Starkehre

I mentioned in a previous post how Jed is a fav DOLer of mine. What I am reading in other peoples' posts here is indicative of what I meant by that. It seems many feel the same way. Jed has touched so many of us including myself with her wisdom, insight and matter of factness about how she conducts herself. She has so much passion for her dogs, clearly adores them and feels so strongly about her principles and ideals. On several occassions I have said to myself..."God I wish Jed would start breeding my breed, as I want to purchase a puppy from her"... or "maybe I should change my breed so I can purchase a puppy from her" An element of tongue in cheek, but my admiration for this woman is immense and genuine. Like so many other on here, I only know Jed from reading her posts, yet I am overwhelmed and astonished at just how hugely even I am effected by this devastating news. I am unable to stop crying and feel so much empathy for Jed and her animals. Jed, please feel the love we are sending you. It is so important that you pull through. You have family that love and need you, animals that love and need you, and the dog world most definitely needs you.

donation done. I am so in shock about this. Just can't believe it. Love to you Jed.

OMG, just saw this. Oh Jed, is my fav DOLer. I am so so sad for her. A wonderful lady. No one deserves this. Julie I am making a donation as soon as I have posted this. Do we have details on the extent of Jed's injuries? I hope she is OK Jed, I wish you the speediest of recoveries. I know you will be keen to get home and see your babies. I am so sorry for your loss. Absolutely devastated.

+ 1 Also, being that none of us here can see what sort of a handler you are with this pup, it is really difficult for us to suggest help regarding what to do around the home. As others have already mentioned, I too am of the opinion that perhaps there needs to be more calmness created by the adults in a general sense and a lot more calm, structured handling of the dog. With the child having these issues, there needs to be even more handling of this dog in a calm, controlled manner than in any other pup in household situation. ie pup laying quietly on mat, pup in crate, pup in house on leash. Lots of quiet sitting and stays in down position. Very difficult for any pup, let alone this wonderfully lively breed, but something that is a must to embark on if there is any chance of the child over coming this fear. I also recommend getting your girl some councelling/psychology. It is going to be a huge task to take on. Probably doable. but, if you are not up for the hard yards, perhaps rehoming the pup might be best for all concerned. Just MO

Oh, dear, don't go there, dyzney sorry Jed....

Agreed. A full bladder and setting pup up to foul the crate is far worse than the slight possibility of pup perhaps getting thirsty. Particularly this time of year... it is usually not hot at night. I also ensure I can hear pup, so if by chance there is heavy panting, I will take out for an extra trip and a little drink. I set alarm at 2am for one empty every night for first 1-2 weeks, then all my pups hang on no problems after that. Some within the first week.

Not in any particular order.... Rottweiler (have) Dobermann (have had) Borzoi French Bulldog Greyhound (have had) Italian Greyhound Bull Terrier (have had) Great Dane Deer Hound Wolf Hound There is a very strong possibility that I will end up having at least one or more from the list of ones I have not yet owned.

From the dimensions you have shown, the XL is most definitely the most appropriate size for your GR into adulthood. I understand and appreciate that your main application for the crate is crate training for whilst the dog is a pup, but I feel almost certain the you will find great benefit for using the crate at other times also during your dog's life. Crates are amazing handy tools to have for teaching respect of confinement when need be, also protection for your pup/dog when visitors come over. Crating helps teach your pup/dog to feel comfortable in his.her own company, which is a very integral component when raising a pup. Also your dog may well very quickly decide that he/she wants to sleep in the crate every night, and there is nothing wrong with that provided it also suits you. I would not advise you attempt to cramp any GR into any of the other sizes once fully grown for over night stays. Having said this, you MIGHT get away with the Large if your GR is a bitch and is expected to grow under Breed Standard in height, and you have absolutely no intentions of crating the dog in adulthood. Best wishes with your new baby.

When will people learn??? It is ignorant owners like this that are slowly but surely ruining dog ownership for the rest of us responsible dog owners. I hope your auntie and her lovely dogs are OK. Very shocking thing for them to have had endured. So not fair.

I am getting an H1 Hummer for me and the dogs. Oops, there I go dreaming again :D

OP, are you even positive the bitch actually went to WA to whelp?

Glad Fern has come through surgery well.

Thinking of you and Fern, chicken. Please let us know how she goes.

A dam shame that your friends' (owners of the blind dog) friends felt that their ignorant judgemental comment was required. Now your friend has been hurt by these people and are left questioning their decision. When will people learn to live and let live. If the dog in question is healthy and happy, then it is fine. By all accounts, this is the case.

