pepe001

I had what was defined as a kelpie*shepherd from the RSPCA many years ago. She looked just like this one. She also became a great cattle dog - not a blue cattle dog but a dog that actually works cattle.

The theory is it provides their greens/veges. Wild dogs/wolves etc would be eating poo but before it comes out of the animal ie from the stomach contents.

Toowoomba RSPCA has a chi girl there. Black and white and mid-aged. But it does say she is a bit nervy so needs a quiet home.

I can't remmeber the price but with my old GSD it extended his life at least 2 years. He got hammered into the ground by an angry mumma goat and did damage to his spine. The spine seemed to have fused (but this may have been an earlier issue made worse by goat). He had troubles walking. Within a few days of the first shot he could walk again. Did the 4 week (I think) course. Then just over a year later it started playing up again - another shot. Then 11 months again it got worse. Had another shot but died of another issue a few months later. My friend's 8yo Timber Shepherd was quite lame and after the 4 shots - came good. That was over a year ago and she hasn't been lame since.

I went through the whole rigmarole a few years ago. A neighbour decided I was a baddy and tried her hardest to GET me. Went from me leaving my car runnning at 6am for hours to annoy her. The police turned up a few times and walked in to put their hands on the bonnet - then they would shake their heads and sometimes have a little giggle and walk away. This stopped after a few visits. Then it went to her ringing pollution control. Bill (we becamne quite friendly) started ringing me when she rang him to report my car running - after waking me up about 5 times (yes, I was a late sleeper) and me getting my car noise tested - that stopped. Then she moved onto my cat running on the roof at night. The ranger came and saw that he had 3 legs and an inside cat with enclosed courtyards and no way would get on a roof and apologised. Then apparently we were keeping native birds. The Park Rangers came to see our Indian Myners (in a large avery) who were used to record their noises for an eradication program run by the Uni. The guys chatted about the program for a while and apologised. Then apparently I had bikies coming around to rev their engines for hours - I wish???? My neighbour (another one) wrote me a letter saying it was BS. Then the good old pick on the dogs - funny that this was the last to be used by her. I went to the Pound guys and showed them my file on her. They admitted that 95% of calls they get are bogus and told me to just wait it out as she needed concrete evidence. They talked me through the whole process she would have to follow and were really helpful. But I did get letters from neighbours defending my dogs and also sat up a few nights and vidoeed them sleeping on the couch. She eventually moved as there was no one else to complain to. My advice is to talk to the rangers and explain the situation and ask for their advise on how to show your dogs are not a problem. Meet every issue and try to talk through it - in front of rangers etc - before it gets to court. Ah, thats right - my neighbour tried to take out an AVO against me for mowing the lawn on the nature strip and going onto her nature strip a bit. We lived on each side of a corner and apparently I went over the diagonal that should separate us. The court officer (after talking to her) told me to be careful and never be caught by her alone until she moved so she couldn't accuse me of anything else. Back to you - Keep a diary and record everything - every communication with her - go back to when it started. If you can't remember dates - just record months . This is important. Record your and her dogs barking as well. Days when no one is home - also days when no dogs are at home. Can you occasionally take them all out? IF she wants to go for an official complaint she will need to keep a diary as well. If she says they record when they are not there - you have the evidence she is wacko. Just start a word document and put down each date you remeber until up to date then record stuff (note form) every night after something has happened. For example if you havbe visitors, record their names so you can get a letter from them if that night comes up on her records. For you I suggest trying to mediate the problem infront of officials as I didn't do this at the start - because I thought it was a joke and would go away. If I had gone to mediation early on I think the mediators would see she was a wacko and it would have been dealt with then and not continue on for months. One funny part of my story is the real estate rang me to tell me she said my dogs were barking all night. I told her I was on holidays in Darwin and can we deal with it when I got home. She said 'maybe my dog was barking becasue I wasn't there'. 'Oh no', I said, 'my dog is sitting next to me right now, she came on holidays as well. Good luck, be strong and don;t get angry - just gather evidence to meet her every complaint.

I don't think Frontline has worked for years and years. Maybe in areas that have never had it before - but never worked for me. I now use Comfortis and not a flea to be seen. I also do our cat but with a different one - but still a top-end of the renge one.

I am surprised the RSPCA will not take them. I woudl ring again and read them their own objectives that lists animals - not dogs and cats. They even focus some objectives on farm animals and regularly feature them on their shows. Our local RSPCA and I knwo Brisbane often have farm animals for sale.

