Alkhe

That's what I would to too - I personally would never approach someone with questions about their dog's health, appearance.. well, anything more than what breed/how old etc. My main reason is that I have been cornered by people who fire questions at me in a rude and judgmental way, quizzing me about where I got my dog, why I got a 3 year old rather than a puppy, if she's from a breeder or shelter, if she's been desexed.. and various people have strong opinions about the pros and cons of .. various things. I'm always polite and chatty in answering back, trying to make it more like a conversation rather than dodging bullets at every turn, but some people are just RUDE! I'm not saying that you are or would be like that at all, but I just groan inwardly when I see someone like this coming towards me. In my experience though, people at the dog park are more than happy to chat about their dogs, because being there is a sign that they clearly love them and you instantly have something in common. I'd start from there and just see how the conversation progresses - not sure what you can do apart from that though

Agree. Word of mouth isn't grounds for acting unfortunately - if it was, it would be misused by people seeking to act on personal vendettas, etc. That's not to say that this outcome is an acceptable one at all, but in the future I think it's important to create a paper trail and log of interactions with them, bearing in mind that they are probably not going to (be able to) act on the first enquiry. I don't think that you could say that RSPCA or anyone working for them is or was acting maliciously, or purposefully avoiding acting for the welfare of the animal. It's like the child protection system in the public service - unable to act on every case that it comes across in adequate time. That's not to say that it's an acceptable situation, but it's the situation that we're dealing with. In light of that, we have to act accordingly and make multiple reports early and often.

Why haven't I looked in this section of the board before! I would love to come along - unfortunately it's now a bit late notice for this meet but will be there with bells on for July. I have a little toy poodle who is still very timid (though improving) and any chance for socialisation would be great, particularly if there are some more littlies. I've never made it to Kepala before either, but it looks awesome!

Like everybody has said, you are not giving up, and you are doing the right thing for yourself and for Harper. The next little while will be rocky and sad, I'm sure, but I think you know that you've made the right decision. When the time is right, the right doggie will come along

Like everybody has said, you are not giving up, and you are doing the right thing for yourself and for Harper. The next little while will be rocky and sad, I'm sure, but I think you know that you've made the right decision. When the time is right, the right doggie will come along

You poor thing, I only really lurk at these forums and occasionally post but this thread tugs at my heart strings If I were you, I wouldn't rule out another dog, and I agree with others' posts that maybe an older dog would be best. I brought home my 3 year old toy poodle about 3 months ago, and it has been an absolute dream - having been through the puppy stage a few times before I knew I didn't want to do it again (at the moment, anyway) and a young but non-puppy dog has been great. Puppies can be so hard, and for a first time dog owner, it just makes things infinitely more challenging and heart wrenching. I'm sure you'll make the right decision, and it does sound as though whatever happens, Harper will be fine. (PS, Harper is such an awesome name, it's top of the list for my son/male dog names - my Maggie would've been Harper if she were a he!)

Just had a look at the NSW Companion Animals Act, which is the legislation which outlines liability for dog attacks. This part is what you're looking for - This section relates to injuries to people: And this section relates to attacks on animals: In plain english, the owner of the dog isn't liable if the attack is in immediate response to, and is wholly induced by, intentional provocation of the dog by a person other than the other of the dog.... Which may give you some comfort, however it would be EXTREMELY difficult to prove that the attack was WHOLLY induced by an intentional provocation. If somebody wanted to sue you for this, they could. Eg, if your dog attacked them due to them unintentionally provoking them, say they had no idea what they were doing, or didn't expect the dog to respond in the way that it did.. you're not in a good position. Same goes for attacks on dogs. The next section of the legislation discusses 'contributory negligence', which in a nutshell means that if the person injured is found to have contributed in some way to the attack, they bear some of the responsibility for it. I'd echo what everybody else said though - I'd steer clear of this park! And steer clear of litigation at any cost. It's horrible, expensive, time consuming, and will sap you of energy and goodwill towards people, guaranteed!

He's so gorgeous! He looks so pristine and new Does he have a name yet?

I second this! I think the 'easy to train' bit depends on the individual dog, but greys fit the other requirements perfectly!

I agree - the maltese should probably also be a strong influence on the breed and individual dog that you get. Has s/he been an only dog her whole life? I'm just thinking that a larger and young dog might be a bit much for a 7 year old little dog. Obviously it all depends on the personality of both dogs, but it's definitely something that will make or break the situation. I have no experience with dogs other than poodles, but a miniature poodle might fit the bill nicely? Not really a 'long coat' but ..