WAG: THE MAG FOR DOG LOVERS: SUMMER 2019

Find out about our support for adopters this summer and beyond!

Hold me closer, tiny barker

WAG Welcome WAG News

www.dogstrust.org.uk Summer 201902 03

One of the great joys of being a dog owner is being able to share your feelings of happiness, moments of humour and that old chestnut ‘am I doing this right?’ with your fellow dog owners. That sense of camaraderie you get from being in the ‘dog club’ is something pretty special. From ear-cleaning (no need); to feeding the correct amount (follow the manufacturer’s advice, not your dog’s); to exactly how to stop a muddy spaniel gleefully wiping itself on the walls every time he comes back from a rainy walk (learn to embrace dark grey paint as your new interior design must-have) the moral support I’ve had from my fellow dog owners has been invaluable. Dogs Trust is now also offering support for anyone adopting a dog from us, and our expert staff will make sure you are helped every step of the way through our post-adoption support service. We know dog ownership has its moments, but we’re here to make sure a dog really is for life.

This issue of Wag explores the milestones and the highs and lows of dog ownership. From the bereaved minister whose dog has helped him cope with his grief; to the police dog, a former stray, who helped his owners uncover a huge drug haul; to the excited first-time adopters who loved taking their new dog on their first day trip. There are as many different aspects to dog ownership as there are stars in the night sky. I hope this issue of Wag helps you embrace them all!

Best wishes to you and your woofers

Deana SelbyWag editor

dogstrust.org.uk

Editor: Deana Selby

Readers’ Dogs: wag@dogstrust.org.uk High-res Jpegs only please!

Designed by: Anthony Oram www.mro.design

Print by: Eclipse Colour Print, managed by Red Mist

Thanks to contributors this issue: Many thanks to Emma Meaden, Julia Youd, Kayla Maryon, Rose Fellowes, Tristan Lathey, David McNaught, Gemma Smith, Megana Nedungani

Reg charity nos. 227523 (England and Wales), SCO37843 (Scotland) 20057978 (Ireland)

Editorial address: Dogs Trust, Clarissa Baldwin House, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ

To keep up to date with how we collect and use your personal data visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/privacy. At any time you can change how we contact you. Simply get in touch with our friendly Customer Services team and they’ll get any changes made for you. Call us on 020 7837 0006, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/keepintouch/ or write to us at Dogs Trust, Clarissa Baldwin House, 17 Wakley Street EC1V 7RQ

Large print and audio versions of Wag are now available, please email Wag@dogstrust.org.uk or call 020 7837 0006 to request your copy.

LARGE PRINT AND AUDIO AVAILABLE!

For more photos, news, videos Dogstrust.org.uk/wagmagazine

Send us your Dogs Trust dog using #MyDogIsForLife

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Phone: 0303 003 0000

Email: wag@dogstrust.org.uk

From the editor... All the news that’s fit to bark!

Summer 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

These fantastic beasties are all loving their time at Dogs Trust rehoming centres - but what they’d really, really like is a wonderful home of their own! 0303 003 0000, or visit dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming All photos taken by our talented staff!

FUN-TASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (clue: at Dogs Trust)

ON THE COVER Megana and Mabel enjoying the sunshine, by James Lincoln. Mabel, a five-month-old crossbreed (a delicious Shih-Tzu/Spaniel/Terrier cocktail) was recently adopted from our Canterbury rehoming centre by Gemma, our head coach at Dog School London. Megana wears two hats for Dogs Trust; she’s our senior coach in Dog School, while also offering one-to-one help for anyone who needs advice about their adopted Dogs Trust dog’s behaviour – all part of our post-adoption support service! See page 6.

Hunter at Dogs Trust Leeds (Amy Carlin) Luigi at Dogs Trust Glasgow (Heather O’Connell)

Jake with his carer Jasmine at Dogs Trust Loughborough (Heather Cook)

Tigger at Dogs Trust Darlington (Francesca Gent)

Chequers with his carer Hayley at Dogs Trust Salisbury (Stuart Lanham)

Benji at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe (Jo Booth)

Dustin the Lurcher high fives his carer Donna, Dogs Trust Shrewsbury (Emma Cox)

Marlie at Dogs Trust Basildon (Lauren Killeen)

Kezzie at Dogs Trust Ballymena (Emma Martin)

Rosie and Jim at Dogs Trust Leeds (Kevin Johnson)

Buddy at Dogs Trust Bridgend (Julie Ace)

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This dog knows how to party – check out Casper, who recently celebrated his 11th birthday with his favourite canine carers, Kirsty and Helyn, at Dogs Trust Glasgow.

Cutie pie Casper has spent more than 1,000 days in the care of our Glasgow rehoming centre and hopes his 11th birthday will bring new hope of finding his forever home. As well as getting lots of new toys to play with, Casper’s fave carer Kirsty also baked him a very special birthday cake, made from dog-friendly ingredients, of course.

Casper absolutely loved it and even though he wasn’t given candles to blow out, he and his canine carers definitely made a wish that he would find him a suitable new home soon.

