WAG Welcome WAG News All the news that’s fit to bark! · back page of your Wag! ... please email...

elcome to your spring Wag. Spring is all about new beginnings, so here at Dogs Trust we’re celebrating some major milestones: Last year we found great new homes for over 13,000 dogs; we completed the major rebuild of our Evesham rehoming centre; just a few weeks ago we also completed the refurbishment of our Newbury centre; and we’ve - at

last! - received planning permission to create a brand new dog rehoming centre in Cardiff!

With the number of stray and abandoned dogs in Wales totalling 4,900 last year, we’re delighted to be bringing our expertise and experience to help alleviate dog welfare problems in the area. Our nearby Bridgend centre is always filled to capacity with gorgeous dogs seeking ‘special someones’, so the new Cardiff centre – sited on a plot in Splott - will certainly help matters. Crucially, it will go a long way in improving the lives of dogs in Wales for decades to come. Dogs Trust Cardiff is scheduled to open in 2020.

We are the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, but we couldn’t do a thing without YOU! My thanks to all of you for reading Wag, supporting Dogs Trust – and above all, loving dogs just as much as we do!

Deana SelbyEditor

PS Thank you to everyone - all 2,500 of you - who entered their dog snaps for our photography competition. We loved seeing so many beauties, cuties, jokers and barkers! Check out the winners on page 18.

All the news that’s fit to bark!

Dogs Trust Dog Schools will be running FREE family-friendly puppy and adult dog training workshops over the spring and summer months - so get involved! Focussed firmly on helping Fido and all the people in his family feel happy and confident, at home and on the move, our 90 minute family

workshops welcome owners of all ages. Our Dog Schools also welcome children into their regular five week training courses, which run all year long, and cost £50 per dog. To find your nearest family friendly workshop, and/or dog training course, visit: www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk

S’COOL FOR THE SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THE FIDOS

The best days out are those shared with your best friends (furry and non-furry) - so bring them along, do, to one of our splendid Dogs Trust fun days. A Dogs Trust fun day is like the best village fete, foodie festival, country fair and fun sports day rolled into one - but a million times better because they’re all designed with dogs in mind. There’s usually ‘have- a-go’ agility courses, food stalls galore, doggy paddling pools and plenty of games for you and your dog to try together, such as ‘best biscuit catcher’ and the ‘doggy dash.’ You’ll find all the details you need on the back page of your Wag!

WAG Welcome WAG News

www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 2018 Spring 2018 www.dogstrust.org.uk 02 03

From the editor...

W

dogstrust.org.uk

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas®

Editor: Deana SelbyReaders’ Dogs: [email protected] High-res Jpegs only please!Designed by: Anthony Oram anthonyoram.com Print by: Eclipse Colour Print, managed by Red Mist

Thanks to contributors this issue: Lee Paris, Tamsin Durston, Linda Mazza, Catherine Davies, Sarah Morgan-Davies, Cat Charles, Kayla Maryon, Emma Meaden, Hannah Baker, Lucy Jackson, Gemma Sorrell, Tamsin Durston.

Large print and audio versions of Wag are now available, please email [email protected] or call 020 7837 0006 to request your copy.

LARGE PRINT AND AUDIO AVAILABLE!

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

Tel: 0303 003 0000 Email: [email protected]

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

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

Send us your Dogs Trust dog using #DTDogOfTheWeek

Instagram: @dogstrust

Twitter: @dogstrust

Facebook: facebook.com/dogstrust

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Phone: 0303 003 0000

Email: [email protected]

Pinterest: pinterest.co.uk/dogstrust

For information on how we use personal information please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/privacy

FREE family dog training classes are taking place at the following Dogs Trust rehoming centres:March27 Leeds tel 01132 81494128 Loughborough tel 01509 882316April3 Leeds tel 01132 8149414 Bridgend tel 07920 6586444 Oval Community Centre, Stevenage SG1 tel 01582 80752410 Evesham tel 01926 48577710 Shoreham tel 01273 46697711 Bridgend tel 07920 65864411 Kinsbourne Common Hall, Luton Rd AL5 tel 01582 80752412 Leeds tel 01132 81494113 Loughborough tel 01509 882316July31 Shoreham tel 01273 46697731 Leeds tel 01132 814941

The editor with assistant editor Daniel

the Spaniel

Photo: Clive Tagg

COVER STAR Smokey the Lurcher at Dogs Trust Basildon, by James Lincoln. Smokey arrived as stray shortly before Christmas, and has since found his forever home. Do you look like your dog? Share your photos with us – [email protected] Many thanks to Catherine Davies

Photo: Rachel Taunton

Bloomin’ marvellous Rosie

Still a vibrant beauty at 20 years old, sprightly Rosie is the light of the lives of Mr and Mrs Slessor, who rehomed her from our West Calder centre an incredible 14 years ago.

Says Mrs Slessor,‘Thank you for giving us the opportunity of giving Rosie the home she so deserved and for brightening our lives. She is a smashing wee girl who loves snuggling up and gets lots of hugs. Rosie used to love swimming but not so much now as the water is too cold for her. That said, she was paddling at North Berwick last week. Only up to her ankles though.’

Would you like to play a vital part in protecting the future health and welfare of dog-kind? Do you own a puppy who is under 16 weeks of age? Then we would LOVE to hear from you!

