Green-ish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Green-ish

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Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 13:00
I actually loved it in hospital getting the menu each day and selecting everything I wanted. Felt like a bit of a princess :P I generally love any food that I havent had to prepare myself haha! Same here. I've only spent time in hospital before, during and after giving birth so having all of my meals miraculously appear at my finger tips and then all of the mess cleared away for me was 100% appreciated and usually genuinely enjoyed. :D
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 15:43
OMG!! Now this is more confusing.. DH asked me to decide, where we should go for vacations this year, and now.. .. .. thinking! What do you like to do on your holidays? What climate will you be looking for? How much time to you have? Would you prefer to settle in one spot or travel around? We'll find the perfect spot for you! :D
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 08:06
My son will be 7 later this month and he has been unbearably fussy since he was 2. I tell you this not to depress you :D but to make the point that the 'phase' can last for years. My brother-in-law became fussy at 2 yrs old, and now at 38 is the most fussy human being I know! So many great suggestions below. All I have ever done is banned all rubbish foods when my son is particularly fussy and served meals from platters at the centre of the table. I know this is the norm in many cultures, but not in our meat-and-three-veg Aussie upbringing. ;) We all take our own food from the platters and the rule is that my son must choose at least three things to eat. We've done this since he was 2 and he understood pretty much straight away. I do not worry about how much he eats, only that he chooses and tries three different foods. To make sure he has eaten enough and well, I have also always allowed him to snack on anything nutritious that takes his fancy during the day. No pressure on formal meals and I look at his intake over the whole day. 5 looooooong years later he's finally happily trying 'new' foods. We have instigated "Try Something New Tuesday" :D so every Tuesday he must choose something he usually rejects and at least taste it. I love it when he decides that food is delicious and has that 'ah-ha' moment, realising what he's missed out on for so long. My long-winded point, the 'phase' may last for years so it's worth coming up with some long-term, manageable strategies. Good luck!
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Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 07:56
1) We haven't travelled as extensively as many, but we adored Italy (Tuscany) and Istanbul. Both for the amazing culture, friendly people and great food. 2) Dream destination...a skiing holiday. I'm torn between Switzerland and Canada for that one! (or maybe Montana or Colorado or Italy or Alaska or.....sigh)
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Latest post on 06 July 2012 - 17:37
... Oooppss.. then I got it wrong! You know DH and I are trying for 6 yrs now, and have had 3 mc and I still birth, we think kids are all fun.. Isnt that so true abt the greener grass on the other side.. we always end up thinking if we had kids, weekends would be so much fun!!! pool and all.. :) :( I'm so very sorry for your losses Lynette. I hope you and your husband have your much-wanted babies one day. :D Until then...ENJOY your 'weekends' and your sleep. ;) My eldest child is almost 7 and I've been tired and not acknowledged a 'weekend' for 7 years. ;)
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 14:06
We very soon gave up on adapters.... We did a bunnings trip and bought a whole heap of plugs to replace the UK style ones from the ones we bought in Dubai.. Quite simple to do with a screw driver as the instructions for the colour wires are in the packet.... we have kept the UK plugs in the shed.... just incase we need them for another move!! ... As long as you know you might not have insurance if there's an electrical fire. While the gear is on sale at Bunnings, it's illegal to do your own electrical (or plumbing!) work unless you're licensed. ;) Can't even legally re-seat a tap!
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 14:06
Not moving back but heading back tomorrow or 10 days! Not really looking forward to it as everyone is saying its freezing. Haven't been home for 3 years so not looking forward to seeing how expensive it is THREE DEGREES here at Noosa this morning. Fricken ridiculous! :D
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Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 12:56
Good luck Jetset. I'm sure you know this is always the hardest time of year to find homes for animals. So many people go away for months and many of them ditch their own animals at the same time, so the market is flooded. :( Have you advertised them in all of the usual places and informed all of the rescue groups? Don't forget the vets...some have a file on the front counter for animals needing a home. Make sure you have plan B in place now in case you can't find homes.
