Snippy

Yes. Hence my comment "Let's hope this grows legs."

I can see both sides of the coin here. But to be honest I don't think that age is necessarily the topic being debated here. I think it is more a question of ability. There are countless threads in the Dogs in the news forum and sub-forum that show people not caring for, abusing, mistreating animals. These people lack the ability to look after animals/dogs... but they are not from any one age-group. I have known and still do know people who are in their 20ies and have dogs that they do not care for properly. Sure, they are fed and watered but they are not looked after properly. I am thinking of people with dogs like BCs, Labs and GSDs. They fit the magazine image of a late 20-something with the kids, the new house (mortgage) so they have to have the dog, too. But they don't think past the look of the dog to what they were actually designed for. I find it infuriating explaining to these people time and again that these dogs need reasonable amounts of mental and physical stimulation to be truly happy. IMO, these people are entirely unsuitable as owners of dogs of these and other breeds, REGARDLESS OF THEIR AGE. Now before anyone gets up-in-arms about that, I am aware that there are exceptions to every rule. I am not saying that ALL young people are irresponsible of their pets, indeed many are extremely loving and devoted to their dogs' well-being, including yours truly. Plenty of elderly people (or as I prefer, "people of extended experience") are better at looking after their pets than many young and middle aged people. If for no other reason than they generally have more free time to spend on the dog. It depends on the individual circumstances, of course. I know people who are in their late 70ies who would hit you with a stick if you told them they couldn't have another dog. Then in contrast, I know people of the same age that caring for a dog would be too much of a strain. If you are a spritely 70 something y/o and can give your dog the exercise and time, then I say have a dog. If you are frail and sickly then perhaps getting another Rotty etc is not a great idea and you should consider downsizing. Studies show that owning a pet is a great therapy and can extend your life-expectancy. Anyone who has taken a pet into a nursing home or respite centre will be able to attest to the powerful effect it has on otherwise withdrawn residents. Certainly I think the welfare of the dog should you become unable to care for it or pass on is a major consideration, I certainly advocate for preparedness in that area. I am young and healthy and I have legal documents stipulating what should happen to my pets (in a variety of circumstances) if something happens to me.

Let's hope this concept grows legs. Link -Animals can legally be considered victims

Just to refresh your memory

Tapirs are one of my favourite animals. I'm so glad you shared this story.

OK so if you wouldn't mind telling my other half that, that would be great. We have the clown...Samoyed Jester by name, Jester by nature. Now someone find me a serious, non-clowny Samoyed. I'm not sure that's possible :laugh:

I hope what I wrote makes sense. I am pretty tired right now so sorry if it is a bit long-winded. I agree with this. It's funny, I read the initial post (which is not funny, so please don't think that is what I'm saying) and I thought pretty much the exact things as OSoSwift wrote. OSo, are you using Jedi mind tricks? :laugh: I am really sorry to read about this B&M It's a terribly sad situation to find yourself in and I applaud you for having the courage to ask for the help of others. It's not always easy to do, especially on a public forum where you might get someone having a bad day who decide to unleash on you. IMHO, adding a new member to the family/pack before your beloved Bubba gets his wings is what I would do. Even if it is not a puppy, but a young adult like someone else mentioned, I think it MAY work better. My reasoning behind this is that if Bubba is top dog and is accepting of the newbie, then it would generally follow in canine behaviour that the newbie is "ok." If Maximus depends on Bubba's decision making and guidance and sees that the newbie is accepted by Bubba, then I would think that would make him less likely to become reactive or negatively aroused because Bubba has already decided FOR Maximus that he's not a threat. It also means that Bubba can "chaperone" the newbie into the way of life that Maximus would be used to. I would think the sooner you have a trio, the better. That said I wouldn't like a puppy or more boisterous dog to cause any further upsets to your injured dog so it would be a tricky process if you did go ahead with it. Best of luck and Congratulations on being a great canine parent. :)

What is with members of the Medical profession and animal cruelty lately? First the disgusting Nurse dog-pimp and now this low life. Wow, what a big man you are bashing a poor defenceless dog. And over something so trivial, if that indeed was the case. If you have kids that age then surely a you are used to all sorts of bodily fluids...I personally think that "diarrhoea on the carpet" bit was a pathetic attempt by the defence to try to get the sympathy vote or at least the "human's get angry when pets poop" vote. I don't care if it's a Papillion or a Great Dane, you do NOT bash a dog. Hell, he broke "over a dozen" of the dog's ribs. And that supposedly happened as "knee jerk" reaction? Sorry but last time my "knee jerked", I didn't bash a poor dog senseless! The defence also claims "It was a single act, it wasn't ... repetitious actions." Really? To inflict that much damage... in a single action? Sure it's a small dog, but I highly doubt it. This guy should have felt the full force of the law. Yet again a poor defenceless animal who has already been victim, is victim again to a flawed legal system. This BLEEEPS me right off

Oh! I saw him on the NSW Samoyed Club rescue section on FB. So happy to see he has a home, yippee! From what I read (posted on 21 August) he was still looking for a home Or has some wire got crossed at some point?

I am sad to read the initial post. I'm also sad to say that as someone who has done 3 long term tertiary animal-care courses, I have run into a large portion of people within these courses that I would never, ever want to leave my pet with. Many of them have appalling people skills too, so it makes me wonder what their saving graces are. Sadly, just because a person has a job title doesn't mean they are in the right job or right for the job. I found that one out the hard way. I am glad that poor little dog found her way to someone who actually gives a damn enough to do the right thing by her. People who go on about being "animal lovers" and then blatantly mistreat their animals sicken me to the core.

Fantastic news. I hope they fall in love and keep him. It is so unsettling for the poor loves when they let their guard down and then get shipped back again. Got our fingers and paws crossed for him.

I haven't used them, but I have heard good things about Southern Animal Hospital (Morphett Vale), Marion Animal Hospital (Mitchell Park) and Seaford Vet care (Seaford). If there is an emergency there is also this place Animal Emergency Centre Adelaide All the vets I have used and use currently are to the North of the city, so while I recommend them they are unlikely to be of use to your friend.

Wishing Bailey a speedy recovery, it sure doesn't look very comfortable. Fascinating info on treatment from all the repliers, I'll store that to my memory bank too. Thanks guys!

My family bough a lab puppy about 19 years ago and we had similar issues. Turned out the puppy was deaf in both ears. The vet didn't seem all that surprised about it to be honest. the breeder wanted nothing to do with us or the puppy. We ended up moving her to a home where she would get special treatment. Unfortunately for our family at the time, having a special needs dog was not viable. It was really a sad situation we were all heartbroken. I remember it well, I was quite young at the time and my parents had been saving for a puppy as a surprise for us kids.

I do love that look of disdain on the face of Danny. Priceless. When we first got jester he wouldn't eat Out of a bowl. He looked at it puzzled. I had to progress him from a plate to a bowl over a week or so. I think he was so used to being fed people food scraps on plates that he didn't realise that a bowl was the usually accepted form of food delivery. He is fine now. A guts and a hoover, but nobody's perfect :laugh: