Dog of the Week: Fran @ Dogs Trust Ilfracombe

Introducing... Fran!

Breed: Greyhound (Black & White)

Age: 6

Likes: I'm a very gentle lady, good with other dogs and excellent on the lead. Cuddles are always appreciated!

Dislikes: Being dirty; I'm very clean in my kennel overnight.

Needs: Lots of attention and love! I have a lot to give and look forward to owners who will return my affection.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Ilfracombe on 01271 812709 or visit the Centre's Gallery page.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Jess & Brinkley @ Shoreham | Madge @ Leeds

Other Pets: Unusual objects swallowed by pets!

We at Dogs Trust have had animals around us for most of our lives, so we'd love to say the news that pets swallow a bizarre array of objects surprises us, but we know how unpredictable pets can be! Still, think about your home - is it as pet proof as you thought? Each one of us was taken aback by at least one item on the list...

PetPlan sent us the story of Ozzie the Staffy, who was rescued from a life-threatening stomach blockage after he swallowed a rubber duck whole! The determined dog, who belongs to Adam Townsend from Cubbington, Leamington Spa, was in a play fight with another dog and preferred to swallow his prize than lose it. When he started vomiting profusely, Adam rushed Ozzie to the vet and surgeon Emily Burton and vet Hannah Ferguson (pictured) stepped in to save the day. Ozzie is luckily back to his usual self now, thanks to their speedy work.

Still think you don't need pet insurance? Remember that the cost of removing a foreign object can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds. Here's just some of the list of foreign objects removed from pets (with the claims paid for by PetPlan):

Cats:

• 16 pellets
• 2ft snake toy
• Arrow
• Baby bottle
• Baby's teat
• Bikini
• Bra strap
• Cassette tape
• Condom
• Cotton & needle
• Cross bow bolt
• Dead pigeon
• Diamond ring
• Fishing hook
• Foil
• Hair bands/scrunchies
• House keys
• Kebab stick
• Plastic watering can
• Screw
• Tinsel
• Tip of birds beak
• Toy dinosaur
• Wishbone

Dogs:

• 10 yr old lino flooring
• 13 condoms
• 33 sewing pins
• 3kg pebbles
• 40 stones
• 5 plastic mice
• Bag of nails
• Box of matches
• Bread knife
• Cake ornament
• Chain
• Christmas decoration
• Coins
• Comic relief nose
• Corn cob with fork
• Cow ear tag
• Credit card
• Dead whole rat
• Dinosaur toy
• Doc marten boot
• Enitre mop head
• Fireworks
• Glass
• Handbag
• Knee support
• Kong
• Light bulb
• Marble
• Muzzle
• Nappy
• Poop bag containing poop
• Rabbit
• Razor blade
• Spark plug
• Tampon
• Tap fixtures
• Tennis ball (1/2)
• Tv remote control
• Watch
• Whistle
• Yo-yo

Disclaimer: Dogs Trust has an arrangement with PetPlan to provide six weeks of free insurance to all new owners of our rescue dogs. You are not obliged to continue with this provider, but we recommend that you consider obtaining pet insurance if you have not already done so.

Dogs with a moral compass, telling right from wrong

In the last week, there's been an interesting article in The Telegraph looking at different pieces of research about doggy thinking. One controversial piece claims to show that not only are we right in ascribing intelligence to our dogs, it's entirely possible Fido has a sense of right and wrong.

A New Scientist report suggests that, through breeding practices which have both consciously and subconsciously favoured smarter and more empathetic dogs, dogs have developed a "theory of mind", or capacity for empathy. Remember the yawn research that already hinted at that?

We do have a tendency to anthorpomorphise our pets, which can be a harmless expression of love but can also lead to harm (for instance, when dogs are fed only inappropriate human food and become ill and overweight). As a result, scientists have been wary of research that shows typically human qualities in animals.

One new study aims to shatter that caution. Presented at the Canine Science Forum in Budapest, Hungary, the work of a team from the University of Vienna, led by Professor Ludwig Huber, put dogs through a canine version of a classic experiment conducted with children. In the human version, an instructor demonstrates to a child how to turn off a light using her forehead, either with her hands visible or with them wrapped in a shawl. Toddlers shown the second example invariably used their hands to turn off the light when asked to do so, whereas those shown the first used their heads; the standard interpretation is that while the hands are exposed there must be another, non-obvious reason to use the head, and therefore it's wiser to do so. The canine version used levers and rewards.

That explains the evidence of the "theory of mind" but what about the moral compass? Well, that's where the University of Colorado's Professor Marc Bekoff comes in. He claims that restraint shown in play-fighting, which rarely escalates into a serious tussle, shows that animals have rules and expect to interact in a regulated society where others obey them too.

