aussielover

Yep that I did - "why cant you wait another month" ie: why would you go through a major operation with your dog when you dont even have a second opinion or are sure of the operation or the dog's prognosis, indeed even the first vet's opinion. "Why can't you wait another month" and pass over a time window for a procedure that is unproven and cannot be quantified? "Why can't you wait another month" because what's the worst that can happen? - Not even your vet can tell you, becasue he/she doesn't know. actually no your not. Yes only you went ahead with the operation, But I've previously dissuaded puppy buyers from getting JPS and I'll do it again - because once again I dont think an operation that noone can proove does anything but alleviate the conscientious owner's sense or "doing everything", is a valid argument for major surgery to interfere with the structure of a young growing puppy. I think both experiences are valid. I can see both sides of the discussion here- of course anyone would be concerned about a relatively new procedure, that has very little data to back up its results. But if it does have the potential to prevent or lessen the clinical signs/ symptoms of hip dysplasia, than I can also see why some people would be inclined to have the surgery. I think it is great that Teekay went ahead with it because you are not ever going to know if it works or not if no-one does it. Obviously, the vets need to be following these dogs throughout their lives, to figure out if it is working or not.

Thanks everyone- we have decided to stick with Aussies. I am actually involved with fostering kittens, so I am constantly surrounded by well meaning rescue people telling me to get a rescue dog. I probably eventually will end up with several rescue dogs (as well as several aussies!) but at the moment i am just going to get the one aussie! Clover used to help socialise the kittens with dogs.

Oh poor little baby She is very beautiful! I hope she gets better soon.

I was not aware cavs are heavy shedders! You leaarn something new each day You could get one of each! I agree with westielover: it is the amount of effort you put into looking after the dog that determines what king of pet it will be and how it will behave. Of course getting a breed that is more suited to yourlifestyle will make it easier.

Poeple definitely shave their horses whiskers off on purpose, poor things

That is very generous. What is a dog wheelchair? how does it work? I was pushing my old girl around in a pram when she had really bad arthritis!

Terriers don't sound like they would suit you. Most require a fair bit of exercise and some are more independent. In my experience terriers left in a backyard with no other exercise quickly become destructive and bark a lot. Cavaliers are lovely little dogs; extremely friendly, I have never met an aggressive one. Also, all of the westies I have seen hhave been lovely dogs too, but not quite as people-loving as cavaliers.

Yes, my first dog was a poodle X, he was an extremely fussy eater. He was fed raw meat and dry food, but he would really only pick at the food. Sometimes he would just leave it completely. I think some dogs aren't that fussed by food. I actually know of a person who only feeds their dog once every second day and the dog is very healthy. I wouldn't worry unless he loses weight, becomes ill frequently, or behaves out of character. There are also tablets available to stimulate the appetite, you could talk to your vet if you're that concerned?

Our friends pug was ancient! No, really I think he was around 15-16, Possibly older. I know he was older than me at the time!

Thanks for all your answers, They made me feel much better I don't think there is an Aussie rescue group in Australia (after all who would want to dump an Aussie ), please let me know if there is.

Hi, As some of you may know, my Australian Shepherd girl recently passed away. I considering am getting another dog, but I am not sure when. However, a number of people have basically "told" me to get a resuce animal from the pound or rescue groups RIGHT NOW. When I tell them my next dog will be another Aussie Shepherd, they make me feel really bad and guilty about not rescuing a dog. The reasons why I want another Aussie Shepherd are: - They are smart, fun and easy to train - They suit my lifestyle, which is quite active- I like going running and for long walks. - They are very pretty - I know to a degree what their personality and exercise/training requirements will be like as I have had previous experience - I just have a feeling they are the breed "for me" (vague I know but I can't really describe) If I was able to afford two or more dogs, I would consider a shelter dog as well as an Aussie but I don't think I will be in that position for a while!!! Do you think I am being selfish by getting a purebred aussie over a shelter dog?

