Simply Grand

Happy Birthday gorgeous miss winnie! What a great day you've had

I think this is so sad. They talked about it on the 7pm Project on channel 10 and made fun and I thought that was awful. No matter the circumstances, it's very sad for a dog to be stolen and taken from everything it knows

What a little miracle boy Charlie is! ETA - just read your last post CW_EW, and was thinking, he's managed not only to fight an incredibly rare disease, and bring joy to your family, but has also managed to bring all of us together in thinking about him, being amazed by him and sharing all the funny stories of him and Emmy! Definitely a very special boy

Whoops, I offered suggestions then didn't come back to give them... I reckon somewhere in Kingston or Manuka would be good, they are both just down the road for you Julie. Cleo, what would you suggest? If we want something reasonably priced and yummy but not fancy I like La Cappana in Kingston, or there's a Thai place on the same street that I can't remember the name of... There's Spanish in Manuka isn't there? And if we go for a drink at a pub instead of a restaurant, Kingston has Filthy's (not as bad as it sounds!!) or the Durham (for a more old school pub) or the Holy Grail (for more of a bar feel, and ok food as well).

Saxon is a little peacemaker... I hope it continues thru his life, but he is very good at creating a calm, friendly atmosphere. He really gets along well with most dogs... I'd love him to meet Charlie and Emmy, I think they'd have fun My best example is when Saxon and I went to a cafe for lunch with his best friend Laila, who was staying with us, and my (human) friend with her dog Max. While we were at lunch a much larger dog walked past, and the two little dogs (Laila and Max) went nuts barking at the big dog, then focused on barking at each other. Saxon went to each dog and licked each of their mouths, like he was saying "guys, chill out, it's all ok...". They calmed down after that and the bigger dog just kept walking. So cute... I'm impressed with Saxon for being such a calm, happy fella

OMG I just don't get how anyone who has had a cat for 5 minutes or more could put it in a strange situation uncontained! Seriously, the strength these creatures have when they want it... I have permanent scars on my hand, knee and boob ( ) from my own, much loved cats in their own home, being put in situations they don't love (ie. a bath and taking tablets...) I would never attempt to wrangle a cat in an unfamiliar place around unfamiliar animals and people! I'm really not being smart but I would take on a dog over a cat any day (size being considered of course). Having said that, I always keep my dog on lead, and I think I've let him say hi to other dogs at the vets before, not that he's been contagious, but now that I think about it, I realise I should be more careful!

I am so sorry Steve, and Vader's mum, and your families. What a tragic accident I know this little puppy had a good life, however short it was - he was loved by his birth home and his forever-to-be home. He has now moved on to whatever comes next, without pain or suffering. PLEASE don't feel guilty - bad things happen, it's the way of the world. So sad, but no one's fault. My thoughts are with all of you

Bump. Anyone else? We could take this opportunity to meet up... Julie, let me know if you want suggestions of where to meet.

I'm in, just let me know where and what time!

I didn't expect to be "Mum" when I got a puppy. Having only had cats, rabbits and guinea pigs before, I thought my feelings towards a dog would be similar. I've loved all my pets very much, and they've all needed care and feeding and protection and discipline (the cats and rabbits anyway, guinea pigs don't do anything except eat!). But the dog is completely different in what he needs from me and what I get from him. He is much more communicative with me, and needs much more guidance and interaction from me than the other animals. I started calling myself his mum without really realising, I guess because I feel like I am in a parent/head of the family role with him. Also, the principles behind modern dog behaviour/training (positive reinforcement, effective punishment, positive v negative attention etc) are very much the same as in human psychology and how we learn, particularly as children. So having an understanding of those principles and applying them to dogs could be good practice for kids??

I've only had one dog but he is good with cats - he's a toy poodle x maltese but from what I've read is very poodley in character. As a baby he was 1/5 the size of my two cats (5kgs each - he was 1kg) and was not scared of or aggressive towards them, but established a good but different relationship with each. Now the dog is fully grown, all three are about the same size. With the old, cranky cat - he mostly leaves her alone, which is what she likes, but sometimes gives her a bit of a licking, which she seems to quite like. If she gets cranky, he backs off. With the younger cat - the dog seemed to establish a higher rank right from the beginning and bosses the cat around BUT being a cat, he can escape to higher ground when he wants to then the dog leaves him alone. If we see a cat on a walk, he'll look at it but be very wary. If it doesn't approach he'll just stand still until we walk on, and if it does approach, he'll just sniff hello, then we keep going. I'm sure it's an individual thing but from my experience, and what I've read about poodles I reckon they'd generally be pretty good with cats. Also, I think it depends on the cat and its reaction to change in general. Also, the cat needs to have a safe area that they can get to when it gets a bit much... because that's pretty likely to happen for the cat before the dog

Firstly, don't think I've said it before but your pups are sooooo gorgeous! Like everyone has said, back to toilet training - keep them confined - penned, crated, gated off, whatever works for you - and take them outside every hour, tell them to toilet and lots of praise and maybe food rewards when they go. Also, watch constantly for the signs they need to go. I feel your pain - I dog-sit quite often for my friend's dog on weekends (long story) and she (the dog not my friend ) recently has started toileting in the house, although she was good when she first started coming over. Maybe she feels more like this is her territory now and is marking, or is just being lazy, but whatever it is, I don't want her doing it! I sat in her pee on the couch last weekend Anyway, my plan of action is confine her (and Saxon) when I'm not there, watch her closely and take her outside at least once per hour when I am there, and reward reward reward when she goes outside... Good luck to both of us!

