lester

This is a big problem. The black mould that you see is only the sporing part of the organism. To be properly treated the plaster should be hacked off and the underlying surface treated with a special treatment. There are some interim methods of slowing it down. Drying it out at the surface with a paint stripping torchand then treating with a special anti-black mould solution is favoured and can work if done properly , but this is not a good time of year. And it is very toxic, the room should not be used for a while then there is the repair to the ingress, usually a crack behind. Other things that can help--in the short term use of lime based paint removal of vinyl wallpaper and washing of off paste residue little electric gadgets that purify the air spider plants ( lots ) Lots of pressure on housing association , although they probably have a lot of this problem and no moneys

You are doing more than your best. It really difficult communicating with those that " er do not sound right". There is quite a lot it about these days especially in the inner cities. Sadly I know several and some of them have taken up dogs to replace the children that have been taken away. A very sorry state of affairs. At least they should remember you if they have any troubles in the future which is a great step forward really. For one I dont mind being called a "nosey old git" if it means an animal has just a smidgin opf a better chance. Keep up the good work, but do not fret when things dont seem to work right.

Was comparing notes with an old mate that spent some time on the streets a few years ago. The worst thing is sitting on cold pavements,with parts that a coat dont often cover. Over a couple of ciders we have invented the " Doggy bag" a furry vet bed sewn up to create a large bag. Dog can sit on bag or climb inside. With handles or a strap it can be used as a normal bag. I will attempt to run one up at the weekend, for pics.

Well done and good outcome. Any clue as to the buzzing coming from the house. I did wonder as my Mum had something that was suppposed to summon a careworker but often went awry and emitted buzzing .

(Sorry I had a lot of trouble loading that pic and thought I had failed) He was not at all impressed with any of the clothing that he was given. He even went on strike and froze to an immovable object in one coat. So I have had to redesign, move bits amd generally make holes in my fingers with a sewing needle to get a fit and the level of comfort that is acceptable. He will now go out in the rain if he has a coat on. The pyjamas situation has yet to be sorted. He will not sleep downstairs in the warm unless he has company. Upstairs is very cold for those that do not bury themselves under the high tog numbers. He feels very cold in the mornings and makes a beeline for the room with the gas fire on waking. So I have to sleep downstairs with him. on a futon type thing which is really hard to get up from, especially with 20 kilo of boingy staffy on ones head. I am beginnning to think this dog has bolshevik tendencies, he will not eat anything "posh" and has his own version of most games..... His version of catch-- I stand holding the ball, he takes from my hand , goes up the garden and drops it and then comes back while I go and get it. He was amazingly good at the vets, and is now micro chipped. He even travelled without any of the usual fuzz. It was van weekend so we took him half way around Birmingham and back every time we went for a walk. He is much improved. In fact he continues to amaze me. He is safe to have an off the lead hurtle and will not talk to anyone without being told that he can. If I can get him to give up the Kamikaze dog of Damocles exhibitions while I am asleep I will be even more pleased. His headbutt is quite powerful as well, I have experienced this only the once and it sent me reeling and still hurts after 4 days. I think he is pleased with his new situation. Its been 8 days since he collected all of his toys, placed them in the middle of his vetbed and folded it into an parcel. I cant remember what I did wrong.

In such circumstancea and with the dog running about , you might want to call the hospital?

I used to be involved in this years ago; so have looked into it. Here in Birmingham the street homeless are pretty well organised with large squats opened by green activists as part of a campaign. There is also a very big Crisis at Christmas set up. All offers of help are funnelled through that. You dont actually see many begging since all of the underpasses were closed, but then I seldom go into the centre. I always have open house over the holidays in a vain hope of being able to cook for people, as I have a huge catering cooker that is so seldom used. But then my house can be colder than the average street, so not many takers, although I have fixed the route.

In his kennel photographs, Texas' body language seemed to me to be showing that he was just going through the motions . I thought originally that his staring into the distance was some kind of yearning or seeking. But he was just playing the game of doing what was expected of him, as an easy way of life, that would result in no anguish or pain , albeit very little positive gain. This is a typical sign of being " stir crazy". He also has signs of other compulsive behaviour, kennel rubbing and repetitive movements. His mindset adapted to the best way of dealing with incarceration. This is why he looked so unappealling and failed to attract any interest. The various comments about him not being the cutest, show that a few people thought this. So it's a matter of breaking this habit. He still goes into this mode when we meet people and other dogs while out; his head goes down , he stays rigidly still and ignores the world, proffered hands , sniffing mose what ever. (although he has shouted and snapped at one dog --- big black staffy - the local escapologist -- running loose) On the other side he really enjoys a mad hurtle off the lead, and, boy!, can he move. Some signs of his earlier life are beginning to surface. He has an unexplainable interest in cigarette smoke and drink, when he comes across them. Its not all one way though . I am getting a lot out of his presence.

Yes . paws under the table ---but nose on it. He is not so much "settling in" as "taking over" His walk has replaced my daily trip into Asda--I havent had a custard or a doughnut for a fortnight. He will not wear his coat though, and doesnt do rain.

This is my other bed. I am allowed to take this one apart and remake it myself without getting "Told" because its mine. I have to sleep here when Dad goes to the human vet or when I have been norty .especially beard chewing in the middle of the night. I dont mind being sent to it as there are several jumbones hidden in it. This is where I sometime entertain, visitors have space to sit. It is also very handy when humans are cooking because a lot of stuff falls to the floor and has to be cleared up. This is my job. Sometimes, when Dad sleeps upstairs, I sleep on it. But after a while I just drag it all across the floor and sleep in my chair. dad has to move this for me. I dont like the fire in this room it makes hissing sid noises and doesnt have a flickery red bit to watch. Mind you this bed is a bit "red" I am not sure if it matches my colouring. My pink nose really needs a more muted background to be admired properly. I am now allowed off the lead being such a good dog, when we go walkies. But I mustnt go in the water as it frightens the ducks. I have to go to the vets next friday, which means going in a van again ....eek. This time I can sit in the front but have to be attached to the seat in case I try to drive or have to attack the other dog that clings to the outside of the window, even though he is really handsome.

