G'day there ARMCHAR CRITIC...

It would appear after all these years you still miss your beloved dog ? There's no doubt they tend to remain fondly in your memory nearly all your life ?

I think it was early in 1971 or '72 I was sent to a job concerning a mix bred German Shepherd dog, and for a variety reasons the dog had become quite aggressive to a point where the lady owner could no longer control him. And she was worried because of some incident that had apparently happened with him and one of her kids ? It had in fact just turned dark, and being out of hours, I could not seek help from the one and only RSPCA Officer on duty, apparently he had several other, more pressing matters to attend to. This was at a place called Leura, NSW.

To cut a long story short, I sought advice from the duty sergeant, as to what I should do, because being one out, I couldn't handle him ? I can even remember the dogs name 'Ross' ? I was instructed to destroy the dog in the interests of public safety ?

In those days, during F/A training, you're taught how to humanely destroy a dog, even cattle ! And all uniform police carried the same Mod 10/3 .38 Spec. 125g semi hollow point. Quite capable of doing the job.

Well, to my everlasting shame I made a complete mess of it ? Requiring a second shot. Police MUST submit a substantial report whenever they discharge their official F/A. Being on a 1500h - 2300h shift, the following afternoon at muster, I was paraded before the Inspector, and absolutely berated, and reviled for my lack of professionalism, bringing the police force into disrepute - even high treason, had the boss been able to 'fit me up' with it.

And I deserved everything I got, everything ! Much worse though, I can still hear that awful 'shriek or howl' of pain, coming from that poor animal. Because I was the silly bastard who couldn't do his job !

Sometimes shooting an animal can be a bit hard as you've found o sung wu.

I had to put down a kangaroo recently. Usually it is them smashing my fences, particularly the electric fences I use to confine the stallion.

This one must have crashed into a gate or strainer post. None of the others could have smashed it's hip the way it was, the posts usually just get knocked over.

Unlike a severely injured horse or cow, which will usually lie still, this thing was thrashing around quite a bit. Their hind legs are pretty dangerous, & to keep myself clear of them, & get a clean shot in the back of it's head was not easy

Hi HASBEEN...

Indeed it is not. Thank God I've never had to do such a thing again. I hit a big red on a graded Road, between Mungindi, NSW and St George Queensland, all black soil country. He lay kicking around, from what I could see in the rear mirror. But by the time I stopped, and reversed back, he must have had the presence of mind to head into the scrub ? There was substantial front panel damage to the Rent-A-Car I was driving at the time. Informed St George coppers, they weren't particularly interested other than if there was a road hazard ? Country and city coppers are usually worlds apart.

Being a bushie, I guess you can cope a little better with these sorts of animal issues, far better than us city blokes ? Not saying, you take it all in your stride, but you can handle it far more professionally than someone like me for example. The 'plurry' mess I made of shooting that dog, was very shameful, and the verbal 'dressing down' I copped from the Inspector for my sins, was very well deserved indeed.

The dogs owner, a lady, who was the original informant, reported my poor handling of the dogs destruction, not so much in the form of an official complaint, rather the 'botched job' I'd made of the whole affair. Needless to say, I'm sure she never wanted to see the back of my head ever again. The single worst moment ever ?

Hi FOXY...

I share your thoughts concerning the Royal Lineage of the sleek Siamese Cat. They do possess that regal, almost commanding presence about themselves ? I would think that some breeds of cat do take some time and patience to groom them. Still that's half the fun, tending to the needs of our pets.

I'm sorry to hear of your Husband's bad back. And I can only appreciate how hard it must be for him to tolerate the pain, and the need to put up with the restricted movement he has with it on most occasions. The pethidine shots certainly provide some immediate relieve, only to have the infernal pain to once more return in a few short hours after each injection ?

Perhaps his pain, and your concern for his pain, may mysteriously vanish over this upcoming Christmas period. I can only hope for you FOXY ? I'll say goodnight to you both.

This is a really lovely thread to be following and to see how everybody treasures their animals in their lives. I know of a friend who's kept the remains of his pets in storage just simply because they made such a big impact on him that he couldn't bear to part with them! It's a bit creepy, but really rather touching at the same time don't you think?

G'day UDYREGAN...

A little creepy for sure but it does establish just how close we all do become with our pets. I guess it's all about trust, unfettered loyalty, the unconditional love our pets seem to have for us ? No matter what 'wrongs' we occasion to our animals; late with their tea, leaving them behind when we go out, or ignoring them when visitors are about, whatever we've done, they always seem to forgive us, and their love and attachment never wavers ?

Perhaps we all should make a special effort to 'include' our beloved pets, in our Christmas celebrations ? What better way to show them how much we love, value, and cherish them in kind ?

Have a really great, and safe Christmas, please UDYREGAN !