Now for something completely different

[NSWP]

Graham has the red carpet waiting mate for spethial people like you.

Edited October 12, 2022 by NSWP

[MMDown Under]

1 hour ago, NSWP said:

Does your medico son bulk bill you?  lol.  Come down here, 99% of the doctors hit you for 80 or 90 bucks a visit, concession card or not.

Come to GC  All my doctors bulk bill.  GP in Parramatta bulk billed.  1 st ultrasound specialist said it would cost me $100 (no thanks) 2nd ultrasound specialist no charge.  I'm surprised there is no competition where you live,.  You have to shop around.  

[Mareblu]

3 hours ago, possum52 said:

I have been out of action for three weeks. I badly twisted my right knee - torn meninscus, strained muscles, tendons and ligaments. Hoping to avoid surgery so am doing everything physio wants me to do. I thought I had a good pain threshold but either I don't or the pain from this injury is severe. The knee is still painful after three weeks and it has also affected my lower back. Ice packs and heat packs are being well used. Using crutches has been so hard as I am unco at any time. Anyway, now just using one crutch when I go outside. Physo says it will be another few weeks before I feel I am getting back to normal. 

Oh Leigh, so very sorry to hear all that.  A torn meniscus is extremely painful.  I know from experience.  I also had a baker’s cyst with mine.  Believe it or not, stem cell therapy, in its infancy, cleared all that up for me.  I’ve had a total knee replacement on the other leg.  Years of skiing to blame, probably, but I wouldn’t change a thing.  Our very best wishes for a speedy recovery, with no mire of that terrible pain.

[possum52]

2 hours ago, Mareblu said:

Oh Leigh, so very sorry to hear all that.  A torn meniscus is extremely painful.  I know from experience.  I also had a baker’s cyst with mine.  Believe it or not, stem cell therapy, in its infancy, cleared all that up for me.  I’ve had a total knee replacement on the other leg.  Years of skiing to blame, probably, but I wouldn’t change a thing.  Our very best wishes for a speedy recovery, with no mire of that terrible pain.

Thanks Linda, I have a Baker's cyst on my left knee, thank goodness it is not playing up at the moment. If the pain would decrease, I would be fine. 

[NSWP]

6 hours ago, MMDown Under said:

Come to GC  All my doctors bulk bill.  GP in Parramatta bulk billed.  1 st ultrasound specialist said it would cost me $100 (no thanks) 2nd ultrasound specialist no charge.  I'm surprised there is no competition where you live,.  You have to shop around.  

You can shop around all you like down here, they charge full freight. I had to go to Docs yesterday for my B12 shot. I had my own B12 stuff, but a 10 second injection from the practice nurse cost me $40. Rogues. Had an ultrasound the other week, $200 after the medicare rebate, rogues.

[NSWP]

6 hours ago, MMDown Under said:

Come to GC  All my doctors bulk bill.  GP in Parramatta bulk billed.  1 st ultrasound specialist said it would cost me $100 (no thanks) 2nd ultrasound specialist no charge.  I'm surprised there is no competition where you live,.  You have to shop around.  

You must have Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card or Concession Card, I do not.

[GUT2407]

2 minutes ago, NSWP said:

You must have Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card or Concession Card, I do not.

Yeah I had a concession card till I gave up work, go figure, and not old enough for seniors health card, plus Mrs G still earns a pretty good income.

 

[MMDown Under]

7 hours ago, GUT2407 said:

Yeah I had a concession card till I gave up work, go figure, and not old enough for seniors health card, plus Mrs G still earns a pretty good income.

 

yes strange there are a lot of anomalies in the welfare system.  We didn't get any Government assistance when our children went through Uni because we both worked.  Yet my daughters' friends got Austudy allowance throughout uni whilst living in houses their parents bought for them to live in near the uni. 

[MMDown Under]

16 hours ago, GUT2407 said:

Yeah I had a concession card till I gave up work, go figure, and not old enough for seniors health card, plus Mrs G still earns a pretty good income.

 

Forgot to ask does Maxy take much grooming not for showing?  My daughters have whippets which take no grooming.  

[GUT2407]

9 minutes ago, MMDown Under said:

Forgot to ask does Maxy take much grooming not for showing?  My daughters have whippets which take no grooming.  

Being not shown he just gets clippers ran over him every month or so, (takes half hour tops) the fact that they don’t shed much if at all makes them less work that the Dalmatians who left fur everywhere. If we were showing him it would be a lot more work with hand stripping and skirts and fluffier legs. 
 

Ithen run a brush through his beard a couple of times a week, especially if he has been getting something a bit sticky like ice cream.

