Green-ish

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 10:13

Far out gingercat. I'm SO very sorry this is happening to you. I'm afraid I don't have much advice except to have a Plan B. It may well happen that you need to leave. Don't stay there if it means using all of your available funds. I really hope your husband finds an amazing job and that this stress passes quickly for you. Pay particular attention to your health now. Really listen to your body and don't let this stress take its toll on you. xx

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 10:06

Its so hard here. I had to give up a full time job as my 3 yr old just didn't cope well with being in full time nursery and I don't have a maid. I am looking for part time work but unless you get a job in a school there will always be the worry of the school holidays. Its a nightmare. Is it really harder any in Dubai? Isn't being a working Mum potentially a bit of a nightmare no matter where you are? I'm back in Aus and my unpaid leave finishes soon so I have to return to full-time work or resign. Working again *should* be relatively easy for me as I'm a teacher, so at least I'm home for the holidays. But, I will still have to ferry three small children to two different outside-school-hour care places a long time before the school day starts so that I can get to my workplace on time. Then two of them somehow have to get to after-school care since I just can't be there in time to pick them up. If any of them are sick and can't go to school or kindy, I don't know what I'll do. How do I manage teacher-only days at school?? Or after hours teacher-parent meetings?? Far out, I have NO idea how women who work longer hours, 50 weeks a year do it!! I'm freaking out about returning to work and not convinced it's any harder in Dubai than it is anywhere else in the world. I'm in my home country and I don't have friends or family who can have them for all of the outside school hours. In fact, if I was in Dubai and had a trusted maid/nanny, it would be a LOT easier than it's going to be here. <em>edited by Green-ish on 11/02/2012</em>

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 09:50

It states very clearly on the Police website that this is illegal...... http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/jsps/content/flat-content.do?contentCode=INF_BNK_21 (no 76) TBH i am actually quite shocked that anyone would think that this WOULD be legal bearing in mind that decency laws here also mention clothes with slogans etc. Okay...but are you shocked that many of the other laws listed there are broken constantly by people that are fully aware of these laws? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm No - but on the same token am not shocked when they are fined either!!! I'm not shocked either and often not terribly sympathetic. As I said before, ignorance of the law is no excuse but just how are new arrivals supposed to find out all of these things?

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 09:47

It states very clearly on the Police website that this is illegal...... http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/jsps/content/flat-content.do?contentCode=INF_BNK_21 (no 76) TBH i am actually quite shocked that anyone would think that this WOULD be legal bearing in mind that decency laws here also mention clothes with slogans etc. But this illustrates my point...how do people who first arrive know how to find all of these little lists of sometimes odd rules? Using only this list as an example, what on Earth is "Using horn in a disturbing way" and why on Earth is it illegal to open the left door of a taxi? I'm not meaning to start a debate on odd rules, but trying to point out that there are MANY here that are indeed odd & obscure and not clearly associated with obviously cultural issues. No matter how long something has been the law, we can't assume everybody knows. In a country with literally thousands of new residents arriving every month, surely there should be an easy reference for the 'rules'? Oh, and I fail to see your link between decency laws on clothing slogans and a for sale sign.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 03:49

I don't know what the answer is but these are great examples, busybee, of how hard it can be to settle into life in the UAE and avoid trouble while getting to know the local laws. Not all expat women jump straight onto this site so not everyone has the instant access to the local knowledge available here. How ridiculous, in a country where even the most basic rules are not made clear, that earlier in this thread people were suggesting that not knowing about something makes one a "moron". I was in Dubai for three years before I joined EW but count myself lucky because I did find a mothers' group that I jelled with very quickly and that was an easy way to find out about life in Dubai. I got pretty familiar with the country and the laws, but I bet there are lots of rules I don't know. There's no easy fix. When it comes to breaking the law, ignorance is never an excuse, but there is also no one definitive place that all newcomers can go to learn the rules. Of course, all made doubly hard because things can change day to day without clear notification to all of the changes.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 03:36

