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Is Number 10 all set to become a dogs & cats home?

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the nation’s leading animal welfare charities and former home of some of politics’ brightest stars Larry, Palmerston and Gladstone, has revealed that they are standing by ready to help our new Prime Minister in his search for a canine companion. The charity is also prepared to act as negotiator between any new four-legged resident at Number 10 and the current Chief Mouser, Larry.

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UK heatwave isn't cool for pets

Top tips from RSPCA to keep animals safe and happy during the summer weather

The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in calls about animals in need as a heatwave sweeps across England & Wales this week.

Temperatures are expected to hit the mid 30s this week so animal welfare experts and vets are urging pet owners to keep their animals safe and asking the public to take care of wildlife.

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Sweet dog’s shy nature is preventing her from finding a new home

Three-year-old Aska is very shy and is finding it hard to win over potential adopters

Aska has spent more than eight months in kennels and RSPCA staff have unearthed her sweet, playful nature.

But this pooch is finding it difficult to win over potential adopters as she’s so shy.

Three-year-old Aska is being looked after by staff at York Animal Home. She was handed in when her previous owner could no longer take care of her.

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Smitten couple move Heaven and Earth to adopt Hugo

When a young couple first met Hugo earlier this year, it was love at first sight.

• They bonded immediately, and Zoe and Aaron knew straight away they wanted to welcome the four-year-old Beagle in to their lives.
• Luckily, they had recently moved into a pet-friendly property, and so it seemed the stars were aligned.
• However, despite the verbal assurances from their estate agent that Zoe and Aaron would be able to care for a dog in their new home, their formal request to adopt Hugo was refused by their new landlord.

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Midwest Vanlife Gathering May 2019

Do you dream of getting out of the rat race? Living a simpler life? Being happier?

We have an interview coming up soon with Jayme and John, who took the brave step of taking to the road with their dogs. They were fascinating to talk to.

If you're interested in"vanlife", or if you live in a van, an event they're hosting in May this year may well be of interest to you.

Here's what Jayme said:

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Unlucky dog Sam the Staffie is searching for a home after waiting ONE YEAR

‘Young at heart’ Sam the Staffie has watched 134 dogs be rehomed before him
This month marks Sam’s one year anniversary in RSPCA care - that’s 365 days of waiting to find his forever home.

Sam, the 13-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, came into the care of RSPCA South Godstone in Surrey after his owners circumstances changed and they could no longer care for him.

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Battersea reminds people of the consequences of backstreet breeding ahead of National Puppy Day

On National Puppy Day (23 March), Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are urging dog lovers thinking of getting a new puppy to carefully consider where they get their new pet from.

The leading animal charity is drawing attention to the health and welfare of breeding dogs, after taking in a neglected and shy breeding bitch who had been discovered tied to some railings in South West London.

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The amount owners fork out for their four-legged friends revealed

-A quarter of dog owners weren’t prepared for what owning a dog would cost
-43% of owners admitted to not researching any costs before buying their dog
-Using a doggy day care service just twice a week can add up to over £2,000 a year
-7-nights at a dog kennel can add an extra £119 to the cost of your week-long holiday
-1 in 3 dog owners admit to spending more than £25 a month on treats for their dog – adding up to £300 a year
-Admiral has created a handy tool to help new dog owners calculate finances

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Rescuing a dog could help you achieve better physical and mental health

Saving one dog won’t change the world - but the world will change forever for that dog and new owner

Dogs help man in many ways; from acting as the ears and eyes for those impaired of sight and sound, to sniffing out lost people or harmful substances, to protecting our family and property. But dogs can also perform an incredible, life-saving role - with no training.

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Something for Staffies to smile about as RSPCA and Crufts shine light on 'misunderstood' breed

Number of Staffies coming into RSPCA care falls by 34% over five years

Are people finally looking more favourably upon the UK’s most ‘misunderstood’ breed of dog?

As Crufts shines a light on the wonderful Staffordshire bull terrier at this year’s event, the RSPCA has revealed that the number of Staffies arriving at its centres* has fallen by 34% over five years (2014-2018).

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281 - dog AITA and am I being unreasonable

In this podcast, host Julie considers a variety of Reddit AITA questions, and Am I Being Unreasonable from Mumsnet. We have stories of a puppy biting a child at a family get together, the pet sitting friend who took the dog to doggy daycare, the rescue dog defender feeling the pressure to meet up for dog walks, the sister who caused trouble when she said her sister's baby name sounded like a dog's name, the devoted owner who ducked out of his brother's wedding to care for his injured dog, an off lead dog causing issues and two alleged service dogs joining at the children's playground. Do you agree with Julie's take on all these canine conundrums?

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.