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Security dog shot dead at Auckland airport for getting onto runway

New Zealand police officers have shot and killed a trainee security dog at Auckland airport after he escaped his handler and no one was able to catch him. The dog, a ten-month-old crossbreed named Grizz, broke loose in the early hours of Thursday morning, as he was being loaded into a van. Grizz wandered into a secure area, causing the delay of 16 national and international flights, and could not be coaxed or caught in the dark. After three hours the decision was taken to shoot Grizz. Unfortunately an Aviation Security dog was shot this morn @AKL_Airport staff had tried for 3 hours to catch it our thoughts are with handler — Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) March 16, 2017 Inspector Tracy Phillips of Counties Manukau District Police said Aviation Security Service (Avsec) commented, “Our thoughts are with the Avsec dog handler involved. This is not an outcome which anyone wanted, and police were only asked to be involved as a last resort.” Animal welfare charities and members of the public have condemned the decision, with many questioning why airport timings were more important than a dog’s life. The question over why a tranquilliser gun wasn’t available for use was raised too. Featured image via Facebook The post Security dog shot dead at Auckland airport for getting onto runway appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/17/security-dog-auckland-airport/

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Firefighter adopts dog found in home of deceased owner

Last month, emergency service workers were dispatched to a home in Farmington Hills, in Michigan, USA, following reports of an unresponsive woman. Sadly, the lady in question had quietly passed away, but when firefighters searched her house, they discovered she had left someone important behind. Banjo, a young Boston Terrier, had been this lady’s beloved pet, and left alone for many days, was showing signs of dehydration. Firefighters gave Banjo some water, and looked into what they could do for the bereaved dog. They soon learnt his owner had no family nearby, and there was no one who could take Banjo on. They worried about Banjo all day. Where would he end up? Later that afternoon, one of the firefighters caved; Nick Newcomb asked to adopt Banjo and ensure a happy future for him. Once his shift was over, Nick took little Banjo home - a huge surprise for his young daughter, Brooke! Brooke Newcomb, Nick Newcomb, Banjo, and Stephanie Pann. Via Facebook/City of Farmington Hills, Michigan - Municipal Government “Our department prides itself on compassionate service to the community but this story is particularly heartwarming,” said Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh in a Facebook statement . “We extend our condolences to the family and hope that this wonderful gesture by Nick and his family will offer some small comfort during a very difficult time.” Featured image via Facebook/City of Farmington Hills, Michigan - Municipal Government The post Firefighter adopts dog found in home of deceased owner appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/15/firefighter-adopts-dog-found-home-deceased-owner/

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Dog walker assaulted for intervening in an attack on a seal

A County Durham dog walker is recovering after she was punched in the face while trying to stop a group of teenagers from attacking a seal. Sarah Tough was left with a bloody nose after the incident on Monday on Crimson Beach, where she had been out with her Border Collie Tally. Her pictures have been shared thousands of times on social media in commendation of her bravery. She wrote in a Facebook post , “....him and his pals were torturing a baby seal on Crimdon Beach, rolling him around and burying it in the sand.” Sarah Tough and her Border Collie, Tally. Via Facebook/Sarah Tough After she threatened to call the police, Sarah was set upon by one of the group. Thankfully her trusty dog leapt to her defence, and bit the attacker on the ankle. The group then fled. The RSPCA arrived to help the seal, which was exhausted but unhurt, and it returned to the sea. The charity has issued a warning that seals should never be touched by members of the public. Thankfully Sarah’s nose isn’t broken, although poor Tally has a chipped tooth. Featured image via Facebook/Sarah Tough The post Dog walker assaulted for intervening in an attack on a seal appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/09/dog-walker-assaulted-intervening-attack-seal/

