Camuka Golden Retrievers

27/05/2026

Mark and I are currently in Alaska, and yesterday we also visited the famous ranger sled dog kennels at Denali National Park and Preserve. These dogs are far more than just a tourist attraction — they are working dogs that still play an important role in the park today. In winter, when snow covers the wilderness and roads disappear, the rangers use sled teams to patrol remote areas of the park, carry supplies, assist with research, and help protect this vast wilderness in a quiet and environmentally friendly way.

It was fascinating to learn about the history of sled dogs in Alaska and to see the strong bond between the rangers and their teams. Watching the dogs so excited and eager to run was a real highlight. Their energy, enthusiasm and obvious love for their work was infectious.

It was also very interesting to hear how the puppies are raised. The park uses an enrichment-based program to help ensure the puppies are well socialised, confident and have the best temperaments possible. The young dogs gradually learn about the wilderness by running alongside experienced adult teams, and even begin learning to pull by towing their handlers on skis. They are not started in serious work until they are fully mature, usually over two years of age.

Such a wonderful insight into a unique Alaskan tradition that is still very much alive today.

27/05/2026

Mark and I are currently in Alaska, and yesterday we also visited the famous ranger sled dog kennels at Denali National Park and Preserve. These dogs are far more than just a tourist attraction — they are working dogs that still play an important role in the park today. In winter, when snow covers the wilderness and roads disappear, the rangers use sled teams to patrol remote areas of the park, carry supplies, assist with research, and help protect this vast wilderness in a quiet and environmentally friendly way.

It was fascinating to learn about the history of sled dogs in Alaska and to see the strong bond between the rangers and their teams. Watching the dogs so excited and eager to run was a real highlight. Their energy, enthusiasm and obvious love for their work was infectious.

It was also very interesting to hear how the puppies are raised. The park uses an enrichment-based program to help ensure the puppies are well socialised, confident and have the best temperaments possible. The young dogs gradually learn about the wilderness by running alongside experienced adult teams, and even begin learning to pull by towing their handlers on skis. They are not started in serious work until they are fully mature, usually over two years of age.

Such a wonderful insight into a unique Alaskan tradition that is still very much alive today.

27/05/2026

Amazing how veterinary science has progressed.

18/05/2026

Rather graphic, but a warning about letting your dog fetch sticks which so many of us do.

09/05/2026

Today we celebrate the 11th birthday of our beautiful boy, Ringo —
BISS SOM Fantango Here Comes The Sun (Ai) 💛

Although you are slowing down a little and getting weary with age, you still love your morning walks around the property, rolling in the mud, checking out the girls, and of course our café visits.

We are forever grateful to Janelle and Paul for entrusting us with Ringo 9 years ago. We have shared so many wonderful memories and great times together. Now, as an old man, we simply hope for more time with you so we can continue to enjoy your beautiful nature and companionship.

Happy birthday gorgeous boy — you are so very loved. 🐾

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS97C34rp/

09/05/2026

Happy National Dog Mum Day 🐾💖

Today we celebrate all the wonderful women who love, nurture, spoil, groom, train, cuddle and adore their dogs like family.

From the muddy paws and fur-covered clothes, to the endless cuddles, adventures and unconditional love - being a dog mum is something truly special 🩷

We would LOVE to see your beautiful dogs, so share a photo in the comments below 📸🐶

Whether they’re muddy, sleepy, glamorous, goofy or your loyal shadow, today is all about celebrating the incredible bond we share with our dogs.



Below is a photo of me with my beautiful girl Shine who brings so much joy to patients in the QE unit.

06/05/2026

The most important study for our breed, with so many beautiful angels taken by Hemangiosarcoma.

When the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study launched 14 years ago, 3,044 golden retrievers enrolled alongside their families. Today, around 600 of those dogs are still with us and remain active in the Study. More than 1,800 have died — and hemangiosarcoma, one of the most devastating cancers in dogs, has taken more of them than any other disease.

Their families chose to be part of something bigger. And because of that choice, researchers now have one of the most powerful datasets in veterinary medicine — one that is actively changing what we know about why dogs get cancer and how to fight it.

Researchers have published new findings on hemangiosarcoma survival times to help veterinarians guide families through a diagnosis. A partnership with the Royal Veterinary College is comparing Study data with more than 1,800 UK veterinary practices. New publications on mast cell tumors and lymphoma are on the way.

Their lives are becoming answers. Through our Stop Cancer Furever campaign, you can help make sure those answers reach every dog and every family that needs them. Through June 30, Bill and Rebecca Kamer are matching every gift up to $50,000.

[Donate link in first comment]

25/04/2026

How you pat your dog really matters.

Think all petting feels good to your dog? Not even close. Science shows a lot of what we call affection is actually overstimulation. Slow it down. Your dog doesn’t want a drum solo on their head. Slow strokes equal calm, fast pats equal stress.

A new peer-revied study surveying dog and cat owners looked at how touch relates to pet wellbeing and found clear differences between species. For dogs, gentle petting had the biggest positive impact, especially slow, calm stroking along the chest, shoulders, and sides. The more time and physical contact, the better, with added benefits when dogs lean on their owners or sleep close by. This type of touch mimics natural social grooming and helps reduce stress while promoting relaxation. In contrast, owner-initiated petting didn’t have the same effect in cats. What mattered more was cat-initiated contact, particularly head rubbing, also known as bunting. Gentle touch can improve wellbeing, but only when it aligns with the animal’s natural behavior and comfort level. Takeaway: If your dog leans into you, relaxes, or closes their eyes, you’re doing it right, if they pull away or get restless, adjust pressure or location.

24/04/2026

Pet loss

Pet loss is one of the hardest parts of loving a dog.

I’m often contacted by my own families when they’re navigating the loss of their beloved dog, or facing the difficult decision of when the time is right.

It’s an incredibly emotional time, and having the right support can make all the difference.

This is where Paws for Talk comes in. Nikki offers compassionate support for families going through pet loss, helping guide you through the grief and decision-making with understanding and care.

If you need support, you can reach out to Nikki here:

https://pawsfortalk.com.au/about-me/

Learn about Nikki, a certified grief facilitator offering support for pet end-of-life care, grief counselling, and quality of life advice at Paws for Talk.