2012 has seen a whole host of dogs and cats from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home hit the headlines, as a bus-boarding Dalmatian, animals named after Olympic champions, and the charity’s oldest ever dog captured the nation's imagination.
Every year Battersea cares for nearly 9,000 animals, each with their own heart breaking, challenging or inspirational story. As well as winning a special place in a new owners’ heart, many of these dogs and cats go on to become international superstars. Here, Battersea rounds up the homeless dogs and cats that made the news in 2012:
January
HOUNDS HONOURED AT THE UK’S BIGGEST AWARDS CEREMONY FOR DOGS
Dogs Trust announces canine champions to a star studded audience
Tonight the UK’s most heroic canines rubbed shoulders and paws with dog loving celebrities as the winners of the 2012 Dogs Trust Honours were revealed at London’s Honourable Artillery Company.
Over 30 dogs and 200 humans celebrated the fifth Dogs Trust Honours 2012.
At Crufts 2012 the Best of Breed dog in fifteen high profile breeds had to face a vet check - and in six of those breeds the dogs failed the check and were disqualified. This move has attracted a lot of comment, and in this indepth interview dog expert Debbie Connolly gives her insights into and opinions on the issue.
Two labs (not Buddy) practise the benching scene for the Safe and Sound Team display for Crufts 2012.
Lovely Border Collie Zoe practises the benching scene for the Safe and Sound Team display for Crufts 2012.
Zoe (Border Collie) and Zinda (Belgian Shepherd) keep a close eye on team rehearsals.
Buddy in his favourite position - lying down, getting some attention during a break in rehearsals.
Mollie the Sprollie (Border Collie cross Springer) practises the garden scene for the Safe and Sound Team display for Crufts 2012.
‘‘For the Love of Dogs’’
(for dog lovers of all breeds)
Presented by
Chief Executive Barbara Sykes MCFBA MBIPDT TLCB
Special Guest, Patron ~ Dame Ellen MacArthur DBE
Newark Showground, Notts
(Cedric Ford Hall)
April 29th 2012 ~ 10.30am – 4.00pm