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.

Dogs Trust Review of the Year 2008

Time to look back over the year as it's unfolded on the Dogs Trust Blog. Remember any of these stories?

Things That Made Us Smile

Hubble, the 'Ugliest Dog in Britain' was anything but, and his cute little toothy grin made us smile right back. Check out the video of him getting ready for his star moment on GMTV.

The regular Happy Dog Stories we've been featuring, which never fail to warm the heart.

Seeing Dogs Trust cabs on the streets of London; how cute is Buster in the photo?

Things That Made Us Frown

The news that dogs are still banned from 75% of rental properties - we gave some tips on helping to beat the odds when house-hunting.

Pet rental companies - we can't believe anyone thinks this is a good idea, and welcome the international moves to ban it.

Things That Caused A Stir

Dogs Trust pulled out of Crufts, but it's very important to remember that we continue to work with the Kennel Club on improving the health of dogs through breed standard reviews and research.

Things That Made Us Gasp

A rabbit saved a family from a fire, taking the role usually assigned to the family dog!

And it was a bumper year for dogs saving kittens, from Angel the pitbull cross rescuing strays to Leo the Terrier pulling his feline family from a fire.

What's more, a human saved a dog, too - from a marauding five foot shark...


What were your favourite dog stories from the past year, whether on our blog or not?

Happy Holidays to you all, from all at Dogs Trust!

How a DoggySnapper gave a dog the best Christmas present: a forever home

We know from the work we do at Dogs Trust that there are lots of very kind people out there, willing to open their homes to a dog - or indeed more than one. We love that we're able to match people to their new best friends. This time, however, we got to watch the rehoming process from a different perspective. While scanning the forum on DoggySnaps, our community site, we watched a very heartwarming Christmas story unravel.

Regular member John Colby, who has documented the full story on his blog, Sum Space, saw that another 'Snapper was trying to find a home for a dog who was in danger of being put down due to a behavioural issue. Member Susiemoose was horrified by the fact that Max was under threat of destruction because wagging his tail too hard meant that the family felt their three year old might be injured. She turned to her friends online for help in finding the perfect permanent residence for Max as she already has two Border Collies.

Despite not intending to have another dog and also having two dogs - bouncy crossbreeds with "Collie in them somewhere" from Dogs Trust Kenilworth - John and his wife couldn't help calling up to find out more. Without even seeing Max, a Collie cross, who is ten years old and has a mild heart problem, they decided he had to come home with them.

You can read the full story on the blog, and I recommend that you do. I will leave you with a few warm words from it that I found particularly lovely:

Our Christmas preparations, which were ahead of plan last weekend, have now descended into an almighty rush, much as usual. The dust can wait. The dog is more important.

Why have we done it? Still don’t know.

But we could not see a dog put down because its tail wagged too much. We’re very glad to have him.

Thank you John; you've done a great thing, and we were so happy to have watched it happen!

Christmas Dog of the Week: Tiger @ Dogs Trust Evesham

Although our Rehoming Centres do not send any dogs home during the upheaval of the Christmas period, there are some dogs who are hoping that, as much as they love their carers, this is their last Christmas without a family of their own. One such is this little fellow, who is about to celebrate his 2nd Christmas at Evesham Rehoming Centre.

Introducing... Tiger!

Age: 4-5

Breed: Terrier

Likes: I'm a bouncy, energetic chap who loves toys and needs plenty of long walks and an active family. I was found as a stray in June 2007 and no-one can work out why I've been overlooked for a new home so far!

Dislikes: I am not very keen on kennels; I'm so ready for a proper family life that it's stressing me out a bit. As a result I don't want to share my space with other pets.

Needs: I'm told I'm a very bright boy, so people who like to train and teach dogs tricks would find a very rewarding companion in me! I'm happy to live with older children (12+), too.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830613 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Isobel @ Ilfracombe | Dollar @ Canterbury


REHOMING UPDATE: Tiger found a new family and as now settled in with his forever owners! Thanks all for your interest in his progress.

