I wrote to the DWP in summer 2010, kept the proof of postage. I was telling them, as I had told the staff at the jobcentre (and watched the woman log in the information), that I was also in receipt of a private pension. Well, they kept paying me until earlier this year a compliance officer came to see me. I apologised that I did not have all the paperwork he wanted as I had sent it all to the DWP three years ago, and they never returned it to me. I was able to show him the copy of the letter I sent with it all. He was ever so nice, "oh dear" he said "I know you've already lost one lot of paperwork through us, but would you trust me personally to take away what you have left?" I let him do this and he returned it the next day. Then my benefits were stopped. So I rang this guy to ask what was going on, and he said I had to telephone a certain department, and they would explain fully, and he said "but this is not your fault, it is our error and we will just have to write off the overpayment" I duly telephoned this particular office, and they were sugary sweet with me, assured me that I should not bother one jot about the £7K overpayment and I would never hear about it again! And I never have heard a thing since, except a statement setting out what I should of been getting and what I would get in future. So, I am jammy I suppose, but the point is, if they have made a mistake and you can prove it, then I don't believe you have to repay it. That is if DWP and HMRC work on the same principles. I hope you get it sorted, what a worry for you.

I'm tending to agree with Hightail. I think, when you took the dog, you made a "donation". Sadly this didn't work out, and that is why they won't give the money back. They will however, be more than happy for you to rehome another of their dogs, and rather than "credit note" I think they mean they wouldn't have the sheer cheek to ask for yet another "donation" from you.

Thank goodness the poor dog got a good forever home. X

Lets hope she encounters a rabid dog with supersized teeth whilst abroad. What goes around comes around. Very pleased Charlie will be fine.

PS: if there are open sores, the cream burns like merry hell to start with - but it has to be done.

Scabies, yep, let me tell you exactly how this goes..... (I was 17 guys, a very long time ago). In all your parts where you get warm, in between your toes, in between your fingers, palms, groin, armpits, even around ears, this little demon does its work. Its a nasty little mite which goes under the skin in these areas, and then when you get warm it starts to irritate your skin, I think by pulling on the hair follicles. So you scratch and scratch until you bleed, and scab up. You will rip the affected areas raw in your sleep. And as you scratch, your bed sheets and clothing get infected, so when my dear old gran smoothed down my bed for me one morning, she also got infected. She scratched and ripped and tore at herself. And then because I had used towels in the bathroom, mum and dad then got it. A quick trip to the GP to confirm, a tube of some cream or other which stinks, to be applied as directed, and DO NOT share towels, bedding, anything, with anyone else until you are clear, about a week. Not sexually transmitted, but if you roll around in the sack with someone who has it, you will catch it sure as eggs is eggs, from their bedding alone. I don't know that you can force your flat mate, but I doubt, if he has scabies, that he'll put up with it much longer, especially as it starts to spread and get infected. I've got to go and have a good scratch now! Hope I haven't spoiled your dinner. X

I cannot believe that police officers would turn up at your home to arrest you over the suspected theft of two pies.

Don't agree Fletch. A dog is only what man makes him, and this he learns, therefore he can relearn in the right hands. I'll make a concession for this mental problem that crops up occasionally, a type of rage thing. Our vet on here will confirm if this is now a recognised condition. I believe it may have been caused by bad breeding practices, so all down to us again. What do you think of this then. My mate is a KC judge and a Dog Whisperer and she deals especially with very psychologically damaged dogs, who are on their last chance or have been abandoned because of their behaviour. She helps anyone with a problem, hoping to avoid this sort of problem in the first place. She starts by putting them into a lovely clean kennel area, no speaking or touching, she gives them only what they need. This continues for about ten days, dog is fine, has all that it needs and learns that it is safe. Dog realises he is getting what he needs, and starts to trust again, and a bond forms very slowly. Then he can start to go out for short walks, a little on lead exercise, so she can see what the problems are. And all the time the dog is starting to trust her, and now will do as she says. After about 12 weeks, she'll pair the dog up with a suitable owner. She makes the new owner aware of former problems. I have yet to hear of a case where it has all gone wrong. Very rarely she will advise a PTS, she's never one to give up easily. She is honest with people as well, and much as they might love their dog, if he is causing problems and they are not the right owners, she will tell them "you either become suitable or the dog should be rehomed". Most people decide that they are going to become suitable, and she'll then work hard with them. Sadly, there are not enough of these people out there, or leastways, not reliable ones. And there are not enough of us humans who actually do care about dogs enough to want to unpick the damage that man has inflicted in the first place, either deliberately or through ignorance. 'orrible old world out there really ain't it?

I would like to have one or two of the 42 poor souls with the so-called "dangerous temperament" and put him right, so that he can enjoy the rest of his life as a dog should. It can be done, I have seen it.

I sure do understand your predicament - I'd probably go quite insane if I suddenly couldn't drive anymore! I reckon if you took a block of say 6 lessons, do the theory test in between lessons, book the test, you could be all sorted and driving legally here in about 10 - 12 weeks. Let us know when you pass!

