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

This week we are celebrating the Golden Oldies, with a series of blogs about why you should consider adopting an older dog.

We start today with Olive talking about why she loves older dogs, then tomorrow we will focus on a wonderful charity called The Oldies Club who rescue and rehome older dogs in need. Later in the week we will hear from Pixie, a gorgeous girl who has now found her forever home with Olive and then we have a featured dog who is looking for her forever home.

My love affair with older dogs started about 7 years ago. I had wanted a dog for a long time but had decided it was not fair on a dog as I worked long hours and was out quite a lot in the evenings. When I was made redundant I had time to think about it a bit more, and I did lots of research and decided that I could give a good home to an older dog; I would still have to work, but I could go home at lunchtime and the dog would have a warm, comfy, safe environment to spend the day in, and then I would be home for the evening and weekends. I was worried about taking on a dog who I wouldn’t have as long due to its’ age, but then my friends’ dog died suddenly – at 5years old, with cancer. That made me realise that, like humans, you cannot predict the length of a life. On balance I decided an older dog would suit me better, so set about finding one.

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.

One of my worries had been financial, what if she needed lots of trips to the vet, what about insurance etc but in truth, apart from the normal worming, fleaing, & vaccination costs, I spent very little on her until her last year. Insurance was out because the premiums for a 10+year old dog were ridiculous so I put a little by each month, and with the help of an emergency credit card, didn't worry any more about paying the vet bills. As long as you plan things and have done your research there is no reason not to adopt an older dog.

By Olive Armstrong, Regional Co-Ordinator for Oldies Club.

Thursday 20 January 2011

Beautiful Booma

Look at that beautiful face! I am delighted to introduce you to Booma ...

Booma is a beautiful boy who is looking for his very special forever home. He will make a wonderful addition and just needs understanding, stability and above all TRAINING!

Booma hasn't received the training and socialisation that he needs, Boxers are high energy dogs who are full of life, they need training!

Because Booma has not been trained he is looking for a patient and special home, with someone experienced with Boxer types - he is not aggressive. He just needs someone who will provide him with the training and take control so he can learn the manners he needs - he is a strong willed boy so you'll need to be just as strong willed!

Booma is 16 months old and is Brindle and White. Because he needs some training and work he is looking for a home where he can be an only pet and without children. He is neutered.

If you think you can offer Booma the love and training he needs please contact www.thenorthernboxerclub.co.uk to discuss next steps.



Wednesday 19 January 2011

Breed Focus - The Lovable Boxer Dog

Today's Breed Focus is by Vicki Van-Beck of Northern Boxer Dog Club.

The handsome boy on the right is Boomer, read his story on this blog tomorrow - he's looking for his special forever home!

The Boxer is a family dog who adores and needs company. He shouldn't be left alone for long periods, as he can get bored easily and may start to look for trouble.

He is very affectionate to children, and a steadfast friend and guardian to the whole family. He is full of life, can be boisterous and friendly with an undeniable joie de vivre, time and effort must be given to training him.

He has a healthy appetite and needs regular exercise.

A Boxer is a clever dog, quickly learning what is right and wrong provided the correct training is given - at the same time they are rather 'daft' and 'comical' making them a very valued member to your family.

Northern Boxer Dog Club

Most of the dogs who come into our Rescue Centre do so through no fault of their own. They are not dangerous merely victims of financial or marital difficulties which have faced their families with little alternative but to find somewhere else for the dog to live.

Responsible owners will ask a reputable rescue organisation to find their dog a home

However, some dogs do have issues; they may never have been socialised with other dogs and so, show fear or aggression when meeting other animals.

Some have never had love because they have been battered and mistreated their whole lives. This treatment is sure to have a lasting effect on the dog. Sometimes it makes a dog timid and withdrawn and sometimes it will force the dog to become sensitive, nervy or even aggressive.

All of the dogs which come through the rescue are temperament assessed although this is normally in the kennel environment (not always ideal) as most dogs will be much more relaxed in the home and this is important to remember when meeting a dog in kennels.

Anyone wishing to rescue a Boxer will receive a fantastic reward - unconditional love. However it must be understood that time and patience is required to achieve this as he/she will have to learn a whole new routine within the new family home.