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April’s Caption Competition

This month’s prize: The winner of this month’s caption competition gets a PoopPot , an expandable, airtight pop-out poo-bag container. It is odour-free and can be attached to your belt, bag or lead using the handy dog-shaped clip. Order yours from www.PoopPot.co.uk How to enter: It’s free! You can enter by simply completing the entry form below. Good luck! (Should you prefer, you may also enter by post, send your entry (along with your name and contact details) to September competitions, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 The High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. Postal entries must arrive by 9 April 2017). Caption competition entry form * Your photo caption: * Your name (in case you win!): First Last * Your email (in case you win!): * Field Label window.wp = window.wp || {}; wp.ccf = wp.ccf || {}; wp.ccf.conditionals = wp.ccf.conditionals || []; wp.ccf.conditionals[13539] = []; The post April’s Caption Competition appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/09/aprils-caption-competition/

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April’s Cross Question

* Which breed is parent A? * Which breed is parent B? * Your name (in case you win!) First Last * Your email (in case you win!) Preferred type of book prize (in case you win) Let us know if there’s a particular book you’d be interested in. Key words might include: humorous, training, dog games, puppies, encyclopaedia, agility, name of a specific breed. If you do not enter anything or we cannot match your request from our prize library, you will be sent a book prize at random. * Anti-spam check window.wp = window.wp || {}; wp.ccf = wp.ccf || {}; wp.ccf.conditionals = wp.ccf.conditionals || []; wp.ccf.conditionals[12956] = []; The post April’s Cross Question appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

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‘Cash’ the Belgian Shepherd finds huge stash of euros on Luxembourg train

An aptly-named sniffer dog has found €286,000 hidden on a man and in a suitcase during a search of a train in Luxembourg. The massive find was a part of an anti-drug service raid, of which Cash the dog’s nose proved to be a vital element of success. Cash led his handlers to a train passenger who was found to be concealing €50,000 on his person. The Belgian Shepherd then indicated towards a piece of luggage, which was found to have €236,000 within. All of the money was confiscated and two men have been arrested pending further investigation, as under Luxembourg’s laws, cash amounts totalling more than €10,000 must be declared. With a combined find of over a quarter of a million euros in one shift, Cash has certainly proven his true value! Featured image: stock The post ‘Cash’ the Belgian Shepherd finds huge stash of euros on Luxembourg train appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/07/cash-belgian-shepherd-finds-huge-stash-euros-luxembourg-train/

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Abandoned puppy Picasso inundated with rehoming offers

A dog given up due to his severe facial deformity has been saved from euthanasia and is all set for a loving new family, all thanks to Luvable Dog Rescue in Oregon, USA. Picasso is a ten-month-old Corgi-Pit Bull cross, and was born with a twisted, misaligned jaw, which gives him a very lopsided look. This meant he wasn’t easy to sell; instead, Picasso was given up to the pound by his breeder, along with his litter brother, who has been named Pablo. Via Facebook/Luvable Dog Rescue After learning the pair were on the pound’s euthanasia list, volunteers at Luvable Dog Rescue stepped in. Picasso is now waiting to have a tooth sorted out, but luckily it seems his problem is fairly cosmetic; Picasso can eat quite happily, and seems none the wiser to his abstract profile! Via Instagram/Luvable Dog Rescue His uniqueness has garnered Picasso quite a following across Luvable Dog Rescue’s social media channels, and propelled him into international news. All this attention means he is more or less guaranteed a fantastic new home, as offers flood in for both him and his brother. Featured image via Luvable Dog Rescue The post Abandoned puppy Picasso inundated with rehoming offers appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/06/abandoned-puppy-picasso-rehoming-offers/

