Rowan

To continue my thread, below, I decided to rescue the little beagle from the SPA at Carcassonne. She was at the vets yesterday for teeth, sterilisation and X-rays (she limps very badly) and now she is safely sleeping in her basket. She weighs in at a massive 6.5kg, and has been used as a puppy breeding machine, with several badly performed caesarians. She lost 2 teeth, which couldn't be saved and will be on anti-inflamatories for the rest of her life, but at least she is safe and warm and loved now. Poor little mite. If I knew how to upload photos I would do so. She is SO pretty and I love her already. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me (esp ValB) to go ahead. The vet was very good about the cost, too and reduced it to the bare minimum he could without risking his job! I have called her Lily.

Oh, I am very weak! Especially when it comes to beagles....But there are so many lovely dogs at Carcassonne SPA (and in all the other refuges, I am sure) and when you only have room for one more it is hard to decide. We have a huge garden and a very active lifestyle, and they would benefit a much more active dog, whereas anyone could take this little lady, even someone in a flat. Problem is, I have convinced myself that no one could take as good care of her as I can... Will keep you posted!

Thanks again Christine.

Christine Many thanks. Quite an odd system (or systems). Rowan

Thanks, Chrissie Yes, I think things like this are much cheaper over here, but as you can imagine it is not just about money...Having just lost a dog in a tragic accident, I am not ready to lose one any time soon (or ever)! But I don't think anyone else is going to take this little lady, so I am prepared to do so. As long as my rather grumpy terrier will accept her. But she will be no threat to him, so he should be okay. Rowan

Christine (as the expert) Do you know why not all SPAs benefit from this, please? I know there are two types of SPA, one that can pick and choose the dogs it takes and one that is obliged to take all-comers. Can you explain why this difference, please? And is this why the Carcassonne SPA is not listed on the central SPA website? Many thanks! Rowan

In desperate need of volunteers, too, if anyone fancies joining me.....

Some of my thread about rescue dog's teeth has gone too.Will this be sorted out does anyone know, please?

Help please! There is a lovely dog at the Carcassonne SPA. A teeny tiny beagle. She is about 8 and is very very timid. She has some arthritis in her front left leg, and her teeth are in a terrible state. One of the incisors is completely coated with really black tartar. Part of me would like to give her a home, but part of me doesn't think i can stand the heartache (just lost a beagle before Xmas) and also I don't think it would be fair to take her and not look after her to the absolute best of my ability, which means getting her teeth done.Has anyone any idea how much this is likely to cost in France? Had our last beagle's done in UK and it was £400.... Thanks for any words of wisdom!

Thanks Val. That is the reason I have got involved with the SPA at Carcassonne; they dealt (very sensitively) with us when we had to go and collect the body. Nice people doing a tough job.

Not sure if it is generally known that there is a SPA in Carcassonne. For some reason there is no link to it on the main SPA website, cos the Carcassonne website is run by volunteers (the SPA itself doesn't have internet). There are some really lovely dogs there...And cats, of course! The details can be found on their website (http://spacarcassonne.e-monsite.com), along with pictures of many of the dogs and a map of how to get there!

My beagle was killed on the road just before Christmas, and all I can say is that it would be lovely to think the driver cared anywhere like as much as your friend. But I don't blame the driver, and I hope your friend doesn't feel responsible for the dog. She didn't do it deliberately. It is just one of those things.

It is from an actual reading. Thanks for everyone's feedback on this. Sounds like we will just have to get used to bigger bills down here. Strill beats the hell out of living in England, tho'!

Have done a search and although there are similar posts, nothing exactly what I am looking for. We have just had our first "proper" bill (ie first after moving here full time). We have gas heating, so can't blame it on that, but does just short of €300 sound okay for 6 months? More than I expected, I must admit, but we had a pool pump on for 3 months, plus TV and stereo etc....If it sounds okay I will be happy, just want to know. About twice what it was for the last 6 month (winter) period, but we weren't here full time then. Ta!

Mimi Many thanks for that link, a new website for me. Arok has a home now (phew) but, as you say, lots of other dogs to be rehomed! Rowan

All our stamps are black, too, and we have never had any trouble. Done the crossing about 12 times. Don't think the people at the ports enforce a rule that is clearly daft! Don't fret!

I am in Carcassonne and despite the huge number of Brits in the area, there don't seem to be any rescue centres or organisations apart from the SPA...They have nothing suitable at the moment (we want a small dog, for sure). If anyone hears of a dog that may be suitable, could they let me know, please? Thanks for your sympathy. Can't ever remember crying this much. Incredible, the effect animals can have on you, isn't it?

I feel exactly the same about our beagle. We failed him, should have kept him on the lead. But loads of people who knew him have assured us that he would have been miserable had we not let him be true to his nature. You did the right thing with your cat, animals need freedom.

Having just lost our dog in an accident, I know what you are going through. At least if they are old or ill, you have some warning and some time to prepare emotionally. Hope the healing process doesn't take too long. I still cry buckets every day, but it is only 3 weeks ago that we lost Bravo.....

Can anyone give me some advice please? Our much-loved little beagle died very unexpectedly just before Xmas. We are bereft, as is his companion of 6 years, a rescued terrier, who is about 9 ish. I would like another dog, as I think it would be good both for Scout and for me, plus it seems selfish not to,as we have a big garden and we both work from home and already spend about 2 hours a day walking Scout. My problem is, whilst the beagle was alive, Scout was very much in the background, as the beagle was the alpha dog. Scout is now getting (and seems to be enjoying) all the attention. Is he likely to resent another dog in the family? Would it be better to get another alpha to try and put Scout back in his old position (he chose the beagle from a selection of about 10 at the rescue centre, and we have taken him to the local SPA to look for dogs, but I think he found it quite stressful there, or maybe it was too soon after we lost the beagle). Or should we get a puppy so he is not at all threatened by the newcomer? In case anyone is wondering, no, he is not waiting for the beagle to reappear, cos he was shown the body and has not done any searching type things. Has anyone had a similar experience or does anyone have any insights as to what might be best, please? Thanks.

Yes, my unhappy face was relating to the dog death, not the over-prescribing. In fact my vet here seems to be excellent in that respect. And compared to the UK, the costs seems excellent. Beagle had a lump in his armpit. Vet took a biopsy, peered through a micrscope and declared all to be well. Only paid hte usual consultation charge. In UK that would have been a major deal, with costs to match. Does anyone insure their pets here, by the way, or as treatment is so cheap, do people just fork out as required?  

Hi Anton Thanks for your response. The PVR is a Humax 8000T and the freesat box is also Humax , a Foxsat-HD. Rowan

Would appreciate any help on the following: I have a Freeview digibox plugged into my PVR RGB input. I can view the Freeview channels via the PVR, but is it possible for me to record the freeview programmes? So far I can only record the French channels which are coming into the PVR via the analogue arial. I have tried unplugging the analogue arial, but this doesn't seem to solve the problem. Many thanks. Rowan

That looks like the bunny! Many thanks!

:(((