I am not a breeder so what I am about to post may be total BS - but doesn't a dog get named by the breeder and it keeps that name for life. How is a dog imported from another country have the name of the new owner and person wanting to breed from it ie Riverwood. Wouldn't it have the stud name of the original breeder - ie the one in Oz. I think teh reported got the Australian bit wrong??

sitdropstay has a behaviourist in Cairns.

Here is another article that answers some of the questions posed by us here. Seems the 3 bull arabs were visiting as they were owned by the home owners son - so didn't normally live there. The man was fixing a bus and his child was somewhere (doesn't say how close). So who is to blame? Maybe the son didn't know the child was there and had no reason to suspect his dogs would attack so casually walked into his parents place with his excited dogs off leash - as you would. The dad didn't know the dogs were coming so didn't keep his daughter protected, she was probably just skipping around near the adults - as you would. The owners of the house seemed to act quickly and protect the girl as she would be dead within seconds if they hadn't been close. The dogs probably (maybe?)walked/ran around the corner and were startled and went into prey drive. As I said before many friends and family of mine have working bull arabs and kids are always running around. The property I almost grew-up on always had 6 or more huge piggers wandering around. i think until something like this happens no one realises the consequences of taking large powerful dogs for granted. I myself got a bit of a scare with my daughter and nephew a while ago. They were playing downstairs and we were all chatting on the stairs. My lab*mastiff was hanging around. The kids chased each other behind the trees and while my daughter ran back, my nephew only walked. I asked what was wrong. My nephew said 'Moo held my arm in his mouth when I was chasing Kate'. Obviously, Moo didn't like to see his child chased and decided to stop it. Luckily, very luckily as he was a big dog, he was calm and smart and just used his powerful jaws for stopping and holding and not killing. I never leave any dogs loose when others kids are here even if we are right there. Here is the story. So sad for everyone. No charges yet after dogs attack child From: AAP June 04, 2012 2:12PM Increase Text SizeDecrease Text SizePrintEmail Share Add to DiggAdd to del.icio.usAdd to FacebookAdd to KwoffAdd to MyspaceAdd to NewsvineWhat are these? 0A SAVAGE attack by a pack of dogs on a six-year-old girl at a residence south of Perth is under investigation before charges can be laid. Maya Wicksteed is recovering in the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children after being mauled by several dogs at a Baldivis property on Friday. City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said three bull Arab mastiff dogs had been impounded but investigations were continuing into whether three other dogs, including a German shepherd and a red cloud kelpie, were involved in the attack. "The other dogs had gone when our ranger got on site," Mr Sammels said today. He said the child was attacked "quite savagely and brutally" after she wandered away from her father, who was cleaning a bus. The owner of the dogs was visiting his father at the address where the attack occurred, which was posted with "Beware of the dog" signs. Mr Sammels said the council was conducting the investigation in consultation with police and it was expected to take much of this week. He said no charges had yet been laid and no decision had been made on the future of the three dogs. It was possible the dogs could be put down, the owner could be prosecuted, or the dogs could even be returned to their owner, Mr Sammels said.

As a child (and I assume it still happens) I was often on friends and families properties with bull arabs wandering around. In those days they weren't called that - just the 'piggers'. No one seemed to lock their pig dogs up. Except the kelpies - they were always chained when not working. I would have thought it more important to lock up all. So I can see why this happened so easily. So sad for all concerned - the little girl, her family and the owners of the dogs. And of course the dogs themsleves.

I know a man (with a young family) with a deaf ACD. They didn't even know until they told me he was so good he didn't even chase possums at night when they were heard fighting. Makes no difference to them as a family - they still think he is perfect. But he is just a pet and has little actual training - just a good pet for them. But they didn't pay any money for him - that would actually make a difference to me. I would talk to the breeder and see what he/she says. I would also expect a full or part refund.

Humm, maybe she (the girl) smells funny. She was at school all day so I would have thought she would be like all the other smelly kids. Lily was found as a young puppy and shows no sign of fear so I really don't think she was abused. I will continue to take her for visits and see if she changes with more meetings. Maybe next time I will pass the girl some treats (but ensure she is not in danger of course). To me it makes me think of all those times people say (and media say) 'but the dog has never been aggressive before - it just snapped'. We just can't predict what dogs are scared of and don't like.

I take our 8mth (1 mth ago rescue) border collie to my daughers school some afternoons for socialisation. She is wonderful with children (a dream for my 6yo daughter) and never shown any fear/aggression etc. Last Friday it was interesting. Lots of kids coming up and patting her and Lily sitting quietly beside me and taking it all in happily. Then a 6yo girl (who has dogs herself and loves dogs) comes up. Lily dropped to the ground and was clearly fearful of her. To me the girl seemed completely normal and in fact quite dog savy and seemed to be no reason for Lily's fear. Lily was shaking and eyes were wide. The girl didn't realise anything was amiss and happily told me about her puppy a bit bigger than Lily etc. As a scientist of animal behaviour (not dogs but still of interest to me) it was very interesting. Why was a dog who had never shown fear etc suddendly taken a dislike to a little girl who looked to me to be dog-friendly. No staring eyes, no fast movements, not rough or loud, not pushy. We don't think Lily was abused as she was a stray-puppy why spent time in the council pound and then 2 RSPCAs before we adopted her. A very kind and submissive dog who is easy to train and eager to please. A treasure to own but it takes a 6yo nice kid to turn her into a shaking mess with potential to bite if cornered (I believe). My daughters reaction was nice for a mum to see. She noticed Lily's discomfort and immediately but calmly put herself between her friend (the girl) and Lily and moved the girls pating hand away from Lily's head. She didn't comment but adopted the actions I would do. I then pated Lilly's head (holding it but looking like pating) myself and the girl pated her body. As she moved off Lily relaxed against me and turned normal again. Why I wonder? Thoughts and any others experience something like this?

I change my new rescue from Cassie to Lily. Before we even reached home in the car she was responding to Lily. The first few times I said her name and gave her a treat.

A friend recently flew her largish dog from Darwin to Brisbane - $165 each way plus hire of crate. That was on the same plane as her. She was sedated - which I was horrified about - but seemed to do ok.

I met a labra-watsi a while ago. Nice dog, very laid back and calm but not the sharpest tool in the shed (he was a rescue) but his owner said he had the opposite of what was expected and told with respect to coat. His coat was long pointy hairs interspaced with fine fluffy hairs. He not only shed the little pointy ones but the whispy ones matted quickly and had to be cut out. If they did shed they blew all over the house. Too whispy for brushing. So they kept the whole dog clipped short. I also have a friend with a standard poodle. It was the only breed they worked out that fitted their life style. But husband hated the look of a poofy poodle. Easy - they clip him off every few weeks. Everything. They had trouble finding a groomer as all wanted to save his ears so they bought a pair of clippers and do it themselves. Great dog, great nerves, good guard dog but never really threatened anyone but big enough to make non-dog people wary, smart, calm, easy to live with, dog friendly.

I googled greyhound age and found a study (in the US) that listed the most common age for greyhounds to live to to be 12 or 13. Lily is old and may be ready to go. Rather than blame yourself as not being able to afford to treat her - would you treat her anyway if she is in pain and ready to die? It is not about how much money you have to spend on her - but what is best for her. All the money in the world is not going to stop a dog (or person or any animal) from coming to the end of their life. She is obviously much loved, take her to be checked over and act on the advice of the vet. If she is indeed full of arthritis or something equally uncureable then prolonging her life may not be the best for her. Good luck and you have my thoughts as you decided what is best for Lily and yourself. Remember what a great dog she was - if it is her time - and when you get another grey to fill the hole in your heart still think of Lily as a wonderful friend.

I assume your pup's parents had all the required tests to ensure genetic complains are minimised? Did she and do you have proof. But even if you do and she did - like others said it is still a lottery. As a living animal you can't predict some things - just try to minimize them occuring. Some breeders will replace a dog if a compaint such as this comes up - others will not. Did you have a guarantee contract that includes this condition? Just do as you say - ring the breeder after you do the necessary research to be able to talk in the correct terms and know what you are going to say and can understand what she says. Ask for proportions of her pups develop this complaint - although hard to determine as if she is dodgy she will lie anyway and most people don't test. It is not the end of the world - bad luck and I assume bad for your finances but still not the end of the world. I am not a small dog person but I see a hell of a lot of small dogs walking around with this issue. I just googled it and the first websire said approx 20% of this breed have LP. And that neither dogs with the condition, their siblings nor parents should be bred from. Did you check your dogs parents papers? Sorry this has happened but like I said and others before - sometimes breeders can do their best they can and still genetic complaints like this can pop up. It personally think if the dog was paid for as a 'potentially breedable' dog and you signed a contract that mentions this complain then you should get your money back or another dog. Others will disagree and say it is luck of the draw. Good luck

There is a 1/2 yr female at Blacktown pound. Page 2 (maybe 3) of the Blacktown thread. No idea if it would be ok to get an adult dog - others will know.

