Raelene

Sadly it was both to cancer within barely a week or two of each other. Also can I suggest photos, photos, photos - if you put up photos showing the great attributes of the older dogs, etc with other dogs, with kids, with cats or just chilling with the family.

Love the older dogs! Often have some grey hair wondering around here somewhere and have found that they often rehome quite well. Mostly smaller oldies I guess but also medium sized. ARF offer older dogs at a reduced fee. I find that it is the older people that tend to shy away from the older dogs (which is a real shame as puppies really aren't suitable) as they couldn't lose another too soon. We are rehoming a 13yo terrier x today to a fabulous home and the adoptive family commented that they feel he should fit in well with them and their other dog who needs company. I think people considering an older dog are looking for a dog that isn't as energetic or destructive and not as demanding on them as a puppy/adolescent requires. Some are looking for a similiar age to a current older dog as their mate had recently passed. Definitely easier to rehome the "laid back" older dog, or can have energy but doesn't have other behaviour issues. I have found that a lot of people are happy to accommodate medical issues. As far as fostering... give me a golden oldie any day over a puppy. Juice - did you hear that Baifra's Jessie, who you helped to us save, recently passed at age 14. Now that was a super goldie, in an extra super home. That is that hard part... they all take a little piece of you with them when they go.

Oh my, oh my - sending you much warmth and comfort. Such a sad and heartbreaking time. To lose not only dearest Rusty but also the beautiful Jessie in similar circumstances so close together. :cry: Such happy and gorgeous dogs, who were so lucky to have such a wonderful family to love and care for them. Thinking of you. Run free Rusty and Jessie

She is looking gorgeous Staffyluv - a real sweetie.

They are ADORABLE and so handsome!! They so don't look very shar-pei, even the ears look long-ish for a Pei X. Be interesting to see what they look like when they grow up. Thanks so much for giving them all a second chance. As per ABC - love to hear how Dulcie is. Raelene

This cracked me up - he sounds like a failed foster! LOL! Now you say it, I did "try him out" and "shape" him a bit for a few years first!

Yep I'll ditto those above. My long-suffering husband has gone from a person who had a family dog and nothing then until we were married several years ago, to busy household with dogs and horses. He doggy-sits, feeds, locks up, baths, voluntarily does poo patrol, picks up from pounds, takes to vets, etc with little complaint (well maybe a bit here and there but he doesn't really mean it). And he has accepted the odd bit of house that has been rearranged by the odd foster having a chew. Now-days he actually shows concern for dogs that are on death row, spoils the fosters far more than they should be and still helps out at the drop of the hat. And he does all this with a serious health condition. He is wonderful and I feel very lucky that he is a part of my family.

yay that is great news! What a great save - well done and welcome to foster caring! Raelene

Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno Australian Cattle Dog: Elvis, Matilda Australian Cattle Dog X : Frosty Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Spfyre, Milky, Kinta, Banjo Australian Kelpie X:Toby, Cooper Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Bichon Frise: Jag Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel, Kobie Border Collie x: Anna Borzoi: Oberon, Boris, Sonya, Kurgan, Ursula, Apollo, Atlas, Adonis, Argus, Alektos, Arinyes, Athena, Aphrodite, Aidos, Andromeda, Ares, Alexander Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas Bull Terrier (Miniature) Lainie Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy, Maggie Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet, Jasper, Bella Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose & Chevy English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera Flatcoat Retriever: Moraig French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee, Alexis, Claire German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre, Kynan German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi Japanese Spitz: Emmy Keeshond: Jedi Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Miniature Fox Terrier: Cleopatra Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Miniature Pinscher: Mischa, Cleo Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Minature): Caroline Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Schnauzer (minature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Shih Tzu : Gizmo Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos, Brutus SWF: Zoe Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen, Lilly White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz, Lewis, Rommi Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy

In NSW and ACT it is. Dog also has to be restrained within the vehicle. Hmm not sure which legislation but the police can book you for it.

Sadly we lost our beautiful girl today Yes lump appeared where the amputated leg had been - almost like a new leg looked like it was growing. Quite likely related. Apparently there is some correlation between trauma and tumours. I think I'll be like you now.... Feeling a bit broken hearted. R

Good to see some positive things in this thread. My 9yo staffy has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. She had an injury to her foreleg a year or so ago and over time the muscle deteriorated to a point where the leg needed to be removed before last Christmas. A lump came up and the vet biopsied it last week and sadly (and much to the vet's surprise) it came back positive for osteosarcoma which has moved into the nerves and lymph system. Won't know the outcome till we go to the vet again this week... But it is nice to see some positive info out there. Raelene

Carebear, wishing you every success for your gorgeous girl to go into remission and have a long happy life. My dear staffy girl has just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. She lost a leg last year due to an injury a year previous, muscle tissue died and leg had to come off. A lump came up and it was removed and biopsied and I've just heard the dreadful news - even the vets were surprised by the diagnosis. Due to go back to the vet to get her stitches out this week and I know the struggle you are facing. They think we should let her go, but she stills seems happy..... R

So sorry to hear about dear Asha's passing Paula. RIP sweet Asha

So sorry to hear of your loss Curlybert. Things just aren't the same without them.... Thinking of you. Rest easy little Snowy.

