Thursday 20 October 2011
My Special Boy
Monday 17 October 2011
'The Last Walk' - Pedigree Adoption Drive
In the UK over 20 abandoned dogs are put down every day. This year, the campaign is about saving abandoned dogs from their Last Walk – the walk that sadly ends in a vet’s room where they are put down.
This year the 'Pedigree Adoption Drive' is dedicated to helping more dogs find their forever home. Ripley.
To generate as much support from the public as possible and to help us save more abandoned dogs from their last walks, for 1 week dog lovers everywhere are being called upon to take part in the world’s first “virtual dog walk around the web”.
Below you can see Ripley, he is going to do a virtual walk across the world and you can help him. Ripley loves to go to the beach, for a walk in the forest, to the park and you can take him there virtually and interact and play with him along the way.
Every completed walk will unlock a £1 donation from Pedigree and the target is £100'000
Please help raise funds for this wonderful initiative and help save a dogs life!
Sunday 9 October 2011
The Canine Mirror
Have you ever looked into a dogs eyes and seen yourself staring back, the depth of love and feeling that you get from a dog is boundless, their ability to show you who you are is unparalleled. They reflect your emotions so when you are happy your best friend will turn up with a stick in his mouth and a wagging tail, when you are sad he will come and lay a head on your lap and when you are anxious he will be unsettled and worried too.
There is nothing more special than that bond between a dog and its human and this quote really captures it for me:
‘He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true until the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.' (Anon)
This quote inspires me every time I read it. For me it captures the essence of love, the special bond of complete unconditional love we get from our pets.
We all need a sense of belonging, it is what helps us create stability and helps us be ourselves. The freedom to be who we are not what someone wants us to be allows us to be our best, confident selves. This is just as true for dogs. They each have their own unique and special personalities.
It continues to astound me that most people see this wonderful relationship as ownership, you own a dog! Ok legally that might be the phrase we use but ownership means that you can dispose of a belonging. I can take an old handbag to the charity shop, sell it on ebay or get rid of it, why does society accept that it is ok to do the same with a loving, living creature? I like to think of it more as a partnership or friendship, yes you are the care giver in that relationship but its built on mutual respect and understanding.
I don’t believe in ownership, I certainly don’t believe in pack leader theory and I 100% believe that having a dog is the most wonderful gift – a friend, a teacher and a companion all wrapped up in a furry coat. I rescued Mavis 2 years ago, she was due to be killed at the vets because her owners didn’t want her, she couldn’t have pups anymore so she served no purpose. She had been rescued and was so scared that she was growling and snapping at everyone, when I first saw her I feel completely in love, she literally skipped over to see me (despite being almost 15stone in weight and having horrendously bad hips), she has never growled at me and she has from that day never left my side.
When I need a break from work we go for a walk with the other dogs and as Mavis can’t play too long we sit together in the grass and watch the others play – there isn’t a business decision that isn’t ran past her first and I am often chatting away to her in the office . When I am happy we have dance parties in the sitting room, me dancing her wagging and spinning, when I am sad she rests her head on my shoulder and gives me a cuddle and with Mavis as my ultimate mirror there is no way I can be sad for long.
Lets celebrate the love and insight dogs give us!
Monday 8 August 2011
Introducing Bud!
We have someone very special to introduce you all to. Here at Bright Paws we just cant resist a wrinkly face and when we were approached a few weeks back to see if we knew anyone who might be interested in rehoming a Bulldog we knew just the people - us!
The Importance of Making Children Dog Savvy
Hey everyone, sorry its been a while - we have been so busy and have lots of exciting plans and developments to share with you over the next few weeks!
Monday 27 June 2011
Keep Your Best Friend Cool this Summer
Dogs can get heatstroke and unfortunately this can be fatal, here are some top tips this summer to keep your best friend cool this summer:
· Always ensure your dog has access to clean, cool water throughout the day
· NEVER leave your dog in the car, also avoid long car journeys in the heat
· Ensure that your dog has access to shade to lie in
· Consider changing your walking routine to avoid the hottest parts of the day. In summer we generally have a walk early in the morning as well as after the sun has set.
· Avoid muzzling your dog wherever possible as this can restrict breathing
· Avoid walking in places of open space with no shade and where the sun can reflect off the ground such as the beach or large areas of concrete
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a condition where the body overheats and the system cannot maintain a safe, normal range. Animals do not sweat like us and therefore find it harder to maintain their body temperatures and can get overheated much easier than we do.
A dog with moderate heatstroke (body temperature from 104º to 106ºF) can recover within an hour if given prompt first aid and veterinary care (normal body temperature is 100-102.5°F). Severe heatstroke (body temperature over 106ºF) can be deadly and immediate veterinary assistance is needed.