Generation Pup is a pioneering study into the health and behaviour of dogs from birth until death, and we need even more pups to take part so that we can ensure the results will be beneficial to dogs for years to come. We will ask owners to answer questions about their dog’s health and behaviour at various stages of their lives, and, if they wish, owners can also send in hair, faecal and saliva samples from their dogs.We need 10,000 puppies to join us - so if you own a pup – of any breed or crossbreed – and they are less than 16 weeks old, then visit our website at www.generationpup.ac.uk to find out more and sign up.

We at Wag reckon it’s not a real holiday unless Rover comes too - so head over to www.dogstrustholidays.co.uk where you can take your pick from over 5,000 pretty and pet-friendly holiday cottages all over the UK, Ireland and France. By booking a Dog Trust holiday cottage, you’ll not only be ensuring Rover feels part of the family, but you’ll be helping dogs in need too - as 10% of your booking fee comes straight to Dogs Trust.

Photo: Jen, Ben and Daniel are loving the fresh air – and their Dogs Trust holiday cottage!

Photo credit: with thanks to Venture Studios

ALL types of puppies welcome!

Top 5 dogs signed up so far:

1 Labrador2 Cocker Spaniel3 Border Collie4 Cockerpoo5 Golden Retrievers

Is your favourite dog not on the list? Then you know what to do! (NB pups must be under 16 weeks of age.)

WAG News WAG News


BE A PUPPERSIGNER-UPPER!

LIFE SKILLS BY ‘TUBE

We’ve now got Dogs Trust Dog School’s fun dog training classes for puppies and adults running in 26 locations around the UK, but if you can’t make it to a class the next best thing is Dog School on our Dogs Trust Youtube channel. Check out our easy to follow videos for top tips on essential life skills, including housetraining your puppy, teaching your dog to settle and walking nicely on the lead. Visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/training

With reports of dog theft on the rise, we are urging owners to be vigilant through the launch of our new campaign video ‘Family Pawtraits’.

With our dogs playing such a huge part in our lives, it is important for us to offer them the same care and protection given to all family members. Whether two legs or four, we all want to be kept safe. By following our three simple steps, you can reduce the risk of theft and offer the best possible chance of being reunited with your dog should they go missing;

· SAFE: ensure your property and garden is kept secure · SPOTTABLE: keep your dog in sight and trained to reliably respond to a recall command · SEARCHABLE: know what to do and who to contact should your dog go missing

STOPDOG THEFT - and share your family pawtrait!

To watch our video and download our Safe, Spottable and Searchable

factsheet, visit our website www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogtheft

Tell us (@Dogstrust) what your dog

means to you and your family and share your own ‘Pawtraits’,remembering to

include #dogstrustfamilypawtrait

Woofers Very Welcome!

Jules, Jamie and Daniel adore their girl Willow.

I’m forever barking BubblesWe LOVE hearing all about how our dogs are getting on once they’ve left our care. Way back in 2006, Michelle visited the newly opened Dogs Trust West London rehoming centre where they met and fell in love with Bubbles. Bubbles, a sparkling four year old Border Collie, was one of the centre’s first residents to find their forever home; fast forward 12 years and Bubbles is still popping smiles on her doting owners’ faces. Owner Michelle says,‘She is such a loving, kind, sweet girl. We live in Oxfordshire with fields and rivers nearby to walk along, although Bubbles is getting on a bit now, so prefers to stroll around the garden and relax with the cats. A huge thank you for all the hard work at Dogs Trust, we are so lucky to have a very special dog who we adore.’

A litter of seven pups which had been abandoned at the roadside have been hand-reared by devoted staff at Dogs Trust Darlington.

Wedged in a cardboard box beside a busy road when they were just one week old, Daisy, Diva, Kong, Dakota, Georgia, Texas and Nevada had to be bottle fed every two hours. This mammoth task was shared by centre staff Sharon Boult and Joanne Alford, who each took the pups into their own homes in order to give them the 24/7 attention they needed to simply survive.

The puppies recently became old enough to be rehomed and the Darlington team are delighted that all of them are thriving and have found loving new owners.

Explains Sharon, ‘You do get attached to the dogs in your care, especially when spending so much time with them, as Jo and I did. Whilst it’s sad to say goodbye we’re so happy all the pups have found new homes and everyone at the centre wishes them well as they head off with their new families.’

PRAISE BE! For scruffular terrier cross, Lucky, is enjoying his great new home with not just one ‘special someone’, but ten.

Rehomed by our Dogs Trust Manchester team to Sister Sheila and her fellow nuns at the Convent of Saint Emilie, Lucky is having a heavenly time being doted on by the sisters. Explains Carol Margieson, deputy manager at Dogs Trust Manchester,

‘When Sister Sheila visited us she explained that her eyesight had started to fail, and she could no longer enjoy many of the things she once did, but she wanted to stay active. A dog seemed to be the answer. When they first met, Lucky immediately jumped onto Sister Sheila’s knee and made himself very comfortable!’

He now enjoys lots of walks and playtimes every day, taking afternoon naps on his own chair alongside the sisters, and settles down in Sister Sheila’s bedroom at night. Says Sister Sheila,

‘As soon as I met him I knew he was the dog for me. He enjoys all the love and attention he gets from the sisters, and loves heading out every day with different people. He brings us so much joy.’