Peace on Earth for victims of abuse this Christmas?

I know the blog's been quiet for a few days and I promise to liven it up with some more cheerful subjects as the week goes on, but there is something I'd like to write about today that is very important but somewhat more depressing.

This Christmas will see the continuation of cycles of abuse for many adults, children and animals. I've mentioned our Freedom Project before, which finds foster homes for pets to enabled families to escape domestic violence, but it's once again very relevant as statistics from domestic violence charity Refuge show that up to 9 pets a week are being abused.

Peter Wedderburn, who writes an excellent veterinary blog for The Telegraph, has been writing about the Links Group, and the training that newly qualified vets are now receiving in spotting abuse. Chris Laurence, Dogs Trust's Veterinary Director, also had this to say:

“At the moment only undergraduates receive this training as part of their course. However a national protocol for the whole profession, for vets either in training or practising, is being produced by the Links Group in consultation with the British Veterinary Association. We hope this will have a real impact on uncovering cases of domestic violence perhaps unspotted elsewhere.”

If a vet examining an injured pet were to spots signs of abuse they would be encouraged to report their suspicions to two parties: the RSPCA for the animal abuse and social services for suspected domestic violence cases. For safety reasons the vet would not be named as the source of information.

Research shows that men who are violent to women may threaten to harm or actually kill a beloved pet in order to intimidate their partner, thereby using them to maintain power and control. Abuse of pets can also be a precursor to domestic or child abuse.

Most refuges and temporary accommodation facilities are unable to allow pets, meaning many victims remain in a violent domestic situation for fear of what might happen to their pet if they flee without it. This is especially the case if it means having to separate children from their beloved family pet.

Currently running in Greater London and Yorkshire, the Freedom Project temporarily places the dog with a volunteer foster carer who will care for that dog in their own home until they can be safely reunited with their owner.

Over 500 pets have been helped since the project launched four years ago.

Clare Kivlehan, Freedom Project Manager, explains:

“With two women killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner[4] and 43% of the population owning pets in the UK[5], we’re concerned that many pets are at risk – 9 pets reported abused every week could just be the tip of the iceberg.

We receive referrals every day and we urgently need more volunteer foster carers in the Greater London and Yorkshire areas so we can meet demand.”

One Freedom Project client, Sophia[6], used the project for six months after her ex partner attacked her:

“My ex’s behaviour had become increasingly threatening but it came to a head one day when he attacked me with a Stanley knife in our own home.

Our dog Sam had always been a big daft lad but when that happened he leapt to my rescue and pinned my ex down until the police arrived. Sam is very much a member of the family and my two kids were devastated at the thought of leaving him when we found out the refuge didn’t allow pets.

When I was referred to the Freedom Project we were all just so grateful. We received letters and photo updates every month from the project coordinator and once we had relocated we were reunited with Sam six months later.”

Sandra Horley OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge, provides an example of a case study not as lucky as Sophia:

“One woman I met told me that her husband often used the dog as a weapon of control and in a rage threw their beloved dog off the balcony of their high rise flat. If a man can hit an animal the woman is bound to think “it could be me next”. With the Freedom Project only a phone call away women and children can now be sure that their pets can also be rescued. Women, children and their pets all have a right to live in safety.”

Anyone who feels they need to use the Freedom Project service or could be a volunteer carer should contact the Freedom Project on 0800 298 9199 (Greater London) or 0800 083 4322 (Yorkshire) or email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk

You handed your dog over why?!

There are many genuine reasons why people have to hand over their dogs to us, whether it be family or financial reasons. Most reasons are through no fault of the dogs or the owners; it's just circumstance, we understand that.

Then you have the other, more obscure and mostly unbelievable reasons. So this Christmas we have researched our handovers and found the top ten worst reasons for handing over a dog - and yes, they are all true...