Sandra Lawton, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Glasgow, said:

‘We like to make a fuss over dog’s birthdays, especially those like Casper, who have been with us a bit longer. All our canine residents deserve to feel loved and nothing provides this more than spending time with your favourite people, enjoying some delicious home baking.’

Since having his party, Casper has moved into our special old dogs’ home, Oakfield, which is part of our Shrewsbury rehoming centre. Please call Oakfield on 0303 003 0000 if you think you can give Casper the retirement home he would dearly love to have. You can see more of Casper here www.dogstrust.org.uk/casper

DOGGEDDEBATES If you’re fascinated by dog behaviour and would love to learn more – join us at the Dogs Trust ‘The State of The Art of Dog Behaviour - From Science to Practice’ conference! To be held on 18 - 19 October at Oxford Town Hall, the conference speakers will cover both fundamental and applied aspects of dog behaviour and training, presented by a range of internationally recognised experts, including our head of professional development in canine behaviour, Dr Helen Zulch from the UK, Europe and the USA. Please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/behaviour19 for costs and the full speaker list.

Alex the terrier is still looking for love, despite having lost his eyesight overnight.

Alex arrived at Dogs Trust Evesham last October and instantly became a favourite with his canine carers. One morning, staff noticed that he was bumping into things. He was rushed to the vet, who referred Alex to a veterinary eye specialist, where it was confirmed that Alex’s sudden blindness had been caused by detached retinas.

Despite this sudden shift in health, Alex has adjusted incredibly well and his ‘guide humans’ - his canine carers - have been helping him by make his daily life much more predictable. Affable Alex is around five years old, playful, friendly and would love to live with a new family where he can be the only pet in the home – a home where the furniture is rarely moved around.

If you can see Alex being part of your world then please call Dogs Trust Evesham on 0303 003 0000. Watch him having fun with his carers here dogstrust.org.uk/alex-evesham.

Have you recently welcomed the pitter patter of tiny (or massive) paws? Why not celebrate your new companion’s milestone moments by buying this new #MyDogIsForLife set of 21 greeting cards, designed to help you commemorate special milestones with your new dog!

Costing just £7.50 for 21 beautiful cards packed within a chic little box, each card has a space where you can fill in the date for when your new pal reached a major (or minor) milestone in your lives together, such as their ‘first vet visit’ or ‘first walk in the woods’ and ‘first time I came back to my name.’ The cards will also make a wonderful gift for any new dog owners in your life. All profits from each sale will go towards helping the dogs in our care. Available now from www.ebay.co.uk/usr/headofficedogstrust Don’t forget to tag us @Dogstrust on Insta if you love your first card set!

Muttley’s Milestones

- IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

Photos:KayleighDocherty

Photo: Martin Phelps

Photo: Joanne Bennett

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And because we love dogs just as much as you do, we understand that there will be days when Rover/Rovella’s manners leave a lot to be desired, or you may feel a tad worried when they start doing that strange thing again. If yours is a former Dogs Trust resident, there are things we can do to help both of you. Because when you adopt a Dogs Trust dog - even if Rover/Rovella crossed your threshold over 15 years ago - we really mean it when we say ‘a dog is for life!’

❶ Call me! 0300 303 3738*

Our dedicated Post Adoption Support hotline can get you the help you need - you’ll be directed to one of our specialist behaviour teams, either in our rehoming centres or at head office. They will call and talk through in-depth plans for you to put into place to help your dog show you just how well they can behave. We keep in touch with one or more calls, as many as you need, and we may offer a face-to-face session when it might be of more help. For behaviours that are more challenging, we now also offer a referral to one of our clinical animal behaviourists who offer home visit consultations.

* Or email us - we like that too! postadoptionsupport@dogstrust.org.uk

❷ We’ll call you!

To take the hassle out of calling us, we now offer a series of follow up calls to check in on our dogs and see if there is anything we can help with. Anyone adopting a Dogs Trust dog will automatically receive a phone call from a member of staff two days after they brought their dog home, asking how they and their new woofer are getting along. Then, if they agree, we will also contact them at two weeks and four months after Rovella first sproinged/tiptoed through their threshold. Hopefully, everything will be going swimmingly, but just in case it’s not, we can offer all of our usual behaviour support. ❸ Back to School

Ensuring you and your dog can enjoy life together with minimum fuss and maximum fun is what Dogs Trust Dog School is all about. We’ll help teach you how to teach your dog all the skills they need to settle down nicely at a café without bugging you, walk through the park without stealing picnics or getting into a bark-off, stroll on the lead and generally not be freaked out by new experiences. Classes are open to all dogs, not just Dog Trust ones!

Dog School classes are kept small so you can get plenty of one-to-one attention with our coaches, and we have specially tailored classes to suit puppies, adolescents, adults and rescue dogs. All members of the family, including children, are welcome - check out www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk to find your nearest class.

