philippad

I can foster but we are in Melbourne - may be too much for a 15 year old cat to be flown here? We don't have any pets at the moment but still have our old cat's litter tray, bowl etc. We are looking at rescuing some cats in a couple of months so can't commit long term, though hopefully the couple will be back on their feet ASAP and the cat can be reunited with the family.

Had a great time puppy sitting. A few lessons learnt: 1. If I ever have a puppy I will have at least one, if not two, crates for puppy to be popped in so I can cook, go to the toilet and get dressed in peace 2. One should not have slippers the same colour as a puppy 3. Puppies can be very active at 10pm and 5am 4. I do not sweep my kitchen floor often enough (blush) 5. Chihuahua puppy = jumping bean Puppies are wonderful! But you all know that anyway!

Thanks Greymate - our fencing is a concern. We've decided to just keep him on the deck so he's safe & sound and away from the fence line/plants. He'll always be supervised when out there though. We only have him for 24 hours - hopefully he'll have a little bit of play left in him this evening for me! I've never had a puppy - so many things to consider. Thanks again

Morning all, We're baby sitting a neighbour's puppy today (well, I am at work so OH is the lucky one). Pup is about 10-11 weeks old. This may be a silly question, but I want to make sure it's ok to take him into our backyard. We haven't had a dog since 2007 although we have had occasional visiting dogs. I haven't seen any dog poo though. We lost our cat 7 weeks ago, though she mostly used the front garden and her litter tray. So, would it be ok to take the pup into our backyard - supervised of course? I have no idea how long parvo/other diseases may stay around (in soil?). His mum is bringing over nappy type mats that he uses at home so he can toilet inside if need be. Thanks. PS I am more than excited about having a little ball of fluff around, even briefly

I know how you feel! In 2003 we picked up our cat from quarantine. She wasn't much of a talker usually but boy did we get a telling off! It was so wonderful to see her again...not so wonderful to try to get her into a travel box for the car trip! We could just see her thinking "No way in hell am I going into a box again! Last time you put me in one I was stuck in it for ages and ended up here where they talk funny!" Good luck!

Just saw the story on the ABC Vic news, such beautiful doggies. Fingers and paws crossed. Not sure if it would be worth getting in touch with the Municipal Association of Victoria - would they have a means of contacting all the council rangers across Vic? In case they see any new dogs in their areas? Could be a long shot/no use but thought I put it out there.

Oh I am so sorry. Eva sounded like a gorgeous girl and with great character. It is so, so hard losing a dog when they're so young. And heartbreaking to know that they outlasted their squeaky toy (that happened with us). Although it's hard, hold on to those treasured memories. She's at the Rainbow Bridge, chasing cats up trees, worrying hoses and resting on couches.

We had to save goodbye to our Puddin' today. We rescued her from the streets of Seaford in the UK, then brought her to Australia in 2003. Man was she happy when we picked her up at quarantine! She learnt to climb trees here and never looked back. We swear she morphed into being part possum! Alas, we never knew that she had a genetic kidney disease - usually found in pure breds - and by the time we found out, it was too late to do much. We at least had 9 months with her after the vest said we may only have a month; so we were able to appreciate her while we could. And thankfully she did tell us when she'd had enough... though it was awful we could be there for her while the vet did her work. She loved having spac attacks, running up & down the hallway growling... and then often out into the garden and up the olive tree. Sometimes the spac attacks would morph into a Pepe La Pew sideways dance up the hallway - just hilarious. She adored giving "furry purries" (the kneading routine many cats have) especially if she could head butt and dribble on you. Preferably while you were half asleep and unable to defend yourself! She'd ignore us while we were watching TV but as soon as we were in front of a computer she'd jump into a lap! Typical contrary cat! She was such a pretty sweet girl admired by many, especially men who she'd like to flirt with - such a hussy. She was an absolute daddy's girl but came to me when feeling unwell, she knew which of us is the sook. We will miss you at the end of the bed at night, you coming to meet us when we got home, you running into the kitchen every time a can was opened (hoping it was tuna) and your funny little noises when you were asleep. I will miss having you curl up on me to go to sleep. The house is dreadfully empty without you. Farewell Pud - go find Bingley and play and tease him.

Lovely! I'd really like to get a portrait of my doggies who are no longer with us... plus my cat who has a terminal disease. Such a nice idea and a fabulous present; I know I struggle to find pressies for my husband after so many years!

There's some info on the DSE website though it doesn't mention the bats in Kew: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/plants-and-animals/flying-foxes-flying-foxes-and-people

It's been a year since you died and every day I miss you. I still look for you at the gate when I get home and expect to see you, so happy and excited to see me. Doggy love is wonderful – unconditional and seemingly never-ending. We will never forget the joy and laughter you brought us – your antics and just your presence. I am so sorry that I wasn't there to help you over the rainbow bridge – and that it was so painful for you. I will always feel guilty about that, it still hurts. We both miss you and love you lots. And Puddin' the cat misses teasing you! Hope you're having fun chasing and playing with all the other doggies. RIP Bingley boy.