With so many dogs in the UK really needing to find a ‘special someone’ to call their own - we cared for over 15,000 dogs in 2017, and we are just one of many canine rescue charities - we always urge people to adopt a puppy from a rescue centre. However, if you’re certain you’d like to purchase a pup then please follow our top tips to ensure you don’t inadvertently end up lining the pockets of unscrupulous puppy smugglers – nor bring home a traumatised, sickly pup which has endured appalling conditions and travelled hundreds of miles across Europe.

Do…1. Ask to see mum and pup together2. Visit your new pup more than once3. Get all your pup’s paperwork before going home4. Walk away if you are at all unsure5. Report suspicious sellers or breeders 6. Take your puppy to your own vet for a health check asap

Don’t…1. Meet anywhere that isn’t the pup’s home2. Buy a pup from anyone who can supply various breeds on demand3. Buy a pup that looks too young/small or underweight4. Feel pressure to buy a puppy5. Buy a pup that you suspect has been illegally imported

WAG News WAG News


ROCKY KNOCKS OUT THE COMPETITION

A Labourite Labrador has made his pawmark on the nation’s political landscape by winning the coveted title of Westminster Dog of the Year. Chocolate Lab, Rocky, who is owned and adored by Tracey Brabin MP (Lab, Batley and Spen), impressed the judges with his fantastic obedience and clear devotion to his owner. This is the 25th year of the uniquely apolitical canine competition, run by Dogs Trust with the Kennel Club, and winning owner Tracey says,

‘Rocky is friendly, smiley and desperate to please. He is really responsive and sympathetic to the people around him. He’s also exceptionally well trained, and is a wonderful pet to my daughters as well as being a masterful retriever.’

24/7 TLC

Stop.Think.Pup!

Daisy, Diva and Kong: needed feeding every 2 hours

Get Thee To A Nunnery

Photos: Wendy Lovatt

Photo: Kevin Johnson

Photos: Francesca Gent

Lucky loves his new habits of a lifetime

Kids running and shouting around a dogDogs may growl, chase, hide or even bite if they feel overexcited, trapped or threatened. Children who are shouting, running around and playing noisily can easily frighten a dog. Chasing a dog can also get him overexcited and the dog might then find it hard to control himself. Give your dog something nice to do, like a food-releasing toy, in a completely different area of the house while children play.

Invading a dog’s spaceDogs can be scared by us getting too close to their faces. They need space, and they may feel threatened by someone smothering them with hugs and kisses. Even though some dogs do tolerate this, it’s far safer for the child not to do it all.

Ear pulling / eye pokingSmall children in particular may pull and poke which could hurt or irritate the dog. They are too young to know better, so teach your child never to do this, and always supervise, as a hurt or worried dog might bite.

Teasing a dogTeasing a dog can make him angry or frustrated enough to bite. For instance, if a dog has food or a toy, you should never try to take it away. Dogs need clear and consistent messages about how we expect them to behave – so have a family discussion about whether or not your dog will be allowed on furniture, or upstairs, for example, and make sure everyone sticks to these rules so he doesn’t become confused and frustrated.

Let sleeping dogs lie and don’t interrupt feeding timeDogs can feel particularly vulnerable when they are sleeping, eating or drinking. Kids should be encouraged to completely leave him alone at these times. Just like us, dogs need their own space or they could react unhappily – you wouldn’t like it much if you were being poked awake or interrupted while eating your dinner.

If a dog’s ears are back, his tail is between his legs and he’s cowering, he’s probably scared.

If a dog is licking his lips and yawning when he is not tired or hungry then he could be stressed. This is a less obvious one so be aware of these small signs.

If a dog is moving or turning away, this might mean that he doesn’t want your attention, so if it is safe to do so just leave him be.

If a dog’s teeth are bared and he is growling this is likely to mean he is feeling extremely uncomfortable about whatever is happening around him. He could bite as a way of trying to keep himself safe. The best thing you can do is to immediately stop whatever is happening to or around the dog and then quietly calmly and slowly move everybody away and seek help.

WAG Feature WAG Feature


Safe AsHouses

So the number one rule for safety in the home is to actively supervise at all times:

Never leave children unattended with a dog!However small, cute and fluffy, young or old, they still have teeth and there are many ways children can provoke dogs without meaning to.

Home is where the heart is, and for many people having a family pet is what completes their home. Unfortunately, the majority of dog bites to children happen in the family home. This is due to a number of reasons, but there are plenty of ways to avoid bites. With around 25% of us owning a dog, learning about how they tick can only benefit everybody.

People often think their dog wouldn’t hurt a fly, and in most cases they are right, but all dogs are animals with natural instincts for responding to anything they perceive as dangerous. If a dog feels scared, nervous or threatened this is the time they are most likely to bite or growl at whatever is making them feel that way as a means of protecting themselves.

To help spread the word about keeping every member of the family safe and sound, our youth education officers are offering FREE Be Dog Smart workshops in schools all over the country. Each workshop is tailored to fit the age group and educational abilities of the pupils.

To book a free workshop in your school please email us at [email protected] You can also download our FREE factsheet on staying Dog Smart from here www.learnwithdogstrust.org.uk/be-dog-smart/

So now you know the rules on being safe around dogs at home, here’s what to look out for:

The Rules:

Dog body language – warning signs:

Illustrations: Mike Jefferies

AMY’S STORY Amy, a 14-year-old Collie cross, had lived with her owner since she was a puppy. Suddenly, she found herself alone when her owner passed away and their next of kin couldn’t care for her.

