hortfurball

Hard to take credit, I was mostly just acknowledging other people's points ;) but thank you anyway.

It's an internet forum, what do you expect? ;) Although I have to admit, this one was impressive, even by DOL standards! :laugh: Quite surprised it's still here, I'm usually halfway through when they inexplicably vanish on me. This is probably the silliest tack of this thread yet. If my dog is lying on the road with a truck roaring down, it's probably already dead. I'd grab the kid. What's the child doing sitting in the middle of the road though, and where are the parents? And that's probably all the rest of us would do as well, with a very few exceptions. How is that anything like the hypothetical burning building? It's just a tragedy that has a dog in the story. :laugh: I know it's serious subject matter, but the absurdity in this comment made me laugh out loud.

Really? I just ask them not to bring their children if they don't like dogs. My girl is great with kids, why should she be turfed out of her home and shut outside when she's not used to it? Said it better than I could've. Nicely said Jaybeece, I feel exactly the same. I think the problem is you have some frightened people backed into a corner. While it is a good thing that society tries to protect children, the pendulum of responsibility has swung too far in one direction and there is an expectation from parents that their children should be at extremely low risk, even while they fail to supervise them properly in public. The weight of consequences is also mostly on the side of the dog owner and they are hefty even for minor infractions. It is not that most people don't care about strange children, but they are part of a faceless mass of humanity and not a fully realised creature with their own personality in the same way that your dog is. (Especially when they are theoretical internet children.) I don't see it happening anytime soon, but some more balance on this issue would be better. If people, weren't afraid that their dog would be put to sleep on the basis of a single bite, particularly if the bite was provoked, then there would be far less fear and anger all round. It would probably translate to calmer dogs too. Pretty much summed up all of these 'child vs dog' threads in a couple of paragraphs. MY LOVED dog vs UNKNOWN HYPOTHETICAL child. I don't by any means think that it would be an easy decision, I would be distraught and devastated to lose my dog but at the end of the day I simply don't think my dog's life is worth more than that of a child's. That's why I said it's a personal decision. My dog's life is worth more to me than a stranger's. My dog was my life line through a very traumatic time in my life and I honestly believe that I wouldn't be here today if not for him. I couldn't bring myself to sacrifice him for someone I don't know. I'm with Snook on this one. Those you know and love come first. Also, I'm another who probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my dogs. Although if my dog was not in danger, of course I'd save a child's life if I was able. Exactly.

Only on page three but have to post now 'cos I have quoted so many posts... I want a 'like' button for this entire post! I think I just fell in love with you for this comment. I've been saying that for years but always get slammed for it! And then what Jules? Did your horse and the child actually interact or did you guide your horse away? I would like to think it is the second, but legally I'm not sure. BlueFairy, the difference here is that you would have reacted and apologised, the woman in the OP did not. Accidents happen, I don't think any anger or blame is directed at the child here, and nobody expects a parent to NEVER lose track of their child, but this woman is having the finger pointed at her because of her lack of reaction to what amounts to assault. I wouldn't blame the mother for a moment's lack of concentration if she took responsibility for it, but I can tell you if I was in the OP's shoes I'd not be happy with her complete disregard for her child's actions once noticed. She should have been running over at the speed of light, apologising profusely, not casually strolling in her own good time. She's lucky the OP doesn't want to press charges. Actually, the OP was the one who suggested the child might have been autistic, and as they were there in the flesh, we have to take for granted that their impression was correct. As I said above, I'm sure nobody would have judged the parent had she seemed to have taken any interest in the fact that her child was assaulting a stranger and hurried over to apologise and remove the child. And that makes all the difference in the world.

Thank you so much for posting this, made my day, and will now make somebody else's when I tell them they may have a chance of a cure after all. :D

I thought in the funny photos stakes nothing could beat a dane's wildly flapping lips and ears, and then I saw these... "Yoda, this levitation thing's getting a bit old..." Love this one! Laughed out loud at the 'boobs' one too. This should win a prize for cute and funny all rolled into one! Some awesome photos in this thread! Ptolomy and Pixiemeg's pics also gave me a giggle. Will have to look in the archives and see if I have anything worthy...

