WAG Welcome WAG News

www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 201902 03

As some of you may already know, Adrian Burder, our chief executive, sadly passed away last October, (since your last issue of Wag). Adrian had worked for Dogs Trust for 24 years, the past four of which as Chief Executive, following the retirement of Clarissa Baldwin CBE. An inspiring leader, Adrian was passionate about saving dogs’ lives, and passionate about working for Dogs Trust, and I wanted to make sure you, our lovely readers, knew what a remarkable man he was.

Adrian helped create the range of programmes which define Dogs Trust today – education about dog care, help towards the cost of neutering and microchipping, behavioural research and lobbying – as well as making sure our first-class rehoming centres are there to help stray, abandoned and relinquished dogs in need.

You may not have known Adrian, but everything you read about in this issue of Wag will have been created or developed by Adrian. One of the things about which Adrian was most passionate was dog training; he was keen to ensure that every dog and owner could understand each other, so they could face life together. On page 8 you’ll be able to see our simple advice on how you and your dog can have happier vet visits, as taught at our Dogs Trust Dog Schools.

You’ll also be able to find out about Generation Pup, our unique research project which will help dog welfare for years to come. Find out how you can be a part of something very special! There’s also a look at our Freedom Project, which provides temporary foster care for dogs whose owners are escaping domestic violence, and a glimpse of our new look Stepping Stones facility for long-stay dogs, at our Salisbury rehoming centre.

And so despite beginning on a sad note, at Dogs Trust we always look for the positive and look to the future. With your help, together with our dedicated staff and our brilliant volunteers, we’ll carry on working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction, with owners who love and understand them.

Wishing you and your woofers a wonderful spring!

Deana Selby

Wag editordogstrust.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, Tristan Lathey, Kayla Maryon, Telsha Arora, David McNaught, Julia Youd, Tamsin Durston, Rosa Da Costa, Sarah Graham

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

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

Tel: 0303 003 0000 Email: wag@dogstrust.org.uk

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ON THE COVER Pink the Jack Russell terrier arrived at our West London centre with her mother and six littermates when she was just two weeks old. Pink and sister Lily were fostered by our lovely volunteer Nina, who fell head over heels for Pink and adopted her. Pink is now living her best life with Nina in west London. To peek behind the scenes of our pup-tastic photoshoot go to dogstrust.org.uk/wagmagazine Photos: James Lincoln

From the editor...

Wag is chuffed to report that Cody, who spent over 1,000 days in the care of Dogs Trust Salisbury, has trotted happily off to his new home with new owner Pam Balchin. The curvy-legged crossbreed had been a firm favourite of our Salisbury team, who couldn’t understand why Cody was not attracting much interest from visitors.

Pam originally saw a rehoming appeal for Cody over a year ago but was not in a position to adopt him at the time. After seeing a fresh appeal for a home for his tenth birthday back in August, and following a change in her circumstances, Pam was finally ready to adopt Cody. She made the 25-mile round trip from her house to the rehoming centre by bus five times in order to build a bond with the chap, even taking him home for a sleepover to make doubly sure they were right for each other.

During his time at the centre, Cody’s endearing personality made everyone fall in love with him, and work extra hard to make him feel at home. His favourite carer, Becs Marchant, taught him tricks, including holding his paw up so he can have his nails trimmed, and helped prepare him for the day he would eventually find his forever home.

Our Salisbury centre manager, Jacinta Lye, said,‘Waving goodbye to Cody was a bittersweet day for everyone. He was so well-loved here, so naturally we were sad to see him go. But knowing he has gone to a perfect home where he’ll be so happy makes it all worthwhile for us. We couldn’t have wished for a more perfect home for Cody and his new owner absolutely adores him. Cody was known to take a while to build bonds with new people, but after a number of visits from Pam and the hard work Becs put in with making him feel comfortable, it really was a match made in heaven.’

Pam, Cody’s new owner, added, ‘It took around four weeks of visiting Cody before everybody felt he was ready to come home with me - but he was worth the wait! We were determined to make the relationship work and so put in lots of time and effort in order to build a strong and trusting bond with him. We’re going to be very happy and I can’t wait to give him a wonderful life.’

CODY TROTTLES OFF TO START NEW LIFE

All the news that’s fit to bark! All the news that’s fit to bark!

Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

“We’re going to be very happy and I can’t wait to give him a wonderful life.”

In memory, Adrian Burder, 1964 - 2018

see page 12

Cody with his favourite ladies, Becs and Pam

o

Photo: Richard Murgatroyd

WAG News WAG News

www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 201904 05

A litter of Collie Lurcher crosses scored a hattrick of hugs when Manchester United star Chris Smalling visited our Manchester centre recently. Chris was smitten with puppy Chris, and loved his teammates - Fergie, Bobby, Becks, Neville - too. The litter had been handed in at just one day old, with their mum, and thankfully all have since found new homes. Chris also learnt about what potential new owners should think about before getting a new dog, and was helping promote our ‘A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas’ message. Visit dogstrust.org.uk/buyeradvice

Congratulations to Ruby the Springer Spaniel on qualifying as a sniffer dog with the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire police dog unit. Ruby, a nine-month-old pup who’d been brought into our Manchester centre due to a change in her owner’s circumstances, was a super lively bundle of fun as soon as she arrived. Our expert rehoming team immediately spotted her potential for going to a working, rather than family, home. Ruby’s new owner and handler is PC Mark West, who tells Wag,

‘She has been an absolute superstar and has passed her exams with flying colours! I’m very proud. She gets on brilliantly with my other dog, Dexter, and she completes our team. Dexter is a firearms support dog, so he is alongside officers at firearms warrants. Once we have entered a property Ruby will then go in to do the searching side of things, looking for drugs, cash and weapons. She is brilliant.’

