yellowgirl

I'm afraid that was my thought too. Why put him through this, to what end? Poor little man, you would be doing him a kindness. Awful that you have to be the one to have to make the decision, I'm sorry. You know, dogs with kennel cough, pancreatitis, IBD, heart conditions and all sorts of other illnesses and ailments go through a period of being of being sick, most times it's heartbreaking for the owner to feel so helpless and see their precious pet that way. Then we take them to the vet to see what we can do for them. The emergency vet didn't for one second indicate that Raffi should be put down, he encouraged me to see my own vet on Monday. That is what I'm going to do. I want Raffi to be as comfortable as possible until then, and then my vet and I will decide what's best for Raffi. Thanks cowanbree, the emergency vet mentioned that as one of the things to discuss with my vet on Monday.

Thanks for the suggestion donatella. I'm not sure about a humidifier as moisture may make it harder for him to breath (I don't actually know though). The air purifier thingy I have here removes particles from the air as well as purifying. The main thing is to remove any minute debris that Raffi may breath in which will irritate the windpipe. Very hard to watch Kadbury, my heart is in pieces I know I'll have a very tough time at the vet consult tomorrow Sir WJ. Quality of life is the bottom line for my rescue dogs. I have several here who have medical issues but none are in pain or lack a good quality of life. We do medications, supplements, chiropractic assistance, whatever is needed to make sure they are happy and comfortable. I'm very aware that this is a different scenario I mainly wanted some advice about keeping him as comfortable as possible until I can get more advice from my vet.

I have a little rescue boy called 'Raffi' here who came in on Wednesday, he's a Pomeranian and is around 14 years old. I understand that he was adopted from the pound at one stage and then returned because he was coughing. He hadn't coughed here to any great degree until yesterday. By late evening it was getting much worse and just before midnight his gums started going white. Poor little bloke was exhausted. I took him to the emergency vet and the vet said it was definitely a collapsing trachea, nothing they can do except prescribe Linctol syrup for his sore throat. The syrup does nothing, Raffi coughed through most of the night, probably an hour was about the longest he went without coughing. He's been coughing on and off all day today, the longest break between bouts was about two hours but generally it's been around every 15 minutes to half hour. He's getting really bad again now. Today I washed all the dogs' bedding to get rid of any dust, dirt, dander, etc, mopped the floor with just hot water, dragged the air purifier out of the shed and got that going to remove any impurities in the air (it's the one recommended for asthma sufferers), he's on the heated pet bed, he's snuggled in a jumper and he's had his syrup. He's still coughing and gagging and getting worse and my heart is breaking for him. I have 3 other senior dogs here with mild collapsing tracheas and they're no problem to manage. I can't seem to do anything for little Raffi. He's going to my regular vet tomorrow. I know there's no point going to the emergency vet again as they can't do anything different to what they did last night. It's tearing me up listening to him and he's getting so tired. Does anyone have ANY advice, anything at all to help my little bloke through the night??

Sorry to hear about your Border Collie, xyzed I can relate, my 11 year old Chinese Crested was diagnosed with kidney disease last year. I'm not a fan of Science Diet either. What works for my little girl is the Tucker Time roll and Nutro Lite dry. Both are low in fat, phosphorus and salt. She also has a sprinkling of calcium powder on her food twice a day. I can't say that this would be the right thing for your boy, but for my Pepper it's working beautifully. Also, we only use preservative-free food here, including treats. No Schmakos, Good-Os or anything like that. You're welcome to PM me if you like :) eta - you don't want a food low in phosphorus AND calcium, low phosphorus yes, but the ratio of calcium needs to be higher than the phosphorus

I currently use Nutro Lite for our seniors here but I'm quite interested in trying the Black Hawk. Two questions - what exactly is the content of the 'lamb meal' which is listed as the first ingredient, and can you tell me when the light variety will be available :)

Just came across this by accident http://www.facebook.com/PoundRoundsDoesNotSupportRescueHatePages

Thanks Meea ... see my post above, we saw Matthew yesterday :D . Marvan has quite a few 'compensatory issues' from the amputation which have affected his back, rear legs and remaining front leg. He's not in any pain thank goodness and Matthew has recommended Cartrophen injections.

Well, I'm another one on the list of people who would recommend Matthew! What a lovely man, and very thorough and comprehensive in his examination and diagnosis. Marvan has quite a lot of issues due to his missing leg - Matthew says it was amputated, it doesn't make any difference to Marvan's care but SO interesting to finally find out! Marvan needs Cartrophen injections and my vet agrees with everything Matthew said. We started the Cartrophen today. There's more info (and even a piccie!) on our facebook page :) Thanks everyone, I'm so glad I did this :D

Thanks for this thread EtH, it was just the info I was looking for! I wasn't sure if I should be looking at a chiro or physio for my rescue boy (http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/236229-chiro-or-physio/page__gopid__5794080#entry5794080) but I've made an initial appointment with Matthew for tomorrow at 3pm Have you looked into it for Esky yet? I'll update my thread tomorrow and let you know how we went :) Consult is $100. Thanks for the recommendations everyone! :D

Thanks Arcane and Delta Charlie :) I've made an appointment with Matthew for tomorrow afternoon . The consult fee was a bit more than I was expecting but it's worth if someone who knows what they're doing can take a look at my boy :) Will let you know how we go!

Hi Meea, did any of your dogs have a front leg amputated? We recently rehomed a gorgeous little Pom who needed a rear leg amputated and it was absolutely no problem for her, she bounced right back as if nothing had happened, you wouldn't even know that she'd lost it :D But losing a front leg is more stressful on the body as the dog needs to work harder to get around. Just want to make sure I'm doing all I can for Marvan's comfort as he's 12 years old and I can see he's getting tired more easily now.

I just saw Esky's thread (http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/236094-canine-chiro-sa/), which I read with great interest as I want to have one of my resident rescue dogs seen by a professional. Marvan is a 12 year old Terrier cross and has a missing front leg. He gets tired very easily, obviously it's a lot of work moving about with just one front leg. My vet wasn't sure if he'd been born that way or if the leg had been amputated, but from what she could feel she certainly didn't think he'd had a recent amputation. When Marvan arrived in December there was a large 'fatty' area surrounding the remaining bone of the missing limb and it was hard to feel anything through it. That fatty area has gradually diminished and now the bone itself is easy to feel. I have no idea what the fatty area was or why it's now gone. I don't know if it had anything to do with the fact that when he arrived he was very underweight and had a terrible skin infection - maybe it was the body's way of protecting that area? I want to make sure I'm doing everything possible for him so his remaining front leg and torso are strong enough to keep taking his weight. I'd like someone to be able to explain his bone positioning (eg. shoulder blades are out of whack) and which areas I need to focus on for his optimum health and strength. I'd be interested to know if he was born without the leg or if it had been amputated. Do I need the Chiropractor or Physio for these questions? Or both?

Same here.

yeap, but another thing to throw in just to confuse things a bit more and make sure it doesn't seem like they are related back to PR is that people are now starting up rescue's on a social networking site, the people starting these 'rescues' are PR people in some way, some are in other states, some are in the same area. So someone may not even know they are really getting a dog through PR's......... hope this makes some sense Yes, I'm afraid that does make sense Malti . Facebook has been a fantastic source of support for my little group, I've been lucky enough to have met so many wonderful people because of it, but when it's used to prey on people's emotions and guilt them into donating it's just evil, and it's happening all the time. And the ethical rescues get lumped into the mess when the crap hits the fan with the dodgy ones I know that the dodgy SA group here take dogs through them. If the release fees and transport are paid for by PR it just makes it easier for them to get more dogs. PR also actively push dogs onto this particular rescue too, they know they'll take just about anything.

Now, hang on a minute! Wasn't the dog that was the catalyst for this thread fostered through PR, returned to PR, was then kenneled by PR, was assessed by PR, sent to another foster carer with PR and subsequently advertised for rehoming by PR?

I'm confused. In just one thread PR says they don't rescue or foster dogs themselves, but in another post someone says they have friends who foster for PR, and another lady she says she adopted her dog from PR. I don't really understand why they're telling people to contact PR if they're interested in a dog, they've said (in the same thread) that many of the dogs don't have rescue and are encouraging people to adopt, so wouldn't it be easier for potential adopters to contact the pound directly? There's lots of conflicting information in that one thread (several obvious deletions too). I didn't see the other comments posted there (took me a while to work out that I needed to put the damn thing on Posts by Page, not Highlights *sigh*) but I want to add that the volunteers who are trying to save these dogs honestly believe that they're doing the right thing. People volunteer because they want to make a difference and that's what these volunteers think they are doing. When you're IN a rescue org it's very easy to believe that what you're doing is right and everyone else is wrong, and people will fight to the death for their group. I've seen it in a large rescue group here, the volunteers are amazing, hardworking and doing everything they can to help the dogs. The problem is at the top of the chain, that's where the changes need to be made. Most of the time the volunteers have no idea of what's really going on, or even what's right or wrong in rescue. They're focused on the dogs and making a difference... that's it. And when things go wrong, it's the volunteers who run around like mad trying to make everything right. Not the dumbasses at the top, the volunteers. And as long as that keeps happening, nothing will change. I know of many volunteers who have been used and abused until they're able to see the reality of the situation, but the org couldn't care less if they leave, here are always more volunteers waiting in the wings to help 'save the dogs'. The PR facebook page is run by volunteers, if you post there they will fight you, they 100% believe they're helping the dogs. That's the problem, 'these' types of rescues get good, kind hearted people to do their dirty work for them, meanwhile it's still rotten at the top, but the volunteers are bearing the brunt of everything that's wrong. Just my thoughts on it all ...