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Latest post on 16 June 2012 - 07:14
KitchenAid is $689 (+ $16 postage) on petersofkensington.com.au I have found that retailers will match their prices because they are out-competing everyone. :) We bought our KitchenAid in Dubai, but only because that's where we were living and where we planned to be for a lot longer. If I had known we were coming home, I would have waited and bought it here in case of warranty issues. I am also struggling to find decent adapters for the UK plug. I have paid up to $20 each for adapters and none last very long. I am about to pay a small fortune to an electrician to get all of our cords/plugs replaced. If you do buy a KA in Dubai, DON'T buy one with the South African plug on it...they don't earth correctly and the whole body of the machine goes live! YES, I know from personal experience!!! We made the distributors aware of this (with LIVE demonstration)...they replaced our machine and put the SA plug one back on display!!! IKEA is significantly cheaper in Dubai. If there are any IKEA bits you need/use/like, buy them there!! Have a look at the Aus website for prices and be prepared to be horrified. I'm not a massive IKEA fan, but like it for kids stuff, fabrics etc. There's also only one store in Qld at the moment and it's about 30-60 mins drive depending on where you'll be living. Double stroller...depends on what you want. Have a look at some online baby stores and see what's available. Warranty issues would be the deciding factor for me. (I am just north of Brisbane and have two doubles I want to sell...both cheap!! :D - Worn out, old style P&T and a side-by-side Peg Perego Aria Twin) Don't leave Dubai without stocking up on scarves and pashminas from the textile souk. :D I cry when I see the prices of identical items here!! How much you buy there also depends on whether you're paying for shipping. :) <em>edited by Green-ish on 16/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 12:23
There is (well, was some time ago!!) a DEET-free repellent available at the pharmacies...it's called Mosi Guard. It works really well. http://www.mosiguard.com.au/whatismosiguard.htm I only ever saw the cream in Dubai.
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 12:19
Some replies on your other thread too. :) http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=182719
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 08:05
I feed a lot of strays as well, although I have to be very careful, as I have 2 very aggressive dogs who are now very annoyed with me, as I no longer let them out in the garden, which has been taken over by the local stray cats! They know I feed them 4 times a day, so I have mummies and kittens. When I can catch them, I take them for neutering. I lost 2 kittens recently from road accidents. I am anxious to find homes for them before I leave for the summer, although I have struck a deal with the gardener who will come and feed them when I am away! I applaud your kindness to the local cats, especially in trapping and neutering them. :) I hope you realise now that you are responsible for the welfare of these cats for life. Left alone, they are very good at fending for themselves. Once you take over and provide their feed, they will all struggle to survive if you ever have to leave/move. Feeding street cats also worries me because ample food equals increased breeding...not sure how you can be sure only neutered cats are helping themselves to your smorgasbord. ;) Just a thought.
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 08:00
Jetset...if you want your cats to be safe you MUST have them micro-chipped and registered. DM sets traps all the time and if the cats they catch are not chipped, they are euthanised. If your cats are 'chipped, follow SueB's advise...physically go to the DM vets on Khawaneel Rd and check for yourself to see if your cats are there. Aside from 'chipping and registering your cats, you might want to consider a safe outdoor enclosure for them. If they have free-range, it takes one phone call from an annoyed neighbour to bring the DM traps in. :(
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Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 08:41
Gra...try anything that feels comfortable for you, but remember that your baby will come when your baby is ready. ;) There is no conclusive evidence that any of the *tricks* actually work in bringing on labour before your body is ready. Try not to worry about whether your OB will be there or not. Even if the OB you know is not available, there will be someone around to take care of you and baby. Believe me, many women in labour don't pay any attention to anyone who's in the room with them. ;) Most OB's only swan in and out of the room then leave you to it anyway. It's the midwives and doulas who do the real work. :D
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Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 17:15
who'd have thunk a thread on hating filing could turn into one about supermarket packing :D That's just one of the reasons I can't stay away from EW. Only in Dubai! :D
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Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 12:09
Have you posted an advertisement on the EW classifieds page, Hassili? You might find more interest if you include photos and a description of what makes a used litter tray worth 300dhs! ;)
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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 16:22
Just had a feeling, no exact science. Like I wrote, I always imagined having a boy. Is it uncommon to feel a bit shocked? I don't think there's anything particularly "uncommon" when it comes to describing how we feel about all that goes with pregnancy. This is your pregnancy, your baby, your experience...how you feel is perfectly 'common' for you. ;) With each of my pregnancies, I really had no idea of the gender of the baby. Strangely though, each time my husband and I were able to settle quite easily on a name...but only of one gender, and each time we settled on the right one. :D
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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 13:55
We lived in Cedre Villas and went to the GP's at Dubai London Clinic in MCC for most things. For more specialised paed issues and vaccinations, we used Dr Khan at Cooper Clinic on Al Wasl Rd. Each is about 12-15 mins away and both are fantastic.
