coogie

Just wondered if anyone knows of any good spots between Brisbane and Mackay for canine comfort stops? We are travelling up to see my sister and have always flown when we only had Issy - she came on the same flight. Now we are a two dog family we are going to drive, as I don't think Alfie our new addition would react well to the flight. The other reason we are driving is to deliver a very special package - we are taking a rescue to her new forever home. So three dogs and a long drive, we have borrowed a large 4wd - so lots of space and safe harnesses etc (there is more dog luggage than human luggage so far LOL) Only anxiety is where we can give them a break from the car - any advice on places to stop would be gratefully received.

Wow,looks like they had a ball. Unbelievable amount of stuffing, how big was the toy???? Great pics - we are renovating the house at the momment - had just finished the lounge and came home to find the following modification to the windows. Clearly the little darlings could not see outside to their satisfaction. It looks even worse now as we were so scared they would get caught in the cord that we have cut that off as well until the new blind comes! I fear we will never finish the house as they seem to follow along adding "finishing touches" to every room.

I find the hair goes everywhere no matter what I use,did buy a couple of pricey hammocky bed type things but have reverted to old sheets and blankets. I just clean the car more often, bit of a pain but am looking at changing to a more suitable car,I had this one before we got the dogs so it is pretty impractical. The seats clean up fine and I give them a spray with fabric freshener once a week. The main casualty has been the window tint - big scratch down one window - however this was OH's fault as he was pulling faces at Alfie through the window . We also have a barrier I bought from Supercheap auto that hooks over the head rests and goes between the front seats for safety,we used this whilst they got used to their car harnesses. I figure when I go to sell the car even the most expensive detail - including steam cleaning the seats will be cheaper than endlessly paying for new hammocks/covers.

I think Shar Pei puppies are damn cute but I am totally biased, I don't always think being a super cute puppy is a blessing! Lots of rescues with these guys these days - a curse on toilet paper ads.

Thanks Tapua, I was hoping to see this as we get a great view of the moon usually - so eagerly awaiting super moon - instead got super clouds and rain. BAH! GSD at the back was doing his monthly moon howl last night so he must know it is there.

We have Petplan Platinum Dog for both our ours we have claimed for a fairly big operation for Issy and they paid promptly and with no hassle. We have had her renewal since and no increase in premium other than the smallish annual increase. The premiums are not the cheapest but we have the option to pay monthly by direct debit. I wouldn't be without the insurance as our one claim has covered the premiums for a year three or four times over.

Sorry to hear that dogslife, it sounds horrible I guess it depends where you live and who comes round. The council here would simply call the RSPCA to a suspected welfare case anyway as they don't deal with this issue directly unless the dog has been reported as a nuisance. There are definitely some people in certain houses near me that I would not approach and can understand why Dogperson doesn't want to risk it. I just think it is very difficult when you are worried about a dogs welfare,but not sure who to call- Dogperson I think it is great that you are concerned enough to want to do something hope the dog is ok whatever you decide to do.

I think this is a damned if you do,damned if you don't situation,you obviously think there is something not right and without seeing the dog or the property it is very hard to judge. If the house and yard looked really rough,you are truly worried about the dog(it sounds like you are) and you don't think you can approach the people with or without someone else I don't see anything wrong with calling the RSPCA. We had a visit from them years ago whilst nursing a rescue back to health,as soon as the situation was explained and they could see the food he was getting and the meds he was on - they were happy to let us get on with it. He did look like he was starving and abused because he had been by previous owners, they did not hassle us and were polite and only interested in the well being of the dog. I wasn't angry that they were called because I could see how he looked and how someone could get the wrong end of the stick if they saw him through the fence,he was horribly skinny and had some sores. Just a personal opinion but I would much rather have a visit from the RSPCA than think people walked by, saw him and then did nothing. They did say they would make a note of the address so if they got further calls they would know not to come out over and over. Friends of ours have a hound who is always very ribby,despite all kinds of adjustments to his diet etc; they too have had a visit in more recent times and same thing, RSPCA went away satisfied he was fine. If the house is local maybe you could just keep an eye out for a day or two and if you are still concerned call.

We have both our dogs insured with Petplan and are very happy with their service,Issy has just had surgery for luxating patella and they paid promptly and with no discussion. The premiums for the platinum policy are slightly higher than other companies but both of our dogs seem to be a bit accident prone so I feel it is well worth it. The only thing I don't like is that as a "select" breed (Shar Pei) they will not continue to cover them fully as they get older (over 7 years) so we may need to re-think at that point. We have just got the renewal for Issy and no significant increase despite the claims,in fact I was pleasantly surprised as I thought it would have gone up more just in terms of an annual increase. A family member had a bad experience with Medi bank private where they refused to pay a claim over a technicality and some ambiguous wording in the policy, I had considered them but was put off by the way they handled (and then rejected) the claim.

