Whippetsmum

Hi, I posted a Hooded Hound Coat Pattern from Greyhound Manor a while ago. I just found more patterns from these guys, including the Hooded Hound Coat Pattern, Traditional Cool Coat, Snood Pattern, and Paw Protectors amongst other things. The Document says we are free to share the patterns. So enjoy! PS: is anyone can work out where to apply the Width Measurement in the Hooded Hound Coat Patterm, let me know. http://compendium.legiodraconis.com/docs/patterns.doc Whippets Mum

Hi Cookiez, There were a few posts a couple of months back on what to do if you are approached so that you minimise the chances of you or your dogs getting attacked. I started one post and asked for advice, but I can't recall the topic title, and don't know how to look back at the posts. If you've moved from Castle Hill, you may be in a similar area to a friend (she just moved to "The Ponds", lost of vacant land, houses being built, some people not having fences yet) She had a similar expereince with 2 off leashers, they weren't strays, as the owners were there, just about 500 m away from the dogs. I've had experiences where the dogs aren't strays, just that the owners have let their dogs loose for a run, and think that because their dog comes back eventually it's OK (total morons). If you can, take a camera with you when you go on a walk, and email the pics to council. If you are in an area that is being developed and there is stock around, chickens, etc, the rangers may be more proactive as dogs on the loose can attack the stock as well as you and Codi. My friend had her dogs off leash too, so she was in wrong as much as the other owners, one of her dogs bolted home, which was scary as the other 2 dogs chased her all teh way home. The owners of the dogs didn't care and thought it was very funny.....such lovely "ladies" (term used loosely). I hope you and Codi keep safe. Whippetsmum

Have a look in The Pinned topics, under Pet Craft links, I posted a knitted pattern there that I got from K9 Communities in the UK. Also the Panda knitting book has a pattern that will fit greyhounds, but is modelled by a Whippet in the booklet.

How far West? My vet is possibly the man for the job, he is located in the Hills/Blacktown area. His has a family member with communication and mobility issues, the surgery is accessible with no step, you can park at the door if need be. This man has the patience of a Saint, I have always found him thougtful and kind, and he never seems to rush you out the door. He has always been very reasonable with his fees too. PM me if you'd like his contact details. Whippetsmum

We chop up apple, carrot, pear (any fruit and vege) and leave it concealed in the garden. In return we get nicely skinned pieces of fruit and vege every afternoon.

Tea towels, especially dark green ones........thet are they are the scariest

So far so good. Both seem fine. I hate rats, but never use posion myself in case some por cat or dog finds the carcass.

Hi, I just got home to find a headless rat on the pavers outside. Someone obviously had a snack while I as at work. Apart from the gross out factor, should I be worried about any nasties from dogs eating these things? One of them is a pup- 4 months old, and she is probably the most likely to chew things. Thanks

Would you consider calling the RSPCA, and making a report on the dog's condition? They may send someone out to speak with the owner about providing appropriate vet care for her skin and weight. Maybe she's not been wormed.

Next time we need some DOL hats or badges. I didn't meet Riccick, although I was on the look out. I did meet The Ark, which was really nice. I am sure there were many Doler's who I didn't get to say hello to.

If someone clever makes one, can they put up some rough instructions on the craft thread? The Todds one looks great, can the dogs get in by themselves? What if anything do you use to keep the opening open? I've been trying to work out what materials to use to make one. I've got some nice fleece waiting for a project!

Hi Di, I haven't had to go through long term boarding. Besides a kennel service, there are also doggy minding services where the dog stays in a person's home, there is sometimes a banner add at the top of the DOL page. I am not sure what the costs are. Another option is that one of the Dolers runs a kennel not far from Nepean, can't think of the name but people speak very highly of it. Good luck