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I don’t want to kill my dog

I was sitting on a bench at a playground watching my son play, as my dog Sally sniffed the bushes nearby. A gentle, rather distinguished German Shepherd mix ‘of a certain age’, she was, as usual, followed by a trail of children. One boy broke away from the group to come speak to me. “What’s that thing on your dog’s arm?” he asked. “Her elbow?” I answered. “No, that big lump, on her front leg,” he said. “What’s that?” That’s how it began. The news is forcing me to consider questions I have never before faced Within a matter of a few days, the vet confirmed what I feared: sweet Sally has a malignant tumor, now the size of a tennis ball, on her right forearm. The tumor is growing so rapidly that neither the vet nor I had noticed it at her check-up just a few weeks’ prior. The news is forcing me to consider questions I have never before faced. And boy howdy, they are tough. First, let’s dispense with euphemisms. I’ve always found hearing that a pet was “put to sleep” a verbal toe-stub: the pet isn’t going to wake up. Similarly, “put down” strikes me as too dismissive for the gravity of the situation. “Put down” is what I do with an empty coffee cup. For me, considering whether to end Sally’s life mandates clear thinking: I am preparing myself for a day when I might choose to have her killed. (Hang on a moment, I have to stop typing to sob.) A rescue dog, Sally was already two or three when we got her, 12 years ago. For reasons I’ll never know, she chose me as her pack leader, following me from room to room, refusing to walk with anyone else if I am anywhere on the premises. I take her everywhere I can, even to work; suffice to say she and I are pretty close. She’s the first dog I’ve ever had, and she has certainly schooled me in the meanings of loyalty and unconditional love. A life-and-death decision, as I carefully monitor her quality of life. The vet told me that the tumor is too big to be removed. We can do further testing, she said, to find out exactly what kind of cancer it is, to where it has metastasised - it’s so fast-growing that she says it’s safe to assume it has already started to spread - and that my options could include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or amputating her front leg, at the chest. After multiple discussions with the vet, with my children and with my God, I’ve decided not to put her through more testing, nor to take any extreme measures. She’s on anti-cancer medication and painkillers, but I’m going to stop there. While I understand completely people who feel otherwise, I am simply not going to force her to ‘fight’ a cancer battle that she couldn’t possibly comprehend. So what does that mean, for me? It means that, armed with only the confirmed knowledge that Sally has more than weeks (but fewer than years) ahead of her, I will probably have a decision on the horizon. A life-and-death decision, as I carefully monitor her quality of life. If that tumor grows at the speed at which it started, she could find herself unable to walk. Or if it spreads, she could find herself with a host of other ailments. Watching her slight limp, I can already see that there that the moment may well arrive when ending her life would be a kindness I am afraid of the suffering that might lie ahead. I am heartsick at realizing she might soon be unable to climb the stairs to sleep under my bed, as she always has. I am distraught imagining her struggling to walk through our beloved woods. Beyond than that, I am staggered by the weight of holding her fate in my hands, overwhelmed by the terrible power over her life and death. Watching her slight limp, I can already see that there that the moment may well arrive when ending her life would be a kindness. But my imagining the future stops cold at the notion of driving her to the vet’s, having her put her head in my lap, and stroking her head, while she dies, at my behest. I can’t see myself doing that to her. I can’t see myself failing to do that, for her. For years, I’ve been grateful at the depth of the life-lessons I have learned, as her owner. I am humbled that she may teach me one more deep lesson, on the true meaning of love. Featured image: stock This is a guest essay by Amy L. Freeman. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email [email protected] The post I don’t want to kill my dog appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/06/i-dont-want-kill-dog/

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Thailand’s strays to benefit from major care project