We also use the veggie pigs ears as they don't seem to cause choking (more chewy and less splintery) and take the dogs longer to eat. We get them from Petbarn they are more expensive than the "real ones" at nearly $3.00 each, I wait until they are on special and load up.

That's horrible Aussielover,if you know the house can you report the guy? Awful that the dog is skinny and running in the road. As to the others they sound horrendous, I hope the dog that got attacked makes a good recovery. We have the same issue here,my girl has just had major surgery and after 5 weeks of crating and being confined to the house she can finally go for 5 minute lead walks. I walked her up the street last night but about halfway up a JRT came flying out of driveway and rushed at her,Issy is normally very social and calm with other dogs but is a bit over the top due to confinement and lack of exercise,I stood between them as the JRT was snapping at her and she was starting to look like she would retaliate I fended of the JRT with my foot and yelled for the owner who eventually came ambling out ,only to give me a mouthful about having aggressive dogs out in public?????? I told her in no uncertain terms that Issy was onlead,under control and not aggressive usually but her dog was unrestrained,on a public road and very aggressive,added a few other words I can't repeat here.... her response? The classic,"he's only little , he won't bite,he's just playing blah blah blah" I didn't hear any more just interrupted her to say just get hold of the bl**dy thing will you and then walked off in disbelief,it really annoys me that these idiots won't take responsibility and restrain their dogs. She continued to shout abuse as I walked away,needless to say I didn't go that way tonight!

Great job.

I've been told my one of my Shar Pei "must be a pit bull because her nose is reddy brown" Yeah sure.

Our vet lists swabs,syringes,tubes,drips,bandages etc under consumables (I asked them the same question tlc) Could it be that?

Kroll Gardens Link Link to Kroll Gardens Dog Park.

That is gold. Did you pretend to be really offended? Yes indeed Raz,I dine out on it to this day! I do have to say that I am actually really pleased that he loves the dogs,he can be a workaholic and walking them everyday has given him a real interest outside of his work. He is happy,the dogs are happy - so I am happy. I couldn't care less if he anthropomorphises them to be honest. He has been good about sticking to the rules with specific discipline issues like not barging at the door,scrounging for food,on lead manners etc. Some of the things we allow them to do (sleep on their beds in our room for example) are more to do with their health and vet bills than spoiling,it is the only room with aircon. Loving reading all the articles and opinions.

I'm loving this thread,it has really made me think about how I interact with the dogs over the last couple of days,I honestly never realised how much I speak to them. Not in a snooky wookums kind of way but just remarks. I don't think I treat them like kids,just very beloved animal family members if that makes sense. It has made me really aware of some of the weird things I say to them,mostly from force of habit - for example ever since we have had Issy I have said "Get your boots on little brown dog" when we are about to head out for a walk - I know it is just a cue she associates with going for a walk and I sure as heck don't think she knows what it means other than it is time to head for the door (and no she doesn't have any boots)- I say other things just to Alfie and not to her - again no idea why,I do think the sound of our voices can have a visibly calming effect on them depending on tone so sometimes speak to them for that reason. I guess I anthropomorphise them to some degree but do still very much see them as dogs and try to treat them and their behaviour accordingly. When OH and I first met and when we were first married he would sometimes say to me "come and have a cuddle with your old man" if he wanted a hug,about six months ago we were out on the back patio and I was lighting mozzie candles with my back to him when I heard him say it,I thought how sweet he hasn't said that for a few years - I turned round smiling only to see he was talking to the dog. He would firmly deny that he talks to them other than to issue "commands" ;)

bigdog,can you get away or just too many animals? I really hope it will be ok,trying to persuade my sister to head inland a bit Her dog has been unwell so she is reluctant to move him too far. Really hoping it weakens/misses but it looks pretty scary just now.

"Bub I just received a collar from here: http://www.ykdogproducts.com.au/ykdecor.html. They are probably not super fancy but still they have a nice selection of purple collar options" . Yaaay,thankyou Ness! Shiny pretty slip collars,reaching for my flexible friend. OH is

Issy helps with the laundry - picks up OH's dirty socks (eeuurrrggh)! Drops them in the laundry basket about 70% of the time now. Don't ask about the other 30% bit more work needed but getting there. LOL.

Here's Alfie in his manly purple collar.

Hope you and everyone else is ok bigdog,my sister is in Mackay and has said it is getting pretty wild already. I am hoping she will leave if Yasi continues to look as bad as it currently is

Sorry Varicool,website said seperate area so I assumed would be fenced. I tried Doggo as well but whilst there is a list there is no mention of seperate areas. Maybe you will have to call the council?

LOL@ Raz, that is pure gold "Why did you call a girl Mister Moo?"

The OurBrisbane website says the dog park on the Spit has a seperate small dog area?