Hold me closer, tiny barker

Find out about our support for adopters this summer and beyond!

WAG: THE MAG FOR LOVERS: SUMMER 2019 WAG Welcome WAG News From the editor... All the news that’s fit to bark!

One of the great joys of being a dog owner is Editor: Deana Selby Readers’ : [email protected] being able to share your feelings of happiness, High-res Jpegs only please! FUN-TASTIC BEASTS AND moments of humour and that old chestnut ‘am Designed by: Anthony Oram I doing this right?’ with your fellow www.mro.design Print by: Eclipse Colour Print, WHERE TO FIND THEM (clue: at Dogs Trust) dog owners. That sense managed by Red Mist of camaraderie you get Thanks to contributors this issue: Many thanks to Emma Meaden, These fantastic beasties are all loving their from being in the ‘dog Julia Youd, Kayla Maryon, Rose Fellowes, time at Dogs Trust rehoming centres - but Tristan Lathey, David McNaught, club’ is something pretty Gemma Smith, Megana Nedungani what they’d really, really like is a wonderful special. From ear-cleaning Reg charity nos. home of their own! 0303 003 0000, or 227523 ( and Wales), visit dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming (no need); to feeding the SCO37843 () 20057978 (Ireland) All photos taken by our talented staff! correct amount (follow the Editorial address: Dogs Trust, Clarissa Baldwin House, manufacturer’s advice, not 17 Wakley Street, EC1V 7RQ your dog’s); to exactly how To keep up to date with how we collect and use your personal data visit to stop a muddy spaniel www.dogstrust.org.uk/privacy. At any gleefully wiping itself time you can change how we contact you. Simply get in touch with our friendly on the walls every time Customer Services team and they’ll get Buddy at Dogs Trust any changes made for you. Call us on Bridgend (Julie Ace) he comes back from 020 7837 0006, visit www.dogstrust.org. a rainy walk (learn uk/keepintouch/ or write to us at Dogs Trust, Clarissa Baldwin House, 17 Wakley to embrace dark grey Street EC1V 7RQ paint as your new interior design must-have) the moral support I’ve ON THE COVER Megana and Mabel enjoying the sunshine, had from my fellow dog owners has been by James Lincoln. Mabel, a five-month-old invaluable. Dogs Trust is now also offering crossbreed (a delicious Shih-Tzu/Spaniel/ Terrier cocktail) was recently adopted from Dustin the Lurcher high fives his carer support for anyone adopting a dog from us, our Canterbury rehoming centre by Gemma, Donna, Dogs Trust Shrewsbury (Emma Cox) and our expert staff will make sure you are our head coach at Dog School London. helped every step of the way through our Megana wears two hats for Dogs Trust; she’s our senior coach in Dog School, while also Benji at Dogs Trust Marlie at Dogs Trust (Lauren Killeen) post-adoption support service. We know offering one-to-one help for anyone who LARGE PRINT AND Ilfracombe (Jo Booth) needs advice about their adopted Dogs Trust dog ownership has its moments, but we’re dog’s behaviour – all part of our post-adoption AUDIO AVAILABLE! here to make sure a dog really is for life. support service! See page 6. Large print and audio versions of Wag are now available, please This issue of Wag explores the milestones email [email protected] and the highs and lows of dog ownership. or call 020 7837 0006 to request your copy. From the bereaved minister whose dog has helped him cope with his grief; to the police dog, a former stray, who helped his owners dogstrust.org.uk uncover a huge drug haul; to the excited Chequers with his carer For more photos, news, videos Tigger at Dogs Trust Kezzie at Dogs Trust first-time adopters who loved taking their Dogstrust.org.uk/wagmagazine Hayley at Dogs Trust (Stuart Lanham) Darlington (Francesca Gent) Ballymena (Emma Martin) new dog on their first day trip. There are as Instagram: @dogstrust many different aspects to dog ownership as Send us your Dogs Trust dog there are stars in the night sky. I hope this using #MyDogIsForLife issue of Wag helps you embrace them all! Twitter: @dogstrust YouTube: Best wishes to you and your woofers youtube.com/dogstrust

