Kelly_Louise

He's adorable - well done Loraine! I'm putting my money on him being a foster failure...

Do citronella collars work… hmmmm… yes and no. Firstly, it will depend on the dog – and whether it bothers them to have it sprayed up at them, and whether citronella bothers them or not. For us, yes, it did work in a way. I think if you need to leave the collar on every time you go out – then no, it hasn’t worked for you and I wouldn’t bother to continue with it. Sasha was a chronic barker when we brought her home. Even when we were there. I don’t think I got 5 minutes peace, unless I was stuck at her side – and night times… OMG she would bark every 20 minutes non stop. I was worried that someone may do something to her, or report her… so I hired a citronella collar from the Council (to try) for one week. I put it on her, she barked – she got sprayed and was a bit shocked… and… I finally had peace. It seemed to work instantly – and for the first time we had quiet. It never stopped her from barking persay, but it stopped the habit of her barking. It made her stop and think. And then when she did decide to bark, she would remember about the collar, and stop after the first or second bark. She learnt that barking constantly wasn’t on, and once the habit of barking was interrupted – she realised that she didn’t NEED to bark at every single sound/light/movement/voice she heard. And she also knew what that collar meant, and didn’t like it – but dealt with it beautifully. After about 1 month of putting it on her only every now and then after the first 2 weeks of continual use, when she DID bark – she would bark straight through it. I don’t think it bothers her now, and if I was to use it I think she’d just keep barking and getting sprayed. BUT, it did break the initial habit, and the problem was solved. She still barks …. But she only barks at particular things now, and doesn’t go on and on. She barks a few barks, and stops – and can be controlled with vocal commands to stop. I also find that after a while, they don’t work as well anymore. And after time, they become ineffective and don’t seem to work as well. But, it was worth it for us – and once the habit was broken it was enough for her to learn, and we’ve never needed it since. I was recommended not to use the static collar on Sasha (even though it is illegal in NSW anyway) due to her extreme timidity when she first came to us. The spray, was considered gentler, it isn’t pleasant (I started to HATE the smell), but it’s just a little shock to the senses – rather than a shock to the body. I think we did the right thing for Sasha, I think the static collar, at the time, would not have been good for her. If I needed to use a barking collar NOW, and it was legal here, then I would use the static collar (on a VERY low setting though) as she has lost a lot of her timidity. However, I did find the citronella collar useful in breaking the habit in our case (and it was a Godsend J )

How heartening to see the lovely survivors... and that ChiChi - well hasn't she become quite the star? I think I'm in love. So glad to hear that they are doing well. Also more healing prayers for Jed, hope today is a good healing day.

BAHAHAHAHA - Colour is HARDLY a cruelty case, snuggled in comfortably in the arm chair!!! Does life GET any better than that??? Some really gorgeous (and horribly muddy) dogs you have My fav pic is Aurea, Dragon and Tally... they look like 3 mischief makers

My girl Sasha has a sensitive tummy - and I find that raw meats set her off, so they have had to come off her diet. She gets raw bones (with only a little meat on them) and usually that's about all she can handle. Perhaps it is making her feel ill? Or something in her diet is making her feel ill and turning her off the meat? Sasha used to LOVE chicken necks (before we knew of her intolerance of raw meat), however turned right off them as I believe they were just making her sick. When Sash is having a bad day, she will usually refuse food (but may eat the dry kibble) and also rush out to scoff grass. Eating grass is normal, but when she rushes out and scoffs it desperately, it usually coincides with runny poos - so something is amiss. I think you might need to find what is causing your girls upset tummy, or what she can eat that will not irritate it - and you might find she improves alot. Since cutting out raw and putting her on Advance kibble and Advance canned food, Sash has regular firm poos and very rarely has an upset tummy. I know it's not as good nutritionally - but it's better than her being consistently sick and off her food.

I usually order mine online - unsure of the cost though, my last batch was a while ago. I buy it online from Vitamin King in Merrylands. At the time, their pricing was rather reasonable.

Sasha is a fussy kibble eater, but really likes Advance and will eat it all up. She has also liked Iams and Eukanuba (but she did not do as well on them). Chloe, another fussy kibble eater - loves Eagle Pack I used to use a mixture of warm water and Sasha's Blend as a 'sauce' to get her to eat her Science Diet when she was on a special diet - she really liked that fishy taste on the kibble. I don't pander to Sasha as much. As long as it doesn't upset her sensitive tummy - she has to eat it, or go hungry. Tough, but she is such a terrible eater - and this tough love has actually worked and she eats so much better now.

Could be some kind of allergy reaction? When Chloe had her latest one, she scratched her face and rubbed it on the ground so much she took a bit chunk out of her eyelid

Oh how sad... but something we all frequently do... we hope. I also believe it's in their eyes. Something changes, I can't say what it is - but they just look at you differently. Maybe it is the sympathy they feel knowing the tough decision we as humans face, and the sadness they know we will feel at having to let our friends go. When my first cattle dog was pts - I remember very clearly my parents taking her away to the vet. She was waiting underneath her favourite tree, and I went to sit with her. I remember the look in her eyes. And even though I hoped, I knew she was not coming back from the vet. It was just an understanding, something in her eyes. With my old girl now, she has arthritis and Cushings disease - and if she has another 'problem' - then we have agreed it will be time to let her go. She is 12 years old, been through 2 major leg operations, and constant testing, vet appointments and illness with her Cushings disease. I have no doubt, she would keep fighting if we allowed her too - she has a heart bigger than any I've known and would do anything to stay with us... but there has to come a time when you think about what you are asking them to fight, whether it is fair (or what they deserve) and how much is enough. I will be absolutely CRUSHED the day I have to make that decision about Chloe... however, I console myself with the fact that she is older now (and they just can't live forever, no matter how much we wish they could), she's had a FANTASTIC life filled with lots of love, she's battled her way through illness and come out triumph, and she has been my best friend. When I have to let her go, I will do so with sadness at what I will miss, but pride that I was able to give back a little of the happiness she gave my family. We've had alot of scares with Chloe... however, her eyes have never 'told me' that it's her time yet, and she keeps proving me right by bouncing back - sometimes better than ever. Hugs to you though, it's the hardest part about sharing your life with a pet. But when you look back... the sadness you feel at letting them go - is worth all the good times, the happiness, the joy, the loyalty they bring.

