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!

I only read your post and haven't read all the others - started but could see some were advising you to stay well clear of this. I personally think it is a brilliant idea, especially if after the long-term stay your dog and the homestayer can still catch up, meet up - be friends. Then neither will think that the other hasn't disappeared from their life. I am particularly passionate about this, hence why I didn't read on, because I was in a very similar situation myself - needing someone I could rely on to 'babysit' my two cats for up to two years. There was no way I was going to give them up, but as I was going to Vietnam, there was no way I would take them on my posting. I was so fortunate as the person I had in mind to babysit them, my first preference, is a friend who adores cats, didn't have any at the time and was going through kitty kat withdrawals. Anthony loved and cared for my kitties - even got approval for them through his Body Corporate. He treated them like his own, but knew when the time came he had to return them. They developed a very special bond with him. And, as soon as they were handed over he went and got one for himself! (a rescue of course). I can't begin to explain the relief for me, knowing that someone I trusted, cared for myself was prepared to take on my kitty kats and return them. I was advised by colleagues more experienced than I in overseas posting that it just wouldn't happen and you have to be prepared to give them up forever. Too tough for me. Finding someone to take on two cats is challenge (one is ok, but two - almost one too many perhaps), and I suspect finding someone to take on a dog is also tough. I say go for it! You will have a wonderful friend in both the owner and dog for life - because it means so much to them. Giving the doggy up, in my view, means they just don't care. And the reality is - it isn't easy or possible to take dogs on postings. Many of my friends only select postings where it is possible to take four-legged kids. And, I don't know if you know how tough this is - you just can't tell your Department 'I want to go here'. They decide when and where you will be posted. Staff really don't get a selection. I say go for it! It will be a wonderful journey for all! :D

Thanks for the recommendation. A friend also goes to them and recommends them highly. I've also heard the vet at Willy - Railway Pde (?) is good. Even Noel (Smith) my vet in Ascot Vale said it is good to have one close by for those unexpected emergencies. Interestingly, I asked many dog owners around Altona parks - Apex Park, Dog Beach, etc - and no one gave Altona Vet a good rap. Common response was that they are too money focused. I'll spend if I get service, but I just wasn't feeling I was getting this. As an example. When I first arrived in Altona six months ago I took Kisho and Puppy to the vet so as to go through their history - both have health complications - Kisho has diabetes inspidus. I get Kisho's script from the vet but take it to the chemist as it is way cheaper to have it dispensed this way. I range up Altona Vet asking for a new script as I had run out and they said they had no record of him attending (even though he had been in) so they couldn't write the script even though they had his history from my previous vet in Canberra. They said I had to bring in back in for another check-up to get the script. I thought this was really poor. Phoned Noel Smith - who 'we' had also seen only once - he of course had a record and the records from Canberra. Not a problem writing the script and got it a few hours later. I'm really happy with Noel. He used to be my vet about 20+years ago when I previously lived in Melbourne. Had looked after all my kiddies. There's been a 20 year absence, but it doesn't feel like it! His style is very similar to my wonderful vet in Canberra, Graeme Pearce at Manuka Vet Hospital. both dedicated vets who love animals and support mad pet owners like me! From the recommendations though, I will certainly go to Hobsons Bay Vet for those emergencies. Tks again for the tip. :D

I know it is really hard to leave them. You may have seen my post about feedback on Vern Ryan's and Melbourne kennels - ooops they're now called 'pet resorts'! I left my three babies recently and I stress incredibly. Mama Moocher (aka Danny's Darling) reckons I stress 'too' much! But I've had bad experiences with a babysitter come to my home. Puppy, one of my kids, now reacts aggressively to any babysitter. So, I had to go the kennel route even though it was incredibly costly - and I still stressed. Researched all the kennels, got online to DOLF for feedback. Hassled Mama Moocher for her advice, etc - drove everyone mad. I really do think my research paid off and also knowing the requirements of my babies (I gave them almost a novel about each of them and their routines - nothing to chance). Mine came home happy and relaxed - no stresses and no annoyance with me. I'm definitely going down the kennel route next time because of this past experience. It was the best all around (and came home to a clean house - babysitters never leave it as clean as they get it). Hopefully you will find, like me, that it is ok and our kids do cope! The biggest pressure now is on our bank balance. Good, reliable kennels aren't cheap! (as someone mentioned, almost the cost of a second holiday). Let us know how it all goes. ciao :)

