Nic.B

This is spot on :)

Oh Puppies! cluck, cluck, cluck! gosh they are gorgeous and mummy looks fantastic :) Goodness knows where these little ones would have ended up, and mum would probably had even more litters. I am so happy bubs are safe and well, mum is doing better and will be vetworked before going home :) AWL have a similar program and it works very well. Education and support goes a long way in some cases.

I am not being unfair. I am arguing that putting resources into adopting out healthy dogs will result in more dogs being rehomed than if unhealthy dogs are sourced by rescue. I have no problem with people doing this, I do have a problem with people throwing up bullshit reasons to justify why they do it. I know you will keep throwing up examples of dogs that have been saved that would be dead if not helped. That doesn't mean that a greater number of dogs are being helped. It means a lot of time and money was put into that particular dog. I'm not going to tell people what dogs they should rescue, as long as they have the resources to do it properly. But if people are going to back up this practice using an argument that more dogs will be saved overall, they can expect people to pull them up on that. Unhealthy dogs cost more to bring up to rehomable standard than healthy dogs do. You would have to be rather stupid at maths not to understand that. Rescue what you want, but don't try to mislead people that fewer dogs would be euthanasia if rescue took the sick ones and left the healthy ones behind. I'm not sure why the topic has changed from the one that Muttrus has started. How about a few of you actually look at your own activities and rehoming rate rather than have a go at me. It might be unfair that sick dogs take more time and resources than healthy ones and this has an effect on a rescue's rehoming rate, but it's what happens. I agree with most of what you have written. I am not saying more dogs will be saved overall if those with special needs are always rescued. What I am trying to say, is that if there are 6 dogs in need (and one has special needs which a specific rescue can responsibly meet) it would be crazy from a "shelter" perspective to say "no, you cant take this special needs small breed as treatment will be very expensive" though you can take the other 5 large healthy crossbreeds. As I said rescue is a very individual process, I know you are experienced in this area. The rescue may have foster care which is geared for special needs, or small breeds, or large breeds, or specific breeds etc. Having said that, I have witnessed a number of very sick dogs, or those with marked behavioural issues who I 100% agree need to be offered a humane death and I wont hesitate to say so. It is honestly the kindest thing we can do at times. Most of the time I have spent with special needs dogs has been under DOC with me at home. I am thrilled to see many go to great rescue, though I have also pts after vet advice and after consult with the rescue. IME a dog identified with health issues in the pound environment, is often found to have further issues once in care. A dog with a slight limp may have an old injury that needs surgery, a dog with dental issues may have heart issues. We had one dog (who was not assesed by me) who was considered in whelp, she had massive heart issues. Until pounds and shelters can afford vets, behaviourists and trainers we take a risk (even with healthy dogs) I have never, ever taken a donation from anyone for any dog I have rescued. Having said that, if a reputable group share a dogs story, and people offer to help with donations, I dont have a problem with that at all :) .

I saw a later news report about the NSW case with sound not just the voice over, showing them catching the dog and putting it in the ranger's van. That was one very nasty and dangerous dog and there is no doubt it needed to be pts. The father of the little girl in Melbourne said the dog grabbed her by the hair and that was what ripped her skull so it may not have been a really serious attack just one with dire consequences. They were minding the dog and had it loose in the yard were the 4 year old was playing. That is just asking for a disaster. So many little kids are attacked by dogs that belong to friends and family. If a dog is not raised with small children, you can never really be sure how it will react to them. I can confidently take my dog into schools and walk through the playground at lunchtime or have him in a class of 5 year olds but would never dream of leaving him loose with toddlers playing in a yard. He has never been exposed to that sort of situation and while I think he would be ok I could never be sure and the risk is just not worth it. I agree, he was a very angry, dangerous dog and he had no place in society. The ranger who handled him is very experienced and fantastic with dogs. I cant imagine how terrified the little boy must have felt

Our bull arab Fern has a fantastic temp and nature, a true gentle giant.

Here we go again. There are numerous issues Opal and they are great cause for concern. I have a REALLY bad feeling about the way PR operate and it is only a matter of time before it all goes boom IMO! There was a dog in HP a while ago who I temp tested. I wasn’t happy with him so decided to re test him two days later. Before I did that one of your volunteers came in with their kids. It was dam lucky that dog was tied up to the fence as he launched a serious attempt to attack the child which was captured on video. Despite this, your volunteer suggested he go to a home without kids! Staff moved him to a dangerous dog pen and he was pts, which is exactly what should have happened. Do you realise there have been multimillion dollar law suits in the US and UK where a group or individual have knowingly rehomed dogs with serious issues? I suggest you read up on copyright law in Australia. The personal attacks and insults on PL or anyone else is disgusting. Get a decent camera, do some temp testing courses, get some experience and then test up to forty dogs over 3 days. And be honest about the dogs temp!! You have given enough people a bum steer, caused injury to kids and dogs, and put well-meaning people in a distressing and dangerous situation.

