TessiesTracey

Just ordered some calendula tea after reading through parts of this thread more than once! Alfie is losing quite a lot of coat, and though doesn't seem to be too itchy, the coat is a lot lot thinner than on previous occasions. He's a funny one - not really had allergies before, just the usual change from thicker coat to thinner and vice versa depending on the weather/seasons. This time seems to be different though and after a visit to our vet definitely has yeasty skin and little red tootsies. My vet is a new vet to us, and I specifically chose the practice because of their more holistic approach. Alfie currently has some antihistamines and was bathed in malaseb (which I find quite harsh and tends to make his coat flaky anyway). But I really want to give the calendula a go - so we'll see! Thanks all.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2489252/Lexi-Hudsons-grans-fury-animal-charity-rehomed-bulldog-killed-girl.html No secret being made about the 'kennels' that placed the dog with the family.

Echoing other peoples thoughts here, in as much as, keeping records must be accurate and very very thorough. Just thinking out loud a bit here because it concerns me a bit. In the UK the national health service (data viewable via new website called HESonline) now keeps records on hospital admissions due to dog 'attacks'. http://dangerousdogsact.com/43/dangerous-dogs-act-information/uk-dog-attack-statistics/ These stats have been used by the press in a fairy negative manner. What many of the newspapers don't mention is that these statistics don't just include dog 'bites' or dog 'attacks', they also include dog 'strikes' - i.e. cuts, bumps, concussions, scrapes, broken bits (not a technical term ;)) received by humans due 'collisions' with a dog. Anyway... just a thought... it could be a useful tool, but as with everything else - in the right hands.

It certainly is.. I've had messages from people who are only acquaintances asking what the heck is going on? I've told them you're guess is as good as mine. Whoever runs the group, well, they're burning the wrong bridges, they really are. I wish they would just delete the bit Iwant deleting though - not the bits THEY want deleted for their own glory.... sigh...

TT, I don't know the particular rescue.... but I totally understand your concern about how your comments, polite & informative, were wiped. And my guess as to reason.... would be the same as yours. There's an unfortunate over-generalized mantra that some groups keep hammering to the public. That is, 'Breeders' cause the pet 'over-population' problem, which leads to the huge numbers of dumped dogs in pounds/shelters.' And they won't listen to any critique that this is such an over-generalization, that it doesn't tell us anything about the actual situation. It's the same as saying, 'People cause the crime problem which leads to large numbers being in jail.'. Where that can only make sense if teased out.... 'Which people?' and 'What do those particular people do?'... as well as 'And who are the people who don't commit crime in the first place?' It seems you did try to tease out the meaningless overgeneralization.... with sound anecdotal evidence from your experience. And it was at that point, you got 'wiped'. Because these people are on an emotional witch-hunt.... not a rational search for how to best understand why many dogs are dumped. There's even some evidence from studies that puppies bred by home-style, hobby, non-commercial breeders are less likely to develop the problems that get dogs dumped. And that's the working style found among registered breeders. There's also evidence that these registered breeders tend to have better control over numbers of litters. All 'breeders' are not the same in what they do & what are the consequences. It's just all a bit crackers tbh. They had my full support up until this ridiculousness. I'm just sat shaking my head now really. BUT, what I won't give up on, is making sure my name is taken down. I have nothing to do with breeding. And it's not even that link that I resent, it's the fact that MY name is being used as a scapegoat. You've got people on there saying 'yeah - all you breeders/greeders are at fault' or words to that effect. I won't be used as a target! They're still deleting comments made by people who are offering sensible, constructive words. If they dont' like it - that's it, comments are gone, person can't post again.

Nothing on that thread makes any sense any more as they've deleted so many comments. As I said, had I got heated of into a debate I could understand, but not ONE word that could've been misconstrued in any way passed my keyboard. The stafford 'problem' is one that's across the board, and singling out one group over another and alienating that group is never going to help. Singling out one person who has supported rescue & trying to make them look daft isn't going to work either. A lot of my former work colleagues (awl) posted in my defence (ridiculous as I have nothing to be defended over other than their falsehoods) and a lot of their comments were taken off too. They're burning the wrong bridges right there. If the person who runs the page happens to frequent dol, I'll ask again, please remove my name from your comment. You know by now something of my background & therefore that your comment is unfounded & false.

