Wag!

THE MAGAZINE FOR SUPPORTERS OF DOGS TRUST

SUMMER 2012

t s u r T Dogs rs – Ho n o u e

h t , e v a the br e h t d n a loyal dutiful

Plus The Wizard of Dog Paws for Progress Dogs Trust Loughborough is Go! Seasonal Sizzlers

Hello from the Editor!

Contents

W

ell it’s been a seriously celebratory summer already – we’ve had the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and perhaps the highlight of the year – the opening of Dogs Trust Loughborough! Our newest rehoming centre, number 19 in the Dogs Trust clan, opened its boneshaped doors for business just a few weeks ago and I can’t wait to go there for a good nose around.

I hope that by the time you read this issue we’ll all be celebrating Britain’s haul of Olympic medals. My hirsute sidekick, Daniel the Spaniel, has bet his scrungey tennis ball collection that Team GB will scoop at least 20 golds – let’s hope the Spaniel’s right for once.

Whatever the outcome, I wish you and your dogs/cats/goldfish/capybaras a very happy summer!

Deana Selby Editor PS The Dogs Trust annual report is now available to download from dogstrust.org.uk/about/annualreview

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News Loughborough is go!

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News Bronx’s 18 month walkies

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Feature Government pussyfoots around dangerous dogs

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Feature Foster carers urgently needed

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Feature Paws for progress

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Feature Dogs Trust Honours

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The Tail End

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Sensational seasonal sizzlers

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How your shmutters can help our mutt-ers

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A dog is for life, not just for Christmas®

Behind the scenes this issue...

Jock snuggles up even closer to Heidi

Junior Canine Carers

Dog's Trust Honours List 2012

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Our model 'Jock' on location at the Dogs Trust headquarters

Copyright Dogs Trust 2012 This issue: Editor: Deana Selby Contributors this issue: Hannah Baker, Jennifer Blaber, Matt Boustead, Sarah Graham, Julian Harte-Barry, Sarah Morgan, Philip Simmons, Laura Vallance.

Veterinary Director: Paula Boyden BVetMed MRCVS Designed by FP Creative Printed by Red Mist Publishing directors for Condé Gnash: Charles, Daniel, Deedee, Dennis, Fifi, Safid and Manky the bald cat. Happy retirement, Charlie!

Send your dog photos (former Dogs Trust residents only please!) to: wag@dogstrust.org.uk Tel: 020 7837 0006 Registered charity 227523, SC037843, CHY16218 www.dogstrust.org.uk Front cover: Aman, our Dogs Trust Hero Dog

by James Lincoln

Wag! News

All that’s going on in the world of Dogs Trust…

STOP PRESS Loughborough is Go!

Car + sun + dog = death trap

T

he UK may be a nation of dog lovers, but it seems some are still putting man’s best friend at risk as our new survey reveals that over 66% of people have seen a dog locked in a car on a sunny day.* With temperatures easily reaching over 40 degrees in some parked cars, dogs could die within minutes, which is why we’ve joined forces with the AA and the National Trust to target motorists with their “Hot Cars Can Kill Dogs” campaign.

The survey also shows that: • 15% of those questioned called the police when they saw a dog locked in the car • 49% tried to alert the driver • 4% actually broke into the car to rescue the dog • Over the last year AA patrols have rescued 832 pets locked in cars.

Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden, comments: “It is shocking to see that so many people consider leaving their dog in the car. You wouldn’t leave your child in the car. Given how quickly the temperature can rise, it is equally unthinkable that you would leave your pet.

We are delighted to be working with the AA and the National Trust to use the combined force of our members to spread the word and prevent any further dog deaths this summer. 35% of

people who have seen a dog locked in a car admit they chose to do nothing, but our advice is, if you see it, report it!”

Here’s what every animal lover must know: • Never leave your dog alone in the car - even if it seems cool outside it can become very hot very quickly. Parking in the shade and/or keeping the windows down does not make it safe!

• Make sure you keep your dog as cool as possible when driving: avoid travelling during the heat of the day, use sun blinds on the windows and open a window a little to allow a breeze to circulate in the vehicle.

• Make sure you have a supply of water and know where you can stop for water breaks.

Dogs are not able to cool down as effectively as humans so could suffer from heat stroke and dehydration very quickly.

If you do see a dog in distress please contact your local police station or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. *Survey conducted in May 2012 with over 1,125 respondents.

Our brand new rehoming centre, Dogs Trust Loughborough, officially joined the Dogs Trust family in June! A warm waggy welcome aboard to manager Nikki Smith and all of her staff, we hope to show a whole lot more about their work in the next issue of Wag. To meet Loughborough’s loveliest woofers in need of great homes please visit Hill Farm, Wymeswold, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 6SE Tel: 01509 880070

Honey, I’m home!

