Fifer

The Board of Trustees of The Spaniel Trust wish to announce they have accepted the resignation of Peter Pinnington in his capacity as Trustee and Chairman of the board of Trustees. It was his original intention to devote two years to establish the Spaniel Trust, he made no secret of that, and we accept his decision to move on now with other areas of his life. The Trustees would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter for his service and high standards of performance of his duties. We have appreciated his work greatly, and his departure is much regretted. The Trustees would also like to express their appreciation for Peter's excellent work, from all his dedication in the setting up of the Spaniel Trust, his financial support, housing the headquarters to educating us all about TRUST. The Trustees, on behalf of all the dogs Peter helped to find new happy lives would like to say a huge Thank You, he will be missed. The Trustees would all like to wish Peter every success in his future endeavours. Eileen Carson Acting Chair on behalf of the Board of Trustees

Please visit CavalierTalk forum http://board.cavaliertalk.com/index.php there is a wealth of breed specific health info on there in particular on MVD and Syringomyelia. Hope this is ok to post on here Mods, but feel this in this instance OP needs breed specific info, please delete if inappropriate.

Basil has been rehomed.

crossposted This handsome young man is Basil. He is a 3 year old working cocker spaniel and is being rehomed via the Spaniel Trust. He came to us via his 4th owner after avoiding the vets needle at the 11th hour. He bit his previous owner on the hand who then required hospital treatment. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Basil resource guards and this was handled incorrectly leading him to escalate his body language signals. We know he has had at least 1 abusive home and has been passed around several unsuitable homes. He has been here for 3 weeks now and is an absolute gem of a dog. Like many dogs he does like to hold things in his mouth and not let go but with sympathetic training he is learning to drop on command and does not show ANY aggressive behaviours. He does grumble sometimes if he doesnt want to move out the way but with positive training methods and simple non-confrontational management its not an issue at all. In fact he is a very good boy who behaves better than my own dogs! He loves tennis balls to be thrown for him (and will exchange them for another one now), loves to swim, gets on fine with the 100+ dogs he's met so far. Great wth kids, males, females, cats etc thats he's met outside the house. Hasnt been fussed by sheep or horses either. His recall is fab, he doesnt go far and comes back for a treat. Walks well on the lead after the first few minutes, doesnt chew, is fully housetrained, fine to be left for a few hours and is a very cuddly daft boy! He knows sit, down, paw, go away and is learning stay, wait, lie down, drop. Basil needs a home with cocker experienced owners (older children only) who can give him at least an hours exercise offlead a day, play tug with him and throw balls. Retired or part-time workers with or wthout other dogs. Basil has been an only dog until now so has forgotten how to play but is perfectly sociable and in time would probably learn to join in with dog play. He really is a great dog with loads to give and his single biting incident was due to the misfortune of being in the wrong homes and being treated in the wrong manner. Basil is a star and as I've said to plenty others if I didnt already have 4 dogs he'd be staying here forever. He's my special wee man who really deserves his forever home now where he can unpack his baggage and relax. He is neutered, vaccinated, chipped and wormed. Currently on a diet to shift about 3kgs of excess weight but has been given a clean bill of health by the vet. Any potential new families will be required to pass a homecheck and give a donation to the Spaniel Trust. All enquiries should go to [email protected] or ring 01688 400 337.

The Spaniel Trust Christmas Poem 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town, Every rescue is full with dogs saved, not "put down", They lie down to sleep and sweet dreams fill their heads Of a home they once knew and their own cozy beds. Once they were little, wanted, loved, then they grew Now they're not young, they have "issues", aren't new. So now here they are, all confused and alone... In a rescue with others who also wait for a home. When a dog's life is fear This Christmas remember Love should last all year ........... Not just for now in December! © Eileen Carson December 24, 2008 Merry Christmas everyone! Eileen, Briar, Jack, Berry and Billy Bracken, oops and Oscar our Christmas visitor!

Actually Michelle I've just had a look at it and I think it could be changed to fit the UK relatively easily. If you want I'll have a stab at it?