For more about this and other theories of dog thought and intelligence, do read the full article. What do you think? Do your dogs demonstrate moral restraint and reasoning intelligence? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks to our Shiny friends for the tip!

Fitness for free with four-legged friends at Dogs Trust Darlington

With pet and human obesity on the rise, there is an increasing number of initiatives in place to try and fight the flab, both human and canine. As well as planned programmes like Active Family, Active Dog, there are plenty of ways to work off the extra summer ice creams and help a rescue dog get out and about.

Volunteers at Dogs Trust Darlington have been making the most of the Co. Durham countryside to improve their fitness by walking, hiking and running with residents from the Rehoming Centre. With room for 65 dogs at any one time, there's a rescue pooch there to suit everyone's fitness level.

Amanda Meeks (pictured) has been one of Darlington's most sprightly volunteers for the past three years. In all weather conditions she pops down to the Sadberge centre to take the most energetic hounds out for vigorous six mile runs across the surrounding countryside.

Tailoring her runs to suit the needs of the canine companions, Amanda's routes taken in local moor land, woods and river banks to give her charges a really stimulating break from kennels. Their confidence and social skills soar along with their fitness, and Amanda has a long-distance running partner that can keep the pace!

There are also rehoming benefits, as Sue Embleton, Dogs Trust Darlington's Centre Manager, explains:

"Some dogs can find kennel life stressful, meaning they find it difficult to settle and show their best sides to potential owners.

The dogs who have had a good run with Amanda are likely to spend the rest of the day relaxing, and this makes them more appealing to centre visitors. We're always trying to think of new ways to enrich the lives of dogs in our care until a new home is found, but nothing beats a good, long run!"

Amanda adds:

"It's a joy to volunteer for Dogs Trust. I get an enthusiastic and entertaining running companion as well as a warm glow from knowing that an overlooked canine is getting a well-deserved adventure."

If you have some pounds you'd like to shift, are interested in adopting a dog or want to volunteer in another role, call Dogs Trust Darlington on 01325 333 114.

Happy Dog Stories: Sarah and Alfie

Finding a home for a dog with an ongoing medical condition can be hard, so owners like Sarah Kane who will take on such a dog are much appreciated. Here, Sarah tells Alfie's story:

"It has been just over a year now since we rescued our Rottweiler, Alfie, from Dogs Trust Bridgend. He was known there as Philip!

"'Philip' had spent most of his early adulthood in kennels and was also suffering from elbow dysplasia. He had undergone some keyhole surgery prior to our encounter and had also had lots of hydrotherapy. Due to his condition, he was offered on a part foster basis, but he had been in Dogs Trust for a long while, overlooked by visitors.

"After much thought - and as I already owned a dog with a similiar condition - I could not resist him any longer; after a sucessful meeting with our other dog we took 'Phillip' home.

"One year on Phillip aka Alfie is now 2 years old and you would never know he had suffered from dysplasia; he has made a miraculous recovery, and being so impressed with his development, we even took our other dog to the same surgeon that Dogs Trust used with Alf!

"Alfie is a big boisterous boy, and loves to run flat out in the fields we have near by. He is slightly nervous in some situations but loves children and adults to make a big fuss of him. He is a bit of a soppy dope at times, but you must stay one step ahead of him because he is very clever when it comes to food! Many a times the locks on the cupboard doors have been cheated and we're familiar with seeing a Rottie delighted with himself as he's managed to raid the bin...!

"It is always a risk rehoming a new dog, especially one which is 'breed branded' but with patience and consistancy you will get many years of delight from your new friend. Dogs Trust saved Alfie's life and gave him a new opportunity to have a great quality of life, as well as defying his breed's unfair reputation."

If you have a happy story about your rescue dogs (whether they came from Dogs Trust or not), please email me with a photo and your tale and it could appear here soon! If you're interested in adopting a dog, please visit our website for more information.

Previous Happy Dog Stories: Jennie, Lex and Sassie | Iona and Dexter

Meet Dogs Trust's Dogs: Sadie

Last week you met Buster Boy; this week it's the turn of the lovely Sadie, the most adorable advertisement for adopting an older dog you could find.

Name: Sadie Sevenoaks

Breed: Collie-Cross

Colour: White and beige, although I prefer the term ‘golden’

Age: 15

Who's your favourite two-legged friend at Dogs Trust? My Mum, Hollie, we’ve been best friends ever since I was a pup! I’m very friendly with everyone here at the office as well of course.

Who's your favourite four-legged friend at Dogs Trust? I have so many dog friends it’s difficult to choose just one! I’m fond of Reuben and Poppy as we’ve been on holiday a few times. I’m also like Charlie, who I share an office with.