If you can help by either offering a Foster Home or a Permanent Home for one of our Rescued Boxers please get in touch - we are grateful to everyone able to offer a home, love and kindness to these dogs who just want to be happy.

www.thenorthernboxerclub.co.uk



Monday 17 January 2011

Which dog is right for you?

Getting a new dog is a serious commitment - it is for the life of that dog which could be up to 18 years so you need to think carefully about it. Today's post is all about some of the things you need to consider when getting a dog and when deciding what breed.

Just a quick note, when we talk about breed we are using it a a guide, but there are many gorgeous crosses out there too - but its still worth thinking about what sort of breeds suit you and then consider cross breeds of that nature too.

Ok so here are some things to think about:

  • Energy level - this includes exercise requirements but is also just a general feeling from the dog. Do you want a laid back kind of dog such as a greyhound or a really active and alert dog like a terrier?
  • Exercise - how much can you give a dog? What is certain is that you need to be able to dedicate time every day, twice a day to walk your dog. Some (like a Collie or Vizla) will need hours and some need less. Know what you can offer on a normal busy day and use that as your guide. Alot of behavioural problems can stem from lack of exercise.
  • Size of dog - do you want a small, medium, large or giant dog? What size is your garden can your dog have a run around in it comfortably? What size is your home? Don't get a Great Dane if you have a small yard!
  • Grooming - How much time can you spend grooming your dog every week?
  • Time alone - in todays world it is common that a dog is left alone whilst owners are at work but how long will the dog be left, are you willing to go home at intervals to walk or let your dog out? Will you employ a dog walker?
  • What age? do you have the time to train and work with a puppy? Would a more laid back older dog suit your lifestyle better?
One of the most important things that alot of people miss is future thinking. You need to look ahead at your life and think about what is likely to happen in the next 10 - 18 years especially if you are thinking of a puppy or younger dog.

How will you feel when you have children? Having a child is not a reason to give up a dog so are you willing to train the dog and make time for him in your life?

Are you thinking of moving? Do you dream of travelling the world or living in a new country? Will you take your dog with you? - if not either don't get a dog or consider fostering.

If you are prepared to relocate with your dog, do you know which country is likely? Will your dog be welcome there? Many different countries have different banned breeds - do your research.

Can you afford a dog? How will you make provision to always be able to give the dog the very best of care? Can you afford insurance? Can you afford to feed your dog a good quality, healthy food? Can you afford to give him supplements and extras if he needs them? We spend about fifty pounds a month on supplements and health products for our 3 dogs.

When you go on holiday can you afford the care for your dog or will you take him with you?

Remember your dog will love you with all his heart, he will depend on you and be with you for a long time - make sure you can offer him everything he needs!

If you are thinking of getting a dog we offer a mentoring service to help you prepare for and welcome a dog into your home. We are available via phone and email for the first 3 months with your dog to help you along the way for a one off payment of thirty pounds. For a limited time only get this half price!

Sunday 16 January 2011

Sweet William is looking for his forever home


This is William, the most adorable Staffordshire Bull Terrier!

William is 7 years old and he came into rescue via the dog warden and even though his owners knew where he was they never reclaimed him.

Luckily for him he was taken in by Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue (www.sbtrescue.co.uk) and he has been living with a foster family. He is a true gentleman and is sharing his home with 2 Bulldogs and a French Bulldog.

Williams gets on well with other dogs, is great with humans and adores children. He will make someone a wonderful pet and would love to find his forever retirement home soon. He is an active and healthy dog and loves a bone from the butchers as a treat.

William is fully vaccinated, castrated and flee treated.

If you feel you can give William the retirement home he needs please contact the rescue on 01945474418 or staffylover@btinternet.com

Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescue is a voluntary organisation and registered charity, who through a team of wonderful people with huge hearts help rescue many Staffies in need. If you would like to help please go to the website to donate or volunteer

Saturday 15 January 2011

Puppy or Rescue?

This is the first in a series of blogs all about being a first time dog owner ...

When you decide to bring a dog into the family it is very exciting. Especially if its the first time you have ever had a dog, it is really easy to be impulsive and go out and get the first puppy that you see but getting a dog is a huge decision and one which takes planning and preparation.

Throughout this series we will bring you information on lots of aspects of getting a dog, from choosing through to bringing him / her home, training, feeding ....

The first decision you have to make is whether to get a puppy or a rescue?

We have done both and I wouldn't change a thing about that, I love all three of mine and each one is very special to me, we welcomed 2 in as puppies and 1 as a rescue.

