Isabel964

Very sorry for your loss. She was much loved and very special. You did the right thing for her when she needed you to, and I know only too well how devastating and absolutely gutwrenching it is to make to make that decision to let them go. Lots of hugs to you, I'm sure she is looking over you.

Oh what a special she was. I'm sorry she was gone way too soon. I'm sure she will forever watch over you.

Great we have people following this up. What if some pounds just don't do it event is required.....how would we know? Who regulates this? I would suppose that if a caring person worked at the pound they could anonymously let someone who could do something about it know rules were not being followed. I suppose that if we microchip our dogs we give them the best chance of coming home. Now that many dogs are required by law to be chipped before registered or sold, there is no law that requires people to keep their chip info updated - so there is only so much we can do. I wish we could get more education out there...TV ads on responsible dog ownership, on how to update your animals microchip, how to help a found pet...etc

I have always admired Frenchies and hoped that one day I might have one in my life. So it was with great interest that I read this thread. Some questions; Are all Frenchies prone to spine and/or other known Frenchie health issues, OR... if you get one from an experienced proper breeder, do all the right checks, check the parents AND don't have a house with stairs for he/she to traverse (A child proof gate could be put in for people with stairs I'd imagine) etc - then is the chance of a Frenchie living a healthy life high? Can Frenchies be walked for an hour, or only 20-30 minutes at a time? Can Frenchies accompany their owner on a 3-5km slow jog a few times a week? The Frenchie is the only breed that I have heard can be troublesome in terms of toilet training. This confuses me because since they are so intelligent, I would have thought they be easily toilet trained? How do you avoid/minimise toilet training issues with a Frenchie? Can a Frenchie be left alone for 8 hours with another small dog during the day if exercised mentally and physically well? My kelpie and Westie are mostly indoor dogs and they can be left for up to 8 hours a day no problems, and they mainly snooze the day away. If I had a Westie and Frenchie for example, could they be left for 8 hours a day?

I always make sure I make a good impression with the property manager, even though my application stands up very well on its own. Alot of people's applications stand well on their own. Good job, good income, good references....alot of people have those. If you have pets you are likely to be at a disadvantage so ensuring you make a good and memorable impression on the property manager is a good thing to do. Interested in responses to Mace's question..... can a tenant be evicted when found to have a pet not disclosed on the application? I suspect the answer is yes because all leases I have signed have a default section that states you have no pets - if you don't get pets added to the lease and that no pets section crossed out - you sign the lease, and you are found to have pets, then you must be in breach of the lease....so you I would have thought you could be told to get rid of the pet or be evicted for breach of the lease. That said, I can't understand how tenants refuse to leave premises.....as seen on A current Affair ads from time to time. I thought the police came in, the locks were changed....and you would be forcibly removed. So I obviously don't understand the law properly. Since I intend to become a property owner with tenants, I am very interested in how this all works.

Love the one with the soccer ball where his face is facing the camera. He is adorable. One day I'd like a French Bulldog.

Oh gosh you guys, I so wish I had some ability. Maverick OMG what is that? the photo is AMAZING. You need a special camera for that sort of shot? I'd love to join you all but I am so hopeless. A friend tried to show me how my camera works abut the language was so different and I could;t follow it all. I have a really good camera for a beginner...the Nikon 8800, its a few years old but I don't understand how to use it. It all seems so complicated. Photography is something I'd like to get into, always have done, but I just find my attention span is too short to understand aperture etc and its all confusing. But I shall enjoy your thread. I have so enjoyed all the photos here...the boats, the sunrise, the gorgeous kelpie!!! WOW!

Wow Clyde - awesome dog!

Sorry, I don't understand ...but I am not breeder. Good luck with it. You sound creative. I like your theme.

That is really cute blind or not! And the fact that she is blind is amazing. I wonder if I should try a shell for my dogs. I'm so sick of buying things that my pets have no interest in LOL

Yep, vet. She is probably ok, but the vet will check vital signs and pupils and all the things that will indicate if there is a confusion or damage. They will also let you know what to watch out for over night. Better to be sure than tae the risk something bad is going on internally and find out too late.