What's your favourite toy? I’m a little old for toys…does my bed count?

What's your favourite treat? Anything fishy, I especially love a sprinkle of tuna juice on my dinner.

What do you dream about? I dream about loads of things but I can never remember what I dreamt of by the time I wake up!

Where's the best place to take a walk? As I’m an old lady now I’m not too keen on walking long distances. My Mum bought me a dog buggy from America so that she can push me along the street when I get too tired.

What are you favourite activities? I like to model for Dogs Trust, you may have seen me on various posters and leaflets over the years! I also like to rub my nose on people’s legs, bark at water, and take long naps and going to my hydrotherapy sessions.

What's the one thing you can't stand? Having my coat brushed!

What do your humans like best about you? They always tell me I’m a beautiful looking dog. I always blush when they say this!

How did you meet your humans? My Mum picked me out of a litter of pups when I was 8 weeks old.

Check in next Monday for another doggy profile!

Beijing Olympics Gold (en) with a difference...

A registered Assistance Dog brought a new meaning to Olympic Gold when he made history by celebrating the opening ceremony in style at the Chinese Embassy in London.

Caesar the Golden Retriever, trained by Dogs for the Disabled, was at his usual place by his owner, Wendy Morell's side as she travelled from Dorset to attend an Olympics reception in the UK capital. Previously, the two had been proud Torch Bearers, carrying the flame across London Bridge.

In attending the party, Caesar became the first assistance dog ever to enter the Portland Place premises. Along with Wendy, he met Olympic Torch Bearer and Chinese Ambassador Fu Ying, and mingled with dignitaries, athletes and diplomats at the gathering.

Wendy commented:

“It was an honour to be invited to the Embassy to celebrate the opening of the games, and also in accompanying me, Caesar showed many who had not encountered assistance dogs before, the vital role these dogs play in the lives of many people with disabilities in our community”.

Despite the many distractions, Caesar's training and intelligence showed as he exhibited impeccable behaviour. He became acquainted with Wendy as part of her determined recovery from a horrific sports accident in 1989 which has left her with a serious brain injury. Wendy went on to win the Samsung "Better Life Hero" competition in recognition of her efforts to enhance the lives of others by campaigning for access and inclusion for people with disabilities.

You can find out more about Wendy's brilliant efforts by reading the full article online in K9 Magazine.

Dog(s) of the Week: Jess and Brinkley @ Dogs Trust Shoreham

Introducing... Jess & Brinkley!

Breed: Golden Retriever Cross (Brinkley) and Crossbreed (Jess)

Age: Jess is 5 and Brinkey is 2

Likes: Both of us are shy and nervous types, so what we like best are patient people who will take the time to get to know us and wait until we trust them at which point we hugely enjoy cuddles.

Dislikes:

Jess - I am not keen on cats and although I can get on with other dogs I am very nervous so I need time to get used to the idea.

Brinkley - I haven't tried hanging out with cats yet, but Dogs Trust say they'll introduce me if a new owner really needs me to. I've had a rough start in life so I am not keen on too much pressure but will show a lot of love if I'm given time to adjust.

Needs: Both of us need houses with children over 12 where we are preferably the only dogs.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Shoreham on 01273 452576 or visit Shoreham's rehoming gallery on Dogs Trust's website.

Other Pets: Dog saves abandoned kittens!

I thought it might be nice to let our other companion animal friends get a look in on this blog, so once a week I'll be posting a tale about the furry, the feathered, the scaly and everything in between! Admittedly today's story does feature a dog but it was too heartwarmingly sweet to pass up.

A Nevada Humane Society shelter was recently handed Angel, a two-year-old boxer / pit bull mix, after his owners moved away without him. He was being walked by volunteer Frank Gomez and his animal-loving nine-year-old stepson, Joel Fontes, when he became engrossed in exploring a particular area.

Since Angel was naturally inquisitive, it took some time before Gomez and Fontes realised there was something more to his investigations. On looking closer, Gomez discovered a box full of orange tabby kittens, who had been abandoned at three weeks old.

While rescue workers were on the way, one of the six kittens escaped. Angel calmly led Gomez over to the lost kit, and she was also handed in safely.

All six kittens and Angel are now safely with the Humane Society and are looking for homes. If you're reading this in the US and are looking to adopt a clever hero dog or rescued kitten, call 856 2000 or email info@nevadahumanesociety.org.

Sadly, it wouldn't be shocking if people were initially surprised by Angel's behaviour given that he's at least partly of a breed that is illegal in the UK and receives bad press elsewhere. But if this doesn't show what good socialisation and training can do, nothing will!