1. My working line GSD was called a cross-bred mutt by a GSD breeder - show-line of course. He claimed the history of East German Shepherds was false and the only German Shepherds were show-line. 2. Confusing crosses are sometimes an advantage. My dingo*shepherd was often called a lab*shepherd to keep people happy. 3. My sister a few years ago decided to get a dog. Her hubby wanted a BC, she liked labs. She saw a sign at the local shop for give aways - said collie cross lab. So we decided to go and look. Cute cream and white fluffy puppies - quite big. Looked healthy etc. I asked to see mum - lady walks out what looks like a cream shepherd. Said she bought it as a pure lab and always wondered why it was different to other ones she has seen ??? Still a nice dog. Then my sister commented that they look like border collies - lady says 'oh dad was a lassie dog not a BC - he lives up the road'. So neither lab or BC in pups. Sister took pup anyway and he has turned out to be a great dog and what they needed. But we now think mum was a dingo*shepherd as once he grew up he looks like a dingo and has many attributes. Occasionally he looks at you are seems a little lassie-like in his lookon his face - but you have to search to find it.

God no. I also wouldn't offer a strangers child lollies. Maybe you should have run up dragged the dog away to the car and yelled 'she is allergic, I hope I get her to the vet before she dies'. Might stop the lady from doing this.

I am anti-docking but mistakingly docked (to some extent) two of my dogs tails. First was a kelpie. He was riding in a sidecar (I was a teen and quite stupid????) and he slipped into the chain. Docked to about 2/3 and fixed by the vet. Second was a German Shepherd. He was walking in front of my horse, stopped to scratch and the horse stood on his tail de-gloving it by a few inches - again a vet fixed it. Never seen a dob, boxer, schnauzer, or JRT with a damaged tail. Just my two non-docked breed doggies.

My two older desexed male dogs (now both deceased) peed in each others bowls every night. Every night?? They would finish eating, look at each other, deliberately walk across to the others bowl and pee in it. These boys never showed any dominance and would even chew on the ends of the same bone. Never been peed on and never had my dog pee on a person. BUT my male goat pees on everything - people, other goats, fences, his own beard, in his own mouth, all over his body. It is gross. And if you think dog pee is smelly try stinker goat. You can smell the stench across a whole yard and onto the street. I have had people walk across the road to get away from the stench. It is mind blowing.

I feel your pain but my experience has been different the last few days. A couple of months ago I had to put my beloved shepherd down. I took him to the vet on the back of the ute and he never left that alive. He died in my arms on the ute without struggling. I asked him for a drop, he lay down on an old horse rug, and she shaved his leg, put in a sedative, he went to sleep, then she injected the green, he was dead before it was all in. But he was old and it was time. Then last week the same thing happend to my other dog - cancer. Again he was old so not as hard to cope with. He went the same way. Then this week I lost 2 baby goats (who are also pets and not livestock) to 'maybe' tetnus. The first little girl was too far gone so PTS as soon as the vet saw her. The next (the following day) wasn't as bad so we tried to save him. After spending 3 hours on Sunday night reading through every text we could find about poision etc - no idea of the cause. So we treated him for everything we could and he came home. Neither the vet or I was interested in letting a week old baby die alone at a sterile surgery. Two nigths I nursed him and did all his injections in the comfort of my lounge but he didn't make it. On Tuesday morning I decided to end it for him. The vet didn't charge for the PTSs (even though one was a late night call out on Saturday) and only charged cost for all drugs. Although she was out of her depth with goats she tried hard and felt the pain we all went through. Just now (about 5 minutes ago) I found out a friend (human) was killed yesterday - maybe this post is about me and not you but I just wanted to say 'don't assume all vets are bad because you found one you didn't like, find a good one and stick with them'. Same as doctors - I hate most of them but I have found a lovely man in the next town and we always take my family to see him. He cares.