Raelene

I must have desexed well over 100 bitches over the past 10 years or so of rescue plus our own. I haven't heard of any becoming incontinent. Even my oldies to ancients didn't really become incontinent - they just couldn't walk as far to get outside (ie. they didn't leak in their beds, etc). It would be interesting to know what people class as "incontinent". The only incontinent dog that I know that was on medication (and fine on it) was an old mini poodle, so would be hard to say whether it was due to age or not. It would be interesting to know if there are other causes apart from "desexing" in the dogs that have incontinent. I would be horrified if everyone stopped desexing just in case.... there are FAR TOO MANY indiscriminately bred dogs turning up in the pound. Keeping bitches in heat and dogs apart is not the easiest thing to do. There is a lot of hormones going on and can send the males barmy. Not for the inexperienced. When you are around the "tail end" of dog ownership, you realise how large the percentage of irresponsible dog ownership is (this is not necessarily intentional, just don't realise). I have had dogs come in with mammary tumours and though they were aged they were not desexed. The dogs were old and I don't believe it was the mammary tumours that took them in the end... I think it was a mix of lots of things at that age. I do feel that there veterinary experience could play a part. After watching all the desexings recover you can see if the stitches are pulling inside, etc. Would be very easy for internal stitching etc to be "not quite right" - the dogs just cannot tell us. Re humans - my relative had a terrible hysterectomy done which has left her with a level of incontinence. R

ACTCA is not government. There are more "registered breeders" than those covered in ANKC registered bodies, there are others in organisations like the MDBA for example. They all have a code of ethics but no laws. You can be kicked out but they can't prosecute/hand out fines/ensure compliance. Wouldn't there have to be laws legislated - same for all people that want to breed - to make it fair across the board and to give them something to prosecute those that aren't complying? Unfortunately in doing this, it will put more pressure on those that are doing the right thing which doesn't seem fair. Of course enforcement/lack of resources to do so is paramount and that the part that they need to consider before trying to create more laws. Again unfortunately, I think there are way more irresponsible breeders than responsible ones, which is a shame. (Note: that there are even current ones registered with DogsACT (listed on their ad) with adult dogs that are being sold undesexed which is against current legislation - so just being a member of the ACTCA is not going to make people come to the party). I don't think that there are many puppy farmers in the confines of the ACT borders, I think probably just on all of them are in NSW - so these laws won't change anything there. However it would help with the copious numbers of backyard breeders that turn out their little money making oodles, staffords, jack russells, etc. I guess it would be pie in the sky to see less bred, so less dumped pig dog types and working dogs (which find it harder to find homes). Over Christmas on my road I saw signs on one side saying purebred cattle dog pups $100 and on the other Free Kelpie Pups. Sigh....... is desexing so hard? It would be great if microchips recorded the breeder (I asked for this the first time they took submissions for the change of the NSW CAR one but it didn't happen). It would be a good way of recording who is turning out lots of puppies and also identify a breeder if in the future the dog becomes homeless, etc. R

I think that one great first step would be for current legislation to be enforced. Any legislation is only as good as it's enforcement. All dogs are supposed to be microchipped and desexed (by 6mths unless it has an entire permit). Enforcement of this would be a good first step. And to do that some more funds for rangers from the Govt would go a LONG way to helping. I have seen the outcomes of too many irresponsible dog owners and breeders (including backyard and registered) in the rescue world. I have also seen HORRENDOUS conditions with someone who was regarded as a reputable and well thought of breeder/showy - landed at her place by accident when hubby responded to an ad for car parts. There are a lot of backyard breeders that have purebred dogs that have been purchased from breeders (often as pets) but have "champion bloodlines" and so are worth breeding or putting over the neighbours dog (who may be another breed). Surely breeders see this? I am really surprised that the breeders don't protect their bloodlines and dogs more by ensuring that there pet puppies are desexed as soon as acceptable for the breed type and before breeding age and any mature dogs are desexed before being sold as pets. I know there are a responsible portion who have desexing contracts or desex before sale, but there are a lot of others who sell undesexed full stop (ie. there is a cavalier for sale on the board at work, entire male 4 or 5 years from memory, just finished it's show ring career, located in ACT - not desexed could equal perfect for "oodle" breeding I'd think. I have let them know that dogs over 6mths are supposed to be desexed at point of sale as they also have another older pup on the market). I think it is good that there is this discussion. It is needed and there is a lot to work through to really make it work well, but it has to be better than present. FAR too many dogs ending up needing help, yes more crossbreeds than purebreds, but there is a good smattering of both.