[via Dogster's For the Love of Dog Blog]

Pedigree Dogs Exposed: Dogs Trust's comment on the BBC documentary about breeding

The following is a statement from Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust:

It was horrifying to watch last night's Pedigree Dogs Exposed programme on BBC1. I am very aware that the Kennel Club has been making significant efforts in the recent past to persuade breed clubs that they need to make more effort to eradicate genetic disease and carefully control inbreeding. We hope this programme provides them with the impetus and muscle to accelerate their plans.

Dogs Trust is aware that there are many genetic defects in pedigree dogs which cause significant health and welfare problems. We see many afflicted dogs in our Rehoming Centres and deal with the consequences. Not just the physical problems but also the mental anguish. Dogs Trust recognises that the majority of breeders are responsible and prioritise the welfare of their dogs but we believe that the following four steps would help reduce the suffering of some pedigree dogs.

1. Existing legislation needs to be changed to prevent inappropriate breeding practices such as those highlighted in the programme.

2. There needs to be genetic screening of all breeding stock and the assured integrity of such a process.

3. Breed standards need to be reviewed and where necessary revised to ensure they are firmly focused on the health and well being of the dog, not the aesthetics of the breed. Breeders and show judges must adhere to these revised breed standards.

4. When people buy a dog, they need to think about where they are buying it from. Although we always urge people to first consider a rescue dog, if they do want a pedigree, people should buy from a Kennel Club accredited breeder. They must find out the dogs genetic heritage and get a screen test before buying. Let's not pander to uncaring breeders.

We will be working with the Kennel Club and DEFRA on these points, but I urge Dogs Trust supporters who watched the documentary and want to help bring about constructive change to write to Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health at Defra requesting the above steps. Similarly we would welcome our supporters’ suggestions of how the situation can be improved.

Meet Dogs Trust: Hollie Sevenoaks (and Sadie)

Last week, you met web guru Jacqui Darlow! This week it's the turn of our campaigns and education crew to get a look in...

Name: Hollie Sevenoaks

Location: Dogs Trust HQ, London

Job: Campaigns & Education Manager

You what...? I manage a team of eight regionally based Education Officers, who visit schools to provide free workshops promoting the message of responsible dog ownership. I also manage a wide variety of projects as required by the Head of Campaigns. My role at Dogs Trust is always evolving and interesting, which is why I have been here ten years now!

Best thing about my job: The people that I work with and the fact that I get to bring my beloved four-legged friend, Sadie, to work with me.

Pets: I have just the one dog, Sadie, who is aged 15 but she's still young at heart. Sadie loves coming to Dogs Trust HQ and being fussed over by my colleagues.

Favourite websites: I love Facebook, who doesn't?! Also a fan of going to shows at the theatre, so lastminute.com helps me feed this rather expensive addiction!

What I'm reading now: I have just finished Marley and Me by John Grogan. It is a touching and humourous true tale of a man's relationship with his dog, Marley, from puppyhood to old age. It's one of those rare books that can make you laugh out loud and then cry the next minute.

Weekend plans: Sadie is currently undertaking a course of hydrotherapy to help ease her arthritis, so I'll be taking her to treatment this weekend as well as meeting up with friends for a good old chinwag and a curry!

Ducks for Dogs: Join the Great British Duck Race!

We're all for the colour yellow around here, and last week I spent the afternoon in the company of my aunt's fabulous tufty ducklings. These rubber duckies probably won't waddle quite as delightfully as the real thing, but there will be many many more of them...

The Great British Duck Race organisers are hoping to release a quarter of a million yellow rubber duckies down the water at Molesey Lock, near Hampton Court Palace. The winner of the race is up for a £10,000 prize, and anyone can 'adopt' a duck for just £2, with proceeds going to charity.

The £2 donation goes to WaterAid, The Down's Syndrome Association and NSPCC but if you make a larger donation you can choose from a list of additional charities, including Dogs Trust!

The race is on Sunday 31st August, and don't worry - there's an environmental policy ensuring no duck remains in the water to affect wildlife and everything is fully recyclable.

Trish's Trudge for dogs from John O'Groats to Land's End

Dogs Trust and Oldies Club supporter Trish Adams wanted a challenge to help her raise money for both charities. As a dog lover and owner she certainly spent a lot of time going 'walkies' so in May this year she started her trek from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Now three months into the 'trudge', the idea for which she wrote about on her website, she'll be dropping in at a couple of Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres along the way and we're very happy to help her publicise her remarkable efforts.

Although her lovely 14 year old dog Ben can't quite manage the 10 miles a day trek, when kind friends have brought him along for a section of the walk he has taken part! Friends have also joined the route for stretches at a time with their dogs and I bet she has a few recommendations for lovely dog walks now!