I think I know which rescue you’re talking about. I follow them on facebook and had thought about helping out previously but don't want anything to do with them anymore. Most of the people commenting have no idea and I just wanted to bang my head. It made me really cranky yesterday. I don't think posts like that by rescues are helpful... IF we're talking about the same one - I can't tell you how cranky I am about the whole thing! I wouldn't mind if I'd said inflammatory, silly things... but all my comments (and other peoples too) were deleted when I was actually told I was a breeder (mine was the only name tagged however) and that I should walk a week in their shoes (ie IN rescue) - I think what upset them was the fact that I replied and said (for the third or fourth time) - 'I DON'T breed, never have, never will,I HAVE worked as a volunteer in breed rescue in the UK and here for many years, I have worked and volunteered at the AWL shelter'. All of my comments were polite. All of my requests to remove my name have been polite. I don't do rude, and I don't do lying. I honestly think they've left the comment there to try and make ME and people they have called 'breeder' look responsible for the rise in rescue cases, (whilst deleting all other comments that made the conversation in context) BECAUSE I made them look silly by answering their accusations as I did (see above re volunteering). It's the only reason I can think of. And make no mistake, they aren't just blaming byb, they're blaming what most of us would consider ethical, responsible breeders who health test etc... .they're guns a blazing. And yes, koalabear, you're absolutely right - it's the people involved not the delivery system itself.

After my experiences yesterday. No I don't think it's a good idea. After having my name tagged in a comment by a particular rescue, naming me as a breeder & essentially indicating I have no idea about rescue & insinuating I'm contributing to the problem. Despite repeated replies stating that I've never bred a litter nor do I intend to, that I have worked voluntarily in breed rescue for many years as well as working at a shelter (all of which were deleted) and despite repeated attempts to contact said rescue to ask then to remove my name - it's still there and I've had no response. This will probably sound extremely trivial to people, I understand that, BUT one of my pet hates is liars and lying, and I do NOT want my name associated with an overpopulation problem when it's a complete lie. I'm fuming to be honest and having supported this rescue in the past - no more.

Idiot. What hope have we got when supposed experts don't even know what they're on about? Were did you get that the vet said 'lock jaw' from? She certainly did not use that term during this interview. The journo said 'lock jaw'. Absolutely correct. However, on the Seven News Melbourne report, the same Dr Sharee Maas states @ 1'19'' 's/he had a lock jaw so he wasn't going to move his head off that dog. I managed to get a vein and anaesthetise that dog'. http://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/latest/a/-/article/17536298/two-women-mauled-in-dog-attacks/ Just saying. I just love your thinking. Discuss the correct use of the wording. Completely ignore the fact the bloody dog still had hold of its victum and wouldnt let go until it was knocked unconsious be it by caving its head in with a hammer as happened in a previous case, or in this case a vet was handy to knock it out by injection. Or in the case in England 23 knife wounds later and dying. It still didnt let go until it was unconsious for god's sake Not even interfering humans around it nor the needle being inserted distracted it from its purpose. You people amaze me. What words wont cause you so much distress? Thank you. I'm only too happy to spread the love. I don't quite understand the phrase you use 'you people amaze me'. What 'people'? I'm only one person. Yet you directed 'you people' at me? Hmmmm... go figure, I'm at a loss. Nothing has distressed me whatsoever - in answer to your last sentence. I tend to think three out of four who found the words used unacceptable constitutes using the plural. Still waiting for an answer instead of more questions though. Would you then, please do me the courtesy of not including me in the plural, particularly when addressing them as 'you people'. I merely posted a link which confirmed something someone else had said, that is all. Hence why I wrote - just saying. My opinion on the whole incident is my own, and I prefer to keep it that way. So if you're asking me individually for an answer, I'm afraid I'm abstaining. Cheers.

Idiot. What hope have we got when supposed experts don't even know what they're on about? Were did you get that the vet said 'lock jaw' from? She certainly did not use that term during this interview. The journo said 'lock jaw'. Absolutely correct. However, on the Seven News Melbourne report, the same Dr Sharee Maas states @ 1'19'' 's/he had a lock jaw so he wasn't going to move his head off that dog. I managed to get a vein and anaesthetise that dog'. http://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/latest/a/-/article/17536298/two-women-mauled-in-dog-attacks/ Just saying. I just love your thinking. Discuss the correct use of the wording. Completely ignore the fact the bloody dog still had hold of its victum and wouldnt let go until it was knocked unconsious be it by caving its head in with a hammer as happened in a previous case, or in this case a vet was handy to knock it out by injection. Or in the case in England 23 knife wounds later and dying. It still didnt let go until it was unconsious for god's sake Not even interfering humans around it nor the needle being inserted distracted it from its purpose. You people amaze me. What words wont cause you so much distress? Thank you. I'm only too happy to spread the love. I don't quite understand the phrase you use 'you people amaze me'. What 'people'? I'm only one person. Yet you directed 'you people' at me? Hmmmm... go figure, I'm at a loss. Nothing has distressed me whatsoever - in answer to your last sentence.

