Friday, 6 November 2015

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Where has the the time gone. Where do I start regarding my latest 'dog projects' 'dog workshops' 'dog patrols' and educational advice groups regarding Animal Care and Responsibility!

In August I was awarded a contract by our first London Parish Council to help with dog issues in the area and also start workshops for the community of Queens Park and various projects for both dog owners and non dog owners.

I joined the local Environmental Officer and dog warden for Westminster on their 'dog patrol' around the local area of Queens Park in August 2015.  Though Queens Park has many responsible dog owners who have their dogs on leads and pick up after their dogs {this is one of the by laws and dog owners can be given a fixed penalty for not complying} there are some that constantly ignore the rules on both counts.  Many offenders were found to let their dogs off lead in the childrens play area and led to constant dog fouling. Since working with the dog patrol four fixed penalties have been given out after dog owners given cautions and warnings. I am sure that no one both dog owners and non dog owners want their children - grand children being victims of dog mess!! As a dog owner myself I certainly did not want to be stepping in dog mess every time I went into the park

Education regarding Animal Welfare - Dog Care and Responsibility and also addressing childrens fear of dogs and how to approach dogs in public places to me is very important - and I am lucky to have the full support of Queens Park Public Library who give me access and time slots so I can arrange events to reach out to ages from 5 - 12 and their parents and offer advice and information regarding our pets in the home and local parks.

Dog Workshops commenced in September - October - This workshop was for dogs that had certain social issues - ie fear aggression - interaction with other dogs - recall and pulling on the lead  - Also one on ones were arranged for dogs that needed individual help with training or behavioural issues. The next workshop will be on Sunday 29th November for small breeds from 12pm-1pm  and for large breeds 2pm-3pm

Bonfire night has been but not necessarily gone!! Fireworks will still be going off over this weekend and probablly the next week end as well.  Firework Displays or in your own garden should be supervised and controlled and thats not me being a Party Pooper but firstly you hear so many stories of accidents happening
not only with children but our pets - some pets run off in fright - some get injured - some do not survive so  check bonfires before you light them - (for wildlife) keep your dogs and cats away safe inside - and of course make sure your children are well away from the fireworks and bonfire - Keep safe and keep your precious ones safer

Sunday, 12 July 2015

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Traveling on Public Transport with your pet (s)

Even if you DO own a car I am sure you might have to use public transport at some time with your pet but imagine having to rely on the courtsey and approval of public transport both of the 'driver' and the public passengers on a regular basis.

Many of the Public Transport Providers in UK Do have provision in place for you to travel with your 'Fido the poodle 'Freddie' the Husky or 'Mollie' the English Bull Terrier  in tow but OFTEN with strict stipulations in place especially on buses where it is at the 'discretion' of the driver!!

How many times have I been on buses (minus my own dogs) but been witness to a 'drivers discretion' or in some cases 'he doesn't like DOGS with a capital D!!  One time even - sticking up for one very obedient and
well behaved Springer Spaniel and ending up with both the owner - the dog and myself been thrown off the bus and threatened with possible interaction with an authority of the Law.

Or I have got on the bus with Missy Blue my whippet cross (wearing an Elizabethan collar - Missy not myself) and had a pleasant and dog friendly driver and met with sniffs - loud exclaimations - people jumping in the air - anything to get out the way of the 'Dangerous Fiend'!!

I pull Missy Blue firmly to my side - I mean I don't want her to 'Catch any of the ailments' of these irate and disgruntle passengers.

Traveling back on First Great Western who along with South West Trains allow two dogs per passenger with my two dogs who slept both ways there and back I and my friend had a great journey with both humourous and friendly ticket conductor and passengers alike.  It was only when I reached Victoria Station that I had to wait over half an hour - five cabs later before Me myself and two small dogs were accepted by the Representatives of London Cabs!! 

Guide Dogs should be allowed on any Public Transport but there have been news stories of Guide Dog Owners refused by Drivers and even one 'Dog Owner' told they should leave their dog behind when traveling!!!

Since 2012  and the relaxation of the UK pet travel (though all proper paperwork and vet checks and vaccinations are a legal requirement of travel)  many more people are traveling abroad with their pets - where on Ferries - owners have to leave their pets during the trip in their cars - on the Eurotunnel  shuttle  dogs and owners travel together in their cars through the Channel Tunnel.

Just coming back from France and No I did not take my dogs but I saw many dogs out with their owners - not on walks through the green countryside but in the cafes and bars  - in  the markets and even the small Art Galleries - Maybe UK will Follow and once again become the Dog Loving Country - we once were

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

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Rehoming a Rescue dog

We all see the photos of dogs - needing homes - or in  - council dog pounds (desperately needing rescue) - or the ones abroad who have spent most of their lives on the streets or lying old and broken in shelters - and we want to save them all.

In Rescues dogs are brought in - some as strays - others rehomed by members of the public and though a form is filled out by the previous family - not all give 'nothing but the truth' - some even put behavioural problems as the reason for rehoming - needing a reason to give their 'family pet' up - others - they have no time - or - the dog is old  - a new baby and the list goes on.  Most Rescues assess the dogs as best as they can but when we take on that dog - senior - unwanted puppy - and sign those 'adoption papers' we take on the responsibility - the care and the readjustment of that 'new family member'.

Imagine - just how that dog feels - either coming in from the streets (they must have had a family once) or being 'abandoned' by their family - then comes into a new 'temporary home' - new scents - new people - just beginning to trust - settle - and then we come along - and another journey - another new destination.
Scarey - stressful - a few accidents (even though they are toilet trained - not aggressive - and were very friendly when you first 'fell in dog love' at the animal center).

Being rehomed is stressful for any rescue dog - and it takes time and patience for them to feel safe and secure and also feel they are not YET again be 'moved on' - your dog is like an 'orphaned child' that has no
'sense of belonging' - and the initial settling in period could trigger conflicts with new owners early on if not properly understood and gently introduced into their new surroundings  and time for bonding and behaviour assessment.

When you first get your dog home - Do not overcrowd him - of course friends and relatives want to meet the new addition to the family - but not on the first day or even not for a few days - just let him or her settle in with you - and the immediate family - make sure doors and garden gates are secure (some dogs are great escape artists - thats how some of them got to be found as strays- or with street dogs from abroad their fear of the unknown makes them excellent  houdinis). Your new dog might have a pretty low social competence and hardly any confidence in #newsettings  and though you might have had a meet and greet with your other dog (s) at the centre - in your home environment the reality of being confined in a different setting  with lots of different sounds and people can be a whole different ball game - dont leave toys out or food - observe both your dogs behaviour and the new dog - watch their interactions - if the rescue has given you any advice please heed it - also most rescues in UK and from abroad send a qualified home checker to see you before you adopt - if you have other dogs they will meet them and give feedback to the rescue - some dogs are rehomed as 'the only pet' - and even if they are fine with other dogs in the park can not share their 'home' with other pets - even visiting ones especially on 'first days of being in the new home'.

One of the mistakes we can make - especially with initially shy or nervous dogs is to keep invading their space -  -" wanting to make up for the 'previous unknown life they have had'' or 'pressuring them to 'obey rules and setting boundaries - too soon - or they are not ready to 'take in' just yet. This not done on a gradual basis could make them regress and bring out a fear based defensive reaction not necessarily to you but other dogs or people

I have three rescue dogs - two from UK and one from Greece all females and all had their own stories to tell
and they are great dogs but it took time - and there were frustrations - they all have their individual traits  - and their trials and tribulations before their final forever home - were - unknown but their scars showed through.

The early phase of a rescue dog's rehabilitation can often be hard - tough on the owner - scary and unknown for the dog  - sometimes an adoptor can feel 'What am I doing wrong' 'Why does he not listen to me' 'I can not give up on him but .....'  'Do I give up' - As a home checker - I always say if you need help or just a little friendly boost or advice on any behavioural problem no matter how small contact your home checker or the rescue - take things gradually  - be realistic with your goals  placing less pressure on yourself and most importantly the 'rescue dog' you have  brought into your family because they deserved a chance of life.

If you feel you need a one on one training ask the rescue or your vet if they can recommend a good trainer - or a good recommendation from a friend - check if the trainer has full pet business insurance - ask their experience - and most trainers will be quite happy to give you a run down of what the assessment and training session will entail.




Wednesday, 18 February 2015

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January 2015

Already into the New Year of 2015 - January the month starting off getting back into the working mode - the new projects - the new beginnings and the loss of friends both human, canine and feline.

The month of January started off with the first Dog Workshop in Queens Park W10 of 2015 - the weather colder than ever and the dogs more eager to go back to the comforts of home than learn #nottojump #howtocomebackwhencalled and #walkingonlead!! Some like #Ghost and Rex two German Shepherds were keen to get the pawty started - others like Mags and the Beagle were not so keen!!

The month of January saw the loss of a friend that spent her life helping others and her rescue and love of animals over 30 years was well known.  A Lady that would  help the homeless both two and four legged - I remember one time she was  walking one of her dogs and a lady was taking a 'senior healthy' yorkshire terrier' to the vets.  My friend asked 'What was wrong with him' - the reply was ' I can not have him any more so I am having him  put to sleep' - My friend took his lead and said - 'You cant do that - I'll take him' and Tooney the Yorkie  lived a good few more years as 'Top Dog'.   I always say why do the 'beautiful animal angels' always leave us too soon.  Blessings my friend - RIP

The month of January a NEW Year for some and the END of an Era for others.

Wednesday, 31 December 2014

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31st December 2014

The end of one more year - a year of working with all breeds of dogs - a year of being the voice of animals who have no choice but to feel the pain of captivity - abuse or victims of the ONGOING law that destroys families - seperates canine pals and in a lot of cases KILLS healthy vibrant family dogs who are seized not because of dangerous dog issues BUT being born TYPE - THIS law - BSL. RIP all those we could not save - newly born pups - seniors - who died alone not knowing WHY!

The end of one more year where our precious pets - rescue dogs who we have rehomed - and watched grow - who have held a special place in our heart.  The loss of our feline and canine family members who at their passing have taken another piece of our hearts as we say our 'Final Goodbyes' and gently lay them down to their final sleep.

My Darling Maisy - who I rehomed in 2002 to a wonderful couple - who even when my own 'dog behavioural business' started to build up I still never gave up walking her - Maisy who ran after everything that moved - 'joggers' 'small fluffy dogs' 'horses' - bikes - Maisy who was the first dog to be banned from the residential gardens of Kensington W11.  Maisy who gave the best kisses - who laid in my arms and when you really met her and she liked you - you fell in love with such a deep and beautiful love that took a part of your heart that broke in two when she was first diagnosed with cancer and when she died at the end of this year I felt a loss so great that tears filled up and overflowed with pain.  Maisy my beautiful girl as your dear owners said You were a huge part of our lives - we all rescued you - we all cherished you and what a bl.....dy good life you had and how blessed we were to have known your love.
RIP Darling Girl You will never be forgotten.

To Marsha Jones who lost her Ruby Girl so soon before Christmas and whose presence is so missed by all that knew her especially her human family and her canine pals Benny and Doris.  Ruby - daughter of Tilly - Ruby a shining light - Ruby a sweet staffie girl who gave so much love and asked for nothing in return.  Thoughts and Sweet Memories will be treasured evermore.  Run Free Sweet Ruby forever shining bright.

The end of the year of dog workshops - educational projects - old ones gone but new ones  in sight - White City Estate my next 'dog training educational classes' project - where already a lot of dog owners are looking forward to participating in training sessions - both educational and enlightening. A big TASK maybe - am I looking forward to it - you bet!!

It leaves me one last message - continue PETITIONING against what isnt right
continue - PROTESTING against the Fur Trade - Factory Farming - Animal Slaughter - Puppy Farms and Dog Laws that make the dogs the victims and the let Abusers walk away - And remember WHEREVER a dog or any animal needs SAVING - wherever they are in the world - surely they ALL deserve a chance and our SUPPORT.

Happy New Year

Sunday, 14 December 2014

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November 2014

A month of loss - A month when new laws have been put into operation regarding our four legged friends - new Dog  Laws that again make many dogs and their owners the victims of over zealous authorities and new laws that already have claimed the lives of two dogs that I know of myself - and have felt the grief of both owners!

One was a twelve year old staffordshire bull terrier lab cross - it took just thirty seven minutes to decide whether he lived or died - he was ordered to be destroyed - Rest Your Sweet Soul Luga.  No loving arms to hold you - no final words of goodbye. 
The other was a mixed breed small dog who bit an intruder and under this law that victimizes many innocents were responsible for the ending of her life.

What about the (words can never describe what I would like to call them) thug that beat a dog he obtained off Gumtree - Tyson a staffordshire bull terrier who he left to die or the woman who abandoned  her boxer cross in her house when she moved - the poor dog died of kidney failure - in agony - tins of dog food just out of reach. - And the dog fighting rings - organised by vicious evil beyond inhuman.  They walk free or a paltry 'few weeks' board.  Well done The Justice System - you really have proved we ARE a nation of ANIMAL LOVERS.

My pledge for 2015 is to keep fighting - being PART of the voice to urge the government to STOP - THINK - YES we need laws BUT TO PROTECT all animals against abuse - and Educate not only dog owners - the public - BUT also the media and the very officials themselves who carry out these very inhumane and outrageous laws and let abusers and animal killers walk free.

Join me anyone!!

Monday, 20 October 2014

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20th October 2014

#DogForum @St JudesHall Ilbert Street W10 2pm-4pm

Today the NEW Dog Laws come into effect which will make owning a dog in London especially and all over UK as even over zealous barking - over boisterous spirits can mean your dog getting an asbo or even you you yourself being prosecuted for being an irresponsible owner - Councils - environmental officials and the police will be allowed more 'control' over (in some cases) whether your dog LIVES or Dies.  this covers all breeds of dog.

Yes Laws should be put in place - and yes Irresponsible owners should be held accountable BUT what about the 'victims' - dogs were not born bad - what about the increase in #dog fighting #backstreetbreeding #crueltycases - where is the law to protect them and prosecute the abusers with lengthy sentences - eight weeks imprisonment in extreme cases is usually the maximum sentence!!

Today in #QueensPark I will be sitting alongside local council and housing officers and the local westminister dog warden and crime prevention officer to offer both dog owners and non dog owners advice - about how this law affects the community - how you can hopefully get mediation before a prosecution case is brought against you. I will also be giving out contacts of Dog Law Solicitors Wheldons Law and DDA Watch who take up cases regarding prosecution.  At least our council and community are trying to work together to make sure this law is discussed - advice given and overall work for not only public safety but for the safety and protection of our beloved residential pets