My Special Boy

On the 15th September 2007 Oscar was born, he was the runt of the litter and was even born dead and had to be resuscitated.

We had decided to get a puppy a few months earlier and after lots of research on what breed had decided on a Staffie, we even traveled all the way to Doncaster to meet his Mum when she was pregnant, so the first time I met him he was wriggling around with his litter mates! Sadly only 3 of them survived and when he was 4 weeks old we traveled back to Doncaster to pick our puppy, from the second I met him I knew that he was ours, he was half the size of his brothers but I had to have him.

We set the date for him to come home, 21st November 2007, we were on holiday the fortnight before and would get back on the 19th, so would drive down a few days later, I was so excited that we emailed from the middle of the Atlantic ocean to arrange to pick him up on the 19th! I roped in my Mum to drive me from Newcastle to Doncaster to pick him up after we got off a flight from Barbados, on the way home me and Oscar slept together cuddled up!

Oscar has changed my life, he opened my eyes to the plight of the staffie and the ignorance surrounding the breed. Going to training classes with Oscar inspired me to formally go back to learning and get qualified as a behaviourist after working for a number of years helping rescues and from that I set up Bright Paws. When I qualified as a canine massage therapist and had to travel to West Sussex for 5 weekends Oscar came with me, sat by my side in the car, attending the lessons with me (its hard work for him getting massaged all day lol), going to the pub on a night and snuggling up in the hotel to watch TV!

Oscar has always suffered from allergies since he was a tiny puppy, grass and pollen being the major cause which means we have such a challenge over the summer but control it as best we can using herbal and conventional medicine. Over the years it has been his ears that have been most affected, with dermatitis in his canals and secondary ear infections he has been on and off steroids for years and has undergone 2 operations. As a result he has little cauliflower ears which has a continued into his canals making it almost impossible to clean his ears properly. He had a bad infection recently and this lead to burst ear drums and today we have made the decision to go through with a full ear canal removal on the left side in an attempt to get his balance back (his head is on the side) and prevent further problems - we will see how he is after it and may have to do the second ear next year.

This will mean my little boy will be almost stone deaf, I am devastated but determined to do everythign I can for him, so we are learning doggy sign language together and learning to adapt, and of course Bud (his best mate in the whole world) has come into our lives to help too. So my special boy gives me another opportunity to learn, an opportunity I wish i didn't have but I do.

I am so grateful Oscar came into my life, so happy that i can be there for him and that we get to learn and adapt together. I plan to blog about our experiences over the coming months and years (hopefully not all posts will be this long). And I hope I can help other deaf dogs adapt in the years to come too.

'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!

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!

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!

This is the gorgeous Bud, he is 3 years old and was looking for a new Mummy and Daddy. He has come from a very loving home where he has been spoilt rotten into another very loving home where he will continue to be spolit rotten.

He oozes personality and character, full of life and cheekiness! On day 1, Bud (who doesn't like water) was kitted out in his new swanky fleece harness, when we got to the pond, he looked at me and ran straight in, head first and came out dripping wet and full of mud, with a cheeky grin on his face! He did the same yesterday into a very muddy pond and he learnt a very important lesson in life, if you want to go in the stinking pond with your big sisters you will end up in the bath!

Its so amazing to watch dogs interact, Bud is our second boy and I was a little worried about how Oscar would take to him, but they are the very best of friends, they cuddle up together, play together and get into mischief together. I have noticed a huge difference in Oscar too, he has taken on some of Bud's calm attitude and mellowed a little.

The girls were a little more wary, Mavis was officially in the huff when he came but over the first week she came round and was caught cuddling on the bean bag with him. Bella is high energy and at first was very wary of him, he did have a little snap at her but she told him off and since then they have been fine - they are the two that will squabble so we know we have to be careful with things such as food and toys but yesterday they were on the sofa sleeping together so it seems in time they will become good friends too!

He can be a little nervous, but i think the influence of his new brothers and sisters will help him get a little more confident and I know we have a lifetime of fun and love ahead of us! We look forward to sharing more of his antics .. don't forget Mavis has her own facebook page and I am sure she will post updates on Bud, she has been neglecting it a little lately but I have had a word and she will post more, oh and you can follow her on twitter @mavisbrightpaws

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mavis/104495909611515

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!