TV and radio presenter Paul Ross and his wife Jackie recently welcomed Honey, the Dogue de Bordeaux, into their lives.

This beautiful girl was being cared for at our West London centre when the Rosses spotted her and knew she’d make the ideal companion for their other Dogue, the equally charming Gracie. Honey came to Dogs Trust when her former owner could no longer look after her, and was very underweight when she first arrived. Paul adds, “It was love at first sight with Honey Bun as we’ve already started to call her. She’s just adorable and Gracie really likes her too.”

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Wag! News Scarlett Berry

Sophie Annis on

Charlotte Dun kerley

e Willow Griev y Fitzpatrick Jordanna-Am

Junior canine carers

! s r e n n i w the C ongratulations to the winners of our poster design competition! These five talented young artists won the chance to be a Junior Canine Carer for the day at their closest Dogs Trust rehoming centre:

Charlotte Dunkerley (11) of St Albans Sophie Annison (10) of Felixstowe Jordanna-Amy Fitzpatrick (11) of Nottingham Scarlett Berry (8) of Greater Manchester Willow Grieve (9) of Dunoon

Willow gets hands-on at Dogs Trust Glasgow

Charlotte tries a spot of grooming at our West London centre

Their poster designs to promote the message “a dog is not a toy” really wowed the judging panel, including our chief executive Clarissa, who said, “I was thrilled to see that so many children had really grasped our messages about responsible dog ownership.” We received an overwhelming response, so huge thanks to everyone who sent in a design!

B

ronx the Staffy went on a walkie lasting 18 months, before being returned to his delighted owner because Dogs Trust Dublin staff had scanned his microchip.

Bronx had gone missing from his home in Co. Cork when out walking with his owner’s brother. Owner Margaret O’Connor was distraught and spent weeks knocking on doors asking neighbours if they’d seen Bronx, but to no avail.

Eighteen months later, she had given up all hope of finding the dog she’d had since he was a pup when she got the call from a member of staff at Dogs Trust Dublin. Bronx had been

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found straying in the Dublin area and had been taken to the centre for rehoming, and as a matter of routine all stray dogs are scanned to check if they carry a microchip – and luckily for Bronx he did. As Margaret says: “When Dogs Trust got in touch I couldn’t believe it! I rang all my sons and daughters and said it’s a miracle, we’re getting Bronx back!”

I was worried he might not know me after being gone so long, but he came bounding right up to me just like always when he saw me, and he’s so happy to be back home. We are so grateful to Dogs Trust for reuniting us with Bronx.”

Picture: ProVision Images

Bronx’s 18-month walkie

Wag! News

Wizard wheeze Former Dogs Trust Darlington resident, George the St Bernard, starred as Toto in the touring panto production of the Wizard of Oz and clicked his paws three times to find himself a wonderful new home with a star struck member of the audience. George is now enjoying the limelight in his new home with the Clark family in Darlington.

Canine thespian George trod the boards at the Darlington theatre, but he didn’t wish to tour the country, so Dennis, Lola, Alfie and Luna of Dogs Trust Leeds stepped in to thrill York’s audiences, while terrier cross Disandat of Dogs Trust Snetterton wowed the Great Yarmouth crowds. Sadly none of these dogs found new homes as a result, but all helped raise awareness of the George cuddles many talents of rescue dogs. up to co-star Sarah The generous audiences Jane Honeywell also raised a fantastic £5,000 for the dogs – our huge thanks to Enchanted Entertainment and especially Sarah-Jane Honeywell, aka Glinda the good witch, for delivering bucketfuls of coins in person to our head office.

Mixed muttaphors Everyone at Wag loves this new graphic print (30 x 40cm), available for £20 exclusively from www.anthonyoram.com. Looks great, plus Anthony will donate £5 for each print sold directly to Dogs Trust.

Government pussyfoots around dangerous dogs

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ogs Trust was frustrated that the government’s long awaited statement on irresponsible dog ownership failed to address two elements that we believe are essential: compulsory microchipping of all dogs to connect owners with their dogs, and preventative measures to reduce the number of dog attacks.

The government’s announcement that its preferred solution - the introduction of compulsory microchipping for all puppies - is a step in the right direction, but will mean that the effectiveness of any policy will be delayed by upwards of ten years.

While microchipping itself cannot prevent attacks, we believe that it is the most effective way to link a dog back to its owner, which gives two clear benefits; it will make irresponsible owners accountable for the actions of their dog, and will aid in returning an errant dog to its owner faster.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive says: "Successive governments have spent a great deal of time examining this legislation and whilst we accept DEFRA has done their best to look at this issue, sadly their best is

neither good enough to protect the public nor to improve animal welfare.

I’m disillusioned that there is nothing in the consultation on measures that will help to prevent dog attacks. Dogs Trust would like to see the government identify ways to deal with irresponsible owners before an attack takes place, which could take the form of Dog Control Notices requiring dogs to be kept on a lead or muzzled in public places where necessary.”

