SJF

Hi Sandra, Many thanks - will pass on this info to my friend. Cheers, S:-)

Hope this is the right place to post, but would appreciate any advice those more familiar with BSL issues can give... Have a friend who is considering moving to New Zealand and he is concerned that his dog may be classed as a 'pit bull' under their system which will mean he can't enter the country. He's an ex-foster dog from the pound so no way to prove heritage but our best guess is staffy x BT with a bit of kelpie/ACD in there somewhere. Could be some Amstaff/pitty too - definitely a heinz mix Does anyone know what the standards/requirements are for assessing/proving breed type on entering NZ (and/or exiting AUS)? Is there any way to 'prove' that a dog is not a pit bull that would be accepted by the authorities (ie. DNA test?) or is it just a matter of the assessor's individual ruling at the time? If that's the case, he simply won't take the risk because the dog is everything to him, but would be good to be able to know what options there are, if any. Thanks in advance, S

What a sweet and happy boy he looked. Rest easy, Jake. Your family's love will follow you wherever you go and you will never be forgotten. S

Farewell sweet Kirra... I fell in love with you at the ARF dogs' day out stall and was so very happy to meet you again in your lovely forever home... What a kind and caring family you found and how happy you must have been in your final years. Please pass on my condolences to your sister, Jodie - she did a wonderful thing for a lovely old girl and can be very proud of the love and devotion she shared with Kirra. S:-)

Glucosamine + Chondroitin is the best - think the brand I used was MGM or something similar - available at health food stores in powder form. Used for an older, arthritic dog though, so not sure of dosages for younger dogs. The Chondroitin acts to absorb the Glucosamine into the system better. S:-)

Thanks guys. Am planning to print this off for my friend so that she knows there are other people out there as close to their pets as she is. Really appreciate your support. S

A dear friend is having to say goodbye to her beloved companion, Silva, today. Silva is a beautiful Norwegian Elkhound who has been a constant companion to her mum throughout their happy life together, but her poor body is tired now and it is time for her to be released. Please send thoughts, prayers and energies of strength for my friend and for sweet Silva as she takes her journey to the bridge. We were honoured to have known her. RIP Beautiful Girl :D S

Reading your lovely tribute to Misty, REM's Everybody Hurts on the radio and thinking how much our furbabies touch our lives... Stay strong and remember all the good times - they are her legacy. S