PossumCorner

I think we are all stoked that he has worked out and fitted in so well. My hesitation re Greys is that one swallow does not a summer make. They are talked up so much as being quiet and suitable for quiet ownership that people have unrealistic expectations. I have seen it not work out, something between disappointing and devastating, much as Maddy has mentioned. Glad a couple of people mentioned Collie Smooth - most longer term Dolers would remember ChezzyR's lovely Rosie (still going strong I think) - these shots show her out and about and fitting in everywhere with everyone. Lovely coats, but still very easy care. http://www.pbase.com/chezzyr/smooth_collie_rosie

You just bragging cos you were up early? Okay, nice backlighting.

Coffee splurt. Actually just about my favourite dogs, I did breed and show Basenjis years ago and love them. But jeeze they could be hard-going for destructiveness and bloody-mindedness if they chose, and obedience training can be interesting given that they question instructions and prefer conversation to orders. True they don't bark in the traditional sense, but they can make some blood-curdling yowls if the spirit moves them. And being a hunting breed, not rock solid off-leash without fair hours of training being invested. Brilliant small to medium dogs to own, but need understanding.

Maybe print this topic off for them, so they can think about some pros and cons of size and type (not meaning they aren't computer-savvy, just it's sometimes easier to mull over something with hard copy) -

Great shot Denali, between you and Canetoad we enjoying the overseas feast, keep them coming. Hope you are taking notes.

Thanks JulesP, they have moved to our area, and just opened their shop in the town, herbals and the works. Said they have just moved up from Yarra Valley, so yes - same family, hope it goes well for them here, big move, different demographic for sure. I knew of it in Belgrave but hadn't used Phuds, so will see how it goes. Young Rheneas has sensitive skin, hot spots and so on, always need to watch his diet and hope this will suit him.

Sweet shot Teekay. "Candy kisses, wrapped in paper, mean more to you ...... " That's an oldie. And Denali, best joy with the trip and looking forward to hearing/seeing.

I'm a bit wary of it raw-ground because linseed contains cyanide (like apple cores and apricot seeds) and can be toxic to horses. We always boil it before mixing with horse feed, never fed raw. I know a dog isn't a horse, but the wariness rubs off.

Thanks, great selections - look forward to more of the same, scenic and street. (And to some animals).

Seems pretty bad to me - reading a lot of comments on it over the last day or two, I don't like the privacy concerns being protected, that's an invitation to get away with ill treatment and hide behind legislation. The AR actions are also 'wrong' at their worst, but that doesn't negate the need for transparency and for the public to access information without needing to go the freedom of information route.

Phuds advertising mentions good for dogs with skin probs, and sensitive tummies. Does anyone have first-hand experience of using Phuds as part of feeding their dogs - any pros or cons? Edit to add: within Forum guides - anything negative only by PM please.

Not silencing any views - although really not getting how my saying judgemental is pc, whereas your saying "crazy" isn't. But whatever, it's the dogs that matter, not our finer feelings.

Welcome tiger. The little water bucket for Frodo and Rheneas is well under a table - so spills and slurps don't spread to where we walk, and no-one needs to step over a small dog who is concentrating on having a drink. Fro likes the bucket style because with his arthritis he doesn't need to bend his head and neck down to drink.

Thanks Starkehre, yes heartache to learn about this. Our Piper was an RSPCA 'rescue', we lost her at 14 years to bone cancer two years ago. She was obviously a back-yard bred and raised Rottie, carrying some faults of both conformation and temperament. And such a fabulous dog to own, still grieve for her. So on that experience, would not have hesitated to take on another young rescue Rottie when the time comes, maybe later this year. Your post is a timely warning.

Although I get that the high cost is being underlined as against local/in-Australia rescue, surely how a person spends their money is their own business. If someone is prepared to go to the expense, eye-rolls and calling them crazy is judgemental. How and where someone chooses to rescue is their decision, their choice - and a dog needing help is just that, doesn't matter what country. It doesn't make spending money on air-fares etc to undertake rescue work in a third-world country stupid "just because they could do it in their own country".

Yes like these exactly, nice mix of scenic and street - and any comments or observations about how things have changed (or not) since you left - would be great.

