News Hounds Ady & Flo www.sunlive.co.nz

My favourite Uncle is still trying to stop going around in circles, after having one of his wings clipped.

I have been ‘puppy sitting', which is weird in itself, as trying to sit on Flo is about as likely to happen as Money Bill Williams staying at one club for more than a year, or even better, as likely as Tame Iti being able to renew his gun licence.

The entire concept of ‘puppy sitting', or even just looking after Flo, is totally alien and the boss has come up with the theory that if you keep some food out of reach, it keeps her still for a while. But much to his dismay, out of reach to a Labrador is totally different to any other canine. We are coping, just! It's a hell of a lot of fun though, and she is turning out to be one cool bitch.

Now, when I mentioned the licence word before, it made me think about the rant that the boss makes this time every year, this year being worse than most as he has fallen out of his trolley and wants answers to these simple questions, from the canine money collectors at the council.

(A) Why, when we are micro-chipped, is registration actually required?

(B) Why are good dog owners penalised for those who are not?

(C) What, as far as amenities, do you get for paying your $72? Certainly no dog running areas with ‘poo bags' provided, that's for sure.

(D) Why, when our so-called masters provide the bureaucrats with information that we are trained, de-sexed, micro-chipped and all our inoculations up-to-date, do we not get a large discount for being responsible?

(E) Why are cats not required to be registered, and is this discrimination?

There are probably many other questions you may have, and it makes us feel pretty stink that once again dog owners that are responsible, are having to fork out money for, well, Jack **** (and no I do not mean, Jack Russell by products!).

The way the boss sees it, they should maybe pay a fraction of the current charge, and the irresponsible should be charged accordingly. For example, if a ranger is required to sort out some trouble, the dog owner pays, and if they cannot find the owner, the poor dog is put to sleep. Draconian I know, but is it not time to say to twoleggers out there that looking after us is going to cost you, and if you cannot afford an animal, do not bloody get one? Same with children to a degree, but unfortunately, the ‘Granny State' benefit system does not apply to us.

So basically what the boss and I are saying that either give us something for our money, in the way of amenities, or give us a reduced charge. And before you start weighing us all down with bureaucratic dribble, find out what other cities around this country charge to provide some great play areas, as we on our travels have come across some brilliant amenities where we can run free.

Nelson's Tahuanui Beach, for example, poo bags provided, sand and ocean to frolic in, and Nelson dog owners pay under $50 per annum. (Well, it was when we were there last year).

Well that's it from me this week, and Flo agrees with everything I have said. Well, she is shaking her head, but I do not know if it is from the feather from the boss' duvet stuck in her ear or not. The boss will not be pleased.

Cheers all and remember try to be responsible so you do not get a dart in your rear end. The Magic were fantastic, go the ‘Chiefies', and we all know the ‘Doggies' will win the NRL, as we know what we are talking about.

- Ady.