❹ Fido Films

Dog School is available in 30 locations around the UK, but if you can’t get to us in person/in doggo, the next best thing is our Dog School films. Covering everything from helping your dog learn how to not jump up at people, (even though they are really pleased to see them) to getting your dog to settle down quietly when you’re out for a cappuccino, you’ll find everything you need to know right here dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/training/. If films are not your thing then there are also plenty of articles to read too. ❺ Return to sender

Finally, you can be assured that if you choose to adopt a dog from us, you know that if you can no longer look after then he will always be welcome back at Dogs Trust. We will do everything we can to make sure your lives work smoothly together – but if your life hits an unexpected bump in the road then we’ll happily welcome Rover/Rovella back into our care.

I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU WHEN THE DOG STARTS TO BORK!

Let’s be honest, very few things in life go exactly according to plan. That’s why at Dogs Trust we promise to be there to help you and your

adopted Dogs Trust friend get along just fine together.

Here’s our Dog School coach Megs helping Mabel’s owner to teach her how to walk nicely on the lead. Dog School is just one of the ways we can help you and your dog form a bond for life!

‘Good afternoon Dogs Trust, how may we help you? Yes, this bandana is divine, thank you for noticing.’

Photos: James Lincoln

Photo: Wendy Lovatt

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The therapeutic benefits of simply being with a dog are well-known to most dog lovers, but some dogs just seem to have that little bit of extra specialness about them. From the Baptist minister who was rescued from loneliness by his loving Lurcher, to the overweight man who reversed his diabetes thanks to his cheeky Charlie boy, Wag met with two very different dog owners to find out how their hounds have provided the pick-me-up they so badly needed.

Ginny’s a tonic

When Richard Littledale lost his wife, Fiona, in winter 2017, he was left with an intense sense of loneliness, struggling to adjust to the single life following 30 years of marriage. After adopting Lurcher Ginny from Dogs Trust Newbury two months after Fiona’s death, Richard says that they found each other at a time of vulnerability - and are gradually helping each other to find happiness again.

Richard, who is the minister at Newbury Baptist Church, says,

‘Even when the death of a loved one is anticipated or expected, the physical and emotional impact of loss can still take you by surprise. Adapting to living alone in the home you’ve shared with a loved one is difficult, and you become so aware of otherwise unnoticed details, such as the frightening size of an empty room, or the different echo when you climb the stairs alone.

‘When Fiona and I moved into our current home, it was always part of our dream to share it with a four-legged friend. But when she died, that dream became somewhat shattered. However, I still wanted to fill that dog-shaped hole.’

In the early weeks of his bereavement, Richard visited Dogs Trust Newbury, initially to look for a German shepherd dog. However, after several trips to the rehoming centre with no suitable German Shepherds ready for adoption, he spent some time looking for other breeds he felt might fit with his lifestyle.

Richard explains,

‘I spent several weeks looking for a dog to share my home with me – but to no avail. However, on January 19th, that all changed. I spotted Ginny and was drawn to her instantly. There was something about the quietness of this stunning creature that spoke to me, and I perhaps saw some of my own sadness reflected in her beautiful amber eyes.

‘I chatted her history through with the rehoming team and found out that just like me, Ginny had found herself adrift in a place she didn’t expect to be, with no one by her side - but she was ready to make a new start.

‘During such an emotionally vulnerable time, a nervous dog wouldn’t have been suitable for me, but I needed a dog that would be able to offer me companionship, loyalty and be able to come with me to church, so needed to be happy to meet strangers and have a gentle fuss. We agreed that Ginny could well be the one for me and I adopted her.

‘In the days before I brought her home, my excitement began to mount but so did my anxiety. I began to worry about the tiniest thing, from where the dog’s bowl should be kept to where she would sleep at night and how I could organise our arrival home. Fortunately, my family were very reassuring, and the team at Dogs Trust Newbury were patience and understanding personified. They did a lot of hand-holding, for which I am so grateful, and we’ve been good friends ever since!’

Richard and Ginny have shared their lives for 18 months, and he says she has settled in remarkably well. She is enjoying her new routine, accompanying him to work and watching television together. Richard says she has given him the routine that was lost in the aftermath of Fiona’s death.

Canine Lifelinesbecause sometimes all you need is the love of a good (rescue) dog

Interviews by Kayla Maryon

“I spotted Ginny and was drawn to her instantly. There was something about the quietness of this stunning creature that spoke to me, and I perhaps saw some of my own sadness reflected in

her beautiful amber eyes.”

Photos: Clive Tagg

Richard and Ginny often drop by to our Newbury centre for a chat with old friends, such as Amy. ‘The team at Newbury were patience and understanding personified’ says Richard

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Richard continues,

‘One of the early casualties of bereavement is routine. The routine that was there when your loved one was well is long gone, and the routine you had when caring for them is gone too. However, Ginny needs routine to settle into her new home.

‘She needs to be walked and fed and it falls to me to provide these things. In return, she has given me so many things, including removing the discomfort I previously felt in my sitting room, which seemed far too big for many weeks after Fiona’s death. She provides a calming presence whilst we watch television together in the evenings.’

