Dogs Today_December_January_2021 : simplebooklet.com

Inside this month News features 4 There s a new top dog in Britain Can you guess who 6 Can we count on each other to help dogs in 2021 8 How to lavishly over spend at Christmas 10 One article created a miracle for four special dogs 16 Tributes to Catherine O Driscoll a force of nature 20 Debbie Bridges on how the dogs of war are R E T R A C TA B L E L E A D S MADE IN GERMANY helping heal deep wounds 30 Mia and Hector think Liz Hurley is a model dog owner Over to you 34 Postbag what matters to you 38 Great debate should owners be locked out in lockdown vet visits Training behaviour 48 Victoria Stilwell why Petco shelved e collars 52 Peter Neville s True Case History Rob s got Christmas all wrapped up Opinion 66 Confessions of a dogaholic doesn t ad up Investigation 26 Q A what is brucellosis 42 Dog crush are you hunting for a Fox Terrier Competitions shopping 56 Pop the kettle on and tackle Style Walk with the Best www flexi de en Wire Fox Terriers Photo by Tim Rose www timrosephotography co uk our puzzles and competitions DogsToday The ethical pet magazine for people who really care about dogs Facebook Dogs Today Editorial beverleycuddy Dogs_Today Editor Beverley Cuddy Art Director Rosie Peace Chief Sub Editor Contributing Editor Claire Horton Bussey Deputy Editor Alessandra Pacelli Illustrator Kevin Brockbank Proof readers Katie Horton Bussey Alys Horton Bussey Roving Reporters Owen Haatchi Advertising sponsorship Advertising Sponsorship Manager Mike McGlynn 01276 402591 Office dogs Betty Old English Golden Retriever ish Madi collie cross Nellie Staffordshire Bull Terrier Isla Lurcher Beth Justine Poison Ivy Newfoundlands Betty s Personal Trainer Kirsten Dillon IMDT A Dip CBM Dogs Today Pet Subjects Ltd The Stables Saddlers Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ 01276 402599 enquiries dogstodaymagazine co uk www dogstodaymagazine co uk Publishers LIMITED Chief Operations Officer Graham Smith 01276 402598 graham wearebrandshare com Managing Director Beverley Cuddy 01276 402597 beverley dogstodaymagazine co uk Subscriptions For subscription queries call Pet Subjects on 01276 402599 or email subs dogstodaymagazine co uk Initial subscription rates UK BFPO 12 issues 39 50 24 issues 61 EU countries 12 issues 65 20 Rest of the world airmail 12 issues 79 80 Direct Debit offer UK only 9 99 for 3 months with 1 month free trial and a 1 sign up fee The editor is always pleased to consider articles and photos from freelancers However there is often a considerable delay before material can be assessed Please include an SAE if you want your work returned While every care will be taken no responsibility for loss or damage can be accepted Competition sponsors and their families are not eligible for any competition Dogs Today incorporating Perfect Pup is published by Brandshare Ltd The Stables Saddler Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ Tel 01276 402599 Brandshare Ltd reg office The Stables Saddler Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ Distributed by Marketforce UK Ltd 2nd Floor 5 Churchill Place Canary Wharf London E14 5HU Tel 020 3148 3333 www marketforce co uk Printed by The Manson Group 2020 Dogs Today The world copyright of the editorial matter both illustrations and text is strictly reserved Registered as a newspaper for transmission in the UK Next issue on sale January 15 To download Dogs Today for iPad go to the App store Android and PC versions are available from Pocket Mags the Kindle edition from www amazon co uk December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 3

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Dear readers Beverley Cuddy I don t think any of us are sad to see the back of 2020 It s been a time for counting our blessings hasn t it Who would have predicted dogs would become so popular Perhaps it s because they know how to live in the moment and enjoy every little thing we do for them But did you know that there s a new top dog in Britain if one dog retail website is correct in its calculations According to online puppy sales website Pets4Homes the average price of all dogs more than doubled this year from 810 to 1 875 I was intrigued who was in their top 10 I must admit I haven t spent very long on their listings as it tends to make me very sad I normally only look when someone spots a Beardie and there is a tremendous rush to get them into one of the breed rescues Top 10 sales on Pets4Homes in 2020 were 1 Cavapoo 2 Cockapoo 3 Cocker Spaniel 4 Dachshund 5 German Shepherd 6 Cavalier King Charles 7 Labrador 8 Border Collie 9 American Bulldog 10 Miniature Dachshund Anyone else surprised Look how their list compares with the Kennel Club stats for the last six quarters which sounds odd you could say the last year and a half I suppose 1 Labrador 2 Cocker Spaniel 3 Miniature Smooth Dachshund 4 Golden Retriever 5 English Springer 6 German Shepherd 7 Pug 8 Staffie 9 Border Terrier 10 Boxer Beverley Cuddy is Dogs Today s Editor and publisher She shares her life with Betty an Old English Golden Retriever ish dog from Many Tears She grew and grew and grew soon after this photo was taken 4 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Are you surprised that neither the Cavalier nor the Poodle appear in the KC top 10 But put them together and people go crazy Pets4Homes annual report revealed that 1 882 people tried to buy each pup advertised on its site I don t know about you but I think I might have changed my phone number or recorded a message to tell people there were none available 2021 VISION Now I am going to make a prediction I really hope I am wrong Pets4Homes said they actually sold more dogs in 2018 on their site but there were just so many more people looking for pups in lockdown than usual Do you think every bulk breeder will be thinking the same thing and breeding very many more pups in the New Year I predict there will be a flood of puppies in 2021 We will end up with the opposite problem too many puppies Prices will drop and rescues will fill up We really need to protect dogs from boom and bust and one of the ways we can do this is to recognise small breeders as the elite People who love their dogs and give the mums a real life should be bringing up the next generation not people who treat dogs as commodities Do read my article on page 6 about why I decided to join Tailwise I hope you will too Let s encourage dog lovers to take control of the future of dogs and look after our best friends as well as they have cared for us in these difficult times P

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Words BEVERLEY CUDDY 2021 is coming re ady or not Her pups had the benefit of every health test known and amazing pretraining and socialisation Yet the price charged for all of her litter combined was less than the cost of just one from a puppy farmer It just defied logic BOTTOM LINE This year has seen the economy crash and many big household names go bust But some areas experienced massive growth It wasn t just loo roll that became a must have buy the public went puppy mad in lockdown C ongratulations if you survived 2020 There is nothing worse than living in interesting times apart from the alternative of not living The pandemic meant spending much more time at home and having a dog was perceived as essential First the mobs stockpiled toilet rolls But it is the great puppy rush of 2020 that will go down in history and be studied by psychology PhD students for centuries to come The rampant growth of Covid and canid were totally in step While the scientists dedicated themselves to the quest for a vaccine the rest of Britain was relentless in their search for a Frenchton or a Cavapoo Annette Courtney is doing a post grad and started looking at this year s change in human behaviour She told me that the loo roll and 6 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 dog acquisition were caused by the triggering of our ancient survival instincts Though Homo erectus probably used leaves to wipe their bottoms if indeed they bothered and the ancient urge to make weapons and find a good dry cave are of little use in most of Surrey Puppy farmers had been dreading 2020 In April Lucy s Law had taken away their shop window by banning third party sales The news was full of people driving hundreds of miles for a Covid test but the motorways were also full of couriers delivering puppies The small breeders couldn t legally deliver but the big ones were allowed to use Defra licensed dog carriers Thankfully they were better at their job than Hermes but it meant the puppy farmer was allowed to trade direct they d cut out the middleman and the only way anyone could see mum was via Zoom Prices went crazy The bulk traders cashed in As demand soared they bought in more stock There were people buying a puppy and then reselling it because the prices were going up so quickly they were getting a better return than on the stock exchange SHEDLOADS OF DOSH The disparity between the price of a shed born intensively farmed dog and a small home breeder was getting more and more acute I was speaking to one extremely ethical breeder who had taken eight weeks off work to rear her litter People had waited years for these pups and she had set her prices before the 2020 price boom One prospective puppy buyer told me In the rest of life you usually expect to get what you pay for so looking online at all these pups costing 6 000 plus you assume they are the best you could get They are reassuringly expensive Even at these hugely inflated prices there was no shortage of buyers It wouldn t take Martin Lewis to predict what happened next The bulk farmers stepped up production to meet increased demand acquiring many more breeding bitches and studs And if you investigate the figures you see the trend now is for people buying up the breeds needed to create the blends that the public seem to want the most One small chink of light is that people really do seem to have moved on from French Bulldogs and Pugs or is it that the bulk breeders are finding them troublesome to manufacture Are they lower profit with smaller litters and higher vet bills Business people will always look at the bottom line There was a report in the vet press about a breeder who was prosecuted for having drugs that she shouldn t have Fertility drugs If you have people who see the dog as a commodity then you can imagine the temptation to increase litter sizes by any means possible So in short more and more of the next generation of pups are being bred by people who keep them in industrial units where mums live shallow sad lives as breeding slaves While the sheds these days are probably well maintained the pups are peeing and pooing in their beds and never really learning how to be a pet But these breeders free of any ethical restraints will encourage impulse buying Buying a dog is an emotional purchase it s an ache that can bypass the logical part of our brain Dogs are family but we now have more and more people selling them who just see them as products I would like to change that There was a time when people didn t question the provenance of hen s eggs in the supermarket The younger generations have rushed to become vegan and campaign for a greener world yet it is these people who are responsible for puppy farmers best year ever That s why I ve joined Tailwise I ve been talking to founder Sam Worthy for the last couple of years but the pandemic puppy crisis made me realise we all need to stand together find a way to disrupt things and put it right Years of telling people to spay the dogs they love and adopt don t shop has led to the people who love dogs doing just that leaving those who don t care about our best friends to cash in and bulk breed them WORD TO THE WISE Over the years at Dogs Today we ve invented systems to unite the good people remember Diala Dog and the Perfect Pup but in reality if you re buying a dog magazine you re probably already pretty savvy We were giving a good sermon but we were often preaching to the choir Tailwise is a tech start up full of clever young people who know how to make something scalable It is our chance to do for good small producers of dogs what Camra did for independent micro brewers It s completely free for small ethical breeders and we intend to build a community that helps and supports those who strive to produce happy healthy pets and provide a lifetime of after care And it s not just about form filling and tick boxes it s about a philosophy It s a crusade to take the future generations of dogs out of breeding slavery by emancipating the mums To be in Tailwise you have to see mum as so much more than a womb to rent I know small ethical breeders have waiting lists as long as their dog s pedigrees But I urge you to ask not what can Tailwise do for me but what can it do for dogs Let s start spreading the word and encouraging home breeding to become the gold standard Where those who spend eight weeks helping to teach the next generation how to be good pet dogs are recognised for being the elite Where the love of the dog not the dosh is king That s my hope for the new year that those who love dogs come together and help build a robust umbrella for all the dogs and the good people and leaves the puppy pedlars out in the rain Tailwise isn t a replacement for all the good things people already do it s just an amplifier and a beacon so that those seeking a dog will find the way to people who won t just ask them How do you want to pay It s still rough around the edges but come inside and help us redecorate We need people who don t need Tailwise to join first The best breeders will inspire others and help shape the future Let s make 2021 a year to remember for all the right reasons P For more details Tailwise com December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 7

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Words BEVERLEY CUDDY How are you spending Xmas If you paid 6 500 for a pup in the pandemic what s inside your Swarovski encrusted wrapping paper under your Kempinski Christmas tree W hat better than a Dalmatian jumper and shirt for when you re spotting bargains in the New Year sales And this is a steal but I suspect the Harrods security guards can run fairly quickly a gold and diamond paw print charm reduced by almost a 1 000 Maybe get four If you don t have much time to spend your money this watch from Ulysse Nardin will help to lighten your bank account When I heard that Ralph Lauren were doing Beagle trousers I got very excited but then I realised they were for people Is it a pair of dog trousers or a brace Can you wear a Dalmatian shirt with houndy trousers You be the judge What a great Crufts outfit Maybe a biscuit Biscuiteers com are literally Best in Show and deserving a cup of tea A nightcap The Waterford Irish Dogs Decanters look chunky enough to probably resist a waggy tail Ready for bed now Everything matches in the Versace department but I personally prefer the Harrods Lord Lou bed myself But I think I d still cry if the dog chewed either P WHAT IS EVERY HANDICAPPED DOG S BIGGEST CHRISTMAS WISH RUN AROUND FREELY AGAIN YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN To make the Christmas of dogs in the UK even more beautiful orders placed until 31 1 2021 get a discount of 15 Simply use the discount code XMAS15 Read the enchanting stories of our u y clients and get more information on www anyonego com xmas 15 OFF Revolutionary 3D printed wheelchairs for handicapped dogs now available in the UK Magical combination of quality and style with a focus on health and wellbeing of the furriest member of your family The AnyoneGo wheelchair is Both functional AND beautiful Lightweight safe and stable Adjustable in length and height O ering a unique adjustable saddle xing the pelvis in the best healthiest position possible Available in 4 sizes from toy dogs chihuahua up to middle sized dogs such as Border Collie Easily washable Equipped with a variable and removable leg support and tilting wheels for sizes S and M F Stockists and prices Harrods Casablanca Dalmatian jumper 900 and shirt 675 Ralph Lauren Beagle trousers 109 Annoushka Yellow Gold and Diamond Paw Print Charm 3 920 Ulysse Nardin Rose Gold Classico Year of the Dog Automatic Watch 36 150 Waterford Irish Dogs Decanter 225 Lord Lou Bed 494 Biscuiteers com Best in Show 35 Versace Barocco dog bed 930 and bathrobe 355 and Crete de Fleur dog T shirt 135 8 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 www anyonego com R E E A G A I N anyonego

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Words ALESSANDRA PACELLI Words ALESSANDRA PACELLI Miracles Miraclesdo dohappen happen Buchanan In our June 2020 issue we published a piece about a rescue charity s work to create the UK s first centre for disabled animals After reading the article a volunteer for another rescue made contact and it was a match made in heaven that changed the lives of four dogs Paddy left and Pete T racey Ellison lives in the UK but she volunteers for Sirius Animal Rescue based in Cluj Romania For the last year the team had been trying without success to find a home for two Romanian rescue dogs with special needs Paddy and Buchanan Both dogs had been hit by a car and left to die Tracey would later write to us Sirius Animal Rescue took them in had them scanned and treated at the vet s but unfortunately both dogs were disabled after their serious injuries Buchanan had one back leg amputated and the knee in his other hind leg was compromised Despite their best efforts the team couldn t find a home for them in the UK Sirius Animal Rescue decided they would be Forever Sirius dogs that they would look after them for all of their life and give them the best life they could in these sad circumstances Tracey wrote It seemed the only arrangement possible until Tracey who had 10 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Miracle s Mission have now given four of our Forever Sirius dogs the chance of a lifetime one that we never believed possible This was all down to reading one article in Dogs Today magazine won a three month subscription to Dogs Today happened to read through our June issue and found a feature about the charity Miracle s Mission whose founder Victoria Bryceson was raising funds to open the UK s first centre for the rehabilitation of disabled animals RAY OF HOPE Victoria began working on this project after her experiences with Ella a rescue dog from Egypt who was paralysed in her back legs but still had a huge zest for life When I first spoke to my vet about Ella he told me that she would have no quality of life Victoria told us in her interview But I just had to give her a chance Later when he saw her running around in her wheels he said he had completely changed his mind over the quality of life paralysed dogs can have Still when I went to see a specialist I was told that most dogs who are brought in with spinal cord problems are put to sleep because the owners do not think they can have a good quality of life and cannot emotionally cope with the thought of having a two legged dog They simply don t realise that their dogs could still live full happy lives The aim would be to try rehabilitating dogs to help them walk again and failing that to provide them with wheels so they could move and live life to the full As she read the article detailing Victoria s plans for the centre Tracey found herself thinking of Paddy and Buchanan NEW LIFE After reading your article I decided to send a message to Miracle s Mission about these two boys and ask if there was anything they could do to help them After all if you don t ask you don t get Tracey says I felt it was a long shot but to my amazement Victoria immediately replied and wanted to know about the dogs She eventually said that if we could get Paddy and Buchanan in the UK Miracle s Mission would help rehabilitate and rehome them I was over the moon We raised enough money for them to travel to the UK and Miracle s Mission kept their promise These boys lives were changed forever Buchanan has found the perfect forever home Paddy is still undergoing his rehabilitation he has his very own wheelchair and is walking so much better Emma Buchanan s adopter says We all fell for Buchanan s cheeky face straight away and when we met him our decision was made pending him liking us of course With the love and support of both Victoria s Miracle s Mission and the friends of Sirius Rescue in Romania Buchanan has settled in well Between them they have a wealth of knowledge and such a caring attitude so no matter what happens you know you can manage Sirius Animal Rescue Sirius Rescue has been around for three years to rescue rehabilitate and rehome dogs and cats in Romania Tracey Ellison explains We have a neutering programmes with weekly clinics We also work with the communities on education and we have seen a positive shift in how younger generations treat animals we even had a young boy taking a puppy to us after witnessing her being thrown out of a moving vehicle While we rehome some dogs locally in Romania a lot of them are rehomed in the UK Many people adopt dogs from Romania after falling in love with them the moment they see their online profiles and we also have a partnership with Halfway Home dog rescue in Nottinghamshire who take in our dogs to adopt them out All of our dogs have full rescue back up which is such an important part of running a responsible rescue We have about a hundred dogs in our care at any one time People can sponsor them choose their name and contribute monthly towards their care Sponsors and eventual adopters can get in touch My own Sirius rescue dog was named Quentin by the 10 year old girl who sponsored him with her pocket money and the name stuck We have a fundraising group in the UK Sirius Star fundraising whose job became so much more difficult since the pandemic began with traditional fundraising events unviable From March to June it was difficult getting any dogs from Romania to the UK and it was tough because it meant we were unable to free up space for other dogs in need Luckily now we can keep transporting dogs during lockdown so we re back to finding them forever homes December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 11

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Victoria Bryceson with Ella Photo Andrew Price There is little difference in caring for a disabled dog Walks are short but he loves to sit and feel the wind in his face and watch the world go by When he is tired he tells us as he simply won t move So we wait until he is ready Just one look at those eyes and you can t resist him he knows he is gorgeous She adds We adore Buchanan and could not imagine a world without him He has given us a much slower more relaxed pace of life and that s just fine HAPPY ACCIDENT However this was not the end of the partnership between Miracle s Mission and Sirius Animal Rescue Tracey says Since then the dream got even better Pete a nine yearold boy with arthritis another Forever Sirius dog was offered a foster place by Miracle s Mission He is currently living in the same foster home as Paddy And finally our six year old two legged Jeanie also got offered a foster place and a chance of a prosthetic leg by Miracle s Mission They have now given four of our Forever Sirius dogs the chance of a lifetime one that we never believed possible This was all down to reading one article in Dogs Today magazine P SP EC IA LO FF ER BEST PET INSURANCE PROVIDER 2020 Voted for by pet owners at the Insurance Choice Awards Miracle s mission update Victoria says The charity is very busy with our ongoing neutering projects and we are now helping so many disabled dogs that we have a waiting list for them to come to us This is a huge part of the reason why we are trying to set up the rehabilitation centre for disabled dogs so that we can help even more Every day we are getting closer to our goal The centre will provide dedicated care for the most vulnerable dogs and cats Animals under our care will receive thorough veterinary assessments MRI scans surgeries the fitting of prosthetics and wheels Their personalised rehabilitation plan will include physiotherapy and hydrotherapy as well as daily massage and tens machine stimulation There will be a sensory garden and educational toys to provide adequate mental and physical stimulation for the animals and they will receive lots of love from our incredible carers Many of the dogs will be on bed rest when they first arrive with us so it s really important to stimulate the dogs in other ways rather than walking them Once the animals have been emotionally and physically rehabilitated as much as is possible we will find forever homes for them We aim to educate the public and vets about the possibilities of adopting a disabled animal We want to show people that disabled animals can live just as happy and active lives as non disabled animals We also want to save as many legs as possible So many unnecessary amputations are happening We want to save these dogs and fit prosthetics instead to give the dogs a much better and healthier quality of life And we want to show how easy it is to take care of a disabled dog and the absolute joy and love that these dogs will give You ll love our easy to understand lifetime cover backed by great customer service and a free online vet Up to 15k vet fee cover Zero excess option Easy to switch AUTUM N 2 0 2 0 GOLD RIBBON CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Pet Insurance Tracey Ellison with Quentin Leads to follow 12 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Sirius Animal Rescue www facebook com siriusanimalrescue or siriusanimalre1 on Twitter Sirius Star fundraising www facebook com siriusstarfundraising Miracle s Mission www miraclesmission org Halfway Home Dog Rescue www halfwayhome dogrescue org Free pet treat box worth 19 99 Buy a policy online at bbm link pet32 or by phone on 0345 646 0751 and get a free pet treat box worth 19 99 Terms apply Visit www bbm link terms21 for full details Pet insurance underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance SE Bought By Many Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA Register number 652623 Satisfaction score based on 404 responses 22 June 3 July 2020 from a sample of Bought By Many customers

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ADVERTISING FEATURE ADVERTISING FEATURE An extra special Christmas NATURAL FOOD FOR PETS Developed by Veterinary Surgeon Dear Santa Burns Pet Nutrition has some fabulous festive treats in store for our best friends T he award winning pet food brand headed by veterinary surgeon and philanthropic Scotsman John Burns gleefully rolls into the festive season after an all too strange but exciting year Despite the pandemic Burns Pet Nutrition has continued to support new and seasoned pet parents throughout lockdown with helpful guidance and information through its free nutritional advice helpline They ve also continued their support of rescue centres shelters and community projects throughout the year and they show no signs of slowing down as Christmas approaches Burns latest campaign will support local rescue centres and shelters in Wales with donations of much needed food toys and comforts The Forgotten Paws campaign will help rescue centres and shelters deal with a recent 14 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 rise in abandoned dogs due to the double whammy of Covid and the festive season Alongside donations of blankets old beds toys and accessories Burns will be donating a whopping 2kg for every purchase of a 12kg bag of food both online and in stores until 13 December in a bid to make sure no dog goes hungry this Christmas Alongside their Forgotten Paws campaign Burns has also managed to launch two more pet shops in the stunning locations of Cardigan and Llandeilo which will sell a variety of pet goodies such as toys accessories and plenty of yummy Burns pet food They ll also go that extra mile by featuring a bespoke health and wellness service offering guidance advice and services such as microchipping to local pet parents Burns has strived to be a force for change since its early days The natural pet food company was founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns and has been feeding healthy and happy dogs cats and rabbits since 1993 The Burns brand stands apart for its use of natural hypoallergenic and healthy pet food which champions the use of high quality wholesome ingredients without any nasty chemicals and preservatives This philosophy has led to Burns becoming a favourite among pet owners selling over two billion bowls of yummy pet food to date and coming out on top in the Which consumer award for best pet food As the festive season approaches Burns is even giving dog owners the opportunity to make their pups a part of the celebrations by launching a brand new Christmas storage tin and stocking The tins are designed with a special festive theme for seasonal munching that ll keep your food fresher for longer while the Burns stocking is made from durable ecofriendly hemp to keep those gifts safe from prying noses Burns are also currently offering a free bag of tasty Free From Turkey and Potato exclusively with the sale of their Christmas tins the perfect variety for festive feasting Get your festive Christmas storage tin with a free bag of Free From Turkey and Potato while stocks last Visit the Burns website today at burnspet co uk for more information P MRCVS TOP SCORE I ve been a real good pooch this year Please bring me a new Christmas storage storage tin from Burns Bu It comes with a free bag of tasty t ty Free From Turkey and Potato Love Dog 9 99 BVMS 92 in a Which consumer poll of 24 popular brands P P with a FREE bag of 2kg Turkey Free From 8 99 SRP 10 66 Measuring Cup P P with a FREE bag of 2kg Turkey Free From SRP 10 66 Measuring Cup Available to purchase at burnspet co uk For expert nutrition advice call our team on freephone 0800 083 6696 UK 1800 836 696 RoI While stocks last

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Words BEVERLEY CUDDY Illustrations KEVIN BROCKBANK Catherine the Great Catherine O Driscoll quite simply changed the dog world She dared to question received wisdom and was at the start of a rebellion where pet owners began to challenge the status quo Many of you wrote in with your tributes to Catherine T hirty years ago we had routine annual vaccinations and we d fallen in love with the convenience of newfangled dry dog food Catherine s pet Golden Retrievers kept getting ill and dying young and she wanted to know why At her virtual memorial in November alternative vet Dr Nick Thompson described her as a force of nature Catherine founded Canine Health Concern She publicised the radical books coming out of Australia written by two vets who dared to suggest that a raw natural diet may be better for dogs than kibble She wrote several books herself that would terrify the establishment Catherine questioned the frequency of canine revaccination and World in Action featured her crusade When the World Small Animal Veterinary Association WSAVA issued a report that confirmed her belief that some vaccines only needed to be repeated every three years it was a famous victory for the efforts of one person to change the system It s the sort of story that should be made into a film with Julia Roberts Sadly Catherine s life s work was cut tragically short by a cruel illness We were honoured to feature her work over the last 30 years and shared her passion for giving the dog a voice Her legacy is enormous do read her books and visit and join Canine Health Concern Here are just some of the tributes Catherine the Great it took tremendous bravery to stand up to big pharma and the pet food industry You were heard You made a difference 16 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Liz Jay In the 90s while still grieving the sudden death of my dear heart dog Zephyr the Bearded Collie I came across a copy of Catherine s book Who Killed The Darling Buds of May at a dog show and began reading I went back for my purse to buy it and the book had gone For a few months I searched for another copy without success desperate to read the story of this lady s vaccine damaged dogs which had so many parallels to my experience with Zephyr Then I heard of a new book called What Vets Don t Tell You About Vaccines I soon realised this was the same book with just a new title and cover I read it straight through I talked to my friends in the Bearded Collie world and we invited her to be a guest speaker at a North of England Bearded Collie Club event Catherine spoke with great wisdom despite some heckling and rudeness I found her hugely likeable intelligent and witty but serious and passionate on her specialist subject of dog health and began learning from Catherine from that day onwards I always said that Carsegray House the lovely home I visited several times was like Narnia to me It was an environment that brought out the best in everyone making them kinder braver stronger and more in tune with their higher selves but of course all this flowed from the gentle yet powerful energy that always surrounded Catherine especially at home with her dogs where she was happiest Catherine faced this new challenge of her own illness bravely Her sense of humour remained intact and she was as thoughtful and caring for others as she had ever been even as this illness took her life piece by piece Her beloved husband Rob and of course her dogs were there for her and I know she left this life surrounded by love probably more love than she ever realised Catherine s great work for dogs and their care continues via Canine Health Concern and what a fantastic legacy she has left Bless you and rest well now dear Catherine we miss you so much Amy Warner Catherine was a legend Huge loss to the dog world Tracy Neil She was the reason I now feed raw and titre test I hope she is looking down from heaven and can see what a huge difference she made for dogs Lynne Land Oh no poor Catherine I m proud to say that I follow her protocol she changed my dogs lives for the better Sasha Elias I never met Catherine sadly but I had many conversations with her via email and Messenger She was a huge support to me as a veterinary nurse when I was frustrated and upset in practice for various reasons usually over vaccination She gave her time and knowledge without fail and passed on studies to me Her passion dedication and warmth were obvious We ve lost a very precious soul who gave so much of herself for the health of our pets It s a comfort to hope that she will be surrounded by her precious dogs who went before her Rest easy Catherine you deserve to Tanja Wakelin This lady was so special and a true heroine to me I learned so much from her She put me on the path of raw feeding and natural parasite control seven years ago and we haven t looked back since My thoughts are with Rob their dogs and the family May she be reunited with her dogs over the rainbow bridge Rachel Jackson Catherine was a leading light in educating dog guardians I read What Vets Don t Tell You About Vaccines in about 1998 and it was a game changer for us I saw Catherine speak on raw feeding vaccines and EFT too and she set me on a different path in health care for our dogs A sad loss to the dog world Bridgette Evans I spoke to her over my concerns about the Lepto 4 vaccine and she encouraged me to start the Facebook group She s saved so many dogs through that site forever grateful Alison Ingram I ve reared holistically since watching Catherine on World in Action The dog world owes her a debt of gratitude December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 17