I would actually consider owning any of the dogs on my extensive list, although further research might eliminate some, and although I've met most, I haven't met all of them yet. My criteria: Temperament/exercise needs - I'm fairly flexible and can adapt to a dog's needs to a certain extent. Kuges was a couch potato and perfect for me, Ella is a lot more active and feisty and although on paper she and I don't fit as well I'm getting a lot out of having her as it motivates me, so I would have either or both in the future. Easy care coat - I'm not a big one for spending hours grooming, I'd rather be playing with the dog. This is why there are very few spitz type or long haired/fluffy dogs in my list. Soft feel to the coat - I like a dog with fur that feels nice to stroke. Wire haired dogs and scruffers I don't want to pat so wouldn't want to own. Looks - I prefer folded/floppy ears but it's not a deal breaker. Not too fine, not too chunky, not too brachy, not too pointy (I'm SO Goldilocks right now ) (although there are some exceptions to each of the above just because I like the dog too much to eliminate just for one reason) Aptitude - is fairly irrelevant to me, I'm not going to go boar hunting but the Great Dane makes my heart sing. My dane will be a companion and couch hog unless it excels at obedience. If I get a working/gundog I'll pursue the obedience angle and maybe get into agility depending on the dog. Realistically, I can see me with a dane and a lab (partner's first choice) and possibly only two or three of the others at some stage in my life, and will probably get a greyhound when I'm older and a bit too frail to handle danes anymore ;) Refresher (I've cut a few out to more realistically represent what I'd actually consider owning) Gundogs: Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, Weimaraner, GSP (solid colour), Labrador, Toller, Hungarian Vizsla Hounds: Deerhound, Irish wolfhound, Borzoi, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Greyhound, Saluki Working: Australian Kelpie, GSD, Australian Shepherd, Finnish Lapphund Utility: Rottweiler, Dobermann, Bernese Mountain Dog, Neapolitan Mastiff, Akita, Bullmastiff Non-Sporting: Great Dane

I must have extra good balance, Kuges(40+ kilos) went straight into the back of my knees in full zoomie mode on a few occasions but I stayed upright.

That article just summed up the last 12 or so years of my life. It's been years since I've just headed out of the door, dog on leash, instead I have driven to onleash only parks because so many people just let their dogs wander outside their house (but they call it 'staying on their property'). When I am at those parks I expect people to obey the law and keep their dogs onleash. I hate with a vengeance seeing a dog approaching off leash, 'friendly' or not. I am delighted to see an owner call and leash their dog when they see us approach and will thank them for doing so if they come within earshot. We passed a couple of people last weekend who kept their dogs onleash. I was keeping an eye on the second dog because it was of a size and type that I knew Ella might not like to be approached by. The first dog lunged and barked at her and she completely ignored it, which was fantastic and I was very proud of her. The owner apologised profusely and said their dog didn't normally do that, so I replied, "That's ok, I understand, it's usually her." Not strictly true at that distance, but that's what she does when dogs get in her face. I had a classic MDIS encounter once where I called out "Please control your dog" twice as the dog made a beeline for us, and the owner yelled the classic, "It's ok, s/he's friendly." He finally got it when I yelled back "Mine's NOT!" This is highly unfair on Ella, because she's not 'the bad dog' but I had to make her out to be to get this guy to act responsibly in an ONLEASH area. Respect the law and we'll all be a lot happier.

A whippet can knock someone down? They weigh next to nothing, how does that happen? Kuges used to do the funniest zoomies, was hilarious to watch. Great dane zoomies are awesome, and a client of mine has a one year old weimaraner who was doing wicked zoomies for me when I visited, a bit more coordinated and less goofy than dane zoomies. Zoomies always put a smile on my face. EFS

There are heaps of people here who could say the same about their own chosen breed, everybody thinks their own breed is the best and that anybody who doesn't like them mustn't know them. Sorry but not so. People just like what they like Don't be upset that pugs didn't make too many lists, I personally wouldn't own any of the smaller breeds because if I want something to trip over, I have cats. Cats seem to be more rubbery when you catapult them down the hallway with a misplaced step in the dark. Toys and other small dogs are just too little and delicate for me and I'm afraid of hurting them in a moment of clumsiness. Doesn't mean I don't like other people's though.

OMG doggylovers I want to steal your dog! He's gorgeous! Thanks Stans Mum, Kuges was also 16. Love the pics of your two 'surfing' Stan has some pretty impressive muscles! Is he an ex racer or does he get to run offleash a bit? Maddie has a very sweet face. Where did you get their awesome christmas collars? MM, Maverick doesn't look at all unimpressed, he just looks stunning as always - so photogenic!

