I read an article this morning about a lady who is lavishing £600 on her dog for Christmas. She is happy to disclose at the same time that her partner is only getting gifts to the value of £100. While I don't wish to criticize her, I can't help feeling that this situation is wrong on many levels.
Joyce Geier is a Border Collie expert who knows that what dogs most want from their owners is quality time; she has advice for keeping your dog happy and occupied. David Ryan is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Chair of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, and he has some fascinating observations about why dogs bark. Plus Buddy delivers his Christmas address and there's the DogCast Radio News.
Living a lifestyle of helping others by pawing it forward while raising awareness & funds for human/animal causes. She surfs for fun & wins surf dog contests too! She's best known for her inspirational video "From service dog to SURFice dog" that went viral on YouTube & has almost 3 million views. Kleenex alert! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4. Join her on Facebook too! http://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet
If it's the thought that counts at Christmas, the thinking about dogs should be that they don't make good presents. It's too busy a time of year to be able to devote the necessary time to settling in a puppy. But don't take my word for it, here's what Dogs Trust have to say on the matter:
TOYING WITH THE IDEA OF BUYING A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS?
Dogs Trust reveals the shocking 'lifespan' of festive gifts
New research carried out by Dogs Trust, the UK's
Dogs really don't belong in shops, however posh or iconic the shop is. Good breeders who care about their dogs, and rescue charities too,want to see who is buying or adopting their dog - they don't supply shops, and there are many reasons why. Please don't buy dogs in shops - if there's no demand there's no reason for the shops to keep up the supply. Here's an update on the protest held outside Harrods to highlight the fact that Harrods sells dogs:
Harrods Protest
Campaigners from the anti puppy farming groups
I've just been contacted by Kloe Jobling who is trying to make a difference to dogs in her area. Sounds like a great idea to me. Here's more info about the Give a Dog a Home campaign:
Introducing: Give a Dog a Home
Tails of abandoned dogs in Sunderland are set to start wagging thanks to a local campaign.
‘Give a Dog a Home’ aims to encourage Sunderland residents to consider adopting a dog from a local shelter instead of buying a puppy.
Campaigners from the anti puppy farming groups Puppy Love and SPEC and from the rescue site Dogpages during a peaceful protest at Harrods.
Campaigners from the anti puppy farming groups Puppy Love and SPEC and from the rescue site Dogpages on a peaceful protest at Harrods.
Dogs Trust reveals the shocking 'lifespan' of festive gifts.
Gus n Roxy hangin n playin @ the ranch in AZ.
