pip1981

Hi Guys, just wanted to ask for advice/opinions on a little problem we have at the moment. Dakota has always done a lot of paw cleaning, especially as a nighttime ritual, but over the last week, we've noticed the licking is more excessive, and she's licking mainly the lower front areas of her front legs. Furthermore, I just noticed yesterday that it seems either her licking has caused some hair loss in these areas, or something that's causing her to lick is also causing hair loss I guess... She did get into a bad habit of licking these areas in October last year after having drips/injections in both legs, and this caused a skin irritation which was treated. Is it possible she has just returned to this habit as a behavioural thing rather than a medical reason? I only ask because I can't see anything on her skin that looks unusual at all. If it continues, I will be sure to visit the vet, just thought I'd ask in here as a first port of call. Thanks in advance.

Sorry LC, we'll look forward to seeing you and Charz next month, take care of yourself! :p

Blakbelgian, see you next time! Bindii: whatever time you rock up is fine, as long as you bring the boys!!! lol And, yes, it's booked 'til 2pm, but we usually stay a fair bit longer Ok, Stacey is still coming with her St. Bernard, Belvedere, but is not having lunch, so.. Dolers & Doggies: pip1981- Dakota and Tika dobesrock - Acheron & Odie Pointees - April and Shaun KJ- Teddy and Henrietta Canine Friend - Dexter MavericksMission - Hector & Maverick Stacey (pip1981's friend) - Belvedere Keroppiyo - Buffy Bindii - Fletcher & Hugo Evolving - Echo, Alera and Bobby Yummies: pip1981- plates, cups, cutlery, condiments, marinated chicken wings, pasta salad and more... dobesrock- bread rolls and cheesecake (will definately bring it this time!) Pointees - Fairy bread, chocolate cake, and pigs ears KJ-not sure Canine Friend - sausages and baby cupcakes. MavericksMission - Potato Salad & Maybe Biscuits and Dip? Keroppiyo - Meat kebabs/skewers Bindii - Honey Joys Evolving - Some type of salad.

Very kind of you to offer Spitzbaby a lift! Oh, I can't wait to bring Tika again!! Thank-you I can't imagine Buffy could be any skinner than Dakota...lol, but yeah you do notice it more after they blow their coat. Dakota's eating more since Tika's arrival, gotta love the competition factor!!! However, she's also playing more, so she hasn't gained much weight. I think I'm content with her size now though, I rather have an underweight dog than the opposite, especially now that I'm dealing with a dog with joint problems...

Spitzbaby, I'm afraid I'm not passing anywhere near the CBD, and from memory none of the regulars are coming through that way either, sorry ;) Do you know anyone else that might be interested in coming along...who drives?? Oh, I hope you can come!! Won't it be great to have Fletchie there too?! I'm afraid Tika's not currently having any treatment, so she's still a bit stiff, but not complaining in the slightest, so I'm not too concerned. The injections didn't seem to have much affect at all, the anti-inflammatories were great, but aren't a long term solution, so I need to re-visit my vet and get some long-term advice...perhaps try a joint supplement of some kind. She'll probably be extra stiff after Kepala, but she loved it so much last time I think it's worth it. She's being groomed by a Sammie show/breeding person on Wednesday, and her coat's pretty bad right now, so I have no idea what look she'll be sporting by Sunday...hehehe Bindii: Belvedere is indeed desexed and a very gentle giant apparently, so all good there... I think my OH might actually be coming along this time...wonders will never cease.. Can't wait!!!!

so sorry to read of your great loss... i'm glad you have your other 4 legged friends to see you through *hugs* for your little boy too

YAY!!! Can't wait to see you guys! I'm not sure if Belvedere the Saint Bernard is desexed, I'll find out ASAP for you... :p

Hi Guys! MM- So glad to hear you guys will be there this time! B & S- sorry you can't make it.. Animal Mad- Looking forward to meeting you and your Wheatens, I'm yet to meet any kirst_goldens- hopefully we'll see you next time.. spitzbaby- we would LOVE to meet you and Kairu, perhaps just ask the vet when you are getting the vaccs if he will be safe from nasties by the 12th? As for his size, we've had a few smal puppies at Kepala, basically if it gets too much for him, you can scoop him up and let him have some time in one of the small puppy runs, maybe with a smaller or gentle doggy friend. Where are you travelling from? Perhaps someone who is passing can offer a lift. I have exciting news! I have roped an old school-friend of the OHs into bringing her Saint Bernard along, should be fun! Also waiting to hear if my friend Tamara and her lab Chloe would like to come along again! Dolers & Doggies pip1981- Dakota and Tika dobesrock - Acheron & Odie Pointees - April and Shaun KJ- Teddy and Henrietta Canine Friend - Dexter MavericksMission - Hector & Maverick Stacey (pip1981's friend) - Belvedere Yummies: pip1981- plates, cups, cutlery, condiments, marinated chicken wings, pasta salad and more... dobesrock- bread rolls and cheesecake (will definately bring it this time!) Pointees - Fairy bread, chocolate cake, and pigs ears KJ-not sure Canine Friend - sausages and baby cupcakes. MavericksMission - Potato Salad & Maybe Biscuits and Dip? Stacey - T.B.A

KJ- I don't believe I've met you, Teddy or Henrietta. I look forward to it, and hopefully you're not jinxed...lol SM and Rottisleibe- See you all another time soon I hope!! And well done Fire! LC: I hope you can make it with Charz! Pointees: I'm guessing my favourite Pointer is in season? We'll miss her, but looking forward to seeing you and the others! Canine Friend: Glad you and Dexter can make it this month, you were missed last time!