1. My dog doesn’t match the sofa.
2. The dog looks evil and has different coloured eyes, just like David Bowie.
3. My black dog doesn’t match new white carpet, can we swap him for a white dog?
4. My current dog is too old, can we swap for a puppy or younger model?
5. My dog ate the Christmas turkey cooling on the worktop.
6. My pet guinea pig got worried with a dog in the house.
7. The dog opened all the presents on Christmas Eve.
8. The owner accidently knelt in dog wee while cleaning it up so brought the dog in the very next day.
9. The puppy was bought as a present for elderly couple with dementia.
10. The owner was paranoid about recent bad press on Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and the dog was given up through no fault of its own.

and my own personal favourite

" We couldn't bond with the dog" - They had had him 90 minutes!

Bebo Competition: Drawing pencils out to win a Canine Gang collection!

Our Bebo whiteboard has recently been filling up with fabulous pictures drawn by some of our younger supporters. We were delighted at this and thought we'd encourage them to deck the Dogs Trust virtual halls some more, by running a drawing competition!

Theme:

The theme celebrates our 30th Anniversary of our slogan: A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.

Prize:

The best picture, as chosen by a Dogs Trust judge, will be sent a full collection of fluffy Canine Gang toys. Assuming Royal Mail has got its posting dates right, they should arrive in time for Christmas, too!

Closing date:

In order to aim to get the prize out to the winner by Christmas, the closing date is 12pm on Friday 19th December.

All you need to do is head over to our Bebo page and get scribbling! Don't forget the theme, and remember the judge's decision is final.

Good luck!

Caption Competition: What are they saying?

This is Kit rehomed from Dogs Trust Snetterton and her good friend Ziggy the cat.

Dollymix's Laura Kidd reminds us that a dog is for life!

Here's a little (not so) secret: I used to write for witty feminist site Dollymix. I've kept an eye on it ever since but somehow guest editor Laura Kidd's recent pet post passed me by until today. It's so very relevant to our thirtieth anniversary message that I had to blog about it.

Reminding us that all pets, including cats, need careful thought before the commitment of ownership, Laura answers the four crucial questions that people always ask her and that all potential pet owners need to ask themselves before taking themselves down to a rehoming centre or breeder.

1. How much time does it take to look after him?

2. How expensive is it to feed and care for him?

3. What do you do with him when you go away?

4. What are the best things about having a dog?

You can head over to the post to read the answers, but I really think this cuts to the heart of any rehoming decision. We will keep our doors open at our centres until just before Christmas for visitors to come in, meet the dogs and perhaps even be matched up to their favourite, but from around the 20th of December no dogs will go into homes until New Year. This is because of the general upheaval Christmas usually means in any given household.

If you are thinking of adopting a dog right now, then I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect companion for your household!

Dog of the Week: Isobel @ Dogs Trust Ilfracombe

Introducing... Isobel!

Age: 5

Breed: Dalmatian

Likes: I am deaf, which is relatively common among my breed. I like going out and playing with other dogs, am very good on the lead and am quite happy to live with cats, although I do try to steal their food!

Dislikes: I'm pretty relaxed, as long as things aren't too bustling; I can't hear so sudden moves are a bit scary.

Needs: I did go to one home for a few weeks but as I need that extra bit of time, effort, training and socialisation I could not stay there and came back to Dogs Trust, where I'm looking for a quiet but active home. I'd love an owner with either Dalamatian experience or a willingness to research the breed and make sure I'd fit in with their lifestyle.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Ilfracombe on 01271 812709 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Dollar @ Canterbury | Benji @ Evesham

Oooh! Generous eBayer selling Zagliani handbag for Dogs Trust!

A lovely eBayer has decided that their Christmas present to Dogs Trust will be full proceeds from the sale of a brand new, tags-still-on Zagliani handbag!

The luxury, suede-lined black bag has a retail price of over £1,800 and the seller has started the bidding at £500. Mission Fish flagged it up for us as they've set up the sale so that 100% of the sale price will go to Dogs Trust. It's their "present to the puppies", it seems!

There's only one bid at the moment, but there are still four days to go. Since the auction ends on Monday and the last Christmas posting day is next Saturday it looks like you could make a woman in your life extremely happy on present-opening day, and still get a bargain designer buy (they don't have to know, but if you tell them it helped puppies I'm sure that would work in your favour!).

