Christmas is a time the whole family is together, a time to enjoy and cherish the memories made and it seems Britain’s dog owners are taking this message to heart as a new survey reveals.

The UK’s lucky canines can expect to enjoy the festive season as much as their owners as an incredible 49% of owners will be preparing them their very own special doggie dinner on the big day.

According to the recent survey carried out on behalf of Direct Line Pet Insurance, of the 1,021 dog owners questioned, almost half (49%) are planning to make a special Christmas meal for their dogs and with 46% planning a special family walk with their dog, it will soon be walked off!

Adam Whiteley, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, offered this advice to dog owners: “Dog owners going to the trouble of cooking a special Christmas dinner for their best furry friend are clearly doing so out of love and festive spirit. It’s worth remembering that there are a few things dogs shouldn’t eat at all, even on special occasions, as doing so can make them very ill or even cause death in extreme cases. Chocolate, raisins, onions, and added salt should all be avoided, as should sharp or small bones. It’s a good idea to make sure that all food items and treats are stored well out of reach of pets, during the holidays and all year round.”

According to the survey, 89% of Britain’s dogs can expect a delivery from Santa left under the tree for them to spend the holidays enjoying.

40% Britain’s dogs will have an average of £10 on presents spent this year with a lucky 9% having gifts worth more than £100 awaiting them.

Toys are the most favoured present of choice, but pampering with collars, leads and clothes also top the list of most desired presents.

However, with 26% of Britain’s dogs enjoying chewing presents, it might be advisable to make sure Santa’s little four legged helpers have someone keeping an eye out for them.

K9 Magazine editor Ryan O’Meara offered this thoughts on the findings,“The fact that nearly half of all dog owners are preparing to fully include their canine pals in the Christmas festivities is indicative of just how much the relationship between pets and their owners has changed in modern times. Dogs are now considered fully fledged members of the family and this research highlights just how seriously owners take that relationship. Dogs bring us so much joy every day, it’s nice to hear that owners take great delight in including them at this special time.”

From The Rescue:

Hi, my name is Nigel, I single handly run a small rescue called Helping Hands Dog Rescue based in sheffield,I board my dogs at a couple of boarding kennels, I recently saved 10 Staffies from death in hull ,I didn’t have any idea what i was going to do with them but didn’t care as long as i got them to safety, I organised emergency boarding for them which has cost over £1,000 so for. I have had to get them all vaccinated at a cost of £280.
I have received a great amount of support for these dogs but so far only one has been rehomed the problem being I am in danger of running out of funds. I have been raising a £1,000 per month for the last 2 year on my own, but I’m afraid I’m struggling to sustain the Staffies upkeep. The other reason for me contacting you is because you may receive appeals for my rescue from other people i.e Angi la la Aston and possibly more.

If you feel you would like to verify any of these requests please don’t hesitate to contact me, thank you for reading this message.

To find out more about Helping Hands Rescue, to donate or to offer one of the dogs in the rescue’s care a home, please visit DogsBlog.com where you can locate contact details.

Bath Cats & Dogs Home is today launching its Winter Warmer Campaign to raise funds for lighting its heat lamps to help sustain its more vulnerable animals in warm kennels and pods through the coming cold winter months.

The rescue centre, one of the largest re-homing centres in the UK, is calling on animal lovers to dig deep and help fund the heat lamps that keep its more vulnerable animals warm during the colder months, particularly the puppies, kittens, sick and older animals, whom need extra warmth to recuperate and survive, what is predicted to be another harsh winter.

BBC TV presenter and star of the Theatre Royal Bath pantomime Naomi Wilkinson took time out of rehearsals for Dick Whittington today to launch the Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Winter Warmer Campaign. Star of the Saturday morning children’s wildlife show, Live ’n’ Deadly on BBC2 and CBBC, Naomi Wilkinson visited the Home to give her backing to the Bath animal charity’s Winter Warmer Campaign to raise funds for running its heat lamps to help sustain its more vulnerable animals in warm kennels and pods through the coming cold winter months. In her role as a children’s TV presenter, animal lover Naomi Wilkinson has travelled the length and breadth of the UK meeting animals of all shapes and sizes.

Naomi comments: “This is a particularly challenging time of year for abandoned animals and the Winter Warmer Campaign is all about providing essential care for animals young and old during the cold weather. Bath Cats and Dogs Home relies on the support and kindness of the public to keep providing a lifeline for hundreds of animals every day. Every donation made in support of this campaign will really help animals in need and make a big difference to their lives.”

