Nic.B

Yesterday I found two pieces of broccoli, an empty bag of treats, an apple, a roll of toilet paper (shredded) and an avocardo in Ferns crate. Last night I watched her move all her toys out of her crate and onto the big communal bed in the family room. My husband said “Fern’s moving out” :laugh: Does anyone else have a kleptomaniac dog? And what do they like to pinch! ETA to make sense

Yikes! You are very brave and great with snakes SC. Can I ask what the difference is between a tame snake (pet) and a wild snake (if their is such a term :laugh: ) Is it to do with how they are raised or is it the type of snake? or a combo of both? That pet snake showed no agression. I nearly died before I knew that though, as you grabed it with both your hands without your hooky thing! The english lady made me laugh when she said "Oh, he is looking at me"! We went for a walk with the kids through the national park on saturday. I gave the kids big sticks to tap on the ground and we stamped our feet (must have looked a sight) My husband said I was being paranoid, no sooner than that came out of his mouth a huge red belly slithered in front of him off the path and into the long grass!

Because as soon as one video is released there is a plethora of people who suddenly convert to vegetarianism. This has been happening since before you were born and the whole time you were eating meat. I don't see how now suddenly it's really a statement of how fed up you are with animal welfare practices. As for being a vegetarian ... what about eggs, fish and dairy. All of those industries have their own poor practices too. Vegetables ... what land did they clear and what poisons have they been spraying which has been killing the environment for years. Do your grains come from farmers who poison native wildlife? Keep going like this until you starve to death. If people want to make a difference they need to support DPI, RSPCA and other welfare related groups in regularly checking establishments and doiung random spot checks at least 4-5 times a year. All abbatoirs and knackeries should have surveilance installed as a rule as far as I'm concerned, and not only should the staff member be charged but the entire company too for not keeping staff in check. If you watch why that staff member hit the pig, it passed the stunning point and he obviously was not given anything else like a captive bolt to make sure. I have only read the first few posts and the people involved are in my local area. It is a private abbatoir for a local butcher for human meat. I will be letting them know my thoughts. Nekbet I agree they should have got it right the first time, they didnt though. Bashing them on the head after a shock is not the answer. For those who dont know, the animals are stunned first with an electric shock and then given a bolt in the head. A bit like a gun which they then reuse for the 100 other animals. There is no excuse for this sort of abuse. It is beyond my comprehension.

Sorry Ann. Email is probably best [email protected] or feel free to give me a buzz :)

I agree. I hope the animals are all ok. Just because the former owners have said they are feeding/watering the animals (over the phone) does not mean they are doing so. Especially concerning is that they have left the property. IME the animals will be taken by the police (or local rangers if called by police) to take them to your local shelter where at least they will be cared for short term and if not reunited with the owners, have a chance of finding a new home fingers crossed.

I agree with what most others have said and have three nieces on my husbands side, who are terrified of any animal. Even our horses acres away from the house! Most often they won’t get out of the car unless they are carried and know that all our animals are contained. Then they worry about snakes, spiders and bugs or ants as well! It is quite sad for me really, as it is for you, I grew up with animals. My nieces have absolutely no experiences any species of animal as they live a sheltered life inside the home, well away from animals. Not sure if it is the same for your grandson? Your little grandson does not need to meet a dog who barks or jumps up at this stage, or a dog who is excited, or stimulated easily. I agree with others, a middle aged, good natured, laid back dog who has some obedience is probably the best way to go. My nieces actually started with our laid back cat who is always putty in our hands, you can do anything with Peppa, she just purrs away. Before I knew it she was being nursed, kissed and pushed around in the dolly pram (which is one place she likes to sleep) The girls always ask where she is as soon as they walk in the door and can’t wait to spend some time with Peppa. Recently the girls met our small 7 year old foxie X and it all went very well, I was surprised to be honest. The kids did well, though Billy is a very laid back fellow and loves kids, other dogs and people. I would not expose our nieces to our other dogs, the dogs are well behaved and well-mannered though I feel it is too much for them until they gain some confidence. In my nieces case it is simply lack of contact with animals that has caused the biggest problems. They have never had a bad experience and have never been exposed to any animal or bug. Good luck :) One step at a time :)

Fern is jumping over the baby gate Its taken her 24 hours or so to check the baby gate out.

