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Ginger just won one of the weekly $10 voucher prizes! yaaay Gingeee boy.

Sorry if it's been posted before :D Link to article and images - Still sprightly at 154 human years Learning new tricks at 22 (or 154 in human years) meet Billy, the world's oldest dog Blind in one eye and with not many teeth left, Billy the Yorkshire Terrier has seen better days. More than 8,000 of them, in fact. For Billy is 22 years old – the canine equivalent of a human aged 154. He is believed to be the world's oldest living dog, having surpassed the current holder of the title with Guinness World Records. Yet his owner, Betty Holdsworth, says there's lots of life in the old dog yet. He still goes for walkies twice a day and continues to act like a puppy. 'He's got so much energy,' said Mrs Holdsworth, a 71-year-old grandmother from Halifax. 'He's so affectionate and caring and he always wants to be near me. He just loves being spoilt.' Mrs Holdsworth gave Billy a home after visiting an RSPCA branch in June. His previous owner had died but left behind her diaries which included the day in 1988 on which she bought him as a puppy Mrs Holdsworth said: 'After my previous dog died, I decided I would like to get another one to replace it. 'I decided to go for an older pet because I don't know how long I will be around and a puppy would tire me out. 'They told me that they had this Yorkshire Terrier who was in a bit of a state. 'But he is not frail at all. He still loves to play and he is quite vigorous about it, playing tug of war and chasing after things to bring them back for me. 'He's not showing any signs of slowing down. I think that is at least partly because of the quality of his life. 'He sleeps at the end of the bed and has developed a taste for the best dog food. 'As soon as I got him home it was as if he had always been there.' Alex Darwell, an officer who specialises in rehoming elderly animals for the RSPCA in Halifax, said: 'Whenever Billy comes in to see us he is licking everyone's hands and keen to say hello. 'When he was brought in last year we were told that the previous owner had said he was 21 and the vet looked him over and said that was right. 'It is fantastic that he is in such good condition at his age.' Mr Darwell added: 'He has more energy than a lot of younger dogs which come in to see us. He's brilliant.' If conclusive evidence of Billy's age is accepted by Guinness World Records, he will beat the current oldest living dog, Sako Wilde. The kelpie cross from Melbourne, Australia, was confirmed as being 21 years 94 days in March this year. Billy still has some way to go, however, if he is to claim the all-time record. The oldest-ever known canine was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, which died in 1939, aged 29 years and five months.

It's very popular to take dogs to offleash and let them run (and they do love it :D) but in my opinion it's not safe for tiny dogs. If you haven't got a segregated section don't bother, just do walkies like normal.

sure, I've got nothing else to do.

Fleuri the symbol means they have rescue backup and will only go to the group if not reclaimed or purchased by the time their impound is over.

sounds like we're all in it for the money. Awesome. I'll contact my bank in the morning - inform them there must be plenty in there because I do rescue. Then I'll empty the account and and go on a nice long holiday because I can't actually remember the last time I was able to leave town, not check emails, take calls, check on dogs, update sites, spend the weekend doing home visits or the day washing dogs and beds. Who's with me? Seriously, rescue takes a toll on every single facet of life and burnout is high. I personally think threads where people jump up and down about a dog they didn't get are extremely demoralising. There is a line where constructive critisism crosses over into sticking the boot in for the hell of it and wild generalisations end up looking like the norm.

Basically it's impossible to keep everyone happy. When you have to say no, it's really not all that often that applicants aren't suitable for any pet at all. Just not that particular individual animal. My dogs live in the home, I'm not taking a guess on their temp/needs, I live with them - I know them. I try to be helpful with people, not offend and see no need for arguments or narky responses which are pretty rare thankfully. And for everyone who says rescues haven't responded I'll bet I can match you for enquirers that ask a whole lot of questions and never respond to even say thanks but no thanks, or to go as far as a home visit and then vanish off the planet. It's just a people thing, we have to accept it and move on.

Have a look at Ziwipeak dehydrated from NZ. It's available in australia. btw: I'm getting very very wary of imported anything for pets. example here Might be best to read the whole article... I did, hence the imported pet products comment.

Have a look at Ziwipeak dehydrated from NZ. It's available in australia. btw: I'm getting very very wary of imported anything for pets. example here

I guess it depends on your area, the availability of good quality non-certified pet meat and whether your customers will pay that bit extra. I know one organic pet food lady and her business is her life's work. And her customers appreciate having the organic option for their pets despite the costs. We are in an area where people DO seek alternatives to absolutely everything as well as supportive 'alternative therapies' when their pets are unwell (we also have two organic markets on weekends which are extremely popular). If the brand you're thinking makes organic treats as well I'd stock them to start with - maybe at the counter to get a bit more interest or a feel for people's reactions?

I think you'll bring puppy home BUT don't get your heart set on it. You're a dally person and know your pure breed. The dog you meet may not exactly be a pure or even the age stated. (I had an english pointer who was constantly called a dally so obviously if a dog has spots.......lol) The rest is up to you. Good luck! xx

Won't hurt to respond. They could just be struggling with language. btw, sometimes scams are re-posted on the internet to warn others. If you ever get a suspect email (or see a dodgy ad), google the email addy. It can be very enlightening!

I'm so sorry Mel, that is the saddest news. Please call if you need a chat. Run free boys. Chase butterflies over the bridge. xxxxxx

Contact your state's insurance industry ombudsman. I'm so sorry for your loss, you have enough to deal with.

I think it depends on who is running that location and doesn't necessarily reflect the whole company. Best take it up with the head office. Hoping your babies are ok.

Very very sad. ;) Wish I hadn't googled to try to find where he ended up. I wonder if it was the heartworm and trying to treat him for it.

He was rescued. Treated for heartworm. http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/animalrescue...lofheropit-1077 eta: but he is now at the bridge. http://www.midwestanimalrescue.org/animals...wbridge?Alpha=A RIP Angel

Yep, baby wipes. Great for poo-toe and stink-leg. I have a young piddler at the moment who manages to get his chest 99% of the time. Then wants a cuddle. LOL

Time to get searching Alfie! Operation Toby PetRescue Shelter Directory

There are so many. It is hard to choose. i can only ditto the above (onsntillnflash). Via a reputable rescue you have had someone care for the dog, get to know them and do the vetwork. Make sure there is a trial period and return clause if it doesn't work out. When a foster dog is placed into a forever home, another poundie can take that spot.

With all the best planning in the world, nothing in life has a 100% guarantee. My first silky was a byb and I doubt many of the awesome rescue dogs I've met are from ethical registered breeders . Don't sweat it. You tried your best and learned a lesson along the way. Puppy has a loving home. All dogs deserve that.

I agree on both points. Sometimes dogs react so strangely to the hospital smell. And yes, professional help before it gets worse.

The idea of a practice baby as a trial run gives me the shivers. Dogs aren't babies.

That's awful. I'm so sorry. Report the dog. And ask for vet bill help. Owner needs a wakeup call. We don't go to the off-leash nearby and won't until they have a small dog section. Maybe try a reputable doggy daycare or a few playdates with just a couple of small friends to keep him socialised?

I have some organic Quinoa soaking at the moment (you need to soak the raw grains to remove the soapiness). I don't use it often as it really is just another grain, but the dogs won''t turn their nose up at it though and it's a better food than rice. You can put it in hooman soup. It's yummy in chicken soup.