Why Cornwall wins Daniel the Spaniel's Vote

No, nothing to do with the elections today (although it's always a good idea to exercise your right to have a say!), but a subject I think we're all wanting to think about at the moment: holidays! Here Wag! Editor Deana Selby tells us all about a recent family trip to the south west of England, and why Daniel the Spaniel gives it two paws up:

I’m not in the habit of extolling the virtues of most holiday destinations, but the holiday my family and I just spent on the south coast of Cornwall was really worth breaking the habit for.

As the proud owner/parent of a lively dog and two equally lively children, it’s essential that our annual holiday ticks these boxes:  Are the kids welcome?  Is the Spaniel welcome?  Bitter experience has taught me and my husband that holidays very quickly descend into a smog of grumpy mayhem if one or both parties are not welcomed with open arms.

I am delighted to report that Cornwall, specifically the area around Polperro and Fowey, is not only great for children but is terrifically mutt-friendly too.  Never before have we been greeted by smiling faces and offers of a chewy treat and big bowl of water before we’d even entered the café;  No sooner had we tied Daniel to the dog hitch outside than the fish and chip shop proprietor came out and insisted that dogs were very definitely welcome in her restaurant;  At the museum, Mr D was welcomed as a long lost friend.

In fact, pretty much everywhere we went people were delighted to see Daniel and had to be politely dissuaded from feeding him yet more treats.  At first we were stunned, then, as the week progressed, we saw more and more signs around Cornwall proclaiming “Dogs welcome”.

The children were thrilled that other grown ups could see that Daniel was part of the family.  Daniel was thrilled that he was actively encouraged to sample delicious Cornish pasties.  (He disapproves of the government’s new pasty tax.)  My husband and I were thrilled that for once, our kids and our dog could enjoy a holiday doing fun things together, instead of being left outside with just a resentful adult for company.

With the post holiday laundry done and the suitcases packed back in the basement, it feels like it’s already time to start planning our next trip.

Cornwall – consider this a warning.

Don't forget that you can book a pet-friendly cottage in the UK this summer and help our dogs at the same time. We get 10% of the holiday cost automatically when you book online and our partnership with Welcome Cottages has raised over £320,000 over the years! Dogs always stay free.

VIDEO: Behind the Scenes at ITV's This Morning with Daniel the Spaniel

From Wag! Editor Deana Selby, Daniel's owner:

Our Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden, was invited to appear on the sofa on ITV’s This Morning.

The topic was obese dogs, and Paula chatted with Philip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and Louie Spence about easy ways to keep your dog fit, plus some top tips for getting a lardy dog back into good shape.

Daniel the Spaniel was invited along to demonstrate how easy it is for a dog to learn to use agility equipment. I was very proud of him – he went through the tunnel like a dream on his very first attempt.

Phyllis, 13, a rather portly, genteel Staffy who is currently at Dogs Trust Salisbury and looking for a great home, provided some excellent barking throughout the item! Her Canine Carer, Tery, says she’s been at the centre for two months and would absolutely LOVE a new home please (follow the link to the centre page for contact details).

In all there were seven dogs sharing the This Morning Green room – cue much barking and some super cute behaviour. And perhaps the odd growl. Here’s Paula in the midst of the dogular mayhem…

Huge thanks to all at This Morning for giving us this great opportunity to spread the word about responsible dog oownership.

Below: Daniel doing his best to look all cool and disinterested with his new celebrity friend, Louie Spence.

All work and no play makes Dogs Trust a dull office...

This week the communications team were delighted to witness their departmental Spaniel, Daniel, falling head-over-paws in love with Maggie, the very beautiful Golden Retriever.

Maggie is older and much wiser than Daniel, and knows how to clamp a tennis ball in her mouth so that ball-crazy Dan can see it but cannot touch it. His attempts to grab the ball from Maggie’s maw gave the comms team hours of free entertainment and kept both dogs very waggy.

Sadly. this blog does not yet come in Smell-O-Vision, as the whole Mags n Dan experience is enhanced by the perfume Maggie is wearing, “Eau De Regent’s Canal.” She took a lunchtime dip and smelt divine all afternoon.

Who says office life has to be boring?

Meet Dogs Trust: Deana Selby and Daniel the Spaniel

We're all excited about adding some new content to this blog in the coming weeks. You already hear from Alex and Lo quite a bit, but soon you'll be seeing occasional videos and other bits and pieces from the lovely Deana, so we thought she'd better introduce herself! And Daniel, of course.

Name: Deana Selby

Job: Publications Manager

Location: desk on the fluorescent bathed first floor, head office

Best thing about my job: Getting to read all the letters and emails from Wag readers who are so delighted with their dogs, newbies and old-timers alike, that they simply have to tell someone about it. It’s a privilege to share someone’s dog-joy. I’m also a sort of canine agony aunt and spend time replying to bereaved dog owners, and although you may think this sounds a little strange I feel honoured to do so. Plus, getting to look at photos of dogs all day AND getting paid for it – what’s not to love?

Pets: Daniel the non-specific Spaniel. He’s the Speckled Prince of Barkness, you know.

Favourite websites: www.oldies.org.uk for reams of rheumy-eyed, grey-muzzled oldsters needing love. I’m also secretly addicted to Danny Baker on BBC Radio London, but I’m aware this doesn’t count as a website.

What I’m reading now: The entire oeuvre of Dr Seuss, Lauren Bacall’s autobiography By Myself and Then Some, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lyndley Dodd.

Weekend plans: Getting excited about seeing Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, and dog/kids/dog/kids/dog/kids ad infinitum.