Ian

Do you not think though that there's the law and then there's a little humanity. Ie there was a red setter in the local paper not so long ago. A couple who dearly loved their pet but unfortunately left it with someone (possibly their son whilst on holiday? - cant remember for sure) He was stupid enough to tie the dog outside a local shop for a "few minutes" when the local kids (assumedly) kindly let the dog loose. The dog was found, taken to a vet and ultimately ended up in a local animal shelter where 7 days later he was rehomed. Sbsequently somehow the actual (arguably no longer the legal) owners of this dog fairly soon found him. Understandably they want him back and have in my opinion been more than reasonable - offered to refund any fees paid to the rescue and help the new couple find another dog. The new "owners" refuse to let the original owners see the dog - it's been suggested they let the dog be observed with each and how he responds to them and refuse point blank to return him. It's been to court and is now waiting for further hearings I believe. If it had been years or the dog had been in any appeared mistreat I might have had more sympathy with the new owner but to me in these circumstances if the dog looks like he wants to go home he should be allowed to do so and I'd like to think that after a few weeks with a dog versus years if I were in the same boat I'd do the decent thing regardless of my legal rights and let the dog go back to his real home and family.

I'm new to the forums so I dont know if I'm missing something here - I asked above what it was you wanted to do & suggested there was a Blue cross centre 10 miles down the road. To me if you are suggesting that this guy is given £100 quid from somewhere to be 100% sure that the dog is not dumped (personally i'd say he almost certainly doesnt care about the dog but whilst "safe & healthy" - in his eyes at least - it's £100 to him so I dont think he'll do anything of the sort) then why not ring the blue cross & see if an arrangement can be made for them to house the dog. If so & the muppet wants his £100 then I would have thought he'll probably agree to take the dog the 10 miles himself just to get it. I'm in East Yorkshire - about 80 miles away - but if the above cant be arranged for some reason and there is no other nearer male volunteer then I would be willing to go - or if you prefer accompany any more JRT experienced female who insists on going - it may be fine if he's getting paid but the photo does not picture a pleasant looking man & so if it were my wife (if I had one) I'd not let her go to meet him alone. I too however would be dubious about just committing blind to take an unknown quantity in at the moment - as Joyce hasn't been here that long & I'd like to get her & Tara well settled / at least meet any other newcomers 1st.

There's a Blue cross rehoming centre at Thirsk - only about 10 miles from Northallerton. What were you wanting to do?

Not sure where you are & there doesnt appear to be a lot in West Sussex but East Sussex has 4 - Brighton Portsmouth Southampton & Gillingham - haqve a look at the link below for details or to search for facilities (PDSA & similar) by county / region etc http://www.pdsa.org.uk/managed/finder_action.html?cid=1

Not sure where you are & I hadnt realised I was replying to an old post yesterday somehow but it may prove useful after all - have a look at the links in here - a whole list of Greyound people including ex racing dogs. Could be wrong but my impression was that they may have a mailing list for them all & therefore be able to save you some work http://www.rykat.org/forums/index.php?show...mp;#entry390404 Ian

I could be wrong too - but I'd have said it would probably work - as usb2 devices are usually backward compatible - usb2 is just faster. Even if it's not shop around - you can a usb2 cable from £8.99 in Argos, £11.99 if you do want the gold one - though personally I'd say it's unnecessary for a printer. You may want to check the price of cartridges before you buy your Lexmark. It may have changed as the market has become ever more competitive but the way Lexmark used to work was printer was cheap but their cartridges were far more expensive than other manufacturers - the initial price soon became a false economy! A long shot perhaps but if it's only got a little paper in you could also try filling it - I've had the odd printer in the past which as they got older started playing up when paper tray wasn't well filled.

Best of luck for a speedy recovery Ian

Sometimes you know your dog better than the vet - I'm really pleased for you both. As for the weight it might sound silly to some but rice pudding is good for a treat / build up. Chicken / turkey rather than dog food is working well for my girl, Joyce's wasted muscles. I wish you both well for a continued improvement. Ian

These B******s should be taken out & shot, hung - or better still left inside with an animal lover or two for "company"!! However until I become Prime Minister I'll just say that Joyce, went into rescue looking so terrible & was stuck in there for months - but after treatment is now rebuilding really well & is a real pleasure to have here. Please give this poor girl a chance - she needs a permanent home & some real love urgently and I'm pretty sure that she'll repay you tenfold when she gets it!

Sounds like a real character! Best wishes to you both.

