Catching up: disappointing racing Greyhound regulations

Hello all!

You might not have realised it from the stream of planned posts, but I've actually been away for a couple of weeks. Alternatively you might have noticed and felt abandoned - not to mention missing me terribly - in which case, fear not! I'm back. *grin*

I've cleared out my inbox, run around our social networking sites to say hello and greeted our regulars on DoggySnaps, so I've spent some time reading up on the latest doggy news. One regular stop is, of course, the blog of our Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin, who had some disappointing news:

The latest Association of Dogs and Cats Home (ADCH) meeting fortuitously took place in Dublin which gave me an opportunity to check on the progress of our new Rehoming Centre.

[see the full post to read more about ADCH]

Unfortunately the week ended on a disappointing note as we finally received the Consultation into the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations. Despite all our recommendations, the proposed regulations will not protect Greyhounds from cradle to grave. By focusing purely on the welfare of dogs at tracks, the consultation fails to address the issue of the 1000s of dogs which routinely disappear before their racing career has started or when they are retired from racing at 4-5 years. We will be feeding back our disappointment to Defra and submitting our evidence about what needs to be done to better protect Greyhounds as part of the Consultation.

Anyone who's visited a Dogs Trust centre or who has started their search for a dog on our website will know that we do get a lot of ex-racing Greyhounds. These have to be some of the most misunderstood dogs on the planet; for example, far from needing a lot of exercise they're couch potatoes who are often well-suited to less active owners (though they do need daily walks and a short run).

More misconceptions arise when people see muzzled Greys in the park. Although some ex-racers need to be walked muzzled, don't be fooled; this is so they are kept apart from small dogs, cats, squirrels and the like as their chase instinct has been finely honed for the track. With people, they're commonly very gentle family dogs (don't forget, racers have human handlers, after all!) and as they're used to canine company they sometimes prefer to live with other similar-sized dogs. Greyhounds who haven't been trained to chase small furries can also often live very happily with small dogs, cats and the like, just like any other well-socialised and trained dog, whatever the breed or crossbreed.

Nikki the ex-racing Greyhound (pictured) is currently looking for a home with attentive owners and, preferably, another dog. Find out more.

Guest Blog: Julie of DogCast Radio visits Dogs Trust Roden

What actually goes on behind the scenes in a rescue centre? It’s always intrigued me, so I went to spend a day at my local Dogs Trust, which is the Roden centre. To give you some background, this centre is amazing, re-homing between twenty and thirty dogs a week. After talking to the staff, I realised that it is their dedication and knowledge that enables the shelter to have such success.

Each day starts with the mammoth task of cleaning out the kennels and runs. This involves clearing away any mess, sweeping out and disinfecting the dogs’ living quarters. Carers choose whether to feed the dogs they look after before or after cleaning, and remembering individual’s diets as well as any medication needed is another demanding task.

Once the dogs have been fed and cleaned, it’s time for walkies! The centre has a wonderful amount of space for exercise; fields to romp through, and a secure area for the more energetic to let off some steam. This is in addition to smaller secure areas near the kennels buildings, which provide dogs with safe space to play, and often interact with each other. This allows dogs a welcome break from their living environment.

What struck me most about the centre was the measures staff take to ensure their charges have as much comfort as possible. Armchairs are squeezed in to give a feel of home, and dogs are given as much company as possible. Most carers told me that even on their days off they can’t help thinking about the dogs they look after, and some have to make an effort not to go in to the centre in their leisure time.

For older dogs there is a wonderful house on site, where two members of staff live. This means that older residents can enjoy the benefits of having a real home, and being on site means lots of visits during the day. At the other end of the spectrum is the puppy block, where bitches about to give birth and those with young pups live.

In addition to cleaning, feeding and exercising, there is transportation to and from the vet (some on site, some a car trip away), grooming and training to be done. The centre has a resident trainer, who was eager to stress to me that a Dogs Trust dog is supported for the rest of its life. At any point, the new owner can contact the centre for advice and help. The trainer spends time assessing dogs, helping some face their fears, with others developing good behaviour.

On the day I visited a photo call was arranged to highlight the many pairs of dogs in the centre who are hoping to be re-homed together. Bringing together twenty odd dogs ranging from Yorkshire Terriers to German Shepherds was no easy task, but despite necessitating standing in freezing cold weather for over twenty minutes, it was undertaken with patience and persistence, because it meant the dogs in question had a better chance of finding a new family.

Members of the public are encouraged to volunteer at the centre, and during my visit I talked to several who had made the trip to the shelter to walk dogs, in spite of the cold rainy weather. Their contribution, on top of the staff’s devotion, does so much to enliven the dogs’ day.