Thankfully, Amy’s owner had registered for a Canine Care Card. It’s a free service run by Dogs Trust, where we promise to care for your dog should you pass away first. It meant a family member simply had to call Dogs Trust to take Amy into our care at the nearest rehoming centre.

Amy was understandably missing her home comforts, so our staff decided it would be better to place her into temporary foster care until we found her a new owner. It wasn’t too long before Amy met her perfect companion, 85 year old Graham Buckingham, who told Wag:

‘I have always had dogs in my life, and, as I now live alone, I was looking for a dog to keep me company. Amy loves her walks so she gets me out of the house and keeps me active; we help each other. I’m so lucky to have her in my life and

I’m glad that I’ve given her a second chance.’

If you’re worried about what would happen to your dog if you were to pass away before them, then request a Canine Care Card registration form today. We will send you a wallet-sized card which acts in a similar way to an organ donor card, and notifies people of your wishes for your dog. Once your dog arrives at one of our rehoming centres, they will be examined by vets and cared for by our dedicated staff. We aim to find your dog a new owner, whose lifestyle and experience match their needs. If, for any reason, they cannot be rehomed, rest assured Dogs Trust never puts down a healthy dog, so we will look after them for the rest of their lives. Please fill out the coupon, or alternatively call 020 7837 0006 or email [email protected] and quote code 333565.

WAG Feature

Yes I’d like to apply for my free Canine Care Card

In order to communicate with you more effectively, better understand your preferences and ability to support our work, we may analyse your data. We will only share your information with Dogs Trust Worldwide, Dogs Trust Ireland and Dogs Trust Promotions. To read our full privacy policy visit dogstrust.org.uk/privacy

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other

Name

Address

Postcode

Source: 333565

From time to time we would like to send you exciting updates about our work, products, services and how you can support us, including fundraising activities and research by post. You can opt out of communications or change your preferences at any time by calling 020 7837 0006.

Please send this coupon to:Freepost RTJA-SRXG-AZUL, Dogs Trust, Clarissa Baldwin House, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ

No stamp required.

Registered Charity Numbers: 227523 & SC037843

Last autumn around 100 Dogs Trust rehoming centre staff from across the country shared their feelings on ‘my special someone - what my pet means to me’ at the bi-annual staff conference, the session kindly run by Petplan® who co-sponsored the conference with Marmax Products.

Nico Joiner, Dogs Trust Loughborough’s training and behaviour advisor, shared his thoughts on his dog squad, ‘Dog ‘ownership’ is a responsibility, every now and then it’s a cause of frustration and sadness, but being a true dog lover there is nothing more rewarding than having the friendship of the four dogs I currently own.’ ‘Aside from giving me purpose, happiness,

entertainment and company even when I want to be away from the world, they add

an extra dimension of care and pride to mine and Craig’s newlywed

lives together. It’s my overt love and respect for my

dogs that made Craig want to message me on the dating sites, so without me and my

family being who we are, we wouldn’t

have the incredible life we have ahead of us!’

WAG Feature


Nico (right) and Craig Joiner with Bagel, Vinnie, Fudge and Chimp

WHAT MY DOG MEANS TO ME…

So go ahead, roll in fox mess, raid the bin and make sure I never have a clean car; I am still going to want as many of you as possible on the sofa with me when we snuggle up in front of a good film!

HUGE thanks to everyone who has donated their unwanted stamps, postcards and foreign currencies; you helped our dedicated volunteer Jenny Thomas raise over £30,000 in 2017, enough to sponsor five kennels for the year! Please keep

them coming to: Jenny Thomas, 15 Wentworth Avenue, London N3 1YA. Don’t forget to use a LARGE stamp on your envelope!

Amy and her new owner, Graham

WAG Fundraising


Taekwondogs

IT WAS ALL YELLOWThe owner of a café in Abersoch is so proud to proclaim her support for the UK’s largest dog welfare charity that she coated her caff in Dogs Trust bright yellow! Heidi McKinnell also managed to raise over £10,400 for Dogs Trust by running a host of fundraising events throughout the summer, including turning her café yellow, holding a charity auction, throwing a BBQ, painting portraits and selling home-made dog treats.

If you feel inspired by Heidi’s pawsome fundraising efforts and would like to organise your own event, please drop us a line: [email protected].

LOLLIE’S COLLIE-CROSS WORDHere is the solution to last issue’s puzzle, brought to you by our friends at Postcode Scratch and Postcode Bingo. The winner is Jane Irvin of Yorkshire, who wins a £50 Tesco e-Voucher. Postcodescratch.co.uk/Dogs-Trust

Across: 7 Holiday, 8 Spaniel, 10 & 18 A Blue terrier, 11 Scent, 12 Mary, 13 Rawhide, 15 Elton, 19 Vaccine, 22 Cross, 24 Bulldog, 27 Jean, 28 Ankle, 30 Claw, 31 Beardie, 32 Samoyed. Down: 1 Lolly, 2 Wire hair, 3 Pads, 4 Spitz, 5 Animal, 6 Deerhound, 9 Leeds, 14 Heel, 16 Retriever, 17 Tail, 20 Chow-chow, 21 Husky, 23 Sentry, 25 Paris, 26 Water, 29 Exam.The special clue was Dogs Trust Scratch

Mate, you missed a bit

We love it when our supporters put their thinking caps on, and so we were delighted when we heard that Newry Taekwondo School held the world’s first ‘Bake and Break’ marathon - and raised £1,305 for our Ballymena rehoming centre. Over five hours, pupils and teachers sold dozens of homemade cakes and broke over 200 wooden boards and kerb stones - although not at the same time! Many thanks to Mr Kidd, the school’s head teacher, and all of his pupils and their families.

