RiverStar-Aura

See I don't even know what aperture priority mode is (or aperture full stop!) :laugh: I mostly use auto settings because I don't understand/know anything about any of the manual settings such as ISO, shutter speed, exposure settings etc. I've been thinking of taking a photography course just so I can even get myself a little bit of understanding. :laugh: Mostly I just have fun using the 'magic' filter settings!

I wish I lived a lot closer to you Huga -- I need pointers! I'm so totally camera noob and have no idea about how cameras work other than point and click. I also have the the same Olympus TG-2 -- I bought mine in Fiji last year because I wanted to take photos of the awesome fish and coral. I also have access to a GoPro but their lack of screen confuses me even more than a camera!! I've yet to attach it to Zeus's collar -- I've been very tempted to do this and then take him to the off leash park he keeps running off at but I'm not sure I want to really see what happens when he crosses the highway.

Also, just remember that it might not be hot for you but your dog still may feel it's too hot. I'd personally have him seen by the vet again and focus on feet.

Awwww look at your little darling!!! Does she have a longer snout than Nova did around that age (I'm going off your Nova sig photo) or is Little Luna at that gangly, awkward stage? Edit: I'd gladly take her off your hands if you're offering! ;)

Oh poor Kenz; you must be heartbroken. You will feel better in time but I don't believe the tears ever fade -- I still get teary about Poochie and I feel this is not a bad thing at all. Time will help you heal but your memories will keep her alive forever. I love that this forum has provided a haven in which we can discuss our loved ones because talking about them is the best thing. I think it's sweet that your mum has asked you bring Ness with you as it will help give her closure too. You can both be sad together and reminisce on all the awesome times! Give my love and hugs to your gorgeous Kenz for me!

Beautiful box and photo Ness. It's always such a relief when our beloved pets come back home where they belong! How are you doing?

A friend bought a collapsible silicone bowl like the one in the link below. It comes with a nice and strong clip and is pretty handy: http://hausofharley.com/pop-up-silicone-bowl-pink I have a Kurgo one I purchased at Pet Barn ages ago -- they still stock them and are larger than the one above. It doesn't have anywhere to connect it though and I keep it in the boot of my car for when we go on trips.

They look pretty good, I can't find an aussie retailer though - do you know if they are available in Oz? I don't mind order from overseas if there are no better options :) From my quick google search I couldn't find them at all in Australia either -- it's making me wonder how my agility club got them. I might shoot an email off to ask -- maybe they purchased from overseas. I just like that they're quite durable being metal and also BPA free!

I scored a free one of these H2O4K9 Bottles at my agility club Xmas party and it's great. I also love the fact that the bottle and lid look like a little soldier!! http://www.h2o4k9.com/dog-travel-water-bottle-bowls/mini.html

I'd hate to be hitting those slobbery tennis balls around the court though? All that drool flying everywhere? :laugh: I felt sad when the BC kept stealing the ball from the JRT!

Is it possible to move her into your bedroom and start crate training her? The problem I feel puppy pens create is a too large and often distracting area whereas if she's in s crate, this limits the pup's amount of nighttime freedom. Good on you for not wanting to smack the puppy -- shocking advice IMO. Crates also give you the option of covering them over to keep the darkness around longer. Also, make sure if you're getting up to toilet her, don't say anything. Take her out to pee then back to bed. Oh and we need photos!! :D

I think a better trick for Kirah would be to get her to stop wagging her tail! I just go outside and it doesn't quit but gets faster if I talk to her more.

I am so saddened to read about your gorgeous Ness. She has always been a favourite DOL doggie of mine and I'll miss hearing about her many adventures, trials and tribulations. You were so dedicated to this wonderful girl and I wish for you to take comfort in the love she gave you for those 14 glorious years. Take care of yourself and Kenz Run free sweet Ness; may you find your peace over the bridge

Poor tarty Neko!! It's not nice to tease the boys! ;)

Oh the poor little darling I really hope the sweet girl is found safe and sound -- my thoughts are with you all. RIP sweet Millie.

Actually I was thinking whilst in the shower -- I do some of my best work in there -- and I think I'll never understand this because I'm not a parent. I was thinking about how my mum had to be in 3 places at once with us kids and I thought "y'know it'd probably be quite easy to forget to drop one kid off when thinking about having to pick up kids 2, 3, 4 and 5". I think I realise that I've never actually had to do anything other than go to Point A, B or C so therefore a slight deviation in that routine isn't going to affect me and therefore think it'd be completely impossible to forget someone or something. Kirty I really do sincerely apologise for my comment earlier and also to anyone else who may have taken offence. I think I understand where you're coming from now after some quiet shower reflection.