During bereavement, facing the day and other people can seem like a daunting task, especially when returning to work and getting up and about. But with Ginny by his side, Richard is finding this less of a struggle.

‘Ginny and I will hopefully have many years in each other’s company. I am sure she will continue to provide loyalty, fun, and an enthusiastic greeting whenever we see each other and in turn I will provide protection and the kind of reassurance she craves.

‘Fiona’s ashes lie at the foot of a cherry tree overlooking Beacon Hill and Watership Down in Berkshire. Whenever we stop there, I shall tell Ginny about the one I’ve lost, and she will stand beside the one she’s found.’

Charlie cures owner’s diabetes

Cheeky chap Charlie, adopted from Dogs Trust Salisbury in 2018, has been credited with reversing his owner’s type 2 diabetes, while having a profoundly positive impact on his mental health as a delightful bonus.

Ron Lightfoot, 59, had been suffering from Type 2 diabetes and was also taking medication to help him manage his depression, after several sad events in his life had disrupted his mental health. Prompted by his escalating health problems, Ron decided to retire from his job as a firefighter at MOD Porton Down in Salisbury, where he’d worked for 30 years.

As Ron explains,

‘The end of 2017 was not a good time for me. My state of mind suffered after a bereavement and the breakdown of my relationship, and I could see no reason to get up and get out of the house each day. I’d been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011, and my doctor was always urging me to do something about my diet and activity levels to try and reverse it. Getting a dog had been mentioned a few times, but until I retired, I hadn’t been in a position to commit to owning one.’

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In January 2018, a newly retired Ron made the decision that was to change his life. He took a trip to our Salisbury rehoming centre, where he fell instantly in love with the first dog he set eyes on, Charlie the Lurcher. After meeting each other at the centre a few more times, Ron adopted Charlie, and the perfectly matched pair have never looked back. Since adopting Charlie, Ron has lost three-and-a-half stone, reversing his diabetes as a result of the weight lost from going on plenty of long walks with his new best friend.

Ron adds,

‘Adopting Charlie was the best decision I have ever made - he has given me years of my life back. We walk for around ten miles each day and even though I’ve always liked the idea of walking to improve my health, the thought of doing it alone never appealed to me. That all changed the day I got Charlie because I knew that no matter what, he needed exercise. Little did I know that he would have quite such a profound impact on my life.’

Ron says that besides doing wonders for his physical health, Charlie’s joie de vivre has boosted his mental health too.

‘Without a shadow of a doubt, Charlie has improved my physical health, but he has also given me that reason to get out of bed, improving my state of mind too. He is cheeky and makes me laugh every day. He loves meeting new people, so when we’re out on our walks I end up chatting to people that I would have usually walked past, were it not for Charlie.

‘Now my days are full of walking and talking, which they definitely would not be if I didn’t have Charlie by my side. I feel like a better person since he came into my life. He genuinely has helped my soul.’

If you have experienced a life-changing event thanks to your dog, please do let us know – we would love to hear from you!

Email us: wag@dogstrust.org.uk or write to: Wag, Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street,

London EC1V 7RQ.

Ron, beforeRon and Charlie, after Ron’s son William with Ron and Charlie

Being nice and cosy is so important for us to feel safe. With a heated floor, it’s like we’re wearing slippers!

Our new home will have one main entrance, so we don’t have to worry about our carers taking us by surprise. This means we’re a lot more relaxed.

When we’re feeling

poorly there’ll always be

a friendly vet on hand

to make us feel better.

Emergency Only entrance

Dinner

Toys

warm flooring

warm flooring

Main entrance

Kennel entranceFLOORPLAN

Location location! We need to meet as many people as possible if we’re going to find that special someone. Being right in the centre of Cardiff makes it easy for humans to stop by for a visit!

The humans at Dogs Trust

know that we love it when

we have lots of different

things to entertain us -

because play time is the

best time!

Will you help make our new Cardiff rehoming centre the most dog-friendly place in the world?

Give today using the form on the back page and receive a very special Cardiff Rehoming Centre ‘Thank you’ from Noodle!

£5Can help fill

Cardiff with

toys

£25Can help give

Cardiff dogs the

vet care they need

Ruff!

£25£100 A special square on the

Founders’ blueprint

A toy

Vet care

£5

I’ll help dogs like Noodle with:

Sniff sniff! Exploring is when so many of us are happiest, and with sand pits, areas to run around and special sniffy walks, there will be so much to see!

£100Will buy a

square on the Cardiff Founders’

Blueprint

Thanks to all the care that’s gone into designing the new rehoming centre, and its state-of-the-art facilities, dogs like Noodle will have the best chance of finding their forever home.

There will be lots of room for Dogs Trust Dog School, a hydro treadmill room, a vet suite – and it will also be the first rehoming centre with an ultrasound facility.

