and free-run every day, as well as regular grooming and washing. 13 Medicating all incoming cats and dogs with flea and worming treatment on arrival. 14 Bringing in temperament tests for all dogs for re-homing. 15 Encouraging dog trainers to perform obedience training on puppies that come in. 16 Joining forces with K9 lifestyle to start a training centre for dogs with behavioural problems to assist with management of their dogs issues. 17 Offering half-price cat adoptions to promote cat sales. 18 Promoting pets through Pet Rescue. 19 Promoting our work through local media, for example radio station Krock are doing a segment on 'a stray each day' and the Geelong Advertiser is publishing a story from the shelter each week. 20 Working with people with disabilities to share skills. 21 Allowing cats and dogs that are old and may not have long to live to be adopted at good will. 22 Rehabilitating emaciated dogs from RSPCA cases, 5 dogs so far and all re-homed. 23 Holding animals for no charge for people in domestic violence cases. 24 Improving our telecommunications systems so we can receive more than one caller at a time. 25 Approaching Council to build cat condos to prevent disease spread like upper respiratory disease, ring worm, Herpes virus. 26 Ordering 10 free-standing enclosures to enable cats that don't get along to be on display for the chance of being adopted. 27 Implementing new procedures for how animals are cared for in regards to cleaning products and procedures. 28 Treating cats for cat flu. 29 Treating dogs for kennel cough. 30 Housing rabbits in better enclosures and conditions. 31 Bringing in new laundry arrangements so blankets are washed in time for our animals. 32 Working with Council on the transport of feral cats in a less stress manner, by implementing correct carry cages.

That is great Helen, but are you privy to what occurs "behind the scenes" so to speak? Of course not, are you. All I can assume is these changes came about by things happening behind the scenes, and as far as I am aware they happened very quickly, and maybe things will keep on improving. If there are bad things, then why not say them, and why they will not improve also.

All that I can say is I live in Geelong, and went to GAWS recently as a friend from Melbourne lost their dog in Geelong, and I was keeping an eye out in case she was there. What I saw when I visited was huge improvements in the way the place was run, signs on the pens of available animals that encouraged adoption where none existed before and helpful staff. ETA - and a much more welcoming building for the public to enter the place

your husband is a smart man :) Nothing beats the Brittany bundle of love

If it was me and I was getting a new camera and lens to do low light work (indoors at basketball) I would be seriously considering Nikon

CaseyKay, I agree with Ralleyvalley :) In a couple of years Scout might have you convinced too :laugh:

thanks Huga, saved to my favourites

A bit of a worry. I would contact the owner of the dog with that microchip number and let them know the number has been stolen, in case the details get changed on them, and they could notify the registery the number has been stolen, just in case.

Can you help educate me? What is a 'grey import'? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market - this explains grey market, the warranty may be invalid with the compony if you purchase grey market eg Canon so you would need to purchase warranty on top of the camera. Another 2 shops I like http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/ (not grey market) and in USA http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ - great with the exchange rate now

Is Camera Pro the shop in Brisbane you recommended a while ago? If so, do you have the link please

I voted yes, I only found out about properly registered purebreds and how to find them after purchasing a purebred dog from the local paper years ago, a different breed, but my first registered dog. The dog was great and so was the breeder, always taking an interest in him. I knew I wanted a Poodle, so my first port of call was the local newspaper (before the internet was more popular).

aaah, a six month old baby would have made the trip more fun with her if she stayed in the seat next to you - what better way to spend a trip then playing with a little cutsie toddler Edited to add - I don't have kids of my own, but I think they are gorgeous, especially at that age

Poor Murphy, hope everything is OK with her

The word for March is gather - have fun http://networkedblogs.com/tpVW0

That is surreal, love it

Dont know about the bags, but if you have a bit left over Myer have some lovely photo albums

good luck to everyone entered,i hope you have a great time

Bit of a shame someone is charging you, puts a different perspective on things.

I gave an example of what actually happens, because I think the only reason they would have for charging would be beause they would think the photographers are making a lot of money, but that is not the reality at all. It is a labour of love doing agility photography, luckily I learnt that though helping out others.

Maybe this will explain things a bit better. This is my calculations, and the reason why I would not be able to afford to go as a professional photographer: Expenses: Time (5 tweleve hour days, plus 2 seven hour days after the event, at $28 per hour- yes a low wage) $2072 Fee for being there: $450 Insurance for 1 week $20 I have not included every other expenses, equipment, utilities, computer, storage, accommodation unless you are close to venue, etc etc Total Expenses $2542 Expected sales (again being very generous, as only a certain number of people will purchase photos, and this is an experienced estimate, not a guess) $2000 Less tax (using 30% company rate, just to simply things for this example) $600 Total Earnings: $1400 Bottom line: Earnings: $1400 Expenses: $2542 Loss of $1142 ETA: take back tax because it is a loss total Loss = $542

I have helped at nationals here, it is very long days, eg 12 hours, being there to photograph, then editing the photos at night time, and then you might be asked to stay back late and take photos of winners, teams etc. Then there is time spent editing, uploading photos the the web after the event, then editing, printing and posting orders. The orders are not huge, so the charge for a professional will eat up a good percentage of profits, which are very small for what would amount to 1 week of working very long hours.

Looks like you had a great time I love Kepala, a great spot

I don't know if arthritis at 12 years old is premature, I was thinking she is doing pretty good :)

do you think this is with considering for my girl who is now showing signs of arthritis if she is healthy otherwise? She is 12 years old