mr.mister

I think I'll leave you to it Jacqui

There is nothing hygienic about dog saliva! No idea where you heard that from. "In a study done at the University of California, Davis, researchers found dog saliva killed E. coli and Streptococcus canis, another harmful bacteria. The scientists concluded that when mother dogs licked their nipples it helped keep puppies free from disease, and that dogs licking their own wounds accomplished the same goal." "Another reason for the reduction of growth in these bacteria is an enzyme called lysozyme, which kills dangerous bacteria by lysing them. Lysing means that the lysozyme attaches itself to the cell wall of the bacteria and weakens it until the point where the cell wall ruptures and the bacterium dies. This is especially true for gram-positive bacteria, such as the Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and E. coli being tested in this experiment." They advise that so long as your dog is up to date with all parasite control (ie wormed), it's safe to accept their kisses. Worms are about the only thing you can catch from a dog. Cat saliva on the other hand can kill - like a Komodo dragon their saliva is full of harmful bacteria. I know this first hand because I used to keep rats and the crazy thing was a tiny fang puncture from a cat was much more serious than a big wound by a dog. So long as they didn't die from the initial attack from the dog, they almost always recovered. If their flesh was broken by the cat's teeth, they needed antibiotics asap or they were as good as dead. ETA: It's no co-incidence that people are much more likely to be allergic to cats than they are to dogs (more than 3x more likely) - their saliva is nasty. Dog saliva may be safe to 'accept kisses', but I certainly would never risk ANY animal licking an open wound of mine, regardless of any studies. Those studies don't take into account what that animal has been eating or licking. "Because dog saliva contains a special enzyme which promotes healing of the dog's wound, some pet owners think it will have the same effect on their own cuts. The enzymes in your dogs saliva only work on the wounds of dogs. Allowing your dog to lick your cuts could lead to infection from any germs the dog may have in its mouth." - Vetinfo.com

There is nothing hygienic about dog saliva! No idea where you heard that from.

I think people's opinions of cats really depend on the cats they meet. So many people I know are of the opinion that cats are stand-offish and grumpy. They are always shocked when they meet my two - confident, bubbly, happy cats and enormous attention whores. I have been a dog person since I was a young kid, but things shifted a bit when I moved out into my own house and by chance came across a little 6 month old stray. I was never able to find any owners and so that cat became Mister. He is my 'heart cat' and I am so happy to have him in my life. And then of course one wasn't enough so I welcomed Dali into our household! Now I would say I like both species equally. They both have their own really good points if one delves deep enough.

Interesting; I can understand your point of view and where you're coming from. The way I look at the OP's situation is like this: If I had a child, I would be happy for them to interact with others in a controlled environment, but would not be comfortable with some random stranger barging up and touching them without the child's or my permission. Consequently, if I were pregnant and had an obvious 'baby bump', no matter how lovely people think pregnancies and babies are, I would feel very uncomfortable with some stranger coming up and touching my belly. I also would consider it within my right to say no if a stranger asked to do this, and would be shocked if someone considered that rude. This isn't a story about socialisation, really. It's about people's apparent lack of manners when approaching someone's dog. If I declined someone's query to pat my dog I would be quite irritated if they snapped back at me that I was being 'rude'. My dog, my rules, and I shouldn't have to tolerate any stranger barging in and putting their hands all over my animal. Anyone who is an owner of anything, be it an animal, a nice car or otherwise, has the right to say no.

Fascinating, balanced article. Wish there were more like it. Sadly, I can't see Victoria following Calgary's suit anytime soon.

Amongst breed enthusiasts I would say the most popular colour is black and white, though I know a lot of people who love chocolate. Unfortunately though the 'rare colour bug' has hit our breed in a big way, so there are all kinds of breeders breeding 'rare' colours - merles and tris of all descriptions - and charging an absolute arm and a leg for them.

In order of preference from left to right: Toys- Italian Greyhound, Papillon, Pomeranian Terriers - Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tenterfield Terrier Gundogs - Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Weimaraner (Long Haired), Visla Hounds - Borzoi, Greyhound, Pharaoh Hound Working - Border Collie, Kelpie, Belgian Shepherds (can't decide between them ) Utility - Siberian Husky, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Anatolian Shepherd Non Sporting - Boston Terrier, Keeshond, Schipperke

I really enjoyed it and had a good laugh, particularly because I've always found dogs balls really distracting and unattractive I'm not sure how effective it will be, but it was definitely a nice dose of light humour.

Doesn't mean that it happens. There is plenty wrong with the colours in the standard for my breed, and so far not an awful lot has been done about it. AFAIK the stafford standard also states that is allows blues, but nose pigment must be black.

Some good advice here, but may I please add that just because she is 22 and rents doesn't mean she's not capable of caring for a puppy. (though you know her, of course, and I don't) I'm 21, rent, and own two cats. One was a stray, the other is a purebred from a registered breeder that I show. I was nervous that breeders might discriminate against me because of my age, but thank goodness my breeder didn't bat an eyelid. Age really isn't an indicator. I consider myself a good, responsible owner that a breeder would feel confident sending their precious baby to. If she's irresponsible by nature, that's a different story. My sister's 40 and is an intensely irresponsible pet owner. :rolleyes: eta: Whoops, sorry, didn't see the other post regarding age. Not meaning to be repetitive. I'll bet anything that no BYBer selling 6 week old pups will sign a health contract in their right mind. Wouldn't it be so much easier if she went to a registered breeder, where they did the relevant health tests and she wouldn't be entering into a dodgy deal? That and of course, life time support of a good breeder is priceless. Not to materialise dogs, but ask her if she would buy a car without looking at the service history/repair log etc. Might help her understand.

Oh my god! This kind of stuff actually happens? It sounds like the stuff of movies! What sort of movies do you watch?

Your phonetic spelling of the name is fabulous, and it is the only reason I know how to pronounce it. :D

Oh my god! This kind of stuff actually happens? It sounds like the stuff of movies!

I think with such a young dog as long as you use a reward that he values highly (be it food, fave toy, whatever) whenever you call him, you should be able to name him whatever you like. I got my old boy as a rescue at about 9 months old, I'm sure he had a name before he came to me, but it only took a week for him to start responding to the name we chose for him.

I agree with everyone else.. I would be reporting him to both the council and police. I would also probably steer clear of the area for a little while or at least bring a beefy male friend with you.

Poor, poor little babies. Thank goodness they were noticed before anything worse happened..

Why would anyone in their right mind allow their bitch to stay 'probably pregnant' to god knows what!? Sorry Talien, I know she's your friend. I would seriously be cranking up the hints and suggestions now.. I really hope the vets suggest an abort/spay.

Not at all. Someone who considers your very well written email judgement needs their head read, are obviously on the defensive and definitely wouldn't be ending up with a pup of mine if I were a breeder..

Congratulations! How wonderful to hear. And how very nice of her to give you even sexes. :D

fabulous post, and brilliantly written. You've said it much better than I ever could - would you mind terribly if I used your text?

Oh god, this is so scary. How can this possibly happen? Is it from here that we eventually slip into gattaca and 1984 style dystopias? I don't want to live here anymore.

Great idea! I'll send one this arvy.

+1 I am so utterly disgusted. Just another thing that shows that an absolute drongo is running the country..