I know that all of you in UK are suffering from the big freeze, here in Australia we are suffering from a different problem.

Yesterday the temperatures here reached 48c and devestating bushfires have ripped the state (Victoria) apart. So far officially 84 people hae died and at least 700 homes have gone, and many areas are still inaccessable. The death toll is exp0ected to rise at least to 100.

Fortunately most of the Dh community seems to have survived, but our Club president Ken Airens and his wife Els lived in the worst affected areas and while they were evacuated it appears that their home has gone. The fires in this area were so bad that no one will be able to get in for a couple of days to find out exactly what has happened.

So just think, we would love some of your snow.

Pam

Pam
We have been watching the news with horror from the safety of the NSW north coast. Very relieved to hear that both you and Helen are unscathed but sorry to hear about your friends.

Sue

I'm sorry for everyone there in Oz, it must be terrible to be under threat of your home being destroyed and for your life to be at risk. The snow here can only be said to be inconvenient and frankly I don't know why the media and Business here are making such a fuss. We've been very lucky that we've had 20 years of virtually no snow, when I was a child I remember many years when the snow was as bad as this and the country ceased to function normally.

Still it's a shame that we can't have 20 degrees or so of your heat and for you to have 20 degrees of our cold, it would be very comfortable in both countries then.

It must be devastating! Fire is so frightening and although it must be awful to lose your home it is better than losing your life. It makes me a bit ashamed when this country is whinging about a bit of snow

Houndy has said everything I would like to say. So sorry for you folks.

we just cant imagine, it must be Hellis

So sorry to hear the news at least all of you are alive. Must be dreadful to lose every thing
Hopefully people will help each other and rally round. Keep safe.

Sending you all lots of love and praying that you and your hounds will keep safe

We are thinking of you. Hope the situation improves very soon.

Yes, I too am thinking of all the Australians, we moan about the cold, but the reality of fire is worse.

Do they know what started it, I know from being in Austrlia, even someone tossing a ciggie out of the car window can have devastating effects.

I hope you are all safe.

Helen and family

I look at the news in the morning and they talked about the fire in Australia. It is terrible. I hope all of you are well. It must be frightful to se the fire comming. If I only could I will send you some of our snow. We are thinking of you and hope that the fires stopped soon.
Take care of each other and your hounds.

This morning the death toll has risen to 108 with 750 homes lost. These fires are just devastating. Tassie has sent fire crews over to help which at least will give the local fire crews a rest. They work so hard and continously to battle the fires.
Apparently they were deliberately lit. HOW COULD ANYONE DO THIS???
It is beyond my comprehension.
Keep safe Guys and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I've just been watching the news,the devastation and horror is unbelievable.I'm so sorry for you all,hope you keep safe.

I can't believe the television footage I have watched tonight and what is even more
unbelievable is that some of them have been deliberately started.,What morons

How incredibly sad for the people who have lost their homes. I cannot imagine how they
devastated they mus feel to watch everything they own go up in flames.

You are in our thoughts.

sally wrote:



All fires can cause harm, including domestic fires if they are left un attended or not secure from the very young, old, or even animals. It is a fact of nature there will be “Bush Fires” in certain places with little rainfall annually, however the dreadful fires Australia is experiencing now is made worse by the hottest weather for a century.
I eco Sally in hoping you all remain as safe as possible & hoping the fires are extinguished ASAP with out any more loss of life, human or animal & especially the brave who risk everything in an attempt to help those in danger (police, fire, medical, volunteers. (ex firefighter xx)

Keep safe - our thoughts are with you x

Jacobite, I cant begin to imagine how horrible it is for you and your friends in Oz.
My thaughts are with you and I hope you all manage to find the strength that you will all need to get through this horrific experience.
It is certainly makes our problems with snow seem pathetic in comparison.
Take care and stay strong

Many thanks to you all for your thouhts and messages. It is thought that many of these fires were deliberately lit, it is impossible to imagine how any one could do this, but sadly it happens all the time.

The weather here today is a very comfortable 20c so we are all a lot happier.

Pam

The victorian canine council has set up an international virtual dog show to raise money for the victims of the bushfires. Please consider entering it is $AU10 per entry.
the link is
www.dogsvictoria.org.au/C...7&SubID=369

Pam, I just heard that Gembrrok is under threat. Is Richard at Mapleridge safe? I'm so worried about all of you.
Keep safe and keep us posted.