HarperLee

Dear, dear Mother Moocher - I did get your email and thank you for calling. I am sorry I wasn't there for you earlier. Our hearts are with you. I loved the photos of Myrtie in her little jacket looking so loveable and cute. And the photos of her in her oxygen chamber - she is looking at you with love, I suspect trying to tell you that all is ok and she loves you more than anything. You gave her a life that she will treasure and she has left us with these happy, loving memories - knowing that she is loved unconditionally. She couldn't ask for more. We all love you from the absolute depths of our hearts and I am forever joyous for the day you came into my life...because that means one mega thing for me. Having my beloved Kisho. I'm such a sook - crying as I type this. biggest hugs and then some more. Love to you all and enjoy the sunshine. xxxxxxxxxx will call again soon to check all is ok. sending a photo to you with love from our boy.

I agree with Clyde's comments - that 'reasonable' is what all parties determine is reasonable. When I was meeting up with Kisho for the first time through Mama Moocher (aka Danny's Darling), I was prepared to go to her home in Sydney. She was prepared to come to my place in Canberra. I had to talk her out of this and suggest we meet halfway - and we did in Bowral. right or wrong - who knows. It was neutral territory, but then it appeared all dogs acted differently as they were more interested in checking out the 'new park'. I brought a picnic for all of us to share (to make it more of an outing). There was what I considered a very nominal fee attached to Kisho and I gave Mama Moocher more - which would've easily covered her petrol. It was more to cover the costs of all the treatment, medication she had given him. I would've happily driven to Sydney to meet Kisho (that's a big thing for me to say as I wouldn't drive from Canberra to Sydney for anything else but a dog! It wasn't my idea of fun!). What would I do now that I have him? Grab a Virgin Intergalactic flight and got to the moon and back). He's the best thing that's happened to our family! Now we just want Mama Moocher to visit him in his new place in Altona and see how cool he is hanging out at the beach! :) (sadly, she didn't make it to Canberra to see him there).

You mention you work in Port Melbourne, unsure where home is? If it is in inner-West, then one option could be Hairy Hounds: http://hairyhounds.com.au/dog-grooming.php I take Kisho (my PomxSpitz) there for grooming. He's been there twice now and I've been happy with it. The second time I decided to pay for 1/2 doggy play time (doggy day care) after the grooming (as I was at work, etc). He had a ball and came home exhausted! They told me too he was the life of the party. He is (as Mama Moocher would attest), so this made me think that yes, they were watching him. I went to Hairy Hounds as a friend / former colleague used to take their golden retriever there all the time. With Kisho - it confirmed my belief that he would love to live in a house full of dogs, cats, goldfish, anything! He's one lucky boy going from Mama Moocher's (aka Danny's Darling) to my place. :)

I have a dog, Puppy, (or is she a Princess) who won't use the doggy door at all. Everyone said she would because Kisho uses it - and loves using it. But no, not even when she's been stuck outside and it's raining! I tried the food enticement in the beginning - that didn't work. I don't worry now as Kisho seems to like that it is 'his'. He needs it, Puppy doesn't (she can hold on, Kisho can't especially because of the Diabetes Insipidus). Perhaps just ensure you don't let them out via the door and only through the doggy door. It sounds like they got used to a pattern and are liking controlling you (ok - I know I need to practice what I preach!). Sometimes Kisho waits at the other door to be let out, but I won't let him. It's the dog door or not at all! He knows!

interesting - McAfee wouldn't let me go there! said it's a risky site. And, after getting a virus recently because I clicked on my Adobe update* (normal practice), I'm not risking it. It sounded great as I've too written a young reader novel about friendship, trust and sharing between a dog and cat - and the city of Barcelona (of course!). * re the virus - as way of warning. McAfee said what 'they are doing now' is embedding virus into software link updates. They said don't now click on the update links, that is when you get a message from Adobe or Java that an update is needed, ready. They said instead go to the Adobe, Java websites and get the updates direct from them. What 'they' do is freeze the machine, paralyse it, claim there are a squillion viruses then say you need to pay for updated software virus to clean the machine. As soon as I saw this I knew what had happened. And they had immobilised my access to McAfee (the norm) so I couldn't check online. I realised I was the fool as I clicked on virus scan - should've looked more clearly at the info (had McAfee logo - again what they do). Apparently, people panic and pay - that's how they get the credit card details. Phew for me!