Dogs Trust Cardiff Rehoming Centre will be a fitting tribute to the passion and dedication of Adrian. With your support, it will make dogs like Noodle as happy and healthy as possible.

cool flooring

As a proud Welshman, our late CEO Adrian was determined to make our new rehoming centre in Cardiff the most dog-friendly place in the world. As the build draws closer, we’d love you to be part of it, or more specifically, Noodle would love you to be part of it! Because every single bit of the new rehoming centre has been designed for the health and happiness of dogs like him.

To truly understand our doggy guests, we like to put ourselves in their paws. So let’s hand over to Noodle himself, who will show you some of the dog-friendly things your donation can help bring to Dogs Trust Cardiff Rehoming Centre.

Our new rehoming centre in Cardiff is designed with Noodle in mind.

Check this out! The plans for the main building at the new Cardiff centre. Every square patch represents a little

bit of love for us dogs, and if you make a kind gift of £100 or more, you’ll get your very own piece

of our special Founders’ blueprint. Please don’t wait – there’s a limited number of unique patches!

Privacy please!Privacy please! The kennels will be sound-proofed, and if they’re facing each other they will have low walls. No one likes peering into their neighbour’s bedroom.

NETTLEFORD ROAD

CARDIFF

Wall

No peeking

My bed

WAG Fundraising WAG Fundraising

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Fitter than

Dedicated fundraisers Bertie and Teal are out and about raising money for their favourite rehoming centre, Dogs Trust Salisbury, once again. Over the past nine years this fine pair of fluffy-trousered philanthropists have collected more than £1,900 for Dogs Trust, using extreme cuteness as their main fundraising tactic. Their owner, Rhona Anderson, rehomed both excellent chaps from our Salisbury centre, and enjoys taking the boys on regular visits to see their friends at ’the mothership!’

Richard Daffurn and Rick Ward, pictured here with Banjo and Twix, are the double-act maintenance team at Dogs Trust Evesham. The duo are responsible for making the ten-acre centre grounds a beautiful and enriching place for both visitors and canine residents alike.

From mowing the lawns to maintaining the centre’s new enclosed field, a huge space where our hounds can bound around off-lead, Richard and Rick do it all with a smile on their faces. Rick has worked at our Evesham centre for 13 years, and in that time the dedication and hard work he’s put into keeping the centre and its grounds in shipshape condition has helped nearly 13,000 dogs to feel at home while enjoying the great outdoors.

Rick says,

‘The centre underwent a rebuild a couple of years ago, so I’ve seen it grow from a fairly small site, to what we have now. It’s a real pleasure to be responsible for maintaining such gorgeous grounds for such gorgeous dogs. We’re really lucky to be based on the edge of the Cotswolds, and one of my favourite jobs is to get on the sit-on mower during the summer and trim the grass!’

An enormous thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery who have raised over £12 million since 2013 to help look after the canines in our care and fund roles such as Rick and Rich’s at our rehoming centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

Our dogs love nothing more than getting their paws on some exciting new toys and tasty treats, and their tails can’t stop wagging when the goodies from the latest Pets at Home shopping spree arrives!

With hounds of all shapes and sizes, we need plenty of goodies to keep our furry friends entertained while they’re waiting for their forever homes. This is where you can help us, by signing up to Pets at Home VIP club and choosing Dogs Trust as your nominated charity today.

Every time VIP Club members swipe their VIP card whilst shopping in Pets at Home stores or by spending online, they earn Lifelines to go towards their nominated charity. These are then converted into Wainwright’s dog food for all the canines in our care, and into vouchers for our rehoming centres to spend on treats or toys!

If you’re an existing VIP club member or would like to support us by signing up to the VIP club, please visit www.petsathome.com/dogstrustvip

VIP LIFELINES FOR OUR VIP POOCHES

Fancy taking part in a sporting challenge to raise funds for our fabulous Fidos? If any of these fun events tickle your fancy then please do get in touch!

Dog Jog 5K – various locations & datesPrudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 4 AugSimplyhealth Great North Run, Newcastle upon Tyne 8 SeptScottish Half Marathon & 10K, Edinburgh 22 SeptBournemouth Marathon Festival 6 OctRoyal Parks Half Marathon, London 13 OctSanta Run, London 8 DecLondon Landmarks Half Marathon 2020 24 Mar Virgin Money London Marathon 2020 26 Apr

If you would like to apply for a Dogs Trust place or if you already have a place and would like to use it to raise pounds for hounds, enquire at fundraisewithus@dogstrust.org.uk

Congratulations to Elise Watson, our Ilfracombe centre manager, who completed her first London marathon. Now that’s what we call a team player!

Ginny

King

Tiny Tim

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Way back in 2017 we asked 30 new Dogs Trust adopters to keep a photo diary as they started out on their life journey with their new dog – just look how gorgeous they are! We want you to share the love too - why not use the hashtag #MyDogIsFor Life to share your rescue dog stories, and don’t forget to tag us on insta @Dogstrust

Ginny the Border Collie was just a year old when she arrived at Dogs Trust

Ilfracombe after being found as a stray. She has been living her best life with Rowena and Owen Dimond from Lydhurst since they

adopted her in 2017, and together they’ve shared so many adventures - including camping, running along the beach and

strolling through woodlands.