The consultation period is now closed, so we must await the government’s final decision.

Dogs Trust is firmly in favour of bringing in compulsory microchipping for all dogs because: • It would mean the owner of a lost or stray dog can be swiftly identified, and the dog returned without the need for kennelling by the local authority.

• All puppies would be traceable to their breeder thereby helping reduce the problem of puppy farming, and lessening the incidence of infectious diseases and inherited defects.

• It would allow easier identification and prosecution of owners suspected of animal cruelty.

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Wag! Appeal

What’s full of fur and green all over?

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ogs Trust Shrewsbury of course! Our recently rebuilt rehoming centre has been named as having the world’s highest ever post-construction rating for sustainability by BREEAM – the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method.

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to invest in a range of sustainability features including solar energy, rainwater harvesting, super-insulation - which will mean we have minimal impact on the environment as well as significantly reducing our utility bills.

To see our beautifully “green” centre in

action, and most importantly meet the 140 gorgeous inhabitants, get yourself along to Dogs Trust Shrewsbury (on the B5062) as soon as you can!

Northern Ireland keeps chipping away Great news for dogs and owners in Northern Ireland, as new legislation there recently made it compulsory for all dogs, regardless of age, to be microchipped.

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Minister Michelle O’Neill was instrumental in pushing through this change in legislation, and made sure her Shih Tzu, Stewie, was chipped by the Dogs Trust campaigns team. He’s just one of 120,000 dogs we’ve chipped for free in Northern Ireland since 2003.

Urgent: foster carers needed

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re you an experienced dog owner who is at home for most of the day, and lives in greater London? If so, the Dogs Trust Freedom Project would be thrilled to hear from you.

The Freedom Project provides foster care for dogs belonging to anyone who needs to escape domestic violence. As most refuges won’t allow dogs, our Freedom Project provides the vital help over the final hurdle that many women, often with children, need in order to flee to a place of safety.

We are only able to do this with the help of volunteers who are willing to care for dogs of any breed, and are able to give the dog extra attention during their initial settling-in period.

Dogs Trust pays for all of the dog’s food and any veterinary expenses, as well as giving you training. We ask for a 6 month commitment in return. If you’d like more information please call 0800 298 9199 (London) or 0800 083 4322 (Yorks) or email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk

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Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Dogs, nature and life…

Is the title of a charming new book of dog poetry published by Wag reader Patricia Haynes, who was inspired by life with her beloved Lurcher, Brück and retired Greyhound, Cassie.

If you’d like a copy please send a cheque for £4.00 made out to Dogs Trust, and a large SAE with a first class stamp to: Poetry, Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ. £3 will go to Dogs Trust and £1 will go to the author to cover print costs.

Wag! Feature

Paws for progress

W

e’re working together with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Rebecca Leonardi, a postgraduate student from the University of Stirling, on the first prisonbased dog training programme in the UK. Based at HM Young Offender Institute (HMYOI) Polmont in Fife, the innovative “Paws for Progress” scheme involves young offenders training specially selected dogs from our nearby West Calder rehoming centre.

The scheme’s creator, Rebecca Leonardi, says her aim is to help the offenders address their behaviour and develop employment skills in preparation for release, while at the same time providing our dogs with oneto-one training. As the owner of three dogs and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Rebecca is perfectly placed to run the project and ensure it gives benefits to inmates and dogs alike.

Every prisoner is paired with a dog, making them responsible for his development and accountable for his behaviour. They are taught never to use punishment, while positive reinforcement techniques, like rewarding good behaviour, are encouraged. The prisoners are working towards getting their dog to achieve a Good Citizens bronze award.

Susan Tonner, manager of our West Calder rehoming centre, has already seen the benefits, saying: “Of the 25 dogs who’ve taken part in Paws for Progress, 20 have already been rehomed as a direct result.

The dogs are being trained for four hours per day, helping them to focus mentally, which makes them feel happier. This, in turn, helps them relax in kennels and thus show themselves better when visitors come around.

I’m more than happy to work with Rebecca and Polmont on this scheme.”

Dogs Trust helps Thailand’s dogs This summer sees the start of a partnership between Dogs Trust and the Soi Dogs Foundation in Thailand.

Soi Dogs, meaning street dogs, is a well established charity which runs a large shelter for strays in Phuket. Volunteers care for around 400 dogs, and now desperately need help to neuter the large street dog population there.

We’ll be funding £50,000 per year in order to help train vets and staff to run a capture/ vaccinate/neuter/release scheme – with the goal of neutering and vaccinating 5,000 strays in the first year. In Phuket, as well as a high

stray population, there are many community dogs which are not owned by just one person but are welcomed as part of the community and fed by residents. We’ll be helping these dogs too.

