smirnoff

I quite agree. Let the RSPCA put this to bed either way once and for all.

I understand that the move to full size crates is that they're easier for cleaning etc. I went into the barn where the dogs were kept and met the dog who was in the photots. The crates have the dogs big plastic beds at one end and at least twice as much again in front of that. And the dogs are let out to play in the barn or in the runs whenever possible. The dogs are certainly not cramped. The dog in the photos walks around the barn and then chooses to go back to his crate because he likes being in there. The door is open but he chooses his crate. It's certainly nicer than the pallets I hear he was sleeping on in Romania. I understand that the RSPCA concern was on how they would cope during the refit, looking after the dogs and installing the new crates. I've only heard Wiccaweys side of things and what I've seen supports that. I certainly don't believe that either of them are capable of persistent/willful neglect.

I've been there very recently. The dogs are in crates in a barn but the crates are huge - much bigger than the space a dog has in the average boarding kennel. The kennels are not full height so the dogs can't jump up on their back legs (which is a good thing because it's not natural for dogs to jump up like that - they do it if they're over-excited) bit Wiccaweys had decided a short while ago to refit the barn with full height crates and they are waiting for delivery. The dogs are let out to run around the barn together and socialise with other dogs whenever possible. There are large runs in the gardens so the dogs can run around and play in the fresh air whenever the weather is good enough. As I understand the situation, the dogs were not "seized" by the RSPCA (who have inspected on several occasions and been satisfied). As soon as the RSPCA arrived - without warning as they do when they are asked to investigate a case like this - Wiccaweys called their vets who came to support them. After a full inspection of the place, the RSPCA offered to take the dogs away and pay for their boarding until the refit is done. In the meantime Wiccaweys are continuing to rehome dogs and the RSPCA are happy for this to go ahead. There have been health issues for both Sarah and Paul and they've struggled but they have volunteers going in to help out so the dogs aren't suffering. They are NOT kept in small crates all day as the Facebook campaign implies. On legal advice, Wiccaweys have not responded to the posts on Facebook and they are considering what action, if any, is appropriate. I haven't got involved in the things said on Facebook. I never do. I believe what I see with my own eyes and when I went I saw happy, healthy dogs. Please don't believe all you read.

For so many things, we can never know the reason why. We just have to find a way to come to terms with it. I hope you find peace soon, Ian. I am sure you will find happiness with more animals when you're ready.

I'm so sorry. It's so very wrong that you've lost Chloe. But you mustn't blame yourself. You gave her every bit of care you could. And it is unusual, but sadly, sometimes, young healthy animals (and people) do get ill and die. It's never easy to lose one of our beloved animals, but to lose one so young must be so painful. Run free at the Bridge, Chloe.

I'm so sorry, Alex. Cancer is a cruel and horrible disease and it strikes with no reason and no warning. You gave your Max a wonderful life. Run free, Max. Have fun in the summerlands.

I'm so pleased to hear of someone else beating this vile disease. The treatment and the staff sound wonderful. I'm so pleased for you.

What can I say - other than well done for making such a huge difference to the lives of these dogs and for making such a huge decision. Very best of luck in all that you do! Diane

And happy birthday from me and Lily Rose too!

I'm so sorry to hear this, Karen. Cancer sucks. But there are many, many successes in fighting this disease. Try to focus on the positives. And make sure your Mum knows just how precious she is. When she comes through it all, she too will have positive memories of this time. Sending love.

I don't have any advice, Phoebe. I wish I did. Just wanted to say that my heart goes out to your friend because I know people who have suffered like this and have ended up moving to get some peace. Schizophrenia is just such a hard illness for everyone who comes into contact with it. If I think of anything, or any of my contacts come up with any ideas, I'll let you know.

Hi Murtle I was going to have some of your coaching sessions a while ago but for some reason I never got around to it. I'd still be very happy to be one of your guinea pigs - even though I have no idea what I want out life. Maybe you could help me to find a direction.

What a great idea! Thank you.

I had just picked up a prescription for a month of PLT pills for my gorgeous old Rinty and a few days later I had to make the decision that his time had come to cross the bridge. So I've got approximately 35-40 of the pills left over and I don't want to throw them out as they cost quite a lot. These are prescription only drugs for the treatment of chronic pain and you can only give them to your dog on veterinary advice, but if you have a dog who is already taking these tablets, you can have this supply in return for a small donation to the oldies club. Diane

How hard it must be to see both of your parents so ill. As you say, we'd never allow our dogs to go on like this. I hope you can find some support to help your parents through this. I sometimes work in a care home to help with activities and I know that not all homes do that. No wonder so many of the residents suffer from depression. If your Dad needs care again, ask around and see if you can find somewhere with an activity leader. He might not want to join in - many don't - but at least he'd be choosing not to do it. And fly free, Chummy Chicken. It sounds like you were very lucky and had a lovely retirement.