Tks Mama Moocher - I was away for work. It was really productive and I was really brave - didn't email the kennels once while I was away. I was so tempted though. I told myself repeatedly (almost a mantra) that they would contact me if something was wrong and it would be good for to not obsess! When I picked them up I proudly told Vern Ryan's how I resisted the emails. They assured me if there were problems they would've contacted me...phew! And on another matter - so happy to be back at my vet's Noel Smith Epsom Rd Vet in Ascot Vale (Melb). He's brilliant. So caring. He wanted to know how they all went in the kennels, the feedback - because he is genuinely interested in them and their welfare, but also he can recommend the kennels to other clients. A complete difference to Altona Vet who I tried because they are my local vet. Have been there a number of times, got Jem, my rescue kitten from them, and they can't remember my name or my babies names. Customer service is non-existent. Thank goodness for Noel! PS: do I worry about my babies?? never!! :)

Vern Ryan's Pet ResortI thought it worthwhile providing feedback on our recent experiences at Vern Ryan Pet Resort. I had previously mentioned that my two dogs: Puppy and Kisho, and my kitten/cat: Jem needed to go into boarding kennels while I was away. I had been considering a number of kennels, including Mornington Lodge for the dogs, Hanrob, etc. (Kepala wouldn't take Kisho because of his Diabetes Insipuds). I eventually decided on Vern Ryan's Pet Resort and they stayed 18 days in Vern Ryan's - my first experience with a boarding kennel in Melbourne / Australia (Puppy had previously boarded in Singapore en route to Australia due to quarantine restrictions). I was very anxious about putting them all in kennels mainly because Jem is still a kitten (11months) and has heaps of energy and just adores the dogs, so I was worried about them being separated; Kisho has anxiety issues and diabetes insipidus; and Puppy just has 'Puppy' issues - there are many including health and domineering, controlling, aggro issues when she feels like it! I can't believe it - when I picked them up after their 18 day stay they were all really happy to see me but not in an anxious way. They ALL appeared relaxed. Vern Ryan's staff told me, reassured me there were no issues with any of them (they thought Jem was the coolest cat they had seen - and I've gotta admit he's pretty cool!) Puppy, they claimed, didn't get snappy once and Kisho was Kisho - no health issues and no self-harming or from what they could observe epileptic seizures (which he can have as a consequence of his diabetes combined with anxiety). And at home they were all relaxed, just settled in very calmly. Not what I was expecting at all after a few weeks in kennels. All was beyond good. I will certainly be using Very Ryan's again - very happy with the outcome. And, it is a huge relief as I know now I can go away and confidently leave them somewhere that will care for him and they seem to enjoy (or at least they aren't stressed about). The only stress is the cost! It was $2,300 for the 3 of them for 18 days. I did go for the Penthouse for the dogs and Cat Executive Suite for Jem - as it worked it was worth it. Hope this feedback helps others.

Pet Doors Australia charged me $285 for a custom made door - the whole pane had to come out (it is a small pane). In Canberra where I had a large window (every large) it cost close to $600 for small dog door and replacement toughened glass. I found Melbourne prices to be more competitive than Canberra - so $560 sounds right. In Melbourne I really didn't care how much they charged me, I just wanted it done quickly. So I was pleased it was a good job and reasonable price. Hope this assists.

On the opening page of this link, there is a photo of a beagle going through a door. Years ago, I bought one of these from a pet supplies shop and then had a glass company put it in. Because of the sort of glass in my sliding door, they warned me there was a 75% chance that the glass would shatter and then I would need a new door with diffent sort of glass which would accommodate the cutting for the doggy door. Glass shattered . HarperLee, I don't get what they said about magnetic; my door has the magnets and you know the size of my dogs. However, because I have had tiny tiny dogs in the past (and still have one in Myrtie), I have the door propped open most of the time anyway. If I had the decision to make again, I would get one of those Pig In Mud insert doors. Gee - I can't believe they didn't recommend the toughened glass, of course they shatter. The dog door I got for Kisho in Kingston (Canberra), they replaced the whole pane with toughened glass. Quite expensive because it was a very large pane, but worth it. Here in Altona the doggy door is essentially the whole pane because of the style (multi-panes in French doors, very smart!). I think he said it couldn't be magnetic because it is custom-made. If it was a standard off-the-shelf one, which wouldn't fit in my door then it would be ok. I'm glad now I didn't go magnetic as Jem (the kitten / cat) has worked out how to get out while Kisho is coming in - always thought cats would be this clever to do this, even though others have said they wouldn't. Where there's a will there's a way! The ever smart Kisho though won't come through the door when Jem is waiting on the other side. And, if the flap is locked he lets me know he needs to go outside! So we're all happy! :)