Clickety-click people, and thank you very much to our wonderfully generous supporter.

Dogs Trust dog gets his own blog: Junior

There are many things to love about the Internet, but as a charity's social media bod I am lucky enough to come across blogs written by people who have adopted a dog from us and are giving them the wonderful life they deserve. What always strikes me is how much people adore their pets and how very open-hearted they are about that. But then, I suppose I can't resist working my cat into every other post... (like now).

A new blogger on the scene is Chris Norton, who along with his wife has just recently adopted Junior from Dogs Trust Kenilworth. Junior was only ever going to go to a very special home as he's a little nervous and needs careful support and training to help with his behaviour.

Settling in quickly alongside his fellow pets (at the moment rabbits and chickens, with bees to come), Junior is already showing signs of progress. Chris and his family are so committed to helping him grow in confidence that before they'd even taken him home they were aiming to see a behaviourist. It's wonderful for the staff at Kenilworth to hear about how their former resident is getting on, as well as helpful for other blog readers who might be struggling with training their dog as they are inspired by Chris and Junior's journey.

Thanks, Chris! Now, everyone, pop over and read the blog...

Long term resident Evie finds a home through the Internet

Dogs Trust Ballymena had become the home of a beautiful Collie called Evie for almost a year. Having been abandoned at the Northern Ireland centre last Christmas Eve, Evie was not best suited to the kennel environment, and struggled to show off her best qualities. She became withdrawn, and since Dogs Trust never put a healthy dog down, we were committed to trying everything to find her a home.

Then the Internet came to the rescue! Elizabeth Forsyth was scanning the Dogs Trust website, and came across Evie's picture. Looking at it now, it's not hard to see why she fell in love. However, Elizabeth lives across the Irish Sea from Ballymena in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders. Being an experienced Collie owner, Elizabeth was sure she and Evie were a perfect match. All she had to do was convince Dogs Trust that she was right.

That she did, in consultation with staff at both Ballymena and her nearest centre, West Calder; it is rare that we move a dog from centre to centre but if there is a good chance of them finding the right home by doing so (and they have been at the existing centre for some time without luck) then it could be considered. West Calder carried out the necessary home check, and only then was Evie taken over to Scotland to meet Elizabeth. The rest, as they say, is history!

Elizabeth explained:

"As soon as I saw Evie on the screen, I knew that she was the one. I had been looking for a Collie her age since I lost my last dog in July. Evie has settled in so well, loves the garden and sleeps all night in her cosy bed. It is a joy to see her running happy and free in the woods. I could not have picked a better gentle and kind companion."

Staff at Ballymena found parting with the lovely Evie sad, but are overjoyed that she has found the right home for life. We will never give up on a dog no matter how long it takes for the right home to be found, and as a web person I'm also glad to see that the website is doing its job and helping to match homes to dogs. As an organisation we can only do what we do because of committed owners like Elizabeth, so thank you for giving Evie a well-deserved second chance.

Christmas has come to DoggySnaps: what are your Christmas plans for your pooch?

One of the perks of my job is spending a lot of time talking to people who support Dogs Trust. On DoggySnaps, our photo-sharing community site - I also get ample chance to listen in on all the doggy advice, ideas and conversations going on in and around the forum. I've been seeing a lot of good ideas and interesting topics recently regarding Christmas, so I thought I'd flag my favourites and ask the wider web what they're doing to celebrate with their dogs.

Christmas Meals / Presents:

I knew my family couldn't be the only ones to get our pets pressies! There's a lot of discussion going on about how to keep dogs safe during parties, with Staffy-pitt explaining she's having a pooch party first so they get lots of attention, then keeping them secluded in a quiet room where they can't be fed a dangerous treat by a guest who doesn't know better or spooked by the noise. Zoepup's little Zoe is low on the foodie treats this year thanks to her kidney condition, but she's still getting plenty of fuss and bother.