Rachel Jones, head of fundraising at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, comments: “We continue to be full to capacity with dogs, cats and small animals, young, old, sick and healthy, which have come to us as innocent victims of the economic downturn. Financially, 2011 has proven more challenging than ever and whilst costs are constantly rising, donations are declining and we are now appealing to the public this Xmas more than ever to help us through these tough times. We are launching our Winter Warmer Appeal to help cover the cost of switching on the heat lamps to warm kennels and pods that need an extra boost to keep puppies, kittens, sick and older animals, in particular, snug during the festive period. Please help us make a difference to these innocent victims and help us give animals a cosy home this Xmas.”

The animal rescue charity, which provides essential shelter, veterinary care and re-homing services to more than 3,000 dogs, cats and small animals every year which relies solely on donations, fundraising and legacies to meet its annual operating costs of more than £1.3 million a year.

To donate to the Winter Warmer Appeal you can give online at www.bcdh.org.uk, or contact the fundraising team on: 01225 787335. Or alternatively, please send a cheque made payable to Bath Cats and Dogs Home to: The Avenue, Claverton Down. Bath. BA2 7AZ

On Saturday 15th October 2011 Rescue Remedies will be hosting a charity dog walk in conjunction with BIGGSD and GSDVIGIL.

The entry fee is £10 per dog (or per family). Your £10 entry fee will go to the charity of your choice.

The venue is FRISTON FOREST, SEVEN SISTERS COUNTRY PARK, EAST SUSSEX, BN25 4AJ. This postcode will get you to Charleston Manor which is less than half a mile away – with Charleston Manor on your left you carry on towards the A259 (Exceat) – keep an eye open for the first Forestry car park on your left – if you get to a tiny left hand turn signposted to West Dean Church or the A259 you’ve gone too far.

Please arrive by 10.15am to register and have photographs taken! The main walk is 8 miles, with a stop off for lunch (please bring a packed lunch). However there will also be a shorter walk running of approx 4 miles. Don’t forget to bring suitable footwear/attire and water for your dog/s.

We would love to catch up with old friends! We will also be bringing as many of our current kennel dogs as we can. Please note that ALL dogs must be kept on a lead.

So if you would like to join us and raise some much needed funds for RESCUE REMEDIES, and join in on a fantastic social opportunity for your dog, then please do come along!

Details on the event can be found by by clicking this link here.

Caerphilly based Hope Rescue is holding its annual ‘Barking Mad’ Fun Dog Show on Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August at Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson. Gates open at 10am, entries for the dog show from 11am with judging starting at 12noon.

It will be a fun day out for all the family, with trade and charity stalls, refreshments, raffles, displays, demonstrations, have-a-go-agility and the fun dog show.

Entry is free and car parking is available at a small charge.

The money raised for Hope Rescue will go directly to support over 70 dogs dogs in its care. The dogs are waiting for new, forever homes and are either in temporary (emergency) kennels in Caerphilly or Coed Ely, Nr Cardiff, or in one of Hope’s foster homes across the UK. There are also a number of dogs in Hope’s care that require ongoing medical treatment and some who need special care as part of Hope Rescue’s Long Term Foster scheme.

Saffy is 7 years old and her situation is desperate. Saffy arrived in our care close to death in Sept 09. Her current fosterers have cared for her and loved her back to full health. Due to urgent and pressing medical care and unable to deal with their dogs who do not accept Saffy, they are struggling to manage a segregated dog situation. Their situation dictates that they need the freedom to spend precious time together and open up their house.

Saffy is adorable and loves people. She is active, but suffers with hip dysplasia which has been caused from a very harsh life pre-rescue. She only needs 15 minutes walk a day and will lie-in until lunchtime if allowed. She is a true cuddle monster and bonds strongly with people. She would need to be fostered as an only pet and in a quiet household without children.

You can read more about Saffy by visiting her thread at: http://rescueremedies.myfastforum.org/about2181.html

If you think you can help Saffy by either offering her a long-term foster place or a forever home please get in touch completing the appropriate form below.

To offer Saffy an immediate foster place as an only pet then please complete our Fostering questionnaire online on this link: https://rescueremedies.wufoo.com/forms/rescue-remedies-fostering-questionnaire/

If you are interested in re-homing Saffy please complete our homing questionnaire https://rescueremedies.wufoo.com/forms/r7x3s5/ so we can ensure our dogs are matched and will suit your circumstances/lifestyle.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

It’s often said that pet owners see their pets as members of the family, treasured as much as any children and thought of as much as any family member. The pets of yesteryear provided certain functions as companions, such as sourcing food, whereas today, we ask nothing more than they be there as a companion in the home to comfort us, keep us secure, watch TV with us, make us laugh and simply be a part of the family. But how do we react when we think they may be falling ill?

Job security may be an issue we’re all too aware of these days but a recent survey carried out by Direct Line Pet Insurance and K9 Magazine uncovered that over 81% of Britain’s dog owners would risk their jobs by calling in sick if they were worried their pet was falling ill but only 6% would tell their boss the real reason for their absence. A massive 94% of those surveyed felt more comfortable saying they were unwell themselves.

The same pet lovers compared this to themselves where only 69% said they would call in sick if they themselves were feeling under the weather.

Adam Whiteley, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: “Most people consider their pet to be part of the family, so it’s no surprise that they would take a day off work to care for Fido or Fluffy, just as they would for a child. It’s a well-known fact that pets improve the quality of life for their owners, and employees who know their pet is happy and healthy won’t spend time worrying while they are at work.”

So what could be done to help prevent as many sick days being taken? Could Britain’s employers take steps to becoming more pet friendly?

Ryan O’Meara, publisher of K9 Magazine believes more can be done to follow in the footsteps of employers such as Google, known for their pet friendly policy.

He says, “The benefits of a pet friendly office are known to those who have had the benefit to take advantage of them. Well behaved dogs are always welcome at our office, we even have a ‘dog rota’ so it can be planned in advance. A pet friendly policy can be great at bringing a new vibe to the office and can act as a great stress reliever. A short sharp burst of fresh air from a quick walk can also be great for freshening the mind.”

(Chloe and Jackson, pictured above, K9 Magazine’s original office dogs)

Top Tips for a Pet Friendly Office

1) Always have treats handy. Some people may not be used to being around dogs all the time, this obviously needs careful handling and introduction to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible.

2) Take your pet for a short walk every few hours to give them some fresh air and a burst of exercise.

3) Before introducing a full pet friendly policy, have a trial. Create a rota and have a plan in place for the trial so it can be assessed how it can work for you long-term.

>> Highly Recommended: You can now get 12 months for the price of 9 from Direct Line Pet Insurance: Find Out More

Bath Cats and Dogs Home is calling all walking enthusiasts and their pets to dust off their walking boots and put their best paw forward at its annual Bath Skyline sponsored walk, the “Wag Walk”, on Sunday 8 May

This year walkers can bring either their own pet or alternatively take one or more of the Home’s four legged companions – not both, and they have the option of participating in either a three or six mile National Trust trail walk across Bath’s beautiful skyline. The terrain combines public rights of way, wooded areas, flat grounds and hills and takes in stunning views across the city and surrounding countryside.

The event commences from the Home’s Claverton Down site at 10am, although walkers will leave at staggered intervals between 10 – 11am to avoid congestion. The walk takes in the stunning city views from the University and Widcombe and finishes at Rainbow Woods. Free parking is available at the site.

Rachel Phelps-Allen, spokesperson, comments: “The Wag Walk is a great opportunity for individuals, couples, families or groups of friends to have a fun day out in the fresh air, whilst raising crucial funds to help care for our hundreds of needy animals. We are trying to encourage walkers to take one or more of our dogs out to ensure all our dogs on site will be able to take part in the event this year. This event is always popular and attracts hundreds of enthusiastic walkers. Walkers should allow around three hours, including a picnic stop, to complete the walk and are advised to wear suitable footwear, to bring wet weather clothing and their own lead, if at all possible, and, in case of hot weather, should ensure sufficient water for their dogs and themselves is available. Poo bags will be provided on arrival and well-deserved refreshments will be available after the walk. This is a great way to get fit and help our animals at the same time! Please get involved!”

Anyone interested in taking part in the “Wag Walk”, should call the Fundraising Department on 01225 787334 for a registration pack and sponsorship form. Alternatively, registration form can be downloaded from www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk. All participants completing the course will be presented with a certificate, whilst dogs will receive treats.

The animal charity is hoping to raise crucial funds towards its £3,000 daily running costs needed to care for the 3,000 unwanted dogs, cats and small animals, which are re-homed each year.

Rescue centres have all kinds of dogs looking for a new home, you can find so many different breeds, shapes, sizes and dogs looking for homes with different needs to consider.

We’ve been lucky enough to get an insight into a brand new dog book, Living With An Older Dog – Gentle Dog Care offering you advice if you are looking to adopt an older dog.

There are also dogs of all ages currently in rescues looking for new homes, our sister site www.dogsblog.com will testify to that! The staff at the shelter should be able to help you find an older dog that will settle well with you. Someone from the centre will usually want to visit you at home first to get an idea of your lifestyle, and also to make sure the environment is suitable. Dogs that will settle most readily are likely to be those who have lived previously with just one owner. As already mentioned, there may be a variety of reasons why owners can no longer look after their pet, which do not reflect in any way on the dog itself. On the other hand, there will be some dogs that are noisy, destructive or even aggressive, and their owners may have felt unable to cope.

Try to ascertain as much as you can about an older dog’s background if possible. This is particularly significant if you are looking for a family pet, because an older dog that is unused to children could become nervous in their company and may react aggressively if frightened. It is always a good idea to arrange to take a potential dog for a walk if possible, rather than simply looking at him in the kennels. This will give you a valuable insight into his behaviour, enabling you to discover whether he responds to basic commands, and if he is accustomed to walking on a lead. You will also get a much better idea of his personality, and how he reacts to you. This can be especially critical in the case of a dog that has been badly treated. He may not take to you readily, because something about you – perhaps even your coat or voice – reminds him of his previous owner. Clearly, if you do not bond, there could be problems in the future.

Introducing an older dog to the home is rather similar to having a puppy, although you will not necessarily be faced with the problem of house-training. If this is required, however, take the dog out early in the morning, during the day, and again in the evening, when he is most likely to want to relieve himself, and then praise him when he performs, just as you would a puppy.

Some older male dogs may seek to scent mark with urine in the home. Clean this up thoroughly, but avoid using household disinfectants, since some of these will attract the dog to soil the same site again. It’s much better to use special disinfectant and de-scenting products available from pet stores. However, the best long-term solution to this problem is to arrange neutering without delay, if it has not already been done.

Older dogs are often just as likely as puppies to scratch around the home, especially at the outset; therefore, try to avoid leaving your dog on his own with the door shut, otherwise you may find the carpet damaged, especially near the door where he has been trying to get out in your absence. Even linoleum tiles may not be sufficiently resistant to prevent damage by a dog’s claws, and neither is woodwork immune.

Living With An Older Dog – Gentle Dog Care is published by Hubble & Hattie.

Hope Rescue is launching an urgent appeal to raise £3,000 to help unwanted dogs who are waiting patiently to find a foster home or their forever family. The fundraising effort is focused on a virtual dog show – complete with stalls, an auction and an online photographic competition!

A number of celebrity judges have very kindly agreed to help with the online photo competition – world-renowned dog trainer and author Victoria Stilwell; Tamara Ecclestone, daughter of “Formula 1 Supremo” Bernie Ecclestone; Television presenter, author and wildlife expert, Chris Packham; and Editor of ‘Dogs Today’ magazine, Beverley Cuddy.

The Hope Rescue Virtual Dog Show will run from 9pm Sunday 6th March to 9pm Sunday 13th March

Hope Rescue, based in Caerphilly, currently has more dogs in its care than at any time during its 6 year history. The situation reached crisis point in the New Year and has shown no signs of improving since then. There are currently 70 dogs in its care, with another 18 in the local authority pound waiting for a place – not to mention the ever-growing number of dogs on its surrender list.

The last 2 months has seen an unprecedented number of strays come in and the costs associated with finding a place of safety for these dogs – whether in a foster home, with another rescue or in Hope’s emergency kennels – has hit the charity exceptionally hard.

Hope leases private boarding kennel spaces as a “half way house” for those dogs in the pound that have completed their 7 days but do not have a foster home or rescue space secured. These kennel spaces literally are lifesavers, without them many of the less popular breeds, or harder to rehome dogs, would be euthanised.

During the last 2 months, Hope Rescue has kept an average of between 14 to 18 dogs in kennels at any one time. Many of these dogs are bull breeds and crosses, which are difficult to find foster or rescue spaces for through no fault of their own – it is often simply a matter of too many dogs resulting from over breeding.

The current kennel bills are in excess of £3,000 a month, without taking into account the associated vets bills and transport costs for 70 dogs. There are several dogs undergoing exploratory vet work for a variety of medical conditions, in addition to the day to day vet costs for neutering, vaccinations, worm and flea treatment and micro-chipping.

The aim of this Appeal is to raise £3000 – the equivalent of one month’s kennel costs – so Hope is asking for supporters to dig deep as the dogs lives are depending on it.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Appeal, can do so safely through the Hope Rescue Justgiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Hope-Rescue-Kennel-Costs

Hope Rescue is always looking for more people willing to give a dog a second chance through fostering. Anyone interested in becoming a foster home should contact Hope Rescue on 07545 822919 or email enquiries@hoperescue.org.uk