Tiny Tim the Dachshund didn’t have the best start in life, as he was illegally smuggled

into the UK from Hungary. Luckily, along with his brothers and sisters, after being seized

at the border he was taken to be looked after by the team at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury.

Adam Fellows and Daisy Lambert fell in love with Tiny Tim as soon as they met him at

the rehoming centre!

King the crossbreed was born at Dogs Trust Leeds on 16 December 2017 after his mum

had been found straying in Leeds just a few days earlier. If she hadn’t been found, things

could have turned out very differently. The team at Leeds looked after King, and his mother and his seven siblings until we were all ready to find loving new homes. Cheeky

King now leads a charmed life with Mark Riddell and Colette Cox – his forever family.

#MyDogisForLife – join in the fun! Share pics of you and your adopted

Dogs Trust best friend on Insta. @DogsTrust. If you love it - share it!

WAG Feature

#MYDOGISFORLIFE – THE DOGGY DIARIES

So pretty I have lots of friends

We go on lots of adventures

Me and my spotty sisNothing beats snuggle time

Sleeping beauty

This is funny stuff

Schniiifff

Did someone say I was cuteHeading home!

I’ll be better soon

All grown upI’ll soon be big enough to get up there!

I enjoy walking - even in the rainHomeward bound!

FOSTER CARERS

URGENTLY NEEDED!

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IN THE LINE OF SNOOTYStaff at Dogs Trust Basildon could not be prouder of their boy, Chip, who recently uncovered over £7,000 worth of drugs while doing his job as a detection dog for the Essex Police Force. Working with his handler, PC Luke Pitchford, Chip sniffed out the narcotics haul hidden inside a van in Woodham Ferrers – leading to the subsequent arrest and conviction of a drug dealer.

PC Andy Gaw, Essex Police dog trainer, said,

‘When PD Chip came to me for an assessment, he passed with flying colours and he has continued to impress. He was put through his paces during the basic training course and has reached a very high standard. PD Chip is a fantastic dog with a great personality he showed the right attributes to become a police dog on the very first day. He has so much enthusiasm and energy and it was just a question of channelling it in the right way.’

I Thought I Saw A Puddy Tat...

Good golly, lotsa Collies!Our Bridgend team have their hands full with a mini tsunami of 14 delightful Collies. The fabulous fourteen range from longer stay resident, two-year-old Whiskey, to nine-week-old pup Lotus Blossom and her six littermates, pictured here. While the pups have each now found great new families, the rest are eager to meet their special someone. They each have different personalities but they all have one thing in common; they would all make a perfect companion in the right home.

Our Bridgend team have their hands full with a mini tsunami of 14 delightful Collies. The fabulous fourteen includes nine week old pup, Lotus Blossom, and her six littermates, (pictured.) While the pups have each now found new families, the rest of the Collie squad are eager to meet their special someone. They each have different personalities, but they would all make the perfect companion in the right home. Bridgend’s current Collie quota includes shy girl Khaleesi (3), timid yet sweet Percy (3) and energetic and super-smart Whisky (2). If you’re interested in rehoming a Collie, from Dogs Trust Bridgend or elsewhere, please call 0303 003 0000 or visit dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/

We did, we saw a puddy tat! Three to be precise. The tabby trio had been found at our Kenilworth rehoming centre, when canine carer, James Sowerby, heard meowing emanating from behind the bins. James and his fellow canine carers took the tabbies - whom they named Skip, Dusty and Scrappy - to their local Cats Protection branch, where they were expertly looked after. As James explains,

‘It was such a tiny sound amidst the excitement of the dog walk, we almost didn’t hear the kittens. We found them on-site behind locked gates, so I think it’s unlikely they were abandoned. We think a stray cat put them there, but after having scoured the grounds we couldn’t see any trace of the mum. I’m sure they’ll be adopted soon as they are so beautiful.’

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If you live near Glasgow, West Calder or Penrith, and you simply adore dogs – we would LOVE to hear from you! Our rehoming centre staff in Glasgow and West Calder, together with our new doggy transfer hub team in Penrith, are on the lookout for experienced dog owners who are at home for most of the day and would be willing to provide a cosy, temporary foster home for some of the dogs who need a wee bit of extra TLC – and would benefit from some time away from the hustle and bustle of a busy rehoming centre. Fostering a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience and Dogs Trust will cover all food and any veterinary costs. All we ask is the foster carer is at home for most for most of the day, has easy access to transport and lives no more than an hour’s drive away from their local Dogs Trust centre.

If you’d like to know more please call us on: 0141 773 5130 for Glasgow, 01506 873 459 for West Calder and 01768 870 617 for Penrith. For all other Dogs Trust centres please call 0303 003 0000.

Simon and Jo Kite love being Dogs Trust foster carers.

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20 15Summer 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Living their best lives – meet our rehomed Dogs Trust doggos - and the people who love them. Please send photos of your adopted Dogs Trust friends to wag@dogstrustorg.uk (NB High-res jpeg only please!)