Thanks nomad. xx (but no cats for me so that was someone else. ;) ) I'm not looking for sympathy. :D Just trying to illustrate that a (really) bad experience does not necessarily turn us all off a place.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 02:56

I hope you have found the cause and it's all healed soon Pooka. :) I 100% agree that nobody knows their child like Mum does! Keep in mind though that babies and children can actually either have or develop allergies or intolerances that don't surface until they are older [u'>or[/u'> something triggers the allergy or intolerance [u'>or[/u'> another infection/inflammation weakens the system. For example, nappies that have been working fine until now, can actually cause an inflammation to continue or worsen if the weakened skin is now sensitive to the chemicals in that nappy brand. I'm just saying, things change and what has worked thus far will not necessarily work all of the time. I think, as parents, we all need to develop the smile-and-nod when people give advice and not get our blood pressure up about anything others have to say. 99% of the time, other parents are well-meaning when they give advice. Sometimes their wording might get our backs up. Sometimes what they offer is complete tosh. The key is to not take anything personally, listen to what they have to say, do some research if we think they raise any valid points, ignore anything that doesn't sit well with us...then take a course of action that works for our situation. If you are confident you're doing the right thing, nobody can make you feel bad. PLEASE don't take the following personally...I'm just going to use our 'conversation' as an example of what I'm talking about above. :D It actually [u'>sounds like[/u'> you had no intention of listening to advice anyway. You would not take on board any nappy change suggestions because you're already an expert on that and you were going to go off and make your own diagnosis anyway. I *could* stomp my feet and SHOUT, "why ask and waste my typing time?" Or I can think, "good for you! You've put the question out there but found something that works for you anyway." For our entire parenting journey, people will have advice and opinions. What we need to learn to do is have confidence in our own abilities and smile-and-nod at the unwanted or useless input. If we don't get our blood pressure up about that stuff, there will be no stress that results in a "rant". :) <em>edited by Green-ish on 11/02/2012</em>

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 02:34

with a couple of factual inaccuracies what she says is true.... she's just allowing the negativity to take over. An absolute example of how your attitude towards something determines how tolerable or enjoyable it is for you. To be honest her tone sounds to me as if she would be this miserable about anywhere she lived. Dubai, like life, is what you make it.... imo. Agreed 100%. I feel for her and the negative head space she was clearly in at the time but you hit the nail on the head there Sue... Life is what you make it, no matter where you live.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 02:33

There will aways be positives and negatives,that is what makes life what it is. I have friends who have had really bad experiences here, through no fault of their own ( yes property related). They have lost everything.Contracts, being work, property,mortgages etc. here, are very tenuous to say the least. Everyone has the right to their own opinion positive or negative. Yes there are many things I loved about DXB and there are some that drove me nuts. Still miss it, warts and all. Here's something I've never disclosed here before... We lost everything (financailly) while in Dubai. We are in our 40's and starting from scratch after deciding to risk property investment in Dubai. Have I ever sounded negative about Dubai? No, and I think that's because I'm generally a glass half full person. Sure, I have my moments but, financially speaking, our life could not have been more stressful over the last two years. There have been many weeks where I just didn't know where the money was going to come from to feed the children. So I agree with some posters below...some people are just more negative than others and no matter their circumstances, will find something to moan/whinge/complain about. In my case, we knew the risks, we took the risk and we lost. Nobody's fault but ours so I just have to suck it up and get on with life.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 14:10