In your first post I knew it had to be Daisy :laugh: Beagles are the worst aren’t they. Most untrustworthy when you're back is turned. I know the feeling! None of our other dogs steal or bench surf, it's just the Pern. Baby gate is going well, we are all just trying to get used to it :) I noticed my Husband hurdling this morning :laugh:

:laugh: :laugh: Thanks. Can you PM me your email address as the last time I sent you one, it bounced back. We have a new computer and you know how bad I am with them! My email is [email protected] :)

Oh she is Nic. ;) She is my baby girl and knows it. :laugh: She follows me around everywhere, sleeps by my side and makes me smile, just like Gyps used to. :) Beautiful :) What a lucky little girl!

I am laughing as Fern is checking out any and all avenues to get to the "mother ship" with the new baby gate now set up.

Oh dear :laugh: (re the bag!) I am in the same position, not one of our other dogs bench surf. We have the same rules for every dog. The kitchen and table are out of bounds pretty much. Fern has other ideas though and is only young. I am setting up the baby gates shortly and will try to take a pic of Fern behind the gate with her lip pursed!

My cats worked out quickly with a squirt from the water pistol that benches and tables were a no go, it was the ruled by the stomach dogs that were slow, or should I say more determined. We use a water bottle for Pepper cat, that drives me mad as well though she causes much less damage. Fern on the other hand is not so little and everything must be put away from the bench. Bread, butter, fruit, roast, or anything else. We have been to bunnings and have a good baby gate, will set it up.

:laugh: I cant wait to see the look on Ferns face when we set up the baby gates! I just hope she doesnt go over them!

The mouse trap idea might work, as long as they dont hurt her nose...she has got a big goofy head though. We are going out to look at baby gates today (I thought the baby gates part of my life was over!) I would have done the same as you Kirislin if I could have :laugh: The things we do. The lamb was deboned so she was through it in no time. I bought some lamb for them all at the butcher. I wished I had fed them early now. Shes a bugger, though I love her to bits!

I am so sorry for your loss. Run free little one and watch over your Mum.

Love all the bench surfing stories! Thanks for your help guys :) I was sitting on the couch the other day and Fern came mooching over as usual. When she walked away I looked down and she had brought me an orange. I put that back and sat back down, she came back and then plonked down two bananas :laugh: Shes a big girl, so can reach just about anything!

Bunnings have them or baby shops. Thank you :) I am looking online into scat mats & baby gates now :) Fern the Pern is doing well on the couch and I am left trying to make excuses up re dinner!

We dont have a kitchen door POM I wish we did!

Here you go! http://www.k9pro.com.au/products/Scat-Mat.html http://innotek.com.au/innotek-home/Pet-Proofing Am sure you can find a few other places that stock them too. Thank you :)

The big wide baby gate looks great (for our kitchen) and would work well for us. Fern is crated while I get dinner ready and cook etc, she still gets me on random moments though! Any ideas on how to source the baby gates?

oh dear, so it's takeaway for you tonight is it? Pretty much, though Fern is well fed :)

Thanks Husky :) I agree stealing food is self rewarding. I am worried about that. What is a scat mat? She listens to me, though I only have turn my back for a second and she finds something!

I am getting a roast ready for dinner, our bull arab has her own ideas though Fern is only 12 months old, though is the worst bench surfer I have ever encountered. Before the stove is turned on Fern is crated as I dont trust her with pots and pans or the stove. It's like having a toddler or child all over again. I was only away for a moment as the phone rang, everything was raw, came back and well.... Any ideas?

Takoda is gorgeous! and clearly cherished :) So great to see you back DD :)