The neutering campaign has the support of the 17 administrative municipalities of Phuket, called Or Bor Tors, which is great news as it means the scheme will have governmental backing and stands a better chance of success.

If you’d like to know more about out work in Thailand please email gareth.thomas@ dogstrust.org.uk Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Wag! Feature

Dogs Trust Honours

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2 1 20 "Dogs Trust Honours celebrates the very British love affair with man’s best friend, the dog.”

T

he awards were held in central London in May, and here are the very deserving winners. Huge thanks to every wonderful Wag reader who nominated a dog; there were so many inspiring stories the judges had a very tough job picking just a few winners. And the winners are…

Photography James Lincoln

Deborah Meaden swapped the Dragons' Den for the dog kennel when she was our fantastic host for the evening.

"Media Mutt" Charlie owned by John Barrowman. John rehomed Charlie from Dogs Trust Bridgend three years ago, while he was filming Torchwood for the BBC, and the pair have been firm friends ever since.

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Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Wag! Feature

Hero Dog, services category Aman

Nominated by Assistant Chief Constable Nick Ingram of the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Voted by readers of The Mirror Last October, PC Steve Jay and his dog Aman answered a call to assist their fellow officers at a violent incident in Ipswich. A young man had stabbed someone, and the police had chased him for over a mile before he was cornered while trying to enter a woman’s house. The perpetrator was highly aggressive, and despite being shot by Taser gun, tried to attack the police officers with a kitchen knife.

Steve recalls, “You think long and hard before sending your dog into a dangerous situation, but I had to send Aman in to detain the man. Aman grabbed him on the left arm, but unfortunately he was holding the knife in his right hand.”

Aman was stabbed five times, the main vein in his leg being completely severed. Yet despite his injuries, Aman held on: “Blood was pouring out of him, but he never yelped, never let go even once.”

Steve ran in but was also stabbed repeatedly in the chest. Aman continued gripping, allowing other officers to eventually disarm and restrain the assailant. Aman was taken to the vet and Steve to hospital. Despite their injuries, both Steve and Aman made full recoveries and were back on duty together a month later.

Speaking about Aman, PC Jay says: “The attack’s made absolutely no difference to him, he’s never once limped or whined, and he still does everything at 100 miles per hour!”

“I have no doubt Aman held on because he was trying to protect me. If you have a close bond with a dog, he’ll lay down his life for you.

Yes, he’s a working dog, but he really went ‘above and beyond’ that day.”

With both man and dog due to retire next January, Steve says of his partner: “He’ll always be a hero in my eyes. Love him to bits.”

Nominating officer, ACC Nick Ingram, said: “The level of violence displayed towards police on that day was significant and all officers present, together with Aman, displayed a level of courage over and above what could be expected in such circumstances.”

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Wag! Feature

Hero Dog, pet category Izzy

Nominated by owner Julie Robinson, voted by readers of The Mirror Petite Patterdale/Lakeland Terrier cross Izzy was nominated for saving her owner, David Robinson’s, life - not once, but twice. David has diabetes, but had been prescribed the wrong medication for his particular type.

David’s wife, Julie, recalls the first time Izzy proved to be a hero, back in 2004, “One evening Izzy point-blank refused to go for a walk, which is most out of character, instead she kept whining and scratching at the bathroom door. I forced my way in, only to find David unconscious on the floor.”

Julie called the ambulance immediately, and David then spent months in hospital recovering from severe complications caused by the diabetes, although as Julie explains, “Izzy seemed to instinctively know something was very wrong with my husband. The consultant at the Northern General hospital said David would have died by the time I got back from our walk.”

Pint-sized life-saver Izzy’s skills don’t end there. Earlier this year, David and Julie were fast asleep one night when Izzy suddenly leapt onto the bed and started pawing at Julie’s arm and barking into her ear. Startled awake, Julie realised the bedding was saturated and looked over to David, still asleep but drenched in sweat. Fast-thinking Julie injected him with a glycogen pen, and then revived David enough to make him drink liquid glucose.

“He was having a major hypoglycaemic attack in his sleep and had lost consciousness. When I measured his blood sugar it was dangerously close to zero, which is fatal. If Izzy hadn’t alerted me with her barking I am certain my husband would have died in his sleep.”

Incredibly, 11-year old Izzy has never had any training to detect hypoglycaemic attacks, yet the Robinsons are convinced she can sense them. Speaking about Izzy winning the Hero Dog award, David proudly adds, “It’s wonderful that now more people will know about how special Izzy really is. She gets a special doggy holiday each year and hugs and kisses at all times.

Her award won’t change anything in our house; she couldn’t be any more pampered than she is already!”