Just saw this on the FB page... http://www.glutenfree-supermarket.ae/

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 14:05

Have an adult visitor arriving soon who is coeliac. I have no idea where to go for breakfast cereal and bread mostly, biscuits too. Do I need the organic cafe or do c4 and spinneys stock gluten free products. He is coming from Australia so price-wise is it cheaper to bring some food with him or is there a good range here with comparable prices to Oz? Secondly, can you recommend any restaurants or hotels who offer gluten free meals as standard and understand this condition? Obviously he can live on salads etc but would like to take my mum to an afternoon tea so it would be good to know he could maybe order a gluten free item to have with his coffee and not just watch us eat all the goodies. Any advice/help gratefully received. You need purple...she's a resident coeliac expert. I'll let her know about this thread. https://www.facebook.com/glutenfree.uae <em>edited by Green-ish on 10/02/2012</em>

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 12:42

Hi all... Just after a bit of advice... I have 4 children, and the first 3 were speaking in full & complex sentences by their second birthday. My youngest (girl) is now 21 months, and is not saying more than 3-4 actual words... I am not concerned about her hearing - it is clear that she hears very well. She also understands perfectly, and can follow instructions etc. But when it comes to speaking, she just kind of goes "aah eha ah ah" sounds!! Lots of pointing etc too. [b'>She is a clever girl[/b'> otherwise, and copies her siblings, takes her own clothes off, indicates when her nappy needs changing etc. She can get frustrated when we can't understand her - this doesn't happen often, and I am wondering if I should stop interpreting for her - then she may feel she has to speak to make herself understood?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks :) You're spot on there...she IS a clever girl. Learning to talk is fun, but it's also hard work and frustrating. She's so clever she has worked out how to communicate with you all without actually doing the 'work'. :D Yep...stop interpreting for her, ask her to use her words and it will come. Pick your time of day for language 'lessons' though. There's no point in having her end up in a screaming fit of rage because she's also tired or hungry. ;) Good luck!

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 12:26

If it was an allergy to the nappies, she'd have inflamed skin over almost all of the area in contact with the nappy...that said, they can develop a rash and then only that area reacts to the chemicals in the nappy. Have you tried changing brands at least until the rash is gone? Perhaps try an eco nappy that doesn't have so many nasty chemicals in it as all of the supermarket ones do. If the spots are continuing to appear as old ones heal, there's every chance there is some infection there. Best to get her back to a GP or paed for a diagnosis if it goes on much longer. On another recent thread I gave my top nappy rash tips. :) - NO commercial wipes. Use cotton wool or cotton cloths with cooled chamomile tea - as much nappy-free time as possible - cloth nappies (no rashes! :) ) - no barrier creams as they can trap in any bacteria or fungi and stop the area drying properly - a gentle moisturiser in the bathwater. Mustela Stelatopia, QV and Dermaveen ( all usually in pharmacies) are the most successful I've used <em>edited by Green-ish on 10/02/2012</em>

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 10:13

Can we take a picnic basket to have when we get inside? Yes. :) You can leave it in the car then collect it once you've had a look around and picked a spot to eat.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 13:43

... Doctor can adbise better than EW!! You're so right. I also believe though that women can learn a lot from each other, including what are all of the variations on a 'normal' experience. By learning from other women, we go in to the Dr's office as fully informed as possible and have a better chance of - understanding what the Dr is talking about, - understanding whether the suggestions made by the Dr make sense for our own case - knowing what questions to ask so we can feel comfortable with decisions made. I like to go a bit women-power when talking birth and say that we need to reclaim our right to the birth that works for us. Anything on the spectrum from a drug-free V delivery through to a CS, it's up to every woman to understand her body and her medical advice and to be part of the decision making. Don't let the medical profession [u'>tell you[/u'> how you'll do it. ;)

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 13:35

Both of my sisters had GD and delivered at 38 weeks - one vaginally and one C section. Get a second opinion if you want but in regards to delivery time it sounds right to me. Obviously GD affects baby and I believe it is very normal to have ealry delivery. Doctor can adbise better than EW!! Again, I've had one GD pregnancy (delivered via SVD on my due date) and two borderline GD pregnancies...one induced VD at 39+5 (I think!) due to high BP and the other SVD at 39+6. GD alone, even GD plus suspected 'big' baby, is NOT an indication for CS. An OB should be making that decision, [u'>with[/u'> the patient, based on ALL factors to do with the pregnancy.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 13:30

