Diary 6 3 09

[cawrighty]

I agree with your comments about the Pedigree dog and its great to hear that finally people are learning about what really goes on in the showing world. Surely the dogs welfare comes first but often this is forgotten when money is involved.

Nice one Joe.

[1791em]

I completely agree with you. I've been put off going to crufts after hearing about the health troubles of certain breeds, it's a shame.

[LynseyMiddleton]

actually when vets treat animals their health and welfare is the first thing they think about above all else!!!

vets like the PDSA only get give a donation when they have treated people animals. and sometimes they get a little a £5 or £10 for major surgery. how the hell can they only be thinking of £££'s

show dogs when taking in to veterinary care get the same treatment and bill as any other dog that walks through the door!!!

[jantharra]

Joe, like very many of the people I know my dogs are pets and 'companions' first, show dogs second. If showing where banned tomorrow I would continue to share my life with my dogs.

Maybe I can brand you with a blanket statement like you are branding all show dogs, how about 'vets have consistantly overcharged for their services since insurance became the norm, meaning some people can no longer afford their exorbitant charges, animals suffer everyday as a result of their greed' feel good?

[joethevet]

It's a good point and I agree that some vets are very much guilty of overcharging and taking advantage of insured pets - but I also beleive that the majority are honest and have their patient's welfare as their number one priority.

The situation in showing is very different as by its very nature, the priority has to be the looks of the animal and the owner's glory.

[jantharra]

My point was to make blanket statements cannot truly capture all the facts of the matter was all.

Of my 3 dogs, 2 enjoy shows, 1 of them doesn't and therefore she no longer competes. She is miserable in that situation and I will not put her through it, as her welfare is more important to me than a bit of card. The others love prancing around the ring, are fit and healthy in mind and body. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don't but we have a nice day, with the dogs by my side whatever

[kayeedee]

What a load of old twaddle. Whilst everyone is entitled to their own views, dream on Joe. Whilst there may be a minority of breeds with problems, the majority are happy health dogs. It;s about time these celebrities stopped jumping on the bandwagon - if they really want to help,concentrate on solving the welfare issues of dogs in puppy farms & ex racing greyhounds. If you have been to Crufts, can you honestly say you think the dogs are unhappy and unhealthy?

[LynseyMiddleton]

i also agree with joe. i went to crufts last year and did have a great day out but if the dogs aren't happy and healthy then whats the point in making them suffer so their owner can get a trophy and some attention??

[A8FFE]

dont be so silly .. if the dogs were not happy and healthy do you think they would show?

of course not .. no one can make a dog look happy ..

its time people looked at this logically ..

dogs do not know how to hide their feelings so what you see is what they are

[joethevet]

If you really think that any dog in its right mind would volunteer to be showed, you obviously don't understand dogs - all a dog wants is a loving companion, exercise and food, and showing is a form of exploitation.

[A8FFE]

Exploitation coming from the mouth of a vet is surely a joke, just like encouraging all new owners to have their pets neutered at a very early age, and annual vaccinations that are really not necessary... Exploitation of dogs for showing I think not.

My dogs have always got really excited after being bathed and readily jumped in the car knowing they were going to a show, so yes I think if they had the choice they would volunteer to be shown

[joethevet]

Your comment on vaccinations says it all really - if you think that vaccinations, which have saved countless lives over the last few decades and continue to do so, are unneccessary, then that shows both your ignorance and lack of care.

[A8FFE]

Please read my post. I did not say vaccinations are unnecessary I said annual vaccinations are unnecessay which is absolutly true.

[joethevet]

All the current evidence supports annual vaccination for leptospirosis and kennel cough, with the other major diseases including parvovirus and distemper requiring vaccination every 3 years.

[Braggynmaca]

totally agree will Joe i also went but i go because i love watching things like the Flyball things that the Dogs!!! really enjoy doing also enjoy the shopping there!!!!

[Isabelutube]

But you did go! So much for your convictions or is it more to do with the stand fees during a recession?