The Spotted Devil

Why doesn't that surprise me That's why I love cats. Just had a quick lit search and couldn't find anything - do you remember the paper?

I just love these photos My Burmese girls tolerate Ziggy when there is a spot of sun to be had... This Christmas card pretty much sums up the relationship Ziggy always meets the foster kittens in the house and is so gentle with them, if not a little clumsy... But it is Ziggy and the foster failure kitten, Dizzy, who have something really special going on... It started when Dizzy was just a baby and recovering from having an eye removed... And thus the friendship developed... The calm before the storm... And then it's time for a rumble in the jungle These two play fight like a couple of teenage boys. Dizzy is rough enough to draw blood and make Zig yelp but they both just go back for more!

Saturday July 3 What is a strapper? in case we throw a fetlock:-) Knowing my strapper he'll undoubtedly throw a fetlock just waving to me, bless him

Hey Pers - puppy has already been to the vet with suspected parvo. Off with you for more coffee Best wishes to you both, beladoza (and your pup) and didles, and I really hope you both get to find out what buying a wonderful pup from an ethical, registered breeder is really all about

That's awesome Thanks so much for the suggestions I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

It should be noted that I was an Army musician. I haven't had to lug a pack weighing half my body weight since boot camp That's what I was thinking....if I can get a recommendation for a decent bike shop that won't try to rip me off I'll go and have a chat to them. Yes, I used to do a lot of pool work and it was really good, especially after a couple of corticosteroid injections into my spine left me unable to walk. It's quite a drive to the pool from here but might consider it for some supplementary exercise on weekends. Damn, why can't there be more hours in a day???? Plus, running is good because I can justify all the extra cakes, muffins and desserts I'm making (and eating!) with the chooks laying so regularly

Fortunately, the law is on the Senator's side. I think she's being pretty gracious about the whole affair. Agreed.

All praise to you!! I can't imagine running the full 20km. There may be smoke coming out of one of my knees and my tiny lungs would be protesting. Riding 20 km on the other hand...... I commute 30 km a day (15km each way) and often can't remember any of the trip as I have been day dreaming all the way. You might be able to fiddle with the set up of your bike to take the pressure off your back. Pavement pounding is going to be rough on a bad back. i agree riding would have to be less impact on your back as long as bike is set up correctly. 20k is a huge distance to run if your not used to it. Ive done 5 1/2 marathons, many years ago and the most i run now is probably 15. i usually run between 70 -90 k a week if i have a good week. of late ive only been on the bike maybe twice a week if lucky. Always seems to be raining when im free and clear sky when at work. Bryan you could get one of those dog walkie things that attach to your bike so your baby feels relaxed. The way I felt last night I would agree with you!!! However, I used to run a fair bit (was in the Army), I'm tall and slim and I'm jogging in the forrest so it's soft ground. I've got a Bowen session next Thursday so will jog lightly until then and get my practitioner to fix me Even if I end up training Zig to run next to a bike I'd still like to be able to add a light jog to my daily routine and it might help me for agility too. I have a nice mountain bike but it's too small (my Mum is 5 foot nothing and never used it) - need to get it fixed up or trade it in but I'm being a tight @r$e at the moment (renovating house). I also live in The Dandenong Ranges so cycling would involve driving to somewhere first - just no time at the moment! I'm sure I will get there ('cause I think you're right!!!) but a little jog won't kill me.......hopefully

I've taken the plunge and started adding a short jog to my daily walk with Ziggy ;) I haven't run for about 6 years since I injured my back so the muscles ached dreadfully While it did stir my back injury up I'm *hoping* that it will be better than leaning over a bike for 20kms. Will take it very easy and slowly for the next few weeks! And jogging will be, logistically, SO much easier to train for than cycling

Brilliant Great turn around spottychick

Did you mean pulling on his LEAD? Sounds a bit like reverse sneezing from your description.

After the trouble I have gone to with my Spotted Devil that one really hit home!

There was a thread in the Training forum recently - linky

Linky Ouch!

How come I'm the only one with more naughty photos than good ones???

Good Bad

I try and mix up treat delivery as much as possible. At the park, the grass can get a bit long so it's easy to miss thrown food. At home, his treats sometimes fall through the cracks of the decking and he looks so disappointed As soon as I can see that Zig has lost sight of the food (don't want him sniffing in the grass for it) I just say "Ready?" and he bolts back to me as he knows he'll get a replacement in super quick time. Seems to work Catching works in some situations but at other times I want him running flat out.

Post #9 pretty much covers it :rolleyes:

DOL = Dogzonline = this forum Nothing wrong with using food to train with - you just need to know how to phase it out! I compete with my Dally in obedience and agility and just about use only food because he's not interested in much else. I'm sure someone will be able to suggest a trainer - can you give us an idea of your general location?

If it makes you feel any better I have 3 cats and they still get fed separately to avoid spats One is even locked up when my Dalmatian has dinner so, despite the kitten and dog being best of friends, the kitten doesn't create a problem by trying to pinch his food. The other thing you could do if the younger dog eats more quickly and has energy to burn is to let the old dog eat in peace (even in the laundry) and use the youngster's dinner as training rewards OR give him his food in a treat ball/cube. Not everyone has the time, I know, but it works really well for me and the bonus is that my dog realises that all good things come from me and he doesn't feel threatened if I need to take something off him in a hurry. As for kids, yep - crates are a great option. I did mean for the dogs

Without a doubt, my one-eyed foster failure kitten They play rough and nothing makes them happier.....except food

I have a lot of time for Robert - he is on my PhD advisory committee Steven Lindsay is speaking in Vic too - hopefully I'll be able to make it

Hi lilli There is a journal article I came across where a dog being entire is a risk factor for ending up in a shelter. However a correlation is only that - a correlation As an example, it may say more about the owner than it does the dog. I should be able to find it amongst all my articles but it might take me a few days as I am flat out. PM if you would like.

I'm thinking of doing the ET mid year with the Dally Club. It's good timing as he should have his CD title by then which will leave us at a loose end before he is ready for Open. Zig will eat up the 20 km but it's more about whether my back will hold up

Have a look at the DPI website for their Responsible Pet Ownership program - linky ETA: The schools program is probably a good start - just click on the middle icon.