Hi with GD this is usual practice to deliver at 38 weeks. ... Sorry, but no it's not usual practice with GD. ;) "Usual practice" should be to assess every pregnancy individually and make the best decisions based on the evidence at the time. I think some lazy OB's have a 'usual practice' routine because it avoids them having to actually pay any attention to the patients (mum & baby) and guarantees they can get in their golf round or manicure. I've had one confirmed GD pregnancy and two borderline ones. With two gov't hospital deliveries, I've seen a LOT of OB's in two different countries and only one CS-happy OB said she prefers a CS at 38-39 weeks. She literally said, "I prefer..." with ZERO medical reasoning that she could explain to me. In fact she looked quite stunned when I politely asked why she recommends this for me. This was when I was about 20 weeks so needless to say, I never saw her again.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 12:11

I've replied on your other thread too. :)

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 12:10

Oh cakes...I really feel for you. No new advice to offer because you already have great advice here. I'll just echo that once you've explored all options, you have to do what's right for your family. The specialists will help you to work that out. Fingers crossed for a happy ending for you all. xx

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 09 February 2012 - 11:59

I agree...your OB's insistence is clearly not sitting well with you so it would give you great peace of mind to seek another opinion. Perhaps ask here about OB's who are supportive of VBAC, and see if you can talk to one of them. I'll second everything caduku said about measurements, weight etc and if your GD is under control and everything else is going well, suggestion of a 'big baby' is not cause for a definite CS. Just in case...start wrapping your head around the idea of a CS. Good OB's will do what they have to do to end up with a healthy baby and a safe Mum. Don't be pushed into something you don't want if your gut is telling you that you can have a natural birth, but be prepared that you may not get the birth you wish for if OB's consistently agree that CS is the way for you. Take care of yourself and look forward to holding that precious wee baby in your arms.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 15:31

If we all agreed with our families to leave it means that not everything was perfect back home or that we could have a "why not?" approach, at least. This does not mean that there are no better countries than the Uae to migrate to. Or worse. All is relative, as usual! [b'>You can daily read the online edition of 7days to mitigate your Dubai nostalgia, in case :D[/b'> Lol....I do this occasionally! Unless there's a letter by Errol D'Souza, it's just not right. ;) We left Australia for big project experience for my husband and so I could stay home with the children. Don't get me wrong...I love Australia and appreciate how lucky I am to live in a beautiful part of a pretty amazing country. :) The more ex-expats I talk to though, the more I think that something changes in us when we spend considerable time somewhere else. The biggest 'problem' for me is that I struggle to relate now to people who have never travelled. There's so much small town narrow-mindedness here and it drives me mad!!

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 14:50

I hear you MD. We were in Dubai for five years and left almost 18 months ago to return 'home' to Australia. It still doesn't feel like 'home' here and I miss Dubai every day. For all of it's frustrations, and boy are they many (!), it's a wonderful place to live. In fairness, I miss my friends more than the place, but there are things about Dubai I wish I could still hear, see and do.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 12:51

...I've also had valuable advice from my mother and grandmother who were both raised with "help." There's the key right there I reckon! I wish I had really sat down with someone who knew, and talked about 'how' to have help in the house. I learnt a lot doing it on my own, but again, should I ever have the luxury of the choice, I will sit down with someone experienced and talk at length about how to make it work. Just as maids need training in each new job, so I believe do new 'Madams' in how to have help.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 12:06

