grumpette

Sometimes things are meant to be, and certain dogs become family at the right time for the right reasons. Mark and Legend know this. They are meant to be.

Absolutely great photos and some rather adventurous pooches. Nova is stunning

The Crazy Elf and the Grinch

The happy Elves

For your information A Letter From DOGS Victoria President, Mr Wayne Fleming (dated 10/11/2016) I wanted to take a moment to write to you to provide an update on some of the latest developments on the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farm and Pet Shops) Bill 2016. DOGS Victoria have been in several high level negotiations, the latest of those meetings on 8th November 2016, where DOGS Victoria were verbally advised by the Minister’s office that the Government was considering a number of changes to the Bill in response to concerns raised by DOGS Victoria and other stakeholders. DOGS Victoria representatives were informed that instead of DABs, the changes would see all breeders be required to obtain a breeding permit, which will be made available through the local Councils. DOGS Victoria was informed that the Planning Minister would be consulted with a view to putting out Planning Guidelines that would "encourage" councils to grant “Recreational Breeder Permits” to people that had existing rights, i.e. people that had already been breeding without incident in any particular property. However, how ‘existing use’ will be defined, and what will happen to new breeders, is not clear. Leaving aside the fact that the guidelines for Councils on how to administer the breeding permits are not written as yet, and will be linked to a central database, which has not yet been designed, our information is that breeders with permits will need to adhere to the Code that applies to DABs (or similar), noting this is being reviewed by the Department, albeit without stakeholder consultation and as such we are not aware of what it will contain. As the permit framework will still be issued and managed by Councils, our concerns regarding transparency, consistency and equity in the approach taken by Councils in granting and management of the breeding permits remain. While we have been told there are plans for the Code to be revised there is no information as yet on what the changes may be. Importantly, nothing has yet been tabled and, in terms of the parliamentary process, the current Bill is unchanged. We will update DOGS Victoria members as soon as we are made aware of any developments, but both the current Bill and the proposed changes are addressed in DOGS Victoria’s submission to the Parliamentary Review of the Bill scheduled for 15 November 2016. I want to extend my personal thanks to each and every DOGS Victoria member who has been active in raising awareness of this Bill. This show of public strength continues to put pressure on the government, and DOGS Victoria will continue to negotiate for a framework that will safeguard the future of pedigree dogs. With regards, Wayne Fleming

For your information A Letter From DOGS Victoria President, Mr Wayne Fleming (dated 10/11/2016) I wanted to take a moment to write to you to provide an update on some of the latest developments on the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farm and Pet Shops) Bill 2016. DOGS Victoria have been in several high level negotiations, the latest of those meetings on 8th November 2016, where DOGS Victoria were verbally advised by the Minister’s office that the Government was considering a number of changes to the Bill in response to concerns raised by DOGS Victoria and other stakeholders. DOGS Victoria representatives were informed that instead of DABs, the changes would see all breeders be required to obtain a breeding permit, which will be made available through the local Councils. DOGS Victoria was informed that the Planning Minister would be consulted with a view to putting out Planning Guidelines that would "encourage" councils to grant “Recreational Breeder Permits” to people that had existing rights, i.e. people that had already been breeding without incident in any particular property. However, how ‘existing use’ will be defined, and what will happen to new breeders, is not clear. Leaving aside the fact that the guidelines for Councils on how to administer the breeding permits are not written as yet, and will be linked to a central database, which has not yet been designed, our information is that breeders with permits will need to adhere to the Code that applies to DABs (or similar), noting this is being reviewed by the Department, albeit without stakeholder consultation and as such we are not aware of what it will contain. As the permit framework will still be issued and managed by Councils, our concerns regarding transparency, consistency and equity in the approach taken by Councils in granting and management of the breeding permits remain. While we have been told there are plans for the Code to be revised there is no information as yet on what the changes may be. Importantly, nothing has yet been tabled and, in terms of the parliamentary process, the current Bill is unchanged. We will update DOGS Victoria members as soon as we are made aware of any developments, but both the current Bill and the proposed changes are addressed in DOGS Victoria’s submission to the Parliamentary Review of the Bill scheduled for 15 November 2016. I want to extend my personal thanks to each and every DOGS Victoria member who has been active in raising awareness of this Bill. This show of public strength continues to put pressure on the government, and DOGS Victoria will continue to negotiate for a framework that will safeguard the future of pedigree dogs. With regards, Wayne Fleming

The latest from Dogs Vic: BREAKING NEWS: DOGS Victoria's push for a review into the legislation has resulted in the announcement of a parliamentary committee inquiry, whereby stakeholders, including DOGS Victoria, will be able to highlight concerns over the likely impact of the Bill. The Committee will make their recommendations on the Bill to Parliament on 6 December 2016. We will update you as information comes to hand. For further details visit http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/eic/inquiries/inquiry/445 And from the above website: Terms of Reference The Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Bill 2016 was self-referenced by the Committee on 25 October 2016: That, pursuant to Sessional Order 6, the Economy and Infrastructure Standing Committee undertake an inquiry into the Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet Shops) Bill 2016; the Committee reports its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council by 6 December 2016, and that the inquiry in particular examine the likely effect of the bill on: existing Victorian dog breeders, and the availability of both pet and working dogs in the state of Victoria.