Join in on Twitter and Instagram with #MyDogisForLife

Banksy of BasildonSteve and Rory tell us that the splendidly-named Banksy was not initially a big fan of other dogs, but thanks to their perseverance, he can now play happily with his big Uncle Ralf dog. Steve says, ‘He’s now a very spoiled dog, and he’s progressing well with his training, as well as making our home a very happy one. Feels like he’s always been here!

Spencer of NewburyRehomed by Sarah from Newbury in 2015 after a difficult start in life, nine-year-old Spencer keeps everyone fit and healthy on his fun and very energetic walks. He’s so calm and friendly at home, he’s even won over the family cat, Gizmo.

Soot and Daisy of MerseysideThis mischievous and sprightly duo love nothing more than a romp in the countryside, Soot being quite the ladies’ man. Having exhausted themselves while out and about they love nothing more than movie night in, each with a comfy arm each to snuggle into.

Scamp of Ballymena/BasildonAlison is devastated at the loss of her Scamp. Originally found as an underweight stray and taken to our Ballymena centre, then later transferred to Basildon, Scamp was ‘the most adoring little chap, and although he was by no means perfect, chasing anything that moved, we learnt to trust each other, and we walked for miles and miles together. I am so grateful for the chance that Dogs Trust gave him when he was a stray. Of course I am completely biased, but this is because I adored him. He was simply my best friend.’

Hooch of SalisburyHandsome Hooch is seen here proudly out and about in Cornwall. ‘Hooch is the best thing that has happened to us and we are so glad he found us’. No doubt he feels the same way about Patsy and John, his happy new owners.

Copper of DarlingtonAfter a long and unsuccessful search for Mr Right, 3 year old Copper was love at first sight for photographer Lauren in 2017. He’s proved to be a willing and able model - for the small fee of attention and cheese!

Bella of MerseysidePretty Bella was adopted by Julie from our Merseyside centre when she was only 4 months old. In that short time she’d already had 3 homes, so not surprisingly she had some behavioural issues. With patience, love and help from Dogs Trust behavioural team, she’s now very much a settled and loved member of the family.

Fidget of DarlingtonBeautiful Beagle cross Fidget, rehomed from our Darlington centre, shows all the beagle traits - food being a particular obsession. He runs it all off on his local beach, where, despite his diminutive size, Fidget’s owner Jill says, ‘he’s as fast as a Greyhound!’

Del-Boy of IlfracombeRehomed from Ilfracombe by Mel and Hallum, local celebrity Del-Boy laps up the attention on his lovely walks in the Devon countryside or on a visit to the beach. This stubborn but loveable gentleman couldn’t be further from Peckham!

Riley of ShrewsburyGurbhag Singh tells Wag: ‘Me and Riley have been together 18 months now, Rebecca and I adopted him from Dogs Trust Shrewsbury after I started volunteering there. I remember our first walk so clearly, and how magical his hugs were. Riley loves going to parks and especially beaches. He used to be scared of water, but in the past 18 months we have been to different beaches all over the country, staying in pet-friendly hotels. I like how he falls asleep in my arms like a baby, nothing in this world feels better than him placing his head on my chest as he dozes off. He bosses every hooman in the house and is very demanding, wanting constant belly rubs, loads of treats and walks all day - but that’s what we love about him - after all he is our world.’

www.dogstrust.org.uk Summer 2019

22 www.dogstrust.org.uk Summer 2019

WAG Feature

KEY Fun Day, dogs welcome! Meet our dogs on the Dogmobile Behavioural seminar, book through www.eventbrite.co.uk

AUGUST

4 Dogs Trust Leeds Fun Day, Woodlands Farm, York Road, Leeds LS15 4NL

7 Dogmobile at North Devon Showground, Umberleigh EX37 9DX

10-11 Dogmobile at VW Festival, Harewood House, Leeds LS17 9LE

12 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Dogs Trust Shoreham, BN43 5LT

21-22 Dogmobile at Asda Canterbury, Sturry Road, CT1 1DG

SEPTEMBER

2 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Dogs Trust Shrewsbury TF6 6BP

7-8 Dogmobile at National Trust, Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR

9 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Elms Community Centre, Green Lane, Whitefield, M45 7FD

10 Dog School talk, Understanding your Dog, £10, Dogs Trust Manchester M34 3SG

14 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Dogs Trust Loughborough LE12 6SE

OCTOBER

9 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £5, The King’s Centre, 56 Bull Head Street, Wigston, LE18 1PA

9-10 Dogmobile at Asda, Owlcotes shopping centre, Pudsey LS28 6AR

9-10 Dogmobile at Richmond Town Centre, North Yorkshire, DL10 4QL

14 Dog School talk, Happy Vet Visits (aimed at veterinary professionals), £5, Dogs Trust Shoreham BN43 5LT

16-17 Dogmobile at Tesco, Victoria Road, Diss IP22 4JN

18-19 Dogs Trust behaviour conference, ‘From Science to Practice,’ Oxford Town Hall, OX1 1BX

Buy tickets now on www.dogstrust.org.uk/behaviour19

22-23 Dogmobile at Pets At Home, Llantrisant CF72 8RP

30-31 Dogmobile at The Valley, Evesham Country Park, Worcestershire WR11 4TP

From great days out for all the family to enjoy, including your dog, to professional development seminars for veterinary and behavioural

professionals, we’ve got a Dogs Trust event to suit you. To book a place on a professional development event please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk

After an incredible 40 years of service, our volunteer ‘stamp lady’ Jenny Thomas has decided to take a well-deserved rest and retire from running the Dogs Trust stamp appeal.