Idiot. What hope have we got when supposed experts don't even know what they're on about? Were did you get that the vet said 'lock jaw' from? She certainly did not use that term during this interview. The journo said 'lock jaw'. Absolutely correct. However, on the Seven News Melbourne report, the same Dr Sharee Maas states @ 1'19'' 's/he had a lock jaw so he wasn't going to move his head off that dog. I managed to get a vein and anaesthetise that dog'. http://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/latest/a/-/article/17536298/two-women-mauled-in-dog-attacks/ Just saying.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/animal-shelters-licence-suspended-after-neglect-claims-20130321-2ghy1.html The Ipswich Animal Shelter's licence has been suspended and animals are being removed from the site following claims of neglect. The Animal Welfare League says the allegations that animals were being kept in small, unhygienic cages until they could be re-homed was made by a disgruntled ex-volunteer. "The RSPCA went out there yesterday and couldn't find anything to back it up," said communications manager Brooke Whitney. RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty confirmed this, but added there were other complaints. "There was one specific complaint that we went out to look into yesterday, and there won't be any further action taken in regard to that," he said. "But there have been other complaints that have come through in the past two or three weeks that we're working through." Ipswich City Council's Health and Community Safety chair Andrew Antoniolli said an investigation was underway into how the Animal Welfare League was fulfilling the terms of its contract. "Council has suspended the contract based on three separate affidavits from people closely associated with the Animal Welfare League," he said. "The contract will remain suspended pending the outcome of that investigation." Mr Antoniolli said the council would work with the RSPCA through the process. "I'm fully aware that the RSPCA did inspect the centre yesterday and gave it the all-clear, which is very pleasing to hear," he said. The notice of suspension was issued on Monday, with the AWL given seven days' notice to suspend operations. Ms Whitney said they were now removing more than 50 cats and 40 dogs to the AWL's Gold Coast shelter, with any sick animals to be transferred to Beenleigh to be cared for. "We're offering 50 per cent off all adoptions this weekend, with all available animals desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and wormed," she said. The AWL usually charges $350 to adopt a puppy, $240 for a dog, $200 for a kitten and $120 for a cat. "It's a massive loss for us, but it's better than the animals losing their lives," Ms Whitney said. Mr Antoniolli said it would be "business as usual" at the Ipswich shelter, which is attached to the council pound. "The council will oversee the rehoming facility and engage another provider as an interim measure," said Mr Antoniolli.

Thanks so much all. I've not been able to face the thought of coming onto the forum to talk about my girl until now and even now it's bl**dy hard. My heart is still breaking and tears are still flowing as I write this. After much much more agonising, we took our little girl to get her wings on Thursday last week. My head says it was the best thing for her, but my heart is still breaking. She went to sleep in my arms. Thank you all for your kind words & support.

Me too, No advice, just thoughts for you and your girl. Try to hold onto the fact that you are doing the right thing, even though it seems the most dreadful betrayal of the dog you love so dearly. She has a disease which will get worse and cause her pain and distress. :hug: Thanks DD. that's what I'm desperately trying to cling to

No that's ok. See that's the kicker. The mass isn't that large from what we can see, but it has caused some looseness in the rear molar, so it's what we can't see that's of more concern to the vet (and us). I also just made the mistake (i say mistake because he almost put an element of doubt in my mind ) of speaking to Rod Straw at bvsc. Amazing guy and even offered to squeeze us in to see him, but further treatment is just not something we want to subject her to for HER sake I have to be comfortable with this decision and that's what I'm struggling to come to terms with i guess. Regardless of anything else this disease would take her in the end and it would become more uncomfortable for her. Going round in circles much! StaffnToller - not harsh at all. I'm going to call the vet now and ask about pain meds. I should also explain that he did say that we could have a referral should we choose to go that route,and on Friday when all this happened he didn't offer pain meds primarily I guess because he wanted to give us the weekend, a - to see how Tess went and b - to give us a chance to make a decision. In amongst all this I feel also that i should mention that it was our sons 21st birthday on Saturday, we'd got tons organised for that (which sounds really bloody selfish saying it out loud) and I only lost my Mum to metastatic breast cancer (spread to her brain & cerebral cortex) 4 months ago. It's been a rough ride.

Thanks Lisey x

Thank you Trifecta. We haven't gone as far as the X-rays as the vets seem to think that it may be quite far on anyway. I've agonised over whether or not to go down the further investigative route, but then thought what can it achieve? We don't want to put her through a surgery and then radiotherapy or chemo, so we just thought knowing how far it has spread or not wouldn't probably help our decision in the long run.