But enough from us: you can read Trish's own words and sponsor her on her travel blog.

Thanks for your support, Trish - we hope we can offer some in return and wish you well!

Meet Dogs Trust's Dogs: Buster Boy aka BB

Sometimes the humans at Dogs Trust HQ get a little lonely without their dogs - and who can blame them? Us four-legged creatures are the best, after all. As such we've decided that we ought to get just as much press as the two-legged folk, and you can't be said to have 'met' Dogs Trust if you haven't met us...

Name: Buster Boy, but my friends call me BB

Breed: Lurcher cross

Colour: Tan and white

Age: I think I'm about 12. I was a stray, so no-one knows for sure.

Who's your favourite two-legged friend at Dogs Trust? My mum of course! She's called Jo and that's her giving me a cuddle.

Who's your favourite four-legged friend at Dogs Trust? My best friend is Charlie, a terrier who is also in the office. We go for walks together every lunchtime. Outside work I'm a bit of ladies man; lady dogs find me irresistible, but my favourite girlfriend is Bess, who's a Lurcher like me.

What's your favourite toy? I love anything with a squeak, especially my squeaky sheep. You know I'm really happy when I start throwing it around!

What's your favourite treat? Sausage. Mmmmm.

What do you dream about? Chasing squirrels! Mum says I run and woof to myself in my sleep, so you you know when I'm dreaming.

Where's the best place to take a walk? In London, I like walking by the canal as there are always squirrels to chase.

What are you favourite activities? Showing off how fast I can run, barking at the postman to make him jump, playing in the garden, sleeping and getting my humans to scratch my tummy and ears.
What's the one thing you can't stand? Being left alone. I suffer from chronic separation anxiety, which is one of the reasons I love coming to work with my friends.

What do your humans like best about you? They love my cuddles, my gentleness and that I'm always smiling.

How did you meet your humans? They found me at Dogs Trust Snetterton.

Meet Dogs Trust's Dogs is our new weekly Monday feature - check back next week for more!

Dog of the Week: Madge @ Dogs Trust Leeds

Introducing... Madge!

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Age: 2

Likes: I am a pretty typical Staffy - full of enthusiasm and always ready for a cuddle, fuss and attention. I'm also very keen on my food and treats, will get on well with other dogs and have mastered the art of walking well on the lead.

Dislikes: I'm happy to get on with other dogs but I would much rather live alone with my owners.

Needs: If you have a lot of love and attention to spare, I'm the dog for you! I'm full of energy and will make a loyal and loving pet.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Leeds on 0113 281 4920 or visit Madge's page on the Dogs Trust website.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Ryan @ Dogs Trust Darlington | Tyzer @ Dogs Trust Evesham

Dogs celebrate the Olympics in their swimming pools!

When I have time, I always try to catch up with the antics of Sadie and Lily, a pair of pooches who like to keep their owners busy recounting their tales - and those of their friends in Fairmont Park - on the Internet.

I simply couldn't resist, then, picking up an Olympics-themed post this week. The girls have enjoyed watching the Olympian swimmers pounding up and down the pool and picking up medals, and have nudged their humans into awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze to three YouTube videos of dogs swimming away. Remind you of anyone (pictured)?

If you do have a pool, or your dog likes to swim in rivers and lakes, please ensure that they are closely monitored at all times and not allowed to enter the water without you. Dogs should not be allowed to drink chemically-treated pool water as it could be toxic, and should be hosed down to remove chemicals or mites that can be found in untreated water.

Have you seen a really good video of a dog swimming - or have one of your own dog? Let us know and maybe it could feature on the blog.

'High rise syndrome' sees cats and dogs at risk from falls

We know to keep dogs on the leash near busy roads, and to ensure gardens are safely fenced in to protect them from straying and traffic accidents. But what about 'high rise syndrome'?

The ASPCA has been warning that, come summer time, pets kept in flats can meander close to open windows and end up taking a painful tumble, leading to serious injury or even death. Although cats are the main victims, some smaller dogs that people keep in apartment complexes are also prone to falling from fire escapes and balconies.

It's not exclusive to flats, either. My friend's Rottweiler, having lived safely in a large house for eleven years, suddenly got overly curious about an open window just as her owner turned her back for a second. In the blink of an eye, Sasha sailed out of the window, which overlooked the yard a full storey below. Thankfully she only suffered a short-lived sprain, but needless to say she was kept out of the room whenever it had open windows after that.

There's no need to swelter inside in order to keep your pets safe. Insect screens will keep bugs out and pets in, and common sense dictates that neither dogs nor cats should be left on a balcony or fire escape unattended.

