tikira

Good luck Jennda. I hope you find your perfect puppy or Dog, and thank you for considerering a rescue. We added a new puppy to our household when our Jack Russell was 18 months old, against the advice of our trainers, who knew we were first time dog owners, and knew we had an idealised view of how "easy" it would be to have 2 dogs. Thankfully, it turned out very well, but we were surprised at the extra work, training and teaching two young dogs were, there was a huge adjustment. On the upside (and downside) Tip taught Kira all he knew- both good and bad! Di

Good luck at Uralla Gillybob. Exactly when is the dog show on there? We may be able to take a little trip down there to watch Cedro in action, and meet him. I know how you feel about such a little scrap of a puppy yurning your house upside down- but what fun that is! Di

to all the caring people on Dol. It completely blows me away how our mutual love for our dogs turns strangers into friends. Di

I hope this thread can help someone with pets to have a nice new home. Some of our best tenants have animals, they are usually appreciative to have somewhere pet friendly, and do tend to look after the house well. We did have an issue with a couple who abused our home. They said they had 1 big outside dog, but it was a puppy, kept inside, then they added another big puppy, and 5 indoor cats. The real estate agent "did not know" about these animals, so we were helpless. They ruined our new carpets by scratching at the front door, destroyed curtains, and left the house with fleas, fur and smelly carpet. The real estate agent told the new tenants that the smell was just washed wool carpets and would go away. It did not, so we had to renovate. However, that was an individual tenant problem, and won't stop us from renting to pet owners in the future. Di

That's great to know Aliwake, makes me feel better, I have noticed his appetite is improving somewhat. I think it is just that there is too much else to do :laugh: (I wish I got distracted and forgot to eat!) Di

Lisa, I remember how quickly Kira grew- every time we looked at her she was bigger- must have surprised Tippy with her growth spurts, but oh, was she an ugly teenager Jingo's tail is naturally long, but never stays still and I love it. Tip's was the length of a fist- just long enough to be able to grab to drag him out of rabbit holes! Tip's twirled like a helicopter blade, I always expected him to take off! Di

Jack, Koda is growing up so beautifully, and Envy is gorgeous. I can't really imagine a puppy that big at the moment. Jingo weighed 3.4kg last night- he is such a tiny little boy, and I swear the only part of him growing is his tail.... but he is gaining weight steadiy, even if he is a "grazer". I have never had a picky pup before, good thing so far nothing in the food line actually disagrees with him. Di Di

Wow, that is brilliant, thank you for sharing Pers. The words are beautiful, but the oictures are something super special. now I am off to watchit again. Di

Nova looks so happy with himself, love the tongue, but that nose just looks so cute and shiny, it doesn't look real. Yeah, Jingo is adorable, and so far such a good boy..... so far :laugh: Thanks Aliwake- we are hoping he continues to enjoy photo's, as we love to take them- even though it is always frustrating, especially for puppies who have no idea what wait means. Di

Happy Howl-o-scream puppy people. I hope your puppies and dogs have a great day today, and don't turn into werewolves :laugh: We had some fun on the weekend with Kira and Jingo. Kira tolerates photo's, but always looks uncomfortable, Jingo is learning that photo's means heaps of treats! Di

Great to hear Gillybob. Fun and games for you all in your house once again. Enjoy them both, and I look forward to seeing photo's. Di

Hi Linda I totally agree, but was not talking "professional" rather enthusiasts, and those learning, and by presets I meant aperture or shutter priority instead of full manual, while learning to understand the intricacies of taking a good photo. (Sorry for any confusion there). Your post was well constructed and easily understood. I just hate to see people lose confidence and interest in their photography while learning because they think they must shoot in Manual, but don't understand how to do this properly. As others have said, practice, and then analyse the results Di

It is in no way "cheating" to use the presets, a lot of photographers regularly use them, whether they admit it or not, after all, you paid for the technology that went into developing it. The important thing is the result- the photo, so get "the money shot", first using the camera's advanced capabilities, and then, for learning purposes, take some on manual, experimenting to see if you can get a more artistic shot by choosing all the settings possible. The study the results later. The other factor at play here could be post processing. Every photographer I know uses some level of Post processing. If you shoot in "Raw", then "straight out of camera" will look dull and lifeless, until you choose which post processing to do. If you shoot Jpeg, then the camera automatically adjusts a miriad of settings for you, in camera. Practice is the key, and "google"queries or tutorials, or ask here. You will soon be really happy with your photo's. Action shots are not the easiest to achieve, but you have a great eye and a gorgeous subjrct, and I love those you have posted, you are doing a great job already, I can't wait to see more. Di

Jelly I too have followed your sad journey with Roo, and know that you did more for your girl than most people could even think of, and Roo knew and appreciated that. Guilt is a very natural emotion in your situation, I know that feeling, my boy died in the back seat of my car while I was rushing him to the vet, I feel guilty I was not holding him, and comforting him in his last few minutes, it is a dreadful emotion and still haunts me. The best thing about DOL is that we all understand, and you will never have to hear someone saying "get over it , it's just a dog" here. They are so much more than that, so, so much more. I feel sorry for anyone who has not felt such unconditional love- we are the blessed ones. Take care of yourself during this awful time. This is one of my favourite poems, and after seven months I know that my boy is still with me, and that does comfort me. Di I'm Still Here Friend, please don't mourn for me I'm still here, though you don't see. I'm right by your side each night and day and within your heart I long to stay. My body is gone but I'm always near. I'm everything you feel, see or hear. My spirit is free, but I'll never depart as long as you keep me alive in your heart. I'll never wander out of your sight- I'm the brightest star on a summer night. I'll never be beyond your reach- I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach. I'm the colourful leaves when autumn comes around and the pure white snow that blankets the ground. I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond, The clear cool water in a quiet pond. I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring, The first warm raindrop that September will bring. I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine, and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine. When you start thinking there's no one to love you, you can talk to me through the Lord above you. I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees, and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze. I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep. I'm the smile you see on a baby's face. Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace! Author Unknown