For your information from Dogs Vic Dear Members We need your URGENT help in providing the following information asap. If you are CURRENTLY having difficulty with your Local Council with issues relating to the registration of a Domestic Animal Business (DAB), planning permits or just simple registration of your dogs, we need to hear from you today if possible. We require the name of your Council. Fees charged A brief outline of your issue. Please keep it short and to the point. Please email to [email protected] with LOCAL COUNCIL ISSUES listed in the subject line. Further I just want to let you know what a magnificent job all our members are doing. I think most members of parliament have either been contacted by letter, telephone, or in some case by meeting with your local member in person. You are making a difference. But remember to make sure that if you post on facebook it is there for all to see and therefore what you say must be accurate. If you are not sure please check with me first. Contact has been made with most of the relevant stakeholders and some discussions are still ongoing. The letter which was to be forwarded to the Minister for Agriculture as mentioned at the meeting at Bulla was sent on Friday. Management Committee held an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss further strategies. Obviously due to the sensitivity of these discussions, details cannot be released here. A complete update will be provided to members at the meeting next Tuesday and details of the meeting will be disseminated to members on Wednesday. Wayne Fleming President DOGS Victoria

Oh so much fun was had by all. Hilarious performance.

Oh crap PK. The Little Bugger is putting you threw the wringer at the moment. I am rapt that he is home again and that he seems to have stabilised. Just when things were going so well, and he was thriving with the nose works and new medication. Malcolm, listen here, give your mum a break. Relax, stay calm and warm over night, so that you can both get some much needed sleep.

Oh Boronia, how absolutely devastating that Mac has gone to join his beautiful Girls. I am so very very sorry that your house is so quiet now. May your heart and your mind be filled with nothing but uplifting memories of the three musketeers, until it is time to hear the pitter patter of little Westie feet again.

Well the dynamic duo are now considered veterans Zeph turned 7 in April. He is still a confident turd who will give any activity that you ask him to do a go (until he doesn't want to anymore or boy brain kicks in), and will play ball or swim as if he was a 2 year old. He has developed into a total food hound ( ) and an accomplished pat tart. He adores playing with other dogs, especially ones that will chase balls. Last weekend he gave weight pull a go for the first time (pulling 412kg) and gained a pass, then boy brain kicked in :laugh: And Dee has just turned 8. Dee is truly the family clown, always bouncing around and ready for action. She is very high prey driven, so her canine interactions are limited, and only with bigger dogs. But she absolutely loves having Rottweiler puppies to play with and is loving Pets as Therapy. Yep another total pat tart. They have both just obtained their Rally O Advanced titles and continue to love to work (especially fast paced Rally over the slower Obedience) and have days out doing dog stuff. Zeph Dee I totally love them to the distant universe and back. They keep me sane and exercised.

So many gorgeous dogs, with such amazing characters.

I am so loving Marvellous's journey. When this book is published I am getting one for my Granddaughter. Teekay, what a stunning edit. I love it with the changed background.

Wow a great Thistle update. Yep slow and steady is the best way. Continually build positive associations and outcomes. It builds their confidence and resilience bit by bit. If Thistle loves to fetch, are you allowed to reward her solid stand for exam with a throw of the ball/squeaky toy? This is how I built Dee's confidence up with the stand for exam. It also gave her a chance to shake off the built up stress in a positive way.

Oh My God, I am so thrilled that they are so relaxed together. It is brilliant to see PS I adore Gruf's fluffy muzzle. It is so becoming. And is Justice woo wooing

And?? Piccies :D

Oh Caz, I am so very sorry that Charlie has crossed the Bridge. May you continue to rejoice in his memories and think of him always when the sun shines. Thinking of you, Minty and your Son

Woo hoo. Excellent updates everyone. Noseworks appears to be a great confidence builder.

Woo hoo. That is brilliant news. You have been wanting to trial for ages and you have finally beaten your nerves. A huge congratulations. See you can breathe and remember left and right all at the same time

PK absolutely thrilled that Malcolm coped whilst you were away.

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

OMG how friggen awesome is it to see Justice and Gruf together having a brilliant time. I am so very very thrilled for both of you Ladies. Sorry that you are having a few troubles Thistle. It is so hard when things don't quite go to plan. I have to agree with Ish about giving Thistle too many opportunities to sort things herself, but it could be that it works for you and Thistle. I know that with Dee and I, leadership was the problem. I needed to step up and control things to keep her safe so that she did not react and that she trusted me not to put her in any positions where she would get hurt, and that if there was trouble that I would sort it. If that little dog had come up to her, like it did to Thistle, it would have been killed. So I am extremely vigilant when it comes to other dogs getting in her face. Thistle did such a brilliant job showing restraint in her reaction. You are obviously doing a great job. I know that Dee will never be able to freely interact with strange dogs, especially smaller ones. Don't loose heart. I have been able to get Dee to a stage where she can trial around other dogs, but at a distance and under calm conditions.

Oh huga I am so very sorry that this day has come, but you have given Lola an amazing gift through your act of love: the gift of a dignified and peaceful departure over the Bridge. She will be forever in your memories, forever in your hearts, and forever a part of your life story. Goodbye gorgeous, funny Girl. Rest In Peace.