MP, you have been through so much. Please remember to take care of yourself at this sad and draining time. And please take comfort in knowing that Miko would not have had any better chance had he been adopted out elsewhere. He was so lucky to be a failed foster with you. You offered him the very best of chances. It is so sad that he was not in good health. So very hard to be as dedicated to loving Miko as you are to have made the very best decision for him to have his wings. Take your time in grieving. RIP baby boy Miko

Fantastic photos DA. Thanks for posting

ha, small world hey ladies. Thanks Rellie for popping in and responding for me.

In that case he may have either spotted other dogs cocking whilst out, or has noticed the scent of other dog's unrination in high to reach places (posts, trees etc) and therefore has to cock to have his scent reach over the top of them. Just my thoughts anyway.

Leg cocking is often considerd to be a learned behaviour. Has he spent time recently with other dogs that cock?

Maybe, maybe not. I have never owned a dog that asks to be let out to pee. And that would be because when they are inside (which is all night and on and off during the day) I always ensure I let them out for an empty before they are busting to go. I guess just the way I hve always done it.

Jag serving drinks at the saloon bar

Jag and Dyzney sitting outside the saloon

Countrywide Cottages We have just returned from a 3 night stay at Countrywide. Ravyk made mention of this place in opening Vic stay post. Thanks Ravyk. I swear, we had the absolute best time. When we first arrived, we were greeted in our cottage with quiet playing relaxing music. There were home made dog biscuits laid out and also biscuits for us. A decanter of port with lovely glasses on a platter. Just gorgeous. Then when I walked out the back door onto the high rise verandah, the local King Parrots all flew down to see if I was going to dish out some of the parrot mix provided. One fed from my hand. The dogs had a ball. Having 2 Rottis, it is not always easy to find accommodation that is so welcoming. The host Di had no reservations whatsoever regarding the dogs (size or breed). We took our 8 sided pen for them for an extra spot to contain them if needed, but we only used it once for a couple of hrs while we were having professional massages in our cottage. There are secured fencing around the verandah to keep the dogs in and they are also very welcome inside. Di provides sheets to cover the couches for the dogs, but we kept ours either on their mats next to the heater or in their crates at night. The cottage was spotless. I am a real fuss pot when it comes to staying away from home and get all freaked out if there is any residual dirt from other guests. Nothing like that. Absolutely spotless. I felt sort of weird letting the dogs in. When we had a camp fire outside on the 2nd day, the dogs just wandered within our area and stayed in sight anyway. The area around the cottage is cleared so it sort of provides a boundary of sorts and then thickly covered with trees and bracken, so the dogs did not wander off anyway. We hardly saw any other guests for the entire duration. the property is set up in a way that is very private and secluded, which was exactly what we wanted. I am sure during peak season and weekends there would have been more dogs and kids wandering around, but as we went mid week and off peak the other guests pretty much also stayed to themselves. On the grounds we had full rein. the enclosed dam paddock was great. the dogs swam and ran like crazy. It was lovely to see them having such a good time. In the common paddock where guests can mingle, there is a toilet, a mock saloon with a dart board and a pool table and a saddlery. We took photos there. Very cute. that paddock is another beauty for the dogs to romp and play, huge. There was a free paddock in between these 2, and one day I laid a track and did some tracking training. Just so casual and laid back. We took the dogs on walks through the adjoining forest. They loved it and so did we. Our dogs went up to Di's house and met her dog Lotti and her rabbit Pepi. We took photos, but still have not got to arranging them as yet. will post some later. I can highly recommend Countrywide Cottages to other DOLers that are looking for a dog friendly holiday in Vic. It is about a 10 minute drive from Winchelsea. We have only been home for 24 hrs and have already booked our stay for April next year. staying 4 nights next time, as 3 just was not enough.

Hi Monah, I have a very dear friend that owns and shows Foxhounds. I will get her to PM you if you like. She knows a lot about them has owned them for many many years and has worked very closely with some of the top breeders who breed them for hunting also. I also have another friend that owned one quite a few years ago. Though her dog was mainly her family pet, she also hunted with him, but on foot. Her boy was a bit aloof, quite eratic and very timid. Having said this, I believe it was largely owing to how she kept him during hunting season and the man that used to mind him for her.

Great work everyone. Keep it up. Nice to see so many having a successful weekend. Thanks jules, terranik and agility dogs.