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"It’s wonderful that now more people will know about how Izzy has saved me"

Dog's Best Friend Carlos Parreira

Nominated by Chris Wallace, trustee of Little Dog Rescue (littledogrescueforum.co.uk) Supported by Dogs Today magazine Carlos won the heavily contested Dog’s Best Friend award because the judges were impressed with the level of dedication he shows in caring for elderly, sick and dying dogs he continually fosters at home, despite being aged just 15.

Together with his mother, Maria, Carlos is a volunteer foster carer for The Little Dog Rescue, which finds foster homes for 400 small dogs per year until their forever home is found. The elderly and infirm dogs become life-time foster dogs and will spend the rest of their days being cared for by their foster family.

As nominator Chris explains, “Many of the dogs the Parreiras foster are pretty poorly or elderly, but Carlos just seems to have a magic way with them. He adores all the dogs and nothing is ever too much trouble for him. At the moment he and Maria are fostering 10 elderly dogs for us, and he makes sure that they are always happy.

He truly showed his devotion to dogs when 11 of the dogs they were fostering at one time caught parvovirus.

It was Carlos who collected all the medication, and together with Maria, nursed them back to health and stayed up through the night, losing only one.”

Carlos started helping the dogs when he was 11-years old, and put his back into fundraising by undertaking a sponsored bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats when he was just 13.

As Chris says, “There’s not many teenage boys who would give up most of their spare time to help poorly animals. He’s caring and thoughtful and seems to have a magic way, calming even the most frightened of dogs.”

In the middle of his exams when he spoke to Wag, Carlos says, “I was speechless when I heard I’d won! My friends think I’m crazy because of the amount of old dogs I have, but I disagree.

I always try to imagine how I’d feel if I were really old, sick and in some kennel waiting to be put to sleep; I would love for someone to come and give me a good life.

Sometimes the media can seem very antiteenager, but I know they’re mistaken, and I try to encourage other people my age to contribute something to society.”

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Wag! Feature

Dogged Devotion Ajay

Nominated by owner Tony Brown-Griffin

“Ajay still looks after our family, no matter what, and his latest role is the best one yet – chief cuddler!”

Ajay the Golden Retriever has been a tower of strength to the Brown-Griffin family through some very testing times. Originally joining the family as mother Tony’s ‘seizure-alert’ dog, Ajay had been trained to warn her of impending epileptic seizures. Soon after Ajay had settled in, however, Tony and husband Daniel learned they were expecting a child with a potentially fatal heart condition.

Assistance dog Ajay had to accompany Tony at all times, and the birth of a baby was no exception, so he stayed by Tony’s bed in the labour ward while she delivered baby Mimi. Mimi was born with heart problems and underwent major reconstructive surgery at just six-days old.

Again, Ajay was right by Tony’s side providing emotional support.

Tony stayed by Mimi while she was recovering from surgery in intensive care. The nursing staff at St Thomas’s allowed Ajay to stay by her side and later on both slept beside Mimi’s cot when she was eventually moved into the children’s ward.

As Tony explains: “During that time Ajay was my sanity. He’s always been such a gentle, sweet dog and I know he helped me and my husband keep it together. It also helped that he was very popular with the nurses!”

Unfortunately, the combination of a genetic condition with the stresses of labour left Tony blind. Without any special training, Ajay quickly slipped into the role of Tony’s guide, helping her to continue with normal family life."

“Instinctively Ajay became my guide. He seemed to sense what I needed him to do, and I no longer needed my cane to get about, thanks to his commonsense.

As for Mimi, now six, she adores Ajay, and is aware that her dog is very special because he was present at her birth. Even though Mimi is on the petite side, she walks Ajay herself, despite the fact he weighs threetimes as much as her. He never pulls or tugs.

At seven years old Ajay is now enjoying an early retirement due to his hip dysplasia.

However, he’s perfectly happy in the company of Tony’s new assistance dog, Hetty*, as well as Merlin, an autism assistance dog for elder daughter, Grace. Tony adds, “Ajay still looks after our family, no matter what, and his latest role is the best one yet – chief cuddler!”

Of course Mimi has the final word, “I’m really proud of Ajay, he keeps me safe and he’s always gentle.” *Ajay, Hetty and Merlin were trained by Support Dogs. www.supportdogs.co.uk Tony with eldest daughter, Grace, plus assistance dogs (L to R) Hetty, Ajay and Merlin.

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Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Ajay!

Local Authority Champion Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Chosen by Dogs Trust Chief Executive Clarissa Baldwin OBE Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust’s CEO, sums up why the Royal Borough clinched the Honours' newest category, ‘Local Authority Champion’, “We work with hundreds of councils across the UK, so it was a very tough decision, but Kensington and Chelsea in particular have thoroughly embraced all the help we are able to offer them, while adding their own initiatives to promote responsible dog ownership. They seek to assist, rather than punish, dog owners.”

