fifi

In these times of intense networking & advertising through all media, I still think the exhibitor that has a deep knowledge of their breed (not the exhibitor who has a new breed every weekend), dignity in winning or losing, generous with their mentoring / knowledge, keeping the politics off the field - would be my definition of a great exhibitor. Also one who gives time to a club, wether its on the committee, or a bit of volunteering on show day, gives an exhibitor insight & appreciation for the work it takes to run a show for the enjoyment of all. fifi

Such a heartbreaking loss Skyhaven, our thoughts are with you. hugs, fifi xxx

In his prime and a beautiful boy, How utterly devestating for his owner & breeder Here is his Dogz profile as the FB wouldn't work for me: http://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/profile.asp?dog=19562 fifi

OH I'm so sad for you Dju we had a fox kill all of our Rhode Island reds who were loved pets - in one night many years ago too. What a terrible shock for you hugs fifi PS please don't beat yourself up, it could have been another day another opportunity for the dogs - did they get into your yard ?

OH Cassie well done :D Moose is choccy box cute :D Can't wait to see pics of you both debuting in the ring !! fifi

OH I just saw this, huge hugs NM, I'm so sad for you that Kaisie has gone fifi xxx

I would advise them to seek another opinion from a well recommended breeder vet, or wait until the pup is a year old and then have the xrays done at a clinic recommended by breeders. This seems to be becoming a bit too regular by some vets. And I'm rather cynical about those early diagnosis and rushing into 'urgent' surgery I'm afraid. fifi

Totally agree with RSG, and the urinalysis is a must with the bloods. I would be doing it soon, as I feel that cramps / acidosis in themselves could be more sympomatic of decreased renal function or blood oxygen carrying / cardio. (yes the dol trust....full of fear and gloom !!!) Or she could simply be overdoing it and ending up with Lactic acid cramping. fifi

I'm wondering if it's lactic acid acidosis ? does she pant a lot ? just the weight loss & pain & hyper exercise popped it into my mind. but it could be spinal too, my boy lost weight & was very tucked up as his spinal pain worsened. Full bloods and maybe xrays will hopefully be your path to diagnosis. fifi edit..just saw in your post she pants a lot.

Yes, Progesterone testing is usually begun on day two or three to establish a 'base line' and they are then done every 2nd or 3rd day to chart their oestrus fully & find when they are ovulating & ready to mate. fifi

Havn't been on much this week, but have been following Tip here & on FB. Thank you for making giving him a chance Teebs hugs, fifi xxx

Great post and link Pers fifi

To most breeders, having a litter is the result of a long 'apprenticship' in their breed. It takes a long time to learn about your breed, wether it be in the show ring or working the dogs, studying many years of pedigrees / lines, learing what lines combine well with others, studying the health aspects of your breed, and most importantly if you are able - to find a mentor to guide you through. Any one can put two dogs together, but to do the right thing by your breed, you would join the Canine body in your state and then pass the tests to gain a breeder's prefix, join the Beagle club if there is one or join another state's beagle club, start researching your breed worldwide so you gain international perspective, attend as many all breed and beagle specialty shows as you can & observe. Is your boy from a registered breeder on the 'full' register ? if so, Will you be showing him to see how his quality is up to par ? There are quite a few really good beagle breeders on this forum, the more you can learn the more you'll find there is to learn in a lifetime :-) fifi

I would definately consider a dual mating with frozen semen, its risky in terms of cost and using precious semen, but would be especially useful in our breed where you have a very tiny window for success. In reality in the giants, that three or so year window can disappear very quickly if you have a couple of misses. It would also be a way to get a few steps ahead in your breeding programme, if say you were planning to mate your bitch to firstly dog 'A' and then a later litter with dog 'B', if both sires had pups in the litter you are already there. Of course the huge risk is that none take or only one sire. I think its about $110 to DNA test each puppy, you'd also have to have the dam & sire's DNA profiles too, not every country is familiar with the process though. fifi

Sorry to read about your stillborn. Not in need of a foster, but just wanted to say what a lovely gesture to think of others at this difficult time for you fifi

It's so dissapointing, and they are people who should know better and be leading by example One of the motels here was very keen to support our show & showies, and now no longer allow dogs due to one show person utterly ruining it for everyone. fifi

the problem is, there are judges out there who utterly despise some breeders and their lines, and for us a local show is often four hours away and a camping weekend. I wouldn't go if I couldn't ensure at least a fair look from a judge who knows our breed. fifi xxx

I'm certainly not trying to be devil's advocate, but all of these scenarios or events have happened to me personally or close friends ! If you have an outstanding repro vet, and a well charted season, your chances with a maiden are as good as a natural from what I've experienced :-) fifi

Something to ponder, if the stud dog owner will be away and you fly your girl over, will the dog's carer have the skills to do fresh AI or permission to take him to a vet for one if a mating isn't forthcoming ? I know several people who have had this happen and it's something to plan for. fifi

I'd absolutley go frozen, chilled from WA to ACT/NSW has too many time risk variables for me. with a good repro vet, frozen is the way to go. Personally the risks of stressing your girl with the travel, and her closing down her season with stress would be my decider. fifi efs

MEH, I do it for my breeder/mentor and some friends, but only at their own places. The people I provide this service for would never consider a bitch & pups be away from home. I'm sure there are breeders who would be comfortable having their bitch stay & whelp somewhere else, but I personally don't know any. Maybe your friend could also think about a home visit / stay service component of her idea ? many breeders who work outside the home really struggle with enough time off to raise the litter. Just my thoughts :-) fifi

The vet I work for was so endeared and indebted to the greyhounds they used as cadavers, that as soon as she began her practice, she began rescuing & owning rescue greyhounds. When we had cadaver dogs in my vet nursing courses, we were respectful and told off anyone who wasn't. I'm not comfortable with the live patients who are then PTS, but I also know what a difference they have made to students training and understanding. fifi

Sorry about the loss of your dogs, but I can assure you vet students don't go prowling the streets like young Frankenstiens looking for dogs to experiment upon. I'd be checking with your parents about where the dogs went, or maybe they were stolen, but someone's fed you porky pies about where they went. fifi

So sorry to hear this. Are there hydrotherapy centres in travelling distance ? it would potentially be of great benefit. fifi

Gone to be with her mum, to protect and accompany as she always has. She was beautiful Pers. Hugs to you, its been a time of huge losses for you. fifi, danny & hounds xxx