Nic.B

I agree T, I would feel compelled to assist though I can understand others being too frightened, esspecially if they don't have any experience with dogs. If this were a child or an elderly person, a small female or youngster it probably would have been disaster. I have lost count how many times I have heard strangers have assisted people and dogs in this position and saved their lives. I don't think anyone can blame the son, though I have no sound on my PC I do think the video is helpful for the police.

Stan's Mum thanks for sharing this little girl, you have given her the very best chance at finding a home to live out her days warm, loved and content

Oh no! I hate it when that happens! I recently drove off with mine on the roof of my car No worries, if you find it text me and I will give you a call later or I can let you know here :) I will get some more pics, though my email is down so not sure if I can send them...will try to figure something out.

Thanks :) looking forward to meeting this little girl. If you send me a text, I can give you a buzz from the shelter.

Sure :)

100% agreed - wtf is wrong with some people! Are we brainwashed with that much reality TV now that everyone is a spectator even when real shit is going down that they just watch it?! 100% agreed - me too What a charming sentiment! All for one and one for none! It beggars belief that someone would stand by and not only do nothing but film it while someone is screaming out for help! Absolutely he is justified in being upset no-one nearby help! I would be livid........his injuries could have been even less if more people got involved earlier on......... Its one thing if you are frozen with fear and can't get over there to physcially help but at least seek help one way or another - getting others to help, calling police, rangers, anyone...........don't just stand there like a spectator filming it all! If those dogs pulled that guy to the ground and killed him do you think the grieving family would rather the evidence to help prosecute the person who owned those dogs even if they track them down and get their dogs euthanised and give them a measly prison sentence if really lucky or have someone not get the evidence on film and possibly help save their beloveds life instead??! Shame shame on anyone who witnessed this (including the son if that's the case) and did nothing or worse still filmed it. I have to agree. There is no way on this earth I would have been able to witness this attack and not do my very best to assist the man personally. Having said that, I have the benefit of some experience with dogs. Pack mentality at it's worst The fellow being attacked will never forget this, I hope he is doing ok now. I hope they find the dogs and they are pts.

Ok, if you can text me, and leave your number I will call you once I have have my hands on her tomorrow and we can discuss.

Hi KC, I have popped in home to give the dogs a run though have to go out again, will not be able to make the pound today unless there is some sort of miracle (sorry). Happy to meet her tomorrow am and let you know asap. If you have a chance, give me a buzz on my mobile (happy to call you back) 0499 644 155 and let me know of any specifics :)

How old are your kids KC? How dog savy are they? and how active are they?

I will try to drop in at some stage today KC though have a heap of appt's, might not be able to get in until sat... ETA dear soul is female not male, sorry. 15 years of age and in the pound KC you can call the shelter 45604644 up until 4pm. Ask to speak with Theresa and or Cathy. Cathy will have a good idea of any obvious health issues. I will drop in tomorrow and meet her (if you like) if I am held up today. let me know if I can help.

Hey Juice :) Yes, I am sure we can do that. It's a great idea to have him checked out prior.

Hooray!!! Congratulations Ladies, you are one dynamic team

KC the first step will be for you to call Hawkesbury and have a chat with the staff. Anne, Theresa or Cathy will be the best people to speak with Friday am. Hawkesbury are great and will give you a good general opinion on this dear old fellow. Often seniors are adopted out at a much reduced cost, the reason he is reclaim or RTRO may be that due to his age they are not comfortable with desexing, it may also mean he has some health issues related to age. If you decide to go ahead, the first step will be addressing his quality of life/any medical needs/heartworm test with a great vet. My vet is brilliant and is at Box Hill, I am happy to pick him up and take him for a consult if that helps. I may be able to help with transport as well. I adopted a dear old senior Shepherd "Old Ray" from HP years ago. He was surrendered at the age of 12 years and was the most noble, gentle soul. My vet had a good look at Ray and while he had some arthritis (which he went on med's for) his quality of life was good :) Old Ray was with us for 12 months, was spoilt rotton and was the light of our lives. He and my youngest daughter Hannah were indredibly close. Oldies often just love a cosy warm bed, really good food and being a special part of a family. It was not expensive to manage Ray and keep him in great condition, though I was fully commited and aware that that may change at any stage. Ray slept on a fairly high (free) cot matress which made it easier for him to get on and off, I also raised his food and water bowls. In winter he slept by the fire, he also loved his Pj's :) I do think the support of a fantastic rescue will be of huge benefit, to understand what is involved with an oldie, or even just someone to talk to at times. He looks to be the dearest soul. It is getting quite cold here at night, hope he finds something soon ETA Call this morning, I went to bed at 7.30 last night, got up and thought today was sat. My body must think it's had two nights sleep in one!

Notably, as I've said before, the ACT RSPCA hasn't any money. Yes, ACT RSPCA resources are poured into the family pets 'in their care' looking for new homes. RSPCA ACT is a thorn in side of RSPCA in every other state in Aust as ACT do offer rehabilitation, training, socialisation and they address all medical needs. Temp test's are also brilliant as individual circumstance, breed traits and socialisation is taken into consideration.

