Becky in Oz

What's a furbaby? Are you referring to mixed breed?

Hi Jo, Someone told me it once, a long time ago. But now i will look them up, too. Thanks for the insight. Do you have one now, by any chance? Thanks! Becky

Hi everyone! You are all so wonderful! Thanks for all of your support, ideas and suggestions. I feel like I have my own little support team here. i'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside! Thanks! Hi Amhailte! Staffies are GORGEOUS! And they do love kids and they are protective of their kids which is all good. And there always seems to be so many of them in need of rescuing. Poor souls. I think you're right, though. A staffy may not be right for our family at this point in time. But gosh I'll bet you love yours! :p Hi Tess! Yes I have been thinking about a Cav as well. Only just looking into the idea of a greyhound. Greyhounds seem to have a lot of pluses for them. Hmm Hi Krat! I've seen pix of the Basenji and I think there is one of needing rescue now. But it reminded me of a Dingo and all I could think of was energy plus and jumper. Hence Mooper's comment. I guess this time my thoughts were closer to the truth. Hi Mooper! Thanks everyone! If I ever find the right little 4-legged friend for us (or 3 -legged, I'm not opposed to helping out a little guy or gal like that), I'll have to do a big post. Maybe by then I'll have a digital camera and can post a picture, too. But hey, I think I am the only one in Australia that doesn't have a mobile, so a digital camera may not happen. I just don't think I am IMPORTANT enough for a mobile. And I am a cynic of the marketing about the 'needs' for a mobile. I'll find my friend and family memeber sooner or later, I guess. Bit sad I misinterprete the ACS. My fav dog is the Airedale! But I figured they'd be a bit big for our place. Ohhhhh! Pooey!

Thanks! I am interested in all input.

Thanks! If I rememeber, I'll get back to you and let you know how it all went!

I have to admit I had all the misconceptions about the greyhound. They are an impressive breed! I live in Sydney. I have checked out your site and the NSW site. Thanks for the info!

Hi Nekhbet, Yea, I don't think I would 'crate' the dog, particularly if that means locking him or her in a crate. If crating means a little doghouse, that's open, okay. I would actually have a little doggie bed for the little guy or gal. I get what you're saying about the behaviour modification. I would have to correct the issue, I don't want a chewed up lounge. Oh boy! I do have one cat and would happy to stick with just him if it all gets too complicated with a dog. Another breed I heard was good with kids is the Cav King Charles Spaniel. I know I don't want a Maltese (Please, no offense to those Malty lovers). I have just heard that they can be snappers sometimes. I don't want to have to rehome a dog after adoption because I have not made the right choice when I could have know better. I never heard that about greyhounds. I can remember volunteering once at the RSPCA and seeing this poor old greyhound. She was considered no longer 'useful' and had a sledgehammer taken to her head. The idiot couldn't even do that right. The dog had a 'lopsided' head and was behaviourly 'soulfully' destroyed, but she was healthy otherwise and a really special dog. I'll never forget her, I see her image in my head, often. You're absolutley not being nosy. I work two days, school hours. The rest of the week, I or my husband is home. I have two daughters, a 3 1/2 year old and a 1 year old (hence the worry about a snapping dog- oh by the way, I have heard Daschund's are a 1 person dog and so that breed is out, too). I am not really fond of birds, have thought about fish, but they're a bit awkward to cuddle :p A lizard, now that would be kinda cool. My daughers would love that idea! I hadn't thought of a lizard. wonder how they go at cuddling?? I don't know the first thing about lizards. I'll have to think long and hard about them. Thanks Nekhbet!

Hi Ellz, I am interested in trying your blend of 50/50 vinegar/water for ears on my cat. Think it's okay? He generally has pretty clean ears anyway, but the occasional 'muck' does appear. Thanks!

Thanks. Geeze, I didn't know 'de-barking' was a term for some sort of procedure. I just thought it meant a dog doesn't bark because it's been trained not to bark. How green am I? LOL When I was thinking of humane ways to stop a dog from barking I was thinking of the usual 'no hitting'. I am not a hitter. Not of animals, not of my kids. I just wonder if the citronella is safe, humane and effective. I have heard of dogs barking out of boredom. And that's as far as my knowledge of barking goes. Even though I have had a dog as a teeneager, I am actually a cat person, but lost a cat to a very agressive cancer almost 3 1/2 years ago. I still have a Persian, I rescued him years and years ago. But I just can't get another cat. My Flash was just the one, ya know. Still get tearied. I love all animals, all the same. So anyway, I am looking for a dog. I want a forever dog, though.

Hi! I am very new to this site. I have been checking out the dog breeds and resuces for months upon months, waiting to chose the right moment to hopefully adopt a dog. I have gone through the correct channels to obtain approval for a dog in our apt. Last night's stata meeting has revealed that really we can't be prohibited from getting a dog. I did my research on this months ago and knew this answer, but I'd rather be friens with my neighbours, than enemies, so I pursued the proper channels. Anyway, my biggest concern with getting a dog was and is barking. Now I am not prepared to get a dog, especially if it's a rescue dog, only to have it rehomed again when I could have prevented any further moves for the dog. So here's my question. Is there a human way to de-bark a dog? I think either Burkes Backyard or Dr Harry has mentioned the citronella collars. I am assuming since one of those two characters has mentioned the collars they'd be humane, but I'd like other peoples' opinions and feedback. Thanks (and sorry about the length)