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PETA is a total disgrace and that campaign in particular is viciously exploitative.

Oh Andrea! I'm so so so sorry. I know how much you loved your baby. We are both women who live alone with our dogs so I do understand what a gaping hole he will leave in your life. I am devastated for you and sending you lots and lots of virtual love. You were so devoted to him and he was so lucky to have lived and died with you and the oceans of love you washed him with. PM anytime if you want to vent/grieve/yell/cry. And I think now is the time when you're allowed to have a few (but not too many) Baileys. Thinking of you. xx P.S. I'm quoting some of these lovely messages because I feel exactly the same way.

UPDATE: Predictably, the dog did not suit the family. As I said, she was food aggressive, under-exercised and bit several of the kids. Eventually, they called the breeder for help. As suss as I was of the breeder (who I never met or had anything to do with) he/she listened to their story and were happy to take the lovely girl back. They have guaranteed they'll find her a better home. Obviously I have no idea if this is true, but the fact they were so willing to listen really heartens me. I'm hoping this gorgeous dog will have a happy life elsewhere, preferably as a working dog or with a person/family with a lot of experience living with and training kelpies. Meanwhile, I'm happy to report that the family have learnt their lesson. They feel guilty and ashamed about what happened and I know they'll never do this to a puppy again.

Thanks guys. I will pass this on.

My dumb friends got a Kelpie puppy. I posted about this a while ago in Off-Topic. But Troy moved my post to General, so I had to madly modify my post in case my friends saw it –I'd encouraged them to look to DOL for information. So even if you saw the original thread you may not know the whole story. Briefly, my friends are a family of two parents and four kids. They already have an old kelpie x rescue whom they love, so they thought they'd add another kelpie to the family. The puppy came from "a breeder", according to my friend – but the breeder let them take her at six weeks, so I doubt this is a pedigree thing. The puppy is absolutely gorgeous. The problem is she's dominant and food + dog + people aggressive. I absolutely believe she would not be like this if she'd spent more time in the litter and then been trained properly from the get-go. My friends aren't dog people, and they didn't know what they were getting themselves into. They have done stupid things – they kept the puppy a metre away from the dog food, so she became protective/aggressive. She doesn't get enough exercise so she is hyper. She has bitten all the kids so now they're scared of her. No one has taught her recall, so no one takes her for a decent off-lead walk because she has no recall and they're scared she'll run on the road. They don't know how to handle her so she's just in the backyard all the time. She barks, so to shut her up they give her bones – and then she gets food aggressive about the bones... It's a vicious cycle. I did try to steer them in the right direction, but I failed. Now they are at the point of rehoming the dog. TBH, I absolutely would love to see her rehomed to a better fit – I don't think the family can be adequately trained to be good owners. She's still a puppy – probably about six months – and she has a crap life. But she's a gorgeous girl and would be an amazing dog for somebody who was prepared to exercise and train her. They just have no idea. Their original dog, the old kelpie x, was over five (but probably closer to seven) when they got her. She just wanted a daily stroll around the park and lots of cuddles. They are going to try the breeder first. But if that doesn't work out, can someone please refer me to a good Kelpie rescue in Victoria? P.S. I would take her, but: a. I work long hours and couldn't spend meaningful time with her, which is what she needs, b. I rent and couldn't get approval to have her (I live next door to my landlord), and c. my dog has an injury and it would be unfair to foist a boisterous puppy on her – they have met and even my dog-averse, people-loving Labrador loved her, but the Kelpie's roughhousing did aggravate her injury within – literally – seconds. . That's the thing. She's a great dog. She just needs attention and training. I would love to be able to suggest a way for her to get a good home so my friends don't make yet another mistake by giving her to someone inappropriate. She'd be a great working dog I think, but also a great companion dog for someone willing to put the time in. Recommendations gratefully received.

Thanks. Both great ideas. I have fed back the ideas and the criticisms. There's nothing more I can do now – I don't know what they've decided but the search is off. Yes, and sorry if I gave another impression. The point for me was to give a rescue group or breeder a bit of extra cash and a plug, but it would only be a cameo appearance, not the point of the show.

What about side-stepping the contentious stuff about suitability of puppies? As the question is about reducing stress & soothing anxiety.... how about getting some adult dogs who do just that. The Dogs Victoria has a Pet Therapy team. Last time I looked they had quite a mix of breeds. Or some folk from Delta pet therapy dogs.... who use their own pet dogs. These dogs would also be unfazed by being in a busy situation with strangers around. It could be mentioned what's the best way to get a puppy/dog that is well socialised & friendly with people. Great idea Mita. I'll pass it on.

Yep, that is disgusting. I know the story but I didn't see the show. Just to be clear, I don't work on this show and have nothing to do with the creative. (I also don't have FTA TV, so I rarely see the show.) The thing is, the easiest thing for the production crew would be to go to a pet shop and ask to borrow a litter in return for a plug for the shop. I know it's a long shot, and I kinda guessed this would be a contentious issue, but I thought it worth taking the risk and putting the offer out there to avoid that happening. ETA: Just found out what the question is. My friend says: "Do dogs reduce stress and soothe anxiety? We will of course do the usual caveats about dogs being work and not just for Christmas."

I will find out.

I know but I thought it was worth a shot.

My friend is a producer for the Channel Ten program Can of Worms. If you haven't seen it, Chrissie Swan is the host, and she asks thorny questions (or opens a 'can of worms') of a panel of three celebrities/comedians. This week, there'll be a question about dogs, and the producer would like to illustrate the piece by bringing on a "basket of puppies" (her words). They won't hang about on stage – just come on for an appearance so everyone can see how cute they are. No dogs will be harmed during the making of this television program. My friend (the producer) is a dog person, so she wants to use puppies from a breeder or a rescue group and not a pet shop. There is a fee, but I don't know how much it is. I do know they'd look after you very well – you can have a glass of wine, meet the team and watch some telly getting made. If anyone can help, or knows anyone who can help, please PM me.

Don't worry; lots of vaccination-appropriate socialisation going on.

I just read it. Dear me. You're doing a great job with her – good on you for your patience and kindness.

Thanks. That looks perfect. All sent on.

My best mates have got a new working breed pup. BYB, brought her home at 8 weeks old. Is there a good and simple website that explains this stuff? I just need simple guidelines. Sorry – I have googled but I can't find anything quite right and thought you guys might know.