Milestone!!!!! No " presents" indoors for over 24hours!!!!

My bed My fire

Well , Its really hard to beleive that this laid back little gentleman is the same dog that chirruped and whined with a few maniacal outburste on the journey down. We started off with him in the cage , while I sat next to him. The kong did work as a bribe , buthe proved to be very neat when "wommiting". He was sliding around in cage, so a large cushion was offered; but this caused some kind of offence so had its corners ripped off. He calmed down a bit when allowed to play the game of walking in one door of the cage and out of the other, repeatedly . This however also required leaping onto my stomach and then into the box of foodstuffs, so didnt last long. After a break we tried him in the front, as he seemed to have calmed down enough. Indeed he seemed to enjoy this and was quite good for a while. Sadly his offer to help with the driving was turned down and he decided to trow a temper tantrum , using the dashboard to try a daring leap over the seats into the back. His wish was granted and the last hour of the journey was done at some speed, with an some really awful anguished dog impressions coming from the rear. He gave the game away by the sudden silence every time we stopped at traffic lights. But the change that has come over him is quite amazing . He is not phased by anything ( except travelling) and is overcoming his jealousy of the hissing machine ( computer) after several attempts t get my attention back by pulling a wheelchair down the room and throwing over the laundry basket. He enjoys laundry and bedding and upholstery when he gets excited ; but is quite happy to stop the destruction when asked. He has a really bad coughing habit that start as soon as the lead goes on, but this is all sham. Now he is on a harness , it has gone and he walks very well, spritely and oblivious to anythnig that comes his way, although we have only done neighbours, cats ( completely blanked) motorbikes and buggies. He likes mayonnaise on his chips please, Boursin but frightens me with pig's ears as he seems to want to swallow them whole. Oh and I think I have taught him that the only real cornish pasties are Ginsters. He has a very sift and well mannered " take" he is not so bothered with toys, will play at pull for a few minutes , but then loses interest. He mouthes a lot when excited but again will stop when told.. As he is glaring at me from his chair I will have to end this now. Thank you all , for your good wishes.

This is MY chair

Yes he has; but has discovered that computers are nasty machines that stop people from devoting time to dogs. So a proper update will have wait until I get permission to take some time off. The transporting went well , once we realised that we were dealing with a four legged furry canary------- quite happy to sit on peoples heads and sing in a very squeaky voice. Today is quite a laid back little chap----when I am not on the computer. Big thanks to everyone involved in making this happen-- we both really appreciate it. More soon

Thanks for those. I think we are sorted for a flying visit and getaway. I have just read THIS So I had better get him a Wii, if I can find some suitable games.

We have decided that it will be far better for me to collect Texas in person , and use a cage and a van. If his exuberance and excitement can be overcome he may be allowed a lap and a view out of the window. I will not be driving. If he cannot control himself, he will be banished to the cage and blanketted, but with a pig's ear and/or filled kong , as a bribe. I feel that any control at this stage should be from myself. Its a very long trip though; I am lucky to have a close friend that is both so helpful and equipped. Hopefully this will be on Sat 15th.

We have had to reorganise the transport.

There was a bit of a delay in sorting the homecheck, through my inability to type properly. However the home check was yesterday, straight after the electrician swapping a promise to have the place safe by the weekend, for several wheelbarrows full of money; and the fourth gas engineer in as many days. Now the gas can be turned on , at last; its just got a nasty habit of turning itself off. So fingers crossed.

Yes I can't wait. I was slowly doddling along planning on perhaps taking on a bit of fostering sometime. Now I am trying to pull out all of the stops and get the house ready.... ( I was half way through a major rebuild when I went down with sight problems.. These are now sorted, at last, but its no longer worth finishing the building ( both in terms of available effort and adding any value) Next Job --board out the 1960s banister and landing, which have caught other dogs out before a bit of replastering , cut down two trees,. I dont know what it was when I spotted this chap.... " not very cute" "locked away bored with no one to talk to for a few years" just like me ????surely not Poor fing. I am very pleased he has agreed to take me on for rehumanising and reintroduce me to the world. I dont know when but I will be looking for other dogs for socialising walks soon ; does anyone know the Cole River park going through Small heath by Asda in Birmingham?. (Where can I get any info on the state or rivers in relation to dogs bathing?,,even more stuff to sort) Anyway this afternoon I am off for a ct scan, which will eventually give me an idea of how often I might have to leave him in on his own and for how many hours.. I hope his kennels were not too posh--- as well as the building work ,,,, this house is one upon which the hand of woman has not set for some time. Oh hang one.. one did fill the dishwasher and wipe down the breadboard at the weekend, but I think that was more through boredom than an urge to change things, or get feet under the table ( we have a table?) My last canine mates were a pair of Collies, who made it to 15 and 16 a few years ago; although I only saw them for a long weekend each month for the last 8 years, ( access!!) so manipulative. Hopefully by next summer he will be happy enough to do a bit of caravanning and take on the sales/demonstration position for the dog baskets. I will probabaly be asking a few questions.

A friend has lent me "Larn Yersel' Geordie" by Scott Dobson, fingers crossed