I agree :)

I didnt MEH, and have never spoken with GM over the phone or even via Pm? My apologies, I didn't see the IF bit. No worries MEH, I have made far more mistakes on DOL and thank you Mita.

I didnt MEH, and have never spoken with GM over the phone or even via Pm?

I only rescue on a very small scale with my local shelter. Rightly or wrongly I am not able to assist other shelters, this is happening in my own back yard, we have enough dogs to care for in my local area and fitting dogs into my own home or with foster carers is a very individual process. The argument between people re; If you save this dog (with needs) as opposed to 5 other dogs listed for pts is irrelevant. Some foster carers suit a dog with special needs. Some suit large breeds, or specific breeds. You work with what you have and what you can achieve. If a small breed/ large breed based rescue wants to assist a dog with special needs you would have to be crazy (from a pound and shelter perspective) to then expect them to take every other dog instead of that one. Rescue are specialised in different areas. If I rang you today GM about 4 greys in the pound and you said no, would that motivate you to take the kelpies or cattle’s or working breeds or JRT'S? Not to mention the SWF’s. You are right, you are not paying the vet fees. You are being unfair IMO on Miss Molly and other posters. How many Greys have you taken from HP? RF or BP? While you worked with GAP you were supported with donations from the racing industry and you were paid a full time wage. Some of us don’t have that luxury.

I agree this is wrong, wrong, wrong. How on earth is she going to raise the puppies even cost wise if she cant afford a vet? I have only whelped one litter (Mum impounded) and it cost me a minimum of $400 each puppy just to feed and worm them. Then there was their vetwork on top once they were 12 weeks old. The work put into mum and bubs was incredible and a full time job to say the very least. I was exhausted. I was very lucky Floss free whelped and the puppies thrived/were very robust and healthy, though our vet was on standby regardless, at any sign of trouble in 12 weeks the cost would have gone through the roof.

What a terrible night, glad you are all ok. I can understand it would be very stressful though. Mags, that is shocking I am sorry for your loss. I know for sure that ours would let us know if someone was in the yard or inside and perhaps put them off. They are very friendly dogs though I suspect if someone was threatening us or the kids our kelpie Bella would have a crack. She is gorgeous, though can be protective and is an excellent judge of character. Fern our Bull Arab would bark though would probably just run around playing and showing off like a big goon :) Our Jug head, our cattle/staffy would bark though then probably just take her ball or toys to them. Billy our foxie would be really upset, and bark. I must say, I feel very safe with four dogs sleeping inside with us :) They are crated inside if i am out, I would hate for anyone to come in and hurt them as they can never be replaced. Sad thing is, if they are crated inside, then I worry about a fire If I left them out I would worry about snakes and people coming in and leaving the gate open....

Nelson is a cutie, so happy he is feeling better. We had a scare similar with our 10 year old kelpie who was very difficult to diagnose. Turned out to be cyanide poisoning from eating plums that had fallen off our fruit trees, of all things. Vet also though stroke, then possible tetanus before the final results came through and we put two and two together. Thank goodness for fantastic vets :) they are worth their weight in gold!

I feel for this poor kangaroo When I was little (I was about 6 or 7) I used to help Dad take feed to a very old bloke in Dural who had a kangaroo sanctuary. It shut down after he died, I remember he had plans in place for the roo's though and his property was worth a bomb (land value). The kangaroos were all well cared for and happy in their padocks, which is where we always saw them. One day though he asked us into his house, I had never seen anything like it. Urine and poo everywhere, hay was the flooring, babies in the kitchen sink and under his clothing, sick or tiny roos everywhere. The sadest of all though was a huge red roo lying on a hession stretcher with a broken back. He could hardly move his head. He just had to lie there all day and all night. This old bloke was very hard to understand as he had had a stoke. I know he loved that huge roo, it was just so cruel even for a little kid. We never went back as Dad was shocked, I dont know if/what he did about it as he never spoke of it again. When our old shepherd Ray lost his mobility, and it was becoming more than just a bad day we gave him his wings. It would have been selfish and cruel to make him lie there all day, put nappies on him, feed him and give him water just to make us happy. A dog is a companion animal and domesticated, regardless, it would have been abusive and cruel to let him go any longer.

