tdierikx

Definitely some thickening going on there... lol! Chubby bubby... T.

Squeee! Mini Neko's! How exciting! T.

I'd be happy to lend you my old Canon 450D (DSLR) and 2 lenses... 18-55mm (the autofocus has carked it but manual focus works fine), and 55-200mm. See how you like it... T.

I'd be looking for fresh dug dirt... I'm thinking this too... T.

I like this one... a bit bigger than the regular point and shoot models, but that will give you better stability when taking the photos... http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod12066.htm T.

Such sweet memories... always in your heart too... smile over those memories... T.

Definitely use the Canestan... wonderful stuff for clearing up ringworm... T.

I've found that keeping my oldies on the leaner side does wonders for their achey joints... that, and a nice bed with high sides to stop any draughts getting to them overnight... and a nice soft fluffy cushion in said bed... *grin* T.

I used to have a Rottweiler who was extremely protective of me when I wasn't well... she was perfectly fine with strangers/visitors at all other times though... T.

They are always close to us... they live in our hearts forever... remember them with smiles and love... T.

Was on my Facebook feed... THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT RAINBOW BRIDGE 'Twas the night before Christmas, at Rainbow Bridge too. We Bridgekids were thinking as always of you. We'd seen how the holidays weren't bright this year, Heard you whisper so often, "I wish you were here!" We know how you wish you could just stay in bed And sleep through the holiday lying ahead, When all celebrate with their loved ones so near... Unless they have loved ones on this side this year. But we're no less alive here, on the other side. If you could just see us, you'd've laughed and not cried. The dogs all in harness, pulling the sleigh. The cats all in Santa hats pointing the way. The pet birds all flying back over the rainbow, Bound homeward in spite of Earth's darkness and snow. All the pets that you've lost, pets for whom you've cried, Flying home on this Christmas to be by your side. If you feel warm fur brush you when no pet's around, Hear a soft bark or purr, just a ghost of a sound, We're trying to tell you we're visiting this way, And our visits, even rainbows, can be on any day. But for Christmas we have something special to do, A sleighful of happy dream visits for you. On doggy, on kitty, on winged friend and ferret! The love that you lavished, we mean now to share it! We're fetching that love home, the way we once played, With the closeness we shared and the memories we made. Our Earth lives with you were too short for us, too, And on this Christmas Eve we have so much to do. So all through this night as you sleep in your beds, Sweet visions of furbabies dance in your heads. This one special night we can bring you Home for a while, Your true home in Heaven, where again you will smile. Over the rainbow you'll fly, for a short while this night, Hours that you'll be happy, hours that will feel right, Hours to cuddle and hug us, to run and to play, Before the return to Earth in our magic way. And when you awaken and face Christmas Day, We pray you'll remember your trip on our sleigh, But in case you forget, just remember our love. Remember us watching you, your angels above. Sending love wrapped in rainbows, shining and bright, Love that will guide you through the darkest night, Love found in each memory unwrapped through the year, Replacing dark sorrows with Christmas cheer. Leave the toys to St. Nick, we Bridgekids bring dreams, Sweet visits to remind you all is not as it seems When you look all around you with tired Earthly eyes. If you saw as we do, there'd be joy and surprise. There are furangels waiting by those Christmas trees, Always there for you and hearing your pleas. We're never more than a thought away from your home, You're never forgotten, you're never alone. Nor are we alone here, with our Rainbow Bridge friends. We know only joy here, the celebrating never ends, And after our reunions with you Christmas Eve, We Bridgekids will party like you'd never believe. But we'll slip away often to be by your side. Sitting there watching you, eyes open wide, Praying you'll be able to catch a glimpse of us, too. But whether or not you see us - Merry Christmas to you! - Cindy Morgan (2007)

Awww... love my Pudden boy! T.

I don't see the problem here... they are all Labradors... just that some lines are bred for different purposes is all. If you want a family pet, go for the breeders who advertise theirs as such, and ignore those that don't... simples! T.

If I am ever in the market to invite another Labrador into my life, I would like a Tapua bred one... just sayin'... *grin* T.

Yep... that happens a bit here too... it does get a bit easier to reconcile over time though... honest! Hugs to you! T.

I know that exact feeling westiemum... had it after Zeddy passed earlier this year myself. The guilt at feeling the relief that you don't have to rush home to make sure they are doing ok, or just not going anywhere if they are having an off day... and pretty much all of the little sacrifices you make for the dear oldies nearing the end... It gets easier... hang in there... Hugs, T.

The Taronga lions are past breeding age... no chance of them making more lions... *grin*... and both females are also on contraception to thoroughly make sure. The 2 older lions are 15-16 years of age, and the younger female is 12. Most Australian zoos have strict contraception protocols in place in order to not end up with surplus animals that have nowhere to go. Hunter Valley is no exception to this general rule. T.

There is no Rabies in Australia... Flying Foxes can carry Lyssavirus (poor cousin to Rabies), but that is also pretty rare, and doesn't present in the same way. Odds are the dog was either drugged somehow, or highly aroused and scared. Hope they find it and deal with it humanely. T.

Well worth the 2.5 hour each way drive perse... lol! T.

Taronga have sent Hunter Valley a number of animals now... Fennec Foxes, Spider Monkeys, Malayan Tapir (Berani), and now the Lions... I'm going up again soon when the lions are on display... their new enclosure is so much bigger and better for viewing than at Taronga - they should love it! T.

They've all lost the tips of their tails... apparently when they are in the burrows, the little ones will grab anything at hand to suck on, and have done the damage to each other. Should be fine once they are weaned in a week or two. Happened to the previous litter too, and they are all fine now. T.

The Meerkat enclosure at Hunter Valley is world class IMHO... lots of thought for behaviours and enrichment... AND for the public's viewing/photographing pleasure... well worth going just to see that... T.

Yes... it is a privately owned zoo, but open to the public. They have seen some major expansion over the past 12-18 months... with Taronga sending them a number of animals... Fennec Foxes, Malayan Tapir, Spider Monkeys, and this week the Lions are moving to Hunter Valley too - tomorrow to be exact... *grin* T.

Woke up at sparrow's yesterday, swung by a friend's place to pick her up at ungodly... and drove up past Cessnock to check out Hunter Valley Zoo... I have but one word... WOW!! Got me some cracker photos of some animals I've not seen up close before... and they have BABY meerkats!!! Here are a few teaser photos for you... Serval Capuchin Spider Monkey Macaques Malayan Tapir - Berani (from Taronga) Ostrich Alligator Maned Wolf Baby Meerkats! Rest of the potos can be found here... Enjoy! T.

I can do that for you! Gladly! :D Feel free to go completely overboard on my behalf and smother her with kisses... lol! T.