doing some research ..should I get live-in or part time .. I've never had either. -i have 3 small kids (under 6 yrs.) -hubby travels a ton -from USA -I've never had live-in help I've had both... Looking back, I by far preferred part time. Depending on the hours you want/need, it can more expensive than full time live-in and it's hard to find an agency who actually pays their girls well. The big plus for me is that I had no prior experience with having someone outside the family living in the house. As quiet as our live-in maid was, I found it very intrusive and I ADORED her days off, having my home and my family to myself. I had three children under four when we had live-in. Sure her help was invaluable, but the constant presence eventually did my head in. Should I ever have the luxury of thinking about domestic help again, I'd go for full-time, live-out (most expensive) with a specific start and finish time. I just LOVED being able to focus 100% on my children and not worrying about the cleaning. Now that I'm back in Aus and doing it all alone, I KNOW that I was a better parent in Dubai.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 11:54

sudocreme is horrible. i never use it. for me, basic johnson n johnson nappy cream works best. once applied, i let it dry first before putting the nappy on her. but try changing nappy brands, maybe she's allergic to the current one you are using. S With apologies shjbelle...I'm not a fan of Johnson's products. They are full of synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals so not good for tender skin, particularly when it's already inflamed. no need to apologise. i'm just saying what i prefer. if you don't, then it's your choice :) S :) This is why I love this part of the forum. For the most part, we can give our advice or opinions, differ from others and not have our virtual heads torn off! :D

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 09:53

sudocreme is horrible. i never use it. for me, basic johnson n johnson nappy cream works best. once applied, i let it dry first before putting the nappy on her. but try changing nappy brands, maybe she's allergic to the current one you are using. S With apologies shjbelle...I'm not a fan of Johnson's products. They are full of synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals so not good for tender skin, particularly when it's already inflamed.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 09:50

... he is usually in bed around 7.40-45 after i have breastfed him..one da it took me 2 hours to get tim to sleep- was going crazy! Maybe try a 7pm bedtime? Start the whole bedtime routine 30 or 40 minutes earleir and see how he goes. Do you have a set routine that you follow every night? Ours was always dinner, bath, quiet story, milk, bed...same thing before every single nap and sleep so they always knew it was time to wind down and sleep would follow. <em>edited by Green-ish on 08/02/2012</em>

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 09:48

Of course boys can wear pink but I think it is easier to differentiate the gender of a baby according to the color of their clothes. I am due to have a boy and I will not be putting him in pink clothes as a baby. But that 'pink is for boys, blue is for girls' is a cultural thing. There must be plenty of cultures that don't dress in a certain colour according to gender...my girls were often in head to toe pink when they were little and I was often asked, "Is it a boy or a girl".

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 04:46

My top tips (after three bubbas) are... - do not use commercial wipes (even when out and about); use cotton wool or cotton cloths soaked in cooled chamomile tea - NO BARRIER CREAMS - all they do is keep the area wet (not dry!!) and potentially lock in the bacteria or fungus that could be causing the problem - use a very gentle moisturiser in bathwater and after the bath. I swear by the Mustela Stelatopia range (milky bath oil is amazing) - lots of nappy free time; lie her on a couple of towels and let her kick her wee legs around every time she's awake, fed and happy. :) - cloth nappies - if you prefer disposables, definitely change brands (perhaps an 'eco' nappy from Organics) - expressed breast milk on her skin will probably help too! - keep a diary of your eating and try to see if you can notice anything that triggers a more inflamed rash. Dairy was the worst offender when I was bf'ing my son. Strawberries and acidic fruits were bad for one of my girls. And maybe consult another paed. Poor poppet...is she in pain? When her skin is clean, is there a smell? Or is it just awful looking? <em>edited by Green-ish on 08/02/2012</em>

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 04:37

My son has a pink shirt. He's had quite a few over the years. A friend here had three girls, then a boy. The wee man spent his first six weeks in pink wondersuits and floral cloth nappies. :D Why can't pink be worn by boys? Now, a pink frilly skirt might be another issue altogether! :D

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 04:33

...and all three of mine developed a fear of the dark somewhere between 18 months and 2 yrs. Leaving the door open with a light outside, or a dim night light in the room helped with getting them to sleep. Since about 12 months old, none of them have ever gone to sleep peacefully with the bedroom door closed.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 04:31