This March, international animal welfare charity Four Paws is running a project on Koh Chang Island – the second biggest island in Thailand – as a team of dedicated veterinarians will attempt to neuter around 300 street strays and owned dogs to help reduce the booming feral population. Via Four Paws The problem is considerable. It’s estimated that there are around 730,000 unwanted street dogs of various breeds and sizes across Thailand, which are all constantly looking for shelter and food. Many of the dogs are undernourished, and suffering with in sores, fleas and sarcoptic mange. For small local communities, this is a huge problem, and they don’t have the means to cope on a long-term basis. Via Four Paws Julie Sanders, director of the companion animals department at Four Paws, explains, “One of the main reasons for Thailand’s stray animal problem is pet owners failing to spay and neuter their animals. Furthermore, owners frequently get rid of their dogs when they are no longer ‘cute’ or become too expensive or too time-consuming to take care of. The dogs which are abandoned on the streets and left to fend for themselves, end up breeding with other street dogs or free-roaming pet dogs. They become pregnant and go on to have puppies. These puppies become the next generation of street dogs and so the cycle continues.” Four Paws will be constructing temporary veterinary clinics in Buddhist temples all over Koh Chang, where dogs will be neutered, and vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus and distemper, as well as treated for parasites and microchipped. Via Four Paws Vaccinations will help to ensure the current stray population is kept healthy, preventing the spread of disease to humans and other animals in the community. Sterilisations will prevent further reproduction, significantly slowing the rate at which litters are born into the existing street dog population. Aside from this being the most humane method for canine population control, the approach is cheaper and far more sustainable in the long run. Via Four Paws Four Paws will also hold several community and school events across the island of Koh Chang to promote responsible ownership and create a better understanding of street dog welfare. The team will be distributing leaflets and sharing tips with tourists on how to have a ‘dog-friendly’ vacation. It’s hoped that community focus will also contribute towards making the project sustainable. Via Four Paws Julie adds, “Four Paws is not only neutering and treating the dogs. Our aim is also to create better understanding about street dog welfare in Thailand. With this knowledge, local people and tourists can significantly improve the situation with strays in the long term.” Images courtesy of Four Paws. The post Thailand’s strays to benefit from major care project appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/02/thailands-strays-benefit-major-care-project/

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What I learnt from having my own dog stolen

I own three dogs, whom I love dearly, and I class them as members of my family, just like many other households in the UK. On New Year’s Eve I was out celebrating with family and came back home to find my front door wide open and all the lights switched on. The first thing I noticed was my loving French Bulldog Fleur was missing out of her crate. My other two dogs were there, safe and sound, but poor Fleur had been taken. Other valuables had been taken too but all I cared about was my Fleur. My heart sunk; I physically felt sick not knowing where she was and if she was safe. I rang the police immediately to report the crime and started my search for her. She was worth more than any of the valuables in our home... I plastered my dog as stolen all over social media, and asked the public to help me share the information to make Fleur ‘too hot to handle’. The police confirmed they highly suspect the break-in was specifically targeted at Fleur - her breed is worth a lot of money. She was worth more than any of the valuables in our home and the criminals clearly knew this. The idea behind posting on social media was to get her to go viral and to warn anyone selling her on or buying her. I succeeded, with an overwhelming response of at least 180,000 shares on my personal profile. This did not include all the other organisations that made posters for me and shared Fleur through their own profiles. The celebrity Jodie Marsh even shared my posts. Within 48 hours of the incident, I was reunited with Fleur through the power of this social media. Somebody contacted me, saying they had seen her in a house where they had gone to buy a vacuum cleaner (which we found out later was in fact our stolen Hoover). The buyer at the time was under the impression it was simply a one-off secondhand item for sale. When they went to collect the Hoover, they noticed a brindle French Bulldog in the living room, fitting the same description of our Fleur. They had seen our stolen posters all over Facebook and recognised her, so immediately phoned us! We got our Fleur back and were utterly overwhelmed with joy. We know we were so unbelievably lucky to have her home in the space of two days, as most cases can go on for month after heartbreaking month, or even remain a total mystery. The police were generally very good at dealing with our case. However, I strongly felt they did not take the fact a family member had been stolen seriously enough. I consider it to be kidnap - it’s taking a cherished living being from somebody’s home. Now I am trying to raise awareness of dog theft in the UK and how incidences are increasing. Luckily I had a strong connection of contacts when Fleur disappeared, as I work in a veterinary clinic. I knew what steps to take to have the best chance to be reunited with Fleur again, but others just wouldn’t know what to do. DogLost UK were really amazing; Jayne Hayes, the lady who originally started the website, phoned me personally from Wales to talk about my experience and shared her own story with me, which inspired her to start up the organisation. Dogs should not be treated like mobile phones or laptops when they are stolen. I’m just so thankful to everyone who shared on social media and all the organisations that helped me get her back. I would hate this to happen to anyone else, but I know that sadly it will. Tougher sentencing is definitely needed; these criminals make a lot of money from stealing dogs, and cause immeasurable pain. Dogs should not be treated like mobile phones or laptops when they are stolen. They are loved family members, and mean the world to some people. A suspect had been arrested for my case and we will find out if there is enough evidence for it to go to court very soon. The Stolen And Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPA) is hosting a parliamentary event in Westminster on the 14 March 2017, telling MPs why their support is vital in tackling the growing crime of dog theft. Whereas I have written to our local MP and invited him to join, he unfortunately has other commitments. So instead I’m doing as much as I can to raise awareness. Not enough people know about the prevalence of this crime; it’s happening all to often. This is a guest essay by Connie Wisniewski. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email [email protected] The post What I learnt from having my own dog stolen appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/02/i-learnt-dog-stolen/