I think this thread may be shut down, being a discussion about deliberate cross breeding BUT for what it's worth, I think education is the best weapon in this situation, particularly while it remains legal to sell animals in pet shops. I make sure I tell my friends/acquaintences/anyone who will listen that buying from pet shops is bad and why - conditions pups are bred under and brought up in, age they are taken from their mum, don't know what you're getting, overpriced etc - and that the best thing to do, no matter what pet you're getting, is to go to the breeder's location, see their set up, meet the parent dogs and talk to the breeder. Make sure you're comfortable with all those things before you choose your pet. Without demand, there would be no supply in pet shops, and many people (pet buyers) want to do the right thing, just don't know any better

Ok, not around the house but cheap! Reject Shop or Hot Dollar rope toys - cheap and good for chewing. You could probably make your own with any clean thick cotton rope or ropes plaited together with knots in them. Anything rubber - a heavy duty washer or something - ie my dog had a great time with the rubber ring thing from outside flood lights. Investment in a Kong is worth it - you can sometimes get them on sale at the supermarkets - my dog looooves his Kong Wubba which is canvas covered and good for chewing but the rubber ones probably last longer - I would seriously recommend paying the one off for the appropriate one for your dog, it really will last. Apart from that, frozen things - RESEARCH THOUGH THERE ARE MIXED VIEWS - if you choose to go with it freeze water or chicken/beef stock in a suitable size container with treats (meat/veg etc) included, hours of fun. And bones - sorry don't want to be condescending but these are the best toy ever!

D'oh wrote a response, computer ate it! So, I do think the GSD had had training. S/he was clearly quite sweet and just wanted to hang out with us. By my guess I'd say s/he was only 7/8 months old. That's particularly why I want to find to owners, just to make sure they know s/he is getting out - according to bike guy this wasn't the first time so just want to make sure they know what's happening. That's what I'd want. LMSW- I was actually thinking at the time that I wish I had a different leash. I was thinking of putting the GSD on Saxon's extendy leash - which is fine for him (dogs up to 10kg) - but I thought s/he could break it easily so maybe not worth it. I do have a much stronger flat lead and maybe I'll carry that now. Do others do that? I hope bike guy was embarrassed and wasn't muttering negative things about me (not that I really care if he was). I still think though that if you're going to comment on a situation to a stranger, then you should at least try to help!

As I said, this may not be the case for the OP. And as you noted, I did say that I believed charliehotel's comment was in a joking spirit. I just think that people should not feel guilty about considering rehoming as an option. I am certainly not saying it should be an easy option, or that people should take on a pet thinking that they can rehome it at will. I do however think that life's circumstances can change and that people should not feel guilty about considering rehoming - to a suitable home. Sometimes it is the best scenario for ALL (human and animal) involved. Again I reiterate - this may not be the case for charliehotel.

Tonight I took Saxon for his usual walk around our neighbourhood. Mum lives in the same area so we were walking over there to say hello. In the reasonably quiet street around the corner from her house a young GSD came trotting up behind us, crossing the road then coming up the footpath in our direction. Just to let you know - Saxon is a 4.8kg toy poodle x, very good with other dogs but SMALL. I, after some learning experiences, am protective of him around unknown dogs... However, I do trust his instincts and look for his reaction to other dogs to guide me. He didn't seem particularly bothered about this other dog. But, in my area, it is VERY unusual to come across an unattended dog. I know we are very lucky with that but it definitely put me on my guard. I didn't want to panic anyone (anydog) so as the other dog approached I slowly walked up to Saxon (about 1.5m away from me on his extendy lead) talking to him. I got to Saxon, picked him up and held him under my arm, away from the other dog. The other dog went to jump up, in a playful way. I told him "NO". He stopped and looked at me calmly. I held Saxon on my left side under my arm and slowly reached my right hand out to the GSD. I told him to stay, he stopped and waited. I took a few steps away then turned around, and on the road saw a man on a bike coming. I was thinking I could ask him for help, as I wanted to do something for this dog but didn't want to risk Saxon's or my own safety. I was starting to think I could ask him to hold Saxon while I got the other dog... As he got close though, he looked at me and said "your dog nearly got hit by a truck last night" in an angry voice. I pointed to the GSD and said "That dog?" He said yep, I said "That's not my dog". He then kept on riding and muttering something that was NOT complimentary... I was so mad, I wanted to say, 'hello, look at how I treat my dog (collared, leashed, name tagged, walked, wearing a jacket for the cold), you think I'd let another of my dogs roam the streets!!!' Bike guy kept riding up the street and I of course stood there with my mouth open not saying anything . I checked the GSD's collar - holding Saxon as far away as I could - he had no name/phone # tag but did have a council tag so I thought I'd try to get him to Mum's then call the Rangers. We started walking but then I heard someone yelling so I stopped, the dog heard and ran off up the street. I walked back in that direction but couldn't see where he went. I plan to go again tomorrow evening and see if I can find the dog and his owners, and maybe talk to them... So, vent vent vent... I'm not happy that this dog was out roaming, BUT it was a young dog, and giving benefit of the doubt, mayber the owners didn't know it was getting out... but more so Mr Bike Rider - don't comment on a situation WITHOUT any offer to HELP then ride off complaining about someone who is trying to ensure the safety of two dogs, herself and the general public!!! GRRRR... Ok thanks for listening