Will you be having a Christmas party for your dogs (and other pets) or giving them a special Christmas meal? According to the DoggySnaps poll, 75% of 'Snappers have already bought and wrapped presents for their four-legged pals. Tell all in the comments.

Boxing Day Virtual Walk:

For the third year running, 'Snappers will be taking their cameras out with them on a Boxing Day walk. The photos will be uploaded and tagged with 'boxing day' so that people far and wide can share the walk the day after Christmas without any actual travelling. Social media at its simplest and most effective, I think.

Donations instead of Christmas Cards:

One generous 'Snapper wanted to wish her friends on the site a Merry Christmas while helping dogs. So she decided to give a donation to Dogs Trust in return for posting a message to everyone on the site. Several people have now followed her lead, and we've been kept busy updating it. We have such appreciation for the dedication our community shows to their own dogs and dogs that are not lucky enough to have a home yet; it's such a lovely idea, and eco-friendlier than charity Christmas cards too!

Tell us your best doggy Christmas ideas and stories and who knows? You might even see them on these pages.

Dog of the Week: Dollar @ Dogs Trust Canterbury

Introducing... Dollar!

Age: 15 months

Breed: Crossbreed

Likes: I'm young and lively but I can get nervous, so I'm most fond of quiet surroundings. I have had other dogs with me since I was a tiny pup, so I really do want a companion to show me the ropes.

Dislikes: I can get a bit nervous and worried in unfamiliar circumstances.

Needs: Patient adult humans who will help me trust people again, and a friendly four-legged companion to help me settle in.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Canterbury on 01227 792505 or see other dogs needing homes online.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Shadow @ Glasgow | Benji @ Evesham

Dogs Trust dog gets featured on Topsy blog

When Zoe, Barbara and Belinda set up the 'Travels with Topsy' blog in honour of their 1975 VW camper van, they probably didn't realise it would be usurped by a one-eyed Bull Terrier crossbreed called Olive. But then, I don't think any of us expect how much our pets completely take over our lives, online and off (though we wouldn't have it any other way).

Olive was somewhat overlooked when she was at Dogs Trust Darlington because of her one eye, fitted right in at home with the gang. She and the kids immediately fell in love with each other, and though Olive and the cat aren't the best of friends yet but they're not sworn enemies either, which is sometimes quite good enough, especially in the early days.

Very kindly, Topsy and the gang have declared their support of Dogs Trust and added a link to our website from their blog. Please allow me to extend my thanks on behalf of the team here, and also thank them warmly for giving a one-eyed Terrier a second chance and a happy life. It makes us feel a real warm glow to see her making herself comfortable in Topsy (above) and it's thanks to people like you that we can do what we do!

Dogs Trust Darlington puppy chaos: babes of all breeds needing homes

Dogs Trust Darlington has had quite an influx of younguns recently, including 35 taken in during the last weeks of November. They're now very keen to find homes for a whopping eight litters of playful pups.

There are Labrador Crosses, Lurchers, Collie Crosses and Staffordshire Bull Terriers all available at the centre, so if you are thinking of getting a puppy then this might be the centre to start your search at!

Staff have had to be creative about naming their new charges, so have given each litter a theme, including:

• Contestants on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here
• Hat types (e.g. Fedora and Beret!)
• Reindeers (e.g. Blitzen and Prancer)
• Characters from The Lion King
• Celebrity offspring (e.g. Cruz and Knox)

At the centre, Supporter Relations Officer Katie Purvis comments:

“Every year we take in puppies that have been bought as Christmas presents and abandoned once the novelty wears off.

Dogs need a lot of time, love and devotion and anyone considering getting a dog should think very seriously before adding a dog to the family. Remember that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas!”

If you are interested in rehoming one of the pups please call the centre on 01325 333 114.

The centre will not rehome from 21st December to 2nd January 2008, but visitors and dog walkers are still welcome and dogs can still be booked during this time.