Warning signs
A dog suffering from heatstroke will display several signs:
· Rapid panting
· Bright red tongue
· Red or pale gums
· Depression
· Weakness
· Dizziness
· Vomiting – sometimes with blood
· Diarrhea
· Shock
· Coma
How to deal with suspected heatstroke
It is vital that you take action as soon as you suspect heatstroke. You must seek veterinary attention, before getting him to the vet it is important you try to lower the body temperature.
Do not submerge the dog in cold water, this can be counterproductive, the best way is to get a towel and soak this in cool water then place this over the dog and circulate air around using a fan ideally.
Even if the dog appears to be recovering always seek veterinary advice to ensure there are no further complications
Remember the best treatment is prevention – have a safe, fun summer with your best friend!
This article is brought to you by Bright Paws, specialists in canine behaviour, therapy and health.
www.brightpaws.co.uk
Monday 14 March 2011
Puppy Love!
We all love puppies! Cute and full of fun? Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue have recently taken in 5 pups who are about 5 weeks old and are just adorable as you can see.
Saturday 5 March 2011
A friend from downunder
Mum did ask me not to chase, go near or harm the "thing" or other critters look nearly the same as the "thing", just in case they was aggressive, poisonous & deadly
So now I will be watched like a hawk for my own safety when ever i'm in the backyard. Mum doesn't want to risk me being bitten by a deadly snake......
PS.. this next little text is from Mum...... We live on the east coast of OZ & there a numerous deadly snakes throughout OZ, certain variety of snakes only inhabit certain regions of OZ...
Our neighbor has found a live very aggressive deadly & toxic "Eastern Brown Snake" & a "Red Belly Black Snake" in he's back yard/ gardens, one bite from either of those snake can easily kill a 60 kilo dog or child within 30-60 mins. We live in rural suburbs & don't often come across snakes in our gardens that much.. but often see them sun baking on the roads or just passing through our yards etc..
Friday 4 March 2011
My Story by Cracker Lewis
Today is Crackers 14th gotcha day, in celebration here is his story written by him (with a little help from his Mum). Staffies make the most wonderful friends and companions, if you are thinking of adopting a staffie please contact www.sbtrescue.co.uk.
There were lots of other dogs there but they were all nervous and worried about where they were going next. I didn't care as it was nicer than my old place.
One day I heard a loud motorbike engine and I was introduced to two people called Justin and Heather. I was told I could adopt them if they liked me! Huh! The cheek, I'm the one doing the adopting, they can either like me or not, I'm not making a special effort for them. I did like Justin though as he liked to wrestle and play tug 'o' war, which I love. He was my kinda man. Well then they just said goodbye and left me which was a bit sad but I thought Oh! well, there are lots of people so I'm sure I'll find someone to adopt.
Then the next day they came back, I was really happy to see them but no motorbike, shame as I would have liked a ride on that!.
They were dressed normally and they had another human with them, I was told I could adopt them after all, which made me really happy.
This other human drove the car and I got in the back with Justin, he put his arm round me which was really nice, as between you and me I was a bit nervous as I didn't know where I was going.
Heather looked a bit nervous as well and I could tell she really needed winning over. Well that didn't take long!
I could tell she was a bit scared of going out and some people made some horrible comments about her face. Well I don't care what she looks like, she treats me well, feeds me and gives me lots of cuddles, which I love!
I felt so stupid when they came home, I hid in the wardrobe.
Well after that they bought me a crate, that was my new home and when they went out they shut the door so I felt nice and secure. It was lovely my first proper home, I used to just go in there for a quick nap during the day if I felt like it.
Then I met Justin's Mum, she loved me from the start and gave me chocolates! Wow what a bit of heaven that is! Then I heard them talk about her not being well so I took Heather and Boss up to her home in North Wales to look after her.
I loved it in North Wales, I had ladies to look after and a fantastic beach where I could run around as much as I liked.
I missed Justin but he would come up at the weekends and we would wrestle, play tug 'o' war and other men's games. Don't get me wrong I love the ladies but sometimes you just need a mans company.
I've moved them to a different house now nearer Justin's work so he doesn't have to travel so far. Heather has learnt to drive so we go on our own little adventures on Dartmoor and we can go to the beach whenever we want.. She keeps going into hospital to have surgery on her face and now people hardly ever say anything nasty to her. I must admit I don't like it when she goes away and then she comes back smelling strange, like the vet.
I'm glad I met Justin and Heather and they allowed me to adopt them. There is only one thing I'd change and that would be a lot more cheese and chocolate, and access to the fridge. Cor! some good things come out of there!
There is only one other thing bugging me at the momment, she seems to be spending a lot of time on the computer. Something called the www.thenannydog.co.uk. She should really be giving me cuddles, but there is one good thing to come out of it, she now gives me chicken wings which I love!
Lots of love Cracker
Thursday 3 March 2011
Why you should never OWN a dog
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Oldies Club - Saving Older Dogs In Need
Today we have our second guest blog post from Olive, all about a wonderful charity called the Oldies Club - you can view their website here
In 2008 I discovered a fantastic website, Oldies Club – a national dog charity whose purpose is to foster/re-home dogs over 7yrs. At the time I discovered it they needed a regional co-ordinator in the north east and I was lucky enough to be selected. The charity is run completely by volunteers and I started off by organising fund raising events, trying to recruit volunteers and fosterers, and also to raise awareness of the charity.
Volunteers are always needed for Oldies Club, because fosterers are always needed as are funds. Oldies Club pays for all of the vet bills for dogs in their foster care and also for their Sponsor dogs – these are dogs who sadly will never be adopted but will stay in a loving foster home for the rest of their days (it is usually due to illness) and for those dogs the vet bills can be very expensive. No dog is ever put down whilst in Oldies care, unless it is in the dogs best interest. There are many ways you can help Oldies, even displaying posters is a great help, so have a look on the website - and see if there’s anything you could help with
In 2009 I became a fosterer for Oldies Club, following the loss of my beautiful Tess. A month after I lost her I decided I couldn’t be without a dog any longer and so decided to foster. I was asked to foster practically straight away, and I took on a lovely 8yr staffy, Ginny. Ginny was a poundie and if it wasn’t for Oldies she would have been put to sleep. She was a joy to foster and after a few months being fostered went off to live with a lovely couple who travelled all the way from London to Newcastle to adopt her. I still get regular updates about her and it’s clear they love her to bits.
Whilst fostering Ginny, I fostered another dog Lassie. Her beloved owner had to go into care and had to give her up. She was very lucky and after only one month she was adopted.
I decided early in 2010 that I was ready to adopt my own dog, so while I was fostering Ginny I started looking for my forever dog. I wanted another older collie and was lucky enough to find a lovely 8yrs old ex-breeding bitch who was looking for a retirement home, so in June, on the day Ginny was adopted, I picked up my new oldie. She is a “younger” oldie, still has plenty of energy, loves her walks and playing, but is a much calmer dog than a young collie would be, and that just suits me perfectly!
What do you need to think of if you want to adopt an older dog?
Do your research, make sure you know that an older dog has different needs to a younger one, be prepared to be more patient because they are slower and may not see as well, and even may have the odd accident but the love they give you in return is immense, it’s almost as if they know you have saved them and are grateful for the chance you have given them. Don’t overlook an Oldie, there are plenty of people who will give a home to a younger dog, but the older ones need special people to love them, people who see what is beyond the grey hairs, the not-so-bright eyes and the plodding along – Oldies are just puppies in disguise!!
I am proud to be the owner of an oldie, proud of myself that I have given an older dog a happy loving forever home. I will never be without a dog again, I will never be without an Oldie in my home – they are the best!
I know it is heart-breaking to lose a dog, and sad that you may not have as much time with an older dog as you would with a younger one, but they are so worth the tears and heart-ache. They have so much love still to give, so much fun still in them, so they have to be given the chance to have a new life – for however long/short that may be. Don’t look at them in the kennel and dismiss them. Don’t tell yourself you couldn’t give them a good home – what is best; a life in cold, noisy, draughty kennels, always waiting for someone who will love them; or a life in a warm, comfy, safe home, full of care and love. I know what I would choose!
As I type this there are 3 oldies watching me. They are semi-snoozing, just waiting for the moment I move so they can get up and follow me; no doubt hoping I am going to the treat-tin. Silk will sit and watch me adoringly, Starry will stare at me waiting for a tasty morsel to come her way and when it does she will take it ever so gently, and Pixie will sit, tail wagging and lift her paw until the treat comes her way. Then she will lift her paw for another treat, staring with her big eyes in her pixie-face. They are completely different dogs; different breeds; different shapes; different personalities. But, they are all older dogs and they are all full of life, full of fun and full of love and gratitude – who can resist them, not me!
If this blog has inspired you to think about adopting your own oldie, go to the Oldies Club website, and see how many lovely dogs are just waiting for someone like you. You won’t regret it.
Tomorrow we have Pixies' story, Pixie was an oldies club dog who now has a permanent loving home with Olive.
Monday 24 January 2011
Golden Oldies
At the time I just looked in my local area, around the various dog shelters. My first “oldie” was Tess, a 10year old collie cross who had been handed over to a rescue because she was no longer wanted by her owner – her owner did however still want to keep her 2 younger dogs! She loved walking, but equally she loved snoozing, playing and being groomed. She was quite an independent dog so was fine being left through the day, and I didn’t worry about her because she had access via a dog-flap, into our secure back garden. Because it was always in my mind that our time together might be short, I made sure we had lots of fun together. I didn’t put off doing things with her like I would have with a younger dog.