Carol Margieson, Dogs Trust Manchester Deputy Manager, says,

‘We were absolutely delighted when we heard that Ruby had graduated! She had so much potential and we all had our fingers crossed waiting to hear if she’d passed. We’re confident that she’ll have a happy and fulfilled working life and a wonderful home life too with Mark, his family and Dexter.’

Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

ARE HERE AGAIN!

There’s nothing like a spot of holiday planning to lift the spirits, and with Dogs

Trust Holidays, you’ll get an extra boost from knowing that your holiday booking ensures

you not only get a great holiday with (or even without) your four-legged friend, but

you’ll also be helping rescue dogs too! With every property booked through Dogs Trust

Holidays, Cottages.com and Hoseasons kindly donate 10% of the booking fee to

Dogs Trust – and since we began working together 15 years ago, they have donated an

incredible £1 million to help our dogs.

So go ahead – book your next holiday, don’t forget Rover can come too, pack your wellies

– and enjoy raising money for our glorious dogs! www.dogstrustholidays.co.uk

Here’s Jen, Ben and D-Span to show you what they got up to on their Dogs Trust

Cottage holiday in Suffolk…

Photos: James Lincoln

Photos: Nicola Carroll

Above: Jen, Ben and Daniel the spaniel loving their Dogs Trust Holiday cottage - and so could you!

Ruby looks so proud with her certificate

Chris meets Chris!

The dream team: Ruby, Mark and Dexter

WAG News WAG News

06 07

Ageing gracefully is Taffy, seen here celebrating his 20th birthday with a handmade card and cake from his adoring family, the Townhills.

Taffy’s proud owners, Handsley and Michelle, sent Wag this photo to say thanks to Dogs Trust for all our help, as they’d rehomed Taffy six years ago under our unique Shared Adoption Scheme. They’d first met Taffy, then a sprightly 14-year-old, while he resided at Oakfield, our special cosy house for very old dogs, based at our Shrewsbury rehoming centre.

Under the Shared Adoption Scheme, after we’ve rehomed a dog we promise to contribute towards veterinary treatment relating to a specific condition for the rest of his life, under certain circumstances and as long as the condition is identified before the dog leaves our care. This not only helps the new owner to cover the cost of veterinary bills, it also helps us to find homes for those dogs who may otherwise be overlooked by potential owners. In birthday boy Taffy’s case, we cover his treatment for his eye condition - and we’re happy to do so for 20 more years!

Snowdon Selfie! This pair of high-altitude adventurers are Andrea Elliott and her wonderful Weimaraner, Elsa, whom she rehomed from Dogs Trust Canterbury in 2012.

This selfie commemorates more than simply conquering Snowdon’s summit; it represents Andrea’s first return to Snowdonia, her and her husband’s favourite place to climb, since she was widowed 14 years earlier. Tragically, Andrea’s husband had died in a mountaineering accident in the French Alps.

Andrea first met Elsa at our Canterbury rehoming centre, when Elsa herself had a lot on her plate. While in our care, Elsa was found to have a cancerous tumour on her right ear flap and a minor heart murmur. However, six years on from those sad and worrying early days, she is now a vibrant, energetic 11-year-old who has consistently overcome everything life has thrown at her.

Andrea tells Wag,‘Elsa is an amazing girl, she just turned eleven in February and has beaten every challenge life puts in her way.

The trip to Snowdon was an epic adventure for both of us. Elsa had never even seen a mountain before or been further than our seaside home in Kent, but she took it all in her stride. I can’t express how blessed I feel to have her in my life and grateful I am to Dogs Trust. Elsa proudly wore her Dogs Trust lead all the way to the summit. Without the charity’s help and support in those frightening early days I don’t know where Elsa or I would be.’

‘Elsa and I have healed each other over the years. We give each other strength every day. Her ability to keep bouncing back from every situation is astounding. Dogs Trust gave us both the opportunity to start a wonderful new life.’

This delightfully massive Mastiff, named Chunkie, is a rare Boerbel breed, and scoops the prize as Dogs Trust West London’s heaviest resident yet. Tipping the scales at nine and a half stone (60kg), the affectionate six-year-old was rehomed to Joshua McKnight last August. Richard Moore, Dogs

Trust Harefield’s manager, said,

‘Chunkie is one of the biggest residents we’ve had for a very long time. He came to us through no fault of his

own and I’m delighted that Joshua had a heart as big as Chunkie himself and decided to adopt him.’