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18 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Maria Heskins It s so sad she was such a great lady and a true advocate for dogs I learnt so much from her I didn t know that she was so ill What a great loss to the dog world Dogs allowed in all grades of accommodation Dog friendly facilities Seven bark worthy locations around the UK with dogfriendly beaches and loads of walking routes Treat the pooch all year round with holiday home ownership from 24 995 Book now at awayresorts co uk or call us on 03432 496 310 Based on 2 night stay in Comfort accommodation at Whitecliff Bay in February 2021 24 995 holiday homes available at Mersea Island and Whitecliff Bay Pet Treat Brand of the Year 2020 UK Pet Munchies is a multi award winning range of premium gourmet treats made with high quality natural human grade meat and fish tw Soft Bite Natural Training Treats Used and recommended by World Champions pet munchie ww s c 15 OFF ha se Lynne Fourrel de Frettes Catherine gave me so much advice with my elderly dogs and introduced me to caring for them holistically She always had time to talk and was a great comfort to me when they passed She had a wicked sense of humour and I shall miss her immensely si the right to be heard Catherine was many things compassionate kind fearless and above all brave continuing to the end to battle for better care for animals My heart goes out to Rob and her family in their loss Holidays your dog will love From only 66 Vi A wonderful and beautiful person who will be sadly missed by those who knew her or of her work Jackie Grimmett Where to start So many years battles fought lost and won together with many I see our successes over those 20 years in my fellow professional dog groomers as so many now through my daily pestering and building an army of like minded troops to badger and post the dangers advocate and promote holistic lifestyles for dogs educate clients about vaccine and food dangers And all because of a phone call to Catherine and via a phone call to Beverley who recommended vet John Carter who in turn recommended Catherine and Beverley Exchanging research was far slower back then So many people don t realise the struggle we had before social media and mobile phones that can record evidence at the touch of a finger rather than having to carry a bulky camera and tape recorder For the love of dogs we will fight on for them and love them every second they are here with us sharing our lives just as they love and protect us So I ll keep sharing and posting to everyone open to read and hopefully plant that seed that makes one want to research more for themselves and the dogs Like Catherine I realise that we can t change the entire world But I know like her I have changed it for more than one dog and one person one day at a time She will be with me every step of the way whispering and advising in her badgering way Her voice is still there for us if we listen When we feel that darkness we only have to look up at the stars in the sky because there will be Catherine shining her love down on all of us Namaste my sister from another mother until we meet again Look after my boys and girl there please give them our love P Pawsome staycations om Doreen Simpkins I first met Catherine many years ago on one of her weekend seminars about natural canine health care a tremendous opportunity to learn about raw feeding the dangers of vaccinations and natural alternatives I remember reading one of her books and crying as she described the loss of her dogs to vaccine damage Her books were always full of research detail and facts and full of passion With the knowledge I gained from Catherine I went about implementing natural canine health care for my own dogs and have been doing so for 15 years Her enthusiasm for obtaining better health care for pets extended to offering support by phone and email I went on to learn more about aromatherapy and did a diploma course in canine psychology as a result of Catherine s example She had a great intelligence coupled with analytical ability some would say an ability to debunk bullshit as she battled for Catherine passed away peacefully at home in Hawick on Thursday 12 November Loved wife sister and aunt and all round most incredible person Those who wish to do so may donate in her memory to Catherine s lifelong work her non profit organisation Canine Health Concern via www caninehealth concern org uk Janice Bannister I m very sad to hear this news We have so much to thank Catherine for She changed my outlook on dog health ve c ur 15 with your p sa 1 December 1956 12 November 2020 Chris Day MRCVS I was privileged to meet Catherine in about 1993 Her devotion to her dogs was exemplary and she saw it as her duty to leave no stone unturned for their potential benefit On a mission she tirelessly and rigorously researched seeking out the science to support the information she found which she then most generously shared As a result she became a guiding light for so many people who wish to manage their dogs in as holistic and natural a way as possible for welfare and health Her findings did not always receive a friendly reception but she bravely endured opposition and persisted In establishing Canine Health Concern she gave people a voice and the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with peers who were mutually supportive and on their own learning curve Her exhaustive and authoritative published works will stand the test of time and will serve to guide for posterity those with beloved canine companions We have lost an incredible lady For a special 15 discount use DOGSTODAY15 at checkout Valid until 31 January 2021

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Words DEBBIE BRIDGES Dogs of war Rescuing a dog from a war zone can have unexpected and far reaching consequences P rivate Conrad Lewis of the Parachute Regiment was 22 years old when he was shot and killed in Helmand province Afghanistan He was the 353rd member of the military to be killed in Afghanistan and like every one of those soldiers he left behind a grieving family struggling to come to terms with their loss Nine years on Sandi and Tony Lewis speak with pride and warmth of their son s courage and zest for life They talk of a need to find something positive in their situation which led to them setting up The 353 Trust which raises funds for lesser known military charities and helps others whose lives have been torn apart by war And in opening their hearts and home to a small brown dog they did the one thing they could still do for Conrad In his first letter home he wrote about a stray dog who was a constant companion at the checkpoint where he was stationed Tony tells me as we settle down in their cosy kitchen with three dogs patrolling the table legs and gently vying for attention He described how she d put herself on sentry duty at their look out Top left and above Peg made herself useful at the checkpoint performing sentry duties and alerting the soldiers to disturbances to the terrain Left Conrad with a stray puppy in Afghanistan Facing page top Conrad with Peg in Helmand Facing page bottom Sandi and Tony share a moment with their dogs left to right Kohi Eric and Peg posts and accompany them on patrol heedless of the danger and unfazed by gunfire that could last for hours She would even point out any changes she noticed in the terrain such as disturbances to the soil which might indicate the presence of an IED improvised explosive device When Conrad came home on leave at Christmas his phone was full of photos of the little dog with a wonky ear and it was clear he had no intention of abandoning her when his tour of duty was over He d heard about an organisation that helps get dogs and cats out of war zones and back to the homes of soldiers who ve befriended them Sandi recalls He wanted us to find out about it and bring Peg home for him Bringing Peg home became a focus for the family in the dark days following Conrad s death and just as she brought her own special brand of comfort to him in one of the most dangerous places on earth so she s brought solace to a peaceful corner of rural Warwickshire She s a wonderful dog Tony says quietly It s as if Conrad sent 20 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 her to look after us and she s been our little guardian angel Peg is now around 10 years old and is as much at home in the English countryside as she ever was in Afghanistan although says Tony some habits are hard to break She s still on alert when we re out for a walk he says If she spots anything that s not usually there like a bit of rubbish in the hedgerow she always lets us know CUPBOARD LOVE Rescuing a dog from a remote outpost in a country at war is fraught with difficulties and danger But despite the red tape and myriad of obstacles involved the organisation behind Peg s rescue has to date reunited some 1 400 soldiers with the dogs and cats they ve befriended in Afghanistan Iraq Ukraine Syria and Libya Now a registered charity Nowzad started with the rescue of one dog by a Royal Marine Sergeant Pen Farthing who was serving in Helmand province when he impulsively broke up an organised dog fight and found himself caring for a fighting dog who cautiously responded to the first taste of human kindness he d ever known Both dogs ran away when the fight broke up and I found one of them hiding in a cupboard in a disused storeroom on the compound Pen explains He was frightened and aggressive and my intention was to get him out of the compound before someone got bitten Obviously I couldn t just march in and grab him so I spent several days coaxing him out with food A number of bags of military rations later Pen noticed a flicker of trust in the big dog s eyes and before he knew it he was building a shelter for his new friend He called him Nowzad after the local town they were defending and in a story that reads like a thriller the ex fighting dog went on to become the first to make it out of Afghanistan along with another of the dogs Pen took under his wing and the inspiration behind the charity named in his honour For a few minutes each day spending time with the dogs was like a magic carpet ride out of Afghanistan Pen says fondly remembering the small pack he ended up looking after in his makeshift shelter December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 21

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He understands only too well the difference these animals can make in circumstances that most of can hardly begin to imagine and it s this insight that s behind his determination to assist others who can t bear to leave their four legged buddies behind when it s time to pack up and go home Despite juggling a career in the Royal Marines and a home life that featured a burgeoning number of dogs Pen was soon using the knowledge he d gained to answer an increasing number of desperate pleas for help But it was when he was discharged from the military on medical grounds that he was able to step up operations and expand the charity s remit We ve set up the only official animal welfare centre in Afghanistan Pen s partner Hannah tells me proudly We ve also opened the Conrad Lewis Clinic where we employ Afghan national veterinarians including female veterinarians which a groundbreaking accomplishment in an area where girls weren t allowed to be educated under the Taliban HEALING WOUNDS We re implementing a trap neuter vaccinate return programme to reduce the number of strays on the streets and local Afghan people can adopt companion animals from our welfare centre with the cost of healthcare covered for their lifetime Keeping pets was also forbidden under the Taliban and we think reintroducing them to people s homes is beneficial The charity receives no government or military funding and it s the invaluable efforts of the small army of volunteers who make up the Nowzad family that make it all possible Ann and David Hill are two of the charity s most stalwart volunteers and despite having no connection with the military or Afghanistan the pair spend a good deal of their spare time travelling the country and raising funds for Nowzad We heard Pen giving a talk at a remembrance service at the Animals in War Memorial in Park Lane says Ann We were so affected by what he had to say we immediately offered to do whatever we could to help On becoming a trustee of the charity David packed a bulletproof vest and made the journey to Kabul to see for himself how the money is spent and almost inevitably brought home something more than a greater understanding of the charity s work Hannah and Pen making friends at the Nowzad shelter 22 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Natural Supplements for Animals Natural Supplements for Animals Free Shipping with code DTFS19 Digest Support Perfect for those Festive season excesses healthy and efficient digestive system calm and steady processing of food through the digestive tract optimum nutrient absorption Tel 0800 294 1250 Email helpline hiltonherbs com www hiltonherbs com

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Sharifa was waiting for me every time I stepped outside the clinic door he smiles recalling his heart being stolen by the scrap of a dog who just couldn t get enough cuddles She was about ready to give up and die when she arrived at the Nowzad centre he says Aside from a severe case of mange the team discovered she had a strand of old rope deeply embedded in her neck which had probably been used as a lead when she was a pup It s left her with lasting nerve damage and although she holds her head at an odd angle it causes her no discomfort For the entire duration of our chat Sharifa has been curled up on my feet and it s all I can do to keep my hands from her lustrous golden fur and concentrate on making notes Leads to follow For information about Nowzad go to www nowzad com phone 07583 812091 or use the website s contact form For information about The 353 Trust go to 353 org uk phone 01926 840380 or email info 353 org uk has written three books describing his experiences One Dog at a Time No Place like Home and Wylie all are available through the Nowzad website or on Amazon Pen She s such a loving dog David laughs She d go home with anyone Similarly Tony made the trip to Afghanistan to take part in a piece on BBC s News at Ten and as a result a lively young dog called called Kohi was soon joining Peg in the Lewis household And while Pen and Hannah currently share their lives with three Afghan dogs they re keen to stress that the wholesale rehoming of Afghan strays to the West is not what the charity s all about Our long term goal is to open a network of shelters across Afghanistan says Pen who believes that promoting animal welfare in the region will help heal the scars caused by over four decades of conflict It s a huge aspiration for a small charity but as the title of Pen s first book suggests there s only one way to do it one dog at a time P Above Sharifa was in a pitiful state when she arrived at the Nowzad centre Right David had to don a bulletproof vest and helmet for his trip to Afghanistan Far right Sharifa and David in Kabul Below Sharifa at home with David Dog Insurance with up to 30 off Visit theinsuranceemporium co uk DT99 or call 03300 243 980 today Entertainment Leisure Insurance Services Entertainment Leisure Insurance Services Limited and Lifestyle Policy Limited are appointed representatives of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited registered in England and Wales no 294940 which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no 202748 The 30 discount is made up of 20 Introductory Discount plus 10 Multi pet Discount if appropriate The Introductory Discount is available for the rst 12 premium payments on lunar and calendar monthly policies or one premium payment on annual policies O er ends 31 12 2021 and is only redeemable on monthly policies and not where premiums are paid annually Our Defaqto 5 Star Rating applies to Lifetime Gold Pet Insurance policies Above Pen with Nowzad the dog who started it all in Afghanistan 24 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 2021 Dogs Today indd 1 24 11 2020 10 40

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Quick question Do you have a problem you d like answered by an expert Or do you Email your question to enquiries dogstodaymagazine co uk What is brucellosis Photo posed by models This autumn news came that Romanian rescue dogs rehomed in the UK had developed brucellosis and were sadly put to sleep This disease is virtually unheard of in the UK and many owners aren t even aware of its existence Here s all there is to know 26 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 want advice from someone with personal experience of the issue EXPERT ADVICE Kerry Wollacott New Moon Romanian Dog Rescue advises A couple of months ago we were contacted by a lady who had adopted a dog from us a year earlier to say he had tested positive for a disease called brucellosis The adopter was advised to let us know and also the siblings of her dog that they needed to be tested even though they were not showing any symptoms He had been having back pains for some time which we weren t aware of and after running a variety of tests brucellosis came back as the diagnosis After some research we discovered that Canine brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Brucella canis B canis Infected dogs usually develop an infection of the reproductive system or a sexually transmitted disease Brucellosis is a notifiable disease which meant The Animal and Plant Health Agency had to be notified The other five dogs were all tested and sadly also found to be positive The advice from vets was that due to the condition being incurable and being contagious to other dogs and as it is a zoonotic disease that may be passed to humans it was advised for them to be put to sleep This was absolutely devastating news to those who adopted their seemingly happy healthy pups to the lady who rescued them and to us who rehomed them Within 10 days all six were gone their father tested negative When a female is infected with brucellosis and gets pregnant the foetuses don t usually survive in their case it seems they did and sadly the disease was passed from mother to pups Because this illness is caused by bacteria it cannot be vaccinated against it is extremely rare and virtually unheard of in the UK It is not routinely tested for in Romania or any other country that I m aware of I spoke with other UK and Romanian rescuers and vets and all said they either had never heard of it or had heard of it and never seen a case We re not vets we re not experts and I guess we naively thought this must be a randon one off extremely unlucky case Then a gorgeous little pup called Loki who was recently adopted began suffering from agonising pain episodes He was sent for an MRI as no one could work out what was wrong Loki had various blood tests and devastatingly was found to be positive for brucellosis As you can imagine this was the very worst news Unfortunately it gets worse Loki was one of a litter of four who along with their mother were adopted in the UK in early August Loki s siblings have now been tested and two a brother and sister adopted together were found to be positive We are waiting on results for their mum and one sister a male pup who grew up with them and shared everything with them including their mother s milk has thankfully tested negative Research suggests if a dog with the illness is neutered has a course of antibiotics and is retested for antibodies they could lead a relatively normal life but will never be cured However at a time where everyone is scared because of Covid and little is known here about brucellosis it is not looking good for those who are positive On 25 October lovely little Loki crossed the rainbow bridge the pain was too much and it was the kindest thing to do The two litters were not connected in any way This is a lot to take in and quite scary for all those who have already adopted a foreign rescue whether through us or another group but this is still an extremely rare condition BRUCELLOSIS SYMPTOMS These are the symptoms to look out for Lethargy Swollen lymph nodes Difficulty walking Back pain Weak sickly newborn puppies Vaginal discharge Swollen testicles Inflammation of the skin around the scrotum We put our hearts and souls into rescuing unwanted dogs and bringing them here for a long happy life so you can imagine how utterly devastating this has been not just for the loss of seemingly healthy dogs but also the pain their owners have had to go through after losing a member of their family We never want this to happen again so all dogs leaving Romania through New Moon will be tested Anyone who has a dog leaving soon please be assured that tests will be done anyone who has adopted from us prior to this please get in touch If your dog is showing any of the symptoms above you can request a test from your vet I would advise anyone adopting from another rescue to request a test as well EXPERT ADVICE Dr Ryan Llera and Dr Cheryl Yuill Veterinary Centers of America VCA advises Canine brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Brucella canis B canis This bacterial infection is highly contagious between dogs Infected dogs usually develop an infection of the reproductive system or a sexually transmitted disease December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 27

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Photo posed by a model Quick question Spoil the one you love this Christmas Different species of Brucella infect sheep goats cattle deer elk pigs and other animals What are the signs Brucellosis in dogs typically causes reproductive problems such as infertility and abortions with few other signs of clinical illness The disease is most common in sexually intact adult dogs Male dogs infected with brucellosis develop epididymitis an infection in part of the testicle A dog with a newly acquired infection will often have an enlarged scrotum or testicle and may have a skin rash on the scrotum The dog may be infertile In chronic cases the testicles will atrophy or become shrunken Female dogs infected with brucellosis develop an infection of the uterus causing her to be infertile have difficulty getting pregnant or she may abort in the late stages of pregnancy She often has a persistent vaginal discharge Typically a pregnant dog with brucellosis will abort at 45 55 days of gestation or will give birth to stillborn or weak puppies that may die a few days after birth During the early stages of brucellosis enlarged lymph nodes are common Occasionally the intervertebral discs eyes kidneys or brain will be affected If the bacteria infects these other tissues the signs will be related to the relevant bodily system How is it spread Large numbers of B canis bacteria are shed in the semen or vaginal discharges of an infected dog Smaller amounts of bacteria may also be shed in the dog s urine or saliva After a female dog aborts a pregnancy because of brucellosis she will continue to discharge fluids infected with the bacteria for four to six weeks after the abortion Dogs are exposed to the disease via contact with infected bodily fluids Although the most 28 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Gift Vouchers Available common route of infection is oral from licking contaminated urine or discharges from the reproductive tract or licking or chewing placental material or aborted foetuses dogs can also pick up an infection through sexual transmission inhalation sniffing contaminated urine or other discharges or through other mucous membranes such as the eyes How is it diagnosed The infection is usually diagnosed by a blood test The most common blood test is called a rapid slide agglutination test or RAST and it can detect infections after three to four weeks This test is used for screening of breeding dogs and negative tests are reliable unless the dog has been recently exposed to the disease False positive tests are relatively common and any dog that tests positive with the RAST test should have the disease confirmed with an advanced test called an agar gel immunodiffusion test AGID which will identify infected animals between 12 weeks and 1 year post infection What is the treatment Although certain antibiotics can be used to help control the infection no treatment is completely effective at eliminating the bacteria and any dog that has been infected should be considered to be infected for life Surgical sterilisation of the infected dog will decrease shedding of the organisms into the environment thereby reducing the risk to other dogs Can I get infected Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans Although people can become infected by coming in contact with infected animals it is uncommon for a person to get a brucellosis infection from a dog Breeders and vets exposed to the blood or other secretions of infected animals are at an increased risk of developing an infection pet owners are less likely to come in contact with blood semen or uterine discharges from an infected dog However people with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with a dog that is diagnosed with brucellosis Whenever possible wear disposable gloves before handling newborn puppies or cleaning an area where a dog has whelped After removal of the disposable gloves wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and rinse well P www petcetera co uk ONLINE 01948 668100 CALL US IN STORE BRADELEY GREEN TARPORLEY ROAD WHITCHURCH SY13 4HD

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Words BERNARD BALE Cat walks and dog walks 30 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Liz with Shivraj Instagram T he first thing I do every morning when I am at home is to give my dogs a kiss as soon as I wake up They are never far away from me so we all wake up together Liz revealed When Elizabeth Hurley was growing up in Basingstoke Hampshire she was part of a normal family and took an interest in animals from an early age an interest that not only turned into a love but also led to her using her international stardom to support a number of animal causes I learned a lot in my early childhood she said My father was an army officer and we were a happy family with my older sister and my brothers A lot of my friends had divorced parents but nothing like that happened in our family I am glad to say We all got on pretty well I have good memories of Basingstoke I went to Kempshott Infant School followed by Kempshott Junior School and then the Harriet Costello School which sounds frightfully grand My school days were a little odd I think because I wanted to be like other people but some thought that I talked posh because my parents had insisted on us learning to speak properly I had friends but somehow I didn t quite fit in with the way most people were I suppose I became a bit of a rebel It comes as no surprise to find that Liz s Instagram account is virtually an album of pet photos She likes nothing better than talking about her dogs and can often be seen at local dog shows That rebellion was not a malicious one Liz simply embraced the punk scene of the time and adopted the fashion and the music Her hair became pink and she had her nose pierced For a while she joined a punk band called Vestal Virgins At one point during my punk years my mother said that if I removed my nose ring she would buy me driving lessons That was a bit of a mistake on both sides Her offer was well meant but only brought out my rebellious bit and I was too into what I was doing to realise I was being offered something worthwhile Throughout all that though I developed a love of animals and especially dogs they are always such faithful friends I like cats and have a cat but they are pretty independent whereas dogs don t pass judgement on you they just accept you for what you are and want to be friends do get a dog make him or her your best friend and you will want to go walking as often as possible I must say that while I do my best my dogs are a lot fitter than me but they do make allowances for me Of course dogs can mean heartache too when they pass away Liz experienced that when her beloved Dash died He was an enchanting dog really lovely she said It was very sad when he went as it always is but I had so many messages of sympathy from people who heard about him going It was a great help FITNESS BUDDIES It comes as no surprise to find that Liz s Instagram account is virtually an album of pet photos She likes nothing better than talking about her dogs and can often be seen at local dog shows now and then with a rosette on her dog s collar after the judges have made their awards Of course Liz likes to keep fit and that is where her dogs prove to be a great help She is still a very down to earth woman who enjoys life and has never lost a sense of humour in which she is often her own target I don t take myself too seriously she admitted I know my failings and I do make fun of myself I know I have to keep myself fit but I don t believe in being a martyr to it I walk my dogs every day and jog a bit but nothing too strenuous I don t over eat either I have what I need and often that is one main meal a day I do believe in the value of proper sleep Getting as much sleep as possible and not eating for the sake of it will always make you feel better and less stressed about life Getting stressed is easy we all lead busy lives and it is not easy to keep control We just have to try I live in the country which also helps When I go out somewhere even if it is just to the shops or walking the dogs I always wear make up and try to make myself look presentable I ve never seen the point of looking less than your best I think the dogs appreciate that and they like to look their best too mostly They know how to pose for the camera now and enjoy the attention They do provide me with a lot of exercise and if anyone has a problem with getting out there and walking then I can only urge them Having other dogs and animals to fill your time does help when you have a pet bereavement but you never forget the one that s gone Dash is buried under an oak tree and in peace Having other dogs and animals to fill your time does help when you have a pet bereavement but you never forget the one that s gone WELCOME COMMITTEE Liz is constantly in demand for films television modelling and endorsements and finds herself flying around the world quite a lot but she always makes sure she is never far away from her dogs for very long They are my friends my family and I miss them if we are apart for very long she said There is nothing quite like walking into your home and being greeted by your dogs Every time is a special moment and much better than walking down the red carpet at an awards ceremony Whatever goes on in your life your dogs are constant pals They love you and you cannot help but love them right back P Liz with Dash Instagram She s famous throughout the world and is rarely out of the newspapers for very long but for animal lover Elizabeth Hurley her favourite escape from the flashing cameras is walking with her dogs in the countryside December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 31

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SPONSORED CONTENT Sam Gaines and her dog Flo How to protect your dog s mental health during the pandemic Everyone can suffer from poor mental health it s not always something that can be easily controlled and it can feel extremely isolating but you re never alone Whether you re struggling with short term or long term issues recognising the signs of mental illness and taking action will help you to manage your symptoms and start your recovery D ogs can offer amazing support and can actually improve our mood we only need to look to social media for hundreds of examples of how our dogs have helped us through this period not only by getting us out into the fresh air for our daily exercise but by doing what they do best and being by our side But did you know that they can also suffer from poor mental health themselves Our companion animal welfare expert Sam Gaines pictured above explains how we can help care for our dogs mental health during the pandemic and after How do dogs improve our mental health Dogs have been found to improve our mood by lowering levels of anxiety and depression as well as by reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation It has also been shown that during times of change or when exposed to events that can place individuals at an increased risk of mental health conditions companion animals even appear to play a role in increasing the owner s resilience It s not surprising that so many people have them as part of their family and that the search for dogs and puppies has increased during this period 32 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 How does our mental health affect our dogs Dogs can sense how we re feeling and can even mirror our stress remember when Joey in Friends broke the happy dog Dogs and other companion animals might seem like the perfect antidote for many in the current crisis but with recent studies suggesting that some of our most popular pets are very capable of responding to human emotional expression it is also an important time to consider the impact that Covid 19 might be having on us and in turn our pets How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting our dogs While many studies looking at the impact of Covid 19 on pet behaviour are still ongoing there are some that have recently been published that show the pandemic may be affecting some of our four legged friends For example a recent study from Dogs Trust exploring the effect of Covid 19 on dogs and their owners found increased reports of clinginess and attentionseeking behaviours as well as fear or frustration associated behaviours How will our dogs cope after the coronavirus pandemic is over Many animal welfare organisations fear that the worst may be yet to come It s anticipated that many pets will experience separationrelated problems once their owners return to work and they find themselves home alone As behaviour problems and changes in personal circumstances are major factors for relinquishment and euthanasia pets may be facing their own crisis following the pandemic As we continue to make our way through this pandemic it s important to keep reminding ourselves that our dogs may also be struggling and are reliant on us to protect their mental well being But the good news is that there are lots of ways that we can help them How can we better understand how our dogs are feeling One of the best things to do is to recognise and understand our dogs body language as behaviour is the outward expression of our pets inward emotional state Becoming familiar with the different signs that our pets use can really help us to know when they re feeling sad happy or anxious You can learn to recognise and understand your pet s behaviour by using our RSPCA body language infographics If our dogs are feeling worried or anxious there are lots of things we can do to help them feel happier including setting aside regular time for play exercise rest and training Just being with us can help our pets feel relaxed and happy If you re yet to return to work you can start preparing your pet for when you do by introducing gradual changes We have some great tips for helping dogs adjust to a new routine to get you started I m worried about my dog s behaviour What can I do If while you have been at home your dog has developed a behaviour problem then now is the time to seek help Not only are behaviour problems often indicative of mental health issues and poor welfare in our pets but they can also have a major impact on our relationship with them One recent study found that problematic dog behaviour can result in owners experiencing negative emotions including sadness frustration and anger similar to a caregiver s burden While it s tempting to search online for behaviour advice it can be very risky as some of the available advice on the internet is incorrect out of date and even dangerous for you and your pet We always advise that the best action to take is to seek an ABTC approved pet behaviour expert a guide for which can be found on our RSPCA England and Wales website If you have other worries about your pet s health and welfare during the coronavirus pandemic such as their health or not being able to afford their care please take action by reading our expert advice https www rspca org uk adviceandwelfare pets dogs behaviour I m struggling with my mental health what should I do This has been a difficult time for each and every one of us If you re concerned about your own mental health there are many great resources to support you and the sooner support is sought the better it is for you For guidance and help always contact your GP You can also get in touch with Samaritans or Mind for further professional advice and resources P December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 33

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Photo posed by models Postbag Your news views NO FAMILY ALLOWED Reading Richard Allport s article October issue brought back very sad memories In May I lost my beautiful intelligent German Shepherd Skye to cancer I had lost my husband Robert to cancer the previous January and Skye had kept me going through the first dreadful months She was loving demanding and funny She slept by my bed and I could lean over and stroke her During the night she would go downstairs patrol the house and then come up again I loved her dearly Skye was only eight years old and had been a very healthy girl Suddenly she went downhill she was subdued and uncomfortable TAKING ACTION In October our council implemented a Public Space Protection Order PSPO limiting the number of dogs a person in our local area can walk which was only based on two anecdotal stories Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in changing the council s mind about implementing this PSPO which affects me severely as I can no longer walk all my dogs together I feel that I have been robbed of my independence My social 34 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Get in touch I took her to the vet s and had to leave her as I was not allowed in Later that day I received a call to say she had inoperable cancer My son and I went to say goodbye A nurse brought Skye out to the front of the surgery and we sat on the grass with her Even though we could see she was suffering her joy at seeing us was heartbreaking She wanted to go home Eventually the nurse came out and took her lead We were desperate to go with her but we were not allowed in At the door Skye stopped and looked back at us I wanted to race over grab her and take her home I shall never forget that look l can see her now bewildered and alone Why could the surgery staffed by caring animal lovers not have one room used solely by owners who wanted to stay with their pet to the end Tara our Shepherd before Skye was put to sleep at home Robert and I sat on the floor with her held her and loved her while the vet injected her She passed peacefully surrounded by love Richard mentioned in his article the lady who had phoned 40 vets until she found one who let her stay with her dog I feel such guilt that I had not thought to try other vets I think we were so traumatised at losing Skye we couldn t think rationally How I wish we had I can still see Skye looking back at us Sheila Bowen Colthurst life has already been affected detrimentally as I am a key worker for the NHS I used to go and see my godsons and goddaughters to put them to bed regularly but by the time I have finished walking the dogs it is too late to do this now I have heard that this PSPO was implemented as dog walkers were driving to parks and letting the dogs in their care run riot and foul everywhere without picking it up I agree this is despicable behaviour but this could be easily rectified without punishing other innocent people I am currently being penalised for behaviour I am not guilty of My friend and I have exhausted all avenues at the moment regarding the local PSPO so we ve put that to the back burner until the New Year ready for the council s review in March 2021 However our research has highlighted some disturbing facts about PSPOs in general There is no legislation to cover how and why they are implemented and we were even more shocked that there is no way to appeal the PSPO itself Some PSPOs have been for littering bird seed or dictating what length dog lead you can have With all this going on we ve decided to go national and attempt to get the government to review reform PSPOs with this petition https petition parliament uk petitions 552758 We have received an email from The Kennel Club confirming their support and advising they will promote our petition We have been overwhelmed by the responses we have had so far and felt that we had to do something as these PSPOs criminalise acts and behaviours that are not considered unlawful under British law Lisa Taylor We love to hear your news and views and see photos of your dogs Email editorial dogstodaymagazine co uk Write to us at Dogs Today The Stables Saddlers Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ Join the debate Voice your opinions on news stories and other topics on our Dogs Today Magazine Facebook page or through our website www dogstoday magazine co uk

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Obituaries Your tributes If you want to pay tribute to a departed pet or have a suggestion for a lost star dog write to us at the address on page 3 or email editorial dogstodaymagazine co uk and put Tribute in the subject line Photo Alex Cearns Houndstooth Studio Pixel 15 April 2013 to 28 October 2020 The light dimmed for us when we said goodbye to our sweet Greyhound Pixel She was diagnosed with advanced osteosarcoma in her front leg and she was in palliative care at home ever since Pixel became quieter and less enthused we noticed the shift and had to honour our commitment to her as a loved and valued member of our family and say goodbye We didn t want her to suffer even for a minute It s one of the hardest decisions we ve ever had to make and one that has broken our hearts but it was the right decision for our gorgeous girl If Pixel had a human job she would ve been a supermodel Elegant sleek and stunning she was adored by us and she charmed everyone who met her She dabbled in modelling on occasion visiting Event Cinemas with Pip to promote The Secret Life of Pets movies where she ate popcorn sat in the cinema seats and ran down the long corridors at speed and Dymocks Karrinyup where she got all the pats from staff and customers while she had her photo taken to promote For the love of Greyhounds She walked beautifully on lead and was a sight to behold when she ran at liberty in full flight I can see her now fast and focused with her tongue hanging out mouth pulled up into a huge grin eyes wide and excited with her legs working in perfect unison to propel her along It must ve felt like flying Deb and I loved Pixel from the Banjar Comedian Bill Bailey recently announced the passing of Banjar his beloved rescue dog Today we said goodbye to our lovely rescue dog Banjar he wrote Farewell old friend Sleep well moment we laid eyes on her and will continue to love her for as long as we live She was our first Greyhound the one who indoctrinated us into the world of these fun fascinating and quirky non dogs We were blessed to have shared our lives with her for the past seven years She was such a big personality and had a presence which we continue to feel We know we aren t alone in the grief we carry and tears we cry for our Pixel Everyone who s ever loved and lost a pet feels the same They always break our hearts in the end and we know this going into it from the start but the way they enrich our lives with their limitless companionship friendship and unwavering loyalty makes it worth every minute We need to remember how they lived not the last moments of their existence and Pixel lived well and lived large Run free gorgeous girl Go fly Love Your Mums Alex Deb Lupo The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced the death of Lupo their nine year old Cocker Spaniel Very sadly last weekend our dear dog Lupo passed away they wrote He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much My Chinese Jewel My loving stoic sweet Nunu My bundle of love Several readers have reached out to us to express their frustration over the distress continuous loud bangs cause their pets during fireworks season and how year after year nothing seems to change Hundreds of bangers going off last night and tonight driving our dog to run round screaming and barking It is time the loud bangs were banned It seems that people do not want fireworks that look good just the ones that sound like bombs exploding Enough is enough I am wondering if some of our politicians have shares in the firework firms or perhaps live in places where people have more respect for others than round here where they think nothing of setting bangers off at 1am Linda Fielding 36 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 A number of countries have acknowledged the damage done by fireworks and acted accordingly Italy Australia etc Yet the UK doesn t Shameful Elaine Rider I had to give my beautiful senior Nunu her angel wings I m devastated Nunu was a meat trade survivor from Beijing She escaped a death worse than hell unlike so many My baby arrived January 22nd 2019 I was smitten What a pocket rocket She could hold her ground she loved her food and adored her squeaky toys She had such a huge presence for such a tiny dog I would say kisses and she would lick my nose She overcame many obstacles a mammary tumour cataract surgery an eye ulcer colitis and latterly heartbreakingly neurological signs But she would still gallop round the garden in gay abandon roll and bark her unmistakable presence Firework woes It s 14 November it s pouring with rain and still fireworks are going off I have one terrified dog and one barking his head off It s about time fireworks were banned they sound like bombs going off Gillian Taylor My heart aches Nothing compares to the loss of a loved animal Night evaporated then the day loomed near I felt sick fragile broken I was stood on a precipice The nality is indescribable surreal You told me Nunu you were tired as you lay in my arms I held you close a nal breath then you were gone Life is so fragile My sweet Nunu they should have brought you to me years ago We were cheated of precious time together But death is but a pause I hear you in the quiet of night I put out my hand only to feel an empty space I can smell you I miss nuzzling my face into your warm fur 18th February 2009 30th October 2020 You are forever a paw print on my heart Nunu

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Photo posed by models Great Debate If you have an opinion on this subject that is not already covered here email enquiries dogstodaymagazine co uk putting Great Debate in the subject line Please limit your response to 100 words Caroline Key I had to part with my palliative care foster last week He was found as a collapsed starved dehydrated hypothermic stray aged at least 15 He has massive separation anxiety and I promised I would not abandon him Fortunately we have a mobile veterinary practice who specialise in end of life care and home euthanasia because my own vets have no garden and I would have had to leave him on the doorstep My boy went to sleep in my arms in my garden in the sun eating smoked mackerel The attending vet was very gentle very careful and scrupulous in being Covid safe We desperately need our vets they are working in such awkward conditions to maintain a service for us Normally I am very happy to abide by whatever conditions they feel they need in place to keep working but I do think that when it comes to putting pets to sleep we all might need to rethink what we do on welfare grounds I am so grateful that there was another option for me Should pet owners be allowed in during vet visits on lockdown Marilyn Smith My little Bichon Poppy was put to sleep during the first lockdown I begged and pleaded to be with her but I wasn t allowed My lasting memory of her was her being taken away by a vet as I sat in my car crying hysterically She had been with me 13 years it was a awful No owner should have to go through that experience ever Liv Mozumder I work in a vet practice We cannot socially distance If any member of staff catches the virus the whole team must shut down and isolate in which case we won t be there full stop for at least two weeks Not even for emergencies For the sake of a 15 minute appointment owners shouldn t come in We only let them in for euthanasia 38 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Charlie Holly My husband wasn t allowed in hospital for my ultrasound scans while I was pregnant as I was the patient The dog cat is the patient and therefore the husband owner isn t allowed in either That s the way I see it so I understand why owners aren t allowed in Though when it comes to putting pets to sleep I can understand why an owner would be upset All it takes is one Covid positive person to go into the practice and the practice has to close and no animals will be treated so I understand it needs to be done Brenda Howlett Dogs should have visits from their owners if they are in patients during lockdown especially if they are in for a while It could be done safely with PPE and social distancing Kate Gregory It is entirely up to each practice and what they deem safe for their staff End of life care should be absolutely accommodated for wherever possible but otherwise it should be a decision for the practice Quite often pets are actually more relaxed and better behaved without their owners as they pick up on the owner s stress I say this from an RVN point of view and that of an owner who has not been able to be with her dog on numerous occasions for vet visits throughout lockdown including referrals for an MRI after a seizure and one for cancer surgery and he was actually better behaved without me in the room Laura Goodburn I m a vet believe me this situation isn t ideal for anyone Where I work we are allowing clients inside to say goodbye to their beloved pet but for everything else they wait outside I know you re allowed in supermarkets or shops but you d be unable to keep a two metre distance inside a small consulting room and you d be in close contact with the vet for 10 15 minutes so the risk of transmission is high Our staff can t socially distance from each other due to the nature of our work so if anyone in our practice tested positive we d have to close We are working so hard to stay open and to continue to provide care if this means being without your pet for a few minutes for vaccines or a checkover isn t that better than having no vet care at all Even before the pandemic vets had one of the highest suicide rates of any profession and are four times more likely to take their own life than the general public I dread to think how much worse those statistics may be after this Please be kind and respect your vet We re not doing it to be vindictive or cruel we re just trying to keep everyone safe Katrina DeVita No Most consulting rooms are far too small to properly social distance and most vets have 15 minute appointments plenty of time to contract coronavirus Masks only do so much and 99 9 per cent of animals are fine in some cases better without their owners present It s not worth the risk of shutting down entire practices or putting veterinary practice staff and their families at risk You still get the chance to talk to the vet before and after your pet is seen but outside where you can properly social distance I personally think practices that are allowing people in aren t following proper guidelines and care more about their reputations than their staff L Donnelly Going in alone cost my little dog her life as the vet that should have treated her didn t and she was given to an inexperienced vet to treat without my knowledge or consent during the first lockdown Had I been let in this would never have happened Wearing a mask PPE and gloves should have made this possible Rebecca Weight Offering a vet s perspective here we would like nothing more than to allow owners in with their pets The pet is calmer communication is clearer and we can do our best work But if Covid gets into our team we are going to be in real trouble There is already a global vet shortage If we have multiple sick staff we may not be able to care for our patients and clients For this reason it is just not worth the risk We want to be able to continue to provide the best care for your pet and to do that we need to stay healthy ourselves that has been the primary concern of my team since March It s not about keeping staff safe it s about keeping staff available to care for your fur babies as they are the reason we come to work each day Many hospitals like ours split their teams in two or three and are working with no contact between teams to ensure if there s Covid in one team the rest can still care for your fur kids This means we all work longer hours with no breaks just to make sure we can serve our community Lynn Fletcher Yes especially if it s an end of life situation To deny both pet and owner those last moments together and to leave the owner with traumatic memories of their pet being taken away and a lifetime of wondering and worrying about what happened at the end is simply inhumane My heart goes out to anyone who has had to suffer this way Marcia Owen I am so grateful to my vet practice Swanspool Vets in Wellingborough Apart from at the very start they have allowed one owner in with a mask and even in the early days they said they would make provision in the sad event we had to put a pet to sleep I feel so fortunate to be one of their clients Marty Rose Unfortunately no except for euthanasia when being separated in those final moments is unthinkable For routine shots that don t need a full examination we set up a grooming table by the car and the vet tech comes out to administer the shot Masks all around Easy and safe Amanda Kempton My reactive dog is unwell at the moment and I m not allowed in so I am unable to get him seen Sarah Argrave Much as it s nice to be with your pet I wouldn t put the safety of vets and support staff at risk Every dog spends time in the vet without their owner at some point to be neutered have a dental or for some other procedure It s not fun but we accept it It must be far harder on a dog spending all day there and having an op than being without their person for 10 minutes for a quick examination Jayne Dendle Depends on the circumstances Most dogs behave better at vet visits without the owner present if your dog is being put to sleep though you should definitely be there Jo Goss Despite the obvious risks I think pet owners should be allowed in during vet visits Many animals my dog included are terrified when at the vet s and to separate them from their owner at such a stressful time only serves to increase their anxiety further December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 39

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Great Debate Suzanne Larson One person wearing a mask should be allowed in I like to ask questions while my dog is in Elisa Best Despite people s perceptions the majority of pets are actually less anxious and stressed away from their owners when handled properly by veterinary professionals Please understand that if we were to be in close contact with a client which is unfortunately the way when your pets are examined a mask would not be sufficient for us to be exempt from having to isolate should you be Covid positive This would have a massive impact on people s livelihoods their families health and their ability to care for your pets Vets and nurses are currently having to work in full PPE within practices because the nature of their work means they can t socially distance from each other Please respect your veterinary practice s decision not to allow you inside and understand that this will enable them to keep providing care for your pets Pamela Jary It should be considered on a case by case basis with the safety of the staff and the needs of the pet at the centre of all decisions At the moment I feel that vets are focusing on the safety of staff but sometimes compromising the needs of anxious pets and their humans These are difficult times but with the use of masks and precautions some procedures could be conducted indoors with owners present Anxious and reactive dogs would very much benefit from this Sharon Newman I was so upset not to be with my 20 year old cat when she was put to sleep She was howling loudly I felt I had abandoned her at the very last I wasn t allowed to say goodbye and stood in the car park in tears not able to think straight 40 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Photo posed by a model Sarah Coombe My vets have been amazing I have some really difficult dogs that cannot be handled by strangers at all They are with me because they were highly likely to be put to sleep if I didn t take them in My vets have worked with me throughout When suitable I have sent photos and videos rather than take the dogs in When they have had to be seen my vets have been fine with me handling them while trying to keep everyone safe It has saved my dogs from being a massive bite risk saved them from pain and continued their care and support When care could be given remotely it was When it couldn t my dogs came first Anita Doyle I work at a vet s We do not separate animals from owners if they sadly have to be euthanased We also work very hard to reassure all animals when we take them away from their owners and in most cases they are more relaxed away from the owners We try to sympathise with the whole situation and communication is very good Don t judge us when you are not in our shoes We probably work a lot harder in all aspects now than when you were allowed in We are totally aware of how hard it is for you Rose Hall Having a discussion with your vet can help with a diagnosis Doing this on the street is distracting for both the vet and client A pet is often stressed at the best of times with a vet visit even with the owner there A pet will behave even more differently without an owner present As for euthanasia if it has to be done at a vet s the client should have an option to be there with their pet wearing the appropriate PPE of course Sam Moloney I guess not going in is fine unless you have a dog that isn t particularly fond of the vet s In that case handing them over to be poked and prodded could set them back massively Catherine Williams I am a vet I do not want to separate you from your pet but you have to understand that if I got coronavirus then I would not be there to look after your pet nor would all my team who then have to isolate and the practice would have to shut down This has happened to a number of vets I cannot distance from my colleagues I can t operate on a dog and stay two metres from the anaesthetist Experience has shown that people do not keep their distance even during a conversation about their pet I spend a lot of time walking backwards from people My consult room is not big enough to distance and I m sure you won t stay away from your animal while I examine it I see a lot of people every day spending 15 minutes in the same airspace Yes it is hard for people not to be with their dogs Euthanasias are particularly heart wrenching and I can t give that much needed hug We do our best to ease the strain But there are people unable to visit family in care homes having to decide when to do that single visit to a dying relation people sick in hospitals alone if you can t visit a sick relation then understand you can t be with your pet This is not like a shop How long do you talk to the shop assistant A minute or two behind a screen A shop and a vet practice are not the same Bridget Parslow Absolutely yes for their final journey or where there are investigations to be carried out So long as your pet is not over stressed by going to the vet it would be fine for them to be taken in without you for regular injections for example but if the pet gets stressed at the separation then that puts an additional risk to the pet s health If it s OK for me to go to the dentist then it should be OK for me to go into the vet surgery I m quite prepared to wear a mask face shield gloves Lynsey Tindall For a lot of practices if someone were to test positive with Covid and all staff members who have worked closely with that person would have to isolate that would take a majority of the team out and the practice would have to close No vet care at all which is probably less preferable than just patiently seeing this period through by waiting outside and being understanding These measures are put in place to protect staff who have no choice than to work closely together and clients who are put at extra risk because the staff physically cannot do their job and socially distance from each other Marie E Kabrich I have taken my babies to the same single vet clinic for over 20 years If my vet or his staff were to catch the virus it would most likely put them out of business As much as it breaks my heart to not go in with my pets it is for the greater good that I wait in my car and continue to trust the vet and staff that have always taken the best care of them Carole Maitland During lockdown one of my Greyhounds collapsed The vet saw her in my car and both the nurse and the vet carried her into the surgery The vet came out later to speak to me and it was decided to see how she was in the morning When I phoned the practice next day the vet said there was sadly nothing more they could do for her and the vet allowed me to come to the surgery and be with her My old Greyhound had a long catheter fitted to her leg So while I was holding her the vet was on the other side of the room doing the euthanasia injection After she confirmed Nina had passed on she left the room leaving me with my dog Then I left out of the door leading straight outside I had no need to go through the surgery itself My vet went the extra mile to ensure a sad time was made easier I am horrified to hear some people weren t allowed to be with their beloved pets at the end I m sure the vets could have organised a room that would have worked This month s result 23 8 69 Debbie Tench I think that if it s to have your beloved friend put to sleep then yes you should be allowed inside I ve always been there for the last moments I can t imagine not being there for them at the end Yes No Maybe Diane Barry I do think it depends on the size of the practice The surgery I use has very small consulting rooms where it would be difficult to safely practise social distancing However they do allow an owner in to help them over the bridge I trust the surgery I use implicitly and I know they take great care of my pet It is better than having the whole surgery close because they become infected then who would look after the animals Our surgery has even split itself into two teams with one team working and the other off so that if one team has to isolate they can still provide care They are doing the best they can in this crisis Sheila Gurney I work in a shop and we deal with customers all day every day We also get staff from the vet s come into the shop and we don t ask them to wait outside all they need to do is wear a face mask So if that s acceptable for us why can t the same happen in the vet s Social distancing can still happen in the room P Next month s topic is Should we end the blanket use of flea treatments in order to protect the environment Email editorial dogstodaymagazine co uk with your thoughts putting Great Debate in the subject line or write to Great Debate Dogs Today The Stables Saddlers Halt 86 High St Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 41 Ye No Ma

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Sponsored by NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO REVOLUTIONARY HEA Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufac Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA F Call to join the ever growing number of people cha Our survey of Fox Terrier owners revealed Character Fox Terriers are smart but they are also driven They like burying things stealing things and chasing things They can climb on tables and open cupboards They are very cuddly and may even sit on your head They are circus dogs says one owner they are funny all the time Another praises their unbounded joy and enthusiasm for life M any of us have dog crushes soft spots for breeds or types that we love but know we ll probably never own for lots of terribly sensible reasons Maybe you don t have enough hours in the day for the dog you dream of Perhaps you have a wandering eye and there are just too many dogs to fit into a lifetime Or you already have a house squashed full of adored allsorts that chose you In this feature we go through popular dog crushes and take a fresh look at what it would be like to actually live with them Fox Terrier 42 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Photo posed by models T My Dog Crush hese dapper little dogs were once the toast of the town but despite their many charms there are not many around these days Alert lively and always entertaining these mischievous little terriers will keep you on your toes Training exercise A quarter of our owners say their dogs were easy to train which means of course that most of them are a bit on the stubborn side Recall can be a problem and half are guilty of select deafness and most enjoy chasing small furry things so letting them off the lead can take nerves of steel They do enjoy entertaining the family with tricks and will respond to training as long as it s fun They are energetic and most of our sample get at least an hour a day supplemented with lots of play time They also participate in a wide variety of activities from dog shows to obedience to agility and canine parkour Fox Terriers like to play hard but also rest hard It s like pulling the plug in the evening They fall asleep on your lap after an active day Coat care Two thirds of our owners have Wire haired dogs and they are generally given a weekly groom plus a professional groom every three or four months For show purposes Wires are handstripped but lots of owners just go for a more straightforward clip The Smooths have coats that are easier to manage and just need regular combing to reduce shedding Health Around half of our owners say their dogs are no more or less healthy than other breeds although they are prone to allergies and skin conditions and eye testing is recommended For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 43

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My Dog Crush Downsides Can be very vocal Not very reliable recall Talented food thieves Prone to allergies Origins T he Fox Terrier has been much as it is today since the middle of the 19th century when terriers would run alongside hounds and then dig out the unfortunate fox from its underground hiding place The Fox Terrier s ancestors were often dark but this meant they were occasionally mistaken for the fox especially when caked in mud after going to ground In order to prevent this terriers with a predominantly white coat were increasingly preferred The breed became incredibly popular thanks to frequent appearances on the silver screen Most notably a Wire Fox Terrier starred in a series of films based on Dashiell Hammett s 1934 detective novel The Thin Man Both Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers were seen at the heels of Hollywood starlets American presidents royalty writers and just about everyone s next door neighbour for much of the first half of the 20th century Their numbers have however declined sharply since then and the Smooths in particular are now very rare indeed 44 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Traits Energetic Independent Affectionate Cheeky Plucky Hilarious Owner s view D iane Peel and her family share their home with Wire Fox Terrier Piper who is nearly two Diane had a Westie as a child but has always fancied the look of the Fox Terrier Piper is really cute really lovely and full of character Yes she can be naughty she steals things especially footwear and sometimes jumps on to the table But she also does tricks and loves a cuddle They have a reputation for being terrible off lead says Diane but puppy classes and consistent training have made Piper just about manageable when out and about She loves people and tries to make friends everywhere she goes She makes us smile every day Best Facebook Groups Keep Calm and Papillon Papillon Lovers For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 45

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My Dog Crush Love the breed Shop the breed Best names Gracie Rocket Floyd Stanley Myrtle Hattie Fizz Maud Personalise this tree decoration with your Fox Terrier s name or remember a loved companion from the past 9 95 from Doodle Cards Boutique on www etsy com Pack of six high quality note cards and matching envelopes hand printed with a Fox Terrier 8 from Highly Ink Pressed on www etsy com These handmade Pewter cufflinks are available in a selection of gift boxes with engraved personalisation an optional extra 19 99 from Ashton and Finch at www etsy com My Heart Belongs to a Fox Terrier mug 7 95 from the Gifts and Garments shop on www etsy com Fox Terrier antics Jumps on the table and steals my pen so I have to stop working and play with her He sings along but only to opera Buries bones in quilts and cushions and pushes imaginary soil over them Climbed vertically up a tree for 10 feet to get to a squirrel Then stayed in the tree for an hour to make sure it didn t come back He has a range of hilarious sleeping positions She climbs on your head and sits like a hat Best Facebook groups UK Wire Haired Fox Terriers Fox Terrier Rescue UK Smooth Fox Terrier Friends and Family Cute Fox Terrier socks 6 99 each from Krafts and Keepsakes on www etsy com This impressive Fox Terrier wooden jigsaw ornament is handmade to order and measures 17cm long by 14cm high 19 99 from GM Woodcraft UK s shop on www etsy com For Dog People by Dog People For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Awarded Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2018 UK Winners 2013 2019 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk 46 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 47

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Victoria Stilwell Kindness revolution Making the world a better place starts with the kind positive training of your best friend D Victoria Stilwell is a world renowned dog trainer best known as the creator and host of the international hit TV series It s Me or the Dog as well as Greatest American Dog on CBS Dogs Might Fly on Sky One and her web series about police K9s and their handlers Guardians of the Night A passionate advocate for positive dog training methods she is the founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training Behavior www vsdta com and the CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training www vspdt com Visit www positively com for news about Victoria s work and details about her books The Secret Language of Dogs Train Your Dog Positively and It s Me or the Dog Illustrations KEVIN BROCKBANK 48 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 ogs in America are celebrating today because Petco one of the largest pet store chains in the United States is no longer selling human held shock or e collars in its stores This is a bold move even for a large company but after much research and consultation with experts Petco made its groundbreaking decision much to the relief of dogs everywhere I work on a web series with the Petco Foundation called Unsung Heroes Our series celebrates people that go above and beyond for animal welfare across the country and because of my work with the company I was on hand to advise them on why it was important to stop selling shock collars It s certainly been a battle Even though the use of e collars has seen a decline in the UK after the government s announcement to ban them for training purposes in 2018 there are still some trainers that use them E collar training also remains popular in the USA and there are many trainers who still believe that delivering an electric stim tap or shock to pressure dogs into learning or to correct perceived misbehavior is the way to go After Petco made the announcement the company received an overwhelming amount of support from animal lovers all over the country and the world but the decision had its critics too who saw the announcement as an attack on their belief systems and many made their voices heard This was to be expected as e collar trainers are passionate about their methodologies but the criticism Petco received demonstrated a consistent misguided belief from e collar trainers that shock is the most effective way to train any highly driven large breed of dog and that positive training does indeed work but only for small dogs and puppies This misguided belief was accompanied by a distinct lack of understanding as to what positive training is which was made glaringly obvious by the responses received In one email the writer stated that Properly used e collar training is safe effective and far more reliable at distance than hoping your dog hears you and decides the treat you are offering is of more value than whatever it is they want to do Positivity training has its place It is particularly appropriate in confined areas or with breeds who are not inclined to roam such as toy and lap dogs I don t know what positivity training is but I think they are talking about treat pushing positive trainers like me In reality I have trained all kinds of dogs on and off screen for the last 20 years and I m proud that I have stayed true to my message of humane training That is not to say that I have never used an aversive in my training career I was especially fond of sound aversion in my early days because that was how I was taught but I have evolved since then and will keep evolving as every dog trainer should MISCONCEPTIONS Even now there is no such thing as a purely positive dog trainer All trainers will use some form of punishment even if they don t class it as such Simply removing food for a dog s failure to listen or taking a dog away from a situation to help him calm down might not be perceived as aversive to the trainer but is punitive to the dog The only way trainers and handlers can tell what is unpleasant for the dogs they work with is to keep a close eye on a dog s body language and watch the response Positive training can also be stressful for dogs if too much pressure is applied but it s still a safer methodology with much less fallout than when positive punishment is applied especially when it s done with a shock collar A MATTER OF TRUST But this is not an article about shock training per se We know how detrimental using a shock collar can be for dogs and recent studies have yet again demonstrated the method s potential for elevating stress and interfering with learning But what has cemented my opinion on e collars is the years I have spent watching how other trainers in the companion and working dog world handle their dogs and some of these trainers have used shock collars Watching them train and paying particular attention to the body language of the dog I don t need studies to validate what I see time and time again the discomfort stress nervousness suppression and robotic responses from these dogs are consistent across the board regardless of how the collar is used or if it is operated by a novice or a professional The fallout is the same So how can trainers that rely on these devices now change their methods especially when their belief systems are so fixed and their understanding of positive training is so basic and flawed I feel that now is an important time to put the record straight once and for all Positive training facilitates a bond between the teacher and the dog a bond that is built on mutual trust and understanding By focusing on a dog s mental physical and emotional strengths positive trainers like myself make the learning environment more conducive to success and therefore more fun for the dog and person to learn Positive training teaches dogs that good things come from their teachers and makes the presence of the teacher a cue for good things to happen These good things certainly could be treats but we also use toys just as many handlers do in the December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 49

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working dog world or anything else that the dog finds rewarding For example one of the most powerful motivators we like to use in training is play A major difference between the positive trainer and the traditional and or shock trainer is that positive trainers put the focus on teaching desirable behaviours we want to see more of rather than focusing on techniques that centre around negative reinforcement applying then relieving pressure and suppressing undesirable behaviours with positive punishment for example a shock is applied when the dog does something the handler doesn t like thereby decreasing the frequency of the behaviour POSITIVE CHANGE This sounds good in theory who doesn t want to stop their dog misbehaving But what e collar trainers don t seem to understand is that there is a big difference between suppressing behaviour and actually changing it Shock training works to a point because suppression via pain and intimidation serves to stop the behaviour at that moment but it doesn t teach the dog a better way to behave in the future nor does it positively change how that dog feels in the situation In fact applying shock can actually make a dog feel more insecure and anxious which can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviour Positive training on the other hand promotes confidence by teaching dogs the skills they can use to negotiate challenges that they might face in the human world The positive philosophy works to help change the way they feel in challenging situations so they can make different decisions that have more pleasant consequences for them This leads to a lifetime of changed behaviour which means the teacher does not have to continually apply or threaten a correction throughout the dog s life At the Victoria Stilwell 50 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 What e collar trainers don t seem to understand is that there is a big difference between suppressing behaviour and actually changing it Academy VSA we teach all our students to help clients deal with their dogs problems by using a combination of management so that their dog cannot practise an undesired behaviour while they work on teaching new replacement behaviours We prevent the wrong practice by encouraging the right practice So the main tenet of positive dog training is to teach our dogs what we want reward what we like and redirect what we don t If we manage behaviours ahead of time and apply a training plan we can bridge the gap between what behaviours dogs want to do and what behaviours people want to see Positive trainers do use negative punishment by removing food or removing the dog from a situation but we use it sparingly We sometimes say no ignore or interrupt undesirable behaviour and redirect or take a dog off for cool off periods to curb unwanted behaviour We meet the dog where he or she is and use the dog s abilities as effectively as possible And last but by no means least we consider a dog s cognitive physical and emotional strengths and create training plans to take advantage of those strengths The beauty of all of this is that we can work with dogs of all breeds all ages and all emotional and behavioural needs Positive training is particularly effective at working long distance with all dogs as well as dogs that have fears and phobias and those that are exhibiting aggressive behaviours During the Dog Behaviour Business Conference I hosted recently we asked attendees to write down what they believed the consequences of positive dog training techniques were for the dogs and clients they had worked with Here are some of their responses Positive training teaches compassion people are happier and live more harmonious lives with their dogs Positive training methods change how we view leadership and cooperation making us more empathetic towards people too A kinder world starts with happy people Positive training brings relief to both dogs and the people that love them improves how people view dogs and creates healthier and happier neighbourhoods Positive training really does make the world better Life is changing for dogs in the UK and the United States because more people are now choosing humane methods to teach their dogs This is made even easier when more companies like Petco take a stand for the health and wellness of our pets Positive training not only sells what is possible but helps people work with their dogs in a humane and safe way regardless of breed or the problem behaviour their dog might be experiencing P BESTIE PREMIUM DOG TREATS with HEMP OIL EXTRACT Healthy natural wholesome and nutritious treats for dogs of all ages delivered straight to your door Nothing artificial using only the highest quality human grade meats which meet DEFRA standards and support British farming by only using British meats Naturally rich in Phytocannabonoids and high in Omega 3 6 9 Oils Recommended for Arthritis Joint Discomfort Post Surgery Recovery Aches and Pains Hip Dysplasia Stress and Anxiety Order online at www leafheal org or call our free careline 0800 999 1223 www biteboxes co uk email amy shepherdandbengal com Shepherd Bengal_QP indd 1 BiteBoxes www facebook com BiteBoxes bite_boxes Kibble Connector 06 11 2020 01 14 Active Feeding for Healthy Weight Control K9Connectables com Leafheal

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True Case History by Peter Neville Wreck it Rob loves nothing more than to destroy Christmas trees Can this terrier Hi Peter I am writing to you all the way from Cape Town South Africa I have a terrier cross named Rob Anybody I don t know if you re familiar with Terry Pratchett s books but if you are Rob is the embodiment of his namesake He picks a fight with the strangest of targets our Christmas tree The client Owners Emily Jessop Address Cape Town South Africa Last Christmas Rob completely destroyed our tree and I swore that this year I will have a tree that makes it to the end of December without looking like something the cat dragged in Ironically our cat does not bother with the tree Name Rob Anybody Breed Terrier cross Age Two years old How can I stop this terror from ruining our Christmas Sex Neutered male Kind regards Emily Kindred spirits When I received Emily s email I felt as if I had met my spirit animal Rob appeared to feel the same way about Christmas trees as I do so I felt that this was a case I definitely had to take on Luckily for me Zoom made it easy to help these pet guardians who were on the other side of the world from me so I quickly worked out time zones and then set up an appointment to see Rob and Emily the following week It so happens that I am a Terry Pratchett fan and knew exactly who Rob Anybody was For those of you who are not familiar with the Discworld series then in a nutshell Rob belongs to a clan of Feegle not fairies the Feegle are much much worse who fight with anything that moves or in some cases doesn t So Emily s name for her dog who hated the Christmas tree was absolutely magnificent and definitely one that went straight to the top of my list of favourite dog names The background Emily had adopted Rob as a stray pup She had found him on the beach one morning without a collar and tag Her vet couldn t locate any microchip and after trying unsuccessfully 52 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 Grinch be reformed or will the fir fir fly fly every December to find his owners she kept him He was such a character that she felt only one name could do him justice and pretty soon Rob was settled into the household as if he had been born there He loved tummy rubs and long walks chasing squirrels and sleeping under the blankets on the bed when it rained He quickly became Emily s constant companion and the two of them spent hours hiking around the famous Table Mountain reserve Rob was a well socialised easygoing dog who tolerated dogs and people of all shapes and sizes very well He had one nemesis though the Christmas tree a flaw that Emily had obviously only discovered once the tree was up and decorated in all its glory Rob sat and watched the decorating process attentively and the next morning when Emily entered the living room she walked into utter chaos There was tinsel everywhere scattered between bits of tree branches and smashed decorations The tree was lying on its side and was visibly mangled In the middle of all the devastation sat Rob looking incredibly pleased with himself Despite being horrified Emily couldn t help but laugh She never thought that such a small dog could wreak so much havoc and it was clear that he had been enjoying himself tremendously She cleaned the mess duck taped the tree back together and redecorated it with whatever was left but the next morning the very same scene of devastation awaited her This time she decided to put the tree on a table with a playpen around it thinking it would be out of Rob s reach but she was sadly mistaken Morning number three of The Great Tree Challenge as she called it started with her once again finding the tree on the floor this time clearly beyond saving and to add insult to injury Rob had also urinated on the tree for good measure and as a signature to his magnificent deinstallation art This was too much for Emily who conceded defeat and decided not to put a tree up until the following year Now however it was almost time to think of trees again and this time Emily wanted to have a tree that made it to the New Year And that s where I came in Peter Neville is an adjunct teaching professor at The Ohio State University USA and a director of Coape International an online education provider of pet behaviour therapy courses www coapesa com and www facebook com COAPEInternational Peter has presented a behavioural case history from his practice for Dogs Today since the very first issue He now lives in Finland with his partner Stella their Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Spooch and cats Bulldozer and Asla but he frequently disappears to Africa to help guide safaris specialising in tracking and studying African Wild Dogs and other large predators with Rae Safaris www raesafaris co za Understanding the issue After having the usual conversation as part of the consultation process I knew from Emily s answers that Rob was a very well adjusted happy little dog He had plenty of opportunity to play with other dogs and people he was well fed and had his needs met in abundance To top it all off he had an owner who loved him to as many pieces as he would reduce the tree to So why would a dog who lacked for nothing feel the need to destroy an innocent tree Well Rob was mostly terrier and as anyone who has ever owned a terrier can attest to they usually really really love things that move and make noises The more movement and noise the better and the more fun the terrier will have with it In Rob s case the tree provided simply too much temptation especially with the flashing lights reflecting off the baubles and tinsel and he simply couldn t help himself Emily asked why he only did it at night Was he trying to hide his wrongdoings from her Did he know that what he was doing was wrong and was that why he was trying to do it when she was asleep I assured her that December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 53