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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 13:50
A friend of mine was told at every scan that hers was a girl...imagine the surprise when she had a little boy! ;) I have a son and two daughters and I adore them all for their own, unique little quirks, regardless of gender. :D If anything, my son was a far more placid toddler than his princess sisters. Girly clothing shopping is much more fun though! There's not nearly enough choice in boy stuff.
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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 12:46
If you call DM, she will be trapped and euthanised unless she has a microchip. Advertise her everywhere and register with all of the rescue groups. This is a BAD time of year to try to re-home so you might need to make a tough decision. Can you post a link to photos of her in case she is a lost pet? Whatever you do, don't just leave without arranging something for her. You have taken on responsibility for her care and without your feeding she will almost certainly starve. :(
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Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 12:40
None of us know your circumstances Gabsgirl, but all of us will tell you this is a REALLY bad time to try to re-home an animal. Unfortunately, all of the rescue groups and classifieds pages are already full of animals needing homes when along come all of the annual summer 'abandonments'. I'm sure you have no control over this timing, just keep in mind your chances of finding her a new home are very, very low. There are few enough homes as it is, and many people are planning their long summer break now. You have a few choices... - advertise her heavily and aggressively everywhere you can think of (vets, rescue groups, shop noticeboards, community notice boards and forums, talk about her to EVERY person you meet etc etc) - BOOK NOW and pre-pay for boarding so she has somewhere safe to go when you leave until a home can be found or shipping can be arranged (at the same time, set aside money for her vet care). This may even be a sweetener for finding a new home. Someone *may* be prepared to adopt her if you have her summer care sorted and paid for. - start NOW arranging for her transport to your new location or to a family member in your home country - have her euthanised I wish you luck, but it's time for tough decisions.
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 08:53
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience nikki. :( My first visit to a group coffee morning was also an unfriendly disaster. I'm a confident, outgoing person and that experience almost had me locked in my villa forever-more! Do not give up! :D There are LOTS of wonderful people to meet in Dubai. If you'd like to give a meet a go (again??) perhaps you could contact the person who hosts it before you go? If she knows to expect you, she can introduce you to a few friendly regulars? Either that, or try to arrange someone else to arrive with you? I must add, that first coffee morning I attended was the only time I ever found a seemingly unfriendly crowd in Dubai. Every other experience I had during my five years there taught me that people are generally very welcoming and warm. You'll meet the right group of people soon.
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 08:44
She sounds gorgeous barmcake. Such a tough time for re-homing now as so many people plan their summer escape. Photos photos photos!! People will be more inclined to contact you for a visit if they can see her first. I know it shouldn't be about the looks ;) , but there's nothing like a visual to tug at the heartstrings. What's your plan B if a home isn't found?
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 12:05
I hope you find wonderful homes for them dc. :D I assume you've done all of the usual things...dubizzle, posters to all of the vets, contacted the rescue/adoption groups, posters at all of the supermarkets, talk about them to everyone you come across. A link to photos here is always a good idea too. :) Do you have a plan B in place in case they are not rehomed before you leave for the summer?
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 12:23
One query here... Medical, x-ray, pregnancy??!! No x-ray if you're pregnant. I only said it was possible I was pregnant and I had no x-ray/TB test at all.