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Choking Labrador saved by police officer

Larry the Labrador died at the weekend - but was miraculously brought back to life by the actions of a caring police officer. Kayleigh Rickell, from York, relayed the incredible tale on Facebook, explaining how her dog had been out with her father at the time. The six-year-old Labrador was playing happily at the park when a freak accident occurred; Larry picked up both his ball and a stick at the same time. The stick forced the ball deep into Larry’s throat and obstructed his breathing. Larry began to choke. Kayleigh explains, “My dad tried so hard to remove the ball, as did two other ladies who came over to help. The ladies called on a policeman to help, [and] as the policeman tried to remove the ball my dad ran home to get the car to take him to the vets. Whilst doing so, on the field, Larry died - his muscles relaxed and the policeman removed the ball and performed CPR. Larry is alive!” Kayleigh thanked the police officer, the women, and veterinary clinic, where Larry was taken to receive oxygen, on Facebook . She has now set up the ‘ Larry the Lab Initiative ‘, to help raise awareness of the potential dangers of dog toys, as she believes the ball that almost killed Larry was too small for him. Featured image via Facebook/Kayleigh Rickell The post Choking Labrador saved by police officer appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/01/choking-labrador-saved-police-officer/

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Smartcane ™ Device Workshop

On Monday 27 February we were fortunate enough to host a workshop facilitated by Piyush Chanana, Senior Research Scientist from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. The workshop was to demonstrate the use of the Smartcane™, which is an electronic travel aid for persons with visual impairment. Smartcane™ uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles within a distance of 3 metre and conveys information about distance through distinctive vibratory patterns. This enables users to navigate around obstacles safely without touching or bumping into them. Our students, staff and members of the public had the opportunity to interact with the Smartcane™ and to learn about other assistive devices that are currently being developed in India. The post Smartcane ™ Device Workshop appeared first on South African Guide Dog Association .

http://www.guidedog.org.za/smartcane-device-workshop/

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Pancakes For Your Dog

Include your dogs in Pancake Day today with this dog-friendly pancake recipe! Sian Jenkins The above recipe is for you to print out and keep, so please feel free to save and share it. You will need: Frying Pan Ingredients: 45ml Wholemeal Flour 45ml Skimmed Milk 1 Egg ½ tsp Clear Honey ½ tsp Vegetable Oil Instructions: Combine all of the ingredients together in a jug and mix well to remove any lumps. Use a small amount of vegetable oil to heat in a frying pan. Pour the mixture onto the heated pan and fry until one side is cooked. Flip the pancake and fry the other side. When both sides are cooked, move the pancake onto a plate. Add more oil to the pan for the second pancake. Sian Jenkins Cut into bites-size pieces to serve to your dog - perhaps with some fresh blueberries, strawberries or a drizzle of honey! Featured image credit: Sian Jenkins This is a guest essay by illustrator Sian Jenkins. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email [email protected] The post Pancakes For Your Dog appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/02/28/pancakes-for-your-dog/

