As a new member I am shocked........

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I have only been a member of this site for one week and I am horrified at the thought of entering into a discussion!

I joined because I have always liked Gundogs, especially Setters of all varieties and have been thinking of owning one or maybe even two.

My friend who is a member said to me a few months ago "Bel, I have found a lovely site for Setter enthusiasts and the people on there are so nice and friendly".

I am sorry to say, after reading through some of the latest discussions, I don't share her opinion at all!

All I have read are aggressive, verbal attacks on members who do not share the opinions of a few regular contributors who gang up on anyone who dares to disagree with their point of view.

I don't know how many members there are on here, but it seems the whole site is run by a few 'know alls' who delight in making other members valuable contributions to discussions a very unpleasant experience for them.

Some on here will probably say I should hold no opinions at all because I am a 'newbie' to this site.

Well sorry, I loath bullying in any shape or form and that's what I see happening on here!

Maybe I will test the water on a site for a different gundog breed because from what I have read so far on here, setter breeders are not people I would like to have any more contact with.

[Sue and Cash]

Okay what is mumsnet?     mums the word?

 

[Sue and Cash]

Even if it was a set up, something can be learned from it for sure.  I don't post much anymore due to some reasons raised.

And I have seen what was raised by the poster of this thread from both sides.  It can be intimidating at times here!  Especially if your from the USA.  And have a neutered setter!  And feed him commerical kibble and canned food!  (Many might be shuttering about now) and don't breed or show your dog.  The universal theme of this forum is "we love our setters".  And loving them and providing stimulation, affection, food and exercise should be enough to be included and respected here.

 

 

[Sue Paterson]

Well said to 'Sue and Cash'.

[Susan Stone]

OMG Sue! (VBG)

Let me join you in damnation as I have just had a bitch spayed and I plead guilty to feeding my dogs dry kibble! I even vaccinate them at regular intervals... but you top me for one: I don't live in the USA;-))

 

Take care and have fun with Cash!

[Carmel Murphy]

;o)))

[Sue and Cash]

LOL I think this is the most replies I have ever had!  Maybe tongue in cheek suits me!

 

[Dee Rance]

Me too, Sue and Cash, I had Jas Spayed in her last year...and I feed Kibble...sorry I show one of mine though...but agree with all the rest you say ...

[Sherry Miller]

Sue and Cash....Molly fits all of the above with one addition as she is a rescued IS so have no real idea where she was bred  except somewhere here in midwest USA.  I read to learn and watch for mention from USA about the results of these new tests and the future of our IS here which so far I have seen no mention of.....I fear that right now we are lying low "overhere"???? I wonder if issue is being hidden or if it truly is not something that is being tested for here or needing to be tested for in our breeders?  Any idea where our Irish Setter breeders in USA are on this?

[Sue and Cash]

Sherry I asked my breeder about it several months ago and she said she is unaware of any problems here.

I have no idea being only a pet owner.  I know I would feel better having people step up and get some dogs  tested here and find where they stand.  Better to be proactive than reactive.   I don't think we have any american breeders on here do we?  They use a different site.  Would love for someone to post over at their forum about the issue to start a discussion about it.  I bet tons are unaware of it. 

[Sherry Miller]

Thanks for the information Tracy....just hope that everywhere the issue can be resolved so future is bright again for our lovely Irish.  Is there another site I should also be following on this?  Just have companion Irish here but also like to stay infront of issues that might cause problems for Molly.  I know that without knowing her lines that I have a "surprise" box as far as any health issues for her so that is part of why I like to know as much as I can. 

   Got a nice surprise tonight while walking Molly......a new Irish in our neighborhood.....I should say a Senior Setter as his face was very distingushed with white.  Will be hoping to see his owners out to hear his story. So just in my little place in the world here we now have three Irish Setters within three blocks of each other.......nice to see a wee bit of popularity for them here as for years I have been the only one within walking distance here! 

[Sherry Miller]

Will keep my ears open here Sue....sort of figure what is going on for you all is probably going to have some bearing on our IS here in USA. 

[Sue and Cash]

Now I will turn it around a bit.  I have learned so much at this site.  I have recommend the site to others also.  I have made several friends from this site here and abroad.  I am so saddened by the news of late to the setter lines "over there".  How that will impact us "over here" is yet to be known and hopefully not.  But I feel the group of people here are up for the challenges that lay ahead and in the end will do what is best for the breed and their special fur babies.  I just want to give a huge hug to all of you and let you know how worried, frightened and humbled I am by the strength shown in the past few weeks.  The setters will carry on, stronger and better for all your love, dedication and hard work.