When we welcome more dogs into the family however I would only ever rescue, having a rescue dog is so special, the love they give you is amazing and the opportunity to give a dog a second chance just feels right.

Many people think rescue dogs are going to come with a whole host of problems whether physical or behavioural but the majority of dogs in rescues are normal, healthy dogs who have no home. They will come into your home, love you unconditionally and settle into their role as loved family pet.

There are some dogs out there who through abuse and neglect do have problems but if you are working with a good rescue then they will have assessed that dog and already started woring with it, they will be looking for the right home based on what that dog needs. They will discuss this with you, ensure you can give the dog what it needs and support you if you do take a dog like this.

Remember, if you get a dog with a problem that with hard work, stability and love that dog can learn new ways and change.

So. here are some things to think about when opening your heart to a rescue:
  • Do your research first, think about what kind of breeds and size of dog will suit your family - its easy to fall in love with the wrong dog!
  • Once you know what breed(s) you are interested in then go to rescues and look for that breed or similar
  • Consider what age range you want - rescues often have puppies but there are also some wonderful older dogs who make wonderful pets and are often overlooked
  • Good rescues will back you up, that means they will be there for advice, support and guidance throughout the dogs life if you need it
  • Never feel sorry for a dog no matter what has happened, this is the start of a new life so focus on giving your dog the very best in care, training and love - your dog doesn't dwell on the past!
  • Go and visit the dog and take all members of the household. Go for a walk, get to know the dog before making a decision and don't feel guilty if you meet a dog and its not for you. The best thing you can do is find the right dog for you, the rescue will find the right home for all the others.
In our next post we will look at picking the right breed of dog for you, what to consider and what to look for. In future posts we will also be looking at specific breeds such as The Staffordshire Bull Terrier as well as what to consider when rescuing a giant breed and an older dog.

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Arthritis - what you need to know

Arthritis affects many dogs and their owners across the UK, particularly at this time of year when the weather is colder. It can be very painful, but with the right care can be managed and most dogs live with it for many years happily.

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint, generally where there has been an injury or trauma, on an X-Ray you would see the joint looking fuzzy rather than clear bone definition. Its the inflammation that causes the pain and this can result in stiffness and slower movement.

So how can you help your dog if you suspect he or she has arthritis?

  • Always see your vet to get this diagnosed, Arthritis can be secondary to other conditions which your vet can help you treat, or in fact it might not even be arthritis.
  • If it is arthritis, ensure you keep your pet warm. If you keep your pet outside you might want to bring them into the home particularly in the winter
  • Don’t over do it on walks, smaller more frequent walks are sometimes better. Your dog will let you know when he/she is struggling.
  • Invest in a coat, something warm and thermal to keep your pet warm
  • Often stiffness can be apparent after sleeping, ensure your pet has a comfortable bed. Orthopaedic with memory foam are better as they support the joints and allow your pet to get a good nights sleep
  • Hydrotherapy is a great way to strengthen the joints and muscles, and the hydrostatic qualities of water can help with pain relief. Always pick a good, accredited therapist who is in the water with your pet
  • Massage therapy is another great way to ensure your pets muscles are healthy, this allows the blood to flow to the bones and joints more efficiently therefore increasing movement. Again pick an accredited massage therapist
  • Magnetic collars are a great way to help, the magnetic pulse aids healing and provides relief
  • There are a range of holistic products on the market all of which are designed to help with conditions such as arthritis:
  • Glucosamine Chondrotin helps maintain the health of the cartilage on the bones
  • Devils Claw is natures anti inflammatory and can provide pain relief as a result

If in doubt always speak to your vet.

We provide a range of products and services to help dogs with arthritis. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Poor Neglected Blog!

We didn't get much time to update this blog in 2010 as we were still working full time however we are pleased to announce that this year we are full time.
We have had such fantastic support in 2010 to make this possible so thank you!

This is the first of many blog posts covering training tips, health information, book reviews, product reviews, rescue stories & special offers.

We are also delighted to announce that we are expanding, our website is being revamped for 2011 as we speak and we will be relaunching as a full e-commerce site stocking everything you need for your pet including food.

We wont just be offering dog products, look for our new ranges for cats, horses, fish and small furries. We will be launching our new site in early February!

So please let everyone know about us and remember to sign up for the newsletter on our website here