In a nutshell, the K&C Parks Police regularly welcome Dogs Trust staff to run Responsible Dog Ownership Days and Agility in the Park Days. Our staff train their animal wardens and police officers to carry out microchipping and give free housing advice to tenants. Their leader, Sgt Mark Thompson, enthusiastically spreads the word to other London councils about the benefits working with Dogs Trust can bring.

As well as working with their parks staff, Dogs Trust also works with the borough’s Young Offenders Team to help tackle attitudes about seeing dogs as weapons or as status symbols. Organised by the council’s Grace Fredriksen, young offenders are given the chance to use their reparation hours by training resident dogs at our West London rehoming centre. With a Dogs Trust trainer present at all times, the young person is shown how to train a dog. They then learn to achieve things through calm and positive reinforcement, the basis of all good dog training, while simultaneously helping to develop good habits such as responsibility, punctuality and communication with others.

Dogs Trust would like to thank our media partners, The Mirror newspaper and Channel 5 ‘Live With...’, for their excellent support of the Honours. We would also like to warmly thank our judging panel: Clarissa Baldwin, Richard Caring, Ben De Lisi, Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford, Deborah Meaden, Dawn Porter, Jackie Ross and Paul Ross.

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Wag! Feature

Readers’ Dogs

– short but oh so sweet this issue!

Ellie

Newbury

Maxine Harvey rehomed Ellie from Newbury Dog’s Trust last April and tells us she’s a great little dog, adding “When I was on my computer last week she decided she wanted to climb into my work bag to get comfy! She’s such a character and is a true pleasure to have around. We’re great pals.”

We love reading about what your delightful Dogs Trust dogs are getting up to in their new lives once they’ve left our home and settled into yours.

This issue’s inbox was positively bulging with pics of your hirsute friends; it would be rude not to share the joy! wag@dogstrust.org.uk

Fraggle Ballymena

Noelene and Steve rehomed ‘The Frag’ two years ago, and tell us she is full of fun, loves the rain, enjoys playing with her favourite hedgehog toy and hiding in the bushes in the garden. “We couldn’t be happier with our puppy and would recommend that everyone try Dogs Trust before buying a dog.”

Chilli and Jazz Shrewsbury

Caroline Murphy tells Wag: “My two fantastic Dog Trust pooches have made such a difference to my life and they’re the best of friends. I suffer from M.E. and they give me the motivation to leave my bed. Chilli is seven and we’ve had her since she was two, and Jazz, our beautiful Staffy cross who was born in your centre, is now nearly four.”

They look so delighted to be alive, Caroline!

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Wag! Feature

Flea and Maddie Bridgend

“Maddie loves to go swimming, while Flea loves to have a good brush as he likes to make sure he always looks good. Thank you Dogs Trust for our much loved family pets.

“It would be great if my wonderful dogs could be featured in Wag to show how amazing Dog Trust is and the fabulous pets you can get from there.”

Hmm, we’ll think about it, Kim.

Max and Cherry Evesham

Lynda and Phil Leicester wrote a lovely article for Wag, and here’s a short extract... “We rehomed Max in 2010, having lost our old dog Harry. We visited him at Evesham, taking Cherry along and from the moment we met we knew we had a new member of the family.

He is a treasure, he’d obviously been trained or is bright enough to know when to behave appropriately. Even our 19-year old cat, Squitty, likes him! He’s very generous with his affection and everyone who meets him is smitten.”

Cassie

Bridgend

This beautiful beach babe is Cassie, who was rehomed by the Hornes last summer. George (he’s the one on the right) tells us, “Cassie has settled in really well and loves her long walks!

She’s a lovely lady who likes big cuddles and playing up the park with her other friends from Dogs Trust.”

That's one huge doggy smile!

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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The Tail end!

How you are all helping to help Dogs Trust

Sensational Seasonal Sizzlers Grab a glorious gift for you and your rover and help the dogs in our care by ordering from our brand new 2012 gifts catalogue.

KEEP CALM HOODIE £29.99

Keep calm and look cool this summer with our trendy hoodie.You’re sure to get noticed out and about with your fourlegged friend in this snazzy jumper.

JOULES LUXURY SNUGGLE BED from £23.99

If you didn’t receive a catalogue with this copy of Wag just call 0844 324 8520 or email dogstrust@cbfulfilment.co.uk and we’ll be happy to send you one in the post. Or visit www.dogstrustgifts.com and order online to save you time and us money.

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Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

Photography: Jamie Beeden

Your best friend can relax in style on those long hot summer nights with this luxurious cushioned bed. A 'must' for all pampered pooches and scruffy mutts alike! Modelled here by the lovely Smudge.

Wag! The Tail end!

Events

We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when. Oh, hang on...

Puppy plan revealed…

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f you want to give your puppy the very best start in life, then The Puppy Plan, from Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club, has everything you need to know for those crucial, character-building first 16-weeks of puppyhood.

