Dogs Trust Snetterton: Jasper the Weimaraner needs a home!

Update 16/01/12:

After struggling to cope with kennel life a temporary home (on our Home from Home scheme) was found for Jasper so he could relax while waiting to find his forever home.

We are delighted to report that after spending a few months in the wonderful care of his foster mum, he was spotted on our website, by a family in Norfolk, and is now happily settled in his forever home, enjoying life to the full!



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Dogs Trust Snetterton is making a special appeal for beautiful nine year-old Weimaraner Jasper. A sweet boy, Jasper finds life in kennels hard, so has been in foster care. However, he now urgently needs to find his home for life; could you be the one to offer it to him?

Says Kate Brewster, Supporter Relations Officer at Dogs Trust Snetterton:

“Jasper is a lovely chap who unfortunately found his way to us after his parents split up and is finding kennel life very difficult. After his health started to deteriorate Jasper went to stay with one of our ‘Home from Home’ families and it is clear for all to see that he his health has dramatically improved. But he can’t stay here forever and is on the hunt for his new forever home.

As is typical of his breed, Jasper enjoys using his nose and even though his age is nearly in double figures he still has as much energy as a dog half his age. He enjoys nice walks and loves exercising and playing with his tennis ball or tug rope - its even better if there is someone to play with! A real 'people person', Jasper would ideally like a home with lots of people so that he doesn’t have to spend too much time on his own. This beautiful boy could be a great addition to any lucky family and he has a lot of love and affection to share.”

If you think you can offer this handsome lad a fairytale ending, drop into Dogs Trust Snetterton on North End Road between midday and 4pm Tuesday - Sunday or call 01953 498 377.

These stunning photos of Jasper were taken by the lovely volunteer foster carer who is currently looking after him.

Remember Jack? How could you forget?!

Remember the loveable long-term resident of Dogs Trust Leeds, Jack? Well, we have great news! Kind-hearted Selby couple Emma Carley and Jamie Johnson (pictured left with Jack) have rehomed the sweet boy.

Despite appeals in local newspapers, TV and radio Jack had been overlooked by the public for 16 months, and until last week was still being cared for at the Rehoming Centre on York Road.

Emma, who works at the John Smiths Brewery in Tadcaster, originally visited Dogs Trust Leeds to ask about being a volunteer dog walker. She explains:

“I was on a tour of the Rehoming Centre and my heart melted when I saw Jack in his kennel. My partner Jamie visited a few days later and totally fell for him too; we were both convinced he belonged with us. We’ve only had Jack for a week but can’t imagine him not being here. We don’t understand why he’d been at the centre so long because he’s perfect!

He has been getting lots of cuddles and we’ve even made the garden shed into a little lounge for him where he can get out of the sun. We adore him and he’s being spoiled rotten!”

The team at Dogs Trust Leeds had been flummoxed as to why no-one wanted Jack. Sadly many people don’t consider middle aged dogs, even though they’re often already housetrained and can settle into home life quicker than a younger dog.

Amanda Sands, Manager of Dogs Trust Leeds explains:

“The team and I couldn’t be happier that Jack has finally found a loving family. We’ve always known he’d make a great addition to the right home and we’re overjoyed that Emma and Jamie think he’s their perfect canine companion.

On average dogs stay with us for six weeks before they are rehomed. However Dogs Trust has a non destruction policy and we will look after a dog for as long as it takes to find them the right home – whether this is five weeks or five years.”

Anyone interested in rehoming a resident of Dogs Trust Leeds should call the centre on 0113 281 4920.

The Ballad of Patsy and Jack

Update 28th June 2010: Patsy has now been rehomed! She's settled in extremely well and her new owners report that she's an 'angel'. Jack has also been reserved, so fingers crossed he'll be settling in to his new home very soon!

Update 9th July 2010: Jack's been rehomed too! Read the story on this recent blog post.

Well, not so much a ballad, more a plaintive cry.

These two dogs have just one thing in common: despite mucho media attention they’re still hanging out with their pals at Dogs Trust rehoming centres.

Patsy has appeared on GMTV and in the Daily Record, yet she’s still waiting for Mr or Ms Right to show their face at Dogs Trust West Calder. Honestly, what’s a gal got to do to get your attention?