Facebook: facebook.com/dogstrust

Phone: 0303 003 0000 Luigi at Dogs Trust Jake with his carer Jasmine Rosie and Jim at Dogs Trust Deana Selby Hunter at Dogs Trust (Amy Carlin) at Dogs Trust Loughborough Leeds (Kevin Johnson) Email: (Heather O’Connell) (Heather Cook) Wag editor [email protected]

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- IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

This dog knows how to party – check out Casper, who recently Alex the terrier is still looking for love, despite having lost celebrated his 11th birthday with his favourite canine carers, Kirsty his eyesight overnight. and Helyn, at Dogs Trust Glasgow. Alex arrived at Dogs Trust last October and instantly became a favourite with his canine Cutie pie Casper has spent more than 1,000 days in the care of our carers. One morning, staff noticed that he was Glasgow rehoming centre and hopes his 11th birthday will bring new bumping into things. He was rushed to the vet, who hope of finding his forever home. As well as getting lots of new toys referred Alex to a veterinary eye specialist, where to play with, Casper’s fave carer Kirsty also baked him a very special it was confirmed that Alex’s sudden blindness had birthday cake, made from dog-friendly ingredients, of course. been caused by detached retinas. Despite this sudden shift in health, Alex has Casper absolutely loved it and even though he wasn’t given candles to adjusted incredibly well and his ‘guide humans’ - blow out, he and his canine carers definitely made a wish that he would his canine carers - have been helping him by make find him a suitable new home soon. his daily life much more predictable. Affable Alex is around five years old, playful, friendly and would love to Sandra Lawton, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Glasgow, said: live with a new family where he can be the only pet in the home – a home where the furniture is rarely moved around. ‘We like to make a fuss over dog’s birthdays, especially those like Casper, who If you can see Alex being part of your world then please have been with us a bit longer. All our canine residents deserve to feel loved call Dogs Trust Evesham on 0303 003 0000. Watch him having and nothing provides this more than spending time with your favourite people, fun with his carers here dogstrust.org.uk/alex-evesham. Photo: enjoying some delicious home baking.’ Joanne Bennett Since having his party, Casper has moved into our special old dogs’ home, Oakfield, which is part of our Shrewsbury rehoming centre. Photos: Please call Oakfield on0303 003 0000 if you think you can give Kayleigh Docherty Casper the retirement home he would dearly love to have. You can see more of Casper here www.dogstrust.org.uk/casper Muttley’s DOGGED Milestones Have you recently welcomed the pitter patter of tiny (or massive) paws? Why not celebrate your new companion’s DEBATES milestone moments by buying this new #MyDogIsForLife set of 21 greeting cards, designed to help you commemorate If you’re fascinated by dog behaviour and would special milestones with your new dog! love to learn more – join us at the Dogs Trust ‘The State of The Art of Dog Behaviour - From Costing just £7.50 for 21 beautiful cards packed within a Science to Practice’ conference! To be held on 18 chic little box, each card has a space where you can fill in - 19 October at Oxford Town Hall, the conference the date for when your new pal reached a major (or minor) speakers will cover both fundamental and milestone in your lives together, such as their ‘first vet visit’ applied aspects of dog behaviour and training, or ‘first walk in the woods’ and ‘first time I came back to my presented by a range of internationally recognised name.’ The cards will also make a wonderful gift for any experts, including our head of professional new dog owners in your life. All profits from each sale will development in canine behaviour, Dr Helen Zulch go towards helping the dogs in our care. Available now from from the UK, Europe and the USA. Please visit www.ebay.co.uk/usr/headofficedogstrust www.dogstrust.org.uk/behaviour19 for costs Photo: Martin Phelps and the full speaker list. Don’t forget to tag us @Dogstrust on Insta if you love your first card set!