In between all the activity I‘ve already described, there is the joyous task of welcoming people coming to collect their new best friend – or friends! One of the great strengths of the centre it seems to me is that time is taken to talk to visitors; to assess their requirements and to fully inform them about the dog available for adoption. Sadder occasions are new dogs arriving; but at least with Dogs Trust Roden, they have a good shot at a brighter future.

During my visit I learned so much, and developed such an admiration for the staff. I also fell in love. Several times. With a Bulldog, a Labrador, a GSD-cross........

Julie Hill is the host of DogCast Radio, a twice monthly podcast about dogs. She lives with her Labrador, Buddy, and a cheeky Bichon Frise, Star, in rural Shropshire. She writes for a number of dog magazines and other publications. The best dog-related advice she’s ever received is to love your dog so much it can’t resist you.

Are you making any New Year's Resolutions?

Now that it's coming up to January 1st 2009, lots of people will be pledging to stop biting their nails, lose weight, get fitter or give up chocolate. Last night my husband and I agreed to take up some sort of volunteer work, which I suspect is also a fairly common resolution. But there are also the kinds of promises you can only hope the world will make.

Here are the doggy resolutions I hope people will make in the coming year:

1. I will do my research and be sure not to buy from a puppy farm

There's plenty of advice out there if you're looking for a specific breed, from pointing you in the direction of a breed rescue to giving you tips for recognising a reputable breeder. It can be tempting when you suspect that a puppy is being bred unscrupulously to buy it in order to 'rescue' it, but unfortunately all this is money in the pockets of those who would mistreat dogs.

If you think there's something suspicious going on, please report it to the local Animal Warden on the RSPCA. If the animals are taken in to rehoming centres you can always rehome that same pup after it's been checked over and is ready to find its forever home.

2. I will exhibit good doggy manners

If you have a dog, please make sure you clean up after them! Apart from being unpleasant for others, poo can contain parasites which can make children and vulnerable adults very sick.

If your dog's recall is less than perfect, remember to keep him or her on a long leash until they've got the hang of it. This will help prevent straying or bounding up to a person or dog who might be nervous and not appreciate it.

If you don't have a dog but often see them in your area, please make sure you ask the permission of the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog. Some dogs are nervous of strangers and it's always best to check first!

3. I will get my dog microchipped

There has been a steady increase in the number of dogs reunited with owners who were very distressed at their disappearance but who had taken the time to have their dog microchipped. This quick, safe, painless and cheap process can save you and your dog from the heartache of separation and save local councils, Dogs Trust and other charities from spending time and money caring for a dog who already has a loving home.

4. I will consider neutering my dog

Any veterinary procedure is, of course, down to the owner. You can read more about the pros and cons of neutering on the Dogs Trust website, but we do believe that that benefits are very important. As well as reducing the numbers of unwanted pups, neutering helps avoid a variety of dangerous medical conditions. You might decide against it, as is your right, but please just have a think about it and ask your vet for more information.

5. I will consider adopting a rescue dog

For all sorts of reasons, people do buy puppies and that's understandable. If you have a specific breed in mind or want to raise a pup from infancy it is something you might want to do, and many people working at or supporting Dogs Trust have done so! We just ask that if you're thinking of getting a dog you remember that there are thousands of dogs out there waiting for a second chance in a home like yours. They'll be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, and we'll be on hand for the rest of their lives to support you in their training.

Let us know about your New Year's Resolutions - doggy or otherwise - in the comments, and I hope you have fun whether you're painting the town red or disappearing under your duvet tonight.

Meet Dogs Trust: Vicky Kelly

Name: Vicky Kelly

Location: Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre

Job: Supporter Relations Officer

You what...? I talk constantly about Dogs Trust, at least I’m sure that’s how it must seem!
I attend events, speak at community groups and organise events at the centre to promote the work of Dogs Trust.

Best thing about my job: Listening to people’s stories of the canine companions they have shared their lives with and seeing long term residents leave the rehoming centre with their new families.

Pets & Family: I have my rescue dog Toffee who hides her age very well. She has lived with my husband, Martin and I for over 12 years. Goodness knows what she thought when my two daughters arrived however she has always been a superb four-legged play friend.

Favourite websites: Without doubt Facebook! I have friends and family all over the world and it’s a great way to share photos and keep in touch.

What I'm reading now: Other than my friends status updates on Facebook and Oxford Reading Tree stage 5 (my daughters school book) I don’t make enough time to read. I do however enjoy books by Bear Grylls and Dame Ellen MacArthur as I am an adventurer at heart!

Weekend plans: Absolutely none what so ever! This is most unusual. Perhaps I’ll get chance to pick up a book?

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Image credit: Stuart Dreghorn