Hey guys, I don't ant to start a fight or anything, and i am not in the market for another dog - my house is full with the two I have. But something often crosses my mind.....if I was to rescue a dog, how would I best go about it? I was just reading the thread on all the dogs at Hawesbury Pound in Sydney. If I was looking for a dog and lived in Sydney I would ask the people that go to meet the dogs about dogs they post...its really helpful, the info they give.....this dog is sweet, obedient, loves cuddles..... and then you find it got PTS and my heart just breaks. I know we can't save them all though we would like to, but one day I might like to save one at least. The reason I ask is that I had a bad experience about 6 years ago. I went to the Australian Animal Protection Society here in Melbourne. I waited an hour with my husband while a lady explained to a couple how to feed and look after the cat they just adopted. The couple in their 40's, kept saying that they have had cats all their lives, they will be ok. But the person behind the counter kept going on about every brand of cat food and water and was very pedantic. Anyway, my point is that we waited patiently for a full hour. We also had our kelpie in the back of the car....we had recently lost our beloved Zeus to old age and cancer. We did go out and take for out of the car every 15 minutes. Once the couple were permitted to leave with the cat, we told the lady we rang before and why we were there. We then had to wit 20 minutes for her to get some lady from outside somewhere. Still no problem. We had taken the day off work to do this. We were taken through to where all the cages/pens are and every dog we pointed out to each other the lady would snap and say "That dogs NOT for you", and "That dog needs to be an only dog" and "That dogs needs someone with them all the time", and "That dogs not for you", and so many of those That dog is not for you. i stopped the lady and I asked what the issue was - we were here to give a dog a home, why were none of the 10 we showed an interest in 'for us'? She said that we both worked and no-one would be there for the dog. Now we explained that we worked, that we had a young university student son who was often home, that our dogs come and go through a doggy door, that our dogs sleep in our bedroom, that we go on holiday only with our dogs, that we have a car just for our dogs, that our dogs get the best quality food, the best beds and toys money can buy, regular walks, regular trips to the dog beach and different parks etc. So I was just so baffled and gobbsmacked and dismayed at this woman. So many dogs were there and so may kelpies - we just adore kelpies. We tried to get around this woman, but she seemed to have made up her mind. We were dressed nicely, we were ever so nice, we were patient...we brought our dog, we are good dog owners... it was horrible. So I don' want to go through that again. Are there places like Hawkesbury here where I can one day rescue a dog from death row...where I can talk to someone who knows the dog a bit or get some info on the dog's nature and personality? It might be hard, any dog that comes into my home will be joining another adult dog and 3 cats, so it would need to be cat friendly....do pounds test for cat friendliness? Anyway, hopefully I am many years away from getting another dog because I want my two to be with me forever. But for that one day, any advice on how best to go about it would be appreciated.

I got a ramp for my kelpie when she was lame, but she would trust it. So I understand your hesitation with a ramp.

Amstaff Hungarian Vizsla Red Cloud Kelpie Kelpie Neopolitan Mastiff Good topic

Since its so hot, I wouldn't mind taking the dogs for a late night off leash beach romp....just wondering where I can take them where there is a bit of light. St Kilda and brighton dog beach are the first that come to mind. I'm our near Roweville so all beaches are pretty far.....I don't think they are allowed at Chelsea....or can we go anywhere after 7pm?

I think we might have scared off the OP, and I don't think she was a troll. She had already bought the dog from a petstore, and it happens so get over yourselves and leave that bit alone - its done. Lets work with what we have. We have to remember here that our chance is to help people and dogs...not admonish them for something we can not change....and by chasing the OP away by making her feel bad is not helping anyone. If you are still reading, I want you to know that years and years ago we got a second dog, a female puppy for our male adult dog for companionship. Our dog became like a new dog and had a new lease on life and we will never again have a single dog unless the dog can be with us during the day. BC are intelligent and can get bored. They do need mental stimulation. Ever seen a dog race around chasing a ball or a frisky etc for ages, lay down in a heap, and be recovered 5 minutes later able to do it all again? that is physical exercise. Mental exercise has a different and longer effect on the dog. Dog trainers will help you with mental exercises that you can do with our while you are also physically exercising him. Yes, big mistake leaving the puppy and the dog together - but its an innocent mistake and whats done is done. Don't worry about it. You are obviously a caring dog loving person trying your best. so keep at it and stay here, hang around, you'll find we are not as bad as some of us can come across as. I'd get trainers in like Oz Dogs - I had used them an they hd a massive impact on my life, my dog's life and our whole family. http://www.dogtrainingaustralia.com.au/?gclid=CIfpgtXIsK0CFYM3pAod2zjSsQ Get them in and they will help. It might cost a bit - but its so worth it. And do it soon, the sooner the better for the best results

Oh what a cutie!!!!! Soooooo gorgeous, 9 weeks, precious!!! Poor cat - must think this is the weirdest cat ever you have brought home! I bet they will be good friends soon enough. Puppy breath...oh yes, its special isn't it....like coffee kinda?