Oh, he uses several different emails and usernames Chezal58 . But he keeps using your original post, so it's not 'too' hard to find him. After chasing him most of last weekend, my computer started acting funny, freezing up and making funny noises. It's almost unusable now and I've had to borrow a laptop for the time being. I hope it's not him hacking into my computer! All seemed very coincidental, but I don't know enough about the technological side of things to know if it's him

THIS is very concerning... Amp, I now donate ONLY to a rescue's actual vet, if they say that's not possible or push their bank account or paypal buttons I won't donate. I also ask people who offer to help my own rescue to donate direct to my vet, that way they know for sure that they're helping the dogs and know exactly where their money is going. Hope that helps :)

I'm having trouble with this group being called a 'rescue'. From what I've seen and heard they take dogs from the pound and hand them over to anyone who puts their hand up, doesn't seem to matter if they are a known dog hoarder, unethical rescue,or backyard breeder as long as the dog gets out of the pound. Undesexed, aggressive, sick, doesn't seem to matter, they're just handed over to anyone who says yes I want to rescue this dog! The few good news stories doesn't make the rest of it okay. The way this group operates is NOT rescue, it is NOT in the best interests of the dogs, it is NOT in the best interests of the community. It is irresponsible and an accident waiting to happen. Oh wait ... To Kizzyneo, I'm so very, very sorry about what happened to your precious little dog. This wasn't something you could have known would happen and my heart just breaks for the grief you must be suffering. To be fair, it seems that no one was aware of the aggression in the foster dog, especially as it had been okay with your other dog for three days, but now that the group IS aware of the facts, you should never have been put in the position of having to take the blame, not to mention all the extra grief they've put you through while trying to cover their own arses. It's unspeakable! And for this group to then list this dog for rehoming as a FAMILY PET! ... I don't even have the words. I am just so sorry that this happened to you and that your own darling dog paid the price. I can't even imagine your pain, I actually tried to imagine this scenario happening to one of my dogs and I couldn't take it. Please know that you are not the bad guy in this, you did nothing wrong. I'm so, so sorry .. edited three weeks to three days.

That's a really good way of putting it keetamouse ... and true :) Thanks K9angel :) And guess what? We've just had a brilliant meet and greet with a potential adopter, and it's love on both sides! +1. I am eagerly awaiting his response (cheque!) Haven't heard back yet guys.

I'm glad you found love with a rescue dog Perry's Mum :) I'm not familiar with Koolie rescue, do they rehome their dogs for no charge? You're right that we need a big education campaign. Glad to hear that you're helping to make a difference to rescue dogs :) 'Middle aged' ... I like that wording tdierikx! :) Yep, our Angel covers all the things you mentioned, it's also likely that she's less than 10, that was the pound's estimation based on her condition at the time she was there. She does seem younger now that she's experienced love, is in good health and in a safe environment. Thanks cryptic, I agree, it's important to treat questions and enquiries with respect. People aren't going to know the facts if we don't interact with them, but if we respond in a negative way, we've pretty much lost that person... and we all know how much people love to 'share' and 'facebook' everything these days.