Designed mainly for cat-owners but useful for anyone keeping a pet in a high level flat, the ASPCA's high rise survival tips are a valuable resource.

London Mayor Boris Johnson asks City Hall to 'clean and green' London with Dogs Trust

Happy news for Dogs Trust and many other organisations in the capital today. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is recommending that his City Hall staff spend at least one day a year volunteering to help 'clean and green' London; Dogs Trust is one of the suggested organisations that staff could get involved with. We commented that:

"Dogs Trust is extremely pleased by the Mayor of London's recommendation. The charity works hard in the community promoting responsible dog ownership and welcomes the support from senior London officials."

Other organisations mentioned included the National Trust, Trees for Cities, the Environmental Trust, Enfield Conservation Volunteers and Spitalfields City Farm among others.

Ways you can help Dogs Trust:

Volunteers can do a variety of jobs for their local Rehoming Centre. City Hall employees can head to their nearest, West London's Harefield, to help out with the following, but remember there are 17 Centres across the UK:

* Fundraising Volunteer
* Dog Walker
* Dog Socialiser
* Pre-Adoption Home Visitor

We also have regular campaigns throughout the year that you can get involved in publicising, such as National Microchipping Month and the ever-necessary Poop Scoop Week.

Happy Dog Stories: Jennie, Lex and Sassie

Jennie Maloney saw my request for happy dog stories and couldn't resist telling us about her two beautiful dogs, both of which were rehomed from Dogs Trust.

"Lex the Lurcher (below, right) was the first dog we got, back in October 2007. He had apparently arrived at Dogs Trust Salisbury with a brother and sister named Lois and Clark! Someone I knew adopted him but then had a change in circumstances. Knowing I was looking for a dog she brought him round to meet me and it was love at first sight. Instead of going back to Dogs Trust, Lex came to me.

Six months later, we wanted to expand our little family and get Lex a friend to play with. We felt that he needed some extra doggy company for those - luckily very few and far between - times when no-one was home. So, one day, we jumped in the car and headed back to Salisbury. The staff there were amazing, really friendly and knowledgeable, and they recommended Sassie (left) to us. She wasn't on show when we visited so we didn't really know what to expect. The minute she walked around the corner, though, we knew that she was the one for us.

Sassie is a Mastiff x Great Dane, and she had been given to Dogs Trust as her owners couldn't cope. Apparently she was copying a naughty, smaller dog in the household. Her size didn't put us off at all - the bigger the dog the better! Although she pulled a lot when we took her out for that first walk, we could tell that she was very responsive and good-natured: the perfect addition to our household. I found it hard leaving her behind to go and wait for the home check, which we passed with flying colours. The lady that visited instantly recognised Lex and was really pleased he had come to live with us.

The next day Lex met Sassie and they got on like a house on fire! Eventually, six days later, I was able to go and collect Sassie and bring her home. She had a good sniff around the house and garden, then curled up with Lex on his bed. Since then, they have been firm friends; there has been the odd scrap but they seem to love each other's company and it is wonderful coming home every evening to their 'smiling' faces."

If you have a happy story about your rescue dogs (whether they came from Dogs Trust or not), please email me with a photo and your tale and it could appear here soon! If you're interested in adopting a dog, please visit our website for more information.

Previous Happy Dog Stories: Paula and Flossie | Iona and Dexter

Dogs Trust volunteer takes to the sky(dive) to raise money

When it comes to fundraising efforts, I like to keep my feet firmly on the ground. Not so Chloe Hart, who already gives up her time to be a volunteer at Dogs Trust (click to enlarge news clipping, left). She's decided to to raise funds by jumping from a plane!

Chloe's planned skydive is on the 6th of September and her target for fundraising is a generous £500. If you'd like to donate a few pennies or watch her progress, you can visit her Just Giving page.

Chloe, much though I think you're nuts to voluntarily throw yourself from a plane I also have enormous admiration for your energetic fundraising! Good luck and enjoy the jump!

Meet Dogs Trust: Jacqui Darlow

Our supporters like to contact us to tell us about them and their dogs; we'd like to return the favour. Over the coming weeks we'll be introducing you to some of the team at the HQ and Centres around the country. First up: web guru Jacqui!

Name: Jacqui Darlow (not spelled 'Jackie'!)

Location: Dogs Trust HQ, London

Job: Digital Marketing Manager

You what...? Being a Digital Marketing Manager, my day job entails looking after Dogs Trust's many websites as well as thinking about what exciting things we can do next online. I've been at Dogs Trust for 10 years now; I started out in the PR department.