RUN FOR IT!If you’d like to raise money to help our dogs by running in these events, please email [email protected]

8 Apr Greater Manchester Marathon

20 May Great Manchester Run (10k/Half)

26/27 May Edinburgh Marathon Festival

(10k/Half/Full)

3 Jun Great North Dog Walk (South Shields)

10 Jun Great Women’s Run Glasgow (10K)

9 Sep Great North Run (Newcastle Upon Tyne)

23 Sep Scottish Half + 10K (Edinburgh)

With every Virtual Gift purchase you’ll be sent a Dogs Trust gift card, which you can personalise and send on to your loved one, letting them know how your donation has helped the dogs in our care.

Squeaks and Snacks £10Pawfect for your fun-loving friend or family member, youcan now send the gift of a treat and toy to one of our playfulpooches who just needs to be taught the meaning of fun whilethey wait for their forever home. As well as bringing joy to dogs, toys and treats help them bond with their dedicated canine carers and are also great for stimulation, training and rewarding good behaviour.

Healthy Hounds £20You can now give the gift of a five star check-up by our vet experts and help one of our dogs get back on four paws again. From giving routine check-ups and emergency treatment, to performing major operations and ongoing medical care, this gift could help make all the difference to one of our dogs.

Bed and Biscuits £35.80If you’re stuck for gift ideas for a luxury loving friend or family member, why not buy one of our dogs a night of rest and rehabilitation at one of our rehoming centres and give them all of the creature comforts your loved one would appreciate. From every day essentials like food, treats, bedding and toys, to routine vet check-ups, training classes, exercise and extra TLC from their dedicated carers, this gift will help to pay for a dog’s day at a rehoming centre.

Buying a virtual gift is really easy; just complete the donation form on the back page of your Wag and send it in a stamped envelope to; DOGS TRUST VIRTUAL GIFTS, Woodview Road, Paignton TQ4 7SR. Thank you for your kind support!

Looking for a more meaningful gift? Dogs Trust Virtual Gifts help us transform the lives of stray and abandoned dogs, while giving dog-lovers peace of mind, knowing that they have helped dogs in need.

VIRTUALLY PERFECT GIFTS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

WAG Fundraising

For me? You shouldn’t have! Sarah and Laurel are delighted with their Dogs Trust Virtual Gift

The dilemmaThe project’s success relies on a pool of big-hearted dog lovers who take in and care for dogs belonging to the victims of domestic violence, often at short notice. Crucially, this allows the victim time to reach a place of safety, often a refuge, and have a chance to begin rebuilding their lives.

Sadly, the majority of refuges are unable to accept dogs, which leads to many people choosing to stay in an abusive relationship, rather than risk their partner harming or even killing their dog should they leave. The Freedom Project provides the answer to this ghastly dilemma. Wag caught up with some of the volunteer foster carers making all the difference to some families - and their beloved pets.

Chrissie, foster carer, London‘I have nothing but admiration for the women who, rather than just getting out with their kids, take the time and effort to ensure that their beloved pets are taken into care too. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to have to run from your home leaving most of your belongings behind.’

Chrissie has been providing love and affection for dogs on the Freedom Project for over three years, and enjoys every moment. Her first foster dog was Monty, a small but lively Staffie, and her second was Albert, a staffie cross. She’d known all about the Freedom Project through her work at the British Veterinary Association, and took the plunge of becoming a foster carer following the passing of her beloved dog, Sunny. Albert’s owner was able to take him back after an eight month stay with Chrissie, who adored him.

A few weeks after Albert had left her care, Chrissie was delighted to receive, via Dogs Trust staff, a letter from his owner, including a photo of a very happy Albert sitting on her lap. Says Chrissie,

‘Her letter was wonderful, she said how much it meant to her to know that while she was going through an awful time, her beloved pet was being loved. It was so nice for me to hear this.

‘If you’ve never thought about fostering a dog but have the time and space in your life to take one on I would assure you it’s a fantastically fulfilling experience. Also of course if anyone out there is considering fleeing, please be assured that your baby will be really well cared for until you’re able.’

Pippa and Riley’s story‘My ex-partner couldn’t accept that I had moved on after we split up, and his abuse towards me was emotional and mental rather than physical. He was stalking me, but when the police arrested him and said he could be freed again within 24 hours, I didn’t feel they were able to protect me and my children. So we fled to a refuge.

‘I later found out that when my ex-partner came to visit his son, he would shout at and hit my dog, Riley. I hadn’t realised this at the time, as Riley was so happy when he was with us. But whenever my ex-partner walked through the door his tail would go between his legs, and he would run and hide.

‘Luckily my support worker at the refuge knew about the Freedom Project and helped me to refer him. If it wasn’t for the Freedom Project, I think Riley would have been passed around from home to home amongst my friends, which would have been distressing for him. But there is no way we could have given up our dog.

‘I was so relieved. When I received the Freedom Project paperwork I saw that they had thought of everything, which was so comforting to me. Explaining to my children what was happening with Riley was much harder; they kept asking if they would ever see him again.