[MMDown Under]

22 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

Being not shown he just gets clippers ran over him every month or so, (takes half hour tops) the fact that they don’t shed much if at all makes them less work that the Dalmatians who left fur everywhere. If we were showing him it would be a lot more work with hand stripping and skirts and fluffier legs. 
 

Ithen run a brush through his beard a couple of times a week, especially if he has been getting something a bit sticky like ice cream.

That is manageable.  I enjoy watching different breeds of dogs be groomed at the Show.  Did I mention a tiny dog whose name I cant spell won best in show at Adelaide?

[GUT2407]

15 minutes ago, MMDown Under said:

That is manageable.  I enjoy watching different breeds of dogs be groomed at the Show.  Did I mention a tiny dog whose name I cant spell won best in show at Adelaide?

A Chihuahua went BIS at Adelaide Royal, a Mini Schnauzer got Baby in Show not sure of the colour but my Father in law has one it’s a little ankle nipper

[MMDown Under]

Just now, GUT2407 said:

A Chihuahua went BIS at Adelaide Royal, a Mini Schnauzer got Baby in Show not sure of the colour but my Father in law has one it’s a little ankle nipper

Yes that was it.  They said it didn't put a foot wrong. No wonder I couldn't spell it  Watching BIS is a good way to see a variety of dogs.  I don't know how they compare the different breeds though.  My neighbour had a schnauzer which was the most affectionate dog I'd ever seen 

[GUT2407]

5 minutes ago, MMDown Under said:

Yes that was it.  They said it didn't put a foot wrong. No wonder I couldn't spell it  Watching BIS is a good way to see a variety of dogs.  I don't know how they compare the different breeds though.  My neighbour had a schnauzer which was the most affectionate dog I'd ever seen 

I did a bit of judging many years ago, only at Child handlers or open level, never got around to doing the Champion show exams (was too busy sitting law exams and the setting up my practice) comparing two dogs of the same breed is pretty easy, but two dogs of different breeds comes down to which of them most closely meets the breed standard, and of course at the end of the day it is one person’s opinion.

 

My Maxy is sure affectionate, but then I told the breeder that Iwanted a dog that would curl up with me when I was in pain, and like the great breeder she is, she said “we will get that with this litter” and she was spot on.

[MMDown Under]

1 minute ago, GUT2407 said:

I did a bit of judging many years ago, only at Child handlers or open level, never got around to doing the Champion show exams (was too busy sitting law exams and the setting up my practice) comparing two dogs of the same breed is pretty easy, but two dogs of different breeds comes down to which of them most closely meets the breed standard, and of course at the end of the day it is one person’s opinion.

 

My Maxy is sure affectionate, but then I told the breeder that Iwanted a dog that would curl up with me when I was in pain, and like the great breeder she is, she said “we will get that with this litter” and she was spot on.

Yes, my daughter worked for a breeder (home help) so she observed the nature of different dogs and chose well for her dog and other family dogs.  We always enjoyed watching child handlers in the lunch break at the Ekka. That is exactly what the lady sitting next to me said (most closely met the breed standard).  People in the stands don't always agree with the judge's opinion.  .  

[GUT2407]

28 minutes ago, MMDown Under said:

Yes, my daughter worked for a breeder (home help) so she observed the nature of different dogs and chose well for her dog and other family dogs.  We always enjoyed watching child handlers in the lunch break at the Ekka. That is exactly what the lady sitting next to me said (most closely met the breed standard).  People in the stands don't always agree with the judge's opinion.  .  

People in the ring and other judges don’t always agree with their opinion, but it is like any contest where there is “judging” involved, you also get some rather unsavoury situations, I’m judging you this week but will be showing and you judging next month (I’ll scratch your back if …)

[MMDown Under]

3 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

People in the ring and other judges don’t always agree with their opinion, but it is like any contest where there is “judging” involved, you also get some rather unsavoury situations, I’m judging you this week but will be showing and you judging next month (I’ll scratch your back if …)

Yes I imagine that could happen as it is not a precise science.  However you can tell when it is a popular decision with the crowd.

[GUT2407]

18 hours ago, MMDown Under said:

Yes I imagine that could happen as it is not a precise science.  However you can tell when it is a popular decision with the crowd.

Unfortunately most of the crowd have no idea of the breed standard, in fact most of those showing don’t know the standard for other breeds, and I’m afraid some don’t know their own standard. Things like height, markings, eye colour, disqualifying or undesirable features

 

I know a few judges who before each breed pull out a card with the standard on it and refresh their own memory, s9me who have been judging for years.

 

For example the Australian Mini Schnauzer Standard is

 

Group:

Group 6 (Utility)

History:

General Appearance:

Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or other purely 'beauty' points.