Been offered no pain relief as the vet thought it would stop her from letting us know when she was in real discomfort . But tbh we have some unopened meloxicam left from a month or so ago and I've been giving her some. The discomfort she is getting is from the huge lump in her throat but I'm guessing the tooth and the cancer itself will be giving her pain too

I am so very sorry to hear about Tess.. Bloody horrible disease. If you still have doubts, it probably isn't 'the look'.. My old stafford had MCT for 6 years and there were a few times I thought he gave me the look - but let me tell you this much - you will know. That look is definitely unmistakeable. Have you considered an holistic vet? We had great success this way and so did cavNrott (PM her as her girl Sophie had the same thing as Tess, even in the jaw). It is heartbreaking but I wish you lots of hugs and cuddles with your girl. As much as I would love to consider a holistic approach, I just feel that it would be prolonging things. Well I think that's what I think anyway - so torn She's possibly only got weeks anyway and I'd rather she went whilst she has the faculties to still know me and my hubby adore her so much. Someone said to me rather a day too early than a day too late - which when I first heard it I was shocked, but it kinda makes sense in a way now I've thought about it We've booked an appointment for Thursday to give Tess her wings. I hope and pray it will be quiet and gentle and the right 'setting' - it's just in the vets surgery. A bit clinical. Oh man

Thanks Raineth, I'll try that I kinda think she's already giving me A look, but then if she knows I'm upset about something she gives me a long worried looking stare anyway! This is horrible Never been through it before...

Thank you Diva I'm breaking my heart here.. but I think deep down I know that this is the only way to go.. the last thing I'd want is to prolong her pain..

Hello I'm posting this in desperation and just really unsure what to do, or even if anyone can offer any advice. My gorgeous Stafford, Tess, was diagnosed on friday with osteosarcoma She'd had smelly breath for a week or so, and so I went to clean her teeth and discovered a large lump at the back of her mouth on her palate right next to her back molar. Took her straight to the vet, who suggested surgery to remove and further investigation including biopsy. Prior to this Tess was pretty much almost her normal self, if only a little quieter than usual. I'd put it down to the heat and just her age more than anything... Results came back on Friday and sadly the results have shown that she has osteosarcoma. We do not at this stage know how extensive the spread is or if it is even in her bones... however our vet feels that it most likely is, as that back tooth is quite wobbly. There are a couple of routes to go down, one of which being further investigation to see how far the spread is, and then surgery to remove affected bone, plus radiotherapy/chemo. We have decided already that this is not a route we wish to go down, because of how invasive the surgery would be and due to Tess's age. The vet seems to think that it could be only a matter of weeks or months. The lump was cut flush with her palate, though the vet thinks he has not gotten all of it out/off. There is now swelling in the same place as the lump, but not sure if this is from the surgery of if it's another growth already. We know that the decision has to be made to have Tess pts, but we're struggling so so much with at what stage do we do it? Does that sound silly? She's so much quieter since the lump was removed and I think in quite a bit of discomfort due to the return of the lump. This is what seems so hard - she was a lot more her normal self prior to the lump being taken away. She's eating just fine, but won't drink at all... I've managed to get her to drink by putting little pieces of chicken in some water which she then laps up. She's definitely not herself. The last thing I want is for Tess to be in pain, it's breaking my heart. I know there's probably not a lot of advice people can give in this situation. But this is our first pet that we've had to deal with this sort of thing with and deep down I'm frightened of the decision we have to make...

This is one of the most awful things I've ever read I'm so sorry for the way your dog was treated I don't know who you could report this to, but I'd do it, without a doubt. I'm a groomer and have worked for a couple of different salons on the Gold Coast - never again!! Only interested in the money, shoddy workmanship & ethics and that's certainly not for me... I can't believe this business is still not 'officially' regulated... there are far too many cranks out there.... Again, so sorry for your loss... Run free Buddy

Jerry Lee directed the points about construction at my comments, TT. :cool: Aah.. fair enough.. just that the post by jerry lee was headed with my username, so I thought it was all directed at me.

I'm going to reply just this once more, because it's extremely unfair to the OP by going so off the original topic. My goodness, jerry lee, please read the words that I have written again. Did you actually digest any of it? You're preaching to the converted. I KNOW how good Staffords can be at agility! lol Jeebus. I wasn't trying to prove nor disprove anyones point, particularly your point in regard to the Staffords ability to take part in agility. In fact, if anything, I was agreeing with you on that point.... So why the heck you're telling me about construction and conformation, Lord only knows....! Obviously what I typed went straight over your head. I'm simply stating that in THIS case, the Stafford is not necessarily the best breed for the requirements of the OP's daughter. But they will make that decision themselves, no matter what you, I or anyone else says. Let that be enough, that you've given them information about the Staffords abilities. Hopefully you're confident enough in your own knowledge to let what others think of the breed to let it go :)