Hmmm, a tough one. If they are not nice people, and you try to approach them (and it doesn't go well or continues) and then you go to the authorities - they will know it's you. If they are vindictive, you're in a load of trouble - who knows what angry, irresponsible people could do? That's my biggest worry with my dogs... if I had no pets, I wouldn't be worried - but I'm afraid they will harm them if I'm not there. However - if they are SEMI-normal - I'd recommend face to face. In my situation, it got to the point where I was so angry (that even though I'm a big wuss) I marched on over there to talk to them face to face (but did it calmly and politely to keep them on side but make them aware of the issue). However, Sasha's safety was at stake - which is a different priority to annoying barking. I found that if you are calm and nic about it, most 'normal' people will respond well. They might surprise you! If you are seriously worried about them, do the letter first - and then contact authorities - anonymously. However, it won't fix your parking and bin issues. If you think they might be somewhat okay - I like Erny's idea... go armed with treats/bearing gifts and talk to them neighbourly and offer help if they need it. I like to think most people are reasonable, but not all are - so I think only you can best judge what they may/or may not be capable of. PS. I don't think they are deaf. To park on someone's front lawn so the owners have no where to park (a pet HATE of mine) and to steal bins makes me think these people simply do not care, and do not have consideration for their neighbours comfort.

Good news - I hope all these things help to keep Jed's spirits afloat when she recovers. I'm sure she will be thrilled at having so many people care and show their support. A few new pics of ChiChi (and the other survivors) would certainly warm this thread up too (I think ChiChi is adorable - can you tell)

Yeah, it made me a little ill - and also very cranky. Agree - not ALL pitbulls are used for fighting. There are many as pets all around the world. This guy was a bit of a d!ck - however, what if it had been some naive dog owner who didn't realise that what they were buying was a pitbull, or something like that. Regardless, no good dog should have to die so needlessly. It's truly sickening. All I can think of is seeing that little pup's lovely eyes staring up out of the cage. What a tragedy. In saying nasty things about the owner though... for a brief second, I honestly wished he'd got that dog off it's lead. It was the only chance that dog had of living...

Poor Jasper - what a hero. I do hope he can once again enjoy that harness, and the adventures it takes him on with his partner.

My bet is it's not microchipped... or registered. Poor bugger, I hope it finds a better home than someone who would just leave it behind I do hope they catch the guy responsible, and also hope those injured a speedy and full recovery.

So pleased to hear that a cat was found alive and well. Anything positive just seems like a small little miracle, doesn't it? Disheartened to hear that Jed has had some setbacks in her recovery... but praying that's all they are, small setbacks in the big picture of overall recovery. Keep on fighting Jed, your little furries need you back. Hoping for some good news today.

Oh, so do I. And it's going to be tough. The natural first human reaction will be one of guilt I'm guessing, the kind that we needlessly put on ourselves - should I have pushed harder, what if I'd done this or that. And I hope she doesn't do that to herself. She was very heroic to save those that survived... and she had to think of her own safety. I know it's a predicament that NO ONE would like to be in... but realistically, at the end of the day, she'd done what was safely possible and had to ensure her own safety. There will be many more dogs that will need her in the future, she had to save herself for them. Still, I can't possibly fathom having to come to terms with it. Those special little survivors will hopefully hold the key.

Rest and happiness forever sweet Bobby - he sounds like he was a tremendous friend. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he tried his best to hang on till you got home. But I'm sure he'll be waiting for you one day. Big hugs, it's never easy - and there never seem to be the right words...

Yes, we all needed to see some positive photos - and those did it. They've been through quite an ordeal too, poor buggers. I LOVE the ponies, they are gorgeous. They're all very brave and lucky furries, and very very special.

Ohhhh, God bless the little sweetheart.

I'm sure they will. And they will be at her side during her recovery in spirit, I'm sure, to help her through.

Oh goodness... another logging on to hopefully see some good news... only to feel very sad to hear that another 2, including Magnus - has been confirmed as lost. RIP lovelies. There are just no more words really. Let's just hope that Jane's surgery and recovery come along nicely, and her spirits can be buoyed by those furries that survived - through the heartache.

Icing on the cake right now would be Magnus being found... come home now sweetie. :rolleyes:

Finally, some more hopeful news :rolleyes:

We could all use some positive news :rolleyes:

:rolleyes: Im one of the lucky ones though, I adopted two cavs from Jane in 03, and at the end of these hard days, I get to go home to them. Oh gawd, more tears When you put it like that... We take it for granted, but tragedy can strike so quickly and ruthlessly. I think we are all hugging our pooches a little more tightly. And the survivors will always be extremely special won't they. They will all have a place in everyone's heart, who has been touched by this tragedy.