Jenny has raised a phenomenal amount during this time, contributing more than £200,000 towards helping our four-legged friends. In 2017, we awarded Jenny the ‘Dogs Trust Phyllis Mayer Argus Medal’ in recognition of her outstanding commitment to stray and abandoned dogs - only the 20th recipient of this award in the long history of the charity.

On behalf of everyone at Dogs Trust, we would like to thank Jenny for her tireless commitment to helping the dogs in our care - and wish her the very best in her retirement. We would also like to give a big thanks to you, our readers, for your wonderful contribution to the appeal. Please continue to send all postage stamps, postcards and foreign currencies to this new address:

Stamp Appeal, Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ

We politely request that bulky envelopes use a stamp with the word ‘Large’ printed on it.

The End Of A First-Class Service

THE HOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUNDPut your feet up, grab a custard cream, let the dog flump on your lap – it’s competition time! We’re asking you to suggest tube station names involving dogs, and the best three (as chosen by office dog Sonny the super snoozy Greyhound) will receive a lovely, chocolatey prize! Here are a few examples to get you in the mood: German Shepherd’s Bush, Warwick Avenuefoundland, Covent Guard Dog.

Send your most creative ideas to: wag@dogstrust.org.uk or on a postcard to: WAG competition, Dogs Trust 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ. Closing date for entries is 30 August.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!Although it’s not snowing, we’re getting in the Christmas spirit with the launch of our new 2019 Christmas Catalogue. Every year, to celebrate the launch of our wonderful new range of gifts and essentials for humans and dogs alike, the crackers come out and we’ve even been known to play ‘We woof you a Merry Christmas‘ in July!

If you didn’t receive a catalogue with this copy of Wag! just call 0844 324 8520 or email dogstrust@cbfulfilment.co.uk and we’ll be happy to send you one in the post. Alternatively, visit www.dogstrustgifts.com and order online to save you time and us money.

I ’ve got a favour to ask you.

Thousands of dogs like me will soon have a new place to call home in Cardiff. Will you help make sure it’s full of things to make us happy and healthy?

Payment details:

Will you help make our new Cardiff rehoming centre the most dog-friendly place in the world?

£5 £25 £100 Other £ ________________I would like to donate by:

Cheque/postal order (please make payable to Dogs Trust

and write your name and address details on the back)

Debit/credit card

Card no:

Valid from: /

Expiry date: / Issue no:

Cardholder’s name (as printed on the card):

Signature:

£25£100 A special square on

the Founders’ blueprint

A toy to help dogs feel at home again

Vet care to get dogs back on their paws

£5

Your details:

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (please circle)

First name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Supporter number (if known):

888990

From time to time we would like to send you updates about our work, products, services and how you can support us, including fundraising activities and research by post. If you’re also happy to hear from us by email and/or phone, please fill in your details.

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You can opt out of communications or change your preferences at any time by phoning 020 7837 0006 or visiting dogstrust.org.uk/keepintouch In order to communicate with you more effectively, better understand your preferences and ability to support our work, we may analyse your data. We do share your information within the Dogs Trust group; currently Dogs Trust Worldwide, Dogs Trust Ireland and Dogs Trust Promotions. For more information, please visit our privacy section: dogstrust.org.uk/privacy

Boost your donation by 25p for every £1 you donate to Dogs Trust Gift Aid is reclaimed by Dogs Trust from the tax you pay for the current tax year. In order for us to Gift Aid your donations please ensure you tick and date the box below

Date: I wish to Gift Aid this donation and any donation I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to Dogs Trust. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Please note your address is required to identify you as a current tax payer. Please notify Dogs Trust if you:

1. Want to cancel this declaration

2. Change your name or home address

3. No longer pay sufficient tax on your Income and/or Capital Gains

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

WHERE’S SIZZLES?It’s summer at Dogs Trust – and it’s competition time! Simply circle the nine things below and email your answer to us at: wag@dogstrust.org.uk or post the page to: Wag competition, Dog Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ. The winner will be drawn out of a hat – and the prize is a big box of chocolates. Remember to include your name and address on your entry! Competition closes on 30 August.

Sizzles from Dogs Trust Shoreham

Casper from Oakfield Old Dogs Home at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury

Seamus the sponsor dog

A person putting the collar and tag on their dog

An owner binning their dog’s poop

A Dog School coach

A dog being trained to come back to their owner

Three Dogs Trust canine carers

A Dogs Trust volunteer

Can you spot:

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