Jigsaw Dogs

01/07/2025

Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to do! The choice is hard! Hopefully in the wild weather at the moment there’s somewhere safe and dry to go with your dog. Failing that - some inside play, scent work, hide and seek, find the toy, trick training, brushing up on skills and staying warm and cosy are my recommendations!

01/07/2025

Smart dogs and lucky frogs! Such important work being done.

29/06/2025

Some wild weather is about to hit the east coast of Australia, NSW coastline particularly south of Lismore, and down to the Gippsland area of Victoria.

So it’s time to make sure your gates are locked, pets are inside or able to access safe undercover areas, move stock to higher grounds and make sure your outside areas have all loose items secured. It looks like it might be a wild ride for the next few days! Stay safe.

A huge cold front will cross into Australia’s south-east on Monday, bringing high rain totals and frosty mornings across the region.

29/06/2025

I think most of us were secretly hoping Annie and Frank would win Muster Dogs in Season 1. Their relationship was a beautiful balance of love and respect within their working relationship, and pure love when not working. Sadly Annie has passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm at 5 years old.

19/06/2025

Love this!!

12/06/2025

Drone rescue of a lost dog. An innovative use of a drone helped lure a lost dog out by dangling a sausage the dog could follow out to safety. I’m glad it worked!

10/06/2025

This time of year, I always take a quiet moment to remember Laika.

It’s been 67 years since she was sent into space. Not many talk about it now, but I think we should. Not because I’m a scientist or anything like that, but because it still matters.

Laika wasn’t just a dog in a rocket. She was a gentle presence full of trust. Her real name was Kudrjavka, which means “curly” in Russian. But the world came to know her as Laika — the little barker.

She was a stray found on the streets of Moscow. She was chosen because she was calm and had survived tough conditions. As if hardship somehow made her more suitable to be sent away with no way home.

On November 3rd, 1957, they launched her aboard Sputnik 2. The capsule had food, water, and padded walls. But no return plan. From the start, it was never about bringing her back.

Some say she lived seven hours. Others say a few days. Either way, she spent her last moments alone, floating in silence, not knowing why she was there. Just drifting, while Earth moved slowly out of reach.

She circled the planet 2,570 times before the capsule burned up on re-entry the following April.

And the truth is, Laika didn’t choose any of this. She didn’t sign up to represent science, progress, or the space race. She was just a dog. A little creature that wanted warmth and affection — and instead became a symbol.

That’s why I remember her. Because not all progress is kind. And not all breakthroughs are made the right way.

Laika’s story reminds us to ask better questions. To think about who pays the price for our achievements.

We haven’t forgotten you, Laika. And we never should.

Treasure her sacrifice here: https://spaceaustralia.com.au/

Regards,
Barry from Support 💙

09/06/2025

Dingoes are our apex predator and we need to respect that and observe from a distance when we see them. It’s never a good outcome for either species when predators become too familiar with human contact. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16SBmzCEG6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/06/2025

Please be aware that leptospirosis has been confirmed locally in 2 cases.

🚨 Leptospirosis Alert – 2 Local Cases Reported 🚨

There have been two confirmed cases of leptospirosis in the local area within the past month. This is a serious disease that can affect both pets and people, and we want to ensure our community is informed and protected.

🦠 What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. It is spread through the urine of infected animals, often contaminating water, soil, or surfaces. Dogs can become infected by drinking or swimming in contaminated water or through contact with infected wildlife.

🐶 Clinical Signs in Dogs Include:

- Fever and lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Increased thirst or urination
- Jaundice (yellow gums/eyes)
- Kidney or liver failure in severe cases

⚠️ Zoonotic Risk (Can Spread to Humans):

Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans, where it can also cause severe illness. Children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Good hygiene and prompt veterinary care are essential to reduce the risk of transmission.

💉 Prevention Through Vaccination:

At Belmont Veterinary Clinic, we offer a safe and effective leptospirosis vaccine for dogs. We recommend:

An initial two-dose series, given 4 weeks apart
Annual boosters to maintain protection

🏥 Protect your dog—and your family.

If your dog is social, swims, or lives in areas where wildlife may be present, vaccination is strongly recommended.

📞 Call us on (02) 4945 9044 to book your dog’s leptospirosis vaccination today. Let’s work together to keep our community safe.