Joshua adds,‘Of course, the first thing you notice about Chunkie is his size! But

after a few meet ups with him we soon realised he had an equally large personality to go with it. We’ve really fallen for him and can’t wait

to take him home.’

Sadly, Charlie, Dogs Trust’s oldest rehomed dog, recently passed away at the grand old age of 23. The crossbreed had been rehomed from our Evesham rehoming centre at the age of 14, by the Smith family. Stuart Smith, Charlie’s owner, tells Wag,

‘Charlie was not a pet, he was one of the family. He was loved by everyone who met him and he loved them, especially those who gave him treats on our walks. He will be sadly missed by everyone. I hope Charlie inspires other people to adopt older dogs because they can give so much love and pleasure, just like our little man.’

MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 2019

CHARLIE WAS MY DARLING

FOREVER BLOWING

Snowdon selfie!

Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

08

RECEPTION

Visiting the vet is a fact of life for most dog owners, and while some of our four-legged friends may not enjoy it – understatement alert! – it certainly doesn’t have to be a traumatic trip. Here’s the Dogs Trust Dog School guide to helping your dog have a happy vet visit:

Before you go

Make visiting the vet a more positive experience for your dog by taking the time to drop in even when you don’t need to go - perhaps once a week during a walk - and making sure the practice staff give your dog some tasty treats and a nice fuss* each time. That way, your dog will build up warm, positive feelings about the vets - and make your next trip, when they

do actually need to be seen, that much less stressful. (*but only if you know your dog enjoys this!)

One of the things many dogs dislike about visiting the vet is being handled, especially in places they are not used to being touched. You can help your dog by getting him used to being touched long before you go to the vet.

Start at home by touching him on a part of his body you know he enjoys - often the chest or behind the ears. Leave your hand there for no more than three seconds, then give them a treat, and let them relax.

Gradually move your hand to a new area, perhaps the front leg, for a maximum of three seconds, and give a treat each time. If your dog looks uncomfortable at any point, stop what you are doing. Remember to take this ‘touch and treat’ approach super slowly. You’re aiming to be able to eventually touch your dog on their paws, lift up their tail, look in their mouth – in fact, all of the things a vet may need to do during an examination.

Very slowly you can lengthen the time you leave your hand on them, building up from 3 to 10 seconds.

As with so many aspects of dog training, the ‘little and often’ approach tends to work best, so set aside some time each week and make this part of your play time.

Waiting room etiquette

When you’re in the waiting room, help your dog feel more relaxed by bringing their favourite toy or blanket, or ideally both. This should help them feel more relaxed and secure.

If you possibly can, make sure you sit well away from the door. Dogs can find it very difficult to relax near a door, so the further away you can be from this busy area, the better.

Also, make sure your dog is facing away from other dogs. If possible, try and leave some space between your dog and others. This may not always be possible, but if you can, try and book your next appointment at the practice’s least busy time of day.

Try and get your dog to focus their attention on you, this will help them avoid eye contact with other dogs – often a cause of tension or frustration within the confined space of a waiting room.

WAG Feature

Take a trip to the vet even when you don’t need to – and always make sure Rover gets some tasty treats and a fuss* every time he goes. Trip + treat + tickles = happier dog next time you visit!

…then gradually work your way around their whole body. Don’t forget the treats!

www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 2019 09Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Start by touching your dog where you know he like to be touched…

WAG Feature

Your dog’s favourite toy or blanket will help them feel more relaxed

Try and leave some space between your dog and other animals

11Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

WAG Feature WAG Feature

www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 201910

Frankly we’d be rude not to let you know all about Frank the Mastiff cross, who has found true love at last with new owners Jenny and Tim. He’d originally been brought into our Leeds rehoming centre as an emaciated wreck of a stray dog, little more than skin and bone, by the animal warden.

Our Leeds veterinary nurses looked after Frank and nursed him back to health, whereupon he was transferred to our Oakfield Old Dogs Home, part of our Shrewsbury rehoming centre. Jenny and Tim spotted the noble fella on a visit, and the rest is history! They absolutely adore Frank, as Tim explains,

‘When the lady on reception suggested we look at an older dog I’ll admit I wasn’t too sure. But when she brought our Frank, that was it – love at first sight! He came up to us wagging his tail and was so friendly from the word go.

‘He’s got those massive eyes that just make you melt. It’s been great for him and for us. We couldn’t ask for a more loving dog.’

Some Dogs Trust staff love their jobs so much they stick around for many years – and this year Suzanne Mulholland celebrates her 20th year as an

essential member of the Dogs Trust Ilfracombe dog training team! Says Phil Hammond, one of our training and behaviour advisors at the North Devon centre,

‘Suze is the life and soul of Dogs Trust Ilfracombe! You never see her without a smile on her face and we can’t imagine life at the centre without her. Nothing is ever too much for Suze, especially once she’s had her morning Costa! She has been a massive and invaluable part of all of the Ilfracombe staff’s journeys. Here’s to another 20 years!’

