Dogs Are Forever

Thanks people, very helpful.

My local Council is looking at bringing in rules regarding dog numbers. I think there is someone on here who has experience in this area, but I'd be interested in any helpful comments. TIA.

Obviously not only dogs...... http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/parents-brawl-at-childs-birthday-party-in-wetherill-park-20150621-ghtf66

I would say don't do it. Have seen too many co-ownership agreements come unstuck, and sometimes it can get really nasty. Have you thought about getting a rescue dog if there is an organisation associated with your chosen breed? Also, if you agreed to allow the dog to be used at stud, what happens if you decide you would like to desex him? And the shows, would they be local ones? Otherwise your dog could be away for quite a while, there are a lot of shows in the country which take place over a number of days....... If it were my dog, I would be beside myself with worry. Hope this is of some little help to you.

So how did it all go??????

I just wanted to wish your dogs a long and happy life - you sound like a lovely dog person.

Firstly, if I get down on my knees and beg, could people please please please spell DALMATIAN correctly. THANK YOU!! Secondly, and far more serious, there are two major health issues in this breed. One is deafness - most reputable breeders have their puppies tested for hearing, but not all can access the machines available to do this accurately. The other issue, and much more important IMHO, is the formation of crystals which can cause total urinary blockage. AFAIK this cannot be tested for. This blockage is life threatening and I have heard of too many instances where owners simply did not realize there was a problem until it was too late...... I have several deaf Dallies (knew all of them were deaf) because I am a total sucker for a needy dog, one of these dogs had a urinary blockage at 2 years old - he's now nearly 12, but is still on a special diet which is not cheap but worth every cent, he is the most delightful dog to live with. Hope this is useful info Terri, but I don't think you were considering a Dally anyway. Have fun deciding!

In the warmer weather, there are a lot of shows in the evenings, supposedly to avoid the heat of the day, although it can be pretty darn hot at Erskine Park (Orchard Hills, whatever) at 5pm, lol. There are also lots of shows on Sundays. Many clubs are now holding double shows, ie your dog can be judged twice on the same day. So not being available Fridays and Saturdays is not as great a restriction as you may think.

Sadly, Luci & John have sold their property and had their last show training session last Wednesday. End of an era for sure.

Willow, although the closing dates for those shows (at Castle Hill, not Orchard Hills!) are in the next day or so, they both offer online entries, which are usually kept open longer, sometimes up until the weekend before the show. If you are on FaceBook, there are pages for Dog Show Entry Numbers and also another one for results.... Quite often the cataloguer will post when they will close off online entries. Feel free to PM me if you want further info, or links to the pages.

Another here who was very happy with the service from Martin (OKS) - perhaps he had other issues to deal with at the time you tried to contact him? And very good advice from HW, I only used my trolley at Erskine Park and it suited my needs perfectly.

OMG, Willow is JUST. GORGEOUS! English Springers are one of my "would love to have" breeds. When is her first show? And where?

Another huge Steve fan here - he really is a true "Dog Whisperer". I went to a workshop quite a few years ago now, with an extremely timid GSD who was pretty much afraid of everything, but most especially men. Steve had her eating out of his hand (literally), and was honest enough to tell me that he did not think I would be able to achieve my goal (competitive Obedience) with her. He could have said yes you can come back every week and we'll fix the problem, but I was blown away by his honesty. Was hoping to start training with Steve with another GSD, but have been plagued by mobility problems (mine, not the dog's, lol). 100% recommendation from me.

http://www.coolweave.com.au/ - Their service is fabulous - via Express Post you will receive next day. Products good quality also, and a very good range of other stuff for both people and dogs. Highly recommended!!

Hehe I second this, SM you have a FABULOUS sense of humor, all the more incredible given your circumstances! PS: I hope the ahem explosion didn't make too much of a mess, lol :rofl: Have you ever considered stand up comedy ?? Oh and the cocker puppy is just gorgeous, what a shiny coat!

Although I am a long time member of Dogs NSW, I am not a breeder, but I thought DogsNSW registered breeders are not permitted to sell to pet shops??? Or did I get that wrong?

http://www.smh.com.au/world/dna-testing-for-dog-poop-on-the-rise-in-the-us-20150405-1mestx.html

That is one seriously gorgeous puppy!

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/the-truth-is-a-dog-deserves-to-be-on-our-coat-of-arms-20150125-12xpe4.html

You mentioned not being able to afford Boarding Kennels, but would it work if you approached local ones and offered to work to pay for their board? There could be issues with insurance but might be worth a try? Might also be a foot in the door for a job too. Best of luck, sounds like a horrible situation.

Thanks PD. I've lost many dogs now after 30 years, they still wake me up, one of the reasons for my username.

Just submitted membership application, and interested in private sponsoring. So love seeing dogs doing what they were bred to do, should be a great day.

I totally disagree with most of this. I think StressMagnet is giving her dog a truly wonderful life, even more so given the pressures in her life. You rock, SM! Huge hugs to you and Ernie.

Sled Dogs: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-17/sled-dog-racing-growing-in-popularity-as-family-sport/5676670 Working Farm Dogs: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-17/study-sheds-light-on-wa-working-dogs-collies-kelpies-huntaways/5675578

Oh, that would be great, thanks. Good luck with the search! I remember it well.... it was very good! I'm sure I will still have it somewhere.... just a matter of finding it!