Our unique booklet for dog breeders (or early care givers) and owners gives a step-by-step, simple socialisation plan for puppies. This first four months is the time when most problem behaviours seen in adult dogs can be prevented long before they even start, giving the dog a far more certain future – and the new owner far fewer issues to contend with.

The Puppy Plan has been developed by dog behaviourist Carolyn Menteith, using the most up-to-date research available.

For your own plan, visit www.puppyplan.com. You can also check out our new “You and Your Puppy” pup training app which is available for users of Android and iPhone smartphones.

JULY 29 29

Merseyside Open Day, 12 - 4pm Glasgow Open Day, 12 - 3.30pm

AUGUST 5 5 5 13 15 16 17 19 26 - 27

Canterbury Open Day, 12 - 4pm Leeds Open Day, 11am - 4pm Salisbury Open Day, 11am - 4pm Asda, Antrim Sainsbury’s, Carrickfergus Asda, Ballyclare Belfast Zoo West Calder Open Day, 12 – 3pm All About Dogs Show, Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich

SEPTEMBER Ballymena Open Day, 12 - 4pm 1 RSPCA Gala Day - Great Ayton, Middlesbrough 2 Tesco, Roundhay, Leeds 12 -13 22 - 23 Paws in The Park, Kent Showground, Detling Surrey Country Fair 23 Asda, Newmains (West Calder area) 25 Asda, Slateford (Edinburgh area) 26 Sainsbury’s, Craigleith (Edinburgh area) 27 29 - 30 Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern OCTOBER Tesco, Amesbury, Wilts 3-4 10 - 11 Asda, Milton Keynes 20 - 21 Countryside Live Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate Dogs Trust Darlington’s Spook Night, spooky fun & games for 30 children and dogs, 6.30-8.30pm

Key Dogmobile Event

Meet our dogs

Nora Mezey and her Pug pal at the recent West London open day.

Lovely facepaint, Nora!

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

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Wag! The Tail end!

Rehoming Centres Ballymena

028 2565 2977

Bridgend

01656 725 219

Canterbury

01227 792 505

Darlington

01325 333 114

Dublin

00 353 1 879 1000

Evesham

01386 830 613

Your schmutters can help our mutt-ers!

Glasgow

0141 773 5130

Ilfracombe

01271 812 709

Kenilworth

01926 484 398

Leeds

0113 281 4920

Loughborough

01509 880 070

Merseyside

0151 480 0660

Newbury

01488 658 391

t’s time to give your wardrobe a good spring (ahem) clean and bring your unwanted clothes, jewellery, electrical items, toys and bric-a-bric to your nearest Dogs Trust charity shop.

When you give us your Givenchy gowns, our shop volunteers and staff will sell it on to someone who can love it all over again.

Salisbury

01980 629 634

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Meanwhile, you’ll be helping raise money which goes straight to helping the dogs in our care. Don’t worry if your wardrobe is more Primark than Prada, because we can make good use of any – from high street to haute couture - clothes in decent condition. So don’t just car boot sale it – Dogs Trust shop it!

Shoreham

01273 452 576

Shrewsbury

01952 770 225

Snetterton

01953 498 377

West Calder

01506 873 459

West London

0845 076 3647 For the rehoming centre opening hours please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

Our shops:

38 Skinnergate, Darlington DL3 7NR 62 Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AB 149 High Street, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5AQ 6 Market Place, Shipston-on-Stour Warks CV36 4AG 10 Westgate, Wetherby, Leeds LS22 6LL 1 High Street, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2EH 1092 Tollcross Road, Tollcross, Glasgow G32 8UN 83 Crane Street, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 2PU 123 High Street, Ilfracombe, N. Devon EX34 9EY 12 High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, W. Sussex BN43 5DA

WEST CALDER

GLASGOW

BALLYMENA

DARLINGTON

LEEDS DUBLIN

Our charity shop managers always offer a warm welcome, especially to dogs!

MERSEYSIDE SHREWSBURY

ILFRACOMBE

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

KENILWORTH EVESHAM

BRIDGEND

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LOUGHBOROUGH Now open

NEWBURY

SNETTERTON

WEST LONDON CANTERBURY

SALISBURY

SHOREHAM

Wag! The Tail end!

Yes, I'd be happy to make a regular donation to Dogs Trust 1. Your details: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (Please circle) First Name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode: Supporter Number: If you are happy for us to contact you by email and/or phone please write your details below:

Email: Telephone:

2. I would like to pay by monthly Direct Debit:

£3

£5

£10

£15

Other £__________

Please debit my account, starting on:

/

(NB date must be between the 1st to the 28th of the month)

INSTRUCTION TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT Originator's ID no 909692

Canine Care Card for peace of mind

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ur fantastic free Canine Care Card service ensures that if the worst were to happen to you, Dogs Trust will be there to care for and rehome your four-legged friend to a loving new home.