Same here. I have my dogs securely fenced but sometimes accidents happen. I would be very upset if they got out once and someone shot them. Not likely to happen in my area thanks goodness. Stock would be a different story as I am in a market garden area! This isn't aimed at the OP btw as they said they would have called if they had seen the collars. Accidents do happen and though I understand the law of the land (and I live on land too), I'd like to hope that where possible people would give the benefit of the doubt initially. Especially as it is the human's fault for containment rather than the dogs. I am not condoning lack of containment and know how important it is, I have a fully fenced houseyard plus very secure dog runs (I, like my neighbours, have stock). Interesting reading some of the responses, I wonder if the same goes for chickens/cattle/horses that wander onto another person's property - if it is okay just to shoot them just for being there? Is that different to a dog just walking (not attacking/killing/harrassing) in the law of the land or the law generally? I do feel sorry for those people that lost their dogs, though can understand the situation and am not flaming OP but hope that animal loving people would give a second chance rather than just shoot on sight (OP said she would have called if she had seen the collars). Of course, if it is a dangerous situation then it is right thing to do.

Aww my very special girl.... Thanks for your continued kind thoughts. Zoe made it home for Christmas and now sits with our others that have departed, close to our family.

I think that each state RSPCA should be looked at individually - they are all run differently. EVERYONE - public, charities, etc are feeling the pinch. My understanding of the request for funds was due to the shortfall of Govt contributions for such things RSPCA does rather than the local Govt. Yarrowfell, I can understand your comments on the past. RSPCA-ACT have been very pro-active more recently with changes of staff, etc and have made a big effort to work with rescue, once a dog has passed its assessments it is held until a home is found, they are helping dogs out in the community more than I have ever seen before. I have regarded the local organisation with caution in the past, but over the past year or so they have really been working hard. I can't knock them for trying to change things and make them better than they were. I don't really feel sorry for them at all, as mentioned there are MANY charities needing help and they all endeavour to do as much as they can to fulfill their funding burdens. DOL just really annoys me sometimes with those that just love to jump in and lay boot in while someone is down or in trouble. R

Please make sure that you know the organisation thoroughly before criticising it. RSPCA ACT are a great organisation who try very hard to improve things for animals in need in the ACT community. They definitely stand out on their own with their forward moving ideas and strategies. They are worthy of public contribution. Whilst many may have other views on RSPCA's australia-wide, and I am unable to comment on those, in my view the RSPCA in ACT has the best interests in the animals at heart. We see them personally trying to make a difference to the dogs on death row. They went in and parvo tested, washed and checked dogs for rescue when the parvo outbreak was at DAS. I have seen first hand some of the great assistance they give to dogs that need a bit longer to find the right homes rather than send them to rainbow bridge. I have seen them step in and help dogs that no other rescue had chosen to do. For those that are just criticising for the sake of it - go find a more worthwhile tree to bark at . R

Oh dogmad, I'm so sorry for your loss :p . Pepper looked like a totally delightful little girl. She was so lucky to have had such a well loved and caring couple of years with you. So hard to let them go. Thinking of you and sending you a warm hug. RIP Pepper

It is very comforting that people can see how special Zoe was. A real darling. We miss her very much, can't believe such a house full of dogs (8) can feel so empty. We have fantastic memories of her and she will be remembered this Christmas. Raelene

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and kind words. The house seems so empty without Zoe, for such a quiet and dear dog, she really did fill the home and was never far from you, even in this last year as she bravely fought her tumour. Even this past week, she always met me each afternoon with a wagging tail on coming home from work. She sure was one of those ultra special dogs, the ones that are no trouble, the ones that give you everything they can. The dogs here are recovering, surprisingly they didn't even go to sniff her when she'd passed, they looked from a distance and then moved away. Indi seems to be the one who has struggled a little bit, maybe due to her anxiety but each day I think we are all a little more relaxed and recovering. I think Zoe was on this earth to help others, she did such a lot of giving....