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Pit Bull rescued from ‘crack house’ joins fire brigade

Malnourished, scarred from cigarette burns, and alone in a disused house in New York in the middle of January, Ashley was one unfortunate dog. She had no food and no water, and, it seemed, not a friend in the world. Luckily, help was on the way. The young Pit Bull female was picked up by some wonderful people from No More Pain Rescue following a tip-off, even though they didn’t have anywhere for her to stay. “We didn’t ask any questions when the person called us and told us the dog was alone,” Erica Mahnken, one of Ashley’s rescuers, told CBS News . “It was freezing out. There was nothing in the house. No, we didn’t think about it — we just ran and got her and said we’ll figure out what we were going to do after we got her out of there.” Ravs has 30 days? What’s he getting us? A post shared by Ashley (@probyash) on Jan 20, 2017 at 7:54pm PST In a bind, Ashley’s rescuers called up some firefighter friends of theirs, knowing that the fire station had just lost its resident Rottweiler. And so Ashley joined the brigade on the Lower East Side station aptly named ‘Fort Pitt’ until other arrangements could be made. Takin up- “hurry up LT I gotta !!” A post shared by Ashley (@probyash) on Feb 2, 2017 at 7:01am PST But three days later, a call was made, and Ashley was staying for good. She’s now the new fire house dog, and is only a few weeks into her new role. She loves to hang out with all the crew and is cuddled all the time. Best of all, Ashley’s past is being forgotten, and she has already doubled in weight. Hi @lorrainerupert Thank you so much for thinking of me! ❤️ #fortpitt #pittstreet #pittbull #Rescuepup A post shared by Ashley (@probyash) on Feb 2, 2017 at 6:52am PST You can follow Ashley’s adventures at the fire station on her very own Instagram account, which already has over 11,000 followers! Featured image via Instagram/Probyash The post Pit Bull rescued from ‘crack house’ joins fire brigade appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/02/23/pit-bull-rescued-crack-house-joins-fire-brigade/

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New scheme to aid London’s PTSD sufferers

Yesterday, members of the London Assembly called for support for a scheme which would see therapy dogs provided for armed forces veterans in London with post-traumatic stress disorder. A report from the London Assembly Tories called ‘Paws for Support’, has called upon London Mayor Sadiq Khan, to support a £1.1 million interest free loan scheme that will aid the capital’s vulnerable veterans, of which there are currently 5,360. The proposals suggested in the report include a policy that will use cash reserves to train 100 assistance dogs. If the pilot scheme proves successful, then it could be expanded upon using corporate sponsorship. Therapy dogs provide PTSD sufferers with a new-found confidence to embrace all aspects of society including using public transport, going shopping, socialising or attempting to find work. A common symptom of PTSD is recurring nightmares which can be aided by therapy dogs who can keep their owners calm during these panic attacks. These therapy dogs, or assistance animals as they are also known, are trained by the charity ‘Veterans with Dogs’ and may prove to be an effective alternative to long-term drug prescriptions, thus alleviating the financial strain on an NHS, which due to widespread cuts is facing yet another structural crisis. However, the demand for such dogs – which cost £11,000 to train – is high and therefore the waiting list is long. Army veteran and lifetime Londoner Richard Means was unable to leave the house in his attempt to find work, because of the PTSD he suffered having served in Iraq in 2003. However, since Richard was matched up with therapy dog Ziggy, his anxiety and panic attacks have lessened significantly, which has resulted in Mr Means landing a full time civil service job. Mr Means recalls how Ziggy has changed his life in ways that nothing else could, “He makes my day a lot less stressful. There have been times when I’ve been so low and seriously contemplated whether I want to be here anymore, but he’s snapped me out of it.” Shaun Bailey, one of the Tory Assembly members at the forefront of this new policy had the following to say. “We owe it to our armed forces heroes to give them the right help and support when they are discharged from the armed forces and this is a simple and effective way of delivering that. PTSD is a devastating mental illness that can ruin the lives of people who have put themselves in harm’s way for our country. “The Mayor, through existing cash reserves and his ability to attract corporate sponsorship, has the power to provide life-changing help for those most in need. I strongly believe we should be doing all we can to get the lives of suffering armed forces veterans back on track and I think Londoners would love to see this taken forward.” Mayor Sadiq Khan has since responded to the new proposals, saying, “City Hall has signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant to demonstrate our commitment to London’s veterans and has a number of programmes that help them get back into work, access training and secure housing. I always welcome suggestions for how society can help our veterans and I look forward to reading the ‘Paws for Support’ report.” The post New scheme to aid London’s PTSD sufferers appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/02/23/new-scheme-aid-londons-ptsd-sufferers/

