The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: Alistair on November 22, 2012, 11:18:26 am

Title: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Alistair on November 22, 2012, 11:18:26 am
Oooo I'm not happy,

Just finished grooming a papillon, it was rank.

Came from a breeder!, member of the family brought it in, matted, covered in urine, stank to high heaven.

Anyway 2hrs later he looks like a show dog, and smells of baby powder, managed to save 95% of his coat, only had to shave behind his ears eventually

The worst thing is he weighs about 3.5 kg, all bones, no personality, no fight just let me do whatever,

So I've done it, told the RSPCA who I hope are going to investigate, I've told the family member not to take him back and to feed him little & often, and I've broken one of my own rules and fed him myself

Dogs are dogs, dogs are not money machines, it properly makes me bloody angry, I've a good mind to go round and confront this woman, but I won't.

 :rant: :rant:

Anyway got a St. Bernard in this afternoon, slobber, slobber, not sure who'll get wettest
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on November 22, 2012, 11:51:35 am
that makes me mad - well done for doing something about it. Its not like a Papillon costs much to fee either...:-(
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Alistair on November 22, 2012, 12:00:17 pm
Yeah feel better now, I've also dropped an email to the kennel club just in case she's an accredited breeder or anything

It's hard to Make that decision because if word gets round I could loose business, it's supposed to be anonymous, anyway welfare of dogs comes first imo
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: happygolucky on November 22, 2012, 12:14:12 pm
I hope they do get checked out, poor dogs and most likely poor bitch!!!!  I dread to think of the sort of state they are kept in!!! 
Sadly, in this world including politics, religion, press, big business etc (and the BBC) people keep quiet due to the implications etc, I understand that one.......so sad though!
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Alistair on November 22, 2012, 12:17:12 pm
There are apparently 4 bitches   :gloomy: don't start me again
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: happygolucky on November 22, 2012, 12:34:17 pm
Its so upsetting.......I hate that sort of ill treatment....we have had pups but looked after them well, some one who came to buy one had gone to see another litter and that was in a bad state too so they reported them, I think they either sell through some one else or the buyers are nieve, if some one wants any pup or dog, go and see the parents with the pups and make sure they are clean and healthy looking at the very least, although I know many people buy pups from places where they are kept in bad conditions to save them!! I bet I would do that as well!!!! :(   Hope things turn out good!!  :hug:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Bionic on November 22, 2012, 12:47:25 pm
Alistair. It was a horrible thing to have to do but I think you made the right decision.
Poor little dog  :dog:
Sally
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Rosemary on November 22, 2012, 02:29:21 pm
Good for you  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Mammyshaz on November 22, 2012, 02:42:57 pm
Definitely the right thing to do  :trophy: You are in a position of trust of care to that animal, there was no other choice.

I hope they are thoroughly investigated and the other dogs removed prompt!
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Old Shep on November 22, 2012, 05:06:55 pm
well done  :thumbsup:  someone has to stand up for the poor things.  Don't be surprised though if the RSPCA do nothing though, that's precisely what they did when I reported a dog being starved on a farm.  :rant: :rant:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: doganjo on November 22, 2012, 05:54:12 pm
Yeah feel better now, I've also dropped an email to the kennel club just in case she's an accredited breeder or anything

It's hard to Make that decision because if word gets round I could loose business, it's supposed to be anonymous, anyway welfare of dogs comes first imo
You are to be highly commended for your actions - well done.  High time there were more brave and sensible  people like you! :bouquet:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Sylvia on November 22, 2012, 06:02:18 pm
If you don't enjoy grooming don't keep coated dogs!! I keep the wipe clean variety because I know, much as I would love to keep Pekinese I wouldn't cope with the grooming.
Matted coats pull at the skin so painfully, you did the right thing, Alistair :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Alistair on November 22, 2012, 06:47:51 pm
Or bring them to me!

Just don't leave them rotting.
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Shropshirelass on November 25, 2012, 09:00:31 pm
Its soo annoying working in vets & you see obese pets or pets people own who either can't groom them or can't be bothered & then you end up with the things (Normally small breeds of dogs) being so stressed or aggressive to be groomed or have their nails trimmed & needing a sedation just to do it often because their not used to it or are spoilt rotten by the owners >:( >:( There's nothing wrong with spoiling your pets but do it within reason - not to the point where they are snappy, disobedient or overweight!

