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As far as I'm aware, there has been one incidence of a dog contracting Hendra Virus, and it was believed it was passed to the dog by the horse, rather than the bat. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/animals/dog-tests-positive-to-hendra-virus-20110726-1hy3p.html http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/4790_20741.htm

Can you close your eyes and stand upright without swaying? If you lean forward, does your head spin and you feel like you're going to fall? You could have Labyrinthitis. You definitely don't want to be driving if you do. Sudden head movements can make you feel nauseous, and you can actually fall over. Do some brain training with him - get him thinking and wear him out mentally. It can be as good as physical work and just as tiring. Teach him some new tricks and reward him with his favourite toy and a play session, even if it's just a throwing session from the couch. Hope you feel better soon

http://canberratimes.domain.com.au/home-renting-tips/tenants-pets--the-truth-is-out-there-20130212-2e9qk.html Tenants' pets – the truth is out there DateFebruary 12, 2013 (0) Hot on the paws of our apartment living great Dane story comes news of a world first survey of pets in rented properties. We love a statistic – did you know 20 percent of pets in rented homes are kept against the rules - so we are delighted researchers want 1,000 Sydney pet owners who have rented in the past 10 years to take their online survey. Dr Emma Power, Lecturer in Geography and Urban Studies at the University of Western Sydney, says that while restrictions on pet ownership in rented properties are likely to hit lower income households hardest, middle and higher income households are also having to choose between their home and their pets. “We know that owning a pet can make it very difficult to find rental accommodation but the reasons and impacts of this have not been researched until now,” says Dr Power, who adds that tenants tend to move home more than owners and pet ownership makes it all so much harder. “We want to explore the impacts that restrictions on pet keeping in rental and strata properties have on the individual and the community.” To read all about the survey and find a link to it, go here.

Lovely photos. The bolded made me giggle in a thread about cemeteries

So sorry Pers. I remember when he first joined your family and have enjoyed following his life. A lucky boy indeed to have shared it with you. Hugs to you

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2279789/I-chase-I-bite--crime-report-dog--Police-investigate-completing-witness-statement-written-force-dog.html 'I chase him, I bite him'... the crime report written by a DOG: Officer investigated after submitting witness statement in character as animal Prosecutors had asked for account of crime from 'PC Peach' - a dog Form completed as if written by Alsatian and signed with paw print Report pinned up at police station and shared on Twitter Officer behind joke referred himself to internal discipline unit By MARTIN BECKFORD PUBLISHED: 22:54 GMT, 16 February 2013 | UPDATED: 20:43 GMT, 17 February 2013 Comments (229) Share Joke: Police are under investigation for jokingly filling in a witness statement in the name of force dog 'PC Peach', pictured with his handler Police are under investigation for jokingly filling in a witness statement in the name of a force dog. Officers became exasperated when prosecutors asked for an account of a crime from a PC Peach, not realising Peach was the name of a police dog. So they completed the form as if it had been written by the alsatian, and signed it with a paw print. The dogs statement read: I chase him. I bite him. Bad man. He tasty. Good boy. Good boy Peach. The form was pinned up at a West Midlands Police station last week for the amusement of colleagues, who are often at odds with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over the handling of cases. Another officer took a photo of the statement and it found its way to a cop humour page on Facebook on Friday. The image was later deleted but the dog section of a different force, West Yorkshire, enjoyed it so much they posted the image on Twitter in a tweet that was shared more than 150 times. The CPS, however, failed to see the funny side. Officials are believed to have complained to police that their mistake has been turned into a very public joke. This is being considered by West Midlands Polices Professional Standards Department and the officer who shared the picture, PC Mark Tissington, referred himself to the internal discipline unit. Sources say he is unlikely to be reprimanded. DCI Julian Harper, from West Midlands Police, said: 'The Professional Standards Department is looking into this, early enquiries suggest it is a light-hearted exchange as a result of a misunderstanding around a police dog and a police officer. The matter will be investigated.' It comes just a week after The Mail on Sunday revealed new guidelines for police on the safe use of the internet, which advise officers against sharing operational material online. Ian Edwards, chairman of the West Midlands branch of the Police Federation, said: Its a difficult time for police and sometimes humour is a way of venting frustrations. I would urge our PSD to be even-handed in the way they deal with it. The CPS declined to comment. Paws for thought: The witness statement was written as a joke after prosecutors asked for an account of a crime by 'PC Peach', not realising that the officer was actually an alsatian Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2279789/I-chase-I-bite--crime-report-dog--Police-investigate-completing-witness-statement-written-force-dog.html#ixzz2LEdx2MdJ Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