I'm not too fussed if it's genuine Tweety, and if someone is stirring up trouble because they really believe that rescue dogs are a rip off, them I'm glad to have given them the facts about the situation. You never know, it might even get through to the source of the trouble makers. Doggies in the sig pic are Henry and Angel ... I love it too! One of those beautiful moments when I happened to have a camera with me :D My sentiments exactly, he would be scratched off the list so fast. Like you say if he is bitching about the price for her then imagine how he is going to be about forking out for any future veterinary treatment that may arise, as does with older dogs. Some people......... But then, maybe he's one of the many who don't understand how rescue works, and why a dog is 'worth something' to the rescuer. Maybe he thinks differently now .. we can only hope :) That's what I was thinking Pepe001, rescue is new to a lot of people, especially those of us who grew up thinking that dogs came from friends or from the paper, and I think it's worth explaining the concept to people who aren't familiar with it. You know yourself that you only knew what you knew until you were educated otherwise, and that's the key, education. It would be great if the media could get on board a bit more. Congratulations on your beautiful new girl! Wishing you lots of love and enjoyment together for many years to come! Actually RSPCA and AWL charge an average of $400 for most of their dogs - it is not a cheap option really as a lot of people think. I wasn't sure how much they were charging these days lavendergirl. Same price as most rescues, again with all the work done.

Agree! When someone is aware of what goes into ethical rescue, then the cost makes sense. YG, your response provides that information. I wonder if there's a way of weaving such facts into the Pet Rescue profile.....without making it too long? Thanks Mita. I guess the gentleman who read Angel's profile missed all the information I listed about her vet work and surgeries. He seems to be one of those people who think rescue and/or senior dogs have no value, and appears to be quite insulted that he should have to pay actual money for the dog because I imagine that in his mind he would be doing me the favour by taking her off my hands . I wonder if weaving too much more information into her profile about the cost would just look like I'm trying to justify it? I might put that info on our website though as it would be a good way to explain the process of rescue and adoption... thanks for the idea :) I do hope he rings a vet and actually sees for himself how much all these things cost WeimMe. That's a good way to respond Cami. I also agree that when someone takes the time to explain (in a respectful way) how things work in rescue, people take that on board much better than being ignored or made to feel ignorant ... and lets face it, we're all ignorant until someone explains something to us, it just depends on how that message is relayed as to how much that information will be taken on board.

Thanks Weasels, it's really the only way to change people's minds I think. I guess the theory is that senior dogs may not have as many years left as a puppy or young dog and some may think it's unfair to pay the same price for something that won't last as long. But from our end, they still need all the same work as any dog in rescue and still have so much love to give ... they're worth every cent :) Thanks Leema, if I'd jumped down this guys throat I wouldn't have any hope of getting the message across. If it means keeping calm enough to reach one person at a time to educate them about rescue I can only hope it may have made a difference to his perception. True Puppy Sniffer ... I'd rather take care of a senior dog than a senior person though, much easier ..lol I think a lot of people may look at the initial adoption fee as maybe being a bit steep for 'what they're getting'. Once explained I hope that potential adopters will see the reasons for the fee. And yes, you're right that the little dogs can have quite a good lifespan. It's certainly our hope that they'll give their new owners several years of unconditional love :) You're right Purdie, that all adds up too of course. And these littlies often need coats or jumpers when the weather gets cold too.

I've just received this email from a gentleman via the PetRescue site, in regards to Angel. Her profile is here http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/150576 " Name: ****** Phone: ******** Email: *******.com Message: Gee, I'm so keen to adopt Angel, but $300 for a ten year old dog?? This website is more like a business than a charity!" My reply: " Hi ****, Angel comes desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed, heartwormed, flea treated and fully vet checked. Angel has also had a dental, and like many of the neglected dogs that come to us, she needed to have rotting, infected teeth removed. Dentals and extractions are a costly procedure but essential for the health of the dog. Angel also had two tumours removed. Everything that this precious girl needed has been taken care of by us prior to her adoption. Yes, she is 10 years old but she has a lot of life and love to give and ALL her vetwork is done. Most rescues charge at least $400 for their dogs although this rarely covers the amount of money a rescue has spent on a dog prior to adoption. We reduce our fee as our dogs are older, but they have had the same vet work done as the younger and more expensive dogs from other rescues. Perhaps you'd like to ring a local vet and ask how much the above list of procedures would cost? I can't speak for other rescue groups, but at Little Legs we never cover our losses, but we keep going because the dogs are worth it. I hope that's answered any questions you may have in regards to rescue dogs. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or enquiries. Kind regards, Jo Little Legs Dog Rescue." I really think there needs to be more education about rescue dogs and the costs involved. I assume by 'the website' he's referring to PetRescue. I wanted to reply succinctly and without being defensive to the man who emailed, to explain the adoption prices and the work that goes into ethical rescue prior to adoption. I hope I explained it well enough so he might rethink his opinion. Just a little vent really ... ;)