‘The Freedom Project sent us pictures and updates on Riley every step of the way, which made me feel closer to him. They also gave me such peace of mind knowing that he was being well cared for in his foster home. When he came back to me, having spent five months in his foster home, I felt like my heart was complete again. I just want to say to the Freedom Project, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a godsend.’



Throwing a lifeline to dogs and their people, the Freedom Project is Dogs Trust’s foster care service for dogs whose owners are escaping from abuse.

Photos: Richard Murgatroyd

Rebecca and Ranjeet, volunteer foster carers, YorkshireBecki and her mother, Ranjeet, had always been huge dog lovers, and saw the Freedom Project as something incredibly worthwhile to be involved with. This, together with the dog-shaped hole left in their lives by the passing of Alfie, their beloved German Shepherd dog; and the fact that Becki knew she’d be studying at home for the next few years, led them to volunteer their services with the Freedom Project. Becki was already aware of the project through her studies; she is currently writing her doctorate examining honour-based and domestic violence.Says Becki,

‘For mum and me, the Freedom Project made complete sense. We get all the benefits of having a dog in our lives, with the added bonus that we know

we are not just helping the dog, but we are potentially saving someone’s life.

It’s amazing to feel a part of this.’

Becki and Ranjeet have been foster carers for three years, during which time have provided a loving a home from home for eight dogs in need - thus helping seven people flee an abusive partner.

Their most recent foster dog was Jack, a two year old Staffie, who joined them when his owner and her three young children fled from a violent husband. Poor Jack was very overweight with severe tooth decay when he first arrived with Becki and her mother. Sadly, all too often, owners aren’t able to access veterinary care for their dogs because an abusive partner controls the finances, and in some cases also restricts them from leaving the home. Consequently, some dogs aren’t able to get their usual exercise, and so become overweight. Dogs Trust paid for dental work to remove the rotten teeth, and provided a special diet, while Becki and Ranjeet provided love and affection, and made sure he lost his extra kilos.

‘Dogs Trust staff would come by each month to see how Jack was getting on and take a few photos, which they’d then send on to his owner together with an update letter.

‘We were both so fond of Jack, as he was such a sweet-natured friendly dog. We cared for him for around four months, and while we were sad to see him go, we both felt proud to be a part of his life. You do build up a bond with your foster dog, but we went into this knowing that the dog will always go back, so we don’t feel too bad. Once, mum and I received a thank you note from our foster dog’s owner, after he’d returned to his family, saying our help has made such a big difference to their family’s life - that was brilliant to hear.’

CAN YOU HELP US?We urgently need more foster carers in the central belt of Scotland, Yorkshire, the north east of England, Essex, Hertfordshire and London. Dogs Trust covers the cost of all dog food and any veterinary care or medication needed, plus our staff will visit each month to check all is well. In return, we ask that the foster carer has experience of caring for dogs, is at home for most of the day, and if they have a dog of their own, it must get along well with other dogs and be neutered. We would love to hear from you:

Central belt of Scotland Tel 0808 169 4315

Greater London, Hertfordshire, Tel 0800 298 9199 Essex, Surrey, Sussex, Kent

Yorkshire/the North East Tel 0800 083 4322

To know about the Freedom Project watch our short film here

Visit: freedomproject.org.uk or email [email protected]

One in four women experience physical or mental abuse at the hands of a partner (source: Office for National Statistics 2014/15)

Since the Freedom Project began in 2004, we have enabled 1,185 people to escape from an abusive partner, by fostering 1,153 dogs.

WAG Feature

Spring 2018 www.dogstrust.org.uk 16 17

Photos: Kevin Johnson

WAG Feature

e’ve been busy kick-starting a wide variety of life-changing projects to help dogs overseas, through our sister charity, Dogs Trust Worldwide. We award grants and provide practical guidance to local animal welfare groups so their project can get off the

ground; we then ensure the groups can support themselves and run their programmes smoothly without our help for years to come.

Recently we’ve been active in Mexico, where we’ve advised and funded three local welfare groups to humanely manage their stray dog populations. In Mexico, most owned dogs are free to wander, hence the large number of stray dogs, and the importance of establishing a well-supported neutering programme. Mass Neuter-thon The aim was to neuter 1,000 dogs in just six days - and in the end we enabled our partner charity, VIDAS, to sterilise 987 dogs in Playa Del Carmen, last summer.

Using the sports arena as a vast operating theatre and recovery suite, dozens of veterinary professionals from Mexico and the States sterilised almost 1,000 ‘owned’ dogs, thus helping prevent countless unwanted pups being born. Veterinary professionals from Coco’s Animal Welfare and Planned Pethood International (see below) joined the VIDAS team in order to neuter and give post-operative care for as many dogs as possible - proving that great things are possible when we work together.

New veterinary clinics and adoption programmeWe also co-funded (with IFAW) the construction of a new veterinary clinic for Coco’s Animal Welfare. They provide veterinary care and sterilisation services to dogs in Playa Del Carmen, one of the fastest growing cities in Latin America. The Coco’s team now run a permanent veterinary clinic, a mobile unit outreach programme and an adoption programme. After one full year of being open, the team had neutered around 2,500 dogs, given veterinary care to over 1,000 dogs and even found new homes for 700 street dogs.

Additionally, we funded a further veterinary clinic in Puerto Morelos, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which provides free and low-cost veterinary services for dogs and cats belonging to people on low incomes. For this project we partnered with Planned Pethood International (PPI), a US-based charity which works in Mexico and Slovakia.