Mulh ollan d’s Driv eExamination time

Once in the examination room, remember that you are your dog’s best friend, and they are relying on you to speak up for them. if your dog gets stressed or begins to growl, feel free to politely but firmly ask your vet to stop what they are doing. Both your dog and your vet will thank you for speaking up.

Growling is your dog’s way of saying ‘I am really uncomfortable!’ so make sure you communicate with your vet, who may well be so absorbed with examining your dog that they can’t see their face or hear their voice. Never ignore your dog’s growls and never tell him off for growling, he’s simply using his voice to tell you he is distressed. Bites can occur during vet examinations because the owner and the vet ignored a growl, and the dog felt they had no other way to show how unhappy they felt in that situation. Being aware of the different ways your dog is communicating with you will help to make sure every visit to the vets is a happy one.

Having happier vet visits is just one of the day-to-day skills we teach

at Dogs Trust Dog Schools. Affordable and fun classes are now up and running in

30 different locations around the UK, so go to dogstrustdogschool.org.uk to find your nearest

class. If you can’t make it to a class, don’t worry – have a look at our short, fun films which will

help you and you and your dog get the most out of life together,

dogstrustdogschool.org.uk /training

Don’t berate...

...communicate!

Then: Frank when he first arrived

Then: Frank gets a check up from John the vet

Now: Frank loving his new life with Jenny and Tim

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Generation Pup Generation Pup

If you have welcomed a puppy into your life recently - congratulations! We hope you are having a lovely time living and learning together. While your puppy is still young, why not use this chance to help the welfare of all dogs for years to come?

By simply telling us about your puppy’s everyday experiences and adventures, you could help contribute to the largest study of dog health and welfare in a generation - Generation Pup. Generation Pup is a full-life study investigating all facets of puppies’ lives as they grow and experience the world around them. Puppy owners just like you can help expand what we know about dogs and improve the way we look after them in the future.

We’re appealing for owners of puppies less than 16 weeks of age to register onto the Generation Pup study and complete questionnaires answering questions about their puppy. As dogs are such complex animals, your input into all kinds of topics is vital for us to understand how dogs interact with their world.

The questionnaires ask all sorts of questions, ranging from asking whether your dog sits on the sofa; how they react around the vacuum cleaner for the first time; which is their favourite toy; how they react to people wearing hats and how many stairs they walk up and down on an average day.

Owners who are already part of the Generation Pup study – 2,200 pups and counting! - will soon have access to their puppy’s Doggy Dossier; a report highlighting some fun facts from their dog’s first twelve months. There’s also an active facebook page where you can keep updated with all project news and see how other Generation Pup participants are finding the study.

So far, thanks to YOU and your puppy participants – we’ve learnt: Most owners got their puppies from ‘occasional breeders’, ‘Kennel Club Assured breeders’ and ‘professional breeders’ with only 5% coming from charity rehoming organisations. By six months of age, 74% of puppies on the study had tried swimming. There are more Labradors on the study than any other breed or crossbreed! Followed by plenty of Cocker Spaniel crosses, Poodle types and Border Collies who are also taking part in the study. We would LOVE to get more of every breed as well as crossbreeds! 84% of puppy participants live in England, 10% in Scotland, 5% in Wales and the rest in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Could your puppy hold the key to helping us understand how to better care for dogs? We certainly think so!

13

ADD DOG NAMES

To take part, your puppy must be aged less than 16 weeks, any breed or crossbreed and living in the UK or Republic of

Ireland. You, the owner, must be 16 years or older.

To be a part of something truly amazing, please email generationpup@dogstrust.org.uk or

visit generationpup.ac.uk for more information!

Hoffmann

Islay Rose & Dougal Chase Tilly

Rocket

Mootoo

Willow Monty

Sunny

Hester

Boson

Just a few of the beautiful puppies who are already helping us with our vital research!

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14 15Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Meet the Dogs Trust rescue dogs living their best lives - with new owners who love them to pieces! If you can’t wait for your next Wag, you can see more rescued beauts by following @Dogstrust on Instagram and Twitter, and join in the joy with #tongueouttuesday Send your pics to wag@dogstrust.org.uk – please note we only publish rehomed Dogs Trust doggos here!

Jet of ManchesterIt’s clear to see how handsome and shiny Lab cross Jet got his name. Rehomed by Rachel and Alex just over two years ago, cheeky (and greedy, allegedly!) Jet has settled into his new life with gusto – he’s already had five holidays! When he’s not on his travels, there is nothing he likes more than swimming and chasing tennis balls. Quite a lot of Lab then!

Max and Paddy of LoughboroughThis much-loved older duo are great ambassadors for rescue dogs. In 2017 they helped their new dad (Greg) win East Midlands Dog Buddy Friendly Pub of the year! ‘All the regulars knew Max and Paddy, and six customers went on to adopt rescue dogs after seeing how great Max and Paddy were. They are a great example of how rescue dogs are the best!’ They are fantastic with children too, so this is one comic duo bringing plenty of smiles.

Saffy of BridgendA couple of years ago Chris found himself heartbroken after the loss of his dog Pippin. At the same time Saffy had been abandoned at our Bridgend centre and had clearly had a rough start in life, it was almost as if it was meant to be. Chris saw her on the website and the very next day drove half way across the country to meet her. ‘We set eyes on each other and she knew she had a new Dad’.