There is a football oval near me that I use for running around for myself and I often drop through with my dogs. One day I was there I saw a van pull up and two young ladies got out and from the back of the van were a dozen dogs of all different types and sizes. They all got leads put on them and were taken out to the grassed area. I just looked at them, and though there was nothing wrong - it felt wrong. To have 12 dogs who probably do not know each other well in a small van all together is not something I would want my dogs to experience. The girls seemed young and it seemed chaotic....the dogs were trying to run off in different directions and it was just weird. I just remember thinking I would not want my dog to be left with these girls. Bad experience for your gran daughter. I think its terrible!! imagine being told to keep grooming a dog that was growling! No Way!!!! That would only be for the experienced to handle. Even if a growling dog was muzzled, no 15 yr old should be doing it - even muzzled, an attack would be traumatic for such a youngster. and being given dog stronger than she can handle.....OMG, so wrong on SO many levels. Seems to me these people are NOT responsible and went on the list for work experience to get some slave labour for their own gain.

i don't know but I suspect it is normal. My kelpie is a very submissive dog, though a complete joy, highly intelligent, incredibly loyal etc. Mine is pretty friendly with all dogs and does keep a wide berth from some more than others but I never noticed if this was more females or males. Alot of people think females are less likely to get along so i think your keplie's behaviour is consistent with that.

Exactly the same experience here with my kelpie. I call it the magic shirt. Its nothing short of amazing. There was an immediate improvement, then one day it was not so good and I worried the shirt was a one hit wonder, but after more use its good again.

I rent with 2 dogs and 2 cats no problem. My rental application came with good references for me and the pets. I included a cover letter that explained that I washed them, fed them, walked them, that they were toilet trained, leash trained, well behaved etc. I do not bother looking at or applying for houses that are advertised 'No Pets" because on these properties the owner has made that a non negotiable. I don't bother with properties that show plush carpet, fancy curtains. I look for houses with non-carpeted floors (alot will have carpet in the bedrooms but that tends to be ok). Non-carpeted houses tend to be more pet friendly, after-all floorboards etc are easier to keep clean. I look for simple grassed gardens, and very secure fencing. When you move in, its a good idea to meet the neighbours, introduce yourself, explain you have dogs and if they have any issues to please let you know. It may save some person complaining to the council. fencing is critical. If you do not ensure the fencing is secure it can cost you HEAPS to fix it yourself. The landlord will not fix a fence that your dog gets through. My landlord has stipulated on the lease that he will not incur any additional expenses just because he allied dogs to live here. if your dog(s) get through the fence into a neighbours property it is not good for neighbourly relations...especially if they have children or chickens etc. You need to avoid all issues as much as possible, and fencing is really important. The other major complaint people have is barking - they complain to the landlord or the agency and its a nightmare for people who go through that. Since you are new at renting, I would include references from your parents and from respected people who know you. This might be a teacher, what about family friends that are police officers, lawyers, managers...anyone really that write a reference that states they have known you for x years and you are a lovely young lady who volunteers at the xxx, did really well in school, loves her dogs, and is a responsibility pet owner etc. if you were class caption, in the Girl Guides, volunteered somewhere, have been working part time since xxx, have saved up and bought your own....., are saving up for a deposit on your own home....include whatever you can about yourself that lets people know you are a responsible person who will take good care of the property. Remember, all property owners and agencies want is someone that will pay the rent in time, and take good care of the property and not annoy neighbours. PS: If you find it difficult to find a rental with your pets, lower your budget a bit so that you can make an application with all your references etc - and then offer a higher rent. Just $10-$15 a week higher can make a big difference. Also if you can offer to increase the bond, that can also give property owners some assurances.....so if the bond is $2000, offering more might help. While I would prefer lower rent and a better tenant, it is my experience that the majority of property owners are focused on return for investment and money is an important factor. Therefore if you offer references and assurances, plus more money - it DOES increase your chances. Hope that helps.

Thats one smart kelpie Kelpiehoundmum LOL I LOVE kelpies, especially mine. Your dogs are nutters Teela. Mine love sun baking and will lay on the concrete but then move to the back door for me to let them in where they promptly lay spreadeagled on the floorboards in the air-conditioned lounge. But if your have cooler alternatives and don't use them...what can you doJust remember loads of water sources out there

Its not so much the dog smell Anne, I mean it is that when combined with whatever else my kelpie rolls in, its extra bad. I have tried a dog cologne I get from the vets near their dog toy etc section but its too strong...smells like toilet cleaner. I do try the Oatmeal conditioner I have and it helps...a bit.

I'm happy for you, so exciting. Keep in mind kelpies. You can get a brown one or even a red cloud kelpie - both are amazing dogs. I suspect the Australian Cattle Dog is very similar in nature but never had one. Kelpies are highly intelligent, none of mine have been barkers, my current one is basically in indoor dog - very calm, very friendly, super loyal, can take her anywhere, never need a leash (though I always have one), minimum grooming. But she needs to be able to run like the wind as fast as she wants at last once a day - twice is better. She is such a joy. I can't imagine life without a kelpie.

Every time I see a pug I think I want one, they are so darn playful and adorable. He is beautiful, congratulations on the newest member of your family. I look forward to lots more pics!