We lost both our old dogs this year, both to snakes. How do you tell a dog that it's better to leave snakes alone?

That leaves us with 2 horses, 3 cats, 2 birds, & some fish, all left behind by the kids as they went off into the world.

I did not want another dog, but my youngest daughter had other ideas. That's the one who is always collecting strays. A couple of weeks back, she appeared with a Belgian Shepherd, [think English Collie], in need of a home.

This very timid girl had been through a number of foster homes, when her owners of 5 years moved into a retirement village, so my daughter decided we needed her. She, the dog, wasn't so sure, & obviously doubtful at yet another strange "home".

The poor thing was just starting to relax, & show signs of being a nice dog, before yesterdays storm. I had left her in our large pool enclosure, with a good kennel for shelter, when I had to go to town, but when I got home about 4.00 PM just after the storm, she was gone. I've no idea how she got over that pool fence.

After a search I resigned myself to probably never seeing her again, & made a lost dog sign to put in the local store weindow. Amazingly, 6 hours later she appeared at the door. She was wet dirty & very foot sore, she must have run for miles. How she found her way back, when she'd only been here a couple of weeks, I've no idea.

Today she is still lame, & spent a couple of hours cowered in a corner of the laundry, as 2 more thunderstorms went through, but she now wants to be close to us, & appreciates our reassurance.

The thunderstorm season, in SEQ is no place for a dog, especially a timid one. I do hope people will be kind to any strays that have run off in terror, at this time.

Nice story hasbeen. I've just adopted a jack russell who had been condemned by the Council as a noise nuisance. The owner wasn't really capable of taking care of the poor little fella and he was very confused about his position in the pecking order. When he arrived at my place, he was yapping fit to bust a lung, but after a few minutes spent establishing that this was not either necessary or appreciated, he hasn't let out a peep since.

He joins my other dog, who is a very large kelpie x cattle dog x elephant or something. I think the little fella is happy knowing he doesnt have to even try to be dominant with Max around.

As for storms, I'm very lucky that neither of the dogs are rmeotely bothered. Good luck with your girl. I'm sure she'll get better if she's confident that her home is safe and secure.

I saw a snake aversion thing on tv Hasbeen and it worked really quickly.

You get a snake (non-venomous) and put it in a cage on the ground in a clearing. Put one of those electric collars on dog and get someone to casually walk around with dog on leash. Soon as it shows an interest in the snake you zap dog. The program I watched the dogs would not go near snakes after a couple of zaps even months later.

I have a little dog that sounds similar to your new one Hasbeen – he’d not had a good first year or so of life and my kids rescued him – he is scared of everything. But never barks (has never made a sound) or attempts to leave the property. I’m not sure how long to wait before I try to put a lead on him ever again... last time he freaked completely and ran around, wee flying out behind him. And loud noises scare him but he just comes and sits as close as possible to wherever I am acting all casual about it.

If he gets told off for anything he wont come in the house for hours. And he is scared of loud laughter and runs away if anyone laughs.

He has been here 6 months now – will he always be like this? He’s only young - nearly two and very cute, no idea what breed, small but solid and he spins around in circles when excited (we try not to laugh) and the wee tart insists on sleeping in bed with/on people but isn’t picky (any sleeping body will do).

He’s with other dogs who are calm and scared of nothing but hasn’t seemed to have learnt anything from them.

Jewely

Takes longer than 6 months for most rescue animals to settle - allow at least 12 months or longer. It is great that the little dog has other dogs around to learn from. I am sure your patience will be rewarded by the loyalty that our dogs give unreservedly.

Hasbeen

You have a kind heart for lost doggies - nice to know, your other thread suggests your understanding and compassion to be somewhat limited by skin colour and English skills of other human beings.

Antiseptic

Here's a little song I know you will enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWtE11bTo8w

Yes Johnny, I have a kind heart for animals, after all, they don't have much control over their lives, do they

I have no compassion for lazy lying people who don't do the job they are payed to do to the best of their ability.

I am totally against people who don't do their job properly, having to be kept on because of some bleeding heart law.

People do have the ability to make to their own bed. I see no reason that they should not have to lie in the result.