A Day in the Life: David, Canine Carer - Dogs Trust Kenilworth

As Dogs Trust Kenilworth continues to take over our social media channels, one of the centre's front line staff talks about his role getting dogs into those all-important forever homes.

My name is David Evans (here with Looby). I’m 50 years old and have worked for Dogs Trust for nine years. Previously I was a maître d', so I am used to helping people! Now I help them rehome dogs.

My job as a Canine Carer is to promote our dogs to help them find loving new homes. So today’s "take over" day has been amazing. A big part of my job is to keep our website up to date with images and photographs of all our dogs, but seeing our dogs all over Facebook has been lovely and I know we’ve had calls already.

As promotion is built into my role I also deal with our mobile rehoming unit that takes dogs from our centre to towns and cities that maybe aren’t so aware of our work. Today I had to assess two dogs for the MRU. One was Ozzie, whom you saw earlier today (on Facebook: here he is). To assess them I have them in reception for a while to see how they cope with the hustle and bustle but also to not always being the centre of attention. Ozzie was as good as gold so I know he’ll be fine on the MRU tomorrow and hopefully will get a good home.

Once the dogs are chosen, I also do all the write ups so people can see at a glance what sort of home the dogs need. I like to give as much information as possible to encourage new owners to come forward and to really show off the dogs personality.

I’ll make sure the reception boards are up to date with the latest dogs in our care and the newest photographs.

If there’s a phone ringing I can answer the phone and advise callers on any dogs that I think maybe suitable for them.

I’ve really enjoyed today and I’ve been able to see how quickly we can reach so many people. I can’t wait for the dogs we’ve featured to get homes!

Visit our website to find out more about the dogs waiting for homes at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, and give the centre a call on 01926 484 398 to find out more. You can drop in for a visit between 12noon and 4pm any day, including weekends, except Friday, when we're closed for staff training - no appointment is needed during opening hours.

VIDEO: A Day in the Life of Dogs Trust Kenilworth

Today, we've handed over the Internet (just the bit we use - not the whole thing, obvs) to one of our centres so that we can let you in behind the scenes and show you what it's like! Here's a video from Dogs Trust Kenilworth's canine residents that takes you through a 'typical' day... if there was any such thing.

WARNING: Seriously cute footage ahead.





Here's a little more information about McKenzie, who was the cutie playing fetch in the sand:

McKenzie is a 3 year old Collie, who came to us in march 2012. We found out very quickly that he is a nervous boy and is definitely in need of a very patient home. He tries to say hello but then gets a little confused and doesn’t know how to behave.

He is extremely well behaved with other dogs and would need an adult only home. He is looking for a dedicated patient home where he is given a real opportunity to come out of his shell. He has got so much potential, he just hasn’t been given a real opportunity to express himself. Please give us a call on 01926 484 398 to find out more about him.

More highlights from our Dogs Trust Kenilworth 'take over':

- Our distinctive branding makes it to every corner of our centres....
- Special delivery!
- Danny tells us about his day trip to another centre.

A Day in the Life: Dogs Trust Kenilworth

We're following one of our centres for a whole day across our social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google + and this blog. Here's Danny at Dogs Trust Kenilworth on a typically unpredictable day at work:


 Its 8.00am and I have just arrived at work. Time for a quick cuppa before the trip to Dogs Trust Loughborough with a very stressed two year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross called Tiger. Tiger came to us from a dog warden in Wales, and has been with us for a couple of months now. He is not coping as well as we'd like, so he is going to spend some time with the behaviour team there as they have some kennel space that should suit him.

By noon, I’m just setting off to come back to Kenilworth. I have just spent the last hour with Tiger and a couple of staff who will be looking after him full time. The staff seem very enthusiastic which is great to see. Being a newer centre, they have a slightly bigger space for him, and some climbing equipment that may prove a challenge, and a quieter environment which should help soothe his stress. Enriching a dog's environment is so important to their welfare, and we'll be keeping a close eye on Tiger's progress to help him find his way to that new home for life.

Now back at Kenilworth, I can share some information about three of our wonderful residents all looking for a permanent home of their own. Introducing Calli, Raphry and Sky! You don't have to make an appointment to drop in and see us during opening hours (12noon - 4pm every day except Fridays, when we're closed for staff training), but you can give us a ring on 01926 484 398 if you have any questions.


Calli is a 6yr old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. Through no fault of her own, this is not the first time she's been in our care, and we'd really like to see her settled for life.

She is extremely stressed in kennels and is struggling to cope. When she does settle she is a very affectionate and playful girl. Her previous home record says she lived with three very young children, but because she is a bit of a worrier, we feel she would be better suited to live with children not much younger than 8 years old. She is housetrained, can cope being on her own for a few hours, not bad at travelling and will need to be the only pet.

Raphry is a 4yr old Samoyed x. He came into the centre at the beginning of the year.

We have no idea what his circumstances were prior to this. He is a very friendly and sociable chap. He tends to prefer the company of dogs of a similar size to him. He is also suitable to live with sensible teenagers.

Sky is a 2yr old Siberian husky. He came into the centre beginning of the year. The only information that came with him stated he was unwanted. 

Sky is a headstrong, playful young dog in need of a stable active home where he has the opportunity to express himself in the right way. He is good with other dogs and is suitable to live with children not much younger than 8yrs old.

Remember, you don't need an appointment to visit during opening hours (12noon - 4pm every day except Fridays), but you can give us a ring on 01926 484 398 if you have any questions.

We hope to welcome you to the centre soon!

Gorgeous photos of Dogs Trust Kenilworth from talented professional snapper Sarah Gillespie

Once I saw some simply gorgeous photos on Rob and Sarah Gillespie's website, I had to share a few and encourage you to head over to see the rest!

Sarah and her friend Nicki are doing a whopping 96-mile Highland hike to raise money for Dogs Trust. In Sarah's words:

"In June, the two of us are off to hike The West Highland Way.  We will be starting off just outside Glasgow and making our way across 96 miles (154km) of terrain to Fort William. The route ranges from lowland moors, dense woodland and rolling hills, to high mountainous regions in the Scottish Highlands."

To illustrate this, Sarah popped into Dogs Trust Kenilworth and took some truly gorgeous photos of the centre and some of its adorable residents. Please do head over to have a look and consider adding a few pounds or pennies to spur Sarah and Nicki along in their efforts, which are so much appreciated.

Sarah, Nicki: thank you so much and all the very best for your hike!

If you're interested in rehoming a dog from Dogs Trust Kenilworth, please drop in during opening hours or give the centre a ring on 01926 484 398 for more information. A map and opening times can be found on our website.

Blanket Appeal

Although one of Sarah's photos shows some stacked up blankets, the centre is once again desperate for any you have to spare. If you can drop in an old blanket during opening hours (or pop one in the post), please see Dogs Trust Kenilworth's page on our website for more details.

If you're nowhere near Kenilworth but you'd like to support a local centre, they are always on the lookout for donated goodies such as treats, tinned food (any brand), clickers, towels, newspaper, toys, bedding and,  of course, blankets. You can find your nearest centre by visiting www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/.

Thank you for your support!

A day in the life of... a Dogs Trust Education Officer

Remember Scott Spencer, a Dogs Trust Education Officer in the West Midlands? Scott kindly shares his thoughts and experiences on why you should work with both children and animals!

Wednesday morning, a Coventry school beset by drizzle:

“He’s adorable,” says the Head as we struggle through reception. An audience quickly gathers, all of them teachers. “What sort is he?”

“He’s a staffie,” I say.

Otis may not be your average Staffordshire Bull Terrier (he’s tall and thin and quiet) but he knows how to work a crowd.

“Is he hungry? He looks hungry. Perhaps I should give me a biscuit. Would he like a biscuit? Oh, bless, he’s bowing!”

Last year, the whole Education Team carried out over 3,000 workshops to an audience of approximately 90,000 pupils. But it’s not the kids that get the most excited – it’s the teachers.

“No, really,’ I say, “he’s fine.”

The bell rings.

The teachers vanish.

Show time…

There is an important underlying purpose to the work that we do, and that is to help pupils understand the responsibilities of dog ownership. It’s a serious message and one that will make a big difference to millions of dogs. It’s also a whole lot of fun!

“Who knows what happens next?”

A sea of faces stares back at me, Otis, and the group of children wearing costumes. The boy to my right whimpers, but it’s alright because he’s pretending to be a dog.

“Anyone?”

Hands shoot up all over the place and one very eager young boy, who can barely keep his bum on the floor, calls out, “He goes to see a vet!”

And before I can beckon him up he’s at the foot of the stage struggling into a vet’s outfit.

School assemblies are a great way to talk to a large audience, and as the newly appointed vet checks over the boy pretending to be a dog, Otis licks the face of a girl dressed as a Canine Carer. The whole hall erupts into laughter and you know that every single child in the room is going to remember the story they’ve just heard for a very long time.

Wednesday afternoon, a sun-lit school in Birmingham:

We’re all sat in a circle - me, Otis, and the class of thirty pupils. A chair stands in the middle of the circle. Upon it rests a set of dog ears. Silently, a girl walks over to the chair, puts on the ears, and squats on the floor. She barks.

“This time,” I say, “let’s pretend you’ve been left alone for a very long time. Show us how you feel.”

The girl circles the chair, then cocks her leg. The class laughs, and a boy raises his hand.

“Why did you do that?” he asks.

“Because I really needed to go,” replies the girl.

“How do you feel now?” asks another girl.

“Upset,” replies the girl.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t like peeing in the house, but what else can I do?”

That’s the great thing about kids – they always surprise you. Having been a teacher, run a play scheme, and worked with young people in the NHS, that’s something that always makes me smile.

Thirty minutes later, and our workshop is drawing to a close. The activities we run are vital for pupils to understand the responsibilities of dog ownership. They’re also free and available to schools throughout the UK.

“So,” I say to the class, “We’ve covered safety, we’ve played the blindfold game and we’ve scooped the plastic poop,. What else is there for us to do?”

“Stroke Otis!” the class shouts together.

A wise old man once said, “Never work with kids and animals.”

He was wrong.

You see, as the pupils quietly take it in turns to stroke Otis a connection passes between them. This simple act of touching his fur, feeling him breathe, brings it home that dogs are just like them. They have the same needs. They have the same emotions. And if a child can understand that, then our work is done.

Dogs Trust works tirelessly to promote responsible dog ownership to children and communities. To see more on our work or download information leaflets go to www.dogstrust.org.uk or www.learnwithdogs.co.uk to learn more about our free education programme.

Playful pugs find new home

Two former Kenilworth residents, pugs Rose and Ellie (now known as Nellie) were rehomed in April by Ian and Rebecca Watson.

Recently, the Watsons sent us some photos to show how well the two pugs are doing alongside their new friend and fellow pug, Pugsley (see image left).

The Watsons said, "They are getting on superbly well, and have become very close with our other pug, Pugsley.

"Rosie has come right out of her shell the more she has felt at home and is a real Mummy's girl, while Nellie has been her cheeky little self since day one. She took no time whatsoever to settle in and is Daddy's shadow!

"Thank-you so much for all your help with the process of rehoming the two of them. We're absolutely thrilled with the way it has worked out.Keep up the fantastic work!"

You might remember these gals from a video we posted on our YouTube page:

Thank you to Ian and Rebecca for supporting Dogs Trust and rehoming the two playful pugs!




















To find out more about the Kenilworth centre, please click here

Dogs Trust Kenilworth's pair of pretty Pugs rehomed to dedicated couple

Supporter Relations Officer Jane Hirons at Dogs Trust Kenilworth was impressed when a pair of potential rehomers went out of their way to visit the centre....

Ellie and Rosie, two beautiful Pugs looking to be rehomed, came into the centre when their owner could no longer care for them. Being mother and daughter and always being used to each others company we thought they should stay together despite the fact that rehoming both dogs to the same home might prove a little difficult!

David, one of our Canine Carers, was embarking on a project towards a training course he was undertaking, so what luck that David needed to identify a story and the Pugs needed to find a new home. David took some footage of Ellie and Rosie and we posted it on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook (you can see it below); well it wasn't long at all before the centre started to receive calls about our Pug duo and in particular one call stood out from the rest.

Mr & Mrs Watson already owned their own Pug and despite travelling home from their holiday in London they were desperate to come and visit Ellie and Rosie. So much so that they stopped off on en route to Yorkshire and stayed overnight in the hotel next door to the centre; they were that keen to be first through the door on Saturday!

Ellie and Rosie will soon be making their way to their new home in Yorkshire and David will be able to complete his project so what wonderful news all round. We wish our little Pug friends all the very best with Mr & Mrs Watson and their resident Pug and look forward to hearing how they have settled in at home.

So David, what's the next project?!

VIDEO: Bentley the Canine Care Card Dog's Story

Bentley is a beautiful Collie x German Shepherd cross (we think) who was entrusted to our care through the Canine Care Card scheme, which means we promise to care for and rehome your dog in the event of your death.

He was a bit of a special case though, as you'll see by watching the video below.

And in case you're wondering, Bentley has now found an owner and will be heading to his new home soon! Update 24/04: Bentley has now gone home!

VIDEO: Bentley the Canine Care Card Dog's Story from Dogs Trust on Vimeo.

There are lots of other dogs who'd also like their forever homes, like lovely lady Lurcher Felicity and bouncy Boxer cross Shadey, both in Kenilworth.

For dogs needing homes across the UK, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming

Welcome Scott Spencer, Dogs Trust Kenilworth Education Officer!

It seems like only yesterday that we were welcoming Jo Morris, our new Education Officer for West London. Now there's another member of the education team to warmly welcome: Scott Spencer. Over to you, Scott.



Hi, I’m Scott, the first Education Officer covering the Midlands area, based at Dogs Trust’s largest rehoming centre, Kenilworth.

I am a qualified primary school teacher and am very excited to be able to offer school’s free, fun and interactive workshops teaching about responsible dog ownership and dog welfare. All my workshops are curriculum linked and can be tailored to suit your school’s particular requirements.

Helping me with my workshops is my furry assistant Otis, my rescued Staffordshire Bull Terrier who loves children and helping them learn.

I also offer tours and workshops in the centre so you can see how our centre works and can meet some more four legged friends!

To find out more about our workshops or book a slot, visit www.learnwithdogs.co.uk or drop me a line by email. You can also follow the education team on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

Dogs Trust Rescue Dog Agility Team at the Ultimate Pet Show

Just in case anyone still needed convincing that rescue dogs have just as many talents as their lucky counterparts who have had one home since birth, the Dogs Trust Rescue Dog Agility team swept into the Birmingham NEC for the Ultimate Pet Show.

The team of dogs, owners, Dogs Trust staff and four beauties from Kenilworth looking for homes had a grand weekend out at the show, as the photo above shows! For more photos from the event, check out our Flickr stream. Also on site was a Dogs Trust Dogmobile, one of two mobile stands that are taken all around the country promoting dogs looking for homes - you can follow that link to find out more about Dogmobile events in your area.

Among the agility team members was girl called Saskia, who had spent most of her life at Dogs Trust Kenilworth. When she finally found her forever home, it was with Oliver, who immediately got her started on agility. In this video he introduces them both:

Guest Blog: Ex-sticky dog Pip - from Kenilworth to Oz, an adventure!

It was great news for Pip when his family found him a forever home - but that was just the beginning of his adventures! In this guest blog, Pip explains just how far he's travelled from the UK midlands, and how wonderful his life is now.

G’day Dogs Trust! It’s Pip here, ex-sticky dog* from Kenilworth.

I’m now living in Ferny Creek, Victoria, Australia. I got my “visa” last October, hopped on the flying Kangaroo (Qantas Airways) at London Heathrow, thanks to my friends at Airpets, arriving 22 hours later in Melbourne. As a UK dog I only had 30 days in quarantine. Mum and Dad visited most days. I also met a family who sponsor a Dogs Trust Sponsor Dog (hello Fonzie by the way!).

Aussie Quarantine were very nice to me but I was pleased to pack my bag (see photo below and note my bag!) and go home. I live in the Australian bush. It’s great for walking; I see wallabies, echidnas, possums, parrots and Kookaburras. I don’t chase the wildlife (Mum & Dad say this took some teaching!) except those noisy Cockatoos, I’d like to BBQ one of them! Life for a dog down under is a little restricted as we are a non-native species. It just means we can’t walk in certain places or we must be on a lead. There are some great off lead areas, I get to go to doggy beaches, (we have our own over here!) reserves and state parks. There’s always so much p-mail to catch up with!

It’s been a very hot summer down here and we have had major bushfires. We have been lucky as the fires have come close but the fire fighters have contained them. We evacuated to a relief centre on two occasions. There were hundreds of other people there with their dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, horses and even goats! How pleasing to see us pets are obviously very important to you humans. I have impressed my family, as I am, after all, a bit of a nervous boy. There was concern I might find all the smoke, fire engines and large water bombing aircraft overhead scary. But I’m a clever boy and I have coped brilliantly. I am first in the car when we have to go and politely accept the many dog treats on offer at the relief centre. The fires are nearly out now and life has quietened down again.

Oh and in case you were wondering, yes, I do love a good BBQ and a nice snooze in the sunshine……………

*A 'sticky dog' is one who has struggled to find a home quickly and has been in kennels for six months or more.

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...

Canine Charter for Human Health: Recovering from depression and increasing health and happiness

Yesterday, I told you about the nine-point Canine Charter for Human Health, which states the health benefits that come from dog ownership. Here are two cases studies that show just how valuable having a canine companion can be.

Charter Points 2, 3 and 8: Trish Dempsey & Mrs Blossom Willoughby (recovery from depression)

Described as “9kg of love wrapped up in fur” it is fair to say that Mrs Blossom Willoughby has brought much-needed joy into her owner’s life.

Having suffered bereavement, depression and a nervous breakdown, Trish Dempsey’s life was in turmoil. Desperate for some brightness in the gloom, Trish visited Dogs Trust Kenilworth - and when she spotted Blossom it was love at first sight!

Blossom had been rehomed a number of times but had never settled happily in a home. All that changed, however, in July 2006, when Blossom came home with Trish for good:

“Two years on, and I can honestly say Mrs Blossom Willoughby saved my life. As soon as she came home, I had someone to live for. Thanks to her, I am back at work, back in full health and enjoying life. Most importantly, this wonderful little dog has a secure and loving home for the rest of her life.”

Charter Point 4: Margo Giles & Rueben (health & happiness)

Margo Giles recently turned 74 and having lost her perfect little dog of twelve years was afraid that without a dog she might turn into a couch potato. Margo perused the mug shots on the Dogs Trust website and came across Rueben, an 18-month old Collie Cross Lurcher; perhaps, on paper, not the best choice for an older person.

Rueben was so full of pent up energy that Margo never ceased walking from about 6.30am till bed time. The one thing older people have to give a homeless dog is time according to Margo, and she devoted all of hers to him.

Now, six months on, with time and patience, it has proved to be a perfect match -Rueben’s happiness levels are off the scale and Margo says she is fitter than she has ever been:

“I am fortunate that I've always enjoyed good health, I don't see my doctor very often. My blood pressure is perfect, cholesterol good and my weight which hovers around 11st is now, since the advent of Rueben 10st 7lbs. The only thing I have is dodgy knees, which are two years past their sell by date, so I aim with Rueben’s help to loose another 7lbs before I have my first new knee. After my previous little dog died I was so afraid of becoming a couch potato which without the need to walk and dodgy knees could have happened and which would have reduced my fitness.

“There are a vast number of dogs of all ages and sizes needing homes, if all old people were to visit a dogs home instead of their GP and issued with a dog like Rueben I'm pretty sure there would be a lot of healthier pensioners about, no obesity and no need to worry about the rising cost of heating - there's no time to get cold!”

Have a ball and raise money for Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust Kenilworth and Dogs Trust Evesham have joined forces to create an extra special occasion in aid of the dogs in their care.

A drinks reception, three course meal and fashion show in aid of the charity shop at Shipston on Stour will make it a night to remember. So glam yourself up and get down there to have a fabulous time, knowing the money raised from each £50 ticket will help pay for crucial veterinary care, food, treats, training and more.

For more details on the venue and how to get a ticket, check out the Facebook events page or contact Jane Hirons on 01926486010 / Jane.hirons@dogstrust.org.uk.

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

Dogs Trust volunteer takes to the sky(dive) to raise money

When it comes to fundraising efforts, I like to keep my feet firmly on the ground. Not so Chloe Hart, who already gives up her time to be a volunteer at Dogs Trust (click to enlarge news clipping, left). She's decided to to raise funds by jumping from a plane!

Chloe's planned skydive is on the 6th of September and her target for fundraising is a generous £500. If you'd like to donate a few pennies or watch her progress, you can visit her Just Giving page.

Chloe, much though I think you're nuts to voluntarily throw yourself from a plane I also have enormous admiration for your energetic fundraising! Good luck and enjoy the jump!

Dog of the Week: Claudia @ Dogs Trust Kenilworth

Introducing... Claudia!

Breed: Collie Cross

Age: 5

Likes: I am friendly with other dogs and, like most Collies, very active so I love to run and play. Because I'm shy I don't get noticed at the centre so I've been here for three years!

Dislikes: I get nervous around strangers.

Needs: An adults-only home with owners that are happy to introduce me gently and patiently to new people and who have a lot of time to run around with me.

Contact: Call Dogs Trust Kenilworth on 01926 486010 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk