k9angel

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/10872104/some-nsw-greyhounds-to-go-muzzle-free/ Greyhounds will no be longer look like the Hannibal Lecters of the canine community under a NSW program to let them ditch their muzzles. Retired greyhounds have been forced to cover up in public for 84 years, reinforcing the belief they're a dangerous breed. "It's no different from us wearing glasses or sunglasses ... but if you make someone look like Hannibal Lecter, it creates that fear and that's what we're trying to overcome," Greyhound Racing NSW'sTony O'Mara said. Former racing greyhounds will be allowed to roam muzzle-free under a new program launched by NSW's Minister for Local Government Don Page on Tuesday. Retirees will be exempt from existing muzzling laws if they pass an approved "greenhounds" retraining program and behavioural test. They must also be desexed, microchipped and registered on the Companion Animals Register for life. Approved greyhounds will be identified with a special green collar. Mr O'Mara says the initiative will help combat the common perception that the racing dog is a vicious breed and not family-friendly. "There's a lot of myths about the dogs and ... this is about having a brand that allows us to promote the greyhound as a dog distinct from its racing," he said. "(The program is) an important part of transitioning the dog from being a racing greyhound, or an athlete, to being a family pet." Mr O'Mara says he expects a four-fold increase in the number of retired greyhounds adopted by pet owners, based on figures from Victoria, Queensland and South Australia - all of which already have relaxed muzzling laws. Mr Page, himself the owner of a cross-breed greyhound, says the program is a "win-win situation" for both the racing industry and pet owners. The restrictions under the existing Companion Animals Act were outdated and "ridiculous" and needed to be changed, he said. "It means that all those greyhounds that previously were not going to be adopted by families, and possibly put down as a result, will now be adopted by loving families," he told AAP. "I love my dogs, so (there's) every chance we'll be adopting another one." Owners wishing to have their dogs exempt from the laws will have to pay $49.50 for a "greenhounds" collar, as well as the cost of an assessment.

Sending my condolences for the loss of your gorgeous Ollie Staffyluv. Please know I am thinking of you at this sad time. R.I.P. Ollie You fought a great fight for so long, run free now. xxx

I am so so sorry Staffyluv for the loss of both your husband and Ollie. Thinking of you and your boys.

Sorry to hear about your old staffy boy. Personally I would be going with a rescue dog, a registered breeder or a poundie. There are lots out there waiting for someone just like you guys to come along and give them a better life, just like you did for Jock. I'd be careful with the mature dogs that have been penned all their lives. Especially if they mean nothing to these ppl, other than breeding machines and $$$. Have they recieved much/any human interaction? Yes it would be nice to see them get a second chance and a happy ending too, but IMO they would be best off going to an experienced rescuer and being properly assessed before being put straight into pet homes. I could be wrong, maybe they have been handled and are well adjusted dogs.... but by the sounds of things in your post, chances are - they're not. I wouldn't be supporting a backyard breeder. Puppies are hard work. I have recently added a new little husky puppy to our family, from a reputable breeder, not a backyarder. She is absolutely gorgeous and the sweetest little thing, but she will require continued training (which started the day she arrived) to ensure she grows up socialised and well mannered. And she certainly keeps me on my toes, that's for sure. At least with a rescue dog, especially one that has been in care a little while - you'll know what you're getting. What their personality/temperament is like. Most already come with basic obedience training too. and most importantly, you'll be giving them a chance at a better life. Oh and you'll find most reputable rescues offer a trial period too. Have you looked through the Petrescue site? Staffy/staffy blend puppies often come into rescue too if a puppy was your preferance. Goodluck with your search.

Sorry I cannot offer any advice either. We don't have ticks here. Fingers crossed for your boy though and sending healing vibes his way.

Firstly Congrats!!! My husky girl Gyps (R.I.P.) was close to your girls age when I had my first bub, Jack. We did introductions very slowly and carefully over a period of time. I'd sit there on the lounge or edge of the bed holding bub and let her sniff his feet first with my hands half covering them. I'd let her get used of his smells and all the funny little noises he'd make. (new babies sometimes sound like cats when they cry). But she was fine and just adored him, same for my 2nd bub Bailey. I did the same thing when introducing Jack and Bailey to my other sibes. (had 7 all up back then) and thankfully there were no issues. Goodluck! and how exciting.

Appalled at the images he has seen of abused and helpless puppies, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has vowed to put the bite on illegal puppy farms. Speaking at the Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne on Sunday, Mr Baillieu outlined tough new penalties, massive fines for cruelty and equipping the RSPCA with new policing and confiscation powers to seize profits and assets from illegal puppy farms. Legislation for the powers will be introduced in the Victorian parliament this week. "We are not going to tolerate cruelty to animals," Mr Baillieu said. "These are some of the strongest laws ever introduced to protect animals from abuse and neglect. "As a dog owner, I am appalled by images I have seen of abused and helpless animals." Under the legislation, it will be compulsory for dogs and cats sold in the state to be fitted with a microchip. The new legislation will include jail terms, powers to seize assets of illegal puppy farm operators, hefty fines and 10-year bans on pet ownership for anyone found guilty of animal cruelty. Maximum penalties for puppy farms operating illegally will rise from $1195 to $20,000. Money raised from the sale of confiscated assets would go towards an Animal Welfare Fund. The new laws are in response to horror scenes discovered in some Victorian puppy farms where dogs were kept in cages and carcasses left to rot, said Mr Baillieu. Until now, the only course of action available to RSPCA inspectors when they have evidence of animal cruelty at farms is to refer their concerns to a council. The Lost Dogs home managing director Graeme Smith said his establishment takes in 10,000 dogs each year, mostly discarded young adults. "These measures will help in reducing the number of puppies born in these sorts of establishments and it will ultimately eliminate them entirely," Dr Smith said. Mr Baillieu said the discarded dogs would approve of the crackdown. "Certainly these little guys if they could speak, other than with their very charming body language, would say this is a great step," he said. http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/10732292/vic-govt-to-target-illegal-puppy-farms/

Rachel I wonder if you would be so kind as to post my heartfelt condolences for the passing of Mack, please. I followed the thread with tears in my eyes and lump in my throat. He blossomed so quickly with care and love and what Cathy says about how she felt for him is along the lines of how I feel about Mufti. I have been so much luckier though and have had Mufti now for 20 months. She and Mack had each other for only a few, but what a few they were. Two gladiators: Cathya and Mack. R.I.P. Mack Cynthia (Mother Moocher) xxx

Prior to rescuing I wasn't keen on the idea of crates. Now they are my best friend. I vote for the vebo fold downs too, though I have several here of different sizes/makes. I have a new husky puppy and although she sleeps on the bed at night with us, she IS crate trained. I started the day after she arrived. (she's 10wks now) Crate training makes life so much easier. When I have to pop out for a minute, she goes in her crate. It's not only a safe little den for her, but also peace of mind for me, knowing she isn't getting into anything she shouldn't be whilst I am out.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/10567604/snake-warning-in-balmy-melbourne/ Temperatures are on the rise in Melbourne and so are snake sightings in the suburbs. Experts have warned of an increase in encounters between snakes and people, which is normal as the weather warms up and both species start to get out more. "The conditions that bring snakes out are exactly the same conditions that bring people out, so that's always going to lead to an increase in encounters," Nick Clemann from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) said. Melbourne enjoyed a 30C day on Thursday, following Wednesday's top of 29. The most important thing to remember if you find a snake in the backyard is not to interfere with it, Mr Clemann said. "It is illegal and totally unsafe for Joe Public to mess with snakes," he said. One of the easiest ways to keep snakes out of the backyard was to keep the garden free of rubbish, dead grass, leaves and other ground cover, he said. "There are three reasons for that. One, it means less shelter for snakes, two, it means less cover for food for snakes, and three, it makes it easier to spot snakes," he said. Australian Medical Association (AMA) Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley said while snake bites were extremely rare, people should act with caution. "Encounters with snakes are certainly not common, but doctors treat a handful of patients for snake bites each year, many of which could have been avoided," he said. "If you are bitten, seek urgent medical attention and try to remember the colour or shape of the snake. This will help with treatment." Enough bandages to bandage and splint an entire leg are an essential first-aid item in areas where people are likely to encounter snakes.

So sorry to hear about Mack. You done an amazing job with him Cathy, he would of left this world feeling so loved and that's the most important thing. Hugs to you and the furkids. R.I.P. Mack Run free big boy.

Oh Alison I am so sorry to hear Spud has crossed the Bridge. 19 years IS a wonderful innings, but you must be so lost without him. R.I.P. Spud Run young and free again boy. On a brighter note - it's very good to hear little Jakey is continuing to do well.

Awww Ta Trace. She is such a sweety and yes she is certainly helping me/us to smile again. It's been a horrid few months. So much death and sadness, I wasn't sure how I'd get through to be honest. Losing Gypsy aswell as Whitey and Jay just tore my heart out. I still have my moments, but I am getting better, thanks to my kids, furkids and ofcoarse Takoda. They are the best medicine of all. And I am so proud of Takoda. She shook hands for the first time last night at 9.33pm. (not that I am noting these things down or anything. ) And I only started teaching her yesterday. She is so clever. I had to get it on vid. (it's only short as my memory card ran out of space but you can see her shaking). Oh and the screeching in the background is my kids.

Just checking in on little Jakey and hoping he is still continuing to do well.

x 2. I agree you need to relax a little more. She's only a baby and is still learning.

Thanks and it's ok if other dogs get it in their mouths? Sometimes I put it on their noses aswell and they use their tongue to try and lick it off. They've never had any problems or side effects from doing so. I have also used it occassionally on small wounds (as an antiseptic cream as it has antiseptic in it aswell) and also to deter flies from sticking to the wound. The dogs might have a lick or 2 of it, again they've suffered no ill effects and again it is very effective at not only preventing flybite, but also at helping to heal small wounds. I've just read the Safety directions on the back of the tube and it reads: MAY IRRITATE THE EYES. AVOID CONTACT WITH THE EYES. WASH HANDS AFTER USE.

Having several huskies here, I also have to watch out for flies. I use Virbac Septicide cream and find it to be fantastic. I just apply it to their ear tips once in the morning in the warmer months and it works great.

Ta Caz. I usually do the scrapbooking of a night when the kids (both skin and fur) are settled. Takoda is usually close by. She is at my feet now as I am typing jumping around with a squeaky toy. (one I got from Wagsalot). Weve just had snuggle time on the mat and a little play too. She loves my hair. She does this cute thing where she pins her ears back submissively and wags 100 mile an hour when I approach. It's so cute. Then when I sit down with her she gently paws me for snuggle time. She is the cutest little thing. I love her more than words can say.

Awww so sorry Nic. How sad. R.I.P. Mum & bub.

I only said to the OH today that I should be inking her paw print. I will later when she wakes up. It's hard work being a puppy you know. All that running around and playing... A great idea though PS, doing one every month.

Thanks guys. Yes she does have that hypnotizing look in her eye's doesn't she? She sure has me under her spell. ;) She has been with us a week and 2 days already! She's very much like a human baby. Sleeps, eats, plays, poo's. She is adorable. Here are a couple of little videos I have made of her. Please excuse the messy back yard, we've only just had a new fence put up. The first video is of her playing with her fav. toy - a purina oinker. Anyone heard the noises those things make? She has settled in really well. Sometimes she has dreams that she is still with her Mummy and suckling on her teets. She makes the little sounds and her little lips move as though she is feeding. It's cute but a little sad too. I wonder what she thinks when she wakes up and Mummy's not there? She is very loyal and follows me around the house. She sleeps at my feet when I am here on the computer and sleeps on my bed at night. When I go outside she is sure to be there waiting at the door on my return. She loves the kids and vice versa. Jack comes out the other morning with the "Snow Buddies" movie and asks me "Muuuumy, how did Takoda get in a movie?" When I take her outside I only have her and Jasmine out. She is still too small to mingle with the biggies in the yard. I am scared they will accidently hurt her when they are playing zoomies, esp Luki and Blacky. (think after losing my 3 I have become a little over protective and paranoid I couldn't bear it if anything happened to her. ) She still loves the water bowl. She is a buggar for standing in it and then dipping her head in it and shaking it around. She then jumps out and goes to bolt leaving a river of water behind her. I get the towel out and go to wipe it up but she then decides she wants to go for a ride too and jumps on the towel. It's hard work dragging her around aswell. And although she is allowed to sleep on our bed, I have crate trained her too. I prefer to be safe than sorry when we go out. The last thing I want is her getting into anything she shouldn't be. Oh and the scrapbook I have made of her so far. I will keep adding to it as she grows up. Introduction NT thened background seeing as though she came from there. I used the butterflies off my Birthday cake as embellishments ;)

So sorry for your loss Bustam. R.I.P. Busta

Aww I agree. What a lovely idea. The meercats look really happy too.

Glad to hear Amber is doing better. Fingers crossed she continues to do well.

So sorry to hear of your loss Tarope. R.I.P. Tara