DogsBlog.com, the UK’s leading dog adoption site has launched the 2010 National Dog Adoption Month to promote one very simple, very important message: ‘Dogs in rescue shelters are not damaged goods. They are normal, happy, fun filled dogs who simply need a new home with a new family’.

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

The Friends of Akitas Trust (UK) was originally formed in November 2007 by Nicola Bell, Vikki Brown and Elsa Higginson. Formerly volunteers for another Akita rescue organisation, it had been noted that there was a severe gap in provision for Akitas finding themselves on death row in local authority run or contracted pounds. After much consideration, the Trust formed after taking on the case of a young Akita on death row, whose rescue back up was withdrawn at the last minute.

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

Rescue dog Gracie from Bath Cats & Dogs Home is showing her support for the England Team in its forthcoming FIFA World Championship bid by putting her best paw forward in an England dog vest and hoping fans will want to take her – and her friends – home to watch the football in comfort.

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.

SOS Animals receive no government funding and so they’re putting on a sponsored walk taking in 8 miles around Hampstead Heath between 11am-3pm on Saturday 24th July to help raise valuable funds for their rescue.

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.

Dogs enrich our lives in many ways. They provide companionship, love us unconditionally, and even improve our health, reducing stress simply by being there. If you’ve decided to add a four-legged member to your family, first you must decide whether to buy from a breeder or pet shop, or to adopt from a rescue or rehoming organisation. There are many pros to rehoming a dog, and the cons can easily be avoided with thorough preparation. Continue Reading »

On behalf of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, Polly, an advocate of her breed, will be walking the West Highland Way from the 15th / 22nd May 2010.

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.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go on 30th May, the Jerry Green Dog Rescue Open Day could provide the perfect day out!

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.

It’s that time of year again for Friends of Akitas Trust (UK) to proudly launch the 2010 Online Dog Show open to all dog breeds.

Over the past 3 years this has been a great success and raised a fantastic amount to help our Akitas in need and all funds are put directly back into help Akitas in our care and need across the UK.

Our lovely judges, confirmed to date are:

Sandra Bell Chambers of the Akita Association
Kymm White of South East Dog Rescue
Adele Grant of Dog Lost
Kim O’Meara of DogsBlog.com
Julie Harkness of Rescue Aid for Animals
Lynda of Dunroamin K9 Rescue
Pam Hill of The Kennel Club

Entries will be accepted from now until 12 noon on Monday 29th March. The judging of each class will take place from the close of the competition and the winners announced on the evening of Monday 29th March.

Email your entries to julie@friendsofakitas.co.uk

Pictures that have been entered can be viewed by clicking here

There will then be “The Peoples Choice” competition from 29th March to 3rd April, open to all forum members to vote for their overall favourite winner from the classes, this will then determine the Best in Show and the Reserve Best in Show. The winners will be announced on the 5th April.

Each photo entry will cost £1 or 6 entries for £5, all proceeds to the Friends of Akitas Trust (UK).

Each class winner will receive a certificate and a rosette and the runner up will receive a certificate.

The winners of Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show will receive trophies and certificates.

The classes this year are:

1. Prettiest Bitch
2. Handsome Dog
3. Cutest Puppy
4. Golden Oldie (8 years plus)
5. Best Friends of Akitas Trust (UK) Rescue
6. Bath Time Beauties
7. Broken Akitas (odd positions)
8. Biggest Blow
9. Best Snow Picture
10. Happy Families
11. Kids and ‘Kitas
12. Other Breeds and Furries

There will also be an additional class titled Rainbow Bridge. This class will not be judged but is a section of remembrance for our wonderful furbabies of the past.

Entries to be emailed to julie@friendsofakitas.co.uk on receipt of the entries details on how to pay will be provided.

XX LET THE COMPETITION COMMENCE! XX

Rae Cooper – Promotions Co-ordinator
Friends of Akitas Trust (UK)
Tel: 07735 379 066
Could You Sponsor Our Dogs In Need?

www.friendsofakitas.co.uk
UK Registered Charity No. 1128641

Bath Cats & Dogs Home is launching its ‘Poorly Pets Appeal’ to help fund the treatment of hundreds of sick animals arriving at its doors during the recession.

The animal charity continues to be inundated with poorly dogs and cats owing to owners who cannot afford vet treatment thanks to the ongoing effects of the recession. Since the economic downturn took hold a year ago, the Claverton Down based independent charity has seen a two-fold increase in the number of animals, particularly older sick animals, dumped in the area requiring urgent attention, thanks to some owners choosing not to pay for vet care. In January alone, the Home took in 19 animals compared to 30 in the same period last year.

Rachel Phelps-Allen, spokesperson, comments: “The challenging economic climate means times are still tough for us and our vet bills are higher than ever due to the consistent increase in sick animals arriving at Bath Cats and Dogs Home. Cat flu is a particular problem at the moment. It spreads quickly and easily and symptoms such as a runny nose and eyes, loss of appetite and a persistent wheeze are common. Dogs are coming to us with arthritis and diabetes and a host of other ailments requiring urgent treatment. We are finding that symptoms seem to be particularly severe in the animals arriving, since many have not been vaccinated or their ailments properly treated.”

Netty the Staffordshire Terrier, pictured above, is in constant pain with sore legs and lameness, caused by arthritis. She requires urgent hip treatment, for example, which will total almost £600. Her carers must pick up her hind legs to enable her to stand. She will only eat when around people, thanks to a fear of the kennel environment and has luckily found a temporary home and human company behind the centre’s reception. Then there’s Nelly.

Nelly the lurcher has a severe case of arthritis, incontinence and a skin allergy, which has caused her serious pain. She has been prescribed a range of antibiotics and painkillers to relieve the soreness for an indefinite period costing hundreds of pounds.

Then there’s Drift, the cat, for example. Found lying in the snow near Frome by a passer-by two weeks ago, this old boy of 12 was severely malnutritioned, underweight and suffering from a serious form of cat flu. He is making a good recovery following medical treatment, including antibiotics and eye cream and is enjoying his cosy new temporary home! However, treatment is not cheap, with the cost of ongoing flu drugs, including IV fluids and antibiotics ranging from £50 to £200 for a very sick animal.

The Home frequently takes in diabetic cats, requiring urgent stabilisation, including glucose curbing and insulin with costs ranging from between £400-£900. There are also sometimes cases of leukaemia and immune deficient FIV, the cat equivalent of HIV, treatment for which does not come cheap.

Mrs. Phelps-Allen continues: “Our Poorly Pets Appeal is seeking to encourage supporters to help us pay for the treatment of so many ill animals requiring both urgent operations and ongoing medical treatment. In trying to care for so many sick animals vet bills total hundreds of thousands of pounds each year and it is only with the continuous financial support of animals lovers we are able to continue our work. With your support we can help give them the healthy, happy, pain-free future they deserve. This is a particularly tough time for our animals and any help given will be gratefully received.”

Commenting on the launch of the campaign Kim O’Meara from The Better British Dog Owner’s Campaign in association with Butcher’s Pet Care said, “This is a very worthy cause. The recession may have officially come to an end, but many dog owners still continue to worry about money and the affects it has on themselves, their families and their family dog. ”

Anyone able to give a donation to Bath Cats and Dogs Home can donate on-line via its website: www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk or can contact the fundraising team on 01225 78733.

Alternatively, please send a cheque made payable to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, The Avenue, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AZ.