Have only read the OP and not the thread, though from the last comment I can gather this thread is off track. I do not like RSPCA (aside from ACT RSPCA, which is fabulous). There is a good message in the OP in terms of chipping/updating which enables dogs and owners being reunited far more sucesfully. We all know that, unsavy dog owners sadly do not. What I dont like is the typical "blame the public" statement. Common sense says if there is a large influx of dogs and cats arriving at the RSPCA, shelters and pounds, it is time to pull something out of the bag (at times) to assist animals in finding great homes. It involves great marketing; radio, local papers and TV. Offering a free bed, collar and lead, free puppy school or obedience, promote the the benefits of adopting a shelter pet, give families a huge adoption pack filled with all they need to get them started. Create an open day at the shelter or create an 'adoption drive' over a weekend. The possibilities are endless. What really sh*ts me is the fact that the RSPCA (in the OP) are crying poor/foul yet as an org with millions in donations and a huge profile, this is the best they can do? Reputable small and large rescue orgs are doing an inspirational job and IMO are doing far more for rescued pets in this country than the RSPCA.

I am so sorry Alyosha, how terrible. I truly hope you are feeling ok this morning. You will make the right decision, the family are very lucky you have so much experience in this sort of event. Not to mention your experience with dogs and your empathy. It is a difficult situation though I would report. It is forseeable that this sort of attack can happen again, esspecially due to the unfortunate dynamics and background of the family involved Take special care xx ETA spelling

I wonder what this poster would think if while she was eating a lovely dinner, I came over, invaded her personal space and with my fork started eating her meal? When she looks at me and says "excuse me" I ignore her and instead move closer into her personal space and continue. Please consider the great advice you have been given. I will finish with a tragic true story of a lady in exactly your situation. Dog and cat are great friends (as are yours) though in the same situation (which had been ignored) the dog attacked the cat. The cat was rushed to the vet though sadly died from his injuries. The lady was so upset and distressed she drove her dog to the pound and surrendered him. The following morning she realised her mistakes and returned to the pound to pick up the dog she loved so much. He had already been pts as an owner surrendered dog who had killed a cat. It was devastaing for everyone involved and this lady will never forgive herself.

You haven't met my brother's assistance dog then, have you? I know for a fact that he wouldn't function at all if my brother died... it's bad enough if my brother leaves him for a couple of hours - even with family he knows and loves. They share a completely symbiotic relationship - neither can really cope without the other. T. What sort of assistance dog are we speaking of T? Does not sound like a healthy relationship. If your brother leaves the house (without his dog) and the dog is so distressed even with family members who mind him (who he knows well) Surely that is an issue which needs to be considered. Did this dog have SA issues prior to placement or has that surfaced in your brothers home? Did you speak with the service who provided the dog re these issues? ETA Spelling!

It doesn't mean that her statements should go undiscussed or unchallenged. It doesn't matter whether a person is compassionate or not, this is an open forum and as such views can be agreed with, disagreed with, discussed and challenged. Frankly, I don't believe your story belongs here, because your situation was as far removed for Toffee's as it was possible to be. :) DD go for your life as you appear to be running this thread. Sorry for even speaking about death and dogs.

But , you did , and now you can discuss it , and everyone can maybe learn new things , about ourselves, and about how humans see their dogs ...

DT, I hear you! step back Hun and read through. Pers is probably the most compasionate and loving memeber of this entire forum.

We all obviously view this with very differing Points of View , and , if Toffee has left a legacy , it is one of people now being made more aware of their pets, of plans for the future, and of what they may do to make transitions the best they can for everyone. Hopefully now, more folks will put thought into what their dog/cat/ pet will have to cope with should they fall ill ..and where that pet will finally end up. Yes Pers, That was what I was trying to say though I am not good at it. There are tears my end. I probably should not have looked xx.

Chucky would scare the bejeezus out of Kenny & Cougar. I have a 4 inch high Kyle figurine from South Park, when you press the button it says, *you bastard, you killed Kenny*. Kenny was terrified of it & used to run out of the room. I know, I was a naughty mummy to tease him, but it was bloody hilarious. Maybe we should let Chucky loose on the R$PCA as payback for all the dogs this vile pack of bastards have murdered. I wonder if poor Clifford the pitbull had a doll shoved in front of him before he too was murdered. :mad Yes - shove Chucky in front of them when they least expect it and if they try to avoid him its a FAIL no second chance for you!! Yikes! Chucky is a nightmare for anyone.

Maybe, but it still doesn't make it right. Should not be the owners right IMO. This dog could've found another owner in need of an assistance dog. Selfish owner. Dogs are considered property and the day animal rights get their way and dogs are considered anything other than property will be a sad day for dogs and owners, who will no longer be able to choose the fate of their pets. If an owner chooses to take their dog to the grave with them, because they believe that it's in the best interest of their dog, then so be it. There are fate's worse than death for an animal and owner has every right determine the fate of their animals. Sorry, though the "dogs are considered property" line shits me to tears. The fact is that YES dogs are considered property via current law, the current laws have NOTHING to do with animal rights or animal welfare. How would they? Yes, a vase on my table is considered property just as my dogs are which serously gives me the shits.