This weekend we attended a lovely village fayre which was a huge hit despite the torrential rain! We were invited to do a talk to children in the local village about how to be dog savvy. So complete with our big coats me and Mavis braved the rain to show children how to meet a strange dog for the first time and Mavis was the star of the show getting lots of pats and strokes.

There is nothing more special than growing up with a dog, some of my fondest memories of being a child are with my dogs, Boozer and Spike. I strongly believe every child should have a dog in their life, OK I guess I am biased!

The main message we wanted to deliver to the children was that no matter how friendly or cute a dog looks there are a number of important rules they must always remember:

- Always ask the owners permission to say Hello! Some dogs are just so friendly that they could knock a small child over!

- Never approach head on, Children are more at a dogs eye level and approaching head on, particularly when excited can feel very confrontational and over-whelming for a dog - remember if they are on a lead and feel threatened like this they cant remove themselves from the situation and may growl or worse. This is not the dogs fault, if someone jumped on you and you felt trapped how would you react

- Always let the dog sniff and come to you, hold your hand and then when the dog has had a sniff then calmly and gently stroke him

- if a dog is off lead and approaches a child, the most important thing for that child to do is stand still, with arms across chest and dropping anything n the hands (especially if that is a toy). Dogs react to our energy so if a child runs screaming the dog may see this as a game and run after the child which can be terrifying for the child and their parents.

Every parent should spend time with their children ensuring they know how to greet a dog politely and how to react when the dog is being a little over friendly. If your child is scared of dogs then find a friendly, placid dog who you can safely introduce them to so they start to build up their confidence.

Contact us for more advice on this subject, I am passionate about helping dogs have happy, healthy lives with their families and will be happy to answer any questions you might have on this subject, equally if you are thinking of getting a dog we offer a support service helping you choose the right breed, age and introduce your new dog to the family in the right way.

And did you know - the only breed of dog with 'good with children' in its breed standard if The Staffordshire Bull Terrier' - of course that doesn't mean other breeds aren't good with children but it does demonstrate what wonderful dogs Staffies are and how they can be so misunderstood.

Becky x

Keep Your Best Friend Cool this Summer

As the summer months start and we get our first few glimmers of hot weekends and dust off the sunglasses its important to remember that we need to take care with our dogs in hot weather.

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

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.

Sadly they were rescued after they were found in a house, neglected. Their mum had to be put to sleep as she was so emancipated - she'd obviously fought to keep her pups alive and as healthy as she could. Such a sad story but with a happy ending as the pups are now safe and being very much loved and looked after at www.sbtrescue.co.uk.

Even the adult rescue Staffies are lending a paw! As you can see the gorgeous Missy (pictured in the bed with the pups), herself waiting for her forever home is helping Chris at the rescue with vital puppy lessons!

Amy on the other hand is helping them learn how to get on the sofa! A vital lesson for a spoilt pooch. Amy is also waiting for her forever home after she came into the rescue almost bald with mange, as you can see she is doing great now with the love and care she is receiving!

So how can you help?

Please consider helping www.sbtrescue.co.uk with vital funds to help make sure these pups and every other Staffie in need receives the love and care they need, when they need it most! With your help many more can be saved and rehabilitated!

If you would like to make a difference please go to www.sbtrescue.co.uk and click on donate.

If you are thinking of getting a dog, please rescue! There are many dogs looking for wonderful homes - please apply through the website! And once they are old enough these little pups will also be available for rehoming.

A friend from downunder

I love the fact we get hits on the blog from all over the world, including Australia. Here's a little post from a gorgeous dog in Australia called Floyd who has to deal with some rather different backyard visitors to the neighbours cat!

It’s me “The Handsome Debonair” Floyd here. I’m popping in to tell of my adventure that happened on the week end.

I was just minding my own business in “my” backyard, just having a good ole scratch & roll on the grass when something caught my eye. The “thing” was greyish, scaley & it was invading my property !!!!!!!!!!!.

It was about 20” long & sunning itself on the path. Well I just couldn’t stand around & watch it, I had to do my “brave” duty, well it does say in my breed standard that my breed is “Bold & Fearless” so I just had to live up to that didn’t I....

I flexed every muscle I have & charged like a raging bull over to the thing & barked at it, the thing was brave also, it just laid there hissing & poking it’s tongue out at me.

Mum came running outside to see what I was barking at. Mum was telling me to get away & to go back inside the house because the “thing” is not my dinner nor toy thing etc . Ok I was being good & listened to Mum & I followed her back in the house.

Mum got her camera thingy & went back outside with me in tow to take some pics of the “thing”. The poor thing was now being harassed by those stupid Indian Minor birds, Mum was nudging the “thing” along the path towards the pool garden so it could hide safely under the palm trees & out of sight from the birds.

While Mum was taking pics I just had to be nosy & keep a watchful eye on the “thing”, needless to say I was not impressed about sharing my backyard & gardens with another!!!!!!!!!!!.

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..

And here is the gorgeous man himself - G'Day Floyd!

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.

Well I started my life in London and I wasn't treated very well there, so I was taken in a van by a kind lady to somewhere called the country. We drove for a long time and I was then handed over to someone else who owned something called a farm?

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!

Not long after I started my new life I was left on my own in the flat. Well I'm sorry but I was only young and I hadn't settled in completely. Justin and Heather were my life and I thought they had gone forever. I totally freaked out and dug at anything to help me get back to them. I'm not proud of myself and I would never do anything like that now but at the time I was so scared I'd never see them again.

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.

That year was great I finally found my place, then one evening they both went out and came back with a little thing called a puppy. I guess she was kind of cute but she loved to chew me and she had needle sharp teeth. I'd tolerate it as they seemed to want me to. For some reason they think I actually listen to what this puppy thing has to say. They even called her Boss! Well she's not mine, I do what I want, I just let her think she's in control! Well you've gotta keep the ladies happy! I am actually really quite fond of her and I had another female to look after and that made me happy.

I then met Heather's Mum who I could tell also needed winning over, one night Heather was really upset and talking about her Mum having leukemia, I saw my opportunity so the next time I saw her mum she looked very tired. I knew she liked walking so I'd take her out and pull her when she got tired or going up hills etc. She was soon won over, talk about easy!

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.

Well anyway life so far has been good, most of the time. I get on great with Heather but sometimes when we are out in my park and I can tell another dog has been on my patch, I need to stop and sniff the signs. She keeps calling me but I haven't finished my business. I can tell by her voice that she is getting annoyed with me, but she doesn't understand that sometimes a dogs gotta do what a dogs gotta do.

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

Happy Gotcha Day Gorgeous Boy xx

Why you should never OWN a dog

'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'.

This quote inspires me every time I read it, the author is unknown but it is a well known quote. It captures the energy of what i believe is at the heart of living with animals - mutual respect and partnership.

We all need a sense of belonging, its what helps us create stability and be ourselves. The freedom to be who we are not what someone else wants us to be allows us to be our best, confident selves. This is just as true for dogs.

It astounds me that most people see this wonderful relationship as ownership ... you own a dog - ok legally that might be true but ownership for me also means that you can dispose of a belonging. I can take a old handbag to the charity shop, sell it on ebay or even get rid of it ... why does society accept that it is ok to do the same with a loving, living creature - well simply it is not acceptable.

When I work with people and their dogs, I focus on deepening the relationship. What makes me different to other behaviourists is that I am a qualified coach - I help people get more from their lives and when I am working as part of Bright Paws I am doing exactly that. I help them put in place structure and environments that allow the dog and owners to really benefit from each others love, where the dog can be itself and be settled and where they can have fun together.

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, that when you have children don't look at it as 'what if', know that your child will grow up with the most wonderful teacher, companion and friend.

My dream for 2011 is to write a book, I've started that journey and I hope to publish it this year.

I work with people and their dogs on a 121 basis in the North East, I also offer telephone consultations worldwide.

If you want to experience a new way of looking at your relationship with your pet please contact me rebecca.armstrong@brightpaws.co.uk

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.

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.

www.oldies.org.uk