Characteristics:

Well balanced, smart, stylish and adaptable.

Temperament:

Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.

Head And Skull:

Head strong and of good length, narrowing from ears to eyes and then gradually forward toward end of nose. Upper part of the head (occiput to the base of forehead) moderately broad between ears. Flat, creaseless forehead; well muscled but not too strongly developed cheeks. Medium stop to accentuate prominent eyebrows. Powerful muzzle ending in a moderately blunt line, with bristly, stubby moustache and chin whiskers. Ridge of nose straight and running almost parallel to extension of forehead. Nose black with wide nostrils. Lips tight but not overlapping.

Eyes:

Medium sized, dark, oval, set forward, with arched bushy eyebrows.

Ears:

Neat, V-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple.

Mouth:

Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck:

Moderately long, strong and slightly arched; skin close to throat; neck set cleanly on shoulders.

Forequarters:

Shoulders flat and well laid. Forelegs straight viewed from any angle. Muscles smooth and lithe rather than prominent; bone strong, straight and carried well down to feet; elbows close to body and pointing directly backwards.

Body:

Chest moderately broad, deep with visible strong breastbone reaching at least to height of elbow rising slightly backward to loins. Back strong and straight, slightly higher at shoulder than at hindquarters, with short, well developed loins. Ribs well sprung. Length of body equal to height from top of withers to ground.

Hindquarters:

Thighs slanting and flat but strongly muscled. Hindlegs (upper and lower thighs) at first vertical to the stifle; from stifle to hock, in line with the extension of the upper neck line; from hock, vertical to ground.

Feet:

Short, round, cat-like, compact with closely arched toes, dark nails, firm black pads, feet pointing forward.

Tail:

Docked: Set on and carried high, customarily docked to three [3] joints.
Undocked: Set on and carried high, of moderate length to give general balance to the dog. Thick at root and tapering towards the tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily.

Gait/Movement:

Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in forequarters and good driving power in hindquarters. Topline remains level in action.

Coat:

Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness, dense undercoat. Clean on neck and shoulders, ears and skull. Harsh hair on legs. Furnishings fairly thick but not silky.

Colour:

- Pepper and salt – shades range from dark iron grey to light grey. Hairs banded dark/light/dark. Dark facial mask to harmonise with corresponding coat colour.

- Pure Black.

- Black and silver – solid black with silver markings on eyebrows, muzzle, chest, brisket, forelegs below point of elbow, inside of hindlegs below stifle joint, vent and under tail.

- White.

Good pigmentation essential in all colours.

Sizes:

Ideal height:

Dogs 36 cms (14 ins) 

Bitches 33 cms (13 ins) 

Too small, toyish appearing dogs are not typical and undesirable

Faults:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes:

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

[NSWP]

MELBOURNE FLOODS: Some serious flooding around Melbourne, I trust you all out there are handling it ok.

 

All the best guys.

[MicCanberra]

Getting on a ship may help, stay safe.

[MMDown Under]

30 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

Unfortunately most of the crowd have no idea of the breed standard, in fact most of those showing don’t know the standard for other breeds, and I’m afraid some don’t know their own standard. Things like height, markings, eye colour, disqualifying or undesirable features

 

I know a few judges who before each breed pull out a card with the standard on it and refresh their own memory, s9me who have been judging for years.

 

For example the Australian Mini Schnauzer Standard is

 

Group:

Group 6 (Utility)

History:

General Appearance:

Sturdily built, robust, sinewy, nearly square, (length of body equal to height at shoulders). Expression keen and attitude alert. Correct conformation is of more importance than colour or other purely 'beauty' points.

Characteristics:

Well balanced, smart, stylish and adaptable.

Temperament:

Alert, reliable and intelligent. Primarily a companion dog.

Head And Skull:

Head strong and of good length, narrowing from ears to eyes and then gradually forward toward end of nose. Upper part of the head (occiput to the base of forehead) moderately broad between ears. Flat, creaseless forehead; well muscled but not too strongly developed cheeks. Medium stop to accentuate prominent eyebrows. Powerful muzzle ending in a moderately blunt line, with bristly, stubby moustache and chin whiskers. Ridge of nose straight and running almost parallel to extension of forehead. Nose black with wide nostrils. Lips tight but not overlapping.

Eyes:

Medium sized, dark, oval, set forward, with arched bushy eyebrows.

Ears:

Neat, V-shaped, set high and dropping forward to temple.

Mouth:

Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck:

Moderately long, strong and slightly arched; skin close to throat; neck set cleanly on shoulders.