Best thing about my job: Getting to surf the net for a living! :)

Pets: At my house, none; my two cats live with my mum, though as soon as I can get a house with a garden they're coming back home to me.

Favourite websites: I can't live without BBC News for information, but have to read the List of the Day blog at least once a week as it's brilliant!

What I'm reading now: I've just finished Theresa Rebeck's Three Girls and Their Brother, an interesting insight into the real world of being a model, the pitfalls of immediate fame and what happens when it goes to your head...

Weekend plans: My partner and I are house sitting, so it's the usual weekend stuff in a different location - like a mini holiday, but I'll still find time to be checking in on those DoggySnappers!

Dog of the Week: Ryan @ Dogs Trust Darlington

Introducing... Ryan!

Breed: Crossbreed

Age: 12

Likes: I love to spend time with other dogs and meet new people because I have the energy of a dog half my age! I also really enjoyed a visit to a local care home, and I think they liked meeting me as well.

Dislikes: None, really! I'm active, relaxed and well-behaved.

Needs: I'd prefer a house with children over the age of eight. For no fault of my own I've lived in a few different places and would really like to settle down for good this time.I can happily live with cats as well, and am fully housetrained.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Darlington on 01325 333 114 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

Previous Dogs of the Week: Tyzer @ Evesham | Olive @ Snetterton

Dachshunds could help discover roots of human blindness

We know as dog lovers that some of our pets can seem 'almost human' and just the other day we learned that they have so much empathy with us that they can 'catch' our yawns. However, it now seems we have even more in common with one breed in particular: the Dachshund.

Some people develop a form of blindness caused by cone-rod dystrophies, a result of progressive cell loss in the retina. Sausage dogs, as they're sometimes known, are particularly prone to similar conditions and a research team has spotted a gene which might be partly responsible.

The next step is to work on discovering more about the gene in humans.

Cone-rod dystrophies can first lead to day-blindness, in which vision is affected in bright light conditions, gradually worsening to full sight loss. The Dachshund pictured is wearing dark glasses to help with the early stages of the condition.

Researchers are circumspect about the development because there might well be some complexity to the genetic causes of cone-rod dystrophies (which are quite rare), but the NPHP4 gene, a portion of which seemed to be missing in affected Dachshunds, could be of pivotal importance.

You can find out more about the discovery in the full BBC report.

Pet rentals, pet sharing and shelter walks: can part-time ownership work?

The Wall Street Journal featured an article the other day which seems to be something of a whistlestop tour of part-time pet ownership. Dogs Trust's feelings about dog rental (echoed by experts from the American Veterinary Medicine Association and the Humane Society) are well-documented. We feel it is thoroughly unfair and unsettling to a dog to be passed around from person to person. Dogs thrive in a stable, routine-driven environment, and they can develop nervous - even aggressive - behaviours if they are denied this stability.

But what about pet-sharing? Some people have got together with friends or neighbours to split the cost of owning a pet and share the time spent with them. This is almost certainly a step better than pet rental since the dog has a set routine (daily walks with one owner, for example, and a regular bed at the other, the same food and rules in both homes) and fewer people are involved. Isn't it a bit like just bonding with a very big family?

Mostly it is, and if all the people concerned are very consistent and the dog has a regular base, it will probably be more or less like having a dog that your mum takes care of while you're at work or your brother takes for his evening walk because they've bonded and enjoy the time together.

Still, though, there are questions over such arrangements. Unlike with an informal family agreement, there's a question of split costs here. What happens if one neighbour wants to take permanent ownership of the pooch because their circumstances have changed? Who 'owns' the dog? They've both paid for his vet bills, food, toys and insurance, so who has the 'right' to him? Suddenly a dog becomes thrust into a custody battle, and these can be terrible as any divorced couple deciding who gets the dog will tell you.

So what's the solution if you want the company of a dog but can't afford to own one or aren't sure you have the time? Get yourself down to your nearest centre! There are short and long-term residents at shelters and rehoming centres that need walks, socialisation and attention. They will relish every moment of company they get and will be glad to get to get to know a regular walker whom they are familiar with.

One family mentioned in the WSJ article went to help out a rescue dog and ended up so closely bonded with her that they adopted her. So it's not just a great way to be around dogs when you can't have one, it's also a good way to know for sure if you are ready to be a dog owner.

Foster caring is also a good way to help and can give a dog a longer-term sense of stability. If you cannot commit for years ahead but know that you can offer a home for, say, six months, you can take part in home-from-home fostering schemes for kennel-stressed dogs such as the ones run by Dogs Trust. If you also want to help a family in need, you can take part in our Freedom Project (London and Yorkshire) which provides care for the pets of families escaping domestic abuse, so that they can run without fear of their pets paying the price.

