tegk68

I think that's what makes me frustrated too. I hope I realise and understand that all is not black & white. Good breeders, bad breeders, good rescues, bad rescues etc etc. Off topic I know but I have run across the same view point with regards 'working homes' and yet when I open my gundog club membership brochures, there within are lists of rescues that you can approach to get your next dog. Same as when I open my copies of field sports magazines. In fact hardly a month goes by without The Field running an article on rescue cockers, springers or labs etc. Sometimes people seem to think they are the only ones spreading the word, it's not entirely true. Friends and allies of rescue dogs can be found in all walks of life. I sometimes wish people would put aside their own prejudices and embrace this more.

The last dog I added to my existing pack of four dogs was a puppy from a breeder. I specifically wanted a working labrador. Not just for the competitions I enjoy and which require the dog to be KC registered but for the work I do from August to March on a small shoot. Having four dogs already I wanted to minimise the risk of getting a dog that might not be up to the job. Hence I researched the pedigrees of labs, lots. As it happens I already knew his breeder a little and knew that they were very responsible and well thought of. So well thought of as it happens that when I put my name down on the waiting list in March last year for a litter that wasn't even due until September, if at all, I was fifth pick for a boy! His parents had every health check going, which they passed with flying colours and superb temprements and excellent proven, working ability to boot. My pup, who is now 8 months old has happilly inherited all that retrieving drive and ability and very importantly, a super temprement, which means he fits in with my existing dogs so well, the latter being very important for me. I should add if he had turned out to be another Bert (i.e. big brown labrador blob with no talent except for excpetional cuddles ), I would still have loved him just as much. However, genetics being as they are, I knew I was pretty safe.

One has come home! I was sitting havig a late supper just now and heard lots of clucking and there she was outside the french doors. Clever, brave girl So I have two now. I'm so glad about that as my other little girl was really truely upset and lost today Sadly I think it too much to ask for the other two to come home as the tell tale feathers in the wood next to us don't look good But I have another home. I'm so, so happy!!! Thanks for your kind words. Lesson learnt on letting them out early in the morning Celeste. Although I have often done that when piggy dog goes out and had no problems I won't be doing it again, obviously!

Storming montage HAPPY GOTCHA DAY you very special boy

Horrid morning. Am so upset. I got up just before 6am to let piggy dog out and whilst we were up I let all the hens out. Went back to bed, dozed and then woke up with Aggie staffy going mental. I knew straight away what it was. The husband, me and dogs flew out of the house but we were too late. Mr Fox at 8am (can you imagine the cheek - the OH thinks the noise and cover of the rain gave him confidence!) had paid us a visit. The first in over two years now . Three of my four battery hen girls have gone . Oh my poor, poor girls. Yesterday was their first day of proper free range freedom and how they had loved it. It's so bl**dy unfair. I am so sorry my girls

Oh my goodness Wendy I've just seen the photos of wiggle from a year ago Blimey, leaky eyes or what?! I also luff your dog EXCELLENT news Ange about Rob

Thank you for your post above Snow. Pretty much sums up how I feel.

Any news on your Dad joshnbecks? spins4me. Must be hard, so very hard GOOD LUCK to Ange's Rob . All paws and fingers crossed for you here. RMF: I have a monumental day ahead today, monumental!

Ahhhh a subject close to my heart! I found it very hard buying a new puppy last year rather than going down the rescue route as I have done with the previous three dogs of mine. I have also found it subsequently hard to post on his forum and that is NOT because of anything anyone has ever said or some wierd paranoia thing. Mostly it is to do with my own guilt about it. I am VERY pro rescue and I don't doubt that my next dog will be another Rescue. I appreciate fully the vast, huge, desperate numbers of dogs that are homeless in this country. It worries me no end and depresses the hell out of me. I try very hard to impress this on other people, locally or otherwise and to raise funds where and when I can. I am also pro good breeders. Regardless of what you or I say etc, some, in fact many, people are always going to want to buy a dog, always, rather than go down the rescue route. I would rather see the end to BYB's etc and promote good breeders and influence people, if I can, to go down that direction. I had my reasons for buying a puppy. I think some on here will know why and perhaps whilst not entirely agree, will understand.

You're a STAR Ange. thank you

The village next door to me is holding their annual jumble sale next month in aid of the Oldies Club (shows just how much I rabbit on about dogs and charitable causes doesn't it ). Last year they made about £300. I'll keep you updated

In order to get insurance for the Nadder Valley Fun Dog Show from the KC I need a letter from a 'Charitable Cause' ie you It just needs to say the name and date of the Show and that you are nominated charity on the day to receive funds from the proceeds of the show: Dear Kennel Club Re: Application for Companion Dog Show Licence and Insurance by the Nadder Valley Fun Dog Show This is to confirm that The Oldies Club is a nominated Charity for the Nadder Valley Fun Dog Show, Lower Chicksgrove, Wiltshire on the 26th July. Our Charity number is. Blah, blah, blah. Yours sincerely Blah Could some very kind sole put it on headed paper and scan and email me it or if easier post it? My email is [email protected] Thank you very much Helen

Oh I LOVE her Welcome home Sally, may you both have many happy years ahead together

Well bless you for trying Egar Seems like a simple and good solution was offered, why oh why is it now so complicated. I hope the decisions being made by others recently don't ultimately condemn this dog to his death, that would be unbearable .

To a lovely lady, Wishing you a VERY Happy Birthday. from a friend, Hxxx

I don't understand This seems so desperately sad. To come this far and then possibly fall at the last hurdle Thank you EGAR for your offer of help

Good luck to you lovely girl. And well done LRSE&C

Many 's to you and the gorgeous Gracie . I hope things settle down for her now.

Looks like another good day out at Bowood Fab piccies, anymore? Please... Wiggle's looking rather handsome and 'hello' to minnie moo too

My girls arrived safely home yesterday afternoon. I have tried taking lots of *nice* photos but they don't seem very up to striking a good pose for the camera at the moment. However, now this is day2 I swear I can see their combs, which were almost white, turn pinker They've got more feathers than I was expecting, which is good. They're a little in awe of the World but finding their feet and seem to love eating grass and generally scratching around. Today is all about trying to pick off bugs as they fly past. They've laid two eggs already! 8O

So sorry to hear about Violet and Bluebelle Cheryl. Sounds like they have a super new home lined up though I'm off in 10mins to go and pick up my 4 ex battery girls. VERY excited!

I know I'm not on here much at all these days but I do still think about this forum and the lovely people that make it tick Hope you're all very well indeed. My RMF, I have an early day tomorrow too Wendy. Barney (my lrse&c boy) and I are off to represent United Retriever Club South West in the UK inter club gundog competition (all done on dummies no animals or anything like that!). We are so excited and I am so proud of my rescue boy to have been picked, whatever may happen tomorrow Go rescue doggies, go!

and one for Ange

Doesn't it just Ange My bullie girls