Good point mammyshaz the RSPCA are hopeless in my opinion I'd much sooner recommend other animal charities myself & many friends have worked with lots which are brilliant such as: PDSA, Cats protection league, Dogs trust & Dogs for the disabled xx
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Roxy on November 25, 2012, 11:01:24 pm
I am not a fan of the RSPCA - but in this case believe you did the right thing.  Really hope they take action and investigate this genuine case.  To be honest, do not know how they dare bring the dog for grooming in that conditon !!
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Moleskins on November 25, 2012, 11:03:23 pm
Sorry, bloody 'breeders' again !
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Alistair on November 26, 2012, 07:06:25 am
Roxy, 'they' didn't, it was a a family member who is trying to step in, she rang yesterday to say that she'd kept the little fella  :excited:, just hope the RSPCA can get to the others.

Shropshirelass, don't get me started, if I see another exposé type hing in the paper were someone is moaning that they took their dog to be groomed and it came out shaved, ooooo makes me cross, I get a couple of little dogs that look fantastic in, but the owners brush with a bristle brush, this doesn't even touch the coat really, so the outer hair is fine but knotted to hell close to the skin, I'm trying to educate them, it'll take time but at least they're trying, "that pin brush (or slicker) will hurt him" nope, if you keep on top of it it'll make him look great
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Sylvia on November 26, 2012, 09:07:15 am
Having said I don't "do" coated dogs I am commited to two tiny Yorkies. They have SO much coat :o :o  all around their eyes too :(  If I could I would re-home them but one was left to me in a will so I can't betray that trust and one came to be found a good home but as he's old, timid, snappy and not house trained nobody wanted him.
I scissor off their coats when it starts to get long and take them to my daughter's every Sunday and bath them then my seven year old grand-daughter brushes and blow dries them until they look beautiful. She has endless patience with them and the dogs love the attention. All they get with me is mud!!(and love)
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: doganjo on November 26, 2012, 09:52:45 am
This conversation would interest a groomer friend of mine She puts photos of before and after on her Facebook page.  Recently she put one up of my second favourite breed - a Cocker - and I commented that I wish people would think about breeds coat before buying a dog.  It's owner saw my comment and went mad.  I didn't criticise her in person, just people who had their dogs in a mess or had them all clipped by a groomer off rather than spend time grooming them properly.  I used a hound slicker with little nylon balls on the ends of the wires on mine when I had my Cockers, and used 'finger and thumb' technique for taking any excess hair out.
I see no point in buying a cocker pup then shaving all its hair off.  They'd be better with a Chinese crested  ::) :innocent: or a Labrador.

I can't see what 'breeders' have to do with it.  Cockers have always had long coats - since the  1700's!
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Alistair on November 26, 2012, 10:30:50 am
Breeders - read irresponsible puppy farmers not responsible breeders, two different things imho

Doganjo, I think you mean hand stripping, it's sooo therapeutic hand stripping is
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: doganjo on November 26, 2012, 04:39:16 pm
Yes, but wasn't sure everyone would know what I meant by hand stripping. ;D

Puppy farmers and breeders definitely two different things but still don't see what it ahs to do wioth stupid people buying teh wrong breed of dog for their lifestyle - i.e. don't have time to groom a long coated breed properly so don't buy a long coated breed - simples, as they say. :eyelashes:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: YorkshireLass on November 26, 2012, 07:35:26 pm
Oooh I think I may accidentally hand strip my dog  ::)   (checks youtube) ah yes, sort off, only I don't "pluck" quite so hard! The other cheat is getting a dog who likes to be pristine - half the work is then done for you  ;D




I'm glad the little one in question is now in good hands though  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Mammyshaz on November 26, 2012, 08:28:12 pm
I love combing dogs coats, it is so therapeutic. I had a dog who was almost a bearded collie and loved keeping her pristine. She was such a snob she walked around little puddles or jumped larger ones rather than get dirty  ;D .
 Obi is a longhaired GSD and we love our brushtime. He likes to hold one comb while I use another. Just don't understand how I can get a carrier bag ful almost every day at the moment, he ought to be bald by now  ::)
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Moleskins on November 26, 2012, 10:34:21 pm
If you read the opening comment for this thread you'll see that the dog was brought in from a 'breeder'.
Some people just won't have it will they that 'breeders' does not necessarily equate to sensible, responsible, caring or anything else, dog owner !
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Shropshirelass on November 27, 2012, 12:54:59 am
Oh god yeah I'm not going to lie there's plenty of bad breeders out there but there are also a lot of very good breeders to & some of my friends are said "Very good breeders" its like with good & bad owners they shouldn't all be tarred with the same brush - I personally like to own my dogs from puppies from reputable breeders as puppies & train them to my standards & I also like to do my research on a number of suitable breeds & contact a load of breeders before getting a dog.