Jack has appeared on Look North and the Yorkshire Evening Post, but he’s still chilling with his buds at Dogs Trust Leeds. Staff are scratching their collective heads as to why Jack’s not been snapped up by some big dog-loving, large garden-owning son or daughter of a gun.

PATSY



You’d be crazy to let Patsy slip through your fingers. She’s the sensitive brown-eyed girl who could be absolutely fabulous – if only she’s given the chance to come home with you. She’s 8 years old and has been at West Calder for over a year, making her their longest standing resident.

JACK



Don’t leave him on his Jack Jones – this boy seriously needs somebody to love. He’s been a real favourite of Dogs Trust Leeds staff since 2009. This 8 year old chunky crossbreed LOVES people and is the friendliest chap you could wish to meet. He really doesn’t get on with other dogs or cats, so you’ll need to have a good sized garden where he can be sure to get his exercise without meeting any other four legged “frenemies.”

Dial 01506 873 459 for Patsy – West Calder
Dial 0113 281 4920 for Jack - Leeds

Toby the Dalmatian settles into his new home...

When we told you the story of Toby the Dalmatian with megaoesophagus, the responses we received were overwhelming and moving. So many of you wished you could take him home but the circumstances weren't quite right - we know how it is! Luckily one lady who volunteers at Dogs Trust Darlington found that she was able to extend an offer of a home to Toby, and here he is enjoying his new surroundings.

Thank you for spreading the word and helping us to help Toby. The best of luck to his fabulous new owners!

Dogs Trust Canterbury expands to take in more dogs than ever

After months of hard work, the newly remodelled Canterbury Rehoming Centre has had its official opening! This will not only give existing residents a calmer, happier environment in which to spend their time with us, but it means that 14 extra kennels have been built, meaning the Centre will now be able to rehome almost 180 more dogs every year - an increase of nearly 50%.

Among the guests at the opening yesterday was special guest Neil Redding, KMFM DJ and presenter, who agreed to come along to cut the ribbon and meet his canine namesake Redders, a lovely Bassett Hound (pictured).

He commented:

“I am thrilled to be part of such a positive step towards rehoming so many more dogs from Dogs Trust Canterbury. It is great to see that this new building will allow the dogs that are ready for rehoming to have interaction with the public and staff in a more relaxed and stress free environment.”

“Meeting Redders at the official opening will be a huge highlight for me!”

A new training barn has also been built, which will in due course also be a venue for training classes for members of the public.

If you think you can offer a home to any of Canterbury's canine residents please get in touch with Dogs Trust Canterbury on 01227 792 505 or visit the centre during opening hours (12-4pm daily, closed Weds; no appointment necessary) at Radfall Road, Chestfield, Nr Whitstable, Kent, CT53ER.

You can also follow Dogs Trust Canterbury on Twitter: @dt_canterbury.

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...

Urgent rehoming appeal: Toby the Dalmatian pup

Dogs Trust Darlington is today making an urgent rehoming appeal for one of their most unfortunate canine residents. Sadly, poor eight month old Dalmatian Toby is unlikely to live beyond the age of two because of a digestive illness.

Sue Embleton, Dogs Trust Centre Manager, explains:

“Toby has megaesophagus, a congenital condition meaning food does not pass through to his stomach properly. He needs small, frequent meals and should be held up in a begging position while eating so gravity can help the food move down his oesophagus.

It’s heartbreaking that he is unlikely to live beyond the age of two, but we’d love to find him a caring home where he can enjoy the time he does have.”

His previous owners brought him to the Sadberge centre when they were unable to care for him any longer. Toby cannot be kept in the kennel environment because he is susceptible to infections so staff are making an urgent appeal for a foster home.

New owners need not worry about Toby’s medical bills as Dogs Trust will cover the expense. He would settle in best in a calm home without young children or other pets.

If you are interested in rehoming Toby please call the centre directly on 01325 333 114.

Watch this blog!

If you're a regular reader of this blog and see that it's not updated as regularly over the next week or so, don't panic. It's just that I'll be off work for a few days (minor medical issue, nothing to worry about!) so it's possible that no-one will have time to fill in my posts!

With any luck there will be a chance to pop up a post from home, but please do keep coming back - it'll be back to normal by the beginning of September when we'll be welcoming a new member of the web team and giving her a chance to introduce herself.

