~Anne~

Couldn't agree more and it is getting worse by the day.

They won't be able to enforce registration anymore than their current capacity to enforce it. The lifetime registration idea fails in NSW because it isn't backed up. Those who own unregistered dogs will still own unregistered dogs regardless of how often the fee is charged.

For me it's once every adult lifetime. I don't vaccinate my dogs anymore. I still firmly believe the puppy vaccinations are essential. I would personally follow up with one when the dog became an adult and that is all.

Shelters (aka pounds in NSW) are managed and run by local government. This usually means that there is limited funding. Limited funding stands between the ideal world and the real world.

Congratulations to Ric, Russ and the team. Another leap forward for a progressive Council. The Council deserve recognition for the changes they have implemented over the last 5 years.

Ok, good point. I do recall reading that misguided put down.

Why is it that the opposing point of view always has to be ridiculed. Seriously, some of you need to look at your responses.

You're talking several issues. The NSW Companion Animal Legislation predicts the minimum length of time they are held for. The individual pound determines the process by which dogs are sold or disposed of.

I encourage Olivia to drink with either a yoghurt water mix each morning, pet milk plus water or broth. Her prescriptives obviously also make her thirsty so she drinks water during the day as well. It always helps to add water to their food to if you can.

Now I'm confused, if there is no UTI why is she on antibiotics? I'm not sure protexin will do much for her bladder would it? It would certainly help her upset stomach though I believe. I agree about the sample being taken from the bladder. We did this for Olivia. Olivia's problem though was that the infection returned almost immediately after she finished the antibiotics (we suspected it actually never cleared and hadn't for several years). Her last round of antibiotics were given for 6 weeks straight, after the sample from the bladder. We tested a couple of weeks after she finished and she was finally clear. So far so good, it's now been 3 years plus and still no sign of crystals or infection. I really encourage lots of drinking though and she remains on prescriptives and nothing else.

As well as the cranberry, you need to encourage drinking to continually flush the bladder. I'd be adding a small amount of salt to her food. I have a rescue bitch here that has had two surgeries to remove stones prior to coming in. She continually had UTIs and did for the first 3 months of joining us. There remains debate about whether the alkalinity causes the infection or the infection causes the alkalinity. Either way, struvites form. We put her on long term antibiotics and switched her to prescriptives. She remains crystal free. I have a friend who feeds natural, instead of the kibble, and she has a bitch the same. I'm happy to get the diet for you if you like.

If they were not close to my vet then I would ring the Vet they were taking the dog to and explain the situation to see if I could negotiate rescue rates in this instance. I believe I would be 100% my responsibility unless the issue was caused through negligence of the people who had the dog on trial.

I've seen so many people struggle with trying to help itchy dogs, and dogs with things like demodex and after a visit to a specialist, the problem is resolved or a good clinical plan brings it under control.

Yep, seems they are. Here you go; http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dog-health/papilloma.aspx

It sounds like a wart type thing perhaps?

I'd be seeking a referral to a veterinary dermatologist.

A little bit of bleeding wont kill him. You didn't do anything that I, or thousands of others, wouldn't have also done in the same situation. I'm sure he'll be fine. Keep the faith.

The only board and train group that I know of in Sydney I wouldn't trust with a pet rock! Ring Steve or any other reputable trainer.

If it was nothing strange under the scope why did she then do a biopsy? Yes, it is normal for bleeding after a biopsy as they are actually cutting into it. Fingers crossed for good results. Even if it was something sinister it seems that you have jumped on it early so that will hold in your favour.

She's very cute. I think the video is lovely.

I've desex about 30 pugs and my own have also had surgery over the years. None have ever needed to wear an Elizabethan collar. I would be prepared to buy one, but would take a watch and see approach first.

It was an attempt at humour.....

I couldn't look at my cat when he killed 6 day-old chickens. I'm not as fond of him as I was and I don't trust him at all. I despise the GSD who visits next door and killed one of my chooks. Its even easier to hate foxes. Yes, I totally understand and would feel the same, but do you think your cat is evil or the GSD evil? Judging by the horns sticking out from the sides of their heads they are!

Yes, isn't this what happens to people when taking ecstasy or some similar drug at raves? They flood their body with too much water thinking they're thirsty or some thing?

Perhaps this is a timely reminder for readers, particularly those involved in rescue, that every state operates under different legislation and codes. Singling out rescuers again; It is important that rescuers know the laws applicable in each state, or at the very least, understand that national legislation related to companion animals doesn't exist.