Staffyluv

I don't have any pics yet but he is an absolute clown... He plays ball by himself - he throws it and bounces it.. When he has had enough of playing by himself, he brings it to you to bounce for him again. I want to get this on video and upload to you tube when I have a few minutes - he had us in stitches this afternoon with it. He is quite at home, loves my son and his mates that have come to meet him. He needs some basic training. I don't think he has been treated very nicely in the past. Cory went to kick the ball for him and he laid down when Cory's foot came up. He is also quite afraid of the leash (lays down when he sees it or tries to run away) - but we are working on that already and I have had it on and off him a few times this afternoon. He is very food orientated and has worked out that the fridge holds the best stuff - because everytime someone goes anywhere near it, he is right there next to them (with 1 paw up and the most adorable look). I don't think he was an inside dog in his previous life. He came in when we first bought him home and checked everything out. But when I went to give him a little dinner, he would not come past the laundry door. So I moved his food into the laundry and he was fine. We introduced him to the staffy pup my son is collecting on Monday and the pup was really in his face so he put him straight, then basically ignored him.. I am hoping that they get along, as the staffy is a keeper for my son - I am sure it will be fine... I will get some pics over the next few days and post them up... He is a gem and I think it will be really easy to rehome him.

Thanks all - suggestions were appreciated. I dare say I will be back for lots more advice as it has been 14 years since I had a pup in the house and I have never dealt with a kelpie before. Today is collection day for Gus the Kelpie cross.. he is so tiny (but then I am used to a boof headed staffy). I think he weighs all of about 6kgs. We (kid and I) to get some chicken wire for our gate, as I think he will go right through the bars he is so small. A new collar and lead, bowls and some other bits and pieces. We will get to do it all again when we collect Ziggy (staffy pup). And maybe even sooner when we collect the Pei cross so we can take him up to the Gold Coast for Ams rescue next week.. OMG, I have gone from a one sick dog house to a 'boarding' house... It feels right though...These little guys have kept my mind so busy that I have hardly had time to dwell on the sadness that fills this house at the moment and I am sure they will make it a very happy home again.

After an evening of debate with the lad we have names for both beautiful boys. Gus for the kelpie boy and Ziggy for the little staffy baby.. I can't wait to pick up Gus tomorrow and hopefully we will have Ziggy in a week or so

Thanks all, some great suggestions to choose from. Helen I will get some pics tomorrow of our little kelpie cross and hopefully a couple of the staffy baby while we are at the pound. I can't believe this is happening so soon but it must be the right thing because for the first time in over three weeks I am actually sming and the tears have not welled up in my eyes in at least a few hours. I am liking Banjo for our kelpie boy. Still undecided about the staffy

As most of you know I gave Ollie dog his wings on Tuesday. I realise this is soon and some won't understand but I just can't stand the house being so quite and without a dog. So I put my hand up to foster this little guy until his forever home comes up. The pound called this afternoon and wanted to know if we wanted to meet him before we pick him up tomorrow and the kid (he is 20) was sure we should go now.. So off we go to the pound to meet our soon to be foster, the kelpie cross Kelpie boy Suggestions for a name for this tiny guy - and he is really little... I can't wait to bring him home - I hated leaving him at the pound, even for just one more night.. Now while we were there, the kid asks if they have any staffys - they guy says they have a couple of crosses.. So off we trot to the next row of pups and there he is.. He is listed as a cross but looks pure to me (not that I am an expert but I have had staffs most of my life). He won't be up for sale for a couple of weeks yet, so we don't have a picture yet as he is not on the pound site - but the kid is over the moon. He is very shy and timid but stuck to my son like glue when we got him out for a play. And as soon as he realised I was open to kisses, he was all mine... I would say he is only about 6 months or a bit more old. He is brindle with big white socks and a white patch on his chest. I know it seems soon but the kid has just lost his dad and his dog within 3 weeks of each other and he was so happy that the puppy just wanted to be near him - I just could not say no.. We will need a name for this guy if/when we can bring him home. So the pound are testing the staffy baby with the kelpie cross for us but honestly I think they will be fine as they both just seemed like they wanted to play with all the other doggies there at the moment... So thinking caps on DOLes - 2 names for 2 boys Thanks in advance

He can have a human grade antihistamine tablet no problem at all. My Ollie had mast cell cancer that released histamine and he had a polaramine tablet every day of his life. However I am a big believer in ALL lumps should be checked by a vet. The vet will usually do a fine needle aspirate to remove some cells from the lump and check them under the microscope. Good luck

Oh Pheebs that is just awful. I am so sorry. I was so fortunate when we said goodbye to Ollie as our vet already knew that Dan had passed away three weeks before. Such heartbreaking losses so close together is hard enough without the added stress of others meaning well but just adding to the strain.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the kind words. He was certainly a much loved boy and will be missed. I can't stand the house at the moment. It is so quiet... Dan passed away on October 2nd, 2011, so dealing with his loss (even though we were separated at tue time) and supporting the boys, organizing his funeral etc has not been easy. It helps to think that Ollie is with his dad...