Many of them in Victoria, that I recently researched, expect 50% deposit upon booking (some more) and then payment upfront. I know I paid upfront at Vern Ryan's www.vernryanspetresort.com.au/ didn't have a problem with this as they were very clear that this was what was required. When I paid they explained that the reason they do it is that in the 'industry' some do dump dogs this way. They said they don't have this problem because of the upfront fee. I also suspect they don't have this problem because they aren't cheap! God forbid - if you were planning on dumping a dog would you go upmarket? I'm clueless as the thought of doing this makes me sick. I'm more likely to camp in the kennels with my kids! :laugh:

They may have been around for 20 years, personally I don't trust any company that isn't prepared to list their address on their website.http://pet-movers.com.au/ Their website is pretty thin on the ground for a company that has been around for 20 years. As you live in Newport, why not call them and make an appointment to meet them at their offices, check them out? (Their post office box is a Willy address). I checked the ABN Lookup (use it often for work) and there isn't much listed here either: http://abr.business.gov.au/SearchByAbn.aspx?abn=52119115721 I would personally be doing more research. Perhaps checking through your vet who would be a reliable pet mover. I wouldn't use any company that uses Virgin - because they are now Patrick or whatever, formerly Ansett Airfreight. Had problems when they were Ansett (serious ones - forgetting to upload animals, then leaving them in cages for a day in 38degree heat and without water!) and then more recently with Virgin - leaving Puppy on the tarmac which resulted in her getting a perforated air drum when the plane came in. It was in breach of IATA regulations. They didn't accept responsibility but paid for her vet bills. I would want to know with any pet movers - what airlines they use. Then check out the reputation of these airlines, etc. When I brought Puppy back from Vietnam I went with Thai, because they let me take her in the cabin accompanied (in a dog carry softpack)to Singapore. Then from Singapore to Australia she flew Qantas (ok!! I hear you! our national carrier isn't what it once was. Lucky this was 2004!) I would only use Qantas for domestic carry of animals. They are used to it. And, I did hear that Virgin has stopped taking animals, but unsure if this is the case. Hope this helps

For what it is worth, I use Car Booster seats for both Kisho and Puppy. Look like this but they got the 'Deluxe' version - of course!!: http://www.petsplus.com.au/pet-shop.asp?id=1353 Best thing I did. Puppy used to salivate incredibly in the car. Was advised by my vet it was stress and possibly due to perforated ear drum (thanks to Virgin Airlines!) and then subsequent multiple ear infections. She travels great now as she can see out the window and they are restrained. Kisho loves it too of course, but then he's such a lad and just likes to have what Puppy has. They're both under 10kg, so need for a hammock, etc.

I recently used Vern Ryan's Pet Resort http://www.vernryanspetresort.com.au/ not out Yarrambat way (more Bacchus Marsh) and my kids were happy. They stayed there for 18 days and came home happy, healthy and relaxed. Can't ask for more. They do pick ups (for a fee, but everything with kennels is for a fee!). If you search these forums there are also positive comments about Kepala http://www.kepala.com.au/ and my vet (Noel Smith) also said other clients of his recommended them. I didn't go to them as they wouldn't take Kisho, my Pom x Spitz because he's a diabetic. Many won't touch diabetics. I've also heard via DOLF good things about Mornington Lodge: http://www.morningtonlodge.com.au/ Check some of the other posts on DOLF. I'm also waiting for a PM to hear which Melbourne/Vic kennel where there were issues recently (perhaps best not to read this string if you need to board your dogs!). There are many others that I've heard to avoid. All I can personally recommend is Vern Ryan's, because I saw the results with my dogs - all happy! :) Hope this assists

Yes - this is a great link. Thanks for posting Espinay2. Very handy now that I'm living in Melbourne. Also interesting that it covers 'home boarding' as this seems to be more popular and could be more of a cottage industry, less controlled. It's clear from this Code of Practice that the owners have recourse. However, it could also get he said-she said sort of stuff. Very hard to prove once they have left the premises. This really needs to be identified before the dog / animal departs otherwise the kennels could easily say that it didn't happen on their premises. Did they take photos immediately after getting the dog back? This would also be necessary to indicated the weight loss.

I know you have been inundated with PMs requests for the name of this kennel, but as I'm in Melbourne I too would appreciate a PM with the details. I've just recently boarded my three kiddies and they seemed to have a great experience. Looked great when I picked them up, relaxed, got their respective bags back - knew exactly what was theirs, etc. As it was apparent in my queries about kennels, I'm paranoid about leaving my babies. Mind you, I've had bad experiences with babysitters (really bad - and they were vetted, interviewed, etc), and wouldn't leave them with my family. Only person I reckon I would trust is Mama Moocher (aka Danny's Darling), but then I reckon I would be lucky to get Kisho twice! (I suspect she may find an excuse to keep him!!).

