dog

I don’t really make New Year’s Resolutions anymore. Mainly because I know I’ll break them way before the year’s finished, and also because I’ll make changes when I need to, thank you, not in response to some arbitrarily agreed date.

However, this year, I’ll make an exception.

This year I’ll resolve to strive to keep Buddy as happy, healthy and active as he can be.

Animals may do the funniest things, but sometimes the consequences of their actions can be serious. But luckily for accident prone or over-adventurous animals, the RSPCA is always there to help. So here are the charity’s to 10 best, unusual, or just plain wacky rescues of 2016.

1. Bar-king mad!
An enthusiastic pooch got herself into a bar-king mad situation after getting her head wedged between two bars during an afternoon walk.

Five-month-old Schnauzer, Juno, was released following an operation involving the RSPCA and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service on 23 March.

On Tuesday night at The Grand Connaught Rooms in London, The Mayhew Animal Home’s Tinsel and Tails Christmas Fundraiser had plenty of glitz, glamour and of course gorgeous dogs.

James McVey from The Vamps and Stephanie Pratt were among the celebrities and their canine companions, who attended the star-studded event which honoured some of the incredible achievements The Mayhew has accomplished in 2016. The evening also aimed to raise money to ensure the charity’s vital work continues in future.

A German Shepherd who was abandoned in London is in the care of the RSPCA. Now named Princess, the dog is seeking a loving forever home. Poor Princess was left, tethered to a tree at the side of a busy road. A passer-by spotted black and tan German Shepherd Princess on the A2, a dual carriageway in Greenwich and summoned Inspector Anthony Pulfer.

This Christmas how would you like to attend a stylish festive night out at The Grand Connaught Rooms, London? And what if you could not only raise money for The Mayhew Animal Home by having a great night out, but your dog could accompany you too?

Well, this most spectacular, dog friendly event is happening on 6th December in the venue’s majestic Grand Hall, and you – and your dog – are invited! There will a three course meal on offer, entertainment, information about the Mayhew’s tireless efforts to support animals in need, and a raffle and auction.

For Halloween, two of the RSPCA’s long-stay pets are having their portraits painted on pumpkins to highlight their search for a new home.

Kai the dog and Fred the cat are both currently residents at RSPCA South Godstone animal centre. They were rescued by RSPCA inspectors, but they are still waiting for their forever homes after several months at the centre. The charity hopes the pair might be in their new homes for Halloween, and have released a special time-lapse video showing the creation of their pumpkin portraits.

Kai is a three year old Lurcher cross who has been in the RSPCA’s care for over 18 months. He has appeared on Channel 5’s The Dog Rescuers, but still has not managed to find a new loving owner.

Tony Shaw, deputy manager at RSPCA South Godstone said: “Kai is such a handsome boy, he certainly looks good on a pumpkin! This lovely boy has been waiting patiently to find a family who will spoil him and give him plenty of walks where he can stretch his long legs. Although Kai hasn't had the best start, he is an affectionate chap who enjoys human company and he will therefore require his owners to be home for the majority of the day to give him the attention he deserves. Kai is a clever dog who has some basic training, however will require further training to improve his manners and teach him more basic commands.

“Swimming is one of Kai's favourite hobbies, he recently had a great day out at the beach with some of the centre staff, he travelled brilliantly and his behaviour was perfect. Kai cannot live with cats or small animals, he also needs further socialisation with other dogs so he will need to be the only household pet. Kai will be happy to live with children of secondary school age.”

Poor Fred, a four year old cat, was abandoned by his owners, and has been at the RSPCA shelter for over five months.

Tony said: “Fred has been with us for some time and has been steadily growing in confidence every day since coming into our care. He does enjoy fuss but prefers to keep his feet firmly on the floor. We are confident he’ll really come out of his shell with an understanding family, and believe he could be happy living with a female cat as he did before his rescue, but are sure that living with a dog would be too much for this sensitive boy.

“Fred is going to need a space of his own while he settles in and it would suit him if someone was around for part of the day, so that he knew someone was around but also knew he had some time to himself. We would also be looking for a home with older children who can understand Fred's needs and will allow him the time and space while he finds his way.

Tony added: “Let’s hope these handsome boys will catch a few eyes this Hallowe’en with their pumpkin portraits. You never know, the new owners may just get to keep the pumpkin too!”

If you feel moved to offer Kai or Fred a loving forever home, please contact Tony Shaw at RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre on 0300 123 0741.

“Can you smell doodle?” That’s what I found myself asking a dog today.

I glanced up from where I was, leaning over the dog, stroking her, and saw her owner staring down at me in puzzlement.