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❷ We’ll call you! ❹ Fido Films I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU To take the hassle out of calling us, we now offer a series Dog School is available in 30 locations around the UK, but if of follow up calls to check in on our dogs and see if there is you can’t get to us in person/in doggo, the next best thing is anything we can help with. Anyone adopting a Dogs Trust our Dog School films. Covering everything from helping your WHEN THE DOG STARTS TO BORK! dog will automatically receive a phone call from a member dog learn how to not jump up at people, (even though they are of staff two days after they brought their dog home, asking really pleased to see them) to getting your dog to settle down how they and their new woofer are getting along. Then, if quietly when you’re out for a cappuccino, you’ll find everything Let’s be honest, very few things in life go exactly according to plan. they agree, we will also contact them at two weeks and four you need to know right here dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/ That’s why at Dogs Trust we promise to be there to help you and your months after Rovella first sproinged/tiptoed through their training/. If films are not your thing then there are also plenty threshold. Hopefully, everything will be going swimmingly, of articles to read too. adopted Dogs Trust friend get along just fine together. but just in case it’s not, we can offer all of our usual behaviour support. ❺ Return to sender

Photos: James Lincoln ❸ Back to School Finally, you can be assured that if you choose to adopt a dog from us, you know that if you can no longer look after then Ensuring you and your dog can enjoy life together with he will always be welcome back at Dogs Trust. We will do minimum fuss and maximum fun is what Dogs Trust Dog everything we can to make sure your lives work smoothly School is all about. We’ll help teach you how to teach your dog together – but if your life hits an unexpected bump in the road all the skills they need to settle down nicely at a café without then we’ll happily welcome Rover/Rovella back into our care. bugging you, walk through the park without stealing picnics or getting into a bark-off, stroll on the lead and generally not be freaked out by new experiences. Classes are open to all dogs, not just Dog Trust ones!

Dog School classes are kept small so you can get plenty of one-to-one attention with our coaches, and we have specially tailored classes to suit puppies, adolescents, adults and rescue dogs. All members of the family, including children, are welcome - check out www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk to find your nearest class.

‘Good afternoon Dogs Trust, how may we help you? Yes, this bandana is divine, thank you for noticing.’

Photo: Wendy Lovatt

Here’s our Dog School coach Megs helping Mabel’s owner to teach her how to walk nicely on the lead. Dog School is just one of the ways we can help you and your dog form a bond for life!

And because we love dogs just as much as ❶ Call me! 0300 303 3738* you do, we understand that there will be Our dedicated Post Adoption Support hotline can get you days when Rover/Rovella’s manners leave the help you need - you’ll be directed to one of our specialist a lot to be desired, or you may feel a tad behaviour teams, either in our rehoming centres or at head office. They will call and talk through in-depth plans for you worried when they start doing that strange to put into place to help your you just how well thing again. If yours is a former Dogs Trust they can behave. We keep in touch with one or more calls, as resident, there are things we can do to help many as you need, and we may offer a face-to-face session when it might be of more help. For behaviours that are more both of you. Because when you adopt a Dogs challenging, we now also offer a referral to one of our clinical Trust dog - even if Rover/Rovella crossed animal behaviourists who offer home visit consultations. your threshold over 15 years ago - we really * Or email us - we like that too! mean it when we say ‘a dog is for life!’ [email protected]

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The therapeutic benefits of simply being with a dog are In the early weeks of his bereavement, Richard visited Dogs well-known to most dog lovers, but some dogs just seem Trust Newbury, initially to look for a German shepherd dog. to have that little bit of extra specialness about them. From However, after several trips to the rehoming centre with no the Baptist minister who was rescued from loneliness by suitable German Shepherds ready for adoption, he spent some his loving Lurcher, to the overweight man who reversed his time looking for other breeds he felt might fit with his lifestyle. Canine Lifelines diabetes thanks to his cheeky Charlie boy, Wag met with two very different dog owners to find out how their hounds have because sometimes all you need is the love of a good (rescue) dog provided the pick-me-up they so badly needed. Richard explains,

Interviews by Kayla Maryon Ginny’s a tonic ‘I spent several weeks looking for a dog to share my home with me – but to no avail. However, on January 19th, that all changed. I spotted Ginny and was drawn to her instantly. There was Photos: Clive Tagg something about the quietness of this stunning creature that spoke to me, and I perhaps saw some of my own sadness reflected in her beautiful amber eyes.

