Little Gifts

My sister's husky shep cross Wolf has always been the fun police. Biggest dibber dobber and fun killer around and big enough to make the others stop in their tracks. Every now and then she will be caught on the other end of a tuggy and give us a look like "Oh just get over yourselves!" The one good thing we do use her for is in off leash areas if my younger one strays too far we just tell Wolf to go get Stussy and she rounds her up and brings her back to us!

Didn't you say in another thread that Hugo barked incessantly at the other puppies and had to be given a time out several times? That may have been constituted as bullying the other dogs... Knuckles did that once at puppy preschool, but it was a 'stop teaching me things I wanna play!!!' bark. Possibly the same thing for Hugo? sorry OT. My youngest was our puppy school's crazy dog. She was used to playing with older dogs who play very rough and often had to be leashed during what was supposed to be free play but looked more like puppy bowling. I still remember one horrible moment when a very spoilt small white fluffy was screaming for its mummy because its hair was wrapped around my dog's teeth and they were stuck together. I swear it was an accident!

Gemma is a cutie pie! You don't see many basset hounds - I think the old age droop suits her!

I used to be very close (in a brother/sister like fashion) with a younger work colleague who was dubbed the best looking bloke in our entire region. Wherever we went women would ask me about him. His second marriage broke up and we got a lot closer because he needed my support (he has very little family) but things also got too intense for me and we had a falling out about something stupid and blokey he did. Then I had a falling out with a very close female friend (who we both also worked with) because of my falling out with him and her taking his side and meddling. Things got back on track with all of us after about 6 months of me licking my wounds. But two years later I am still hearing from work mates in that region that they all think he left his wife for me and that I broke up with my close friend (and the man in question) because they both cheated on me! What the hell is wrong with people?

Here's a pic of my old girl taken in August when she turned 16. She used to be nearly all black brindle!

I'm so sorry Leanne. Mine is blind, deaf, full of cancer, has dementia and is losing weight and feeling bony with loose skin despite having increased her food intake. But she is still full of beans so we'll continue on until she isn't. The vet has told me once she goes downhill it will be a very quick deterioration. I'm trying not to think about it at all until the time comes.

Kirsty my vet just did all kinds of response tests. She knows my dog very, very well and usually she carries on like a banshee at the vet but that day (and since) she just took the whole thing in her stride, which was an indicator of a changed personality and sign of dementia. We did have to give urine and have her kidneys checked (think it was kidneys?) as the tablets can affect them. But all her organs are still working well despite her having mammary cancer. Even with dementia they can still have an enjoyable life. When my girl is engaged with you her mind doesn't wander - it is mainly when she is doing nothing in particular it is noticeable. We have a fairly strict toileting regime in place now as well - I spend lots of time encouraging and praising a deaf dog to go to the toilet - my neighbours must think I'm a little mad. Oh and one other indicator I remember was her getting stuck in corners and behind doors (mainly the toilet door - can't pee in piece at our house). They can go in but struggle to problem solve how to get out again. From memory I think the medication is to stop things getting any worse. She is certainly a lot better on it but not what I would call normal. The vet will explain it all to you. It is manageable and I really don't think the dogs really know what's happening.

I have an old staffy here and she was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year. She has the pacing - kind of like she was going somewhere and forgot where it was. She also stands hovering doing nothing a lot like she is trying to remember something. She is also deaf and blind now so that also doesn't help! Toileting is our biggest problem. She has forgotten about toilet training like a puppy. It is like she has forgotten the warning signs and just goes where ever she is. We've had to resort to nappies and she gets me up to toilet about 3 times a night. I have heard of poop falling out while an older dog sleeps though and it seems more like old age incontinence. There is medication for dementia. Can't help with the food issue - that's never been a problem with any of my dogs! And my old girl (almost 16 1/2) still rough plays with my younger dog every single morning and night and we bought her a doggy pram so she could catch a ride if she got tired on our walks but she wont use it! Some of the issues you face caring for an older dog are a little like having a puppy again!