Forequarters:

Shoulders flat and well laid. Forelegs straight viewed from any angle. Muscles smooth and lithe rather than prominent; bone strong, straight and carried well down to feet; elbows close to body and pointing directly backwards.

Body:

Chest moderately broad, deep with visible strong breastbone reaching at least to height of elbow rising slightly backward to loins. Back strong and straight, slightly higher at shoulder than at hindquarters, with short, well developed loins. Ribs well sprung. Length of body equal to height from top of withers to ground.

Hindquarters:

Thighs slanting and flat but strongly muscled. Hindlegs (upper and lower thighs) at first vertical to the stifle; from stifle to hock, in line with the extension of the upper neck line; from hock, vertical to ground.

Feet:

Short, round, cat-like, compact with closely arched toes, dark nails, firm black pads, feet pointing forward.

Tail:

Docked: Set on and carried high, customarily docked to three [3] joints.
Undocked: Set on and carried high, of moderate length to give general balance to the dog. Thick at root and tapering towards the tip, as straight as possible, carried jauntily.

Gait/Movement:

Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in forequarters and good driving power in hindquarters. Topline remains level in action.

Coat:

Harsh, wiry and short enough for smartness, dense undercoat. Clean on neck and shoulders, ears and skull. Harsh hair on legs. Furnishings fairly thick but not silky.

Colour:

- Pepper and salt – shades range from dark iron grey to light grey. Hairs banded dark/light/dark. Dark facial mask to harmonise with corresponding coat colour.

- Pure Black.

- Black and silver – solid black with silver markings on eyebrows, muzzle, chest, brisket, forelegs below point of elbow, inside of hindlegs below stifle joint, vent and under tail.

- White.

Good pigmentation essential in all colours.

Sizes:

Ideal height:

Dogs 36 cms (14 ins) 

Bitches 33 cms (13 ins) 

Too small, toyish appearing dogs are not typical and undesirable

Faults:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes:

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Wow did you type all that?  Looks as hard to master for a multitude of breeds for BIS, as a Law Degree. I was talking to a GC Whippet Breeder, with the cutest whippet, who said whippets can be no higher than a certain height.  Our big male whippet wouldn't stand a chance but the girl is smaller.  

[GUT2407]

55 minutes ago, MMDown Under said:

Wow did you type all that?  Looks as hard to master for a multitude of breeds for BIS, as a Law Degree. I was talking to a GC Whippet Breeder, with the cutest whippet, who said whippets can be no higher than a certain height.  Our big male whippet wouldn't stand a chance but the girl is smaller.  

No just cut and pasted here, all breeds have one like that, others also publish an extended standard with pictures and more detail, they are all online here is the Whippet

 

https://ankc.org.au/media/pdf/635576271176242750_28fcf131-0f7a-49e0-a3d5-b29cb7097864.pdf

[MMDown Under]

12 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

No just cut and pasted here, all breeds have one like that, others also publish an extended standard with pictures and more detail, they are all online here is the Whippet

 

https://ankc.org.au/media/pdf/635576271176242750_28fcf131-0f7a-49e0-a3d5-b29cb7097864.pdf

Thank you very much.  Enjoying reading the history.  When girls got the whippets,  I said they were the ugliest dogs I'd ever seen - all legs - but they are so affectionate they soon win you over.  Waited until I was asleep then got in my bed, so they are smart dogs.  

[mr walker]

20 hours ago, GUT2407 said:

People in the ring and other judges don’t always agree with their opinion, but it is like any contest where there is “judging” involved, you also get some rather unsavoury situations, I’m judging you this week but will be showing and you judging next month (I’ll scratch your back if …)

I worked with a bloke for many years, who's wife showed Red Setters around the Sydney & surrounding areas. He would always say that the judges judged the handlers rather than the dogs. He claimed that they would turn up to a show and see who the judges were, and knew immediately that they had no chance 🙂 

I guess the ones that didn't win each time would have had a similar story.

[GUT2407]

5 minutes ago, mr walker said:

I worked with a bloke for many years, who's wife showed Red Setters around the Sydney & surrounding areas. He would always say that the judges judged the handlers rather than the dogs. He claimed that they would turn up to a show and see who the judges were, and knew immediately that they had no chance 🙂 

I guess the ones that didn't win each time would have had a similar story.

Certainly some Judges do seem to judge the face not the dog,  but they are Judges I would see on the entry form and not enter that show., The whole idea behind confirmation showing is to improve the breed by breeding dogs as close to the standard as possible and every breed I have been involved in my goal (or wish) was that at the end of my time the breed as a whole would be better than at the start of my time, I like to think that I did a little towards that goal.

 

But my main reason was simply a love of animals.