tdierikx

The bigger one is stunning - is he chestnut, or is it the light on his amazingly shiny coat? Fast becoming a fan here... *grin* T.

I don't have much money, but I may be able to stretch to getting some soft toys from the local Salvos and Vinnies for the boys... do you think they'd like that dogmad/indigirl? If so, just let me know when/where to drop them off... Phoenix's eyes, although sad, also look to be saying "thank you"... at least in that last photo... T.

*big grin* T.

You now need to share which beach that was... I so would love to take my dogs there... Awesome pics of happy healthy pups doing what pups do best! T.

It sure can be challenging to get good photos of active young pups, can't it? But you have succeeded nicely with these cute little munchkins... T.

I must admit that I really haven't looked at the 52 week threads or the like... it's a bit of visual overload for me... errr! I do love the threads with photos that capture a moment - or lots of moments - even if the photos aren't technically great. With my own photos, I like sharing those that have excited me for whatever reason. I am still very much a learner, and am open to any and all constructive criticism - in fact, I loved the advice from Tess in the Zoo photo thread, that was awesome! I also like watching the progress of various people with their photography... for example, k9angel's stuff as she is exploring her new DSLR is inspiring - I think she really has an eye for good composition, and her photos appeal to my taste. I will also look at anything by kja or Kirislin - their subject matter appeals to me, and they take simply amazing photos... *grin* T.

I have always left my males entire, and I don't think it makes any real difference if the dog is trained properly from the start. However, an intact dog tends to have other intact males challenge it when out in public a little more often than desexed males do - so training to make sure it is non-reactive to this sort of stimulus is a good idea... especially when you own a larger breed of dog. As for changes after desexing - my experience is that desexed males are often heavier set and a bit larger/taller than undesexed males - in larger breeds mainly. Personally, if I was looking for a good all-rounder dog to both be a great family pet AND have protective instincts... I'd get a female every time... *grin* T.

My dogs are allowed to do pretty much what they like at home, but they know that as soon as we walk out the front door on a lead, it's a completely different ballgame - and they behave accordingly. The minute the collar and lead go on, I'm the one in control, and they know that they will be allowed to have their fun if they are well behaved about it - otherwise, it's back home and no play in the park. It's actually amazing how quickly my dogs worked the above out - especially when they had their "fun" cut short and were taken back home as soon as they misbehaved. Their reward for good behaviour was to be able to soak up the sights, smells, and puppy friends to play with for much longer... T.

It is an offence to have an unrestrained dog anywhere in a car that may cause the driver to take their attention off the road. Sitting on a front passenger's lap is not a good place for an unrestrained pup to be. You can have a passenger in the back seat holding on to the pup however. Personally I'd be buying or borrowing a travel crate for the pup's trip home in the car. T.

What actually worries me most is the breeder's admission that she had similar heart issues with at least one pup from another litter - and was completely happy to sell a pup with a grade 3 murmur to a "pet home"... Are there any breeds in which it is "common" for 6 week old pups to have a gradable murmur? I'm not terribly au fait with this sort of thing, but would be very leery of purchasing a young pup with such a problem - regardless of the breeder assuring me that it would "clear up" by itself. T.

That last photo makes me want to go give her a cuddle... what a pretty girl Pippa is! T.

What are their natures like dogmad/indigirl? They look a little shy, but definitely happy to have landed with Ella. Damn! I want to cuddle them so bad!!! T.

I'd be backing away from this breeder and contacting the state controlling body about them. The admission of a grade 3 murmur in another litter says (to me) that the breeder may not have the health of their breeding stock as their highest priority... as does the insistence of full payment long before you get the pup even after being told that it has a grade 2 murmur at this young age. Sure, the grade 2 murmur may clear up on it's own by the time the pup is around 5 months old - but where do you stand if it doesn't, and you knew of the issue prior to taking the pup home? You could try using small claims court to get your deposit back if all else fails. Personally I wouldn't take any pup from this particular breeder - go find a fully healthy pup elsewhere... T.

Well done to all who lobbied for this change! Awesome news... T.

Amazing save dogmad and indigirl... I'm sure these sweet boys will thrive under yours and Ella's loving care. The looks on their faces on the bed says it all doesn't it? I think they know that they are going to be OK now... FWIW I have actually seen a dog in worse condition (and 8 weeks pregnant) that recovered fully. I'm sure the boys will have a great outcome now they are with your group. T.

OK grumpette.... you beat it with those smiles... *grin* Can you give that pretty puppy a big cuddle from me please? T. Yes you can :laugh: :D

I sure hope the poor puppy got a little bit... T.

I am a self confessed Crazy Dog Lady... love them all really. Anything unsocial turns me off completely. To own and share my life with? I prefer short coated dogs that don't require a lot of grooming because I'm lazy like that... *grin* Like Staffyluv, I like a boofheaded dog - and you can't beat the staffy smile... Dogmad - I must introduce you to my Zeddy. She's a Rotti/Pittie, and I think she would be happy to show you that not all dogs with her genetic makeup are nasty... how do you go with nearly 30kg of lap dog? hehe! T.

It doesn't matter how well you do it dogmad - the armchair experts will always think they know better. FWIW I reckon you are tops... keep on doing what you are doing... you make a BIG difference for many dogs every day, OK? T.

Is it just the angle, or has Oscar started to fill some of his skin? Looking great - and I can see his eye in that shot too... what a handsome boy he is... T.

How much fun are they having? Brilliant capture! T.

I have forwarded the info to one of my vets - I reckon she may be interested. T.

One of my vets told me that the yearly vaccination reminder was more for the purpose of getting the animal in for a general health checkup. T.

Oh yes... cuddles MUST involve kisses too! T.

One of my school friends had a drive like that... without the fancy gate though... *grin* T.