Dawn Marcus us the author of an inspiring new book called The Power of Wagging Tails, which examines how beneficial dogs are for us. The book does this largely by focusing on stories from handlers of therapy dogs, and it highlight just how many areas dogs can help humans with - physical, mental, psychiatric, speech therapy.
The book is full of examples of the incredibly effect of a dog - the almost magic power of a wagging tail. Dawn is a doctor and has two therapy dogs of her own, so she offers not only great insight into what therapy dogs do, but also has highly useful practical tips for those wishing to become involved too.
In this interview you can hear touching true life stories of how dogs have changed and enhanced lives.
You can find out more about Dawn at her website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter, and The Power of Wagging Tails is available to buy now.
Barbara Sykes and Tess - who says there's no playing for working dogs?
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Vikki Sykes cuddles a young dog at the Mainline Border Collie Centre.
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We recently spent a hugely enjoyable day at the Mainline Border Collie Centre taking part in the Sheepdog Experience. The day is an opportunity to learn about Border Collies, shepherding, and much more, and by the end of the day you will be able to take a small group of sheep round a simple course with the aid of one of the clever sheepdogs.
Vikki Sykes is the talented and patient woman who had the task of whipping five would-be shepherds in to shape, and you can hear her talk about what the day entails.
The centre is also home to the Freedom of Spirit Border Collie trust which promotes understanding of the breed as well as rescuing and rehoming dogs in need, which is obviously a passion for Barbara Sykes.
Barbara talks about an exciting event she's organising next year called For the Love of Dogs.
You can find out more about the Sheepdog Experience at the Mainline website, and there's a website for the Trust too.
In the DogCast Radio News you can hear how owners in the UK and New Zealand have been falling foul of the law, plus how dogs in China have been saved from ending up on the menu, and how dogs use the same technique as cats to drink.
Host Julie usually avoids housework as much as possible, but she has been given a Dyson vacuum to test out - including the special groom tool. More in the next episode about how the vacuum copes with the shed hair from two dogs and three cats!