Wow! What an offer. Seeds and encouragement! I have a small vegetable patch behind my garage and every year I decide I'm going to grow some food and every year I get two runner beans. I'm pretty useless in the gardening department. And as I live alone, I really don't want whole packets of things. Like - I love celeriac but I only eat about one a month during the autumn/winter so I ony need a couple of plants and not the hundreds you get in a pack. So I'd love any seeds you can spare - anything easy to grow because I'm a garden numpty. I've already got a pack of coriander seeds because I eat loads of that. I don't have a greenhouse so it has to be something which will grow in the ground outside. Obviously I'll make a donation to a rescue in return for the seeds. You can choose which one. I've got a big front garden (which I never see because everyone uses the back door!) and I've just turned it into a mini orchard with plum, cherry and apple trees. And loads of raspberry canes. The strawberry plants will go out there at some point too. So I am really trying to grow my own this year. I need to keep the enthusiasm going so this might be just what I need. Diane

So pleased he's perked up. Long may it continue!

Poor Scoobs. It's terrifying when an old dog is ill - every time there's anything wrong with our Rinty I panic in case it's the end. Hope the vet can give you some advice in case it happens again and the Scoobs will be with you a long while yet.

Pumpkin soup. Yummy. And the bits will already be cut up from the carving. Just onions and pumpkin fried in olive oil and then simmered in stock until it's all tender. Then blitz it in a liquidiser or with a hand blender. Really creamy texture so it's lovely if you add double cream to serve and pumpkin seeds add crunch. Or add the chopped up bits to a curry or vegetable casserole.

it was wrong not to give you the chance to check and explain if you had forgotten to send the cheque. Isn't it amazing how someone's words can upset us so badly? I don't think we're as tough as we make out.

And they're going to run "horrific" photos of the victims of these attacks. But how many of the 169 dog attacks were by banned breeds? I've never seen 3 of the breeds and precious few real pitbulls. Sick, sensationalistic and ill-researched.

I know that, Ian. We got him when his previous owner died suddenly. The Police were called and called in the RSPCA as they have to do. They took away an 8 month old pup to rehome and tried to take Rinty to put him to sleep because he was "too old to rehome" but the neighbour stepped in and looked after him until a family posted asking for help on Rochdale Dog Rescue. We'd just lost a 16 year old Springer we'd adopted aged 10. This is Pepper the Springer. (we usually have something a little bit crusty around!) so we drove up to Rochdale, introduced him to our collie who liked him very much, and brought him home for what might have been his last few days. I do know it can't go on forever, and I'm so grateful for every day. A cart won't make him better, I just thought it might give him more pleasure in whatever time he has left, but now I think it would cause him more strain and he's better just having his short walks - for which he still bounds to the door about an hour before each one is due. He's actually a cross which is probably why he's made it to such a great age. And this is Rinty on the day he moved in: and putting the smile back on my daughter's face

Thank you! He is amazing. Not above being naughty (tried to steal a whole tray of sandwiches I'd made for a buffet yesterday - he's so quick!). And he's not that little. Several people in this village have frozen to the spot when they've seen him coming round the corner because they thought he was a wolf (!!!!) and one little boy asked his Mum if he was the biggest dog in the world. He's actually small for a GSD but he has a huge personality.

I did speak to him (well I e-mailed him anyway) but sadly he agrees with me - it's probably too much for Rinty at his age and, sadly, it probably wouldn't be financially worth it given his age. I know that sounds harsh but we adopted Rinty when he was at least 14, thinking that we might only have him for a few days - anything more was a bonus. So more than two years on, we are blessed but realistically we know it won't last forever. He recently had a large swelling on the top of his radius/ulna which was really solid so the vet said either worsened arthritis or osteosarcoma (the same evil cancer which killed my son) so we refused diagnostic Xrays which would distress him and not lead to any possible treatment. He wasn't in any pain. We braced ourselves for the worst. And miraculously, a month later, the swelling went down and Rinty is still around, still happy, and still adored. Rinty is still a very happy dog who loves his food, cuddles, and walks. His walks are just a lot shorter now than he'd like but we're careful not to let him overdo it. I've waffled. Forgive me - I just never tire of telling everyone how wonderful he is.

I'd love his e-mail address please, Jazz. And the fairy doors sound lovely too. Diane