~Anne~

It's really easy to let money worries turn into major stress too LP. Been there, done that and laid awake at nights thinking "how the hell do I make this work!" and dreaming of some fantastic instant riches scenario myself. The trick is to not let it overwhelm you. Practical steps, one at a time. Just like at any other time of your life and you and I have had many discussions about that. If you can, I'd suggest applying for a small credit card or personal loan so you can be ready for future costs for Lil. Limit the card. Maybe $2k max. Put every regular bill you have on a fortnight plan. For those who don't offer this, do it yourself as a regular fortnightly Bpay or transfer the money into an account for bills only. Set the debits to occur on your account the day after your pension comes in. To work out your fortnightly debit amounts just look at your last bill, calculate it to a 12 month amount (ie monthly bill x 12) and then divide that by 26. Always aim to debit a few dollars more, not less obviously. If every regular bill is set to automatically come out of your account each time your payment goes in, then you know that the remainder is able to be spent. You then adjust your living to that amount. I still have my money organised like this to this day even though I could probably relax a little these days.

Actually dogs are not strict carnivores. The domestic dog is able to, and does, survive on plant material alone. Meat is a better choice if you are looking at feeding them closest to nature, but it is not absolutely essential. In this case the diet is specifically for weight loss. The dog is obviously consuming too much and exercise is difficult. The dog is still getting protein from meat, just in much smaller proportions and vegetables are added as a filler.

Sorry Loraine. RIP Alfie.

I wouldn't think it would be possible to stop such a strong natural urge would it? Edited: oops, just saw mixeduppup's answer. I guess it is then!

Sounds like a great plan!

Oh no! I came into the thread again hoping you'd have an update from the vet. I am so very sorry. Cyber hugs to you. Rip Ricky.

Very few dogs are tattooed overall.

Lots of geriatric animals develop seizures for all manner of reasons. Diseases of the brain, liver and kidney are the most common I believe?? You're lucky you can distract her in such a way. I once thought I distracted Monte but I tried many times after and it never worked. It must have been a fluke or just coincidence when I thought I had distracted him. This might be of help Mystic? "Episodic collapse of the geriatric dog" http://www.bearscampnewfs.com/health/Waltham%20Center/Episodic%20Collapse%20in%20the%20Geriatric%20Dog.pdf

You didn't mention seizures the first few posts. That puts a very different slant on the symptoms. I hope the vet can shed some light soon. It's uncommon for a dog of that age to develop epilepsy. Epilepsy is basically seizures where a cause cannot be diagnosed and the most common age for it to start if from around 18months to 4 years.

It may be a long shot but it sounds very similar to what happened to my cat. I understand they're different species but she was fainting, passing out and collapsing from weakness because her heart was failing. She wasn't getting enough blood flow to her brain. Her very first symptoms was her fading appetite. The first time she sort of fell and she looked dazed. Then she recovered and all was well for a few days. It continued and got worse within a very short period of time. Good luck. I hope the vet visit provides some answers.

It wouldn't matter unless they were testing for blood sugar levels I wouldn't think. Many years ago, as part of a university trial, Monte had to fast before a blood test but they were checking several things including cholesterol. That is the only time I have ever had to make one fast prior.

He had two because he was double figures (10) :) :laugh: Cute! It's lovely seeing pics of cherished dogs.

Memories are precious and you've shared so many with your girls. This could be me writing, word for word. I also often said I never expected Monte would grow old. He even began to go grey around his muzzle in the last year and he looked so cute. It's been 6 months now and I miss him terribly still. He was, and will always be, my heart dog.

WIRES are seeking donations. I can't comprehend how much of our wildlife has been killed or injured. www.wires.org.au

Great post Angeluca. Thanks for clarifying. I'm sure it will be very helpful for both purchaser and breeder.

The link to the actual legislation is here: http://www.consumerlaw.gov.au/content/Content.aspx?doc=the_acl/legislation.htm This is a little more on the pet issue; http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection/content/bettertrading/Issue/article_004.html

Perhaps this will help (applicable to WA); http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ConsumerProtection/PDF/Publications/A_consumers_guide_to_buying_a_pet.pdf I can't cut and paste from it but page 10 may assist. This doc is very light with detail though.

Replace some of the current solid food with boiled cabbage. Cook it well and mix it in. I'd get rid of the smacko altogether. Dogs don't need snacks.

The current list of public schools closed tomorrow; http://www.schools.n...afety/index.php

There is no need to anything else apart from a carbohydrate for energy and bulk. An elimination diet is not meant for the long term so additives such as calcium and thiamine are not required. In fact, the less added the better as you cannot be sure of triggers.

I'm not up on the legislation these days. Two things come to mind though. 1. If the declaration is made in writing, can the dog be deemed 'dangerous' and therefore not eligible for re-homing? 2. Is it different in each state and which state laws does the dog come under.?

Why wouldn't the surgery have been necessary? That implies that the vet potentially operated on the pup needlessly and the question would have to be asked 'why would he be so incompetent to allow a pup to undergo major surgery for no reason'. I agree with StephM, and based on what Steve has said, unless the contract was explained (assuming there is one) I think both sides are in a shitty situation. The buyer has had to go through the stress of expensive surgery on a puppy that hasn't even reached adulthood and the breeder has the risk sending the wrong message about her breeding program and having to pay up money. I still stand by my earlier opinion - I'd compensate them financially and move on. Use this one as a lesson, not a reason to start war.

The OP must have been assuming that they would pay the $1700 for their vet to treat it seems to me though, so why not just pay that amount? Surely there is a way to negotiate these things. Asking for the puppy back is asking for an argument. I wouldn't give it back if it were me and it is not logical to think that they would hand it over just because you are refunding the purchase price. So, for clarification purposes, is the breeder legally required to compensate?

I don't think they can legally take the dog back anyway, can they? Why cause them, and yourself, more grief. Consumers want more these days. Breeders are going to have to step up.