Biff of MerseysideSheila wrote to Wag asking if we could show the love of her husband’s life - his dog, Biff! Peter and Sheila both love Biff, seen here sailing over the jumps while competing in his adored agility competitions. He is now a Grade 4 competitor, but still his greatest love is being outdoors running and fetching his ball!

Saxon of GlasgowThis mischief-making duo are Tanner and Saxon, who was rehomed as a puppy from Glasgow. They love to play together all the time, as owner Shelby explains, ‘He really is like a furry older brother’. Saxon also lives with five cats and a rabbit, who are all his friends but his absolute favourite thing is bouncing on the trampoline with his favourite ball, much to the amusement of the neighbours.

Oscar of EveshamMeet Oscar, when he was first adopted by his forever family they feared they’d never be able to take him to public event, as he found it all too overwhelming. Now, five years on, he’s out and about winning rosettes and feeling a lot less anxious about life. Elisabeth says ‘It’s been wonderful to watch him mellow…. never give up on a rescue; with reassurance, love and patience the possibilities and delights are endless.’ Hear hear!

Ross of KenilworthThis beautiful old boy was rehomed in 2004, and despite his deafness, has been a loyal and loving companion to Val for the last 14 ½ years. Now a little stiff in the joints, he still enjoys his walks, holidays and the company of his 5th feline pal, Captain Morgan. Enjoy your retirement, Ross!

Buddy of GlasgowThis Monarch of the Glen is Buddy from Glasgow. This stunning photo was taken on one of his favourite walks beside Loch Tay, where he is lucky enough to live with his owner Andrew. After a long and preferably muddy walk, Buddy likes nothing more than to curl up on the sofa and cuddle. Bliss!

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www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 201916 Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

A PATH TO The Freedom Project initiative helps dog owners fleeing domestic abuse by providing a safe, temporary foster home for their dogs. The programme works by placing the dog at risk into the home of a volunteer foster carer who will care for them until they can be safely reunited with their families. Sadly, many refuges are unable to accept pets, so this important pet fostering service gives owners peace of mind that their dog will be well cared for until they are rehoused and able to take back their beloved pets.

The programme only works thanks to the kindness of volunteer foster carers who open their homes and hearts to dogs in need. We are expanding the Freedom Project, and are now appealing for even more dog lovers, who have experience of owning a dog, to join as carers in the North West of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Additionally, we’re looking for volunteer foster carers in Greater London, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, Essex, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, the North East of England and Scotland, where the project is already established.

Gemma, who owns Dusty the Rottweiler cross, is one of the many people helped recently by the Freedom Project. She’d been living in a physically and mentally abusive relationship for three years, when she eventually managed to escape to a women’s refuge. Her partner had also started harming her dogs. Sadly, the refuge did not accept dogs. She explains, ‘I would never have left home without my dogs. I managed to get them out of there, but I couldn’t

take them into the refuge with me. Luckily, my best friend offered to rehome my second dog, but I’d had Dusty since he was a puppy and I couldn’t give him up. The refuge told me about the Freedom Project, but I was so upset and didn’t think they would be able to help me. But the Freedom staff were fantastic and they found Dusty a foster home straight away. ‘It was really upsetting to say goodbye to Dusty, it felt like someone was taking my baby away from me. The updates from the Freedom Project were fantastic and so reassuring. I was sent pictures of him every month, and I turned them into a canvas while I was in the refuge.’

After around five months staying in the refuge, Gemma was finally in a position to be able to take Dusty back, although she was quite anxious as to how Dusty would react. ‘I was panicking when they brought him back to me as I didn’t think he would recognise me, but he jumped all over me straight away; it was like he had never been gone. I’m so grateful to the Freedom Project. When I fled I lost everything; my home, my belongings, my life. I’m just really grateful that I got to keep my dog.’ Sarah Vasey, our Freedom Project co-ordinator for the North East of England, says, ‘Leaving an abusive home can be incredibly difficult, especially if it means having to give up your dog, or worse, leave them behind. Sadly, research shows that pets in the home are also often affected by domestic abuse. By offering our service, we are helping dog owners to get to safety knowing that their pets are safe and well cared for until they are able to be reunited.’

Since 2004, our Freedom Project has helped over 850 people flee an abusive home, and we have even bigger plans this year to help more people and their beloved dogs around the country.

Can you help us help even more dog owners flee domestic abuse?

Due to the high demand for our service we are urgently looking for volunteers with experience of caring for dogs, who are at home during the day and can look after dogs for an average of six months. All the dogs’ expenses are covered by Dogs Trust, so this is a particularly rewarding volunteering opportunity for dog lovers who aren’t able to own a dog full-time. Please email us on freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk If you’d like to help, please call us on:

Greater London and the Home Counties: 0800 298 9199

Yorkshire: 0800 083 4322

North East of England: 0300 303 3497

Scotland: 0808 169 4315

National Domestic Violence Helpline (24hr): 0808 2000 247

After Gemma and Dusty were reunited, Gemma decided to waive her right to anonymity to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the Freedom Project.