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 12:12
...King Charles Cavaliers...I would probably avoid them in this region for this reason ... As I've said with almost boring repetition on this forum, I'd avoid ANY breed (apart from some salukis) bred in this region. ;) I'd also avoid CKC's in the region because they're brachycephalic. I actually have no idea why I was recommending them on EW!! Forgot I guess because I'm sitting in my home in Australia. :)
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 12:08
wow RuthM nice to see someone on here who knows what they are talking about re dogs...I read your posts with great interest. Now here we can agree. :D
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:59
It is not unusual for a child to make up stories at this age.my dd told her teacher I punch her like spiderman and I have never raised my voice or hand on her?! Her teacher assured me this was normal BUT I would use your child's description as a warning to keep your eyes open n cautious. I think it depends on the child and to some extent, how much time they spend with older children. My 2 yr old is the youngest of three children and she makes things up ALL THE TIME! :D She's a monkey, that one! Like kiwi suggested, she also sometimes says one thing, but means something else. The other day she was in tears and saying, "I have a headache Mummy. My headache is reeeeeeeeallly baaaaaad." (with full dramatics). When I asked her to show me where the headache was, she rubbed her tummy. :D Not long later she visited the toilet...'headache' gone. ;) Amy, I'm glad you got to the bottom of it. For me, the most important thing is that our little ones feel listened to and heard when they have something to say. Even if it's an exaggeration, miscommunication or a porky pie, we must really listen to them then then find the actual truth for ourselves. :)
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:50
You could try calling DKC, or any of the other relocation agents. They would know the current situation. http://www.dkc.ae/
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:32
My girls are Josephine (Josie) Grace and Charlotte Kate. If we'd had another girl, she would have been Sadie. ...so those are my favourite girls' names. :D Massive congratulations on your pregnancy!! I think I missed that announcement. :D
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:20
Ladies Breed, pedigree what planet are you on? So you think that by 'buying a certain breed you are guaranteeing a certain temperament or personality. In-breeding & puppy farms guarantee most pedigree dogs fate of ill health & behavioural issues. Look around you, wake up to the real world instead of living in a superficial, materialistic bubble. There are puppys here in Dubai crying out for good homes who are extremely healthy, very intelligent and have an excellent well balanced temperament. Shame on anyone in this country or anywhere else for that matter that considers a pure breed. Think its a disgusting industry that exploits animals as very few people these days actually need a certain breed of dog for work purposes. Moves me to tears that this is even being discussed. Think about what you are all discussing, really think about it. barmcake...with the utmost respect, I agree with you to an extent. However, even those of us passionate about animal welfare and rescue must realise that some people have a preference for a particular breed. When I worked at K9 Friends, one of the other volunteers put it perfectly. She said, "Some people love dogs. Some people love their dog." I think it's perfectly normal to have preferences...size, energy levels, age, training level or ability, specific breed strengths, appearance, coat length, amount of shedding etc. I get it that some people prefer a particular breed. I usually try to get to the bottom of what they are looking for in a dog and see if that breed could actually deliver. Interesting that za za has not come back so we still don't know if a GSD could possibly be a good match for her. In my perfect world, there would be no breeding for profit. In my perfect world there would be no dogs of any breed or cross in shelters. In the meantime and while shelters are bursting at the seams all over the planet, I think it's wise to remember that we should choose our words carefully. It does nobody's cause any good to 'speak' in a way that stops the core message from getting across. <em>edited by Green-ish on 29/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:20
Green-ish, thank you for your reply. I had something worded almost exactly the same typed out earlier, and never pushed the "add message" button! ;) ... :D We're always on the same page Laura! Nice to 'see' you again. :D
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:11
...I agree that the checks europuppy do on potential owners aren't that great but that's the same with so called "reputable" breeders and anyway, you could pass all the tests but who knows what happens in the future... ...Green-ish you are a prime example...if you'd have been put through a suitability test before you got your dog you would have passed then a few months later you're giving it away because your husband didn't get on with it...no "reputable breeder" out there would have prevented that.... I disagree (again) Goldeelocks...in our case, it's now obvious to me that I would have passed any scrutiny by a decent breeder, my husband would not, so our family would not. So I think any reputable breeder would have prevented our situation without any trouble at all. My husband is not that good at pretending. ;) A truly reputable breeder has waiting list of sometimes years for a pup. That in itself will rule out many people...too impatient to support someone doing the right thing by their breed. Again...europuppy is an inexcusable, vile business dealing in animals only for profit. By the very fact that they will ship to anyone with the cash...they are supplied by unethical breeders in it for the money. Appalling. People buying from them and supporting that industry.... *sigh*
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 12:57
Thanks for your reply LDC...I'm very pleased your daughter is not planning more litters. I'm very doubtful about the vet's actual knowledge on breeding or in fact current recommendations with respect to the long term health of dogs. It's currently believed that (especially females) have a much better chance at a longer and healthier life if they are neutered before their first season. The old theory that they benefit from a season, or worse a litter, has been disproven (is that a word?? lol) conclusively. Do your daughter and the vet know the full genetic history of both dogs...ie pedigrees going back generations with all of the medical history? Without that history and relevant testing (hips etc), we just cannot possibly tell if two dogs are a good match for breeding. Even if they appear to be physically and temperamentally 'perfect' specimens, I'm 100% against breeding for any reason other that genuine betterment of the breed. Lol...I know I'm sounding argumentative and nit-picky. ;) I'd just hope nobody else would come along and read this thread and think it's a good idea to have a litter because they have two nice dogs. It's not a good idea.