Yeah slip some money/gift card into an envelope addressed to her along with a thank you note. Even if you say she can use it towards treating herself to a nice dinner while you're gone.

No of course I didn't mean the comment to be hurtful -- I'm not an ar53hole -- I did express my sorrow at Kirty's situation. I wouldn't wish that on anyone and yes I do know her love and devotion for animals and wouldn't question it. I will not, however, apologise for my own beliefs that forgetting one's child should be accepted as "just a memory flaw". Maybe we as a race now have TOO MUCH on our minds and rather than saying "sorry I'm busy" we constantly change our plans/routines/schedules to fit more in and animals/children can suffer because of this. Maybe I just don't have enough to do during my day but I'm sorry, I just don't see how this can happen. As for the article, likening a child to a set of keys or mobile phone ... I think humans and animals are just a little but different. Maybe I just don't let enough things distract me but if my child was in the car to be taken to pre-school or whatever, then that's first and foremost in my mind. Maybe this will change if I ever decide to have children of my own and maybe I'm just too single-focused. Again, no offence intended I'm just expressing my opinion.

A dog/animal I can kinda understand forgetting but a child? I'm not a parent but seriously ... How can a person forget they have a child? I just don't/can't understand that one. I'm sorry to hear of your experience Kirty I guess I count my dogs and I lucky in that I live and breathe for them so they're always first and foremost in my mind. If they're in the car it's because we're doing something together so it makes them hard to forget (think training etc). I very rarely just pop them in the car to 'go for a drive' for the very reasons: a) I don't do that and b) I might not end up somewhere dog friendly so I don't take that risk.

My guys live outside pretty much all the time -- except when I sneak them inside. Both are very adept at finding lovely cool spots to hide in and I'm often watering under the scrub before sunrise as they love the cool damp earth. They also have free access to a swimming/wading pool and ice bricks. I've tried bringing them inside into the air-con but after about 30 minutes, they want outside again. :/

Communication also works both ways. Had it been my order and I'd heard nothing after a week had passed, I'd take the initiative and contact rather than waiting for a response. Also, Dog forbid someone takes a couple of weeks off work during the Christmas season. :/ I've also ordered from WhelpingSupplies with no issues and found the service to be prompt and professional.

Does anyone happen to have a copy of their dosage sheet saved? I used to just google it whenever needed but it appears as though they've recently changed their site and the chart is no longer available. I have a suspicion that there's something in our backyard that Kirah is allergic to as her left eye has started weeping again in the last month -- it's happened before but cleared up during winter. I plan on taking her to the vet for another check-up when I'm off in a couple of days because I don't really know if her eye cleared up over winter or because of the ointment (Panalog possibly I can't remember) was administered. I still do have some of this ointment left but I'd rather not use it without vet advice, so I thought trialling antihistamines in the meantime couldn't hurt.

Here's the final Santa I've been waiting on. Turns out it was worth waiting for as I think it's by far the best of the three!! HAPPY CHRISTMAS ALL!!!

The Illawarra Northern Suburbs recently had an attempt to change the current three off-leash beaches to timed restrictions and there was a HUGE uproar that became a dog owner vs non-dog owner battle. The council elected to keep the off-leash beaches unchanged but not before there was a lot of name calling from both sides. Although I am a dog owner, I completely understand where the "other side" is coming from. The Illawarra (particularly the elitist northern suburbs) seems to have this mentality that a dog beach is just that; for dogs to run off leash. There is little comprehension on their part that whilst yes, it is an off-lead beach, it is still a shared zone so people without dogs still have a right to use them. The dog owners retaliated by saying that of the 10 beaches in the northern suburbs, only 3 are off-leash so kindly go elsewhere if you don't want a dog up in your face. Sure, I do see their point (even more so that the off-leash beaches are un-patrolled and generally not safe swimming beaches) but even still. It's a little selfish nonetheless. I share the same views of off-leash non-fenced parks too. Whilst I think it stupid and annoying for someone to set up a BBQ or picnic in the middle of dogs running around, the public have every right to do so without being bombarded by dogs interfering. It's a bit of give and take, cooperation and common sense on both sides. It's a bit like smokers vs non-smokers: they have a right to smoke fine, but a lot seem to forget my right to breathe fresh air. Off-leash parks aren't an entitlement.

Can't say my dogs have caused any issues. Could be due to the fact I've always been single and still am!! :D