Antipodean Boats Connection

[brucemoffatt]

After nearly 4 years with us and 13 years with his 'mum' our little dog has come to the end of his rope. We will be ringing the local vet tomorrow to ask if he will put down Rex Thewonderdog, our toy poodle that I 'inherited' from my aunt when she went into a home in 2009. Joan was well ready to go into aged care, she's in her 90s now and losing her grip on reality slowly but surely these days, and in 2009 she wouldn't go into care while her dog (then named pierre FFS) was still alive. We'd agreed that if Joan died I'd inherit the dog, so to help her make the decision to get the care she needed I said I'd take my inheritance early. Now, with almost no sight and hearing at all, with failing kidneys and an insecurity that means he cries constantly and piteously when he can't find me, we are drawing a line in the sand. Rex now has an insatiable thirst because of his kidneys, and that means he urinates inside several times each day and night, and then comes to find me to tell me what he's done. It's not just the sleep deprivation, although that's hard enough. We've all had enough now, even Rex. Tomorrow we'll see if the vet will help us out, even though on face value Rex seems to be pretty OK. Wish us luck, and fingers crossed the vet will help.

[m2c1Iw]

Always a difficult decision, sorry you are faced with it.

[Portland]

Its no good keeping on going Bruce , if the dog is suffering.
Let him retain some dignity.
We had a greyhound bitch that was always impeccable , and then couldn't control herself.
I put her down myself , my dog , my responsibility.
If Rex goes with you there , he will be in peace.
Rob J.

[PeterSibley]

Our little Staffy Suzie died here on the lounge floor, the same problem but no carpets and decent mop helped a lot .

My sympathy Bruce, it's no fun at all.

[RFNK]

Sorry to hear about your dog Bruce. Sounds like he's had a good run but it's always so hard. You're right to call in the vet. Sorry.
Rick

[Duncan Gibbs]

Never nice loosing a loved animal. My sympathies Bruce.

[purri]

Mine too. We have had abt 15 cats over the years, it's hard to see them suffer (one lasted until 21yo) and death is a blessed release.

[Larks]

I'm also dreadfully sorry to hear about the pooch Bruce. We had to do the same at Christmas and I have to admit that it's still a very open wound with both Kate and I, so I feel for you mate and wish you all the best. I have no doubt the vet will help, they too generally have a great belief in doing the right thing by our hounds and allowing them a dignified end. Fortunately at the end we are able to treat our pets better than we are able to treat many of our close relatives.

(And you can at least rest comfortably knowing that he has been able to enjoy a more dignified name for the last 4 years).

[RFNK]

Duncan, could you send me your postal address again please? I found something I think you might like.
Rick

[WX]

Have started spreading the word about my engine, who knows maybe a buyer will turn up soon...fingers x'd

[John Little]

I'm just back in Sydney after a short camp/cruising trip up the Hawkesbury River in my 17 ft cat yawl, JESS. I was going to do the Richmond but the thought of a two day drive there from Sydney and two days back was a bit daunting. The Hawkesbury is right on my doorstep and I've only explored the lower end. So, a five minute drive to the launch site in Pittwateer and off we went. We meaning me, solo.


The Hawkesbury is a difficult place for a sail and oar boat. You have to work the tides and the breeze is often fluky owing to the hilly terrain. It was absorbing and very pleasant work slipping along past little riverside settlements, listening to the whipbirds and kookaburras, admiring mile after mile of amazing sandstone hills and untouched bushland. There are few, if any, places where you can camp ashore. The banks are mostly oyster covered rocks or mud backed by mangroves. Fortunately the boat is set up to sleep aboard. I did not get off for three days. As I left the coast the weather at night was friggin' freezing. Two sleeping bags, and long johns at night.


I had planned to go for about a week, but on the third day the forecast predicted heavy rain on the way. I didn't much fancy the idea of being stuck on the river miles from anywhere in that. I figured if I made a very early start, i'd catch the ebb at least half way home before the tide turned. At 7 in the morning there was a six or seven knot breeze blowing whispy fog straight down the river. I put on all the clothes I had, plus beanie, gloves and thick socks and got going. After battling fluky winds all the way up it was an amazing sail. The wind followed the twists and turns of the river so that it was always behind me. After a couple of hours it dawned on me that if I could make Juno Point by 11 when the tide was due to turn turn I might just make it home in one. Juno {point leads into the wide mouth of the river where the tide is less of an influence. On the stroke of eleven we reached the point. The little overfalls told me that the tide was just beginning to make, but there was enough breeze for us to just squeeze round. Once in open water the true breeze, a south wester, established itself and we had a glorious beat home.


It was not one of your great adventures. Nothing at all dramatic happened. It was just a few days alone enjoying my beautiful boat in the wilderness. Priceless.

[RFNK]

Sounds great to me! Thanks John, and welcome home!

Rick

[Larks]

It does sound like a great sail John and in a lovely spot , a shame to have had to cut it short but a few days is better than no days on the water. Any pic's to share???

[Larks]

Bruce, are you about? How are you doing after the vet visit??? All the best regardless, unfortunately there's no escaping such a tough time mate!

[johnno]

Well done John, sounds like a perfect little adventure, and very satisfying I'm sure. Now drive her up here Winters don't need longjohns in the Sandy Straits.

[John Little]

Sorry Greg, no pics. Anna's on holiday in Fiji with the camera. If I had Johnno's talent I'd draw some pictures, but my skills in that department are laughable.

[PeterSibley]

That sounds like a perfect couple of days on a small boat John, I hope to emulate you soon !