The DogCast Radio blog

Making provision for your dog in the event that you can't look after him - short or long term may be unpleasant but it's an issue you should consider. You can hear excellent advice on the subject from Dawn Antoniak Mitchell from the BonaFide Dog Academy in Episode 53 of DogCast Radio. Here's some more information on the subject:
 

HOLLYOAKS STAR LAUNCHES DOGS TRUST WAGGY WALKS 2010

Gemma Merna and her hounds promote nationwide sponsored event

On Sunday 3rd October 2010 Dogs Trust is holding its annual Waggy Walks; ten simultaneous sponsored walks at locations across the UK. Dog loving actress Gemma Merna (Hollyoaks’ Carmel McQueen) is encouraging the public to register for their nearest event.

If like me you loved Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote you will be interested to know that Ted has a new book coming out very soon. Pukka: The Pup After Merle will be out in October, but you can have a sneak peek at some of the photos in the book at Ted's website.

 
You can hear an interview with Ted about Merle's Door in Episode 64 of DogCast Radio. To whet you appetite here's some more information about Merle's Door:
 

More news about that amazing surf dog Ricochet:

SURF DOG RICOCHET & ENDLESS POOLS TEAM UP TO MAKE
$11,000 DREAM COME TRUE FOR BRAIN INJURED 2 YEAR OLD!

Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who has won several surf dog contests, and more notably inspires people around the world as she raises awareness and funds for human/animal causes, teamed up with Endless Pools, to make a brain injured two year olds dream come true!  A $11,000 therapy pool will be delivered to Finnley in the next couple weeks, as part of Ricochet's fundraiser for her.

Finnley was born with brain damage due to oxygen being cut off to her brain during delivery.  She was only expected to live one to 72 hours.  But, 2 years later... she is a living miracle!  However, her brain damage caused cerebral palsy, seizures, and vision impairment.  She's not able to walk or talk, but loves classical music.  Her cerebral palsy tightens her muscles, but when she's in a pool, she's able to move her arms and legs.  Her parents have been saving to purchase a therapeutic swimming pool for their home, so Finnley can get the daily therapy she needs, but it's very costly... over $11,000. 

When Ricochet heard about their situation, she started fundraising for Finnley right away.  Four weeks into the fundraiser, Ricochet came up with the idea of calling Endless Pools to see if they'd be willing to help her make Finnley's dream come true even sooner. 

When Endless Pools heard how Ricochet lives a lifestyle of helping others by pawing it forward, saw her SURFice Dog video, and learned more about Finnley's Story, they immediately wanted to be part of the project.  They "came to the rescue" and offered a significant special needs discount!!  The funds Ricochet raised, coupled with the discount meant the family only had to come up with $2560, which they had in an account from previous fundraising they've done.

Finnley's mom, Care was in tears when she heard the news, and said "The pool is going to allow Finnley to get the physical therapy she so desperately needs... thank you so much, I'm so grateful" And, Finnley herself, although she doesn't talk right now, broke out into a huge smile! Click this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPulSq6hMV8 to see it on video!
Ricochet sincerely thanks Endless Pools, and her donors for their generosity, and help in making Finnley's dream come true! 

Endless Pools, Inc was founded in 1988 to create a product that allows individuals to experience the benefits of water exercise and therapy in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.  Their company is dedicated to excellence in design and manufacturing, as well as courteous and comprehensive customer service.  Endless Pool's goal is to build and deliver an exercise machine that can be assembled easily, that offers an infinite array of installation design solutions, and requires minimal maintenance for the pool owner.  They endeavor to build Endless Pools that take up a smaller footprint, use less water, require fewer chemicals and consume less energy than traditional pools do.

Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for a person with a disability, but, due to her interest in chasing prey, she had to be released from that role.  She went from service dog to SURFice dog, and is now raising funds and awareness for human and animal causes.  She has raised over $48,000 in the last 10 months, and continues to inspire people all over the world with her positive energy, and charitable lifestyle

Note:  For more information, contact Judy Fridono at 707-228-0679 or pawinspired@aol.com.
http://www.surfdogricochet.com.  On Facebook & Twitter: "Surf Dog Ricochet"
http://www.EndlessPools.com
http://finnleykate.blogspot.com/

One of my Facebook friends alerted me to this video, and I'm so glad she did because it's absolutely amazing. An elephant and a dog who are best friends. The part that touched my heart was what happened when the dog was unwell for a while. It left me really teary eyed. (OK - we all know by now I'm a soft touch for dog stories!)

It's an incredible story though, and I've never seen anything like it. Hope you love it too.

Take care,

Julie xx

I get regular press releases from Dogs Trust and I include many of them on the blog because they are asking for new loving homes for deserving dogs, or because they are celebrating fund raising efforts of brave individuals. And then this email arrived this morning, and I just had to include it. Poor Lucy has terminal cancer and is looking for a home to live out her days in. It's a big ask; it will mean bonding with Lucy, supporting her and coming to love her, all the time knowing you will lose her.

Dogsblog.com is helping dogs find loving new homes. Did you know that next month is National Dog Adoption Month? Here's more information:

FREE WEBSITE SAVES ANIMAL WELFARE SECTOR OVER £24m

A dog rehoming blog set up in 2007 is celebrating the successful rehoming of dog number 10,000 - an 11 week old German Shepherd puppy called Axis. DogsBlog.com was set up by Ryan O’Meara, a former professional dog trainer and animal welfare campaigner.

Latest news from The Bella Moss Foundation:

Star has gone from strength to strength since my last post about her, The Restorative Power of Baked Potato. She is so much better that she's been back on the dog food for weeks - being indulged with baked potato is a distant memory, thank goodness. I'm sure she would choose being out of pain and being able to move around freely over the molly coddling she received.