Sorry summertime, but how old is he? If he's dropping a daytime nap, it's not unusual for them to struggle at night time for a while. While their little bodies get used to less daytime sleep, they are overtired by bedtime which makes it much harder for them to relax and go to sleep. Going to bed overtired, for many children means a less restful night so an earlier, unhappy waking. Assuming nothing else has changed so he's not reacting to other stresses, you could try moving his bedtime much earlier (gradually if needed). He may need to be in bed for the night by 6.30pm, or earlier.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 04:19

"The Diamond Queen" :) I wonder if Philippa Gregory will ever write a novel about her...

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 16:26

bee-deh? My Yr 8 French teacher always said I was wasting my time... I was (am??) a proud Mirdif Mary. :D

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 14:58

A dog park would be fabulous. That way people who wanted to bring their kids could. I would even be willing to pay a nominal fee to go for the upkeep of the park. Sadly, the problem I can see happening would be similiar to that of what happened at the Dog Show the other day. Unsocialised dogs, irresponsibile owners = Chaos! You're so right. There would be plenty of dog owners happy to pay for the privilege. It would be very, very difficult to get everyone doing the right thing though. :(

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 14:31

Good news! Fingers crossed for a speedy and full recovery. Lol...from the discussion on the pet show thread, the only two dogs that have ever terrified me were a corgi/cocker cross and a bassett. ;) The only thing scary about a Basset Hound is the Slobber ;) lol Lol,,,I've only been attacked by two dogs. One was my grandmothers nasty little cocker cross (when I was about 8) and the other was my friend's bassett (when I was 17). It was my first visit to her house and I didn't know she had a dog. We walked out the back door to head for the pool and her THIRTEEN year old basset hound launched himself at me - bolted from behind a bush, JUMPED OFF THE GROUND and latched onto my wrist, and yes, my arms hang the usual distance above the ground. ;) Bl**dy athletic for a geriatric basset! I hope your boy is doing well today.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 14:26

I don't like her but I admire her for still being so successful after all these years. And particularly admire the fact she's still shakin' her booty at 53 :) (think she'd be dead dull to have a pint with though) Lol! Do you get The Graham Norton Show over there? She was on the other night and booooorrrrrring...and so very fond of herself. What a snooty bore! (LOVE a lot of her music though...she's a very talented bore!)

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 14:22

Well done summerdream!! There's every chance this child will survive his childhood now. Fingers crossed the stoopid parents learn a lesson and start to parent responsibly.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:43

Most of the landscaping companies will pick up, move and re-establish gardens for a fee. Perhaps ask the people selling who initially installed their garden. Get quotes and price this against starting again. If you enjoy gardening, it's much cheaper to get everything at the plant souk and DIY.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:40

...all i can see on this thread is people trying to blame the organisers, the sponsers, the vets checking the dogs on the door, the owners. Lets step back and look at the lessons which need to be learnt going forward for this incident never to happen again....blame will not make anyone feel any better edited by Bracey777 on 06/02/2012 You're right about that. A lot of the blame discussion here started though because people were quick to blame the dog. Sure the dog did the deed, but the dog is the one part of this whole sorry tale who it not at 'fault'. All I hope is that the event is allowed to continue and that it's very different in the future, doing its best to ensure safety (and fun!) for all.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:37

Bracey...this was on my mind so much last night that I couldn't sleep, and when I did I had awful nightmares about people attacking my dogs!! My position on euthanising the dog has changed. I honestly feel for the owners. I think they had a dreadful lapse of judgement in not properly restraining their dog. It should have been muzzled and handled by someone both paying attention to what was going on around it and strong enough to control it. I know they must feel worse than I can imagine right now. But the dog must be PTS. It saddens my beginner animal activist heart to say that, but for a big strong dog to kill a much smaller, weaker opponent is just NOT normal healthy behaviour. Worse, this is a pet dog that lives with and is used to small children and small animals. It makes his snap and killing of another dog even more frightening. Tragedy all round.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:28

Cyclone, I would never hop on one of their aircraft, regardless of it being direct and last minute. I would tell you why, in person if I knew you, but I don't and this is a public forum. I would n.e.v.e.r hop on one of their aircrafts. Ever. ditto and exclamation points!!!!!!!!!