Every day you see people who can't handle, groom or understand their dogs behavior or health problems because they simply haven't done the research before buying a dog,  I know there are a lot of very good owners & breeders out there - who for some reason cant manage & I really do feel for them & its great for those who do come & ask for help at the vets to know we are there to & I love it when someone says I'm thinking about buying a puppy what advice can you give & they listen but I hate it if someone comes in with a dog they can't control & say something like " He's a right so & so but we bought him as we always wanted a dalmation" & they haven't put the training in & leave it all day & complain the house is torn up & he urinates all over the floor & doesn't listen: Dalmations are prone to stress if left alone due to being working dogs & are known to be destructive & uncontrolled urinating due to the stress & also deafness - hence maybe not listening. sorry but thats a prime example & 8/10 good breeders wouldn't sell pups to anyone who hasn't done their research & go to extreme lengths to ensure healthy dogs are only bred from & have huge waiting lists for pups because of this x
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 27, 2012, 09:29:52 am
Obi is a longhaired GSD and we love our brushtime. He likes to hold one comb while I use another. Just don't understand how I can get a carrier bag ful almost every day at the moment, he ought to be bald by now  ::)

You're saving it all up to spin, right?  :knit: :knit:
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Mammyshaz on November 27, 2012, 08:47:49 pm

You're saving it all up to spin, right?  :knit: :knit:
:o. We laugh about the fact I get enough to make a jacket but I've NEVER actually considered it  ;D
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: doganjo on November 27, 2012, 11:10:23 pm
If you read the opening comment for this thread you'll see that the dog was brought in from a 'breeder'.
Some people just won't have it will they that 'breeders' does not necessarily equate to sensible, responsible, caring or anything else, dog owner !
I think I have already given the dictionary definition of breeder on another thread and it covers ANYONE who puts a bitch to a dog with the intention of producing pups.  There are good and bad in every walk of life as has been said before, but wherever this chap was bought from or got from has no bearing on the fact that he was ill looked after..
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 28, 2012, 05:19:17 am

You're saving it all up to spin, right?  :knit: :knit:
:o. We laugh about the fact I get enough to make a jacket but I've NEVER actually considered it  ;D
If you have a look around on Ravelry, you'll find quite a few threads about spinning dog hair.  I think it's even been studied once in A Spinner's Study.  Shout if you want help finding some appropriate threads!
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Shropshirelass on November 28, 2012, 06:29:04 pm
I saw a documentary where they were using peoples pet Samoyeds in it to spin their wool - I only remember this as a friend has 1 x
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Lesley Silvester on November 29, 2012, 04:02:17 pm
Well done, Alistair.  :bouquet: People like that need to be stopped.
When my ex and I had a spinning and weaving workshop, he often spun dog hair. It's not the easiest to spin and a lot of people mix is with sheep's wool which helps.  We had regular visitors to the island who had a rough collie which was very well groomed.  I made them several items from their dog hair, hand spun. 
Just use the combings though, as the outer hairs are too stiff.  We once had customers with a Newfoundland, who wanted some hair spun.  The ex explained that it had to be combings only, not trimmings and they went off having chosen what they wanted made and promising to post a bundle of hair to us.  When it arrived, it was a mixture of trimmings and combings.  It came out like a soft barbed wire.  While I was knitting the required jumper, the hairs kept working their way through several layers of clothes and stabbing me.  And when I got undressed at night, my ex commented on my hairy chest.   :roflanim:
He has also spun poodle (not easy) and I still have a couple of balls of yarn from my own, much loved border collie.
Title: Re: Just had to report an owner to the RSPCA
Post by: Mammyshaz on November 29, 2012, 07:07:24 pm
I'm eager to give it a go now. I think I'll need to comb him before he goes for walks for the best chance of sweeter smelling air rather than sludgy mud scented .  :knit: