Standing up for Staffies!

Our Publications Manager, Deana (owner of Daniel the Spaniel), is standing up for a breed that gets a bad rap in today's post. Check it out:

What’s got four legs, a wagging tail, an appetite for fun and a serious need for reputational rehab? The Staffordshire Bull terrier:

I’ve always loved this particular breed for their fun loving and eager- to- please characters, and like many dog lovers I’m always upset to hear the latest piece of anti Staffy news or gossip. It seems that the media in general really has it in for this breed. It makes me mad that journalists are all too keen to slate the Staffy while failing to look at the dimwitted owner who didn’t have their dog under control.

Here are my top reasons to love a Stafford:

1. Wide smile – so entertaining
2. Fat butt / whippy tail combination
3. Always delighted to see you
4. Very energetic – except when asleep
5. Great with kids
6. Can shimmy from to of head to tip of tail when happy
7. Dark beady eyes
8. They look especially fetching when grey around the muzzle
9. Extremely affectionate
10. They have SUCH a big character

I’d love to hear your reasons too...

Photo courtesy of Andy Catterall

Lord Mayor's Show 2009: Windy and wet, but fun!

I was delighted to volunteer to walk in the Lord Mayor's Show for a second time... until I saw the weather forecast! It really was as cold, wet and windy as it's ever been for the show (to the point that the fireworks had to be cancelled) but it's hard to have anything but a smile on your face when you're accompanied by a bunch of friendly, happy dogs showing off their best sides in search of a home.

The three featured in the video below aren't the only ones, but they were among the few willing to sit still(ish!) for the camera! Apologies for the dodgy sound quality that was due to the strong winds, but all the relevant information is on the slides. And yes, that is me in the last segment, looking seriously classy in my Waggy Walks hat, I think... ahem.


I completely fell in love with Apple and had to remind myself about a hundred times that it wasn't the right time to get a dog. But really, how many times can you be expected to resist being licked on the chin by a Jack Russell pup?! She walked beautifully, often nudging at Education Officer Natalie's beautiful Patterdale Terriers who came along for the walk. Other dogs needing homes included the most fabulously placid Corgi cross, Rex, and a fantastically exuberant - and stunningly beautiful - German Shepherd x Dobermann pup who really wanted to get to know everyone.

Despite our numb fingers - warmed somewhat during the lunch break by the hot chocolates our Communications Director Charlotte managed to snaffle from somewhere, to our immense gratitude! - we did all have a lovely time, and the kind folks from The Cook & The Butler made our dogs very happy with the odd helping of sausage from their delicious-smelling barbecue float.

Now I just have to dry out in time for next year November...

Dog of the Week: Shadow @ Dogs Trust Glasgow

Introducing... Shadow!

Age: 12

Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Crossbreed

Likes: I'm a very cuddly girl and love to be fussed over. I've been known to doze off and start snoring in my carer's arms as there's nothing I love more than being snuggled up.

Dislikes: As long as I'm loved, I'm happy!

Needs: My owner, who had me from a puppy, sadly passed away early this year and the family handed me in to Dogs Trust because there was no-one to look after me. I'm fussed over and spoiled here, but I'd love to be part of a proper home again. I need a bit of TLC and patience because of my age, but I've still got a lot of love left to give. Caring for an older dog can be really rewarding - just look at what this owner of an oldie has to say!

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Glasgow on 0141 773 5130 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Happy Dog Stories: Kim and Jake

When Kim Adams met Jock, he was a sorry sight, a painfully thin, emotionally and physically scarred victim of dogfighting. Four years on, thanks to Kim and her husband's love, patience and careful training, life for a dog now known as Jake couldn't be more different:

"In December 2003 my husband Steve and I lost our beloved Staffy cross, Harry; he died of old age at 19 and my husband had had him since he was one or two.

"By March 2004 we were pining for another dog so we went to Dogs Trust Kenilworth and had a look round. At first we couldn't find a dog that would be suitable; personally I think we were trying to find a replacement Harry. However, on the second walk round the kennels we noticed a dog that looked petrified and would not come out of his bed. As we got closer to the kennel, we called him over. He came over to us and looked in quite a sad state. His head looked huge as his body was so skinny and it looked like he had many scars and not a lot of fur left on him. His name was Jock.

"We went to the office to enquire about Jock and we were informed that he was a Staffy cross and had just been brought over from Ireland and that was a rescue from dog fighting. I seem to remember that Kenilworth did not hold out much hope for him.

"Steve and I decided to talk him for a small walk as we felt sorry for him. We were advised not to walk too far as Jock was quite tired and as mentioned previously, not in particular good health, so after a few minutes we found a bench and sat down. Jock proceeded to jump up and landed himself on our laps.

"Well, we were quite surprised he had the energy to do that! We sat quietly with him and he looked at us with such sad eyes that we decided that we would take him back to the kennel and find out more about him.

"We were informed of his history as a fighting dog and that he could be quite aggressive, however, we decided to take a chance on him.

"We brought him home in April 2004 and re-named him Jake and he has been with us since. I can honestly say he is a wonderful dog. Yes, he can still be aggressive to other dogs and cats as he was bred to be like this, however, he has never been aggressive to us or our family plus we have learnt how to handle him when he is walked or around other animals.

"Jake is extremely healthy now - he is walked twice a day, he has gained the weight he had lost, his coat is glossy and his eyes shine, in fact he is not the same dog we took away from the kennels - he is an absolute joy to have.

"Here is a picture of Jake relaxing on "his" mat!

"I hope this gets added to your blog to highlight that although Jake was identified as a problem dog, he has turned out to be a wonderful loving dog that just had a bad start to his life. His problems will not go away, but you just adapt and manage."

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: Judith and Buffy | Sarah and Alfie