I think it is a really good idea. TBH ANYTHING which makes people think, especially at this time of year is great. I'm posting this poem everywhere I can and with a nice warm cheery Christmas border round it; several people have commented on it being "chilling" - good - it's meant to be!!! If it stops just one person buying a "throwaway" pup this Christmas then it's worked. Ye Olde Puppy Shoppe !!! We love our puppy customers - They're our No 1 bread and butter, Especially right now at Christmas time With their MasterCards all a-flutter. Oh sure, they've heard about puppyfarms - They don't live in a cave. The tree-huggers dreamed THAT whole thing up. They're really quite depraved! All OUR pups came from "Local Breeders". These signs around TELL you so; We paint 'em up and hang 'em high 'Cause we want you to know! We don't put a price on honesty, But this pup will cost eight hundred dollars. You don't think that we make the big bucks Selling fish food and martingale collars ! But back to our Christmas Greeting And why we wish you all Good Cheer; You see, you are $pecial folks to us At this festive time of year. We love you because you're lazy, Though very well-connected. You just won't take the time to find A breeder who's respected. You so rarely do your homework. (Santa, send us MORE trusting fellas With no time to learn about Legg Perthes Or Luxating Patellas !) Zoonotic's not a word you learned Playing Scrabble or at school ? Color Mutant Alopecia ? Duh ! We LOVE it, man, you're COOL !!! Cryptorchids must be flowers from Hawaii you say ? We will sure not tell you better. And you don't need to know Brucellosis, my friend, Unless, of course, you get 'er !!! You think that CERF-ing's what cool dudes do Somewhere out in California ? And OFA's just another old workplace law ? We're sure not going to warn you ! But should we stumble upon someone Who IS savvy in any way, We'll just start extolling the wonderful work Of the grand ole USDA !!! We love you 'cause you just don't care - You buy it because you want it. You can lay your cash on OUR counter, ma'am, If you've got it, you OUGHT to flaunt it !!! We love the things you DON'T ask !!! It makes our job so easy. If you saw the sights behind the scene You'd probably get quite queasy. You'll never see the breeding dogs Who suffer on the wire, Or pups die of hyper-thermia When their truck gets a flat tire. We'll keep you from our back room, too, And put a padlock on the freezer. Those tiny puppies stiff and cold Would not be a crowd pleaser. We hope you have a vet you like - That pup's probably gonna need him. Ivomec wears off in thirty days - That's how long we've guaranteed him !!! Who cares when you get that blue slip home And find out that it wasn't true. Your Local Breeder's way out in Kansas ? HO! HO! HO! That joke's on you !!! So come and see us, one and all - Join in our Christmas Cheer ! We've strung the tinsel all around. If we could, we'd serve you beer ! We've got the carols playing And a Santa, for good reason; We're all scrubbed up and lookin' good So you'll make our Christmas season. As you walk away with your new pup We'll shed a happy Christmas tear. Don't change ONE THING about yourself- Just DO come back next year !!! (ching, ching) Shannon McClure Addie's Safehouse [email protected] © 1999

You mean whether the weather is wet or fine? BTW On the lodger issue I'd go for A! He sounds hunky!

Cheers, kinda thought you'd missed that! Our phone number is 01688 400337

Drake is 2years & 3 months old and has already had 2 homes through no fault of his own, so the next one must be his forever home. On the down side he had not been properly lead trained so is slowly learning not to pull and he was scared of loud noises but again that and his recall are improving. He is a big, extremely affectionate dog and absolutely loves children, is good with people in general, other dogs (even entire ones!) and bitches, cats, horses, donkeys, cattle and although he shows interest does not chase sheep. He has now been groomed, chipped, is up to date with his worming, vaccs, has been neutered and he is now ready for his new home. He is currently on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. If you can offer Drake a future in a loving forever home where he will be given a very active lifestyle, lead and some obedience training, please get in touch. Drake is a failed gundog and has a working (legally) half docked tail. We are currently restoring the levels of exercise he needs to rebuild his leg muscles, he is a very active boy.

Hi Tell him to come visit us ON MULL! We have 2year old Drake at the moment.

Another Scot here too, wow there's quite a few of us I see! Welcome to the Refuge Jinty

OMG that poor wee lass what pain she must have endured. I hope she recovers well and enjoys the rest of her life with caring folk. I do wish you could post a name and address of the culprit, as I would love to pay that person a visit, rip the skin from their bones to see if they enjoyed the "sport"! An eye for an eye! I'm certain there are many on here who would accompany me!!

Drontal wormer and Frontline are now available without a prescription from any of the internet veterinary pharmacies such as http://www.bestpet.co.uk/ http://www.vetuk.co.uk/ http://www.petmeds.co.uk/ http://www.hyperdrug.com/ But for Drontal please make sure you weigh your pet correctly and give the correct dose for weight! Do check all the suppliers out before ordering, as pricewise they can vary substantially for the same product.

Or how about the Loch Ness Cocker?

Are you sure that's the Isle of Skye over there? Well wait for me .............................

Did you live in the same village as me? I was about to quote this exact scenario. This is the truth - ANY dog is capable of killing - the size and breed are immaterial.