Puppy sighs frequently - and believe me, it's indignation! Not because she's in a relaxed state! Kisho snorts - now that seems to be relaxation. And when he farts it's hilarious, he looks around as if to say 'now that wasn't me!' As one of my neighbours said, it's the same look / expression her husband makes after he has let out a ripper of a fart! Mama Moocher!! where are you going with your posts! Not sending Kisho back for cuddles - go find your own man! :laugh:

As an ex-Canberran, I've also heard Heike is good. Was almost going to use her, but then shifted interstate. I heard similar comments about Bark Busters in Canberra, think it keeps changing managers / owners (believe they are franchsied). I used Dogtech - once with Sean - and wasn't at all happy about him (seemed like he needed behavioural training), was by someone I trusted that I went to the wrong Dogtech person (Sean is the owner) and to go to Dave based at Queanbeyan. Did this and he made things worse. It was a terrible situation, I wasn't around. Puppy was getting aggro with the babysitter due to anxiety, stress, protecting her home, etc. He charged at her with a brief case to see how aggressive she could get. The babysitter said it was beyond distressing and could see it was making Puppy even worse. Tears all around. So wouldn't recommend Dogtech! From what I've heard (but no experience) Heike is the only person to see if you are in the Canberra area.

As recommended by others, check DAFF / AQIS website. Also phone them up if you have any queries. When I brought Puppy back from Vietnam in 2003, I was on the phone to AQIS almost every other day. They got to know me quite well! Her situation was way more complicated than Greece because Vietnam isn't recognised by AQIS, isn't an Australian Category country when it comes to quarantine. Therefore she had to go via a category country first for six months, then to Australia for a 30days. I chose Singapore and after initial stress (caused to myself than to Puppy), all went well. She had to abide by Singapore's Quarantine laws, which was 30days, then she was in kennels for 5months, then to Sydney for 30days. Yes it is tough on them, but wouldn't have it any other way (she would've been soup if I left her - and I'm not joking). She's 10 now. AQIS do their best and I sincerely believe they care for the dogs. They know it's essentially the precious, loved dogs that go through quarantine - owners prepared to spend the big bikkies (for Puppy, I stopped counting when it got to $10k). They are better now with dog walking services, etc (these didn't exist when Puppy was in Sydney quarantine, did in Singapore). 30 days is reasonable - especially as your dog will still be youngish when you return (around five). Think about it - that most dogs can manage 21+ days in a kennel. Mine were in a 'pet resort' recently for 18 days and seemed to enjoy it. The stress was my doing (and I was concerned that Puppy would think she was returning to 'quarantine'). Sometimes I think they can manage it better than us! When you return - try to see your dog during the visits and then take old blankets, jumpers, tshirts - things that smell of you. This comforts them. And yes, a challenge or potential risk could be an outbreak of something. But as Mama Moocher (aka Danny's Darling) said in another post - sometimes we over analyse. Puppy was incredibly luck as she left Hanoi just after Avian Flu and only weeks before SARS outbreak (and Hanoi was a source area). She wouldn't have been able to get out if I left it later. I was strategic and got her out so it timed with my return to Australia. I suspect the biggest risk in Greece will be fiscal related - not dog related! There will be a vet or two (in Sydney? is that where you are based?) who deals with export of animals, and they may also help. So will others at DFAT and even the Aussie Embassy in Athens. I know dogs that came back from Bosnia, Paris, Solomon's; Indonesia, etc; cats from Sri Lanka, etc - there's a real network in DFAT. Hope this helps.

There are four national microchip registries; The National Pet Register Australian Animal Registry Central Animal Records Pet Safe Then there is the NSW Companion Animal Registry (for NSW residents). I would encourage NSW pet owners to also list their pets microchip registry also. Aslong as your animals details are current and upto date on one of the four national registries, you will be ok. If an animal is impounded and microchipped, the council/pound/shelter can check www.petaddress.com.au which will let them know which one of the four national registries that microchipped is listed on. And the challenge is - I found out myself when I shifted interstate - that none of the registries talk to each other! However, any decent vet will know the check them all and also check Pet Address http://www.petaddress.com.au/Default.aspx which tells you which one your pet might be registered on. I had thought that all animals with a microchip were registered. Not the case - and having them on the NSW Companion Animal Registry isn't really one of these databases. I found this out with my gorgeous Kisho. He had a microchip but wasn't on any registry! Panic for me - he could've gone missing and never returned to me!! He could've left me to return to Mama Moocher (aka Danny's Darling). Of course he didn't and all is good now as he's on a couple of databases (just to be safe!). I suggested to my vets that there needs to be an education campaign with pet owners that a microchipped animal (which is law in most / all places?) doesn't always mean the animal is on a register. Someone has to physically submit the details on a register. Most reliable vets do this when they inject the microchip, some charge an extra fee, some just let it be and hope the fairies do it (I suppose!), With Puppy - she's registered in Australia, NSW (from being in Sydney AQIS quarantine) and also internationally!! via Singapore (where she got her microchip!). So, if she hops on a plane she's pretty safe!