For more information about all of our work overseas, visit www.dogstrustworldwide.com

Saving Dogs’ Lives…Down Mexico Way

W

Awaiting his turn at the Neuter-thon

Comforting her dog in the post-operative recovery area

‘Muchas gracias’ Two happy owners and their pooch Chuchin show their gratitude

Wow, what a lot of gorgeous dogs and adoring owners you are! Last summer, we asked you to send in your best shots, and you did not disappoint; with over 2,500 entries, choosing just a few winners was no mean feat. This photo of Bob Snowden and his dog Holly, taken by his daughters, was entered for the Best of Friends category, and is our overall winner. They win a £500 voucher towards a cottage holiday in the UK or Ireland, courtesy of our friends at www.dogstrustholidays.co.uk Each category winner will receive an Instax Mini 8 camera. Huge thanks to everyone who entered – and enjoy the pics!

WINNER & OVERALL WINNER Bob Snowden with Holly, by Julia Oaten and Anne Snowden

WINNER

HONEY & TESSby Janet Curson

BILLY & STANLEYby Amber Jeans

EVAby Amy Robson

NELLIEby Sharon Evans

SCOTTby Dave &

Elaine Hewitt

RUPERTby Kate Fisher

BADGERby Sammy Jackson

PADDINGTON BEARby Emma Yates

BEST FRIENDS



PHOTO COMPETITION

BRIANby Jenny

Silcox

BONVOYAGE!

‘HOLLY IS A VERY IMPORTANT MEMBER OF THE FAMILY AND HAS BEEN BY DAD’S SIDE SINCE WE LOST MUM FIVE YEARS AGO.’


www.dogstrust.org.uk Spring 201820 21

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

PHOEBEby Ruth Pulley

LEXI, ARCHIE & JASPERby Natalie Bradley-Day

EDDIEby Kerry Ross

REBAby Jon

Kirkham

WINNER

MAGGIEby Patricia Morris

WINNER

BUSTERby Anne Whyte

HIGHWAY & SCOUTby Christopher Gerry

BELLAby Amey Upfold & Paul Chappell

NOODLESby Phil Wade

PHOEBEby Carrie Braithwaite

At Dogs Trust, we know it’s not just our four-legged friends who love to play games and win treats! Playing our spring raffle is the best way to sniff out a top prize up to £7,500! Whether you’re in it to win it yourself, or selling tickets to friends and family, every £1 ticket sold will help our playful pups get the second chance they deserve. To order raffle tickets, call our raffle hotline on 020 7833 7672 today – we’re keeping our paws crossed for you! Please note that in accordance with Gambling Commission Rules;

- You must be aged 16 years or over to buy or sell raffle tickets.- This raffle is only open for residents of Great Britain. Residents of Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are unfortunately not eligible to take part.

‘Things my dog has taught me – about being a better human’ – Jonathan Wittenberg, pub. Hodder, £16.55 hardback This is a book full of warmth and wisdom, written by someone who clearly adores not only their dog, but the human race too. If you’ve ever looked at a dog and marvelled at his capacity for empathy, forgiveness and pure zest for life, you’ll enjoy this book. On multitasking, Jonathan writes, ‘There’s a special art to doing just one thing, at one time, with the whole of one’s self. To appreciate what that looks like, all one has to do is watch a dog staring at a biscuit.’ It’s an uplifting, almost spiritual, read, making it perfect for the more contemplative canine enthusiast.

Book Reviews

The goodness of dogs’ – the human’s guide to caring for your dog’ – India Knight, pub. Penguin, £12.99 hardback

Funny, informative and beautifully illustrated, India Knight’s book provides a jolly good giggle alongside some top tips for dog owners. Written by a ‘normal’ person who has done their research, rather than an expert, this a super easy read. India writes frankly on all matters ‘dog’, so expect to hear strong views on everything ranging from ‘Should you really get a dog?’ to ‘We are all responsible for teaching our dogs manners and I am of the opinion that owners who don’t bother to do this shouldn’t be allowed to have dogs in the first place.’ While most of India’s advice is sound, please note that on the subject of ‘what to feed your dog’ we recommend you discuss this with your vet.

‘Unleashed’ – Amanda Jones, pub. Chronicle Books, £13.99

Page upon page of dogs simply having a ball in the great outdoors, there’s nothing not to love about this glossy coffee table tome. Photographer Amanda Jones captures dogs frolicking, rollicking, leaping and howling amid some stunning American landscapes – you can almost smell the surf as Lulu the Labradoodle leaps over a log on the beach in San Francisco. Every page will make you smile and/or make you consider booking your next holiday in the USA; definitely one for the coffee table.

