The DogCast Radio blog

Bilbo is a gorgeous Newfoundland dog who is currently caught in the middle of a mess through no fault of his own. Bilbo’s story first hit the headlines in 2008 when he was banned from the beach on which he was performing life guard duties. Up until the ban, Bilbo had been assisting his owner and then head lifeguard, Steve Jamieson, helping keep bathers safe at Sennen Cove beach in Cornwall. However the beach is a no-go area for dogs in the daytime, and since Bilbo is not classed as a working dog, he found himself falling foul of the ban.

It’s been one of those dreadful drizzly days when the rain never really gets going, but having not really got going it keeps on all day long. It was the kind of day to spend inside reading a book or watching a DVD. I had work to do of course, but it would have been good to read a book or watch a DVD if you had the time.

Most days I receive a few dog-related press releases via email and they vary tremendously. Hearing about a rescue dog looking for a good home makes me sad, but I'm glad if I can be of assistance at all. The latest notification I've received is concerning Windsor:

WINDSOR LOOKS FOR HIS OWN CASTLE IN SHROPSHIRE
Local rescue dog searches for a new home

Windsor, a seven year old black Collie cross is on the look-out for a new abode after being handed into Dogs Trust Roden when his owners could no longer care for him.

I mentioned Jill Moss yesterday, and for those of you who don't know who this courageous woman is, you can hear her telling her story in Episode 58 of DogCast Radio. (http://www.DogCastRadio.com/node/158) Life was for Jill and her Samoyed dog Bella was going very well - until Bella was struck down with MRSA. It is incredibly moving to listen to Jill tell in her own words how she stayed by Bella's side, even catching MRSA herself, and how Bella lost her struggle against the infection.

Yesterday I had a very enjoyable, but at times quite surreal experience. I went on a wolf walk with the UK Wolf Conservation Trust. (http://www.ukwolf.org/) We had been invited to join Jill Moss of the Bella Moss Foundation (http://www.thebellamossfoundation.com/) on the walk, as she is a member of the trust. She had some great stories of her experiences with wolves, which will be coming up in an episode of DogCast Radio soon.

Apparently I’m now going where no other media organisations have gone before, because although the press release below was sent out, it has not been published – so you read it here first. (probably) It comes from Catherine O'Driscoll and Canine Health Concern (http://www.canine-health-concern.org.uk/) and I find it very worrying.

I want to know what is safe for our dogs – and I don’t want any attempts to brow beat me into having my dog vaccinated. For example if there is an event I want to take my dog to, I don’t want to have to produce a “valid” vaccination certificate.

Puppy Farm Awareness Day is a terrific idea. If we can establish in enough minds that puppy farms are evil, and definitely not the right place to buy a dog from, perhaps they will finally go out of business. It's on 19th September this year, and to celebrate ThePet.net are throwing a party:

Celebrities support ThePet.net’s ‘World’s Biggest Puppy Party’
Puppy Farm Awareness Day 2009

TV Vet’s ‘Social petworking’ website leads fight against cruel UK Puppy Farming trade

I now live in a house with two gold dogs - Kennel Club Good Citizen gold dogs that is. Buddy passed his last year, and Star has passed hers tonight. I am so proud of my daughter and her dog, and it's been fascinating for me to see them train together.

Just had a press release from The Bella Moss Foundation. The paper referred to is in The Lancet and is called Bite-related and septic syndromes caused by cats and dogs
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If you are looking for something fun next weekend and you're anywhere near Shropshire, try this:

FABULOUS FAMILY FUN WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

Dogs Trust Roden hosts its annual Open Day this Sunday 5th July 2009

Dogs and dog lovers are in for a real treat on Sunday 5th July 2009, as Dogs Trust Roden Rehoming Centre hosts this year’s Open Day and Fun Dog Show!