Yep, that would make me happy too, in fact just seeing the photo makes me smile. Thanks for sharing Di

Thanks everyone. You are right, he does seem to have "old soul" eyes, and was the ultimate reason we chose him. He came up, sat at my feet and gazed into my eyes. I could pick him from the litter as he didn't take his eyes off me He is a cutie, and believe it or not, a very good puppy thus far! (I know that will change- big time) Lhok, you are right, he does look a lot like a ninja, and the way he lays in wait for Kira to wander past, acts like one too! I do believe I will need shares in slipper companies though :laugh: Di

Welcome Ruby. She is absolutely gorgeous, and I imagine she is a joy (most of the time :) ) It is fun having a puppy in the house even though it can be exhausting at the moment, enjoy your quiet times, I know I am (I have a 13 week old Jack Russell puppy. Di

I think you are being very responsible Lisa. We had this scenario only two weeks ago, older dog, young pup, different sizes and energy levels, and they did not get along- at all. We constructed "fort Knox", and when one was inside, the other was on the front verandah, or in the bedroom,or in the "super pen" etc. I literally did not let them out of my sight, Wayne slept with them in the living area,and we trained them hard and conditioned positive responses.... we had to keep them both safe. For two weeks Kira grumbled at him,or hid in the bedroom until a miracle happened and she remembered how to play and Kira has been wonderful ever since. It was so stressful, and proved that not all pups and older dogs get along at first Even if they get along fine, Nova would probably exhaust the Pug, and we know about that too. Our nephew's dog is staying and he is 8, overweight and not in great health. We had to keep them separate most of the time too, as Jingo simply would not let him alone, and Rollie wants to play, but can't handle much.It was a full time job juggling them all. Either way, you are right- it is too risky. You are working so hard with Nova that any incident at this time could have lasting effects...... stick to your guns, you have the experience to know the possible ramifications if things go wrong. Di

Sounds fun Lisa, as long as he doesn't change the password!!!! My three year old nephew did that years ago, and would not tell us the new one, it took a lot of bribes. Jingo is an absolute pleasure at the moment. He loves his crate, and his pen, but is not spending much time in there, except as training, as Kira has fully accepted him, and wants to play- a lot. Jingo needs to go to his pen for rest now! His toilet training is going great, except he is a "princess" and dislikes wet grass! Puppy training started on Sunday, it is great for socialisation, though as we were volunteer trainers years ago, can probably help some of the new puppy owners. One lady surprised us as she was fully "correctional based" before, but has now totally converted to positive measures, and her dog is a pleasure tobe around, a great teacher, and a multi titled dog. I am sure there will be questions and brags as we go forward,but so far, so good. Di

What a great way to start a monday, such happy news. Di

It is the BEST feeling when a new family member steals your heart. It seems to make the world a happier place, and does help to heal your heart just a little bit from the tragedies that sadly have happened. It is in the timing, I agree with that and I do believe Miah came to you with a job to do in her first year, and she is obviously doing that job impeccably. That photo speaks volumes and is one of the most emotive photo's I have seen, and shows that Miah touches everyone's heart- even people she hardly knows..... what a gift that is. Di

It has been a long seven months since we lost Tippy to snakebite, but now we have welcomed a new puppy into our family. Introducing Jingo, who is now about 13 weeks old. He is a joy to have in our lives Di and Wayne

Nova looks like the perfect companion for my "working breed" border Collie. She seriously is the most "chilled out" dog I can imagine (or was, until Jingo excited her play interest after 8 months of quiet life. ) Glad to hear he is a good "study buddy" when needed. Di

Steph, your huys are looking very nicely sprussed up- I am sure Santa will be besotted with them both. I too can't wait to see the photo's. Have fun Di

Congratulations Hannah, you must be super excited right now. I cannot recommend crate training highly enough, I will always crate train from now on, it is so much easier, safer, and less stressful for all concerned. I was lucky in that our Jack Russell had been crate trained with his mum and siblings, locked in at 10pm at night and let out at 5am to toilet outside, The pups all learned to hold it, and to love their crate. Our boy loved his setup from the beginning, his crate had comfy bedding, and his pen was set up on floating floorboards around our dining room table, and this has his food and water. We also added his own doggy door, and an outside run with deck and grassed area. Three weeks later when he goes into his pen he still relaxes in his crate and just watches us. We close him in at night and at random times in the day,and Hubby has been sleeping in the same area, mostly to monitor our Border Collie, who didn't like him moving around for the first two weeks. Puppy has never cried once. We bought him a stuffed rabbit which we gave him when we picked him up, and had a towel which had been dragged around by his mum and siblings that he slept with from the start, and he still finds the Rabbit when he is sleepy. Be patient and MAKE it work. We will be able to take Jingo to all sorts of places and know he is secure and safe in his "bedroom", and at times like ironing day, or when I am cooking, I know he is safe and happy, which makes me relaxed and happy too. We did all of our research via google and DOL, taking what we thought would work for us, and discarding the rest. It seems that a lot of puppies cry for a while, but don't give up, start as you mean to go on, but try to make it a positive experience with toys and treats during non sleep times. We are also using his portable crate to move from room to room to acclimatise him to different situations while he is young, and to . He has plenty of time with us, in all different rooms and outside time alone too (a few minutes at the moment). Tiny bits regularly, no fuss made, as I worry that because I am home all the time, he may become "clingy" Good luck with your new puppy Di