Rosetta

What incident are you referring to? Surely not the OP's? A bite occurred - hardly a rumble.

They would be testing for evidence of the dog's breed to ascertain if it is on the banned list I would imagine for legal reasons. Of course nobody asks any of those other questions.

Was that the Cocker? I saw that one and the reference to cataracts - obviously the real reason nobody wanted to bother with him. The usual story - 8 years old, health issues developing, goodbye doggie.

The RSPCA in Brisbane are full - maybe the reason for the discount. And it is not yet Christmas holidays

Yes guilty I am loving this little girl who looks so much like an Ewok :D http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/257268

Instead of referring to him as a "crossbreed" - which he undoubtedly is - are you able to identify him with some particular breed and refer to him as an ....cross? I just think people may connect more with him. I would also lead with the picture of him shaking hands - I think that is his most appealing shot. Just a few suggestions.....

Lots of people do. Many feed meat for one meal and kibble for the other.

Good for you giving this little girl a chance. I agree about the desexing and teeth removal at the same time if she is fit enough for the surgery. Make sure she does get antibiotics and pain relief afterwards. Does the rescue group have any arrangement with a vet for reduced rates? If not it is probably just a matter of ringing around and getting some quotes - explain she is a rescue. Maybe even the AWL Gold Coast vet clinic is worth asking as I think their rates are quite reasonable. The sooner she has her teeth done the better she will feel - must be making her miserable poor baby Good luck with getting her well again.

Lots of people feed half kibble and half "something else" - not necessarily to save money. I supplement with leftover meat, chicken - mainly because he won't eat the kibble by itself :) For a Lab though you would have to add a fair bit to pad it out - maybe you are better off going for a less expensive kibble if price is an issue?

Jack has a definite twitch to the right - guess that means he's happy :D

Good for you for following this up. Just because they have moved him doesn't mean they are any more concerned for his welfare - just that they know someone has noticed

Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with your little Cav. The obsessive licking is a worry and I would suspect some sort of neuro disorder from the description of his behaviour. I don't have anything to add to other suggestions besides a thorough neurological exam including scans.

Any update Mumof4? Did you hear back from the RSPCA?

I used to think a lot like you regarding yard checks etc. I guess you have to look at it from the point of view of the rescue organisation. Their role is to find the best possible fit for the dog and to minimise the possibility of the dog "bouncing back" - in other words to find them a real "forever" home. That is their first priority and they develop protocols to meet that criteria.

Maybe the pain meds are not agreeing with him? Could the vet try a different one? Oh sorry just saw that has been mentioned

Under these particular circumstances yes I would return the dog. It would be difficult if I had bonded with it but I think it would be the right thing to do. I would also wonder what the "dog sitter" did to look for the dog.

Look at this darling boy on Pet Rescue - same problem but has been used for breeding for 4 1/2 years before being rescued. Amazing he can still trust humans http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/256310

You are very dedicated and have shown great commitment. Though I would second the idea of caution in exposing her to small dogs when you don't know how she will react. That could be a very dangerous situation for the smaller dogs and her also if any incident occurred. Good luck I wish you every success.

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Apparently which direction the tail wags has meaning :D Sorry don't know how to "quote" the article http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/left-leaning-dogs-peturb-fellow-pooches/story-e6frgcjx-1226750484140

True but some training in what seems just common sense safety would go a long way IMO.

- In this case your assumption would be correct. Cage drying can be done in several ways, and for a couple of reasons. The very sad thing is that it can be an excellent method of assisting drying for very elderly or extremely nervous dogs when hand drying them is stressful, and that does not mean blasting them with a constant stream of hot air up close for a long period or at temperatures that are dangerous and leaving them there to cook. If a dog is placed in an open cage and has air flow around it is possible to direct warm or room temp air around the dog whilst it is under the watchful eye of a responsible Groomer and minimise the time needed for table drying a stressed or elderly animal. Whilst good Groomers have various techniques for minimising the stress and easing animals through the grooming process there will always be a few animals do not cope well on the table, and we sometimes have to come up with ways of working around the animal Like the awful Buddy tragedy this was the result of human negligence. These incidents were not because cage drying or table restraints were used, they were due to human negligence and apparent contempt for the welfare of animals in their care. Agree ...and until the industry is properly licensed and standard training practices and staff qualifications are legislated it will keep happening. Are there any current accredited courses groomers can undertake?

And exactly why have these grooming businesses been allowed to keep operating if the problems have been occurring over several months? Oh thats right they're just animals

Its a hard one Westiemum. Anxious dogs can be set back when they find themselves in new surroundings and are left without their Mum. I am really pleased dear Mac is coping OK though. Perhaps a note in the letterbox for those that did not answer the door to say that you are addressing the issue? Maybe they were not home or just don't answer the door - some people are like that. Diplomacy - as you are using - is the best way to handle a situation when you are living in someone else's house. All good suggestions so far for distractions etc. If in the end you decide on a collar I would avoid the citronella ones as they are really irritating to the dogs - especially if they have sensitive skin. The new vibration only ones are quite good and more gentle. Hope things settle down for you - and the westies soon. I hate moving to new places too :)

I don't see the problem either - just as long as he is eating sufficient to recover his health. My dog won't eat kibble by itself - don't blame him really its really unappetising without a little "something" to spice it up. :)