‘I chatted her history through with the rehoming team and found out that just like me, Ginny had found herself adrift in a place she didn’t expect to be, with no one by her side - but she was ready to make a new start.

‘During such an emotionally vulnerable time, a nervous dog wouldn’t have been suitable for me, but I needed a dog that would be able to offer me companionship, loyalty and be able to come with me to church, so needed to be happy to meet strangers and have a gentle fuss. We agreed that Ginny could well be the one for me and I adopted her.

‘In the days before I brought her home, my excitement began to mount but so did my anxiety. I began to worry about the tiniest thing, from where the dog’s bowl should be kept to where she would sleep at night and how I could organise our arrival home. Fortunately, my family were very reassuring, and the team at Dogs Trust Newbury were patience and understanding personified. They did a lot of hand-holding, for which I am so When Richard Littledale lost his wife, Fiona, in winter 2017, grateful, and we’ve been good friends ever since!’ he was left with an intense sense of loneliness, struggling to adjust to the single life following 30 years of marriage. Richard and Ginny have shared their lives for 18 months, and After adopting Lurcher Ginny from Dogs Trust Newbury two he says she has settled in remarkably well. She is enjoying months after Fiona’s death, Richard says that they found each her new routine, accompanying him to work and watching other at a time of vulnerability - and are gradually helping television together. Richard says she has given him the routine each other to find happiness again. that was lost in the aftermath of Fiona’s death.

Richard, who is the minister at Newbury Baptist Church, says,

‘Even when the death of a loved one is anticipated or expected, the physical and emotional impact of loss can still take you by “I spotted Ginny and was drawn to her surprise. Adapting to living alone in the home you’ve shared with a loved one is difficult, and you become so aware of otherwise instantly. There was something about unnoticed details, such as the frightening size of an empty room, the quietness of this stunning creature or the different echo when you climb the stairs alone. that spoke to me, and I perhaps saw ‘When Fiona and I moved into our current home, it was always some of my own sadness reflected in part of our dream to share it with a four-legged friend. But when her beautiful amber eyes.” Richard and Ginny often drop by to our Newbury centre for a chat with old friends, such as she died, that dream became somewhat shattered. However, I still Amy. ‘The team at Newbury were patience and understanding personified’ says Richard wanted to fill that dog-shaped hole.’

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Richard continues, Photos: Leoness Photography

‘One of the early casualties of bereavement is routine. The routine that was there when your loved one was well is long gone, and the routine you had when caring for them is gone too. However, Ginny needs routine to settle into her new home.

‘She needs to be walked and fed and it falls to me to provide these things. In return, she has given me so many things, including removing the discomfort I previously felt in my sitting room, which seemed far too big for many weeks after Fiona’s death. She provides a calming presence whilst we watch television together in the evenings.’

During bereavement, facing the day and other people can seem like a daunting task, especially when returning to work and getting up and about. But with Ginny by his side, Richard is finding this less of a struggle.

‘Ginny and I will hopefully have many years in each other’s company. I am sure she will continue to provide loyalty, fun, and an enthusiastic greeting whenever we see each other and in turn I will provide protection and the kind of reassurance she craves.

‘Fiona’s ashes lie at the foot of a cherry tree overlooking Beacon Hill and Watership Down in . Whenever we stop there, I shall tell Ginny about the one I’ve lost, and she will stand beside the one she’s found.’

