Asssuming for the moment that you were to take this case to small claims court, let us review the evidence. 1. In your complaint you stated that there was a dead limb clearly visible just below the limb that fell- yet you chose to ignore the potential danger and park there anyway so you have placed your car in a position of assumed risk. 2.By your testimony the limb that fell was a live limb, altough some prior damage was discovered after it fell- even assuming that the property owner had inspected the tree, what is the likelyhood of seeing that potential problem from the ground? Now you could argue that there is a dead limb present, but the dead limb was still there after the incident and has nothing to do with your case. You testified that it was a clear & sunny day with no wind so even if there is a dead limb, the likelyhood of it falling on that particular day was slim. By your testimony the total property damage to your car was in excess of $2500 and you filed a claim with your insurance company which covered all but your deductable. No doubt your insurance company settled on the grounds that the incident was an "Act of God". The acceptance of the $1500+ from your insurance company sets a legal precident that you also accepted it as an "Act of God". Given that you accepted monies from your insurance company as an Act of God, you cannot later claim that the incident was a result of negligence on the part of the property owner.

I don't have to turn the key off when I restart when my car dies. Just put it into neutral and turn the key forward. The "start" position is beyond where the key sits while you're driving. Thanks for the info. I might try the throttle thing.

There have been quite a few studies done showing that certain breeds are sensitive to ivermectin which is used in heartworm meds. Ivermectin toxicity affect certain breeds that may carry a genetic mutation. They were starting to see this first in collies and later other herding breeds, the Aussie is included in those susceptible breeds. I remember discussing this with my vet when we had a Sheltie/Aussie mix. Apparently they have a test for the genetic mutation these days. I live in an area where heartworm is simply not a problem. My dog is not on heartworm meds at all. I have discussed this with my vet and he sees no reason for me to put her on it unless we plan to take her to areas where it is a greater risk. Then I would be happy to have her tested and put on medication for the time period necessary. I have no fleas either but if she is out in parks and places where she meets others dogs I do use a dose of Frontline at the start of flea season. No reason to do flea treat in the dead of winter. A lot of things are pushed on clients by vets for one simple reason. They know people get lax in the care of their animals. If they say recommend something for the season the client may forget next year so it's easier to put the dogs on heart worm year round. Of course this doesn't apply to people who travel a lot with their dogs or live in mosquito zones year round. By advocating for yearly vaccines they know they will at least see the dog once a year since people bring them in for annual health check ups or worse wait until they are extremely ill. Here is a link that may be informative: http://www.cliniciansbrief.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Ivermectin%20Toxicosis.pdf

After a lot of googling, these are my top scratch removal DIY links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uHqNlJp5Zw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2aC_oseMe4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nYF46P7B2c Has anyone ever tried any of the above methods?