I am so sorry Rach Thank you so much for giving Lucky a chance, Lucky looks beautiful in your photos. Run free Lucky

Gorgeous! I just love reading through these posts. We are very, very lucky to be supported by so many beautiful people

This is so true Trisven, balance is very important, I am learning my way. While years ago the kids came along with me to the pound during school holidays with their little luchboxes, toys and pencils it was not ideal. They did enjoy it, though I always felt guilty and they were quite a distraction for me. So no more time at the pound during school holidays. Today we went to see Happy Feet 2, got new school shoes and had lunch together. Hannah, my youngest, once home dressed in her full school uniform to "break" her new shoes in bless her, I will be lucky to get her bathed and in PJ's tonight!

Another vote for a cot mattress. Old Ray our elderly shepherd loved his cot mattress. It was quite firm and had the extra height he needed. I used cotton sheets to cover and washed them twice a week. In winter we kept Rays bed infront of the fire. Ray loved his bed, toys and his tucker ETA It also allowed Ray to stretch right out while his whole body was supported.

On dear dont mention the toilet training phase! A number of times my husband has woken up in the middle of the night to get a glass of water and while in bed I hear "S#!T!" I am up early, my first thing of the day is checking the house for any accidents a newbie may have left overnight. I love my crates! Bless our fantastic families!

too funny! Greg has been through some testing and shaping as well.

Lol T Beautiful tributes for our support crews I agree our own dogs and our children are also little heros, it is also great to hear about Mums and Dads helping out When I stop to think of all of the hard work that goes into rescue, I am truly touched.

I am always very humbled with my Husbands support and acceptance of rescue, pounds and all of the animals we care for. Greg is a triathlete and I support him in all he wants to achieve all the way, I cheer and support him with passion. Greg adores dogs and horses. (Occasionally after a bad night he will get up and say “such and such is on the pts list for tomorrow” ) and then we laugh as we know that will never happen. (Bit of an in-house joke.) I have not been able to move from the house due to rescue commitments. Greg has spent a week travelling around with the kids visiting family and friends. I have been able to spend time with them intermittedly during this time. I am so happy I have a Husband who understands the dynamics of rescue and is such a great daddy and Husband. I can’t wait for them all to get home tonight. I know there are lots of husbands, partners and loved ones who offer support and understanding for each of our dogs and also for us personally. Perhaps we need to give our silent partners a little cheer in the new year!

True, I have seen a small number of genuine cases where you really feel for both the people involved upon surrender and of course their dog/s. There are genuine cases. Sadly many people sign leases or sign contracts weeks or months before without a thought for their dogs until the last moment. During holidays some prefer to plan their flights, book their accomodation etc weeks and weeks ahead, while the dog's needs are last to arrange. No wonder they have no options, esspecially during the holiday period. I am happy to work with people who have spent months trying to rehome responsibly and have done the best they can. Most though will ring after 9pm and when I ask how much time we have they will tell me they are moving tomorrow. The best I can do in that situation is refer them to a pound or shelter. I have been at home with all of mine over christmas and will be over new year. My husband and kids are heading off to scone to spend time with dear friends. I would love to be able to be there with them all though I have commitments at home. It is a doggy, horse and cat evening for me.

I thought I had heard it all until; A gorgeous red cattle male was surrendered for being "too loyal" Well they were right about that, I couldnt fault the dog. A 9 year old crossbreed surrendered "I am not a dog person" Youve had him for 9 years! 'She is destructive' after further questions, destructive = the dog was pawing at the glass door to come inside. She went on to be adopted by a DOLer who said she is the most laid back, well manered girl they have ever had. And then the lowest of the low who will say "the dog is stupid, I hate the dog and want it pts" all of those dogs were good dogs and rehomed/rescued. I agree that at times the dog is better off being surrendered than living a hideous life with people who simply do not care about their dog. Some of the most neglected think the pound is the hilton as they get two meals a day, a warm soft bed and attention. My heart sinks for every surrender, god only knows pounds dont need any more dogs, though at least they have a chance of finding a great new home or rescue. Having said that my local pound has a fantastic reputation and work very hard for the animals. It is very sad that most people do not often consider responsibly rehoming themselves, full credit for those who do.

I am sorry if this has already been raised. Our bull arab female decided to scale our fences one day. I knew once she was over and had her reward of chasing rabbits she would try again which she did. We hot wired the top of our fences. It took about a day to do and was not expensive. Fern got her first ping about 30 mins after we turned it on, a second ping the following day. She has never attempted to try again and we seem sorted thank goodness. She is crated inside if I am out with our other dogs just in case. I am not sure what you would do with a gate? Unless you dont need to open it for a while, I can ask my husband if you like, he has worked on remote properties and is great with this sort of thing.