FeralSam

Actually, I as thinking that if you're feeling a little revengeful have yourself a really rich yummy meal then when you feel like 'expressing', close yourself in the smallest room in the house WITH ATLAS and 'let it rip' !! Sorry, all too funny! Sam

My dog (GSD) was raced to animal emergency for suspected bloat but turned out to be intestines which had double twisted (horizontal then vertical). Whilst under they also performed a gastropexy for future safety. Once home I had to feed her 5 times a day with a bland mix of rice & meat. From memory the routine lasted for about 10-15 days. She returned eventually to her normal diet which was dog biscuits alternated with meat/rice/vegies. My vet never steered me away from any particular foods but indicated viligance to such things as gulping food down, eating huge portions and exercising too soon after eating. I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery. Sam

Oh boy, can I relate to that. I decided not too take her ladyship and was feeling a little guilty about that. She's since decided to come on heat so the decision is final. It just means that I'll have to spend some decent time with her on Sunday and wear her a out a little with training and chasing Donkey Kongs! After that I'm sure she'll be happy to rest in the pen with big, juicy bone! Thanks for that! I wasn't sure how obvious they were. Yeh, I could definitely use one for work too. Might get something done without the interruptions! lol

Congratulations Anne. I'm sure Jake will have a ball and make you proud! I've been playing with Heidi in the yard and set up a couple of tyres and a walking ramp. It was mainly for a bit of variation but she seems to enjoy it. I think it might make for another interesting avenue for her. We hope to be re-attending ADT at Berwick so look out for us! (Not hard, you know me, flat on my face being dragged by an excited dog! lol) Well done!! Sam

I've just spotted the thread, what a bugger! Funny how things turn out, 'cause my Tai-Chi classes have changed to Wed nights so I wouldn't be able to attend eitherway. Good Luck to Connor, hoping for a clean bill of health. Sam

Alison, What does Tyler's jacket look like? BTW, I'm sure there are many DOLers, myself included who would be happy to line up for you. Sam

Just saw the ABC's news/weather on TV. Their Sunday forecast is: 'FINE 27', CLOUDY WITH WINDS, LATE CHANGE' Late change?? To what??? Typical Melbourne weather. Sounds like we'll need both the sunscreen and a jumper. Sam

OK, i give up! I tried to get a weather report but the best was a 4 day forecast which only takes us up to Saturday. I suppose we'll have to re-post forecasts in a day or two. I'm definitely going Sunday but only taking one dog. At the last Lure Coursing Heidi totally went 'Blonde' on me. Stayed totally focused until it started then loped a few paces off the wrong way and decided to sniff the air, look at butterflies or something! Anyway, she's supposed to be trained more along the lines of gundog trials so bolting after moving objects is not acceptable. Matt who is so noise-shy, acts the doofy dunce, 'roll over and submit' type totally stumped me! Took off like a rocket with focussed intent and showed no signs of his usual submissive, insecure self. My Oh My, how the little tacker is growing up! He'll never make a gundog but I think we might have found something else to focus on! For your viewing pleasure, this is Matt (and yes, he'll be helping me carry stuff on the day). Sam

Hi Darren, This was my first visit to lure coursing and I doubt it'll be my last. Thanks for your feedback and communicae. Personally, I appreciate your comments as they reinforce the welcome and comradery which essentially, is what it's all about. Although being a dog owner, I have never integrated into clubs or associations so this is a new ball game for me. I have contemplated scenarious of rosters and formats to maximise the number of dogs/runs that could be held in one day. As yet I haven't come up with a plan that makes sense (it's in my mind somewhere!) so there's no point presenting you with gibbersih nonsense. Nevertheless, if I can sort it into some form of logic I'll email you my suggestions. (Promise you won't laugh if they're silly or unpractical!) Looking forward to the chance of speaking in person. Sam

Thanks for posting the dates. I'm putting them in the diary with a RED PEN! My younger dog who only came for the socialisation (he's a little on the shy side) ended up having 2 runs at the suggestion of Hedds (Good Girl!). He stumped me with his keeness! I only put him in at the last minute thinking he'd run around a little and do lots of sniffing. Looks like I've found a good outlet for him. I also arrived at 4pm being as I had to bring friends and they didn't want to turn up early. Next time I'm going on my own so I've got plenty of time to set up & get tickets. They can come later in their own car. After all... IT"S ALL ABOUT THE DOGS! ;)