Echoing Jed, pineapple juice can be effective. I've also found Thrive D (gastrointestinal supplement) to be very effective also. Only problem is that you need to feed it to the dog whose poo is being eaten. That makes it hard when you are down the park......

We sadly lost one of our dogs a week ago to a brown snake bite. It was only minutes before the dog was paralysed and she was gone well within half an hour. She had been bitten on the head and it was a BIG snake. It was after hours and we didn't get an opportunity to get her to the emergency vet, she was gone so quickly. I am amazed at how quickly the bite progresses. I certainly wouldn't want to be bitten.... RIP dear Suzie Probably worth thinking about pet insurance? Can understand how the vets need to be like this sometimes - especially if you aren't known well by the vet, the minority make it hard for the majority. Very sorry for your friend. Know how heartbreaking it is. Sending them a big hug. R

Big hugs to you. What a terrible time you are having. No wonder you are feeling traumatised. I hope that life gets brighter for you soon. We lost one of our dogs to snake bite last week and I was actually there when it happened. So very, very quick. It is an awful feeling to feeling like you haven't been able to keep them safe. I know just what you mean. RIP Sahla R

You could try Robyn. I recently did a Bowen course, along with Robyn, which was run by a lady in Melbourne. Robyn can give you some info about its effectiveness and some of the recommended trainers. Robyn Larson-Shelton Equine Miracle and Pet Miracle Restoring Movement and Health to All Animals 0431 387 787 R

Have left Tony a message.... My niece and her Poodle and me with my Frenchie are keen to attend. Sounds like fun. R

Interesting article. Not entirely convinced of their interpretation of an "irresponsible dog owner" 85% of these are entering the shelters as strays (lost pets), or 43 of the 50 dogs. Just 15% are owner surrenders, or around seven of the dogs. These are our so called ‘irresponsible owners’. Wouldn't the reasonable number out of the 85% that don't collect their strays which may well be euthanased be "irresponsible owners" too? I would have thought that not keeping your dog safe with secure fencing and then knowingly leaving it in the pound to its fate would indicate an irresponsible owner?

Thanks for the figures Rappie. Is there any for incontinence in entire bitches?

I just want to point out that that legislation on numbers you can own, licencing requirements for people wanting to keep entire dogs/people wanting to keep more than 3 dogs/dogs over 6 months must be desexed unless they have a permit/breeders - have been in place for many years in the ACT. This is NOT new legislation but enforcement of these has been an issue. These are the areas that are making all the fuss over the past few posts here but they have been in place already for years and years, so though being updated, it is certainly not a new concept to ACT people. There are other new areas of the proposed legislation in particular around the sale of puppies and kittens, point of sale desexing via voucher if younger than 6mths, etc. Caroline Le Couteur, ACT Greens MLA has made it clear on here earlier on the thread that she is happy to hear from people via submission in order to find ways to make it work. If people have constructive information to provide, it is important to make sure you get your submissions to her. Signing off here as I think this is heading in a non-constructive direction. R

Thanks for your kind words Curlybert. I would like to point out that these are my opinions only and has no relationship to ARF. Shortstep, I am not trying to sound personal and I think you are missing some of the major things I have said. Firstly, that I feel that enforcement of the legislation currently in place is the most important thing. ACT's laws already cover a lot in regard to breeders. Up to now you do need to keep an entire dog licenced, to breed or have more than three dogs at a premises you need a keepers/multi-dog licence and have suitable facilities for breeding/keeping which can be/are inspected by the rangers. Dogs over the age of 6 months have to be desexed (and microchipped) at point of sale. This is what all people passing on their dogs in ACT to a new home need to adhere to NOW. There is no reason to increase legislation if what is already in place is not going to be enforced. Unless more resources are directed to enforcement, this is a fruitless exercise. Please, I don't have a problem with registered breeders, as much as you'd like to throw it up in such an unfriendly fashion - though there are those that aren't adhering to code of ethics and/or govt legislation. This does not equate to me having a problem with registered breeders. This is me being HONEST. I haven't said it is everyone. I have outlined one just this past week in an earlier post located in ACT. The other person I mentioned in that post still breeds/shows, etc - NSW based is another example. I could give their details but I'm not about to do so as that is not fair or right to anyone involved - this is the wrong place for it to be. Equally I have not given details of the respected breeders that I have for the same reason. When you work at the coal-face of the other end of a dog's chance at life over a period of many years, you see the output of indiscriminate breeding and irresponsible dog ownership. When dogs that we can identify to a registered-breeder comes up, it is pretty 50/50 as to whether they will come and help the puppy that they created. Some are IMMEDIATELY onto the case, others "just can't take them back" and leave them there for euthanasia. It is great to see over time, more of the specific breed clubs/groups helping these dogs though. But you see, I can't say that all registered breeders are doing the right thing. I'm not saying that most aren't either and I'm not saying that you or your direct colleagues that you mentioned aren't. By the way, just to clarify, these aren't my laws, I am not bound by them unless I am adopting a dog into a new home in ACT where I make sure the new home is compliant before allowing the adoption. Sorry I realise I haven't answered your question about the number of puppies. I can't give you a defined number but if a person had a licence say for 5 dogs (in ACT you are only allowed 3 without a licence and that is not to breed) and all of them were bitches of breeding age, you wouldn't want to see more than one litter per year from each of these. By enforcing legislation that is already in place is a start to making a difference to the BYBs. Not selling puppies and kittens in pet shops and markets will make a difference for puppy mills. I think this is a good idea. A lot of what you wants going on. What lengths will you go to to make sure that everyone has to live by the rules you want? OK, I do every single thing you say and even more, so I hope you listen to me...if this law comes in where I live, I will stop breeding. Everyone I personally know know who does breed to the standards you have described and also have a long history in breeding will quite too. All that will be left in the wake of your push to make everyone live to your wants, will be puppy farms and BYB. You know that too and think that is just fine. Shortstep, I have no control over the legislation apart from if I put in a submission. From what I have seen, the only additional thing above what is the norm for now that I have suggested is having an arrangement in place for pet puppies to be desexed either before rehoming or on contract (and in ACT they need to do so by 6mths any way)? I don't understand why you and everyone else would stop breeding if they health tested their breeding stock for common abnormalities before breeding, that they took interest in ensuring the emotional development of their puppies was strong in preparation for the rest of their life, choose homes carefully - all of these are part of the code of ethics I'm sure - and ensure pets puppies were desexed (which could be built into sale fee) so that they didn't add to the population in an indiscriminate fashion? I think that there is confusion about what is current legislation and what are new things that are being looked at. The only new thing on here that I have mentioned is the not selling puppies/kittens, etc from petshops and markets. R

