tdierikx

We used to find that a lot of people only seemed to be looking at the photos of the dogs, and not actually reading all that much of the stuff written about it - then they'd fire off an email asking for information that was clearly written in the blurb... annoying, but then sometimes people just can't seem to absorb what they read on a computer screen (it's a known issue in all fields, not just in the rescue world). The blurb needs to be short and to the point... lots of flowery prose just won't be read - simple as that. The photos need to show the dog as it actually is - maybe capture some of the personality by using a long lens and shooting from a distance so as the dog is doing what comes naturally. Definitely try for the tilted head portrait shots too if you can - people DO love those, and it can pull them into looking at the other photos of the dog in question. ALWAYS put up more than one photo of the dog also... it will stop the enquiries for more photos to get an idea of what the dog actualy looks like. Sometimes writing the blurb as though you are the dog looking for a forever family can be read better than statistical info that comes across as somewhat boring. We had great success with this approach actually - we found that most enquirers for those dogs had read and absorbed what the "dog" had to say about their situation. Having blanket rules about what constitutes a "good" home can cripple you somewhat - but if that's how you choose to run your rehoming arm, then you may need to suck it up and deal with the people who think they may be able to pursuade you otherwise. Having a slightly more open and individual approach to each dog's (and potential new owner's) needs may see many less so-called "time waster" emails coming your way... Just some food for thought... *grin* T.

As far as I'm aware, you can't open up a vet clinic without being a qualified vet and holding a license to practice so I'd assume not. From something said elsewhere, I believe the vet in question is fresh out of uni. Doesn't mean that the principal isn't a qualified vet - but I'd hazard a guess that at those prices they are using it as practical experience for students rather than having all staff as actually fully qualified vets. It should be made clear to customers the level of actual vet experience on offer as far as I'm concerned - and they certainly shouldn't be doing any diagnostics and prescription of drugs if they are not fully qualified to do so. T.

Is this place staffed by first year vet science students by any chance? T.

Is it me or do those bulldogs on that page look like they are deformed and have way too much skin? I don't find any of them attractive or appealing in the slightest... T.

WOW! Stunning as usual perse... and I love the story that goes with the photos... T.

Pickles' mobility issues mean that she can't scratch itchies on her face or ears very well, so when I see her trying I just ask her if she wants mummy to scratch and she comes over and offers me her itchy spot to scratch... Also, because you can take the girl out of the camp, but can't always take the camp out of the girl, Pickles has a nasty habit of eating things she shouldn't really eat - like bedding and stuffing - so I'm forever helping her get stuff out of her bum... it's even such a regular thing I can't be stuffed to go find gloves or tissue to do it... I DO wash my hands very thoroughly afterwards though... lol! T.

I'm no vet, and I'm needle-phobic... and my first sub-cut only took me 2 attempts... was easy after that first one... T.

She was hiding them to make you think you forgot to feed her and would give her more... yes? T.

Ahhh... Sembe at Taronga has one on her arm from over-grooming... although sometimes it's Sembe doing the plucking herself... Funny thing I realised the other day... Sembe is notorious for having tantrums... and Shabani throws them too, just not as frequently... and Samaki likes to throw his weight around displaying. None of them are overly inclined to be fully part of the troop (for want of a better way of putting it). ... I wonder how little Sudi will fare? I'm hoping that Shiba may allow Sule to help with some babysitting duties with Sudi... dog knows he's done a cracker job with little Fumo - and Sule is probably the most politically savvy young chimp we have... everyone seems to like him. I think that some day Sule may become the alpha male of Taronga's troop... T.

My Rottie girl was happy to eat DURING whelping... errr! T.

I reckon it would be like when I had Sydney Harbour views... you stop looking at it in awe after seeing it all the time... *sigh* T.

Interesting... my girl had 10 teats - the regular 8, plus the 2 immature (supposedly) ones almost in her armpits - blow up with milk for her 11 babies... (so did my Lab) Refusing food... getting exciting now! Can't wait to hear that Nova has delivered you a lovely bunch of fat and healthy babies in record time, not in the middle of the night, and not requiring any intervention... *grin* T.

Looks like you had a lovely day for it... wicked photos too! I went whale watching on the June long weekend here in Sydney, and it was a yukky day with a huge swell. It was all we could do to hold on, let alone take photos... lol! I was just happy I got some that were in focus... errr! T.

Gorgeous! What's the story with Zuri's little bald spot? T.

Ummm... yeah perse... it's "OK"... Just a wee understatement there my friend... Kirislin is right on track with the entering into a competition statement. It also needs printing up to a reasonable size and being hung on a wall in pride of place... "it's OK"... hahahaha! Actually, it's beyond superb... T.

You have the most amazing eye for a superb photo perse... it's like you tell us a story with each photo... incredible... T.

I've had entire males, desexed males, puppies, and juveniles - none has deliberately peed inside once toilet trained... T.

Don't listen to the naysayers Kirislin... they are just supremely jealous of the stunning dogs AND your photographic talent... *grin* T.

The vials for the vaccines actually cost very little less than these guys are charging to do them for. They used to be cheaper, but the price went up rather steeply a while back. When you go to a regular vet for vaccinations, you usually get a general checkup of your dog too... let's not forget that. T.

Feed her separately if she's on solids and has an appetite... and make sure she gets her share of boobie time on mum for the good stuff... T. T.

Did they sedate your dog maybe... that could explain the diarrhoea? T.

It would be good to be able to get those basics done at a reasonable cost... vaccinations, worming, and the like... but I'd be more likely to go to a proper clinic for anything that needed diagnostics or treatment. T.

They aren't affiliated with that other particular mob, are they? Seems like they are "specialising" in the breeds that other mob tends to want sprung from pounds... and the flowery wording of the ads seems similar too... T.

Lovely... I wonder who's let them use their 16D? T.

What smaller dogs don't have in size, they more than make up for in personality... right Kirislin? Stunning photos of stunning dogs as usual... and we need to remember how bloody hard it is to catch action that fast with a camera... those iggies can really move! T.