They obviously recognise they are all Tibetan :D :D Mama Moocher - I think it's more profound than that. The Tibetan Spaniels are the watchdogs at the temples who stand up on the walls keeping a vigil on the town below. They alert the Tibetan Mastiffs, the guard dogs, of anything unusual or different. I blame this relationship on Puppy's fixation on larger dogs. She sees a German Shepherd or any other large dog and she is in love...this is in spite being viciously attacked by a German Shepherd when she was younger and as a result had three fractures in her back. She also exudes many of the traits of her Tibetan Spaniel ancestry, ever vigilant, a bed-warmer, and when she lived in Vietnam would hang out on her 7th floor balcony keeping watch on all below...thank goodness she must think that Kisho is a small dog in a large body as he is her fluffy Tibetan Mastiff, otherwise we might need to get one! And, yes - they aren't for all. In many parts of Asia it wouldn't be recommended to pat one.

Everyone - thanks for the tips. I'm going to check out Mornington Lodge on Sunday and also Black Cat Cattery who they now recommend. Their prestige accommodation is share accommodation...even my vet thought this odd and suggested against it saying it is very common for dogs to get kennel cough (strains not covered by the vaccination) or some sort of stomach bug, something I can't risk with either of my two. They do have other sorts so will check it all out. Oooohhhh Mama Moocher - this thread made me cry tears of joy...recall those tense times, springcleaning the house, washing Puppy (remember she got a tick for having a clean bottom!) and also washing Scout, the cat. I was so worried I wouldn't get a tick...then I read this post from Keetamouse: 'Posted 13 June 2010 - 05:00 PM The home is great the lady is great, her cat is beautiful and her dog is devine, has the over shot bottom jaw with the little toothy pegs just showing, clean coat, clean bottom that's important guys is in Kinston across from Telopea Park (those in Canberra will know where it is) one of the old ones where Autumn in Canberra is just gorgeous, the leaves on the ground, the dogs love to roll in them and the adults run through them kicking them in the air, oops takes me back a few years They are all excited and can't wait for the meeting tomorrow.' Well Mama Moocher - you will now need to plan a trip to Melbourne! To see that young Kisho has come into his own - just loves all the beaches around Altona. This dog that never wanted to leave my side, get's to the dog beach and I can't find him!! He's off with all the other dogs, wading through the lagoons having a real boys own adventure...and how he plays with young Jem. A sparky was here yesterday putting up some lights and thought it hysterical. Said he had never seen a cat and dog play like they do. As you know Kisho so deserves to have the best in life and hopefully he feels he has it here. The garden is magical and has lots of possum poo that Kisho devours! yum, yum! We've just been at the vet tonight for Puppy (nothing serious, same old stuff for her). It was great to reconnect with my vet, Noel Smith, who I used to go to more than 20 years ago! He's still amazing. He laughed and said that all my kids sure hit a good home! (He couldn't believe how healthy Kisho is, but said his eyes are getting cloudy. He will be 10 soon.) As you know, I feel blessed to have them all, especially the joyous, wagtailing Kisho! Thanks Mama Moocher for bringing him into my life!

Good on them, the Willy Chamber of Commerce, organising. It was their first Dog Day and more than 2000 went. I went with Puppy and Kisho late in the day and it was packed - dogs, kids (two-legged), band, inflatable castle - really family fun day! Glad it was successful as they want to make it an annual event - what more could we ask for where the focus is on responsible pet ownership, caring for dogs, dog training, consider rescue dogs (all my kids are rescue babies - the way to go! can I say this on a Dog Breed Forum?).