Here is a picture of a lovely Pekingese Miko, seeking a home at Dogs Trust Newbury (01488 658391) to keep you going until my return.



Keep reading!

Alex, Web Editor

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Dog of the Week: Spencer @ Dogs Trust Shoreham

Introducing... Spencer!

Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Age: 4

Likes and Dislikes: I'm a gentle soul and I'm not enjoying being in kennels. I love a gentle potter around outside, taking in all the sights and especially smells. I like my treats - especially chewy bones - and will demonstrate a beautiful 'sit' for them! I like other dogs and would happily live with a canine companion.

Needs: I am currently being checked out for a problem with my back legs, which is yet to be diagnosed. I'll be on the Dogs Trust part foster scheme, though, so any treatment needed for this will be covered by Dogs Trust. I could live with children over 14 (or visiting kids from 12 and older).

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Shoreham on 01273 452576 or see more of my friends needing homes online.

Dog of the Week: Casper @ Dogs Trust Bridgend

Slightly belated due to the Greyhound campaign taking precedence on Friday.

Introducing... Casper!

Breed: Shih Tzu Crossbreed

Age: 6

Likes and Dislikes: In common with quite a few Shih Tzu's Dogs Trust has had recently, I have a strong personality so I'm not a lapdog! When I get used to you I will be very affectionate and loving, but until then I'll be a bit wary, especially when being handled. I'm told I was 'in a terrible condition' when I came into the centre, and their gentle care has turned me into this proud fella. See my smile? Great, isn't it?

Needs: Patience, mainly. If you don't crowd me and give me time to adjust, I'll be your best friend for life. I can happily live with another dog, though children and cats are out.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Bridgend on 01656 725219 or see the Dogs Trust website for other dogs needing homes.

Dog of the Week: Ernie @ Dogs Trust Newbury

Introducing... Ernie!

Age: 6

Breed: Crossbreed

Likes: Other dogs, playing and especially fetch! I'm full of beans, so I need an active family to help wear me out.

Dislikes: Not keen on being left on my own, and I will vocally let you know about it, but I'm fine if I've got another canine pal for company.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Newbury on 01488 658391 or see more dogs needing homes online.

Dog of the Week: Buster @ West Calder

Introducing... Buster!

There are so many deserving dogs of the week, that blog editor Alex had to ask our Twitter followers which one she should choose! @jrJuliejr chose me because her kids 'love my smile' and she enjoyed visiting me recently! Thanks, Julie.

Age: 10

Breed: Large Crossbreed

Likes and Dislikes: I'm a friendly, eager fellow who is a great favourite with walkers and volunteers who reward me with the biscuits I love! I'm housetrained and not destructive, but I do get a little anxious being left for long, so I'd need some work on that once I was securely settled in.

My favourite thing is getting off the lead to play football or dog tug-of-war! Don't be fooled by my age - there's plenty of life and enthusiasm in this slightly-older dog yet.

I'm fine with kids, but not cats. I'm sociable and happy to share my kennel with both male and female dogs.

Needs: I was well cared for in my last home, but developed a very strong bond with my owner to the point that I have a few anxieties and nervous behaviours. My carers say my new owner needs to be experienced and confident to help me get along and gently work on my fears without accidentally reinforcing them.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust West Calder on 01506 873459 or look online for more of my friends who need homes.

Dog of the Week: Winston @ Dogs Trust Kenilworth

Winston @ Dogs Trust Kenilworth
Originally uploaded by Dogs Trust

Age: 2 and a 1/2

Breed: Tri-Colour Collie

Likes and Dislikes: I'm a very active fellow who gets on well with other dogs, livestock and even cats. I can be a bit nervous and shy, needing time to warm up before I show you my affectionate side. I'd love an adult-only house with people who understand Collies and can keep up with me, ideally in the countryside as I can't get enough of it! I struggle quite a bit in kennels so would love a home sooner rather than later.

Contact: Dogs Trust Kenilworth on 01926 484398 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to see more dogs seeking homes.

Dog of the Week: Sharon @ Dogs Trust Shoreham

From Dogs Trust Flickr photostream

Breed: Cross

Age: 8

Likes, dislikes and needs: I'm a lovely girl who adores her carers but would like a home of my own even more. I have been at the centre for a very long time, and seek an adult-only home where I can get all the attention. No visiting children, please.

