ionadragon

It is not too late to have your male dog neutered and this may well help. You can get an idea of success by asking your vet to give him an injection of Tardak, which is a hormone preparation; if that works then so will neutering. You could also enquire if your vet has a behaviourist in the practice who could give you advice. Getting your bitch spayed sooner should also help. Two Jack Russell's can live together successfully, but your two are at the difficult end of the spectrum. Good luck!

Hi. I have an unfurnished house I rent myself and a furnished student house I let through the University Accommodation Office. The only advice I would add to what has already been sent is not to use an agent. I found they charged an enormous amount of money for doing very little, plus VAT at 20%. Try Upad who seem to offer a good value service to check out tenants at £99.00. Good luck .

Hi, Susannah. What a brave thought! Can I suggest you come to the UK first, hire a boat for a couple of weeks and talk to as many folk as possible along the way. Friends of mine bought a boat, but after a couple of months, they found themselves going stir crazy in the very conined space, and the wife left to go back home! Life on the canals is not for everyone and you might find you are one of them. All the best anyway.

Hi, Helga - what a pain! I can maybe help. Please email your dates to acborland@hotmail.com. Anne

Pet Insurance isn't any more of a rip-off than any other insurance, providing you avoid the companies that won't re-insure for a condition you have already had treatment for, ie ongoing diseases like diabetes or skin disease. There are now more Veterinary Referral Centres, with specialists who are always likely to charge much more than your own local practice. Many owners want operations and treatments for their pet that wouldn't have been considered a few years ago. Most Insurers won't take on an animal over the age of 8, but you could certainly try an online search. Some Veterinary Practices run their own insurance scheme for their clients, but that is not much use if you are continually on the move. Perhaps the idea of starting a piggy bank for your dog is the best thing, plus keeping it slim and fit.

Hi. I too use Doves Farm quick yeast, from health food shops. But I have found the magic extra ingredient that makes fabulous wholemeal or mixed grain bread is Claybrooke Mill Organic Dough Improver, from Lakeland (plastics). Everyone who eats my bread tells me that it is the best they ever tasted. I use the best ingredients, organic flour, olive oil, honey and sea salt. If bread is the staff of life then it is worth using the best ingredients and it still costs less than bought loaves. Good baking!

Does anyone know if one can rent out one's boat for a couple of months in the year, either through a company or privately? When I (finally) get my boat, I will not be using it in July and August each year as I have to be elsewhere. I realise there will be insurance implications, but want to know if it is possible and if anyone else has done it.

I am still looking for a boat to purchase and have rather exacting requirements - semi trad reverse lat=yout. I have seen several boats the I almost like, but would prefer large portholes to windows. Is it possible to have a fill in and cutout job done to get what I want, or shall I keep loooking?

Pet Plan and Marks and Spencer are probably the best - they pay out without quibbling and continue to pay for ongoing treatment year on year.

I am hoping to become a continuous cruiser, but wonder what you do about a doctor (repeat prescriptions), a dentist, library lending (I am an avid reader) and post. I am sure there are solutions but would be grateful for input.