Ron and Charlie, after Ron, before Ron’s son William with Ron and Charlie

Charlie cures owner’s diabetes

Cheeky chap Charlie, adopted from Dogs Trust Salisbury in In January 2018, a newly retired Ron made the decision ‘Without a shadow of a doubt, Charlie has improved my physical 2018, has been credited with reversing his owner’s type 2 that was to change his life. He took a trip to our Salisbury health, but he has also given me that reason to get out of bed, diabetes, while having a profoundly positive impact on his rehoming centre, where he fell instantly in love with the first improving my state of mind too. He is cheeky and makes me laugh mental health as a delightful bonus. dog he set eyes on, Charlie the Lurcher. After meeting each every day. He loves meeting new people, so when we’re out on other at the centre a few more times, Ron adopted Charlie, our walks I end up chatting to people that I would have usually Ron Lightfoot, 59, had been suffering from Type 2 diabetes and the perfectly matched pair have never looked back. walked past, were it not for Charlie. and was also taking medication to help him manage his Since adopting Charlie, Ron has lost three-and-a-half stone, depression, after several sad events in his life had disrupted reversing his diabetes as a result of the weight lost from going ‘Now my days are full of walking and talking, which they his mental health. Prompted by his escalating health problems, on plenty of long walks with his new best friend. definitely would not be if I didn’t have Charlie by my side. I feel Ron decided to retire from his job as a firefighter at MOD like a better person since he came into my life. He genuinely has Porton Down in Salisbury, where he’d worked for 30 years. Ron adds, helped my soul.’

As Ron explains, ‘Adopting Charlie was the best decision I have ever made - he has given me years of my life back. We walk for around ten miles If you have experienced a life-changing each day and even though I’ve always liked the idea of walking to ‘The end of 2017 was not a good time for me. My state of event thanks to your dog, please do let us mind suffered after a bereavement and the breakdown of my improve my health, the thought of doing it alone never appealed to relationship, and I could see no reason to get up and get out of the me. That all changed the day I got Charlie because I knew that no know – we would love to hear from you! house each day. I’d been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011, matter what, he needed exercise. Little did I know that he would Email us: [email protected] or write and my doctor was always urging me to do something about my have quite such a profound impact on my life.’ to: Wag, Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, diet and activity levels to try and reverse it. Getting a dog had London EC1V 7RQ. been mentioned a few times, but until I retired, I hadn’t been in a Ron says that besides doing wonders for his physical health, position to commit to owning one.’ Charlie’s joie de vivre has boosted his mental health too.

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As a proud Welshman, our late CEO Adrian was determined to make our new rehoming centre in Cardiff the most dog-friendly place in the world. As the build draws closer, we’d love you to be part of it, or more specifically, Noodle would love you to be part of it! Because every single bit of the new rehoming centre has been designed for the health and happiness of dogs like him. To truly understand our doggy guests, we like to put ourselves in their paws. So let’s hand over to Noodle himself, who will show you some of the dog-friendly Check this out! a little things your donation can help bring to Dogs Trust Cardiff Rehoming Centre. The plans for the main building at the new Cardiff centre.100 or Every more, squareyou’ll get patch your represents very own piece bit of love for us dogs, and if you make a kind gift of£ – there’s a limited number of unique patches! The humans at Dogs Trust of our special Founders’ blueprint. Please don’t wait £5 know that we love it when Can help fill Cardiff with we have lots of different CARDIFF toys things to entertain us - Privacy please! Sniff sniff! because play time is the Privacy please! The kennels Exploring is when so NETTLEFORD best time! will be sound-proofed, and ROAD if they’re facing each other many of us are happiest, Kennel and with sand pits, areas FLOORPLAN they will have low walls. warm flooring entrance No one likes peering into to run around and special Location location! their neighbour’s bedroom. sniffy walks, there will Emergency Toys Wall We need to meet as many people as possible Only entrance My bed be so much to see! if we’re going to find that special someone. Main No peeking Being right in the centre of Cardiff makes entrance it easy for humans to stop by for a visit! Ruff! Dinner Will you help make our new Cardiff rehoming centre the most cool flooring Thanks to all the care that’s Being nice and cosy is gone into designing the dog-friendly place in the world? Our new home will have one so important for us to new rehoming centre, and I’ll help dogs like Noodle with: main entrance, so we don’t its state-of-the-art facilities, feel safe. With a heated A special square on the have to worry about our carers dogs like Noodle will have £100 floor, it’s like we’re Founders’ blueprint taking us by surprise. This the best chance of finding wearing slippers! their forever home. £25 Vet care means we’re a lot more relaxed. There will be lots of room for Dogs Trust Dog School, £5 A toy a hydro treadmill room, a vet suite – and it will also be Give today using the first rehoming centre with an ultrasound facility. the form on the back page and Dogs Trust Cardiff Rehoming Centre will be a fitting When we’re feeling £25 receive a very special tribute to the passion and dedication of Adrian. With poorly there’ll always be Can help give Cardiff Rehoming Cardiff dogs the your support, it will make dogs like Noodle as happy Centre ‘Thank you’ a friendly vet on hand vet care they and healthy as possible. need from Noodle! to make us feel better. warm flooring WAG Fundraising WAG Fundraising Fitter than

