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Episode 85 - Just This Side Of Heaven and Crufts 2009

85_DogCast_Radio.mp3

Released Sat April 11, 2009
Length: 1:03:22
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Just This Side of Heaven

Beagles came into Tim Glass's life by accident. Once he had discovered the breed, he loved them.

Beagles brought Tim's wife Cathy into his life. Cathy is another Beagle devotee, and so it was that Tim and Cathy set up home together with their pack of three Beagles.

Penny was a very special Beagle, whose life and death, taught Tim and Cathy so much. The worst aspect of dog ownership is the comparatively short canine lifespan, and many of us are cast adrift in our grief for a devoted companion we have lost, but whom the world see as "just" a dog. Tim's experiences lead him to write the book Just This Side of Heaven, which is affecting those who read it in many ways - and definitely helping people to cope with loss, and move on.

In this interview with both Tim and Cathy, you can hear the amazing story of how they were brought together by their beloved Beagles, how they lived with them, and how they coped with the loss of their very special girl, Penny. The key to it all according to Tim, is the dash - listen and all will be explained!

To find out more about the Glasses, visit the Just This Side of Heaven website.

Crufts 2009

Crufts 2009 was a much anticipated, much talked and written about show, but if you were there you know it was business as usual. We were there, and as usual we sniffed out some interesting stories for you.

Sue Cole and her pupils were there raising awareness of and gather signatures for their petition to make microchipping of dogs a legal requirement. Sue and one of her pupils, Lauren, explain why they feel so strongly about this subject, and the efforts they are making in their campaign. Together they are the SOFA Club - Speaking Out For Animals. They have their own website, an online petition and an excellent patron in Marc Abraham. Dog Theft Action and Vets Get Scanning also support the SOFA Club's campaign.

Marc Abraham was at Crufts as the Kennel Club's Veterinary Adviser, but also as co-founder of ThePet.Net website. You can hear a great interview with him and co-founder Andrew Seel, talking about a range of things, including the awards scheme they have to highlight pet friendly businesses, and how the Internet can unite and empower dog owners.

Jill Moss was at Crufts promoting the good work that the Bella Moss Foundation does supporting pet owners affected by MRSA and other serious infections. She had news of new patrons this year. To find out more you can visit the Bella Moss Foundation website, and the online nurse training website.

Cat the Vet, the resident vet at Pet Street offers advice and information as well as an insight into her work as a vet. It was her first trip to Crufts, and you can hear what she thought of it all.

Rose Bugler and Sue Jones were at Crufts publicising their DVD, The Well Balanced Pup. They were approaching the show from a rather different angle - hear how in this informative interview.

With so many dog lovers gathered together, the magazine Your Dog was selling like hot cakes, until they sold right out of copies. I spoke to Editor Sarah Wright about what readers find inside a copy of the magazine.

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.