She's gorgeous. I love the Tris. If I were ever to get a Cav it would be a tri or a black and tan. Congratulations and enjoy

Please read the below story. Many people are unaware of the dangers of this disease which is carried in the bat population. Handling of bats can result in a scratch or bite, which is enough to transfer the virus. Wildlife carers need to be especially careful and ensure they are vaccinated against lyssavirus. http://www.news.com.au/national/child-in-brisbane-hospital-critically-ill-with-australian-bat-lyssavirus/story-fndo4ckr-1226578604971 Child in Brisbane hospital critically ill with Australian bat lyssavirus by: Rob Kidd From: The Courier-Mail February 15, 2013 A child is critically ill after being diagnosed with Australian bat lyssavirus. Picture: File Source: The Courier-Mail AN 8-year-old boy is in a critical condition after being diagnosed with the deadly Australian Bat Lyssavirus. Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young confirmed the boy, from an undisclosed location in North Queensland, was in a coma in intensive care but stable, in a Brisbane hospital. It is only the third confirmed case of ABLV in Australian history. Since November 1996, two people have died as a result of ABLV infection after being bitten by bats, both in Queensland, both in the 1990s. Dr Young said the virus was closely related but not identical to rabies. She said the boy was bitten or scratched by a bat or flying fox about two and a half months ago and developed symptoms of a "brain infection," including fits, around three weeks ago. He had been assessed and diagnosed over the past three weeks. "We're not sure of the circumstances because the child is now too sick to tell us,'' she said. "He's critically unwell, the previous two cases did not survive and the vast majority of people who contract rabies overseas die unfortunately.'' She warned it should be "assumed any bat in Australia could potentially carry the disease" and the time period before symptoms were shown "varies enormously.'' "There is nothing here of any benefit to anyone to know where (in north Queensland) this occurred. "In fact I think it would be harmful because it doesn't matter where people get scratched in Queensland or indeed most of Australia, they need to take the same precautions and get the same advice,'' Dr Young said. "We do know there have been cases of rabies, and indeed one case of Australian Bat Lyssavirus, that years later has led to disease, so anyone who didn't seek advice at the time they were bitten or scratched should now seek advice. "Any bat, anywhere, whether in captivity, whether in the wild, you should not approach a bat, they shouldn't be handled. They're of no risk otherwise. "They're only a risk to humans when they scratch or bite a human." Anyone bitten or scratched should thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water for at least five minutes before applying an antiseptic if available. It was theoretical, but highly unlikely, the disease could be passed from human to human, Dr Young said. The boy's family and siblings had shown no symptoms and were "well at this time." "This is a terribly difficult and distressing time for the family concerned, and I would ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time."