Well in this case, seeing as it can't really be proven either way whether it was genetic, environment or a combination of the two (even the vet didn't really seem able to say for sure), I think it would be reasonable, and a nice gesture for the breeder to pay for half of the cost of surgery to correct the entropian and any meds relating directly to the surgery. These people seem quite greedy wanting food and toys to be paid for as well. I'd like to know what their justification for that is? Personally, if my dog developed a genetic condition that couldn't be tested for, I wouldn't expect the breeder to pay at all. I would let them know about the problem so they could decide to remove the parents from the breeding program or whatever was neccesary.

I have been told the femur (thighbone) of a cow or sheep is one of the safest. They are quite large and thick bones though so there is the risk of cracked teeth. There is not much meat on them though. I also can't imagine a very small dog eating one of those!

I am glad you have decided to get a proper diagnosis, there are really so many things it could be....

If this is an important aspect for your chosen dog then you need to look at where you wish to take it & again would the chosen breed truly fit into that aspect. One has to be realistic about what you wish & what is feasible. I have large breeds & small & certainly there are things easier to do with either size,smaller being obviously more easier. I would suggest the best shows to go view danes plus the other breeds would be either the 8 or 9 May.These are 1 day shows where all the breeds are shown on the one day,they have interstate judges so the turn out will be agood one. Its free & you can see what is out there & whether they are for you. If you got there at 9am you will see all the A breeds through alpha wise What show is this? where is it etc? Do they have every registered breed in Australia? 2 days seems like a short time to get thru all...

Lovely puppies! what happens if you mate a rough and smooth collie- do you get pups of each type or do you just get all the pups with medium hair?

I think those some people are people who just look at a Dane and say "wow big dog...must need a farm for that breed" I have known great danes that happily live in an apartment. Yes, it was a large apartment, but they only had a small outdoor area. They can't do vigorous ecercise when growing (up to 2-3 years). But you said you only wanted to exercise for 20 mins a day or every second-third day? If you really want one, I am sure you could make it work Also in regard to labs- as gorgeous as they are, I think they can be quite "challenging" without proper training. They are higher energey dogs and without proper exercise and training (I think more than 20 mins a day) they may become quite destructive. A guide dog trainer told me that a lab puppy chewed through a tyre, furniture legs and then finally, a wall

Good luck for tomorrow! PS I love her "happy face" it is sooo cute! (sad face is also cute)

I think a bernese mountain dog would be good for you if you don't ming the hair! All the ones i have met have been absolutely gorgeous dogs! They are on my wish list. I have heard they don't require a huge amount of exercise and are friendly and very cuddly. If you like giant fluffy breeds (like i do!) then there is also the newfie and saint bernard (they come in a smooth coated variety also). They are friendly, cuddly dogs who don't require massive amounts of exercise. Also, you could consider a great dane, they seem pretty laid back dogs, if you educate yourself of risk factors for bloat, signs to expect etc, then I don't see why that would stop you from getting one.

Just out of interest, what actually happens to sick puppies that are returned tp [et shops? I assume they would be PTS?

They didn't reduce the price at all? Did you ask them about this, because it does seem reasonable in this situation. and I think its pretty bad that they said she would be checked on throughout the night- IMO once at 10pm doesn't really count as checking throughout the night. I would have thought it would be at least every 3 hours. Some of my friends do overnight nursing and they are required to check on the animals hourly- and this is not even at a full on 24hr clinic (which requires at least one nurse and one vet to be up all night, checking the animals constantly). I am sorry to say, if there is a fire it is required all humans evacuate the building immediately, only after everyone is out and accounted for are people allowed to go back for the animals (if it is safe) I am glad to hear she seems to be doing better though.

I'm never moving to QLD.

What a cutie! I love beagle puppies! I think they are the ultimate cute puppy

Can we see some more photos of the lovely Ava?

How is she a mismark? She is a lovely girl!