NWSPCA Blessing of the Animals

The NWSPCA Ballina, a volunteer animal welfare group based in the Republic of Ireland, has held its annual Blessing of the Animals. The rescue, rehoming and rehabilitation group works hard in the North West of Mayo and is pleased to see that numbers have increased at their annual blessing year on year.

Father Gabriel Rosbotham presided over the congregation of two- and four-footers, giving a service of thanksgiving for all living creatures. NWSPCA tell us:

"It is wonderful to see so many beautiful pets who are so obviously loved and well cared for. Sadly for a large number of animals in Mayo this is not the case."

If anyone would like to offer the NWSPCA their support or find out more about the work they do, you can contact them at nwspca@gmail.com. Good luck to the passionate volunteers, and an early wish of a Merry Christmas to you all.

[Image Credit: Joseph McGivern]

30 Years of A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas (that was us, not the RSPCA, Nigella!)

Last night, I caught my mum fiddling with my Christmas presents, so I ended up getting them early! I'm a big fan of baking, so Nigella Lawson's new Christmas book was right up my street (and now I have no excuse not to make chocolate pudding this year). Nigella's books tend to be as relaxing to flick through as to cook from, so I cast an eye over the text. There, in black and white, she reminded us that family "as the old RSPCA ad reminded us" was for life, not just for Christmas.

Sorry, Ms. Lawson, that wasn't that RSPCA, it was Dogs Trust! In fact, it was our Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin, who came up with that slogan thirty years ago this year, when she was working in the press office at the then-National Canine Defence League.

On her own blog, Clarissa comments today:

I am delighted that the slogan’s message has been heeded as the number of dogs bought as gifts has reduced from 20% in 1978 to just 1.8% this year. However I’m not ready to retire the slogan just yet. 1.8% doesn’t sound much as a percentage but this could be as many as 131,400 dogs which is still far too many.

Clarissa also highlights many examples of the way the slogan has grown and been appropriated by various people and companies over the years (naming no names, *cough* David Cameron *cough*). There's even a pretty seasonal vegetable one...!

It's great that the words have sunk in - now it's just important to hammer home the message. Owning a dog is a wonderfully rewarding experience, and it's impossible to achieve that level of fun, love, affection and companionship without putting some effort in! Dogs need a commitment of time, money and energy and today's cute puppy needs to be shown the way and offered training and support to become tomorrow's well-behaved canine citizen.

Enjoy Christmas and, if you're thinking of getting a dog, wait until the fuss has died down and come and visit one of our centres in the New Year. I bet we'll have the dog for you.

Glam guestblogger Krystyna attends the Fido Awards

Fresh from her Cosmo makeover, Krystyna hit the town for the Fido Awards, honouring dogs on film. Here's the lowdown on the festivities:

My glamorous career at Dogs Trust continues! Yesterday I went to the Fido Awards, which is like a canine version of the Oscars. These awards honour doggy actors who have starred alongside less hirsute (and sometimes less well trained) actors in blockbusters this year. Organisers also run this at the oh-so glamorous Cannes film festival: http://www.palmdog.com/ but my invite extended only to a trendy East London cinema on a cold winter Sunday afternoon!

The nominations included:

• Samantha, the German Shepherd starring alongside Will Smith in I Am Legend
• Dolly aka Mr Darcy, in St Trinian’s
• Afghan Hounds, starring alongside Julia Roberts in Charlie Wilson’s War
  [Ed's note: LOVED this film!]
  
• SATC’s Samantha’s Yorkshire Terrier

Film critics from The Times, the London Evening Standard, the Independent and Heat magazine had the unenviable task of deciding the winners, while actress Camilla Rutherford and famous portrait subject Sue Tilley were on hand to deal out the awards.

Pleasingly, the rosettes were in Dogs Trust colours! My plus-one was Sarah who used to work here in the press office and jumped at the chance of coming along.

We both had a great time and were delighted to have our photos taken with the overall winner (“Best in World”!) Dolly (pictured above with Krystyna, left, and Sarah), who actually played a male dog in St Trinian’s and whose job was to hump Colin Firth’s leg….

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.