KJJ

whilst I have every sympathy for 'Pig', I think humane euthanasia sooner rather than later would be the best outcome. Also (and this is something of a personal bugbear), how many other (healthy, boring but unwanted) dogs could be kept alive with the resources devoted to 'rescuing' this one dog?

pet barn stocks k9 Natural which apart from the raw meat products also includes bags of frozen green tripe if that is of any help to those who are having trouble finding other sources :)

I thought I might add my perspective, as I have a very similar family situation (although my kids are older). My first BC was from working dogs and was well and truly a mature dog when we added human babies to our family, there were no issues with nipping or chasing once the kids were at the running stage, and if she had enough of boisterous children she would just remove herself to under a chair or bed and the kids would be told to leave her alone and not bug her. She sadly passed on when my kids were about the age yours are now. Our current BC is a xbreed from the pound, again no problems with the kids (who are now 9 & 12). I think that it is as important to train children how to behave around and treat dogs as it is for the dog to be trained. My experience has been that while they are certainly an active breed, mental stimulation and spending time (in my case most waking and sleeping hours :p ) with you and your family is more important. One thing I found with both of my BC's is that they tended more towards being focused on one person (ie. me) and whilst happy enough with the rest of the family did not tend to share the love around as much as our bull breeds. Good luck with your search for a puppy - and I hope to see plenty of cute pics posted once you get it :)

sorry for your loss, RIP handsome boy - you were obviously a much loved family member

I feel sick knowing that there has been more than one attack , I have family not far from the area in the news report - but even without worrying for them it is a horrible thing for all dog owners. I hope the perpetrators are caught soon.

how awful for the family, RIP Sheeba. I hope the scum who did this are caught. http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/perth-burglars-break-dogs-legs/story-e6frfku9-1226878781561

one of my dogs is a BC x corgi and has a relatively long body with short legs. I'm afraid to say it never really occurred to me that his build might mean that he might have to avoid or use caution with some activities (it was only when I read a post about a similar dog that it became apparent). What sort of precautions are suggested? We live in a two storey house and he happily races up and down the stairs during zoomies with our other dog, he is also as agile as would be expected for a BC - should I be trying to limit some of his activities?

the first dog that was 'mine' was a FTGH bully x ex pig hunting dog called Salty when I was about 16. I had been desperately wanting (and saving) for a pup - but my mother would only agree to having an adult dog join the household, not a puppy. His owner brought him over to 'let us meet him', but left him with us on that first meeting (I guess he just wanted to find him a loving home and didn't want to leave him with just anyone). Darwin being a relatively small town after a year or two I found that I knew people that were extended family of the original owner - this enabled me to learn the stories behind Salty's various scars (he was a heavily scarred dog) over his life he had been hit by a ute, fallen off a ute, gored by a buffalo, suffered throat injuries from a pig and (by being the one closest to shore) seen his brother taken by a croc. He was a wonderful dog, very protective of all his family (humans, dogs and cats) - but he did not approve when I first started dating my OH, he would always try to sit between us like a furry chaperone. He was a very special boy and I still miss him after all these years.

thank you for sharing that HazyWal, it made me cry - but what a powerful message

I've shared the link Kelpiecuddles posted - I'm originally from Darwin and have a fair few on my friends list up there, I've asked that they repost to their friend list so maybe it might reach a few more people. Best wishes for his safe return.

while not the age mentioned in many posts here - my old boy (a Dane x Bull Terrier) was 15 when given his wings due to osteosarcoma.

gorgeous - thanks for sharing :)

just saw this being shared on a dog group on facebook http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/animal-lovers-for-a-national-inquiry-into-the-rspca-australia.html

I'm so sorry to read about what you are going through, especially with your dog being so young. I can only second what has already been said - be kind to yourself, treasure the time left and create as many happy memories as you can. I lost my heart girl 7 years ago, at the time it hit me as hard as losing a human family member, but now (although I still miss her terribly) I can look back and smile when I think of the happy memories.

lovely photos - thanks for sharing :)