floella

Hello Any H.E.'S lurking in dep 79 or not too far away? It would be really good to get together for children to socialize and for parents to share info.

Christine/Suninfrance Do you think there would be any interest in a funraising  social dog walk? (for animal aid/Phenoix)  Pedigree's, rescues, everybody welcome. We could organize one in each dept interested?! Just an idea forming.  I would be happy run the first from our house in  the St Maxient area -dept 79.  We have lots of space to asemble and serve refreshments and  lots of woodland/lane walks for miles. Short and long routes.  True dog lovers walk in all weathers this could be a regular thing avoiding Sundays and Thursdays due to Chasse.    It would be an active way of linking up and networking to help more dogs. Many of the dogs already rescued would love a day out like this! Who's interested????????  Maybe something similar is already up and running and I dont know about it? If so let me know and I will join in!  

Mishtoon.  Do exactly what you ask. Bury your friend at home. It is ok. Your vet will come out to you. It is better that way. Thinking of you.  

Thanks for that Clair.

If I live in France with my two children but dont work so I lose their UK child benefit. My husband still works in the UK and pays all his tax and contributions (step dad). Can I claim anything for help supporting the children here in France?  

No problem Nicos - Let me know if you need to know anything else horse related. Will do my best to help.

P2 Its very common for rescue dogs to have lots of anxieties that show up in different ways. Please take time and patience with your Doberman rather than find a punishing quick fix. Even a tingle can have an adverse affect from an electric collar if the animal is the slightest bit  anxious or nervous. We have in the past had different breeds in for retraining with running off and chasing problems. They all had stress triggers, for example one Old English sheep dog would never leave his new owners side unless he saw children in the distance then no amount of calling would get him back. (It seemed the dog was always convinced that the children were friends he knew-possibly from a previous family that had owned him) Others  dogs would disappear after bikes or horses, not anything and everything just particular familiar objects or noises from the past. Most of those dogs were helped by routine and structure work i.e.  takeing the dog  towards the trigger objects or sounds (once identified) but on a long line. The owner was taught not to react even if the dog did but to let the long line out after the dog. At the moment the long line is about to bring the dog to a halt the owner blows a dog whistle to coincide with the halt (20ft) The owner then walks calmly to the dog gathering the long line without yanking or shouting. On arrival at the dog praise is given and treats of cooked liver given to divert attention and briskly walk in a different direction with the dog praising and keeping his attention. This obviously has to be set up in a safe area and can be a process of maybe a few days work or weeks of repatition depending on the level of anxiety the dog is in but it does work with contenuity and patience. I hope this helps.

We use Sky Horse Transport run and owned by Philip Hirst (endurance rider). He is based in Mid - Wales but picks up all over and delivers regularly throughout France. I cannot recommend him enough and if you use google you will find the details. Our 30 year old mare looked as if she had come no more than five miles down the road on arrival. Plus we had a nervous loader and Philip takes as much time as the horse needs. I would use him every time. He does not quote silly prices and stays with the horses during the crossing.  

I second sky transport - you wont get quoted such silly prices but you will get complete piece of mind as he is professional through and through.  He not only moved our youngsters to france but a very old pony too. She looked as though she had just been driven around the corner when she arrived, not a hint of stress. He also brought one of our dogs. Would use Philip every time.

Hi everybody. Just a quick question. Where over here do you get horse feed. Straights and ready mixes? The local garden centre sell nuts of a kind but thats no use to us.  Thinking ahead for winter. We have youngsters and the aged to feed. Dept 79.  Also two with respiratory problems so shavings needed. Thanks.