This year, Carl Edwards, ITV Wales Tonight Presenter, has very kindly agreed to be the celebrity judge. There will be something for all the family: trade stalls, face painting, refreshments, fun show  classes, dog agility and many other attractions. The Best in Show prize will be a photographic session on the day with prestigious photographer Sarah Stone.

“The Barking Mad’ dog show will be great fun day out for the whole family, young and old, whether on 2 legs or 4! We rely on generous donations from the public to continue our work and really hope that people will come along to show their support ” says Fundraising Coordinator, Susie James.

Susie goes on to thank the army of volunteers who has stepped up to help “we are planning a bigger and better show this year and our army of volunteers has, once again, been fantastic”.

For further information, call 07974 212704 or go to our website www.hoperescue.org.uk

Currently anyone who owns a dog can breed from it without taking any responsibility for their actions. The Andersons are also breeders of champion Dobermanns and believe that all breeders should be rescuers, “if you won’t rescue, don’t breed.” Heidi says it is not a case of rescue versus breeder, it all comes down to responsible breeding, “it would be good to get people to realise that there is a big difference between responsible breeders and irresponsible breeders. A responsible breeder should always take back a puppy, for whatever reason, throughout that dog’s life and always be there for help and support if needed. If every breeder was responsible there would be no dogs in rescue. The dogs in rescue can only be from irresponsible breeders and puppy farms.”

They believe the public backs a real change to the present situation and they are prepared to fight until it is achieved, “This change in legislation is needed to introduce a sensible solution. Thousands of people are admitted to hospital each year with dog-related injuries, millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money is being spent every year on stray dogs and thousands of dogs are sitting alone, unwanted and abandoned.” Heidi explains that they believe the issue of weapon dogs can also be addressed through their proposed legislation, “it will uncover the falsification of pedigrees that allows banned breeds to be re-introduced into the UK and the use of dogs for fighting and as weapons for the intimidation of the public, this can all change if the breeding of dogs is controlled.”

The Andersons are hoping to collect 10,000 signatures before they send the proposal to Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Readers can find the petition at this link http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/control-uk-dog-breeding-now/

With dogs being given up on the rise once again this year, National Dog Adoption Month aims to prove to all would-be dog owners that the dog of their dreams is in an adoption shelter somewhere. All they need to do is look.

As the campaign aims to completely dispel the myth that ‘rescue’ dogs need pity or sympathy or that dogs in shelters are somehow there due to problems in their makeup, physical or emotional. The national dog adoption website www.dogsblog.com shows, clearly, that adoption centres are full, literally to bursting point, with all manner of different dogs of different backgrounds of various personality types. National Dog Adoption Month aims to prove to all would-be dog owners that the dog of their dreams is in an adoption shelter somewhere. All they need to do is look.

Sky News presenter Charlotte Hawkins agrees commenting, “Many shelters are reaching capacity, so desperately need the space to be able to take in the ever increasing number of dogs that need help. It takes a few small changes in your life to give a dog a home, but the rewards will be more than worth it, as I know from my rescue dog Bailey. So if you think you can offer a second chance to a rescue dog then please, please get behind National Dog Adoption Month.”

Throughout the month there will be a number of dog adoption success stories, local fund raisers/open days held by rescue shelters and various events designed to promote the benefit of adopting a dog.

For more information on National Dog Adoption Month and to find out how you can help spread the word, visit www.dogadoptionmonth.co.uk

Under the 1990 Environmental Act, Local Authorities are required to collect and hold stray dogs found within their areas for seven days. If by the seventh day a home is not found, the dog may be sold to someone who will care for it, passed on to a suitable rescue or humanely destroyed. Some areas have excellent provision, and dogs are only put to sleep if they are very ill or displaying particularly bad temperament – others do not have the resources or will to secure rescue places, and in these situations healthy dogs are just put to sleep on the seventh day.

The FOA Trust (UK) works in conjunction with Dog Wardens, Local Authority kennels, a variety of other rescue organisations and individuals to get as many Akitas as possible into “safe” kennels or foster care and then into forever homes. That is not to say that the FOA Trust (UK) will only help “poundies” – our objective is to help, rescue, rehabilitate if possible and ultimately re-home any Akita which needs it. This is achieved through assessing both dog and potential owners, to ensure a well-matched and long-lasting, happy relationship.

A lot of behind the scenes work was carried out, and the Trust had a more official launch in January 2008 which saw the forum and website go live. The Trust attracted a number of members in a relatively short space of time, and recruited Area Representatives. In mid-2008 Elsa Higginson resigned from her position due to personal demands, and Collette Nisbet joined the Trustee team. As time went on and the organisation grew larger, the Trust consolidated the coordinator team, establishing Area Coordinators, responsible for coordinating work in a fixed geographical area, and other important positions including a Marketing and Communications Manager, and a Fundraising Coordinator.

By March 2009 the Trust had grown to such a point it was felt prudent to identify a second site to rent kennelling, and by April 2009 the Trust was utilizing kennels in two locations, Bolsover in North Derbyshire, and Yeadon in West Yorkshire. Soon after, the opportunity arose to rent an entire block of nine kennels at the Leeds base for a reduced rate. At present the Trust operates on renting the block of nine in West Yorkshire, and renting on an individual kennel basis in N. Derbyshire, with a limit of four kennels maximum being used there at any one time to ensure that funds are not stretched beyond the limits. Therefore the Trust has 13 kennels to use, alongside whichever foster spaces may be available at that particular time.

During April 2009 the Trust became a fully registered charity and became the only UK Akita Rescue organisation to receive official endorsement from the UK Akita Association. In May 2009 it was decided that our geographical approach to Coordinators was no longer effective, hence introducing the National Coordinator role where location is not an issue, at this point we also merged the Marketing and Communications aspect into the Trustee roles and introduced a new Promotions Coordinator.

In July 2010 due to Vikki Browns departure from the Trustee team and an ever increasing demand on the organisation a recruitment drive was held. The organisation now consists of a Management Team of 14 who aim to take the organisation onwards and upwards. How are we different to other Akita Rescue Organisations in the UK?

• We are the only Akita rescue in the UK to actively prioritise Akitas in death row situation
• Every single Akita is assessed before the Trust commits to assisting in their re-homing. This includes dogs in private homes and other rescue organisations
• The Trustees are actively involved in the organisation on a day to day basis

Funding

The FOA Trust (UK) is predominantly funded via public donations and donations given at the time of adoptions. The recruitment of additional Coordinators will allow the Trustees the time required to secure grant funding and sponsorship deals. The FOA Trust (UK) shop will also be re-launched in August 2010.

**At the time of printing there are 10 Akitas in pounds in the UK who desperately require urgent assistance to save their
lives – if you can help us by adopting, fostering or volunteering please contact us!**

Contact: Nicola Bell, Nicola@friendsofakitas.co.uk, www.friendsofakitas.co.uk

The American Bulldog was neglected, unhappy and in poor condition before being rescued by the animal charity at the beginning of May. A sweet-natured girl, still a little nervous following her previous life, Gracie is seeking a loving new home where any children are 8+. The animal centre provides essential shelter, veterinary care and re-homing services to thousands of dogs, cats and small animals every year and it is hoping that with the World Cup only a few weeks away, animal lovers will want to give one of its animals a home – and find a new friend for company.

Rachel Phelps-Allen, spokesperson, comments: “We are hoping that when football fans are watching the England team in the comfort of their own homes they will spare a thought for the hundreds of unwanted animals in our care and will perhaps think about adopting an animal to keep them company on their sofa. According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, loneliness is more prevalent among the young than those past retirement age, a survey suggests, amid profound changes in the way we live and interact. Nearly 60% of those aged between 18 to 34 questioned spoke of feeling lonely often or sometimes, compared to 35% of those aged over 55*. An animal can make you feel wanted and we have hundreds of wonderful animals to choose from! What better way of killing two birds with one stone? Everyone here at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, including all our 160 dogs, 80 cats and many small animals is keeping their fingers and toes crossed for the England team’s forthcoming matches in South Africa.”

Bath Cats and Dogs Home, the animal rescue charity based on the outskirts of Bath, re-homes 3,000 dogs, cats and small animals every year, is a totally independent, self-funding charity, which receives no Government or Lottery funding and relies solely on donations, fundraising and legacies to meet its huge £1.2 million annual operating costs. This equates to a huge £3,000 a day just to keep the Home running, whilst caring for its hundreds of unwanted, needy dogs, cats and small animals of which Gracie is just one.

For more information on the dogs, cats and small animals seeking loving new homes, please either visit our website at www.bcdh.org.uk or call: 01225 787321.

Tania Coates from SOS Animals says, “We have no government funding at all and we are run entirely by a small group of volunteers. We are raising money for food, water, vetinary care, sandfly collars, just about everything you could think of that a shelter needs to continue to provide the love and care these poor abused and abandoned dogs need.

If you would like to take part in our walk (which is being led by an experienced ramblers association leader) please respond to this email and we will send you a sponsorship form. All we ask is that you raise £15 minimum sponsorship.

You may bring your 4 legged friends on the walk and we will have some of the dogs looking for homes with us wearing their ‘I need a home’ bibs.

It will be a fun day out, there will be plenty of rest stops on the way and a nice pub lunch ) the walk will be fine for all abilities so don’t be scared if your not particularly fit.

If you don’t wish to participate but would like to donate please make a pledge by emailing tania@sos-animals.org.uk no matter how small every penny really does count.”

Susie James and her rescue dog Basil will be walking the 177 mile Offa’s Dyke path to raise much needed funds for Hope Rescue. This epic walk will start in Prestatyn on 29^th May 2010 and will end 2 weeks later in Chepstow. Susie and Basil are appealing for both human and canine volunteers to join them for a day along the scenic route, or alternatively take the less challenging option and sponsor them.

Hope Rescue is a South Wales based dog rescue charity that helps hundreds of stray dogs in Local Authority pounds every year. The rescue is entirely self-funded  and run by volunteers with no paid staff and this challenge will raise vital funds towards their running costs.

Susie says “Basil was rescued from a stray dog pound by Hope Rescue. Without their help he would have been destroyed after completing his 7 days in the pound. This is our way of saying thank you for saving his life, and we need all those dog lovers out there to support us and raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity”

Full details of how to join the walk or sponsor Susie and Basil can be found on the Hope Rescue website www.hoperescue.org.uk, by contacting Susie on 07974 212704 or emailing enquiries@hoperescue.org.uk.

The biggest pro associated with rehoming a dog has to be the fact that you are providing a loving home for a dog that doesn’t have one. Rehoming a dog also costs much less than purchasing from a breeder or pet shop, both initially and in the long run. Rehoming fees for dogs – which include the cost of spaying or neutering – are usually a fraction of what you would pay for a puppy from a breeder or pet shop.

photo credit: SignalPAD

Also, puppies from pet shops usually come from puppy farms, which tend to overbreed their animals. Overbreeding can result in puppies with genetic complications such as hip dysplasia and congenital heart defects. These puppies can even be sold sick with worms or, in the worst-case scenario, the parvovirus. All of these conditions will amount to very large vet bills.

The dog not fitting in with the family is the biggest con you hear associated with rehoming a dog. When this happens, the family often turns the dog back into the rehoming organisation. This heartbreaking situation can often be avoided by doing a bit of homework before picking out a dog.

Begin by making a list of breeds of dog that you like. Then, research each breed to learn the following: maximum size, temperament and breed-specific health issues. It is important for you to find a dog that fits in with your home, personality and budget. For example, if you work 50 hours a week and live in a small flat, a Border Collie definitely wouldn’t be a good fit, as they are high in energy and require lots of exercise.

You would want to choose a companion dog that enjoys napping the day away, such as a pug. It’s also important to look at health issues common to the breeds you prefer, as you will never want to be in a position in which you can’t afford to give your dog the care it needs, or to feed it, for that matter. A German Shepherd will cost significantly more to feed than a Yorkshire Terrier.

Once you have answered these important dog breed questions and narrowed down your list, then you can begin visiting rehoming centres. The staff will work closely with you throughout the rehoming process, answering any pet questions you may have. It’s okay to fall instantly in love with a dog, just be sure it’s a breed that’s included on your list. If you already own a dog, be sure to set up a meeting between the two dogs, outside of your home, before making your final decision.

If you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog, and it’s not one of the more common breeds, you can contact a rescue organisation that deals with that particular type. They are more than happy to hear from families looking to provide forever homes for their rescue dogs.

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s first official long distance route links Milngavie to Fort William – a distance of 152km (95 miles) – from the northern outskirts of Glasgow, to the foot of Ben Nevis at Fort William.

Polly has done many long walks in the Scottish Mountains with her owner, Kathy (who is a Trustee of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue). Polly’s little legs have carried her hundreds of miles across the Scottish countryside where she lives. She also loves swimming in the very cold North Sea, the local Lochs and the rivers.

Until recently, she was a therapet at the local Old Folks Home, where the residents delighted in her party tricks of ‘rollover’, ‘turn’ and ‘paw’.

Polly lives in Scotland, with ducks, chickens, canaries, a grumpy cat, and Amber a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Please sponsor this wonderful friendly little dog, you can download her sponsor form here:

Even £1 would be very welcome.

Based in Blidworth in Nottinghamshire, Jerry Green Dog Rescue are hosting a Companion Dog Show with a Breed, Novelty and Obedience Class available to enter.

Judging starts at 12 noon and entry costs are £1.50 (Breed and Obedience class) or for the Novelty classes, vary in price from £1.25 per class or 3 for £3.50 or 5 for £6.00.

One to One Obedience Training Available On The Day.

For further details visit www.jerrygreedogs.org.uk or telephone 01623 792886.