I'm telling Kyzer! Same, but I'm going to frustrate everyone anyway by disregarding the instructions and listing too many! Toys: I've met some nice ones but not for me. Tibetan Spaniels, CKCS and Papillons are pretty and cute Terriers: As above but have met a very nice Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and some lovely Amstaffs Gundogs: Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, Weimaraner, GSP (solid colour), Labrador, Toller, Hungarian Vizsla Hounds: Deerhound, Irish wolfhound, Borzoi, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Greyhound, Saluki Working: Australian Kelpie, GSD, Bouvier Des Flandres, Australian Shepherd, BC, Finnish Lapphund Utility: Rottweiler, Dobermann, Bernese Mountain Dog, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Akita, DDB, Bullmastiff, Mastiff, Saint Bernard Non-Sporting: Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Dalmatian

Great photos everyone! Some are hilarious! All are cute! Last year's photos of my dogs and cats... Like Dogbesotted, this photo is bittersweet as my beloved Kuges is in it - his last christmas. If you look closely, Ella is winking! (she's always been...'different') Joely - can do anything with this cat! He didn't even blink as I arranged the hat on his head. Indi on the other hand...plotting her revenge??

Did you not just answer your own question 'How can anyone think it's right to hit a dog'? Can you define the difference between a hit, a smack and a tap? Unless you had never touched your dog in ANY manner, isn't it a bit hypocritical to then start a thread with this title and rant about how wrong it is for people to hit dogs. My issue would be, as you have also pointed out, that it is not his dog to hit, but that should be reflected in the thread title. I admit that I have on occasion smacked my dogs, but heaven help anybody else if they ever did. @ BullArab

Congrats on the results OSS and Mirawee, but such an awful run you've been having Mirawee. Sorry to hear about the yearling. Absolutely fantastic news about the rule change Wassat. CC, glad to hear Louis seems to be improving. Boxagirl, glad to hear that Bondi has eaten something, hopefully that's a good sign and your vet is wrong. Ah MG, you never say enough is enough, you just go without for the love of your babies. Kuges' heart meds added up to somewhere in the vicinity of $8000 over the last four years of his life, and I don't begrudge a cent of it, 'cos it meant I got to have my boy with me for all those stolen years. I have no idea what I may have missed out on for myself because I simply didn't think that way. Rent, bills and their stuff first, and anything left over was for me. It's quite a novelty now having some luxuries. Sorry you lost your Iphone, but OMG I'm relieved it wasn't one of the girls - nearly had a heart attack here too. We took Ella for a walk around the bridges today, took a little over three hours all up, but we did stop for a few rest and drink breaks on the homeward stretch. Am happy to report that the Mends Street Cafe in South Perth is dog friendly. They allowed us at a table outside, we shared a Caesar salad and some really good bruschetta while Ella had a rest and a drink. A little further up the South Perth foreshore, the Boatshed Cafe also welcomed Ella at their outside tables. We just had a coffee and cake. We are planning to go again maybe in a few weeks so long as the weather is mild enough, so if anyone is interested in coming with us for a 6km walk with a cafe stop or two, just let me know.

Why don't rangers work in pairs? Particularly when there is more than one dog. Policy error put this woman in danger, and the poor man who called about the dogs in the first place.

So sorry to hear this SwaY. Like everyone else, I had been hoping for a different outcome. R.I.P. beautiful Willow.

What a great night! Lots of laughter! Thanks to all who made it so enjoyable with your company. ChristineX and ncarter, you should have hung around for a little longer, you missed Amypie singing some delightful songs ;) and a car trying to scare us and getting little reaction for his troubles except for a sideways look.

Quick aren't ya?!

So are we all wearing our polo shirts tonight? ;) Haha RS, we had brekkie just after noon, and were going to have coffee and cake while out but got caught up shopping so haven't had anything all day but our few slices of toast for brekkie and we come with the (dis)advantage of huge appetites to begin with! We'll be ravenous by the time we get there!

Sorry you can't make it MG, I would have come anyway, regardless of food allergies, but the restaurant wanted confirmed numbers so I've had to count you out now. Confirmed attendees Horty and OH RubyStar Amypie Mirawee ChristineX ncarter Emery I have now confirmed numbers with the restaurant as they have a waiting list, so looks like 8 of us are going to have an awesome time.

Whoops Silly me. What a shame. Hope nothing bad...

Freo's on the way back from Mandurah Who's driving you and do they eat? ;)

Is there nobody coming to the dinner who lives up your way? I was only teasing MG. :p