A beautiful girl with a beautiful name... Paris gave so much to the family and looks like she had such happy and fulfilled life with you. Maddison made such a beautiful tribute for her. So hard to let them go, but it looks like the world is such a better place for her having been here. RIP sweet girl - run free

Thanks for your kind thoughts. Zoe certainly was loved and will be dearly missed. Baifra, yes she was so much like Jessie wasn't she. I think that was part of the reason Jessie jumped out at us when we saw her photo at the pound. I think Zoe touched everyone she met with her sweet nature - converted so many who were afraid of staffies. Never a kinder nature...

So many of them used you for their comfort and confidence.

You were amazing with your kind and giving ways. A rock for all the foster dogs....

after year..... This year we were lucky to have you for your special day.

Year....

She was a fun loving girl and always enjoyed a party - especially when there was special treats on the menu!

Christmas won't be the same without you!

Today we reluctantly said goodbye to our sweetest and most loving little staffy, Zoe. She tried hard to stay but life became too hard.. Zoe warmed everyone's heart with her lovable and friendly ways. She always had a smile and a wagging tail and she never changed right up to today, she was wonderful with everyone - human and animal. I still remember well over 15 years ago picking up a little 8 week old puppy with a name of Landaulad Fancy Nancy after a year or so of waiting. I was never disappointed. She was the best. Zoe would be the longest serving dog foster carer for ARF, welcoming dogs into our foster home since 2000. She was always their rock. Zoe, we feel privileged to have had you in our family for so long. It breaks our hearts to let you go but it is good to know that you can now run free and happy without the constraints of age.... Fly free our little one.

My dear avatar girl now 15.5 has a tumour which is pressing a little on her oesophagus. Like your girl, the prognosis isn't good but she is on palliative care and so far has been around for about 7 months longer than expected. Similar to your girl, she would sort of choke or cough and heave as if trying to release something stuck in her throat when eating. I now thoroughly soak her meal (as she has a bit of paralysis on one side of her face) and the cough/choking went away. I did also change her diet to Hills KD back in March as she did show some liver/kidney impairment, this too seems to have helped. For all her health issues, she still meets me at the front gate when I come home from work and is still an active part of the family, such as being a part of our dog product party yesterday (she never could miss a good party with lots of visitors around). Best wishes to your and your girl! R

I think the elderly need that companionship, and often a pet is one of the best things to give them that sense of companionship in their life. I am very happy to rehome older dogs to senior people and have one in the pipeline at the moment. The hardest thing is finding the right dogs to fit the bill - toilet trained, easy on lead, don't jump up (and scratch their thin skin), aren't snappy, etc. One lady we recently rehomed a puppy for (very loving family member bought her a poodle x pup who was way too much), wanted another dog but in the end got a beautiful cat. This suited her down to the ground as it is a perfect companion and she doesn't have the worries with having to walk it, it is easy to pick up if needed but is just as ready to jump onto her lap for a cuddle. So dependent upon the person, their age, and wants - either might suit. The hardest things is that usually a senior person has experienced some sort of loss. This makes them want a younger dog so that they won't lose it too soon - big mistake but sometimes it is hard to talk people around. I think that you were very sensible to have concern for the dog and its future. By working through a rescue group, you can check to see if they will take back dogs that they have rehomed - great safety net for an older person. Hey anyways, who knows what tomorrow may bring for any of us! Raelene