There are so many ways to get involved in a dog's life that don't require paying hundreds of pounds and putting a dog in a situation where its best interests are not really considered. Thousands of dogs are looking for a forever home and in the meantime you can give them a bit of extra comfort and TLC. Isn't that better than thinking up contracts or paying rental?

No news to pet owners: dogs 'catch' human yawns!

Now, I know my late cats and I started yawn chains back and forth to each other all the time. And it does seem to me that dogs are very attuned to the moods and behaviours of their owners. So today's news that dogs can 'catch' yawns from humans doesn't surprise me, and I suspect I'm far from alone in that.

Scientists believe that human yawn chains are down to empathy, and this evidence suggests dogs are capable of empathising with people - again, no news to dog lovers! I've certainly seen a dog start the process; a dozy Chihuahua once set off a whole bus I was riding on, to the amusement of everyone in it. The key finding with the new research is that they can also 'catch' a yawn from us, and previously it was thought that only humans and close primates could do that.

I know I've managed to get cats to mimick my behaviour before (making them sleepy by blinking slowly at them and, yes, making them yawn after me). Dogs are, as the scientists who conducted the research pointed out, "very skilled at reading human social cues", tending to respond to mood and adopt a posture and behaviour similar to their owner. BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull couldn't get his two gorgeous inky black Labs to yawn when he did, but when he pretended to sleep they immediately settled down to do so as well - surely this suggests just as much empathy?

In the 15,000 years we've lived together, it's inevitable that dogs and people have learned certain habits together (it's just a shame we can't all be as unconditionally loving as dogs are!). But it's good to have yet more proof of how close and connected a relationship can develop between man and his best friend.

Hobo the Northampton stray gets help from former Dogs Trust team member

From time to time, sadly, people do leave Dogs Trust and we like to try and keep in touch with them to find out what they're up to. When we read the recent stories about Hobo*, the badly starved dog who was found near death in Northampton, we didn't at first realise that one person heading a collection for Hobo was a former Dogs Trust employee.

The University of Northampton's Press and PR Officer, Claire Bicknell, roused her colleagues to collect food, toys and blankets for Hobo, who is currently being treated by the PDSA in preparation for rehoming. She explained:

"Hobo's story really upset me - the photographs of him were very distressing. I used to work for a dog welfare charity and he is one of the worst cases of cruelty I have ever seen. As the PDSA is a charity, I knew they would be looking for donations so I wanted to do something to help them.''

Having got to meet the dog himself, she was delighted to report that:

''He's looking really well and has put on about 3.5kg. I wish I could rehome him myself but it wouldn’t be fair with me out at work all day. I hope he gets a lovely new home.''

Well done, Claire! It's great to know that you're carrying on the good work in your spare time and we hope Hobo finds a forever home soon.

*Please note that the linked BBC article contains distressing images of animal abuse.

Dog Friendly Event: The Innocent Village Fete

While the Wag & Bone Show was happening in Windsor Great Park this weekend, there was also another event going on which was definitely suitable for dog-lovers. The second annual Innocent Village Fete (run by the folk who make the smoothies) got underway on Saturday.

Sadly I was thoroughly drenched by the time I made it there on Sunday but there was still plenty of only slightly damp fun to be had. Aside from plenty of gorgeous food, free smoothie samples, a farmer's market, disco and hoedown tents, live musical acts, eco-friendly product stands and ferret racing, there was also a village green which became a dog agility course three times a day.

While walking around I saw two gorgeous Golden Labs, a poodle, a Bichon Frise and a clutch of crossbreeds, confirming my suspicion that the all-day event was a brilliant destination for dog owners. Plenty of wide open green space and the chance to enter the agility meant that there was plenty for a well-behaved pooch to do.

While it did get crowded and busy at times, which owners of nervous dogs should take into account, the staff were friendly and approachable and likely to give good advice about the best times to attend with your dog.

Oh, and I've put up a photo of a ferret because even though we are Dogs Trust I thought it might be nice to give another pet the spotlight, if only for one post! You can see more photos from the event on Innocent's Flickr stream.

Dog of the Week: Tyzer @ Dogs Trust Evesham

Introducing... Tyzer!

Breed: German Shepherd

Age: 2

Likes: I love treats and toys and I'll work hard for them! I can get a bit overexcited about other dogs so you'll need to help me socialise.

Dislikes: I'm not fond of cats and can't live with them.

Needs: I need some further reward-based training so it would help if your children are over 16 so that they can help me settle in. I need to be with people who will be patient and allow me to settle in as well as giving me boundaries and training to keep me calm and happy.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830613 or visit the Dogs Trust website.