I had always sourced my Holistic Select from my local Petstock, and managed to avoid any supply problems until this most recent shortage. I'm extra frustrated at the moment, because I am due to receive a free 13.6kg bag via the loyalty program they have, and my store isn't receiving any with their deliveries. They aren't even informed as to whether or not they CAN get any until they actually have their invoice in their hands, which usually has lots of 'zeros' on it! The latest information I have been given, is that 6 shipping containers are 'en route' as we speak, and were due to arrive late August-mid September. Of these, 4 were headed for NSW, and 2 to VIC. It does seem that there has been a surge in popularity, and the Australian Eagle Pack headquarters have grossly underestimated demand. When I couldn't get what I needed from Petstock, I also had to start a new search, and ended up using Pet's Pantry http://www.petspantry.com.au/ Michael was great, he found 2 x 6.8kg bags of the Lamb variety, and delivered them on the same day I ordered for the price of the 13.6kg bag. These are now almost empty, and my Petstock still has no stock, so I had to call Michael again today, and all I could get was 13.6kg of the Duck variety, but once again, he delivered it today, and I called at 2pm! I believe he still had some stock of the Chicken and Seafood varieties left. Now I just have to keep calling Petstock in hope of getting my free bag!

LM: We will be there with bells on, but I'm sad we won't be seeing you guys! I'll look forward to October! dobesrock: I believe it's on Sunday 12th. Your friend and their dog are most welcome, our meet is not limited to DOL members Doggies: pip1981- Dakota and Tika Yummies: pip1981- plates, cups, cutlery, condiments, marinated chicken wings, pasta salad and more... :D

Great pics Pointees! Thanks for the shot of my grubby girl

Great pics Evolving! I especially love the one of Echo standing majestically on the rock, just beautiful. Was lovely to meet a Leo in the flesh, Luna is such a pretty girl... dobesrock: was also lovely to meet you and your family (humans included) I'm afraid I didn't take any pics, I'm just here to steal enjoy everyone else's.

Wasn't it just lovely!! Can't wait to see pics! Oh, and yes, that sounds like a goer indeed!!!!

Hahaha, I was shopping today and I thought the same thing about the lack of salad LM, so I added some supermarket potato and pasta salads to my trolley, and opted for doughnuts rather than cake. I've decided against bringing Tika, she's coming towards the end of her anti-inflammatories, I thought I'd better not risk it, don't want to undo all of her progress. Pointees and LC: Hope you can both make it, wouldn't be the same without you! Doggies: pip1981- Dakota Lappiemum - Boof, Tasha and Sohvi Kirst_goldens and John luna's owner - Luna the Leo Hannah - no dogs this time Groupfive - Flash OR Rain Pointees - April, Alexis and Shaun Lucycharzie - Charlotte and maybe Rupie Rottisliebe - 4 Rotties, not sure which ones though? dobesrock - Acheron & Odie Evolving - Bobby Echo Alera SmoothieGirl - Bronte keroppiyo - Buffy Who's Bringing What: pip1981- marinated chicken wings, pasta salad, potato salad, jam donuts, plates, cutlery, cups, condiments, etc. Lappiemum - 1 doz ea rissoles & sausages, marinated pork spare ribs plates, cups, cutlery, BBQ cooking stuff and sauces Kirst_goldens - Chippies and some soft drink pls advise any fav flavours Hannah - ceasar salad Daisy - Dip and crackers Pointees - Fairy bread and pigs ears Lucycharzie - Extra $5 Rottisliebe - not sure? I might grab some bread and rolls maybe? dobesrock - something yummy for desert, (thinking homemade baked cheesecake) Evolving - Muffins keroppiyo - sandwiches

hey groupfive: I've started the thread for you! Hope LM doesn't mind ;) http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=202025 LC: It would be great if Rupie could come along, but even if he can't, I'm sure you aren't expected to be there 24/7, he'll be fine if he's used to being left while the owners work, etc. We would miss you guys too much if you didn't come at all!!!

