dog

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.

A Staffordshire bull terrier is today safe in the care of the RSPCA, after being found wandering in South Shields.

Poor Zola has been rescued by the RSPCA after she was found as a stray earlier this month. Sadly, Zola had both severe mange and an eye condition, both of which she is receiving treatment for now.

A guest post today from Pet Video Verify. When your dog goes missing it is a truly awful feeling, so anything that makes a reunion more quick and likely is good. Do note that in the UK a microchip is mandatory by law.

Here's the post:

Pet Video Verify – Pet Microchip Alternative

Pet Video Verify’s software is video identification for your pet!

Dog First Aid Limited is a company focused on providing the best quality dog first aid training to canine professionals from dog walkers to groomers, boarding kennel staff to charity workers, as well as responsible dog owners. It is the only qualified UK company to offer the Continued Professional Development accredited Emergency Canine Care™ (ECC) Course.

Pals Tango and Cash were abandoned in a pet carrier under a hedge in Herefordshire.

A pair of chihuahuas that were dumped in a pet carrier under a hedge in Herefordshire have been rescued by the RSPCA.

The two male dogs, now named Tango and Cash, were found abandoned near to the Small Breeds Park on Kingswood Road in Kington on 16 July and RSPCA inspectors are appealing for information about what happened to them.

Pokémon GO is taking the nation by storm, with players roaming the streets and parks in their quest to catch em’ all, and now Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is the latest to join in with the craze. Battersea dogs Ria and Abbey were joined on their morning walk in Battersea Park today by some slightly unusual companions – including Drowzee, Oddish, Psyduck, and Pidgey, all characters from the augmented reality game Pokémon GO.

I was sent this infographic which depicts the emotional life of dogs. One of the things I love about dogs is that they have thoughts, opinions and feelings, and we neglect them at our peril, but too often we neglect them at the dog's peril, which isn't fair.