I took my old staffy, Ollie for his last vet visit yesterday afternoon. I knew it was our last visit as I put his lead on at home, picked him up and put him in the car as his little old legs just could not jump that high anymore. Then I drove the 3km and lifted him out so he did not hurt himself trying to jump down from the back seat. The walk from the car to the surgery is only about 15 meters but felt like a mile. They were waiting for us and I was glad when we were ushered into a consult room. I picked him up and put him on the table and was amazed yet again at how much weight he had lost and how little he seemed to be now he was a senior citizen. Our wonderful vet came in and explained everything, what would happen and what might happen. I decided it was best that he receive anesthetic first so he did not stress. My brave little guy dozed off in my arms at 4pm 25.10.2011. The final injection was given while I cuddled him for the last time and kissed his head goodbye. I know he had a great life, was loved as much as he loved us and giving him his wings was the right thing to do. But today my heart is broken. I will miss him forever.

Goodbye my friend... Special Friend I lost a special friend today the kind you can't replace, and looking at his empty bed I still can see his face. I see the endless energy the sparkling puppy eyes, Not the tired, fragile friend That today I bid goodbye. I know he's in a special place our Lord has for such friends, Where meadows, fields & flowers help make them strong and whole again. I remember how he'd run to me to play his favourite game, And how his ears would perk right up When he heard me call his name. But as those precious years went by And we both aged and grew, I'd find him often slowing down But we still had so much to do. He did his guard dog duty well Each time the doorbell rang, Strangers surely couldn't see My gentle friend--behind those fangs. I've noticed in the recent times His ears were not as sharp, Where is that running ball of fur The years have shown their mark. He stopped sleeping next to me Was this his special clue, Because he felt the end was near I only wish I knew. My Ollie was a special dog I know he gave his best, But as I looked deep into his eyes I knew it was time, for him to rest. It will truly be a struggle I don't know how I'll face each day, I have to let him go I know But in my heart he'll always stay. This special place our Lord has made Health and strength, wait for him there, So with my very special friend I'm sending all my prayers. I know he's watching over me He'll be with me when I cry, So with one more kiss on his beloved head I told my Ollie Dog goodbye. Written By Christina L. Tronnes for Candy (changed by Jodie for Ollie)

Ollie dog is not well - we knew it was coming but it still hurts like hell... He is very anemic and he is not renewing red blood cells. I think his count was around 27 and it should be in the high 30s to 50 something. It also appears as though his kidney's are failing.. On the bright side - he appears well enough in himself. The loon was trying to bite the water coming from the sprinkler at the park this morning and he still gets excited every time someone comes for a visit. Not sure how long we have but the vet said it probably won't be very long at all... Then again who knows - he has out lived every prediction they have made to date. This is made even harder by the fact that my husband just died (on the 2nd October - we were separated but I had recently moved back in to help him out and try to save some funds).. My lovely boys are taking this all so hard so I just explained that maybe dad needs Ollie more than we do, so we need to let him go now when the time comes. I just wanted to let you know how much we have appreciated all your advice, good wishes and vibes over the years and I will update again when we say goodbye to our boy.

I looked at the little snot and mud covered pup with a belly full of worms and had to save him. He was much to young to be sold but we took him anyway, just to get him out of there.. That was 14 years and 4 months ago now.. As an old man, I think he is even more precious now than he was the first day we saw him.

I love it.. It is the one time of day that I don't have to think... The old boy only walks for about 15 minutes now but we tend to stop a lot on the walk, so it takes about half an hour or so. He loves it as well, sniffing, scratching and doing what he wants... His walk is my down time.

Our Nations Leader taking on a "Rescue".....now that's something I think EVERYONE would have loved to see. Agreed... If only we could make some high profile people aware of the animals in rescue. Then for them to rescue one and blab about it everywhere.. Maybe then - rescues would be come the new designer dog

I think I mentioned on FB that it might be a good idea to contact an holistic vet for advice on diet.. We used all natural vet care in Sydney and they treated Ollie without ever seeing him - our vet used to send his test results through and we had phone consults... Good luck Cin, big hugs to you and At.

I don't really care what dog she has... Would have been nice to see the leader of our nation pick a rescue - imagine the push for rescue that could have ensued if that were the case.. (we live in hope, I guess)... I do wish they would do away with the stupid cross/mix names though. (And puppy farms)

That is what Ollie was like when he was stung by a bee. He collapsed after about 20 minutes and needed adrenalin at tue vets. Everything crossed for a good outcome. Poor dog

Everything crossed for just an infection - some antibiotics to fix him up and all will be well... Give the boof a big hug

Good lick for tomorrow

How did you go Teebs?

I wonder why the did not just do a needle aspirated. That would have been a whole lot smarter than a cream when they don't even know what it is... If the dog was mine I would be returning and asking the vet to do a fine needle aspirate. I would want some idea of what it is before subjecting the dog to surgery... Hope it turns out all good

Keep a check on him and if he starts to drool a lot get him to the vet ASAP. His symptoms are similar to Ollie's when he had bladder stones Could also be a UTI

Looks very similar to a mast cell tumor that Ollie had removed from his toe. It could also be a grass seed that had imbedded itself. Either way the dog should be seen by a vet

I am so sorry

Oh Horus, I am so very sorry for your loss... Rest in peace Toby...