colliehound

Sorry - can't help with Newcastle - best of luck.

I think each dog is slightly different and it depends on what happens when you are not there. Some dogs do pine for a certain owner and it can take a lot of work on our part as carers to distract and support those dogs through any separation. On the whole though - I have found the vast majority of dogs settle very very quickly and throw themselves into what is going on around them - walks, plays, feeding, treats, exercise, training. I find it much like small children, give them a clear reliable routine with LOTS of activity and soon enough they are good as gold. This doesn't mean they won't be delighted to have you back, but dogs are for the most part not "emotional" in the same way as us. If you have them in good hands, you can be sure they are having a great time. It is only the very rare dog that will truly fret for you while you are away - despite the very best efforts of your carer. Have a good break.

great news

Parents should be slapped if they've never taught their kids not to torment animals, yes! THIS! Sorry I am probably off topic but what does it mean when a poster just says THIS with two posts being quoted stating quite different opinions. I have noticed elsewhere that posters just say THIS and I am puzzled. Hi - means we agreed with the most recent post. In my case the "Parents should be slapped if.............".

Parents should be slapped if they've never taught their kids not to torment animals, yes! THIS!

We did - thank you. A group of 20 + people and about 10 dogs. It was lovely. The walk was a LOT longer than we had prepared for - but really good. Lots of organisation - lots of marshals along the way, lots of water stops. 10/10 for organisation. We didn't get to the starting point in the oval as we had too many people to gather and just hooked on the tail end as the walk started, but those who wandered down said it was also really good. Would recommend it to anyone who is over the mass hysteria and crowding of bigger ones like St Lucia or Southport. Thanks for your advice!!

Thank you - does get me closer. Would still like to talk to anyone that has been to this one before........... Done it many times used to live there. The oval is on a lower level then there is the car park and park area above it..that is actually where they have it. Its a lovely day out....you walk down the village main street at the beginning and wherever they make the walk trail will be pretty. There is also a cafe in Main st called Spice of Life where you can have coffee outside on the deck or pavement with your dog. It's a lovely day out....very country atmosphere, cool mountain air and lovely gardens.I am sure you will enjoy the day out. They do usually have a big turnout. THank you - perfect!!

We had been babysitting a puppy when I heard someone at work in another cubicle pouring a glass of water. It sounded like a puppy piddling and in my sleep deprived state I stood up and said much too loud. NO!!!! OUTSIDE!!!!! Oh dear................

Oh and the worst thing - one of my Collies hates skateboards...........when I am driving along alone and see a skateboarder - the temptation to wind down the window and bark my head off is disturbingly strong........... ha ha ha ha ha ha

Oh dear - can completely relate to this thread. I also give hand signals when walking with other people.......heel, stand, wait.............. I have been known to snap "speak" at a staff member who is being sullen and sulky (with hand signal)...........sigh......... I asked someone recently who was having "girl troubles" if she had looked into being "spayed" And last night we walked our dogs down the main street. The four greyhounds resplendent in their new winter coats (went for a lovely chinese embroidered fabric - one in each colour) THe local shop keeper stated they had a better wardrobe than she did. ha ha ha Glad to know we are not alone

Thank you - does get me closer. Would still like to talk to anyone that has been to this one before...........

Hi We are going to the Million Paws Walk at Nth Tamborine with work on Sunday. Went and checked it out this afternoon and I am a bit confused. The oval where it is supposed to be held has a no dogs sign??? Does RSPCA get a special exemption for the day? Does anyone know where the walk goes? Is it through the town? Are the stalls on the oval or in the St? I will call RSPCA tomorrow - but was wondering if anyone has been to this location before? We have always done St Lucia. Thanks!!

Oooh thank you - downloaded!!!! Will PM you now.

Can anyone send/share a good pattern for greyhound coats? I can't seem to get onto the links previously provided. My current pattern has been copied and copied and copied and is now a bit wonky. With thanks PS - doesn't matter if it is knitted or sewn.

Not dogs - but friends think it is hilarious to come up with names for our llamas (especially after a few drinks). So far they have Cara - (car-a-lama) Burg - burg- Lama Dali - Dali-lama Falsa - falsa-lama It goes on - ha ha ha ha For my next round of animals I was thinking Native Flora names - but I love the tea idea............ SO many clever people...........

I am assuming you mean someone coming to visit and feed/walk the pets? I need a third option - paid babysitters who move into my home while I am away.

Totally utterly impressed (and inspired). I will have to see if some one local can give me lessons. I just love the incredible strength it takes to do this. Good on you. I have very low blood pressure - I can see me do one of those upside down ones - faint - and land on my noggin!! THanks for sharing!!

How impressive. How long have you been "poling"? We had a fitness expo at work and they had pole fitness. I would love to give it a go. Thinking I might need a year of yoga first though - not much core strength here at the moment. Good on you!!

Ha ha ha - contact sport - very true. I have had my nose broken twice. Once by a Collie who lept onto the couch just as I turned around in response to the sound The second time by a greyhound who got up faster than I had allowed for. I have had broken ribs after running with a Collie who decided to herd me at just the wrong moment. Tail over head for me and dog - I was the only one with broken bones. Just recently had several moles and lumps removed - one from my neck. Turns out one of them was a piece of bone from my ribs which I never bothered getting set - just strapped them up. On shearing day recently I got a split lip and major bruising on my leg. I have had broken foot, broken hand.......................the people at work are convinced my husband beats me I am sure.........it was the dogs, horse, cattle, llamas,........really...........honest.............. Hope you are feeling much better OP - gravel rash - especially with salt water hurts like heck!!

If you have a lot of your own animals it is worth doing anyway - as it comes in very handy. But definitely agree with Roguedog - if you can do work experience, well worth it. If not, sit in the reception area of your local surgery for a day. It is VERY eye opening. Like all professions - you really do encounter "all sorts".

Hi MIchelleva You can do it faster if you are really committed but it would be a heavy workload. Re being suited to it............a couple of things to think about..... a) the pay is terrible!!!! b) you tend to need to do shift work (depending where you are) (Which could be a problem with small children at home) c) if you love animals, it can be tough when you can't spend the time with them you feel they need. Some surgeries are highly pressured and the cage cleaning, taking out for a comfort stop etc can be mechanical rather than compassionate due to lack of time. Could you handle that? d) the surgery can actually be the easy part - subject to the vet you work with. Some are great and are organised and you really do very little in the worst of the operations (the gore bit anyway). Others are not so nice, bark orders and get you in the midst of it. The vet you work with can make all the difference. e) I assume you are looking at companion animal vet nursing? If you are looking at rural vet nursing - that is another kettle of fish altogether and needs a super strong stomach, a thick skin and the ability to switch off emotionally when needed. f) how would you handle owners who have for all intents and purposes neglected their animals? They come in weeks after they should have and often ask you to put the animal to sleep rather than pay what we might consider a minor sum to treat something. That is without a doubt the hardest part for me. Best of luck. It is the most enjoyable study I have done in my life. I love it to bits (which is why I am now going on to the degree). Just keep yourself emotionally healthy - it can be terribly terribly confronting and heart breaking. Colliehound

Don't waste your money on NCTM course

Easier than I had anticipated to be honest. Building a relationship with the vets first over a long period of time was helpful. We have a lot to offer!! Colliehound

I am over 40 and starting vet degree next year. Never too old!!!

I am going through AIRC too. VERY happy with them. Helpful. Friendly. Flexible