As well as the peace of mind of knowing your dog will be looked after when you are gone, there is also the reassurance that we will find them the best home possible. Each dog receives a full assessment from our dedicated staff to help match his needs to their most suitable new owner. We promise never to put down a healthy dog and they will be with us until they are ready to start their new lives.

Fundraising Friends Huge thanks to Claire Smith and Xanthe Randall who held a St Patrick’s Day fancy dress charity night on 17th March. Dogs Trust and East Anglia Children's Hospices were the chosen charities and £1,525.33 was raised with £768.91 going to Dogs Trust along with lots of goodies donated by companies.

Special thanks also to Katie Bower who took the plunge for Dogs Trust in a skydive through our events partner, Skyline.

If you fancy a challenge with a difference from skydiving to cycling from London to Paris to trekking in Peru, get in touch with the team at fundraiseforus@ dogstrust.org.uk or simply call 020 7837 0006.

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To: The Manager Bank/Building Society Address:

Postcode: Name(s) of Account Holder(s) Branch sort code:

Bank/Building Society account no.

Joining our service really is very simple and once you are registered we will send you a wallet sized card to carry with you as you would a donor card. For more information please fill out the coupon, or contact us on 020 7837 0006 or at www.dogstrust.org.uk

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Please pay Dogs Trust Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee.

I understand that this instruction may remain with Dogs Trust, and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Signature(s)

Date:

/

Canine Care Card Application Form

/

If paying by Direct Debit, we will send the instruction to your bank. Please note, Bank and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account.

Yes I'd like to apply for my free Canine Care Card which provides full information about how to leave a gift in my Will to Dogs Trust.

3. Gift Aid

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (Please circle) Full Name:

IF YOU ARE A UK TAXPAYER, MAKE YOUR DONATION WORTH ALMOST A QUARTER MORE AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. The Government's Gift Aid scheme allows us to reclaim the income tax (or capital gains tax) you have already paid on your donations. This means an extra 25p for every £1 you donate to us!

I agree that Dogs Trust can treat all donations I have made in the last four years (prior to this year) and all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify the Dogs Trust otherwise, as Gift Aid donations.

Address:

Today’s date

/

/

You must pay an amount of income tax and / or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax that Dogs Trust, in addition to any other charities, reclaim on your donation. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief in your self assessment tax return. Please notify us if your circumstances change and we will cease to claim or if your name and address changes. You can cancel the declaration at any time by notifying us and we will cease to reclaim tax from your donations. If you have any questions about Gift Aid please call us on 020 7837 0006.

Postcode Supporter number (if known) Email address Telephone Number

Source code 861441 Registered Charity Nos. 227523 and SC037843

All information will be treated as strictly confidential

The Direct Debit Guarantee

Please return this coupon to:

Dogs Trust Canine Care Card, Dogs Trust, Freepost WD360, 17 Wakley Street, London, EC1B 1NA

Summer 2012 www.dogstrust.org.uk

780435

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

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

If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Dogs Trust will notify you (normally 10 working days) in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request the organisation Dogs Trust to collect a payment, confirmation of the date and amount will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Dogs Trust or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Dogs Trust asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

PLEASE RETURN TO: WAG! RESPONSE, DOGS TRUST, FREEPOST NAT11465, NORTHAMPTON, NN3 6BR

T

he key to helping Tucker was consistency: focused, one-to-one care that showed him he could expect only love and care from his new human friends. He received all that from Dogs Trust, eventually finding a home with a family he loved and trusted, and who loved and cared for him for the rest of his life.

To give dogs like Tucker the care they need, we reply on the regular routine of donations by Direct Debit. These contributions allow us to plan ahead and to care for more dogs, confident we can continue to offer the help they deserve and depend on. Continued love brings many happy endings.

If you’d like to help supply the dogs in our care with consistent love, please fill out the attached direct debit form. Your continued help with a regular monthly donation makes a huge difference to each of the dogs who arrive in our care.

If you are one of the kind people who already donates by Direct Debit, thank you so much for your support - we think you are wonderful!

Please see over flap for direct debit form

Keeping it

u ! ar g re l How the routine of Direct Debits helps to save the lives of dogs like Tucker.

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t, veryone likes excitemen at th but for the things really matter it's good to be able to rely on routine but It may seem mundane, ll arrive, knowing when food wi and when when to expect a walk ive gives arr a favourite carer will a dog security and comfor t to ct life who had learnt to expe s of rie se to be nothing but a unpleasant surprises.

We don’t know what fore he happened to Tucker be years came into our care some panicky ago, but life had left him d noise, and tense. An unexpecte make even a greeting, could to hide. him wet himself and try didn’t Tucker was a dog who es. ris rp look for ward to su