I have also heard that police are trained to shoot to kill. Police are trained to aim at the largest mass, (ie, centre of the body) giving the greatest chance of actually hitting a target. To hit just an arm or leg is incredibly skilled shooting and in the circumstances that most shootings occur in, the chances of making the hit are very slim. They're not trained to "shoot to kill" but if they are on target, the results are likely to be death as there are so many organs that can be hit.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/16106210/police-shoot-man-after-dog-attack/ Police have shot a man in the leg overnight after he killed a pet dog in Perth’s southern suburbs. About 11.30pm, officers arrived at a house in Excalibur Circle, Camillo to find a man allegedly attacking the dog with a knife. The offender, in his 20s, allegedly turned on police in “an aggressive manner” when they tried to intervene. He was shot in the left leg and taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition, under police guard. "Negotiations with the man failed and during the incident officers used both taser and firearm force options," a police spokesman said this morning. It is understood the incident was the second domestic dispute reported at the house in as many days. Detective Superintendent Allan Adams said police were called to the house by a family member. Officers tried to negotiate with the man. Several taser shots were fired, only some of which were successfull, and officers used their weapons. Supt Adams would not say how many shots were fired. One shot hit the man in the leg. Neighbour Bill Cleasby, 78, was outside when he saw two suspicious men at his friend’s house minutes before the shooting. He said a woman lived at the house with her teenage son and partner. “There was a car parked in the garage and a bloke was walking around flashing his torch everywhere,” he said. “I could hear (her) raising her voice. “Then another bloke came out from the back door and jumped into the car.” Mr Cleasby said the woman was a good friend, who had looked after his house for a month when he had open-heart surgery. “She’s a very nice woman and a personal friend of ours,” he said. “Her dog had a bit of staffy in her; she was a real little tubby one. “She was a lovely, affectionate dog and just sort of rolled around everywhere. It seems a bit harsh to hurt a dog like that.” Forensic officers are at the scene this morning and Internal Affairs Unit detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police at the Excalibur Circle house this morning. Picture: Simon Santi/The West Australian

Just posting this as I thought there might be some interest in this book of rescue stories. Currently free on Amazon for kindles http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B008XLJ5TA/bookcycling-20

Just thought I would share this facebook page for those in the Qld area https://www.facebook.com/animalslostfoundqldfloods

I paid for mine to be cleaned at Waves, or somewhere similar. They specifically say that they don't guarantee removal of pet hair After I got home I realised they hadn't even lifted the mats off the floor to vacuum under them Rubber gloves are great. The sticky tape and lint rollers though, actually exacerbate the problem, as they leave sticky residue on the surface which then attracts more hair. I'm getting a new car in about a month and a half and it will have leather seats :whee: Hurrah!

I have one out all the time. Usually only a few inches in it. Max loves lying in it and will often roll over onto his back while in it ETA - in a back yard, not a run. And it's too heavy for him to lift and I always make sure there is enough water in it that it is too heavy to blow in the wind either

Killer plants fell pets JUST a handful of grapes, onions or macadamia nuts can make dogs very sick, even kill them, says the author of a new 976-page guide to Australia's poisonous plants. A few lily petals can have the same effect on a cat, and caged birds such as parrots can be felled by a few pecks of avocado flesh. And don't even get Dr Ross McKenzie, the veterinarian toxicologist who wrote the guide and uncovered many of the surprising poisons, started on the dogs (and one cat) poisoned by eating marijuana and the cocker spaniel killed after eating a 250-gram box of cocoa. ''Some people regard pets as little humans. And they're not … They think, 'If it is good for me, it must be good for my pet', and that's not necessarily true,'' he said. Advertisement While these plants made pets sick, Dr McKenzie said the bigger issue was poisonous plants that cost farmers millions in lost livestock and veterinary treatment each year. One of the most poisonous was the Cooktown ironwood, a native tree that grows in tropical areas. Even a small handful was quite capable of ''rolling over a large animal like a bull in half an hour'', Dr McKenzie said. Another, he said, was lantana. Most Australians knew it was a weed but not many knew it poisoned and killed cattle, at huge cost. In southern Australia, weeds such as Paterson's curse and common heliotrope caused cattle to suffer liver failure, the damage building up over several years until they eventually died. ''Toxic Ross'', as his students affectionately call Dr McKenzie, said new poisons were still being discovered, although the pace was slowing. When it came to the average suburban family, Dr McKenzie said families with toddlers (who tended to put things in their mouths) should keep children away from flowering oleanders (poisonous to humans and cattle), foxgloves and the berries on the fragrant Lily of the Valley. Australia's Poisonous Plants, Fungi and Cyanobacteria, published by CSIRO, is available at www.publish.csiro.au/pid/6507.htm Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/killer-plants-fell-pets-20130113-2cnlr.html#ixzz2HtasTSOC