Hi CH, Glad to hear Minna came out safely. I'm sorry you had difficulty with your premie baby but very glad to hear she came through and is now two! For what it's worth, I think a dog run sounds like the safest option. I really think you care about your dogs and want them to be safe and I just think a well secured run would be safer all round than an electric fence. Having said that, you mentioned finding a new home for Minna, I think in a joking sort of way, but IMHO it may be worth considering... I just think that people should NOT feel guilty about rehoming a dog - of course to a suitable home - if circumstances change and a dog (or any pet) living with you is no longer the best option for all involved. That may not be the case for you CH, I don't know, but I just hate to think of people dismissing the option out of guilt, when it could in fact make life better for everyone...

I love your pics dwilds Mum looks so happy in all the photos, with a big smile on her face even with that huge pile of fat little babies to look after. I love the one above with the little bottom in the air heehee

huh, how interesting. What a pity they don't sell lions anymore, they're so hard to find these days!

These stories are too funny! Dogs can be so clever, yet so dumb...

:p Wow! He is so cute! But maybe not the smartest dog in the world... Also, it says he was Harrods-bought. Do they sell pets at Harrods?

:p Brave little Malt girl! Lucky the Harley didn't "growl" back, that noise is loud enough to scare me! I do think many dogs (and other animals) have very good senses about things... although I'm not sure I can totally rely on Saxon's judgements about what is and isn't a threat...

My little fluffer has shown an excellent ability to protect me during his first year of life :p When he was little, one of his first proper barks was at a small leaf which had infiltrated the house, possibly attached to one cat or the other. It was lying on the floor of the lounge room clearly planning an attack when Saxon spotted it, barked a warning, stalked closer, then pounced and killed it. Phew! One day in the car when we were stopped at traffic lights, he spotted an shifty-looking swan painted on an electricity substation box thing on the grass by the side of the road. He growled and barked at it while we waited for the lights to change, and kept it at bay until we could drive away to safety. On a recent walk, he noticed a vicious small shrub in a pot, guarding the front of a house we were passing, along with it's evil twin on the other side of the driveway. He stopped, eyed it and "ruff"ed several times. Both pot plants were too scared to move, and we got safely past. Last night, he went out the dog door to the back garden (as he usually does) and I heard him barking in the back yard. I went out to check and he had cornered the large, and clearly ill-intentioned, wheelbarrow against the wall (where it has been propped up for about the last two months). Very lucky he spotted it, or it could have snuck in while we were sleeping and attacked us all! So, he has proved invaluable as a 5kg protector of me and the household! Any other dogs which such useful skills?

Totally agree with you - I cannot imagine not being grateful and would offer them something for their time and effort. Also, having a dog running on the road, not only could the dog be hit and possibly killed, but the driver could also have a terrible accident as well. If you have a houdini dog, then you need to go to further steps to ensure it can't escape - a fully enclosed run. Also lots of exercise and stimulation for this dog as well. I'm sure the OP is correct - it is probably pregnant now and they will have the added issue of puppies that may not be wanted and how to find homes for them etc. OP did the right and responsible thing and the owners really need to look seriously at how they are raising and caring for that dog. Absolutely! If my dog got out I would be hugely grateful to someone who made sure he was safe and contacted me to get him home. And I would do anything I had to do to ensure he had a secure, safe and comfortable environment that he couldn't escape. If, for some reason, the only possible way I could stop a dog escaping from my house was to chain them up, I personally would be working very hard to find them a more suitable home to live in as quickly as possible. Not saying I'm perfect, but seriously, people should show some responsibility (to the dog and the community) if they choose to have a dog. Good on you ashaflynn, I'm glad Kelly got to have a fun morning with you :p , instead of a much less pleasant experience