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Welsh woofer seeks home for St. David’s Day

With the Welsh national day of St. David’s Day just around the corner, one sweet-faced Welsh Corgi is hoping to celebrate the occasion in a loving new home. Sandy is 11 years old, and sadly came into the care of Dogs Trust Bridgend after his beloved owner passed away. Now staff at the centre are concerned that new families may over look this lovely little Corgi because of his advancing age, so have launched a special appeal to get him noticed. Rebecca Baker from Dogs Trust Bridgend said, “Sandy is a superb chap with a fabulous personality who just adores the company of people. He is looking for a quiet home with owners who can offer him frequent shorter walks to help keep him fit as he is a little on the chunky side and is prone to weight gain. “Sandy is an older dog so would benefit from living in a quiet home where he’ll have the time to adjust to his new environment. He could live with older children who will give him time to settle in. “He is a lovely handsome older boy who really deserves to be with a loving family who can give him everything he needs. We’ve got our fingers crossed that St David’s Day will be his day.” Via Dogs Trust Both varieties of Corgi, Cardigan and Pembroke (which Sandy is), are now endangered native breeds in the UK - and are rare in rescue centres too. This could be your chance to own one of these fantastic stumpy-legged characters, and give a lovely older man his retirement home in one stroke. If you are interested in rehoming Sandy, please contact the team at Dogs Trust Bridgend on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk Featured image via Dogs Trust The post Welsh woofer seeks home for St. David’s Day appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/02/21/welsh-woofer-seeks-home-st-davids-day/

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Abandoned Staffie cross saved from London canal

In an incredibly sad case, a Staffie cross female has been rescued after she was found soaking and shivering in the Grand Union Canal in Park Royal, North London. The dog, who is only around 14 months old, has been named Abbey by staff at The Mayhew Animal Home, where she has now found care and sanctuary. Abbey was found to be quite underweight, and despite her age had likely already been used for breeding. She was also found to be suffering with a severe ear infection. Abbey has now had a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) and a Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (VBO) on her right ear - her whole ear canal has been removed and her middle ear flushed and cleaned out. If Abbey had been left untreated for much longer, she could have suffered permanent damage to her balance, leaving her with a head tilt and unable even to walk straight. Thankfully, there is no risk to her now, and she is recovering very well. The Mayhew’s Head of Animal Welfare, Zoe Edwards, said, “At The Mayhew we help hundreds of people in crisis situations every year, and we wish whoever had abandoned poor Abbey had alerted us or another rescue shelter. We are here to assist and advise on the best course of action for the animal, no matter what the problem is, we absolutely do not judge.” Now healthy and free from pain, Abbey’s gorgeous friendly nature has emerged; despite all she has been through, she still loves people. She will soon be ready for a loving new home, so look out for her on The Mayhew’s website . Find out how you can help the work of The Mayhew by visiting www.themayhew.org/donate Images via The Mayhew Animal Home The post Abandoned Staffie cross saved from London canal appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/02/17/abandoned-staffie-cross-saved-london-canal/

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