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland The Honourable Tim Mulherin 06/12/2010 Festive season presents some threats to pets It's not just people who feel the heat during Queensland's festive season - your pets also need protection from the potential harmful effects of the hot weather. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin and Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan today talked to primary school children about the importance of animal welfare over the summer months. Mr Ryan said speaking at Morayfield State School that animals needed to have water, food and appropriate shelter available to them at all times, but especially when the temperatures soared. "All animal owners had a legal duty-of-care to their pets and we're keen to teach school students about the value of good animal welfare," Mr Ryan said. "Pet owners who would never knowingly harm their pets need to make sure they do not make the mistake of ignoring their special needs during this time of the year. "If your family is going to be away from home even if it is just to spend a few days at the beach, you need to make arrangements to ensure your pets are cared for. "The best option was to book family pets into a good boarding kennel or cattery. "Alternatively, arrange for a responsible person to visit your home daily to care for your animals," he said. Mr Mulherin said pets need company and it is neglectful to leave a dog in a yard for long periods without a person to care for them. "All pet owners or those in charge of an animal have a duty of care to provide food, water and appropriate shelter. This is particularly important during scorching summer heat and the wet season," Mr Mulherin said. "Pets should never be left in a hot car, not even for a short while, as intense heat can quickly cause heat stroke and death. "Biosecurity Queensland's Help an Animal Smile website for children is an enjoyable way for parents to help their children learn about responsible pet ownership. "The school holidays are a great time to foster good animal care skills with your kids and the website has fun and interactive downloadable games, quizzes and activity books. "It is a great source for parents as well with tips, fact sheets and important information on pet owner's duty of care to their animals." For more information on animal welfare or Help an Animal Smile activities, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au and click on 'Animal welfare & Ethics', then 'Kids' pages' or contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

I remember seeing stuff about this boy when you first took him on. It is horrible that there are people out there who abuse or neglect animals that to us seem to have beautiful natures. Remember that dogs live in the moment so what Toby does every day now is far more important to him than what happened in the past - he has pushed all that to the back of his mind. Yes it sucks that his life is going to be cut short but some dogs are amazing - I have one over 16 now full of cancer but still going like nothing is wrong. One day she will go downhill and it will be time but until then we make the most of what we have. That's all you can do with Toby. His time will come but it my not be for quite a while given what he has already endured. Until it does every day for him will be wonderful in your care so try and accept the joy he brings and deal with the sad stuff when you absolutely have to.

I can also be there at 7am to pick up Bandit. If I am a smidge late it is only because of traffic. I'm excited too and I'm assuming apart from stall duties Bandit is mine to entertain and show off until 2pm? I am going to bring water and poo bags and all that stuff like he was my own. Might also bring a toy in case he likes that kind of thing as well but will check with the kennel staff when I pick him up. LDH I will PM you my personal details in case you need to pass them on to the kennel people or Di.

I'm coming up to volunteer for the day, not bringing my own dogs and would LOVE to pick up a furbie. Probably only 1 though because I will also have food items to bring with me and will need a free hand. I don't have a crate either but have those seatbelt thingies to keep my dogs secure. I think I am a little in love with Bandit too if that helps? Given I am volunteering and assuming I may be behind a stall some of the time will Bandit or the other dogs be looked after by someone else while there? Anytime I am not behind a stall though I'd love to show one of them off.

Happy Birthday Holly! I have an old girl too (a dog) and she isn't fond of dressing up for Christmas either. TLC I am loving having an older dog and just watching how their bodies change but their personalities still shine through. I hope Holly makes it to 20 and beyond!

I can imagine paying more for a very rare breed of dog or one whose lines carry something exceptional, because availability affects price in most other areas of life. But since I'm not into rare breeds I would like to think I am paying for what I get, which means a skilled breeder has raised a healthy and socially capable pup ready to be safely rehomed and has assessed me as a suitable owner of own of their pups. I like to read the pups born each month on DOL and can see that there is the potential for breeders to spend a lot of money to raise litters so I would like to see a breeder adequately compensated for the efforts but not greedy or jumping on a colour bandwagon (a la blue SBTs). Like most people I am first attracted to the look (colour) of dog and do have my favourite looks for several breeds (I like short haired pieds in several breeds). But immediately after I narrow it down to that I need to know the health is good and most importantly that the dog has the personality both of the breed and of what I like/need in my life. No point me choosing a dog that doesn't like cuddles and to play when that is what gives me a lot of pleasure is it? I am not after a show dog either so a wonky ear or size not to standard are not a concern to me, but health issues that might cause me to lose a beautiful dog at a young age definately are. The dog needs to suit me and I need to suit the dog. Maybe too many people just don't go past the look of an animal? Maybe if they saw more rescue puppies they would realise that all dogs are beautiful when they are young and dependant and it is what they turn in to that they should be thinking about. A dog you adore is still a dog you adore regardless of it is 12 weeks or 12 years old.

I have 2 memorable and disfiguring ones, both by SBT's. A friend's SBT pup decided to launch itself into the air off my septic tank assuming I would catch it. It's teeth and my teeth collided taking a chunk off the bottom of my front tooth. I have had it filled numerous times since then and it still falls out so I look a bit special between dental visits. My second more serious one has life long repurcussions. I got an SBT rescue pup. I was carrying a load of washing to the line when the pup got under my feet and I landed on the concrete on my butt. It hurt a lot but xrays didn't identify any damage. Next day I was vomiting with the pain. An abcess started growing on the base of my spine. I was living on pain killers for weeks while they tried to treat it with antibiotics. Couldn't sit, couldn't sleep, could only lie on my side. Then it started leaking. Then I had emergency surgery. Then I had drains hanging out of two holes in my butt for 7 weeks. Then I had surgery again to put experimental pigs bits into the holes. Three months off work, most of which was spent lying on my side either in pain or oozing gross stuff. A third of my core body muscles were damaged by the abcess and ooze which will lead to incontinence from both ends in my old age. I still have the dog though - she ended up being my heart girl and I adore every inch of her. Plenty of other minor injuries breaking up fights, being used as a launch pad or having my arms ripped from their sockets when someone on the end of a leash does a bolt but that's just part of living with crazy dogs.

She looks absolutely amazing! A whole new dog!

We've got 6 boxes hopefully getting posted tomorrow. One of the other workgroups here did 2 and my sister's workplace should end up with 2 as well. We just did male and female soldiers as I'm sure the doggies would've done pretty well off the DOL folk. And you find out things about co-workers doing stuff like this. Not one male offered to participate. One of them even opened the chips thinking they were just for sharing at work and didn't offer to replace them when told what they were for. I also learnt our youngest staff member is a professional soldier's child. Her father is back in Iraq for his 3rd tour of duty. He has a specialist skill that means unless there is a war he doesn't get much experience doing what he is trained to do. So he has served in East Timor and Iraq. This young girl contributed a lot from her measly pay because she knows how much it means. My only real wish is that each box could weigh 5kg! There is so much more I would've loved to send!

Don't get your knickers in a twist about Andrew Bolt get your knickers in a real twist about the Matt Smith who via his teaching profession at La Trobe University is indoctinating the next generation of jounalists on how we should not own dogs! ""Pooch pie on the menu if we don't cut ecological pawprint" Matt Smith November 25, 2010 http://m.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and...1124-187bh.html Go and get your knickers in a twist that The Age would print such garbage!! Sorry, I see the name Andrew Bolt and the mad woman within takes over. Hopefully those being submitted to the irrational rantings of Matt Smith will be intelligent enough to make their own decisions, particularly as a large proportion would be dog lovers/owners. There always seems to be some radicals teaching at universities - I know I had a couple during my studies.

I am going to be having stern words with my camera - I get nothing like these and it has to stop immediately! I want cool mouse and elephlunk photos!

Andrew Bolt is the biggest mud slinging journo out there. He should've had his lips stitched up and fingers cut off years ago. He doesn't abide by any journalist ethics that I want to be part of. His sole aim is to cause chaos. He is like print media's Kyle Sandilands. Don't even bother reading anything he writes because it will not contain balanced arguments or info sources from both sides, just his single minded opinions.

I was thinking about the pain it endured too Persephone. And I think I read somewhere that dehydration is a horrible death experience too. I will never understand the mistreatment of animals and in particular the physical abuse of puppies (who wouldn't know not to cry when hurt) and the neglect and abandonment of old animals. Do they think if they ignore an older animal they will just hurry up and die? Grow some balls and pts an old dog who is suffering (I can't imagine them caring enough to engage with a rescue group to rehome it). A person who abuses or neglects a companion animal should never be allowed to own or co-own another one in their entire lives. Not even goldfish.

Yep I'd be keen to hear what P&S cameras others are using so I know what mine might also be capable of! Mine is a Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ3. I will post a couple of pics up from home - don't have them with me at work. I must admit it has photographed more concerts than my dogs!

Hi everyone, I don't normally make it to any meets but am hoping to change that in the new year when I get myself more organised. I hang out in the rescue threads and Australian Working Dog Rescue are having a BBQ ont he day of your next meet - 5/12, at Clayfield. I thought I'd point it out in case you want to kill two birds with one stone - enjoy a sausage sizzle and have a meet up? Here's the link to the thread: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...p;#entry4975510

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod4741.htm This is what I have in a lovely dark blue colour. Obviously there is a newer model out now. I just don't get the same vibrancy and crispness in my photos that my friend, who had the same camera, got.

I have a Lumix too after seeing the photos a friend took on his on the same OS trip as me. I have tried experimenting with the different options but a bad photographer is still a bad photographer! I have bravely let go of the flash for most photos but find myself fiddling so much with the zoom that the subject in question has usually moved on. My other issue is I now need seperate glasses for close up and distance things but no glasses for say working on a computer. I never to know whether to have glasses on or off and whether that is affecting my focussing. The saddest part is I studied photography in high school on a very good (back then) 35mm camera and have studied digital video at uni so you think I'd know something????? I think I suffer from pressing (the button) pressure.....