This subject interests me enormously, because we only take spaniels who have behavioural issues. To give you a bit of the picture, I have had, and have been involved with, dogs for over 55 years. I was always interested in behavioural problems, but got fascinated in dogs with problems because I took on a "dog aggressive" dog, (my 3rd rescue) after my first rescue dog died. He made my life hell and also that of my 2nd rescue dog, whom he bullied quite mercilessly for 1 or 2 months until I discovered serene-UM, put him on the top dose and slowly but surely he improved. Eventually I was able to reduce the amount .......... then I was offered another dog from the same rescue, this one had a frightening bite record and was under threat of PTS for human aggression. This dog had bitten just about everyone, his owner, the owner's wife, groomer and an assistant etc. First week, I got bitten (didn't move a muscle till he let go!) then there were battles between the 2 new dogs, but mostly I began to realise the second dogs problems were down to fear and uncertainty. It required heaps of dedicated work (and patience!) and has taken 10 months, but now he is the most loving little dog you could ever find who meets and greets visitors with a waggy tail and has finally learnt to play. He never bit me again after that time, though my ex partner seemed to be more of a target! The male groomer I use has had a grump from him but he has not been bitten, to the point that the dog was clipped last time without a muzzle. I do think that the individual is very important, but someone else mentioned finding the trigger and that is the key to changing the behaviour I believe. I will always try anything new or old fashioned, which offers the dog just one more chance. I got my two dogs from a rescue, however the same rescue has destroyed a dog within an hour of it arriving after a two hour journey, without it being given time to relax and acclimatise. It had been fostered with a family with children without biting anyone. So what I'm trying to say is, I don't think you can generalise about where any rescue would draw the line even within the one organisation there will always be different decisions made for different scenarios. For ourselves, we have had 3 dogs in now since we took our first 9 weeks ago, one has been rehomed successfully (a confident working dog where there was once a nervous wreck), the second is ready to leave when the right home comes along (an aggressive puppy who is now a loving and exuberant pup) and the third we are making substantial progress with, but they are all slow work by very nature. I am personally dreading the day (which I know will eventually come) when I have to admit defeat with a dog whose "wiring" is wrong! That will be a very sad and sorry day.

Not allowed ..... the UK may no longer legislate to restore the death penalty while it is subject to the European Convention on Human Rights, we acceded to the 13th protocol, thereby giving away our right to legislate. I was against it being removed in the first place, back in the 60's this discussion raged, since abolition I have to say there are many times I wish it had never been abolished or had been restored. Hard labour?? I'm all in favour of it, prisoners have a far better standard of living than many pensioners who have served their country, worked all their days and paid NI which it was promised would provide for them cradle to grave! To be fair though, I think much more damage has been done to society by lawmakers. Laws brought in to prevent abuse, have outlawed all physical punishment by teachers and parents to a point where many adults feel uncomfortable being close to or touching a child even to put a plaster on a skinned knee. That is ludicrous! Parents NOT (or prevented by law from) sensibly chastising their children - to the point the child will now quote child abuse law to or threaten the parent!! As a child I would not have dared speak to any adult the way I hear some children talk to their elders today. Hence the deteriorating behaviour in schools and increasing attacks on teachers by pupils. The old adage about "Spare the rod and spoil the child" springs to mind. I punished my children appropriately and yes the occasional smack on the legs when they placed themselves or others in danger, as indeed I had been similarly punished (I remembered the lesson and was too embarrassed to do the same thing again ). No damage done, and I would argue that my adult children are not selfish, are sensible and caring people; just as society would like all children to turn out. This thread reminded me of a posting which was a comparison in attitudes between 1957 and 2007 I saw on another forum recently, and the difference in perceptions and response between people then and now to exactly the same scenarios! Back then, if someone came to your door because you'd misbehaved you got slapped legs, no ifs, no buts, no maybes! Try asking a parent to correct their child nowadays and you get "my son/daughter wouldn't do that". Very interesting thread!

So you've met my relatives Pingu?

Absolutely classic! Please Mrs B can I take you with me next time I go to complain about something?

Fantastic pic BTW Does the sign mean give way to Michael Jackson "moonwalking" down the middle of the road perhaps?? goes off muttering "Conjures up pictures of MJ, tractors, horses n riders ........" and that's at 11 am!

That's it exactly ..... Christmas should be about GIVING not receiving, so therefore it should not be about what people want, it should be about what you can give them. IMHO that should be your time, company and a little gift to say you care. Have a great Christmas everyone

Welcome to the Refuge I'm a newbie on here too! Love your horse/pony pics we used to have 3, Beau, grey Irish Draught 16.2hh, Amber (chesnut name says it all) x bred Arab 14.2hh and Casper blue roan Welsh A x Shetland 11.2hh all at Rainbow Bridge now and sadly missed.

Hi everyone I joined recently but hadn't introduced myself so I'm putting that to rights now! I'm retired and have 3 male rescue cocker spaniels all who came to me because of behavioural issues; Briar, 3yo Blue Roan and an excessive barker, Jack, 6yo Golden and male dog aggressive (think about it!!) and Berry 2yo Black (a known biter who was to be PTS). I sort of think of my place as "the end of the road" I love 'em all to bits and they ain't going anywhere without me! Will post piccies when I get organised.