I don't disagree with you that ACTCA should have been included on discussions. And I completely agree as I put in my post that enforcement of current legislation needs to be enforced first (have believed that since it was introduced several years ago). I believe that that would in a lot of cases be enough to curtail a lot of the indiscriminate breeding. Unfortunately there are not enough resources directed towards it and that does need to change. So how many puppies is too many for a breeder to have turned out? What exactly do you want done to the breeder where the microchips showed they have turned out too many pups? In my opinion, puppies should be bred for betterment of the breed, this should include temperament as well as quality rather than for just financial gain. I think that you believe I am talking about registered breeders only. I am not. I do think that a record that could show those that are turning out litter after litter would give authorities an ability to have a pointer to direct them to ensure that they are compliant with legislation etc, may indicate a puppy farm, but also that due to the larger number of puppies turned out, the facility would need to be appropriate for such. I personally believe that BYB are the most indiscriminate breeders who generally have little experience with breeding and do it for the wrong reasons - ie. financial gain from not necessarily "healthy" adults or for such reasons as the dog should have a litter before desexing or it would be good for the kids to see. A good proportion of these, often crossbreeds, end up in pound system. Have you ever met a breeder you respected? If so can you discribe them? Yes, several. I have dogs of my own from respected breeders and just lost my nearly 16yo girl who is also from a respected kennel (all desexed). The dogs that are bred are tested for known genetic issues, are bred in accordance with the code of ethics, are bred in healthy conditions, given plenty of appropriate enrichment and socialisation during their growth period, are sold to new homes with information on feeding, training etc and the new home is carefully chosen. Although I respect these breeders some do and some don't desex PET pups prior to sale, some have desexing contracts. I would prefer to see all PET puppies either desexed or under desexing contracts. Desexing a PET puppy is the only way you can ensure that your puppy isn't going to be contributing to the pet population in an inappropriate manner. Again unfortunately, I think there are way more irresponsible breeders than responsible ones, which is a shame. What are you basing that view on? Where I referred to a registered breeder, I wrote it in full. I am specifically referring to all people that breed puppies in the ACT (which happens in other states too). Infringement notices and prosecutions are not the only ways to improve compliance. Sometimes you feel like you are beating your head up against a brick wall and nothing changes.... What other things would you suggest (this is said in the nicest possible way as there might be answers in your contribution)? I must point out that I have absolutely no beefs with registered breeders at all, nor responsible people and breeders having entire stock, though note that there is also still a lot of non-compliance from within. It is the PET puppies that are produced that need to be rehomed appropriately and should be desexed. I can't really understand why a breeder wouldn't want to make sure that their offspring didn't fall into the hands of the backyard breeders? It has happened over many, many years, the shepherds, rottis, staffords, etc. (I love the breeds, especially staffords but there are BUCKETLOADS of them in the pounds these days and if you look online at the breeder ads, way too many are being bred everywhere - with registered breeders, backyard breeders, etc. This is evidenced by the over-representation in the pounds with many being euthanased). I would like to say I think it is WONDERFUL that there is an effort (again) to introduce desexed showing classes. I do hope that they are well supported and take off this time. It may help with decisions by people to desex their puppies that go to pet homes but that they can still support the breeder's stock in showing the quality produced (as we all know that sometimes you can't be sure how they'll turn out).