Contact: 01273 452576 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming to see more dogs needing homes.

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.

Dogs of the Week: Woody & Bobby @ Dogs Trust Salisbury

Introducing... Woody and Bobby!

Breed: Whippets

Age: 11

Likes: We're a friendly, cuddly pair who sleep snuggled up and are happy to eat out of the same bowl. Despite our ages we've still got lots of energy - Bobby's still very fond of his walks whereas Woody would like to exercise but has to keep to shorter strolls due to a slipped disk. We like travelling, pottering about and getting plenty of affection.

Dislikes: Not a lot! We suppose we prefer a quieter life, but can still live with children provided they're not very young and energetic!

Needs: Anyone with space for two gentle pals with a love of cuddles.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Salisbury on 01980 629634 or see more dogs needing homes.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Mutt-erly Love @ Evesham | Solomon @ Salisbury

Dogs of the Week: Mutt-erly Love @ Dogs Trust Evesham

A slightly different format for the dog of the week this week!

Dogs Trust Evesham has seen Mother's Day come and go, but is still looking for homes for a couple of family pairings who'd like to stick together.

First meet 8 year old Tara and her 5 year old son Basil. Both are very cheery, friendly dogs and could live with children aged over eight. Dogs Trust staff say they need to find a home together because their family bond is so tight that they could become depressed without each other for company.

The second pooch pair are 10 year old Mamma May and her 5 year old daughter Anna. Mamma May is a happy old soul but daughter Anna worries if they are not together. They can live with children aged over twelve and may be able to share a home with cats.

Chris Slight, Dogs Trust centre manager, explains:

“I know lots of parents joke about their grown-up offspring who just won’t leave home, but both of these mother and son or daughter pairs adore each other so much it would be heartbreaking to rehome them separately.

They are looking for understanding owners who will provide lots of love and the occasional meaty treat, and Dogs Trust will be on hand to support new owners with training.”

If you are interested in rehoming Tara and Basil or Mamma May and Anna please contact Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830613.

Dog of the Week: Solomon @ Dogs Trust Salisbury

Introducing... Solomon!

Age: 7

Breed: Labrador Crossbreed

Likes: I'm a dapper fellow who has two great loves: food and my female doggy pals. I'm playful and affectionate, friendly with people and dogs (boys too, though I show favouritism to girls!), and came into care through no fault of my own.

Dislikes: None, really! I'm a well-behaved lad. I even get on with children provided they're sensible and not too young.

Needs: A family!

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Salisbury on 01980 629634 or see more dogs needing homes.

Previous Dogs of the Week: Mr. Shih Tzu @ Dogs Trust Harefield | Robbie @ Dogs Trust West Calder

Caption Competition: What is Sunny the Shih Tzu thinking?

Sunny the Shih Tzu is looking for a home, but I reckon he's got his mind on other things - that's a plotting expression if ever I saw one! But I ask you:

What is he thinking?

The best answer gets added to the blog -well done gs !

Thank you all for your brilliant suggestions.

Dog of the Week: Robbie @ Dogs Trust West Calder

Introducing... Robbie!

Age: 2

Breed: Crossbreed

Likes: I had a pretty rough start in life, being alternately mistreated and neglected, so my favourite thing is being treated really gently and lovingly. Once you've gained my trust, my favourite thing is curling up on your lap and getting a lovely cuddle! Long walks and fetch / tug games are also high on my list of fun things to do. I'm currently living with a foster family and getting on well with them and their three friendly dogs, and I'm gaining confidence gradually.

Dislikes: I find it hard to trust people, and men in particular, though I've come a long way in the foster programme, Home from Home.

Needs: I'll need patient adult owners, preferably who don't have any other pets although I could benefit from a calm, older female who'll help me keep making progress. I'm very clean in the house but couldn't be left alone much. Dogs Trust have said they'll be there to help my new owners every step of the way, and they know from experience that when I feel happier I'm the most playful and affectionate friend you could have.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust West Calder on 01506 873459 or see more dogs seeking homes online.

Previous Dog(s) of the Week: Carna @ Dogs Trust Snetterton | Cloud @ Dogs Trust Bridgend