DogCast Radio
Home Episodes Articles Blog Breed profiles Book reviews Photos Contact

Crufts - Day Three

I've seen many celebrities in the press room at Crufts, and I've always left them in peace, as they're usually on a break or eating a quick meal or snack and I don't want to intrude. However, I saw one yesterday that I couldn't resist asking if I could approach. It was Endal, the dog of the millennium. His story is amazing
, he and Allen Parton found each other when each was in a very dark place, with a future that looked bleak. Despite that Endal became Allen's assistance dog, and the bond between them is heart warming. I can't read the story without my eyes filling up - but you know by now I'm like that about dogs!

So there I was with Endal just a few feet away. I wanted to leave him in peace, but I really wanted to say hello to him. I wavered, but in the end I asked Allen if I and Jenny could go and say hello, which we did. He was lovely, and I'm so glad I broke my celebrity rule. Allen was telling me that Crufts 2009 would be Endal's last public appearance, and after that it would be a full retirement for him. I hope it's a long and happy one. EJ (Endal Junior) is ready to take Endal's place at Allen's side, and I hope they develop an equally strong partnership.

Allen now writes a blog in the magazine Dogs Today, and there is also a book of their story Endal: How One Extraordinary Dog Brought a Family Back from the Brink.

I also caught up with the determined SOFA club (http://speaking-out-for-animals.co.uk/SOFA/index.html) with their wonderful teacher Sue Cole. They are mounting a campaign to have microchipping made a legal requirement. The TV vet Marc Abraham is their patron, and was extremely enthusiastic about the group when I spoke to him about them. It was certainly refreshing to meet such a group of articulate, determined and thoroughly polite young ladies. I hope they achieve their aim - and I suspect they will!

Take care,

Julie x

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.