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Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 13:01
Great post Ruth M. I'm no expert on dog training and have taken more of an interest in 'behaviourist' techniques in recent years, but there's nothing in your advice that doesn't make sense to me. :) Well, maybe the bit about picking things up, but that's just nit-picking. ;) One thing though...I think it's more important to look at energy levels rather than any generalised breed description of it's potential temperament. My rescue GSD was almost the most gentle dog I have ever known, second only to a friend's gorgeous, soft rottweiler. One of the worst behaved, food aggressive dogs I know is a lab. For me, it's all in the way the dog is raised, so much more so than being about its 'breed'. If I had to choose a breed to recommend to a novice with children, I think Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is close to the 'safest' choice. I do loathe recommending a particular breed though. :D
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Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 12:44
some lovely GSDs on europuppy at present Really? Bit late for a Thursday night post wasn't it?
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Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 05:02
Hello again, I have just seen a beautiful German Shepherd in the Pet shop opposite Mall of the Emirates on the Al Barsha road. The Pet Shop is opposite Lulu Supermarket but on the Al Quoz side of the road. Hope this helps PLEASE! DO NOT advocate buying dogs from pet shops! You're promoting and assisting the puppy mill industry. I second that!!! I don't use the old caps lock often, but I will when I feel the need to shout on behalf of animals. DO NOT ADVOCATE OR BUY FROM LOCAL PET STORES OR BREEDERS!!!! LDC, I'd also be keen to know your daughter's stance on the ethics of breeding GSD's. What's her purpose/philosophy/homing practice etc? She clearly doesn't line up homes before even considering breeding, so I'm dubious...
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 12:10
Oh...forgot to add that for various reasons (including generations of appalling breeding) GSD's are prone to some very expensive veterinary problems. Another reason to source an ethical breeder. <em>edited by Green-ish on 24/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 12:09
I almost don't know where to start to try to help you za za. Goldeelocks is spot on that a puppy (of any breed) is HARD WORK. Really, really hard work for the first six months or so, then just hard work for at least the next 18 months, then just work for the rest of it's life. The first six months will be dedicated (and I mean DEDICATED) to socialising and toilet training your pup. If you are not DEDICATED in those early months, you will not have a happy, well-behaved canine member of the family without some serious damage control. The next 18 months are like the puppy's teenage years so require consistent (and constant) reinforcing of the house rules as you have established them. The rest of the dog's life is all about providing it with appropriate stimulation, challenge and exercise. GSD's will typically live for 10-14 years so that is the commitment you must be prepared to make. If I have a favourite breed of dog, it's possibly the German Shepherd. They are gorgeous, gorgeous animals...BUT, have the potential to be dangerous, only due to their sheer size and strength, if they are not well socialised. Definitely NOT a breed for someone not prepared to put in the work in the early days. If you do put the work in, they are gentle, loyal, soft giants. *sigh* GSD housekeeping...I don't know any other breed that sheds that much hair!! I adore them, but they are messy dogs! :D They are a massive animal. My GSD was almost 40kg...that's a lot of hair-shedding-dog to have inside almost all day during the hot months. A GSD will not cope with an outdoor life in the UAE. Obtaining a puppy...PLEASE DO NOT BUY LOCALLY OR OVER THE INTERNET!!!!!!! Please do your research and source a reputable, ethical breeder. An ethical breeder will make you jump through hoops for a pup and will not sell to you unless you prove you can provide a good, life-long home for the pup. An ethical breeder will be very reluctant to sell a pup for shipment overseas and will probably have a long waiting list of pre-approved homes. If you buy from the first person who has one available, or from ANY of the local pet shops or breeders, then your money will fund continued unethical breeding. There are enough homeless and ill-treated dogs on the planet without unethical breeders adding to the problem. I'm pleased to see you seeking advice...one question for your husband, who has the experience, is how much time will he dedicate to the dog. I would worry if you, as the inexperienced person, was basically the one responsible for raising this family pet. Good luck with your decision.
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 14:11
I'm so sorry bubble_trubble. As awful as those final hours must have been, take comfort in the lovely life you gave him. Be kind to yourself.
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 14:57
Can you legally import it yourself? Long shot, but possible that there's a way around it as an individual with a dependent pet as opposed to a business?