The secret to farm fencing is to make sure your fence is more secure than you need. It is usually expensive to do a large area and you need to know that when you are finished they are going to stay there. Having had many rescue staffords over the years, you MUST know that they cannot get out. Some are great with other animals, some aren't and will chase stock given opportunity. If they do learn to chase (by being given the opportunity) they can get into a LOT of trouble and it is far better to spend the money and do it properly the first time. It would be heartbreaking to either have your dog shot or to have to be rid of it immediately if it maimed another persons animals or to be pursued legally by the livestocks owners. There are a lot of laws re electric fencing, you need to look into it in your state to ensure that you comply. Normal electric fencing pulses too slowly for dogs (so they can learn to get through it), however if they hit it, it can give them one big wallop. Pingg-String (you can search it on the net) makes all different types of electric suitable to animals from rodents through dogs to elephants. They do have the details of compliance in each state (ie. in NSW it has to be behind a 5ft fence). Another nice thing is that their versions aren't necessarily going to zap a person. Having been zapped numerous times by the stock fencing, I can tell you that is a nice aspect of Pingg-String. In many states, the versions that use collars are illegal. In addition, the comments about a dog redirecting is correct - to both other animals and humans. I do know of a dog that went for children as it had been looking at them when it hit the fence - it was a very nasty situation. It was jumping over a fence into the neighbours and the neighbours kids were outside. Dog jumped and got zapped whilst kids were in its line of sight. Fortunately there were adults around to deal with the situation but it was VERY SCARY. Another issue is that if a dog is wearing a collar and it gets out, at the time of escape the dog is usually stimulated or moving quickly and can be zapped as it continues away from its yard. If this happens then the dog is not likely to have the willingness to risk another zap to get home again. Lastly with the collar.... they don't work for breeds/individual dogs - such as labradors, etc. Some just go straight through it. I have a mix of both staffords (our own dogs), those that will chase and those that won't. None of them are hard on the fences and are out in the yard with access to the house via a dog door when we are out (I find being able to come inside has been extremely good at helping the dogs be happy in the yard). The house fence is at its lowest point 4ft solid chicken wire with a floppy bit at the top and a foot that goes down and out on the ground (still able to mow over) to prevent digging. This fence was already there (we just added to the top and bottom). The new parts of the fence are either dog mesh or chain mesh 5-6ft. If I was to be redoing our whole yard, I wouldn't go under 5ft. Our rescue dog runs are 5ft chainmesh with an addition of another 3ft of floppy dog mesh at the top (for climbers) and we have a HUGE just over 6ft chainmesh "dog backyard" so that we know the dogs will still be there when we come home. My husband and I built both the dog runs and the chainmesh backyard. It isn't that hard, and if you can supply labour, it brings the cost down immensely. I can't stress that it really is worth the expense. R PS. Definitely hot wire on the outside for the stock though - they are really hard on the fences. Also, I have heard that a hot wire on the outside about an inch off the ground is very effective for keeping snakes away (you'd probably have to Roundup the bottom of the fence line to get rid of the grass through).

I suspect it relates to the amount of testosterone/hormones in their urine. Doing rescue... usually find that "mature" entire males have a varying level of strong urine stink. Desexing has always helped reduce the odour thank goodness (after about 6 weeks). We were talking about this the other day, it is one good reason to want to desex your male dog if you don't breed. I think some dogs do stink more than others generally also. R

How adorable. Best of luck with her - she looks like a real sweetie. Bit partial to the Crested's, my sister has 4 rescue ones.... Interesting X, I wander if something is starting... this would be the third Dachshund x Crested that I have seen - though the others were in Sydney. One was funny, he was a black and tan. Bald as a Badger all over but had fairly short brown hairs on his paws, black wispy tip on his tail and a black short mohawk on top (similar to this girl, however hers is possibly longer). Very similar look to a Dachsy but skin like a crested. Didn't quite look right but he was a real sweetie and well loved.

Alpha Bet - yes I have a couple of "cleaners" too. Both female (wander if it is a maternal thing), one Frenchie, one staffy. They lick each others eyes and ears and the Frenchie licks the other Frenchie's butt too. They clean and clean and then the other dogs come over and ask for cleaning. Not so bad but sometimes it looks like the hair thins a bit if the keep grooming the same place over and over. Both of the cleaners appear to have generally maternal personalities.