I'm out of touch too. Still have the D90 (and D80) not getting enough use. If I was upgrading I'd be brave and trawl through the wordmills on DPReview for some opinions. I just had a quick look and the 7200 seems extra good, out of my budget right now, but so would a box brownie equivalent be at present. Let's know what you decide: I'm getting physio on my super bad arm and shoulder, and hope to be able to pick up the Nikon to use soon: as it is I just carry a light mirrorless Panasonic Lumix around with me, I can use it one-handed and know what that does to picture quality, but is better than nothing til I have two-handed capability again.

Useful photos-article on needle felting - methods, selling at markets, sourcing equipment etc in the current issue of "Town and Country Farmer" (Australia) magazine at newsagents.

Yes that's it Westiemum, and forwarned is forearmed, whether it's tripping over the little tackers or needing a block and tackle for the heavies. I wouldn't let either aspect deter me from getting the dog I want, just being aware of possible future problems is half way to solving them. It's the same with horses, I have big Standardbreds and teeny Small Shetlands, and they have different handling and management issues to work around.

Is this for real?? I was over the moon when our Council introduced the cat curfew years ago in the hope of reducing the killing of Lyrebirds in Sherbrooke Forest. (I don't think anyone has actually been fined over it, but hope springs eternal). I'm gobsmacked to learn that any Council ever released adult cats into a situation where they are not under any control, so they can decimate wildlife to their little furry heart's content. Loads of feral cats where I live now, or farm cats with a wide-ranging territory and palate. Yes they'll take mice or rabbits, but no more than every kind of wild-life, lizards, ringtail possums, whatever's kill-able. And small poultry: (thought I'd lost some chickens to a fox til I saw the feral cat having a field day).

I'm in two minds about this greyhounds for older people thought. At 75 I am fairly fit and active, but have moments of difficulty. Frodo is only a little fellow and at present I guess you'd say bordering on palliative care: okay because he's small and I'm lucky enough to have enough muscle tone for lifting him etc when necessary. I am really worried about managing Rheneas when he gets to this stage in a year or so, he's also getting on for 16. Rheneas is also smallish, Shetland Sheepdog/Spitz type but much heavier more solid than Frodo. I will manage him, but I wouldn't put any bets on being able to manage an ailing Greyhound in a few years time. Walking/running/training a fit dog is not an issue: it's the nity-gritty of an older person caring for an older large dog that to me does present some problems, I've seen it just not work out. Disclaimer: Says she who is considering taking on a Maremma as a livestock looker-afterer. Jury is still out.

I wouldn't use the trolley three main reasons. 1. I am suffering if that's not putting it too strongly from a torn shoulder muscle etc, can mostly put it down to using a trolley to shift hay for horses/alpacas. The over-use of the shoulder joint is un-natural and asking for trouble, hindsight is magical. 2. Dogs in my experience (okay, only three dogs here) can feel a bit insecure in a trolley and can decide to leap out unexpectedly: no harm in-property with a healthy dog, but not so good on hard pavement or near traffic with a dog already a bit fragile. 3. You can't walk far twisted all pretzel-like watching the dog you are pulling along, and it's when you are not watching it that stuff happens. Nothing wrong with having what it takes to step out of the comfort zone and use a stroller. But neither would I use one of the twee "pet strollers" they do look like a gimmick. Google sports strollers and consider something with decent size wheels and a bit of intelligent design, the kind sports-minded parents use if they are doing running fitness training and can't leave the baby home.

Roova and Gruf - come on you two, waiting/waiting. Scottsmum thanks tons for setting it up for another year, easier for people this way too, no need to be on a "list" of contributors this time: anyone who thinks "ooh this looks like fun" can just come on board - good thinking!

Starting with yet another good intention of finishing (but not exactly putting money on it). 1/52 Early morning, a young Crested Dove on the laneway gate. 2/52 Galahs competing for who gets to sit on top of an uncomfortable steel fence-post/dropper/star picket. Whatever the name, the game goes on ..... 3/52 ...... and on.

Lovely shots both. Ash: "I endorse full-cream for bright eyes and a shiny coat". (Or: who raided the garbage?).