I went through this not that long ago and found the ASPCA website helpful (link below) when I was looking at puppy proofing the yard. One plant that I wasn't expecting to be a problem was Azalea. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/ This ASPCA link has a searchable database of plants, that are puppy friendly and ones which are not. I found that for the plants I was looking for, most of the common names that we use here in AU were the same for those in the US. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a list of Australian "Native" plants that are safe or dangerous that I could find- I know Grevilleas can be a problem from contact allergies. I cordoned off the garden beds because my puppy loves to eat any leaves, and even if they were'nt poisonous, she would eat too much salad and upset her tummy. Don't forget potting mix is toxic, both from soil bacteria and from the fertilizer pellets in them, also blood and bone, dynamic lifter etc are all hazardous. From my experience cover the fish pond before you get puppy home, otherwise puppy may take a swim, apart from the water being cold, some algae growing in ponds can be toxic. Also remember that if you live in a recycled water aea that this type of water isn't fit for drinking, so any water features that have recycled water need to be covered so puppy doesn't drink it. Puppies have small bodies, so some things that larger dog may tolerate can have major effects on a puppy.

Greyhound coat with hood- sewing pattern: could be adapted for Whippets too: http://nantonanimalprotection.com/reports%...ound%20coat.pdf

Great Thread! Has anyone got a pattern/instructions for a snuggle bed? I can't work out what to use to keep the end open so dogs with learning difficulties (like mine) can get in independently :D Also: Kamuzz, The knitting book was aavailable at Big W at Rouse Hill a few weeks ago, I got mine at Spotlight a few years ago. PM me if you have trouble finding it.

Hope this isn't too late if you are goung to Windsor there's a couple of nice stop offs: Bella Vista Farm: Nice old building, definately a couple of fig trees, als0 big pine trees and again open space. As it's on a hill, you can get the illusion of being in the middle of nowhere. Up the road going towards Windsor is a regional park at Rouse Hill, along old Windsor Road, a bit of open space, long grass, and a big hill. Might take some nice shots against the sky. There is also the Rouse Hill Farm buildings complete with a couple of big old trees, could get some bice shots against the architecture and the old farm equipment. I think there is a nice Morton Bay Fig (can't quite remember). On the other side of the road is the Rouse Hill off leash park if you feel like a bit of a run. Bella Vista Farm is 6 mins from Mt Druitt along the M7 and Rouse Hill Farm 10 mins down the road, another 10 minutes and you'll get to Windsor, so it's a bit of a road trip with several potential photo ops.

Well, I was definately not paranoid enough. Puppy got really sick, 2 days on a drip, one week recouperating. Vaccinations delayed, puppy training delayed, big vet bill, but she's OK. Meanwhile, the scary Azaleas and all the rest of the nasty garden are safely penned and cannot cause any harm! The savage fish pond is tightly covered with wire mesh, and the evil pot plants have all moved to the front of the house. We won't ever really know what she got into, but hopefully it's either been moved or is neutralised. Whippetsmum

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I got a bit side tracked regarding Puppy Preshcool when our baby got pretty sick and spent a few days in hospital, and a few more days being coddled at home. She's now been off all her meds for a week, so we can now, thank heavens, get her vaccinations updated. Our Vet wasn't keen on giving her anything while she had the other meds in her system. We should now be able to get into the training, albeit a few weeks later than intended, but at least she' healthy"! Whippetsmum

Hi, I just wanted to say that even if shirts aren't great for making dog stuff, old denim jeans (especially men's baggy ones) make great strong dog coats- just use the fabric from around the thigh section, it's about the right size for a medium dog. These "jeans coats" are especially snuggly when lined with polar fleece or some old flanny PJ material. If you keep a pocket on one side, it's great for keeping "poo bags" in when you're on a walk. I will have a look in my sewing stuff and see what I can put to good use, it's meant to be raining this weekend. Whippetsmum

My Vet told me about 2 years ago that average lifespan of a dog in Australia is only around 18 months............. I was horrified.

Missypriss, Sending you lots of love to share with your lovely boy. Remember that the only way we make these tough decisions is out of love, and he will know this. Lots of hugs, Whippetsmum

Gorgeous Who bred her? The proud lady is Margot at Karnaby Kennels in Sydney. For those with an interest in Whippet Bloodlines, mum is Ridgesetter Ming Dynasty, dad is Nevedith Kafa Krakar.

A) No, they are not baby Greyhounds and B) Yes they ARE supposed to look like that

Isn't she lovely?