Hope everything goes ok with your dad. I'm an only child as well, and we lost dad 2.5. years ago. Now I look after my mum, she's just had a hip replaced and is waiting to have the other done - in an upstairs flat of course! - oh boy it tires me out. And I have problems in the head department as well!

Well, you could turn the thing on its head and look at it a different way. If you have a full UK licence you should never have a problem driving anywhere in the world, as far as I know. At 52 and after driving over 30 years, I wonder if I would pass again first time. Its a hard test, and if you took it and passed, what an achievement. You may as well use your time here to collect a "badge". I think I can safely say that when someone passes the driving test here, it gives them a particular thrill and is cause for a celebration. Go on - you can do it!

I just had a look at that artist - what beautiful paintings. She should live in Poole, not Bournemouth. (Sorry any Bournemouth residents) I hate Bournemouth, I only go there if I am forced to. Many reasons, musn't offend people from Bournemouth by putting them on here! It might start the ole troubles off again and then there'll be pitchforks at County Gates at dawn! LOL.

I know I'm lucky living here - born and bred. I go all over the County, walking about, and now I am trying to write some of these walks up myself, so others can enjoy them. We don't have any motorway here and we don't want it neither! But there are many beautiful places all over the UK, its just that I always know when I'm home if you know what I mean! I suppose Dorset is dramatic, chocolate box pretty, historical, and Enid Blyton, with a lot of farmers!

CB - yes erm....... indeed re the squirrels! My dog whisperer friend absolutely will not allow it in any dog she rehabs = she says it starts their prey instinct off and they have problems enough already. I suppose she's right, if the dog is guilty of having someone by the seat of the trousers its probably best they learn not to chase anything! LOL However, don't they love it? If I say "squirrels izem?" Taz goes nuts, goes round in circles, barks his head off and rolls his eyes round. And if we see one, he goes loopy until he's chased it up the tree. If there's one up the tree and he spots it, he stands underneath barking at it to make it stay up there. Oh let him have his squirrels, so long as he doesn't present me with a dead one! Ah so madam is a goldie then. And absolutely loves her walks and knows precisely where you are going everytime! And the anticipation of all those squirrels is what the noise is about. Just you saying about the squirrels, and I can sort of picture her in action now!

Taz (collie) knows all the good local walks, to the point that when we reach the turn off for the country park, if we are NOT going there, he waits to see if I flick the indicator, and if I don't he curls up on the seat in disgust! Now, if we are getting near to somewhere he knows, he'll go on the back seat and sit behind me for all the world telling me to hurry up! I like going out into the darkest depths of Dorset for a good old ramble and complete isolation (good for the soul). Obviously Taz doesn't know where we are going, but when we get off the main roads, and into the country lanes, he's alert, tempted to somersault but won't cos I tell him off, tongue hanging out, eyes on stalks. And yes, CB, your girl most likely does know every local area you take her, GS's are right up there in the brains department! Watch her, and then take her somewhere she hasn't been before, and see the difference in her behaviour! And that's the way renegade certainly, if the dog worries about getting in the car, do it again and again, until dog understands the car is a wonderful place, and ends in a good old run! I am heading out to a place called Lysombe this afternoon, never been there before, apparently its an abandoned medieval village with the chapel still surviving, and its somewhere around the Wessex Ridgeway. It'll probably kill me as its hilly. Where is everybody else going for the regulation weekend march with the dog? LOL

I always think the alsation type dog can be a bit "skittish" "exciteable". I know they are incredibly brave and loyal as well, and maybe I say "skittish" as they appear as though they are on guard all the time (and boy can they move when they mean it as well!). I'm not surprised to hear this about this in an otherwise normal healthy and loveable dog. This type of problem is very often all about energy, excess of it, and the burning off of it. After all, she's clearly learnt where each walk is taking her. I bet if you look back at her when you slow down and flick the indicators on, she will be alert and interested, and most probably leaning the same way as the car is turning, her ears are up, eyes shining and I expect nose dripping with excitement! Taz, (I should be shot I know, I don't tether him, he's on the front seat of the old Ford KA everywhere we go!) when we get near somewhere he knows to be a good walk, if I don't tick him off, he'll start somersaulting through the middle of the front seats and back again. Let us know how you go on. And the JR? Well she'll probably punish you for today by removing the postmans leg tomorrow morning! LOL We love 'em don't we?!

Ok, we've established its not the car then! LOL. I don't believe it could be anxiety either, after all the willing way she throws herself in. So that leaves you with excitement and anticipation. I suspect she's telling you to bloody put your foot down on the pedal and get there a bit quicker mum! You say this car is quieter. Is it at all possible that she was doing this before and you just didn't hear it? Now, can you control this dog with eye contact? Because, I want you to make eye contact with her in your mirror, if she starts as you go along, and make the firm command that you use elsewhere to get her to stop barking, whining, being naughty, whatever. Try it before you set off, in the car, engine running. Whinging starts, make the eye contact, try the command, and of course, when its successful, what a good girl. (And remember when driving along the praise will have to be verbal! or you'll have an accident). If you have your dog clicker trained, you can try this method as well, fix the clicker to your keyring. Don't forget though, again the praise will be verbal only as you can't be giving treats as you drive along. I spent the last 8 years of my first collie's life, with him poking his nose through the dog guard in my estate car, mouth jammed into a perfect "0" howling and whooping and squealing all the way to his walk! I know how distracting this can be, when trying to drive, and its no good getting cross and yelling either, it makes it worse. Try these simple things first off, if no success there's a few other things to try! Oh yes, and by the way, after her walkies, is she doing this on the drive home as well?

Ok, so the concept of the car is fine for madam then! Have you changed from a petrol to a diesel or vice-versa? And, if you were to have someone stand her next to the car whilst you started it up (before she gets in) what is her reaction to that? Will she willingly get in if the engine is running? We need to be detectives with dog's I'm afraid, so much easier if they could speak! (Or rather, how much better it would be if we could understand them!)

Will she get in the car willingly, or are you having to coax and cajole her to get in?.

She's a lucky girl if she's managed to get over parvo. Anyway, time will heal, and what goes around comes around, so yes, shoes will be chewed aplenty! Don't forget about the trip to the local dog's home, will you? Probably best you go soon, while you are still in a lovely animal sensitive mood...!

I'm really sorry to hear about this, it must be very hurtful and disappointing for you, especially after you saved her life. I had a look on the Petmedic website and they seem to be a standard vet's practice, with emergency services. I reckon the pup may have been chipped, or the owner came forward, but either way, although they can't tell you the details, they should at least let you know the outcome. I think the only thing you can be glad about in this situation is that you DID save her life, and if she has been reunited with a loving owner then that's the best outcome. Even I suppose, if she was rehomed with yourselves being bypassed, the outcome is that the dog has a loving home. But horribly disappointing for you, and I really understand that. I break my heart over every animal I have to take into a vets, the last one being a baby kestrel that I knew would have to be PTS. If its a dog or cat I wish that I could keep them, but I know, deep down, that its not possible. And we can only ever do our best, and you have. I would get back on to the practice, ask to speak to the manager, and tell them how upset you are and please could they at least put your mind at rest. You could, I suppose, have a go at them about their policy of 7 days etc., however, it is that policy that makes me suspect she may have been reunited with an owner. And anyway, I expect you really know that if you have a go at them its only because you are hurt. Your call. Now you are of the mindset to adopt a pup (one of the best moods to be in I assure you!) why not pop along to the local dogs home and see about rehoming one of these? There are many poor souls in there worthy of a good home - if you were kind hearted enough to help one pup, how about helping another? I think this is very unfair on you indeed, but I think you have to let it go now and move on, its always very emotive where animals are concerned ( as you'll find out when you get your new pup I hope). Chin up and thinking of you. X

Ouch too late for caution, but I am pleased to see you say you have to fight. Don't do it alone, get some help on board, like I suggested.

Ok, please telephone the Kennel Club, and ask for a recommendation for a behaviourist in your local area (yes, Dog Whisperer if you like). Any behaviourist worth their salt will work with you, show you how to properly control the situation, and then appear in court for you, to tell the magistrates what progress you have made. My friend has to do this frequently under the Dangerous Dogs Act, because of the nature of the dogs (and owners!) she work with so really noise should be a doddle. I don't know what the legal bods on here think of this: I can read how stressed out you are, to the extent that you seem to have become a prisoner in your own home. And perhaps it might be better to accept the caution this time, and then do as I say above, quickly. You could I suppose say that you accept the caution so long as the Council accepts (you have evidence) that you have been harassed by the neighbours, and that you are working hard to do all that you can to control the barking. And everytime next door do something to you, record it, report it, as appropriate, and above all, make sure the noise abatement team have it all on file. I understand its hard when you are depressed, but come on now, we're talking about our pets here, and that should fire you up. Where I live, my dog roars like a lion when someone knocks the door. He very friendly mind. He occasionally barks at strange noises outside our home. And if one of my neighbours the cheek to complain about this perfectly normal behaviour, I think I'd then have to make an issue out of: a) the 12 week old male kitten (Still with his whatnots) I found climbing up my parrot cage in my lounge the other day b) the filthy smell he left up my hallway during his swift exit and then c) the crap in my aloe vera plant outside my front door. Just to make you laugh a bit! I'm sure our legal friends will advise you how to sort all this out, but really, if you can just get those dogs quiet, all this will go away, and it will be interesting to see what shocking wrong doing the neighbour accuses you of next - some people are like that and there's usually one in every street.

And also speak to social services, Children and families, as you say the welfare of the children is paramount. Don't worry about "social workers" - this time they will be on your side. Tell your local councillor and or/MP what is going on. You will be homeless through no fault of your own. These are not your rent arrears. You are not the tenant. However, it is stupid of the Council to remove you from this property, and rehouse you - what about the cost of it, never mind disruption. And yes, Shelter for some advice on how this situation arose. They will be quicker than CAB. But you need to do this quickly. Fingers crossed for you.