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 14:55
Congratulations on your pregnancy mybaby201. :) I think many of the OB's send women to the FMC because they really are the best in the field in Dubai. When I say "best", in my personal experience they are brilliant medically speaking. Dr Mirza however, in my experience, has the personality of a wet mop crossed with a mack truck. He's blunt to the point of rudeness...but he knows his stuff and is extremely thorough.
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 14:49
I would think that most 18 months would hate to be put back into a gro bag...I know my 2 would have been horrified at that age. They both slept in full fleece pyjamas with feet in them the winter they were that age. with a singlet and full body length onesie underneath. Never got cold. All of my little ones started life in grobags...well, soon after birth anyway. ;) At some point with all of them we stopped using the grobags and were never able to start using them again. I can't see an 18 month old accepting one, especially if he already dislikes bedclothes. I'd also suggest stocking up on wamer pj's...and layers so you can dress according to each place you're trying to sleep. Be very careful going with the cheaper sleeping bags. Many of the IKEA ones were recalled in Australia due to safety issues.
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 12:22
Have you had a chat to the neighbour? They might be heavy sleepers and unaware of the disturbance he's creating. No need for any confrontation...but a friendly chat might save you from having to move. It might help to take someone who speaks their language with you, if that's an issue.
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 12:19
Would you take your baby to the salon with you? I know it's less than ideal, but I have often sat in the salon with the baby feeding under the cloak. :D Maybe you could also take your husband or a friend and that person can look after the baby or take him for a walk while he's not feeding?
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 12:17
Homely Petz do in-home visits and *I think* have a team of carers who will board your pets. http://www.homelypetz.com/ No matter who you leave your dogs with (and PLEASE be VERY careful making that choice), you will need to leave access to a substantial amount of money in case of unforeseen vet bills etc.
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 11:54
Cats are pretty adaptable creatures...while their noses might be out of joint for a while, they will no doubt adjust to the outdoor lifestyle. Is there somewhere that they can come into the cool during the summer but not affect your daughter?? Maybe you could allow them into a relatively unused room via a window? One thing you need to consider is their outdoor safety. Cats go missing every day. :( Perhaps you could consider somehow cat proofing your yard...to keep them in. Maybe a fully enclosed outdoor run? You also need to consider your neighbours who may not like cats climbing on new cars or messing in gardens. As the cats spend more and more time outside, they will start to wander further from home...especially if they are bin kitty specials. :) So...absolutely do-able, but not as easy as just kicking them out. Lovely to hear that you're trying to work on sorting something for them rather than just re-homing them. You might also find an allergy specialist who can help you to de-sensitise your child. ;) <em>edited by Green-ish on 21/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 17:18
... Also, in the UK I would usually ask for a doggy bag to take home if I couldn't finish my food; here I get strange looks/sneers when I leave a restaurant with one (except Texas Roadhouse which seems to do this as standard). I still ask though, sneers be damned :) 'Doggy bags' are not allowed by many food venues...from memory it all started after some children died in Dubai as a result of food poisoning, suspected to have come from reheated take-away leftovers. :(
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 14:27
...I feel sorry that I had to go out and buy a dog, when I could have provided a loving home to dogs from a shelter. ... I'm reluctant to post on this thread again...but I just can't help myself. I'm really sorry you had that experience carpediem. Clearly the process has hiccups, as these things do, but the majority of the time it works and it works well in the best interests of the dogs. Did you really "have to go out and buy a dog"? Even if K9 did not work out for you, there are MANY other options. ALL of them better than supporting the puppy mills! Your pup's purchase price helps to ensure those vile businesses can continue to operate. That said, you do sound like you're really committed to your pup. She's lucky to have landed in your home I think. Enjoy her.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:24
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I certainly don't consider myself "lower class" nor a "chav" or uneducated. I had my daughter's ears pierced and besides crying for a couple minutes - yes, a couple minutes - she calmed down immediately once BF and required no pain relief/meds. Same as all the sheep in my group of friends and family. I don't need to win mother of the year from a group of strangers on the internet, and don't see why the OP or any other parent has to justify her reasons for wanting it done. I'm sure there are horror stories out there but hey, we're all entitled to our own opinions and how we choose to dress/raise our kids. Sorry habibiti, even "a couple minutes" is too much for me. Any physical alteration or infliction of pain that's not medically required should be the choice of that individual...in my opinion.