WAG Feature WAG News


WIN BIG!THE SIMPLE THINGS

WINNER

BENTLEYby Claire Rank

ARCHIEby Chris Mabey

LUNAby Jessica Barton

BILLIE ROSEby Danielle Bouch

BRONTEby Jennifer Woodford

KEY Meet us at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre Meet our dogs on the Dogmobile Behavioural seminar, book through www.eventbrite.co.uk

MARCH

10 Dogs Trust Merseyside’s easter fair, 12 - 4pm, FREE entry

10 Understanding your dog seminar at Dogs Trust Loughborough, £10

12 New baby and your dog seminar at Dogs Trust Shoreham, £10

14 Understanding your dog seminar at Farrenshane House, Antrim, £10

APRIL

4 Understanding your dog seminar at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury, £10

9 Puppy mindfulness (CPD event for vets) at Dogs Trust Leeds, £5

20 Dogmobile at Swansea city centre, outside Barclays bank, Oxford Street SA1 3BR

21 Happy vet visits (CPD event for vets) at Dogs Trust Shoreham, £5

26 Separation anxiety in dogs seminar at Dogs Trust Merseyside, £10

MAY

3-4 Dogmobile at Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1DY 10 - 4pm

12 New baby and your dog seminar at Dogs Trust Loughborough, £10

13 Dogs Trust Basildon’s fun day, 11 - 4pm, Barleylands Farm Showground, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD

16 Happy vet visits (CPD event for vets) at Farrenshane House, Antrim, £5

27 Dogs Trust Shoreham’s fun day, 11.30am - 4pm

JUNE

3 Dogs Trust Merseyside’s fun day, 11am - 4pm, Inglenook Farm, Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Lane, Rainford, Saint Helens WA11 8AE. £5 per car.

3 Dogs Trust Snetterton’s fun day, 11.30am - 4pm

9 Dogs Trust Ballymena’s fun day, 12 - 4pm, Michelin Athletic Club, Woodside Road, Ballymena BT42 4HX

10 Dogs Trust Salisbury’s fun day, 11am - 4pm

10 Dogs Trust Glasgow’s fun day, 12 - 4pm, Chatelherault Country Park, Ferniegair, Hamilton ML3 7UE

10 Dogs Trust Kenilworth’s fun day, 11am - 4pm, Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton Nr Warwick CV35 8XA

11 Happy vet visits (CPD event for vets) at Dogs Trust Leeds, £5

18 Your new puppy seminar at Dogs Trust Shoreham, FREE

19-20 Dogmobile at Cheshire County Show, Tabley WA16 0HJ 9 - 5pm

24 Dogs Trust Bridgend’s fun day, 10.30am - 4pm, Pencoed College, Pencoed CF35 5LG

24 Dogs Trust Evesham’s fun day, 11am - 4pm, Ragley Hall, Alcester B49 5NJ

28 Understanding your dog seminar at Dogs Trust Merseyside, £10

JULY

1 Dogs Trust Manchester’s fun day, 11am - 4pm, Heaton Park, nr Heaton Hall M25 2GT

1 Dogs Trust Shrewsbury’s fun day, 12 - 4pm

6-8 Dogmobile at Kent County Show, Detling ME14 3JF 9-5pm

7 Understanding separation anxiety seminar at Dogs Trust Loughborough, £10

15 Dogs Trust Darlington’s fun day, 12 - 4pm

15 Dogs Trust Ilfracombe’s fun day, 11am - 4pm, Mullacott Equestrian Centre, Mullacott Cross EX34 8NA

29 Dogs Trust Loughborough’s fun day, 10.30am - 4pm, Turnpost Farm, Wymeswold, Leics LE12 6ST

AUGUST

5 Dogs Trust Leeds’s fun day, 11am - 4pm

FOR THE ULTIMUTT DAY OUT WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDFind your nearest rehoming centre here www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming Our Dogmobile teams –

Cathy, Laura and Mal – will be delighted to make your acquaintance! Follow them on @DT_Dogmobile For Dog School events and seminars, please book tickets through Eventbrite.co.uk/dogstrust

Q & AQ – What exactly is a Dogmobile?

A – It’s officially called a ‘Mobile Dog Rehoming Unit’, and we have two.

Q – What do they do?

A – Dogmobiles are our way of casting the ‘meet my special someone’ net even wider! We have two Dogmobiles that travel the length and breadth of Britain, giving day trips to our canine residents so that they can showcase their charms to even more potential new owners.

Q – So can I adopt a Dogs Trust dog straight from the unit?

A – No, sorry. At the end of each day meeting their public, the day-tripping dog is taken back to his centre in time for dinner and bedtime in his usual kennel. Hopefully, by the end of a busy day hanging out on the Dogmobile, our dog will have met someone who would love to offer them a permanent, loving home. You can always call the centre or drop in to meet him.

Virtual GiftsVirtual gifts make amazing presents, whatever the occasion, and help the stray and abandoned

dogs in our care. Please see overleaf for a reminder of these meaningful gifts.

Healthy Hounds £20

Squeaks and Snacks £10

Bed and Biscuits £35.80

Your details: In order to communicate with you more effectively, better understand your preferences and ability to support our work, we may analyse your data. We promise to only ever share your information with Dogs Trust Worldwide, Dogs Trust Ireland and Dogs Trust Promotions. For more information on this visit our privacy section, dogstrust.org.uk/privacy.

From time to time we would like to send you exciting 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

Email:

Phone:

You can opt out of communications or change your preferences at any time by phoning 020 7837 0006.

Payment details: Yes, I would like to buy a virtual gift:

£10 Squeaks and Snacks £20 Healthy Hounds £35.80 Bed and Biscuits

Or make a general donation of £

I enclose a cheque (payable to Dogs Trust Promotions) for the sum of £

OR

Please debit the sum of £ from my card

Card no:

Valid from: /

Expiry date: /

Issue no:Cardholder’s name (as printed on the card):

Signature:

Date:

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other (please circle)

First Name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Supporter No. (if known)

Sour

ce: 9

0006

0

Please send your completed form in a stamped envelope to; DOGS TRUST VIRTUAL GIFTS, Woodview Road, Paignton TQ4 7SR.

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