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True Case History With newsagents and supermarkets reducing their shelf space for magazines it s getting harder to find us Help us by subscribing and reap the rewards Buy it was nothing as nefarious as that In the daytime the lights were switched off and there was a lot going on to keep Rob entertained But at night oh at night the tree blinked and sparkled and that was too much for an awake curious dog to resist Perhaps it was like looking at a thousand reflective rodent eyes down a hole for him 54 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 direct and save more than 17 a year Get your first issue for only 1 Then it s 9 99 quarterly by Direct Debit UK only Tackling the problem So how were we going to keep the tree safe without endlessly frustrating Rob First I looked at the toys that were available to him While they were great for interactive games with Emily none were really fun to play with on his own and none allowed for any shredding or ripping up to take place So we introduced Rob to the idea of some of his food kibble being wrapped in newspaper The kibble would be wrapped between layers of newspaper which would then be folded closed and hidden around the house When Rob found a packet he could spend ages carefully ripping up the paper to find the treats The treats incidentally were to make the packets even more appealing because there was already a huge internal reinforcer just for the shaking and shredding so we had to give Rob another good reason to choose the packets over the tree Since we already knew that a playpen and a table proved to be unsuccessful I decided to put the food packets around the tree about a foot s distance away from the nearest branch The packets contained Rob s dinner so he wasn t getting extra food he simply had to spend more time to get to his dinner While we hoped that Rob would learn to choose the packets over the tree I asked Emily to keep the lights off at night and to only decorate the top part of the tree with tinsel Join our exclusive Sub Club by Peter Neville Save money enjoy a 17 04 saving over the year Delivered free to your door Subscriber only competitions page 59 15 voucher for PurrfectlyYappy com minimum spend 75 Call us for the special code Once Rob understood how much fun the kibble packets were we started to decorate lower branches and finally after two weeks we had a fully decorated tree still in one piece As the final part of our challenge we added the lights In anticipation of Rob s renewed interest in the tree I asked Emily to reduce Rob s lunch and breakfast portions and to include that as part of his dinner but not all provided in the packets Some of it was scattered around the tree and others led away from the tree to a box full of suitable chew toys that were only put down during the night This way we made sure that Rob had more than enough exciting options available to him if he felt tempted to engage in a bit of night time chewing The result The three days following the installation of the lights before I heard from Emily were nail bitingly tense When I received an email from her on the fourth day I couldn t wait to open it Imagine my elation when I read that Rob had not touched the tree and now showed zero interest in it It was wonderful and Emily was equally pleased I reminded her to keep the chewing opportunities and food packets stocked around the tree and to let me know after Christmas how things went So far so good and Rob Anybody is now just a plain and simple Rob Let s hope he stays that way throughout Christmas and into the New Year P Chance to win one of 50 Nerf dog toys Get the magazine before it s in the shops Call 01276 402599 lines open weekdays 9am 5 30pm or subscribe online www dogstodaymagazine co uk product dogs today uk subscriptions All new subscriptions will commence with the current issue Overseas prices Europe 65 20 for 12 issues Rest of World 79 80 for 12 issues The first 50 new or renewing subscribers this month will receive a fabulous Nerf dog toy so even your dog can benefit It s a win win win situation Please remember to include your dog s breed size and age in Dog breed and size during checkout Subscription gifts are only available to the first 50 subscribers each month sorry UK subscribers only December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 55

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Tea break Breedsearch D Y L A F I J Q N E T E H Z H W M U G E N R H Q U G Y W V Z W Z G R H M R O A T U R E H C S N I P N E F F A Y C D J N U O L V D Q Q T E K U J T U Y N E Y O A M H R N N N B P R U J T D S B L K H Y T A N O P W A A M P A A X G F T M O L N O L A I Z Q Y H T N U L M M T A Q C C S L A A W T Y P X R I M H B T V P H O C B P I G G W C M O T H R D C A K I T A S F A N F R G P L M H G N N M U N L D J F U N A A L Y K L I I L Q I P C H T A I S N A I L A R T S U A H S K V R C I W R E D M U H S R E D A L E T E R R A U S T R A L I I E R R T L E A A N S H E P H E R D P L F A D L R A N C K X K Y B A N R C I H A H X L I T M L Y X N A L S O X L M D X E S V S A P Z G B W Y R C B R O N U O R R C U R I H Y D A C X X D S G E P U X D X A R F F X J Z D N U P H Y A G D C T V Q E E Z C F A X N K T C Q G S W K X J H H Find the 11 breeds of dog listed below Search up down forward backward and on the diagonal to find the hidden words AFFENPINSCHER AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG AFGHAN HOUND AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD AIREDALE TERRIER AUSTRALIAN SILKY AKITA AUSTRALIAN TERRIER ALASKAN MALAMUTE AZAWAKH ANATOLIAN SHEPHERD Check your chip Eight lucky winners of the Breedsearch picked at random will win a bottle of luxury dog shampoo from The Missing Range from Completely Conkers and the winners of the Cross Question and Caption Competition will each win a bottle too This bespoke collection of natural dog grooming products is blended using only the finest pure essential oils that smell divine Each shampoo features a very special missing dog The range is dedicated to all missing dogs wherever they may be and is inspired by Conker a much loved Spanish Water Dog who went missing on 22 November 2013 in Oxfordshire and has not yet been found The manufacturer s greatest wish is to reunite the featured long lost dogs by telling their stories on the bottles of Completely Conkers The first lost dogs to appear will be Izzy Megan Chester Lexi Hansum Hugo and of course Conker You can hear each dog s story in their owners own words at https completelyconkers co uk In the ring Can you come up with an amusing and witty caption for this photo Do you have a funny pic you d like us to feature Please email it to us at the address on the facing page Send your Breedsearch Cross Question Caption Competition entries together with your contact details via email to comps dogstodaymagazine co uk or post to December Competitions Dogs Today The Stables Saddlers Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ to arrive by 15 January 2021 Unscramble the jumbled letters in the circles Can you find three rescue dogs owned by world leaders and their countries B DLL GYN ID NE NA KAZA EC FROM C Fluffy knew she d failed the test Not only did she fail to stop she d also barked aggressively at a squirrel November Caption Runners up I don t need to take a test they abolished the dog licence in 1987 Casey Brown With Covid cuts the dog walker has been laid off No choice but to DIY Jane Johnson Cross Question I m your Uber driver Rex Kelley Perine Get in sit down shut up and hold on Keith Elliott Winning caption Suzie Day November Cross Question Solution Penny s parents are a Papillon and a Yorkshire Terrier The first correct answer came from Sharon Bates Can you guess which breeds Rollo s parents are You re the one that said dog park now get in Kathryn Priehs In the ring answer A Dilyn England Kenzie Canada Nemo France 56 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 57 Yorkshire Terrier Papillon by Tim Rose www timrosephotography co uk TIP Keep a note of your dog s microchip number database details on your mobile phone Notify the microchip company immediately if your dog goes missing and register on www doglost co uk Just for fun A Since April 2016 it has been compulsory for all dogs over 8 weeks of age to be microchipped and details registered and kept up to date with an authorised database Have you checked that your dog s chip is working is correctly registered and all contact information is up to date Don t know which database your dog s microchip is registered with Type your chip number into www check a chip co uk How to enter Caption this Photo submitted by Janet Cleaves Winners of the Breedsearch Cross Question and Caption Competition will receive a bottle of the wonderful shampoo from The Missing Range from Completely Conkers Marshall a German Shepherd Dog Photo submitted by Julie Botterill Put the kettle on and have a go at our competitions

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Prize crossword Compiled by Gyles Brandreth Quick clues 1 5 8 9 10 11 13 14 18 19 22 23 24 25 Down 1 Bloodsucking fly 6 2 Female dog 5 3 Breed of hound descendent of And 9 Across Powerful guard dog from the high Himalayas 7 7 Royal race meeting 5 What dogs become when given food 5 See 1 Across Swedish Hound 8 Shortened name for 6 Down breed 4 Karelian Dog breed of Finnish origin 4 Corso Sicilian breed 4 Snake like fish 4 Type of spaniel 8 Portuguese breed 7 And 5 Down 1 Across breed originally thought to bring good fortune 5 4 Bird of prey 5 Completely without water 4 3 1 2 Hello subscribers We think it s time for you to get even more perks than just getting the magazine cheaper postage free and before everyone else This area of the magazine is just for you to say thank you for supporting us by buying your magazine direct We really appreciate it and it really helps us Cryptic clues Across 3 the Celtic Hound 8 4 Figure 6 5 See 23 Across 6 Chow Chow s original nationality 7 12 13 15 16 17 20 21 4 7 Description of Poodle s pom pom tail 6 French toy spaniel 8 Sturdy thickest breed 7 Aussie breed originally developed from Scottish collie 6 Equanimity 6 Agreement pact 6 Bleu de Gascogne French breed 5 Royal princess 4 6 5 Across 1 5 8 9 10 11 13 14 18 19 22 23 7 24 8 25 9 10 Down 11 1 12 13 2 14 16 15 18 17 21 7 22 24 3 4 5 6 20 19 23 12 13 25 15 Name _________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ____________________________ Postcode _________________ Telephone _____________________________________________ Email address ___________________________________________ 58 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 We occasionally loan our address list to charities and companies we feel may be of interest to you Please tick if you do not wish to receive this information Q 16 17 20 21 Try climbing on empty sea plane and fly 6 Dog means very little to small child 5 Hound on beginner s list 8 Maybe one is less sensitive 6 See 23 Across He s nice performing like a Crested breed 7 Pugnacious sounding lout shows what some dogs tails are like 6 Small dog father has one removed from seat on motorbike 8 Stock Exchange speculator s canine 7 Breed I confused with 11 Across and Labrador initially 6 Assurance given by record spinning mob perhaps 6 Delightful surprise year after agreement 6 Greek and French Basset might be described thus 5 Article read aloud for girl 4 Not yet subscribing Visit www dogstodaymagazine co uk or turn to page 55 to rectify that immediately This month s prize Well 2020 has been quite something hasn t it Thankfully dogs have made our lockdowns more bearable and this mug sums up the sentiments of many an owner on the cusp of the New Year Dogs kept me sane in 2020 Might need more in 2021 Designed by our multi talented editor Beverley Cuddy the mug comes in a standard or tall version and costs 9 99 but one lucky subscriber picked at random from correct Code Breaker entries will win their own perfect to toast in the New Year with a celebratory cuppa If you aren t lucky enough to win mugs can be ordered from the Bee More Beardie shop at Red Bubble www redbubble com shop ap 63406375 Good luck Win this The winner of this month s crossword will receive a pack of Soopa Kale and Apple Dental Sticks Find more Soopa dog treats at PurrfectlyYappy com How to enter Complete the crossword grid then post your entry to arrive by 15 January 2021 to December Crossword Dogs Today The Stables Saddlers Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ The first correct entry pulled out of the hat after the closing date will win the prize The judge s decision is final Code Breaker November Solution Can you crack the code to find this bad joke We ve given you the word DOGS to get you started Across 5 Briard 7 Hounds 9 Austrian 10 Pack 11 Short 12 Finnish 14 Dog Star 16 Cairn 19 Blue 20 Olympics 21 Red eye 22 Canker Down 1 Ratter 2 Admit 3 Shindig 4 Jump on 6 Rough Collie 8 Dachsbracke 13 Samoyed 15 Sweden 17 Alpine 18 Lynch A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U VWX Y Z 19 9 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 17 25 2 13 26 D ___ O ___ 7 6 ___ 13 1 26 O ___ ___ ___ 19 26 O ___ S ___ S ___ ___ ___ 18 18 24 21 26 9 13 13 23 11 6 26 6 4 11 13 3 19 11 O ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 7 25 O ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 13 26 19 18 G ___ ___ ___ 26 20 O ___ O ___ D ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ D ___ ___ ___ ___ 13 11 3 24 26 20 S ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 1 ___ 2 18 21 13 3 16 11 23 O ___ O ___ S ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 1 26 26 18 7 11 1 O ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ O ___ O ___ D ___ ___ ___ D ___ O ___ O ___ ___ 6 26 6 4 11 1 21 26 26 19 23 11 19 26 26 How to enter Samoyed Breed type of dog _______________________________________ and 9 Across Dog bit man set off argument between married couples 7 7 A person from the north seen in Berkshire town 5 Someone scoffing note in part of the audience 5 See 1 Across Hound for a German writer 8 Dog s resentment is heard 4 Put up with one sort of animal 4 Punish a dog in Italy 4 Cockney leans over to get fish 4 Jerry s spaniel 8 No podge exercises dog 7 And 5 Down Dog has to appear in Los Angeles soap surprisingly 5 4 Bird caught by the Beagles 5 In need of water something dog is given perhaps by doctor near yard 4 3 Sub Club Dogs Today Email your answers to comps dogstodaymagazine co uk and put December Sub Club in the subject line We will need your full name and address to check you are on our current subscriber list Or post the answer with your name and address to December Sub Club Dogs Today The Stables Saddlers Halt 86 High Street Chobham Surrey GU24 8LZ or enter online at www dogstodaymagazine co uk category competitions One winner picked at random after 15 January 2021 will win the prize For full terms and conditions see page 3 December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 59