“Leaving an abusive home can be incredibly difficult, especially if it

means having to give up your dog, or worse, leave them behind.”

Photos: Francesca Gent

Kevin the Labrador is proving to be so much more than just a sweet, fun-loving pet to his new owner Wendy, he’s also her helpmate, and invaluable companion through thick and thin.

Originally brought in to Dogs Trust Loughborough as a result of a change in his owner’s circumstances, Kevin was immediately spotted as being a bright lad with an eager to please personality – ideal for assistance dog work. Our Loughborough rehoming team contacted Support Dogs, a national charity, suggesting they come and meet Kev with a view to taking him on as a trainee disability assistance dog.

After undergoing four months of training, Kevin qualified and was placed with Wendy, who lives near Birmingham. Wendy has limited mobility, due to neck and spinal problems, and has been a wheelchair user for around 20 years. The pair get on like a house on fire, with Oscar, Wendy’s soon-to-retire support dog, showing Kevin the ropes. Thanks to Wendy and and Oscar, Kevin is now able to help Wendy with day-to-day tasks such as getting dressed, picking up dropped items, unloading the washing machine – and most recently pressing Wendy’s emergency call button, when needed.

Support Dogs is a national charity which trains and provides assistance dogs for children with autism and adults with epilepsy and physical disabilities. Says Wendy,

‘Kevin is doing really well. It’s as if he has been with us much longer than just a few weeks. He has settled in well and is eager to work hard. He’s more energetic than Oscar, who’s more than willing to let Kevin do all the work, while he enjoys his well-earned retirement!’

Celine Di Crocco, manager of our Loughborough rehoming centre, tells Wag,

‘It is wonderful to hear that Kevin is doing so well. He has already made such a huge difference to Wendy’s life, and we couldn’t be prouder of him.’

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WAG News

GET ACTIVE FOR DOGS!

Time to dust off your trainers and fire up the fitbit to help our fidos! We have charity places in these exciting sporting events.

19 May Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run 10K 25 – 26 May Edinburgh Marathon Festival July – Dec Dog Jog 5K (various dates & locations)4 Aug Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 1008 Sept Simplyhealth Great North Run19 April 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon 2020

To join Team Dogs Trust email fundraisewithus@dogstrust.org.uk today!

Jasper the Collie cross celebrated his eighth birthday in style last autumn, with his favourite people at our Shoreham rehoming centre throwing him a proper surprise birthday party.

Jolly Jasper had originally been brought in to our Kenilworth rehoming centre in 2014, and had spent two years there, before being moved over to Shoreham. When the Shoreham team realized the unlucky chap had spent four birthdays not in a home of his own, they decided to throw him a proper shindig.

They ensured he spent the day doing his favourite things with his favourite people, starting off with a swim in the river, multiple games of fetch, a big box of presents for him to open – all tennis balls – and culminating in a big party in the centre’s activity room, with his favourite canine carer, Eleanor, and favourite volunteer walker, Bridget, as guests of honour. The team had had made him a big dog-friendly birthday cake, and everyone sang happy birthday!

As with the best birthday parties, some of the guests decided to post a video on social media, and delightfully, a member of the public was so smitten by Jasper that she decided to visit the birthday boy at the rehoming centre – and then offered him a wonderful new forever home! You can see Jasper’s birthday party for yourself here dogstrust.org.uk/jaspersparty

Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Gets The Party Started

WHEN KEVIN MET WENDY

Photos: Ella Bowden-Williams

20

WAG Feature WAG News

Spring 2019 www.dogstrust.org.uk 21

HOPE SPRINGS

STAFF CONFERENCEWe’d like to thank Petplan for their generous sponsorship of last autumn’s Dogs Trust’s operations staff conference. As our charity continues to grow, it’s essential that every member of staff knows exactly what’s going on in every section of the organisation, and our bi-annual conference (with thanks to Petplan) plays a vital part in making sure everyone’s up to date with the latest in canine welfare ideas and Dogs Trust’s future plans!

At Dogs Trust we aim to help dogs whatever their circumstances. Our Hope Project, which provides free veterinary care for dogs belonging to homeless people and those in housing crisis, has been helping dogs in need since 1994.

By working closely with homelessness organisations and hostels, not to mention hundreds of kindhearted vets, we’re able to make the world of difference to some very poorly dogs – and the owners who love them. Last year, we provided 467 dogs with emergency and preventative care; one of these dogs was Ben the Collie, loved and owned by Karl.

Ben became Karl’s companion a few years ago, when Karl’s mum became too ill to care for the pet she’d had since he was a puppy. The pair are inseparable, with Ben providing much needed relief and regular fresh air for Karl, who suffers with anxiety and depression. They had been sofa-surfing for around four years, before eventually settling at the St Petroc’s Society in Truro, Cornwall - a hostel which also accepts dogs. It was there that Karl first spotted a nasty looking lump under Ben’s chin.

Luckily, our Hope Project works closely with St Petroc’s, and their staff gave Karl our Hope Veterinary Entitlement Card, as well as booking an appointment that same day with the City Road Veterinary Centre.

Their vet diagnosed the lump on Ben’s chin and recommended that it needed to be removed straight away, which was covered under our Hope Project. Now that Ben is registered under the scheme, he will be able to receive his ongoing preventative care, such as vaccinations, flea and worming treatment, as well as being covered in case of any further concerns with his health.

Ben is now back to his old self and feeling much brighter, and not only cheers Karl up every day, but also helps lift the mood of many of the hostel’s other residents too.

Karl tells us,‘Ben is my best friend, he is always putting a smile on

people’s faces and cheering everyone up. Ben and I are eternally thankful to Dogs Trust for helping with his care.’

Photos: Helen Barnecutt

Right: Major Jay Rawlinson gave a talk on ‘working dogs in the military’

Lukka the wire-haired pointer cross would like to point out our appeal for more stamps, postcards and foreign currencies! Thanks to your help, our tenacious volunteer, Jenny Thomas, raised around £24,000 last year through sales – all of which goes straight to Dogs Trust. Jenny would LOVE to receive even more stamps - new, used, domestic, foreign, first day covers, collections - so please send them to: Jenny Thomas, 15 Wentworth Drive, Finchley, London N3 1YA. Lukka politely requests that when posting your stamps to Jenny you use a stamp with the word LARGE written on it.

“Ben is my best friend, he is always putting a smile on

people’s faces and cheering everyone up.”

To find out more about the Hope Project please visit dogstrusthopeproject.org.uk

or call us on 0303 003 0000.

22 www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 2019

The Salisbury Stepping Stones includes:

Stepping Stones Revisited!Because we promise we will never put to sleep a healthy dog, we strive to provide the very best care for those dogs who will be with us for a long time, and perhaps even for the rest of their days. We also understand that some dogs prefer to live with just canine company, which is why our Stepping Stones facility is such a special place.

A crucial part of our Salisbury rehoming centre, Stepping Stones underwent extensive restructuring and was reopened in the autumn. It provides a largely outdoor home for three groups of up to ten dogs who are happy to live together, with minimal contact from trusted members of our specialist training and behaviour advisors (TBA). Additionally, there is the STAR (Special Training and Rehabilitation) unit where our TBAs work with the dogs on rehabilitation programmes. Finally, there is a new viewing platform, from which members of the public and staff can observe the dogs without disturbing them.

This model of specialist facility for long term dogs was piloted at our Loughborough rehoming centre; since it opened in 2012, Loughborough’s dedicated staff have successfully rehomed more than 250 dogs who needed extra help with their training and behaviour. The success of the Loughborough pilot laid the foundations for Salisbury, and hopes are high for similar levels of rehoming.

• The capacity to care for up to 34 dogs at one time

• Two blocks which are designed for group living with a third block housing four spacious kennels which each have their own exercise paddock attached to them

• Underground tunnels which provides stimulation for the dogs and promotes natural behaviours such as digging and scent tracking

• A training hall which provides a quiet space for staff to work with the dogs

• A viewing platform so members of the public can see the dogs in their environment without disturbing them

Stepping Stones - a home from home for long stay dogs

Salisbury manager Jacinta Lye with the Stepping Stones team

Our late CEO, Adrian Burder, with Jacinta at the reopening last autumn

WAG Feature

Photos: Clive Tagg

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

APRIL 6 Dog School talk, Understanding Your Dog, £11.25, Dogs Trust Loughborough LE12 6SE

T: 01509 882 316, T: 07391 683 205

15 Dog School talk, Understanding Your Dog, £11.25, Dogs Trust Shrewsbury TF6 6BP T: 01948 302 991 T: 01948 302 990

MAY 7 Dog School talk, Successful Socialisation for Puppies (vet CPD)

£5.92, Dogs Trust Manchester M34 3SG, T: 07920 658671, T: 07388 377385

11 DT Ballymena’s Fun Day, Ballee Community Playing Fields, Ballee Road West, Ballymena BT42 2HD 12-4pm

12 DT Snetterton’s Fun Day, rehoming centre, North End Road, Snetterton, Norfolk NR17 2EH 11.30am-4pm

19 DT Basildon’s Fun Day, Barleylands Farm Showground, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD 11am-4pm

19 DT Merseyside’s Fun Day, Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Lane, Rainford, Saint Helens WA11 8AE 11.30am-4pm

21 Dog School talk, Happy Vet Visits (vet CPD) £5.92, Dogs Trust Loughborough LE12 6SE, T: 01509 882316, T: 07391 683205

26 DT Newbury’s Fun Day, Park House School, Andover Road, Newbury, RG14 6NQ 12-4pm

26 DT Shoreham’s Fun Day, rehoming centre, Brighton Road, Shoreham-By-Sea, W Sussex BN43 5LT 11.30am-4pm

JUNE 2 DT Harefield’s Fun Day, Hillingdon House Farm, Hillingdon, London UB8 1ES 11am-4pm

2 DT Salisbury’s Fun Day, rehoming centre, 45 Amesbury Road, Newton Tony, Wilts SP4 0HW 11am-3pm

9 DT Glasgow’s Fun Day, Chatelherault Country Park, Ferniegair, Hamilton ML3 7UE 12-4pm

16 DT Kenilworth’s Fun Day, Offchurch Bury, Offchurch, Leamington Spa, Warks CV33 9AR 11am-4pm

23 DT Bridgend’s Fun Day, Bridgend College, Pencoed Campus, Pencoed CF35 5LG 10.30-3pm

30 DT Evesham’s Fun Day, Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5NJ 11am-4pm

JULY 6 Dog School talk, Understanding and Preventing Separation Related Behaviours

£11.25, Dogs Trust Loughborough LE12 6SE, T: 01509 882316, T: 07391 683205

7 DT Manchester’s Fun Day, Burrs Country Park, Woodhill Road, Bury BL8 1DA 11am-4pm

7 DT Shrewsbury’s Fun Day, rehoming centre, Roden Lane Farm, Telford, Shropshire TF6 6BP 12-4pm

14 DT Canterbury’s Fun Day, Faversham Showground, Kent ME13 9HY 11.30am-4pm

14 DT Ilfracombe’s Fun Day, Mullacott Equestrian Centre, Mullacott Cross, Ilfracombe, North Devon EX34 8NA 11am-4pm

14 DT Darlington’s Fun Day, South Park, Victoria Embankment, Darlington DL1 5JS 12-4pm

28 DT Loughborough’s Fun Day, Turnpost Farm, East Road, Wymeswold, Leics LE12 6ST 10.30am-4pm

AUGUST 4 DT Leeds Fun Day, rehoming centre, Woodlands Farm, York Road, Leeds LS15 4NL 11am-4pm

SEPTEMBER 2 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £11.25, Dogs Trust Shrewsbury TF6 6BP

T: 01948 302991, T: 01948 302990

10 Dog School talk, Understanding your Dog, £11.25, Dogs Trust Manchester M34 3SG T: 07920 658671, T: 07388 377385

14 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs (public) £11.25, Dogs Trust Loughborough LE12 6SE T: 01509 882316, T: 07391 683205

Rehoming centre fun days are GO! This spring and summer each of our 21 rehoming centres will be holding fun days, which make a great day out for all the family – dogs are very welcome too. Our fun days are like a dog-centric cross between a village fete, county show and sports day! Last year’s heatwave meant we had to cancel a handful of events, as we were concerned dogs, so please do keep checking our website and Facebook page for news on last minute cancellations due to extreme weather. Dog School behaviour talks, aimed at the general public, and continuous professional development (CPD) events, aimed at veterinary professionals but open to all, run throughout the year – but please remember to book your place in advance as they can be extremely popular!

Let’s make a change, and together, we can all be responsible dog owners

The unconditional love we have for our dogs is something that we’re so incredibly lucky to experience.ꢀ Just one look at their furry faces can put a smile on anyone’s day.ꢀ We know that our dogs are more than just pets, they are part of the family!ꢀWe wouldn’t change their quirky traits for anything in the world.ꢀ But this love can make us worry, and if the worst should happen, we would beꢀleft feeling broken.ꢀ Which is why we’re asking you to make one small change today.ꢀUK dog owners only ever want to see a happy face and wagging tail looking back at them. A strong and caring community who take looking after our four-legged friends very seriously.ꢀ At Dogs Trust we can help you provide the right insurance cover for your beloved dogs.ꢀ That’s why we’re asking you to join responsible dog owners and become a member of Dogs Trust today.ꢀ There are endless reasons why we love our furry friends, which is why it’s our duty to look after them and give them the happiest life possible. With one small change, we can be there for our dogs for all the times that they have beenꢀthere for us.ꢀDog owners know exactly what their dog needs. By joining us today you will not only be getting peace of mind, but you will be giving your dog the most important gift they can’t ask for.ꢀ Make this change and connect with thousands of other responsible dog owners across the UK, become a Dogs Trust member today.

Yes – I’d like to become a member of Dogs Trust!

INSTRUCTION TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT

Please return in the Freepost envelope provided or send to: Freepost RTJA-SRXG-AZUL, Dogs Trust.

INSTRUCTIONS TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY

Please pay Dogs Trust Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Dogs Trust and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

• For just £25 a year (£12.50 if you’re over 60) you will receive third party public liability insurance cover. You could claim up to £1,000,000 if your dog causes damage or injury to another person, their property or their pets!

• Throughout the year you’ll also have unlimited access to VetfoneTM – which is a 24-hour emergency advice service from veterinary professionals to help deal with any pet concerns that may arise.

• You will also receive peace of mind with our Canine Care Card scheme. This is a guarantee that Dogs Trust will take care of your dog should the worst happen and you pass away.

For just £25 a year you can receive all these amazing benefits whilst being an integral part of the UK’s largest dog welfare charity!

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

Payment details: £25 £12.50 if you’re over 60

£750 for lifetime membership

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THE DIRECT DEBIT GUARANTEE

• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Dogs Trust will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Dogs Trust to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by Dogs Trust or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Dogs Trust asks you to

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

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