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:27

Careful shellly. ;) If you read the FB page discussing this, many are labelling the poodle as the "attacking dog" and that the staffy as just defending itself! (but I agree with you 100%)

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:20

What I fear for animals lovers in the UAE is that the event risks being banned because, again, the organisers did not enforce local law. Having the event's future at risk is a great shame. Then again, the police are usually there in force with their dogs and I never saw them ask anyone to muzzle a 'banned' breed. The police are not there for this reason.......no point in blaming them. This is the organizers fault, and this is not the 1st time a dog has attacked another dog/person at the show. I don't blame them...I blame the dog's owners and the event organisers. Is it not poor form though that the law is not enforced by the paid law enforcement?? At the very least the police could have insisted that the organisers do something about the unmuzzled 'banned' breeds, the poorly behaved/controlled dogs and the unrestrained ones outside of the 'dog park'?

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:10

What I fear for animals lovers in the UAE is that the event risks being banned because, again, the organisers did not enforce local law. Having the event's future at risk is a great shame. Then again, the police are usually there in force with their dogs and I never saw them ask anyone to muzzle a 'banned' breed.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 16:07

In other countries the owners would be heavily fined and the dog either destroyed or sentenced to a muzzle in all public places . The breed is already "sentenced to a muzzle in all public places" so there is the main problem. Had the organisers been applying the law, this would not have happened. Er..... and the owners?? Their pet shouldn't they take the majority of the responsibility for keeping the dog muzzled? As I have already said numerous times in this thread, the owners are completely to blame for the actual incident. They should be prosecuted (although they won't be because the life of the other dog is 'worthless' in the UAE) and their future ownership of dogs questioned. (Sorry owners...I do feel for you, but this was a massive lapse of judgement on your part) What I meant above was that, had the organisers ensured the enforcement of the local LAW, these irresponsible owners could not have made the decision to leave their dog unmuzzled. (and for what it's worth again, I don't agree with the local muzzling laws)

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 15:23

There is a weight limit and a JR might be too big, but I do remember someone saying that with some airlines the dog can fly as carry on, but only to somewhere like France, then train to the UK. Much less stressful for the dog than two 'cargo' trips in a short time. To be honest, unless you're going for months, I'm not sure that it's a good idea to transport your pooch so far, twice.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 15:19

In other countries the owners would be heavily fined and the dog either destroyed or sentenced to a muzzle in all public places . The breed is already "sentenced to a muzzle in all public places" so there is the main problem. Had the organisers been applying the law, this would not have happened.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 15:18

Jumeirah Janes pronouce it "b'day" Yikes! Never thought myself the JJ type!! Just how is it pronounced?? (I s'pose I say biday)

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 14:59

I'm pretty cautious too Em...but I think we have to be! Ben is almost 7 and still in a high back booster seat that holds him in the correct position for a lap sash belt. He'll stay in it until he's tall enough for no booster at all. Ben's booster is a particularly narrow one though...from Volvo because although the V70 estate is allegedly a 'big' family car, it does not fit three 'proper' car seats across the back. So, do not buy a V70. ;) A friend of mine did all the research here as she had three in full car seats. She said the best value for money sedan which easily fits three full sized car seats is the Toyota Camry, or any of it's more posh variants. Toyotas are hands down our favourite make for reliabilty, service and repair costs and have the best AC on the market. Current model Camrys also have the maximum five star safety rating on crash tests etc.

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose