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How long is a dog for? (All together now - "Life!")

If it's the thought that counts at Christmas, the thinking about dogs should be that they don't make good presents. It's too busy a time of year to be able to devote the necessary time to settling in a puppy. But don't take my word for it, here's what Dogs Trust have to say on the matter:

 

TOYING WITH THE IDEA OF BUYING A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS?
Dogs Trust reveals the shocking 'lifespan' of festive gifts

New research carried out by Dogs Trust, the UK's

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Update on the protest at Harrods

Dogs really don't belong in shops, however posh or iconic the shop is. Good breeders who care about their dogs, and rescue charities too,want to see who is buying or adopting their dog - they don't supply shops, and there are many reasons why. Please don't buy dogs in shops - if there's no demand there's no reason for the shops to keep up the supply. Here's an update on the protest held outside Harrods to highlight the fact that Harrods sells dogs:

 

Harrods Protest

Campaigners from the anti puppy farming groups

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New: Give a Dog a Home campaign

I've just been contacted by Kloe Jobling who is trying to make a difference to dogs in her area. Sounds like a great idea to me. Here's more info about the Give a Dog a Home campaign:
 
Introducing: Give a Dog a Home

Tails of abandoned dogs in Sunderland are set to start wagging thanks to a local campaign.

‘Give a Dog a Home’ aims to encourage Sunderland residents to consider adopting a dog from a local shelter instead of buying a puppy.

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Oh doggy, it's cold outside! Advice from Dogs Trust Roden

It's certainly cold in the UK currently and there's advice from Dogs Trust's Roden Centre on keeping your dog happy and healthy over winter:

 

OH DOGGY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!
Dogs Trust Roden issues advice to keep dogs happy and healthy this winter

As Britain continues to endure a cold and icy snap, our four-legged friends need a little extra care and warmth to ensure they cope with the wintery conditions.

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Include veterinary care in Christmas plans, advises the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Christmas is a great time of year for getting together and sharing that holiday spirit. But do make sure that your dog has as much fun as you do. Here's some advice from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons:
 
Include veterinary care in Christmas plans,’ advises the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

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The dog who came in from the cold

Sometime over the weekend of 13th/14th November my daughter and I saw the John Lewis Christmas advert on television. We both had the same reaction, that it was not right - or even Christmassy - to show the dog in the advert stuck out in the snow in an old-fashioned, doorless kennel. Then the program we were watching came back on and we forgot about it. When I went onto the Internet on the following Monday morning, the doggy circles in which I move were awash with people complaining about the advert - the inadequate shelter, the isolation of the dog - and it was clear that I was not the only one who hadn't liked this advert. Many people were advocating contacting

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DOGS TRUST COMMENDS NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY ON COMMITMENT TO COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING

Just had this from Dogs Trust:
 
DOGS TRUST COMMENDS NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY ON COMMITMENT TO COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust, which has a Rehoming Centre in Ballymena, has welcomed an announcement that the Committee stage of the Dogs (Amendment) Bill has been completed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. If passed, the Bill will make it compulsory for all Northern Irish dogs to be microchipped.

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Angry dog lovers target world-famous store

Dogs do not belong in shops, and no scrupulous breeder would send their pups to a shop. But did you know that iconic London shop Harrods does sell dogs? Here's information about a protest to highlight this issue:

A coalition of anti puppy farming groups [1] will be staging a protest over the sale of puppies at world-famous store, Harrods on Saturday 4th December 2010. A petition [2] will be given to Harrods during the protest.

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At the beach

I took this photo when we visited the beach after Buddy's venture into the doggy olympics.

 

It was a scene that made me smile then, and it does now. I like the feeling of solidarity - everyone's at the beach, even the dog, as evidenced by the scoop bag. I like the feeling it gives me of kicking off my shoes and having a run through the waves with my dog, having fun. And I love the fact that the family are being responsible, clearing up after their dog.

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John Lewis aren't playing fair

The John Lewis Christmas advert contains scenes that many dog lovers have found offensive. I started a Facebook page which 1000 people joined in the first twenty four hours, and there is a petition too which within a day had over 1000 signatures.
 
John Lewis ignored us, then they fobbed us off then they misled us. This is the email that was sent to me, it is this wording which caused a story to run in my local paper which was picked up by the Telegraph (who did not contact me) :

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Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.