Hi Guys! Hope I'm not stepping on your toes Lappiemum, didn't think you'd mind if I started this thread up! It's getting close!! Our next meet is this SUNDAY 8TH AUGUST!! We usually kick off at about 10am, we are officially booked in until 2pm, but a few of us hang around a bit longer than that. All the other info you need, is pinned here- http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=98062 Feel free to join us!! Ask any questions you have here, and a regular will be glad to answer. If you'd like to come, just cut and paste the list from below and add yourself, your dog/s, and what you plan to bring for lunch! ------------------- Doggies: pip1981- Dakota, maybe Tika Food: pip1981- marinated chicken wings, cake, plates, cutlery, cups, condiments, etc. -------------------- Looking forward to seeing you all, Carissa ;)

Thanks LC, that's very re-assuring. I am already noticing improved movement after only 4 doses of anti-inflams, so that's a good sign I guess. I shouldn't really be letting her find opportunities to jump, but last night she followed Dakota, running into the bedroom, and when Dakota jumped on the bed, she followed suit! I was secretly excited to see her jump, but I will make sure she can't do that again I'm really happy that Charlotte's doing so well, even if she is a silly duffa! Pointees/Evolving: You guys crack me up! (but I do appreciate the support) I'm off work today, called in sick. I'm all headachy lately, but in all honesty I think it's just mental exhaustion, so I plan on having a relaxing day at home (if the girls will let me...).

Thanks Evolving!

I know, I feel the same way SM, it's so sad to think of all the doggies that don't get the life ours do... My Dad was out and about on the weekend, ended up at a lookout near Bendigo somewhere, I believe in a park type area, when they spotted a cardboard box. Turned out it was empty, but then Dad spotted two little eyes spying on his from the hollow of a tree trunk! It was a severely malnourished Staffy x puppy, all by himself, scared into a tree trunk! I nearly cried when Dad told me. He had been left there in that box, sealed up, and broken his way out, but obviously to scared to go too far. I have tears just re-telling it now. I'm still scared there were more pups, but they couldn't find any at the time. He's now safely in quarantine at the RSPCA, hopefully being a young boy, he will find a good home, but the attendants there apparently said he should weigh around 10kg for his age, and he weighed in at 5kg! It's disgusting what some can do to helpless babies. All they had to do was drop him at the local vet at the very least, they wouldn't even have to admit any fault, just say they found him if they must...grrrr. As for Tika's future, no decisions have been made, nor have we had discussions with the relevant parties....it's kind of backward now that we know she's fairly well. We were 100% committed to her in the event that she did have HD, as it would have been very difficult to find her the perfect home, but now that she's most likely fine for re-homing, some serious thinking needs to happen... to be concluded! lol

such a beautiful story, thanks for sharing old Ray with us!

Welcome FrostyPaws! All the best for your future with this lovely breed! See you in the Spitz thread

Hi Everyone! I've just posted this in the Spitz thread, but I thought Kepala friends might like to know too... "I thought I'd better pop in with an update on Tika, our foster girl... She was x-rayed on Monday, thanks to the lovely and sweet Bindii (who also had her overnight before-hand), Thank-you so much!! To our great surprise and delight, Tika is HD free, in fact, Bindii informs me that the vet said her hips are just great! The source of the problem is actually her right stifle (rear right knee), which appears inflamed and slightly arthritic. As I understand it (Bindii, correct me if I'm wrong), the vet seemed to think Tika has experienced some form of trauma at some stage, even a minor incident, in which she has damaged her cruciate ligament, but not totally torn it. Left untreated it has become inflamed and the joint is now slightly arthritic. I'm guessing the cold weather and all the activity with Dakota has also probably aggravated it in her time with us, and thus, it has become more obvious than it was to her previous owners. The vet recommended we give some anti-inflammatories a try, and believes it will heal over time. However, there is also the possibility that she will eventually completely rupture the ligament and require surgery. Overall, none of that is anywhere near as serious/problematic as HD, so we are all VERY HAPPY!!! I now believe the loss of muscle condition in her general hip area and the occasional loss of footing on the front legs, is simply due to lack of full use of the rear right leg, and possible overcompensation of her other legs and joints, etc. So, now that we know her hips are ok, we feel more confident to walk her and try and build up some muscle condition, while still being careful of the injured leg." This probably means, if she's still at our place next Kepala meet, she will have to sit it out, might be a bit much at the moment, we'll see. But, Dakota and I are certainly looking forward to it! Spitzbabe: We look forward to meeting you, can you tell us about your dog/dogs?

Good luck TLC, Lacy and Tully!

I drive an older Commodore Station Wagon (VT '92), with a cargo barrier, and I love the practicality of it all. Even my old thing has power steering, I've never found it hard to manoeuvre into carparks, etc. I will admit, they are not the most fuel economical cars, being family sized 6 cylinders, but they're great for dogs, kids, camping, bringing home new appliances, small furniture, etc (as the barrier easily comes out and the back seats fold down of course). I only have one medium sized dog of my own, when we go camping, we can fit other things in the back with her (secured of course), and she still has plenty of room to stretch out. And here's an example of how 4 doggies can fit in the back.. Having said all of that, I'm updating soon, to...you guessed it..a later model Commodore Wagon, hehehe. Note: The current models don't seem to have anywhere near as much room in the back, and have been re-named 'Sportwagons'