So sorry - I lost my own dear friend Jo at the end of November so I can imagine how you feel right now - I downed a bottle & three quarters of wine that night just so that I could sleep after very little sleep during my last night with Jo. You might also - when you've had the chance to gather yourself - want to have a look at http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/home/home.asp and / or http://www.dogdied.co.uk - where you can post a picture and any memories you wish of Skellie for the next year rather than see your post lost in the mass of the forums. Skellie is at least at peace now and I'm sure will always retain a special place in your heart and memories. Take care Ian

That sounds like a big call to me without even having seen her! Whilst in common with the advice you've already had I think speaking to a vet is the best thing you can do I just wanted to say that whilst admitedly she#d never had a stroke Sheba, my childhood pal had occasional fits when I was young & gradually seemed to grow out of it as she got older. They didnt look nice at the time but never did her any damage, she lived to be 15 years old before her back legs went and she certainly didnt ever turn on us during a fit. Do speak to your husband and if possible a vet who knows her well before thinking of letting her go on the basis of a telephone diagnosis. Best of luck!

As the song goes dreams can come true....... best of look for a long and speedy recovery

Oh, dont worry I wasn't offended - just a tongue in cheek "question" (though I was genuinely surprised to see somewhere on here that there were too few men involved). Perhaps what you should remind any none dog loving guys is that a dog is supposed to MAN'S best friend! As I've yet to find Miss Right however perhaps I should take heart from this (lol)

Hello Jo, I'm new to the oldies club - first heard of it around November / December time and even newer to the forums but just wanted to say that I recently took in Joyce after she'd been so appallingly treat and it was suggested to me that I'd go to doggie heavean for it. I dont know if that's true - though I so hope so as I'd so love to one day meet up again with Jo, who I lost to lung cancer on 21st November, Sheba my childhood pal and my sisters little westie, Peggy - all great characters - but if it is indeed out there somewhere I recall Tricks ad. had asked for an angel for him & after nearly two years it sounds like I might well meet you there! It's lovely to hear this old boy find such a happy end. Hope you all have a very happy future together ..... though what's all that about men, moaning and too many dogs??? Regards Ian

So nice to see - and they ask so little in return - makes you wonder of their past homes "how could you?". I'm afraid I cant help with the photo's - as I cant figure it out either - anyone else like to shed some light on this for us? but if you try the gallery it let me upload pictures there for some reason. You can then just cut & paste a link to the gallery - not ideal but the best (or only) solution I've found so far. Regards Ian

You didnt say when Buster had passed over but have my sympathy and my empathy. I certainly had to be there with Jo and then carry her out of there and bring her home that one last time - for the decent burial she so deserved. God bless Jo, and though we never met to you to Buster. RIP

YAY 33.5k!!! - They could have given this a bit more air time but at least it's nice to hear of people with millions helping animals instead of squandering it.

Sorry to hear about Doris. I lost my own dear friend and companion of 5 years (to the day) to lung cancer on 21st November. She was a lovely dog who had been within days of being put to sleep when I first saw her. I haven't cried over anything in twenty years - not since Sheba left us - but sobbed my heart out for Jo. I buried her in my back garden to the sounds of Bridge over troubled waters (Simon & Garfunkel), Three Times lady (Lionel Ritchie) and You're my best friend (queen). I took some comfort from the words "No one ever really dies just as long as there is someone here to remember. When there is no one left to remember it only means that we are all back together again". So maybe, just maybe the rainbow bridge really does exist and one day we will all meet again - I so hope so! Jo's history and lovely nature however then inspired me to rescue poor Joyce who had been horrifically treated by somebody but is now recovering well. You can see them all in the gallery if you wish. Should you not already be aware of them but wish to remember Doris in an online memorial there are 2 sites you might find of interest http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/home/home.asp and http://www.dogdied.co.uk/ Regards Ian

Thanks for this - I had the same idea in mind but couldnt seem to either cut & paste a photo in here or get one using the insert button which just wanted a url rather than downloading from my pc.

Someone recently suggested the babble ball & x-tyre were the best toys they'd found. Havent tried one myself yet but have a look at http://www.doggiesolutions.co.uk for details.

This article appeared in an American Newspaper and was written by a Mr Jim Willis. Although the article refers to dogs and puppies and the need for those who own pets to fully understand the commitment required when taking on a dog, the same thoughts and commitment could be required for any animal. When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice-cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. A Note from the Author: If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American & Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Jim Willis 2001©

Cant figure out how to get a picture pasted in here but here is the link to the gallery & Joyce http://www.rykat.org/forums/index.php?act=...=si&img=651 She arrived in rescue in terrible condition - see her story on oldies club website rehoming stories http://www.oldies.org.uk/?p=1195 or German Shepherd Rescue http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/germ...ptic-mange.html but is now regaining her strength & gradually regrowing her coat.