Bugger, I hate dial-up! Watching the spider weave a cobweb between the laptop and my head while waiting for the screen to load! I'm going to look at all of them tomorrow at work, with broadband! PC, thanks a trillion. Not is it great to look at the photos but with so many it's like reliving the day. Happy to see you got a good one of my little boy 'cause I only ran him at someone else's suggestion and he took to it like a duck to water! I was disappointed that I didn't get a shot of him. Will be in touch to get a copy! Thanks again. Sam

Hey Jeff, can our lure machine be modified so we can attach soft toys also? My Heidi saw no purpose in chasing a plastic bag but I reckon her soft toy duckie would be too tempting to resist! A BBQ sounds great! We could spent day one constructing, checking & testing the unit followed by the traditional celebration of fire & water (that's chinese for BBQ & drinks!) On day two we could nurse dizzy hangovers whilst watching our dogs put the unit to the test!! When, Where, Who??? Huh, Huh?? :D

Nat, excellent lot of shots. What would happen if you weren't there! I brought my camera but my friends didn't take any photos so we'll just have to run again! Nekhbet, I'll second the workin' bee. Maybe we should start a new post for this project??? Get some feedback on interest and potential of it actually happening. Sam

OK Graham, You've got the job of technician and course overseer! Hey, We could modify your post into a shopping list and allocate each person a piece to obtain. Have it running in no time! Off to look at the pics.

Ah Nekhbet, you pressed your reply button a fraction before me! I wrote: Hedds, your right about the job. Bit like being a tax-collector. So guys, what would it take to have an independant lure-coursing set up? The ridgy's might appreciate a second course being available, too. Could that penned area be used? Alternate fortnights to the Ridgy's club day. What would be the legal requirements, etc? May as well have a brainstorm. Sam Editted cause I missed a bit!

Bugger: Double post

Whilst we're still waiting for the pic's, could some seasoned courser please explain how they worked out who's next to run cause I'm really confused after today. I was only allowed to buy one ticket at a time. When it was next my turn (at least in respect to ticket number) I had to wait while 2 lots of dogs were allowed to run. It was explained to me the it was the Ridgebacks' club & therefore they were allowed to run, or something like that. I suppose that's fair enough. What confused me was that after I managed to get a 2nd ticket and patiently wait my turn, I saw a pair with ridgebacks run their dogs three times within about 25 mins. I also overheard another couple saying they finally were able to get one run. Don't get me wrong I'm not having a go at anyone but I cant figure out how the system works as many people seemed to miss out whilst others got numerous runs.

Yeh, someone pleeease put up some photos. I had enough to do handling my 2 without trying to take pikkies! We had a complete turnaround at our camp. My gun-ho dog was totally disinterested in the bag and just loped around the pen. If they'd let me tie some fur to that bag maybe she would have been interested. My little tacker who I only ran at the urging of Hedds (Thanks!) put the other to shame and raced around soooo focused on the bag, Couldn't wait to have another go. And what about the little terriers (Sorry, the breed slips my mind). Did anyone else see the randy one who decided humping was better than coursing! :D Gotta see some photos...... Sam

Hey BT, I'm hoping to be there today too as I've never seen it before. I've only had 2 hours sleep after finishing "Lady's story" for that other thread. Still need to mow the lawns, wash clothes, etc. Nevertheless, I'm planning to be there & hopefully will be bringing my dog/dogs with me so will come over to say hi & do the crate thing. C U there! Sam

OK I'm done. Photos on their way to you. Many thanks, once again. Sam, Heidi & Matt.

YB, I'm on to it right now. Sam

and of course, Matt!!

Hey Girls, I had to share this with you! I've been so proud of my mutts as they both have been so good & really getting into their training with such enthusiasm. I decided to buy them a graduation present, check this out.... Heidi!

Oops, double post, sorry.

Yahoo! School's out for summer! Actually it's probably more like boo-hoo! I reckon' we all thoroughly enjoyed the lessons and social interaction by both owners and dogs. For my part, it was just fantastic to be around oops, hang on, Matt's ringing the bells......... back again! Where was I, ah yeah, it was just fantastic to be around people who both understand and love dogs. We don't have a lot of visitors and the few that come just don't understand the basic concepts of how to handle a dog. I've noticed a big difference in both of them which I soley attribute to Summer School and am so grateful for the opportunity to learn & train with you all. YB, be content and proud in the knowledge that you have our gratitude, respect and appreciation for your patience and guidance. A BIG APPLE FOR THE TEACHER!! Heidi, Matt & Sam Graduates: Summer School '06