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Holidays Products Products Classifi ed adverts Classified Adverts Holidays Want to advertise your Want to advertise your business business in ed section inour ourclassifi classified section Contact james petsubjects co uk Contact mike orpetsubjects co uk call now on 01276 858 880 or call now on 01276 402591 Luxury self catering lodges in the Yorkshire Dales Yorkshire Cottage Style Double Storey Lodges two bedrooms sleeps 2 to 4 Set in a peaceful valley just over one mile from Richmond in North Yorkshire are these Self Catering Yorkshire Cottage Style Lodge Accommodations They offer great value Yorkshire Dales self catering holidays all year round 01748 822406 info flowerydell lodges com L U X U RY S E L F C AT E R I N G A C C O M O DAT I O N g Do friendly Now with Hot Tub www yorkshirelogcabins com Dog friendly holiday park in Cornwall theparkcornwall com Three beautifully converted Victorian farm stables ooer elegant luxury and peaceful retreats situated on our working farm surrounded by the beautiful Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve and bordered by the River Ouse Comfort really is at the heart of Appletree Cottages spacious single story layouts means weary legs can easily rest after a day exploring before you discover one of our lovely nearby pubs Visit appletree cottages co uk 01430 430 677 vivienne sweeting btinternet com PEAK DISTRICT Family run hotel near Ashbourne Good food real ales Pets welcome veggie choices and special diets catered for Over 15 of our properties are dog friendly with enclosed gardens complimentary dog bowls and even a doggie bag full of goodies will be waiting your arrival There are many pubs and restaurants in the area that welcome dogs with open arms DOG FRIENDLY BREAKS O N T H E P E M B R O K E S H I R E C OA S T 2 PEOPLE 4 NIGHTS Autumn Breaks available FROM ONLY Dog Partridge Country Inn with rooms in the grounds 01335 343183 www dogandpartridge co uk With some great accommodation deals to choose this is the perfect place to stay We are Dog Friendly so feel free to bring your little friends with you 1 Night when you come Midweek B B just 140 to stay Your subsequent nights pets can run free 50 off on our stunning grounds whilst you take in the breathtaking scenery Dog Friendly Accommodation in Wales 01639 731 167 Craig Y Nos Castle www dogfriendlywales com or www craigynoscastle com T C s Apply H o l i d a y s yo u r d o g wo u l d l ove The WooF Guide BY COASTAL COTTAGES Call us on 01437 772 742 Or Visit thewoofguide com Product of the Month The Chicubes range of kennels are designed for all sizes and breeds of dog and provide a safe draught proof area that can also include a window placement AWARD WINNING HOLIDAY PARK IN DORCHESTER DORSET Luxury stone built self catering holiday cottages deep into Hardy Country near Dorchester in Dorset Almost half of our properties are dog friendly and the grounds include a fully enclosed dog exercise area perfect for a gentle morning stroll before setting out for the day Please contact us if you would like a slightly different size kennel or any alterations made to our standard design We also offer a totally bespoke service if you want something completely different www greenwoodgrange co uk hello greenwoodgrange co uk 01305 268874 www chicubes co uk Brecon Road Pen y Cae Powys SA9 1GL Tel 01782 499915 Email sales chicubes co uk Pet Product of the Month Dogs Today Today July December 60 2020 2020 January 2021 6 0 Dogs Perfect for man s best friend the Chicubes range of dog kennels and dog cabins are all fully thermally insulated and man made from composite panels These panels are very easy to clean wipe down and disinfect allowing you to maintain a hygienic dog cabin with minimum effort Nature s Greatest Secret We are delighted to be nominated as Pet Product of the Month December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today 61

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Classified Adverts adverts Classified The Dog Lovers Registration Club Charities Products Art Charities Art Lintran K9Westie award winning dog UK ReHoming equipment transport systems Registered Charity England Wales 1108659 Scotland SC045329 Estate Cars Dog trailers pick up s vans All 4 x 4 vehicles Register your Pedigree puppies and adult dogs online for beautiful gold bonded pedigree paperwork with same day processing Westie ReHoming is a charity dedicated to the welfare and rehoming of the West Highland White Terrier We take in westies needing a new start in life and place them into a suitable home where they will be Dogloved Gunand System have their needs met T 01673 885959 enquiries lintran co uk www lintran co uk For more information visit www dogregclub co uk or call either 0161 792 2479 or 0161 729 2350 www westierehoming org information westierehoming net 0844 879 Lintran 4260 PO BoxHouse 4204 Swindon SN2 9LA SS Brentwood 30 YEARS Lincoln Road Faldingworth westierehoming4 Westie ReHoming Market Rasen Lincs LN8 3SF missed with the due to retire inspirational speaker John Rogerson Heathway Colton Rugeley Staffs WS15 3LY Tel 01889 577058 www bordercollietrustgb org uk Products Services The Emotional Art of Dog Training not to be by Toast Cartoons produces bespoke caricatures and a range of gifts Visit us online and get in touch for a quote 07970 014 576 toastcartoons gmail com www toastcartoons co uk 2020 Martin Peers Toast Cartoons Charity ofofthe the Month Charityof the Month Charity Month DogsRescue For Good JR Whippet was founded in 1971 by the late Mrs Joanna Russell when she realised there was aofneed to rehome Whippets due to a change in their Dogs for Good needs your help to double the number people with disabilities Dogs for Good needs your help to double the number of people with disabilities owners circumstances Aexploring mentionways in herdogs breed note column in Dog World we can support with dogs We re an innovative charity we can support with dogs We re an innovative charity exploring ways dogs can help resulted in donations being made to help her with task can help people overcome specific challenges and enrich and improve lives people overcome specific challenges andthe enrich and improve lives and communities and communities We are passionate about our future and how we can help We are passionate about our future and how we cancan helpoffer moreapeople with the use of If you would consider giving a home to a rescue Whippet or short term foster more people with the use of our assistance dogs our assistance dogs home for a Whippet in need whilst they are waiting for their permanent loving home Discover all of the ways we help Discover allwith of the ways we help or if you are willing to help transporting the Whippets please contact Beverley Assistance Dog our assistance dogs support adults and children with a rangedogs support adults and children with a range of Assistance Dog our assistance on 01359 259300 or email rehoming whippetrescue org uk of disabilities and also children with autism disabilities and also children with autism Community Dog our community dogs and specialist handlers to To support the their rescue you can become a member of and Thetheir Friends of JRhandlers Whippet Rescue Community Dog our help community dogs specialist help to improve improve their independence andCall skills and you will receive a newsletter wellbeing twice a year Dot Graham on 01505 503238 or email deltamikegolf btinternet com their independence wellbeing and skills Family Dog our Family Dog team gives adviceFamily and support to help families Dog our Family Dog team gives advice and support to help families with an to find out more with an autistic child to get the most out of theirautistic relationship their petout dog child towith get the most of their relationship with their pet dog Dogs For Good Toast_Classified indd 1 07 10 2020 14 33 For more information please visit our website and see our online shop at www whippetrescue org uk www dogsforgood org 01295 252600 info dogsforgood org www dogsforgood org 01295 252600 info dogsforgood org www dogsmonthly co uk December 2020 2020 January 2021 62 6 2 Dogs Today July March 2020 81 December 2020 January 2021 Dogs Today July 2020 Dogs Today 663 3

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CharitySpotlight Spotlight Charity We rescue and rehome collies and collie crosses throughout the UK Why not subscribe to our Border Collie World quarterly magazine Only 10 00 pa established 1958 We are a non destruction sanctuary for abandoned unwanted dogs Welcome Welcome to to Charity Charity Spotlight Spotlight a handy reference point for good folk le of folkdoing doinggreat great work work We re We rehelping helpingto toraise raise the the profi profile of this diverse diversegroup group of of people people and and we weencourage encourage you youto to get get involved involved with withthem them be beitit fundraising fundraising or or even even volunteering volunteering PRIORY ROAD ASCOT BERKSHIRE SL5 8RJ Sponsor a puppy from just 1 a week BORDER COLLIE TRUST GB 01344 882689 Please contact us or visit our website for more information Heathway Colton Rugeley Staffs WS15 3LY Tel 0871 560 2282 www bordercollietrustgb org uk Visit guidedogs org uk DogsToday Reg Charity No 1053585 Rescue centre open daily 9 11 am 2 4 pm Registered Charity No 256728 AS SEEN ON EL BCT_0310 4x1 indd CHANN1 A charity registered in England and Wales 209617 and Scotland SC038979 4 1 10 16 55 42 4 Bringing pets and people closer together woodgreen org uk www foreverhoundstrust org Registered Charity No 298348 00526nc0819 WE RESCUE KILL SHELTER AND ABANDONED DOGS FROM ROMANIA AND REHOME THEM IN THE UK AND GERMANY Chilterns Dog Recue barkingmaddogrescue Charityofof themonth month Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Charity the Smokey Paws provides pet oxygen masks to the fire service Pine RidgeinDog is a small independent animal Founded 1963 Sanctuary Chilterns Dog Rescue Society CDRS has a long rescue rescue and and continues rehome dogs history organisation of rescue andWe rehoming to grow thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of many dog lovers But many more masks are needed please call us on 01276 402591 for more details DogsToday TodayDecember July 2020 2020 January 2021 64 64Dogs Registered Charity No 1077588 A We rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year Please help us to help more www themayhew org 020 8962 8000 W e are a small independent animal rescue organisation founded in 1958 by Mr Bernard Cuff fter many yearspassion of hardinwork is an independent whose life was to rescueCDRS and rehome dogs that charity It CDRS bought own premises receives no Government funding and would its otherwise face a very bleak future in Chivery nearPine Tring Hertsis and relies entirely on the generosity of the Ridge currently run by Mr Cuff s widow Connie developed purpose built passion facilitiesand for love for public to continue its vital rescue and whose equal all canines is at the dogs with nowhere elsesanctuary to turn giving these rehoming Your support would heart of the dogs awork better future The RescueThese Centre has 40 kennels be greatly appreciated are clearly difficult times for everyone but Pine and a smallRidge team relies of highly trained solely on donations from the public who staff who provide outstanding For further information incidentally have been quite wonderful But this help please care for dogs of all ages CDRS is needed nowtypes moreand than ever contact so if anyone wishes to backgrounds in need of protection Tel 01296 assist be assured that every penny raised623885 goes to our training anddogs rehoming in addition to enquiries cdrs org uk welfare a 5 star licence for boarding www chilternsdogrescue org uk Large kennels have under floor heating plenty of natural light with indoor and outdoor areas Green If you can help or for further information please contact us technology has been incorporated By phone 01344 882689 to reduce running costs Sensitive By post Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary Priory Road Ascot Berkshire SL5 8RJ landscaping has created a woodland By email pineridgedogs yahoo co uk walk for potential adopters to get Or visit www pineridgedogsanctuary org uk to know the dogs wildlife areas and If you d like to see your Registered charity organisation 256728 featured in these two DogZones to provide grassy pages please call us on 01276 enrichment paddocks for the dogs to If you d like to see your organisation featured in more thesedetails pages 858880 for play socialise and relax bmdrdogs www barkingmaddogrescue co uk The next pet saved could be yours You can donate via www smokeypaws co uk or email info smokeypaws co uk Registered Charity in England and Wales No 1139999 Saving Yorkshire s Dogs Registered Charity No 1167291 To rescue rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable and at risk dogs from Yorkshire Tel 07562 986101 Email savingyorkshiresdogs gmail com Web www sydrescue org uk Find us on Become a Companion Keep Tails Wagging With a Regular Gift As a rescue charity Rushton helps abandoned abused and unwanted dogs on a international scale Rescuing dogs from all over the world especially the meat trade in Asia and China Your chance to win at www aht org uk lottery Call Now 44 0 1823 49 10 52 mail rushtondogrescue co uk Registered Charity Number 209642 Scottish Charity No SC006914 Senior Staffy Club Dogs Today 2018 Charity spotlight lottery23 01 2018 advert v3 indd 14 47 10 1 Our aims are Rescue and rehome sta ordshire bull terriers and sta y cross dogs aged 7yrs Recruit foster carers all over the UK Encourage volunteers at En our kennels in Sta ord and Worcester www seniorsta yclub co uk seniorsta yclub hotmail co uk Rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and cats www leicesteranimalaid org uk Tel 01455 888257 Registered Charity No 242560 Finding the cures for serious pet illnesses helping them live longer healthier lives www petsavers org uk December 2020 January 2021Dogs DogsToday Today665 July 2020 5

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For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST Confessions of a dogaholic O ur gorgeous TV adverts revealed that Dogs Today would be given away free with every copy of the Daily Mail the next day It was a huge boost to our little magazine No other magazine in our Windsorbased publishing company had ever had TV adverts All the other editors noses were more out of joint than an Italian Segugio s There was much bitching about us being Lord Rothermere s favourites Bags of extra post started arriving and Rosie Sarah and I would all sit on the floor every morning to open it There were so many lovely warm letters from new readers we were on the crest of a wave None of us had the slightest suspicion that it was actually a tsunami The Daily Mail were very pleased with this first advert Sir David English told me they had the same uplift in sales as they d only usually get by promoting a Princess Diana exclusive on the front page ALL DEMAND 66 Dogs Today December 2020 January 2021 REVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLAR article on whether pedigrees or hybrids were the best and we also had a feature on vegetarian dog food It is hard to believe that this was 1991 This time the advert asked people to buy a copy of Dogs Today As soon as the advert aired the office phones didn t stop But the question was always the same Where was the magazine on sale We presumed we must have sold out that the campaign was a huge success When the third TV ad ran exactly the same thing happened Our lovely magazine was selling out in the shops It was like a dream but it was soon to turn into a nightmare Stops dogs pulling on the lead and gives you back control Life Changing products for you and your dog 7 TIMES WINNER OF Product I can t live without NO SUPPLY I was just the editor I wasn t privy to the sales figures or more significantly the supply figures to the newstrade I now know that not everyone believed in our magazine Some assumed our proprietor Lord Rothermere was so dog mad that there would be no limit to the money he would throw at this project Someone in the very many layers of people between me and Lord Rothermere had gambled that the adverts probably wouldn t have much of an effect So they d decided to save a bit of money by not printing extra copies when we were TV advertised They just hadn t put any more mags on the shelves No wonder we were selling out We had a great TV ad campaign for a product money couldn t buy I was blissfully unaware of this colossal cock up The balance sheet for our tiny magazine was now redder than an Irish Setter Those TV ads had cost a fortune and not just to make They d bought the slots in the ad break of Coronation Street the most expensive adverts you could buy P NO MORE PULLING NO MORE RIDING UP NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF NO MORE DISCOMFORT AWARgDCoEllDar Best Do r 2018 UK re tu c fa u n a M tive Dog Most Innova cturers Collar Manufa 2019 Illustration KEVIN BROCKBANK But all that lovely extra revenue went straight into the Mail s deep pockets not ours Our magazine had to pay for printing all those extra copies of the mag that were given away In hindsight it was obvious it would take an awful lot of extra copies of Dogs Today being sold the next month to make up that deficit especially as we were still only charging 75p a copy The next edition of Dogs Today was on press On the cover a beautiful Komondor and a crossbreed that was looking for a home The Komondor barked just as the shutter clicked and his voice was so loud the little rescue dog s face was a picture We used that photo to illustrate an Doesn t ad up Also available Collars Non Slip Leads and Gripper Training Leads offering added security and confidence throughout the winter months Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine Feline Behaviour Association Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www dogmatic org uk Winners 2013 2020 Dogmatic UK Ltd is on Facebook Matching accessories in a selection of colours with high quality workmanship and fittings

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