Thinking back to all the pets I can remember from the time I was little Dogs Fred Bonnie Frith Pip Sheba Michelin Miga Banjo Jed Occy Max Cats BN Sooty Nhaji Cali Mr Blue Vincent Monty Ginger Ebony Rabbits Chilli Ochre Bun bun Missy Rats Jezebel Hepsibah Hezekiah Barabas Tom Jerry Turtles Shadrach (x3) Birds Peter Cap'n Flint Jimmy Lots and lots without names Heaps and heaps of Guinea pigs, chooks, fish over the years as well. Too many to even try and think what their names were

For the record, I have a 10yo dog named Max. It was actually Maximus as a bit of a joke, because when we got him, he was not much bigger than our hands, and weighed about 500gms. But, over time, it has become Max, though usually actually called Mackie

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/the-reigning-cats-and-dogs-names-of-the-year/story-fnet09p2-1226548684043 QUESTION one: Why must people give their pets human names? Question two: Which Twilight character is top dog? Question three: Twilight. Really? [Enough. Take me to the list. Now.] We found the answers to these puzzling queries in a comprehensive survey of 2.5 million dogs and cats conducted in the US state of Oregon, Discovery News reports. Portland's Banfield Pet Hospital tallied the top names from 2012 and came up with 10 most popular monikers for our most popular family pets. Let's start with dogs. The most popular name was Bella (Twilight, ugh), followed by Max. Thankfully names like Buddy and Rocky help to rescue a list dominated by people names. Baby name experts say we like to do this because more and more people consider pets as a key part of their families. The top name for cats didn't take much invention: Kitty. The best of the rest would be Shadow. But we'll let you be the judge(s). Top dog names 1.Bella 2.Max 3.Buddy 4.Daisy 5.Bailey 6.Coco 7.Lucy 8.Charlie 9.Molly 10.Rocky Top cat names 1.Kitty 2.Bella 3.Tiger 4.Max 5.Smokey 6.Shadow 7.Tigger 8.Lucy 9.Chloe 10.Charlie What's your pet's name? Do you reckon it's better to pick a pet name like Rover, or a human name like Max? Read more: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/the-reigning-cats-and-dogs-names-of-the-year/story-fnet09p2-1226548684043#ixzz2HFMDeeOw

22 degrees outside, much hotter inside a car and it doesn't take long for animals or small children to be affected by heat. It also doesn't mention how long the dog had been in the car. If it was only 10 minutes, probably okay. If someone had been watching the car for half an hour or more, absolutely ok to be concerned about it's welfare.

Grey Friars Bobby. I have that and Old Yeller. Both very sad movies.

I "think" it actually becomes a charge of Assault police, as the dogs are regarded as members of the police force.

He looks like I feel after the Christmas festivities. Gorgeous and very lucky boy

I often see a fellow walking a Puli around my suburb, but I've only ever seen him when I'm driving, so I've never had the opportunity to talk to him. Same situation, I see a woman walking a Bernese Mountain Dog when I'm on my way to work and another woman who walks about 4 Border Collies, one which has the bushiest tail I've ever seen on a BC. Carries it really erect and has beautiful long hair on it.

Either way, Xmas Day is cancelled this year, PD. Back to the OP, what breed of dogs are used for the vermin control? Which is why I didn't do the DOL SS this year Geez, you would have had your present by the 21st, or even the 22nd, so you would still have been able to enjoy it :laugh:

I wonder how long it will be before they are too prickly for her? And how long they usually feed from mum compared to kittens?