Dedicated fundraisers Bertie and Teal are out and about raising money for their favourite rehoming centre, Dogs Trust Salisbury, once again. Over the past nine years this fine pair of fluffy- trousered philanthropists have collected more than £1,900 for Fancy taking part in a sporting challenge to raise funds for our fabulous Fidos? Dogs Trust, using extreme cuteness as their main fundraising If any of these fun events tickle your fancy then please do get in touch! tactic. Their owner, Rhona Anderson, rehomed both excellent Dog Jog 5K – various locations & dates chaps from our Salisbury centre, and enjoys taking the boys on Prudential RideLondon- 100 4 Aug regular visits to see their friends at ’the mothership!’ Simplyhealth Great North Run, Newcastle upon Tyne 8 Sept Scottish Half Marathon & 10K, Edinburgh 22 Sept Bournemouth Marathon Festival 6 Oct Royal Parks Half Marathon, London 13 Oct Santa Run, London 8 Dec London Landmarks Half Marathon 2020 24 Mar Virgin Money London Marathon 2020 26 Apr Congratulations to Elise Watson, our Ilfracombe centre manager, who If you would like to apply for a Dogs Trust place or if you already have completed her first London marathon. a place and would like to use it to raise pounds for hounds, enquire at Now that’s what we call a team player! Richard Daffurn and Rick Ward, pictured here with Banjo [email protected] and Twix, are the double-act maintenance team at Dogs Trust Evesham. The duo are responsible for making the ten-acre centre grounds a beautiful and enriching place for both visitors and canine residents alike.

From mowing the lawns to maintaining the centre’s new enclosed field, a huge space where our hounds can bound VIP LIFELINES FOR OUR VIP POOCHES around off-lead, Richard and Rick do it all with a smile on their faces. Rick has worked at our Evesham centre for 13 Our dogs love nothing more than getting their paws on some years, and in that time the dedication and hard work he’s exciting new toys and tasty treats, and their tails can’t stop put into keeping the centre and its grounds in shipshape wagging when the goodies from the latest Pets at Home condition has helped nearly 13,000 dogs to feel at home shopping spree arrives! while enjoying the great outdoors. With hounds of all shapes and sizes, we need plenty of goodies to keep our furry friends entertained while they’re Rick says, waiting for their forever homes. This is where you can help us, by signing up to Pets at Home VIP club and choosing ‘The centre underwent a rebuild a couple of years ago, so Dogs Trust as your nominated charity today. I’ve seen it grow from a fairly small site, to what we have Every time VIP Club members swipe their VIP card whilst now. It’s a real pleasure to be responsible for maintaining shopping in Pets at Home stores or by spending online, they such gorgeous grounds for such gorgeous dogs. We’re really earn Lifelines to go towards their nominated charity. These lucky to be based on the edge of the Cotswolds, and one of my are then converted into Wainwright’s dog food for all the favourite jobs is to get on the sit-on mower during the summer canines in our care, and into vouchers for our rehoming and trim the grass!’ centres to spend on treats or toys! If you’re an existing VIP club member or would like An enormous thank you to players of People’s Postcode to support us by signing up to the VIP club, please visit Lottery who have raised over £12 million since 2013 to www.petsathome.com/dogstrustvip help look after the canines in our care and fund roles such as Rick and Rich’s at our rehoming centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

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Tiny Tim the Dachshund didn’t have the best start in life, as he was illegally smuggled #MYDOGISFORLIFE into the UK from Hungary. Luckily, along with his brothers and sisters, after being seized – THE DOGGY DIARIES at the border he was taken to be looked after by the team at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury. Adam Fellows and Daisy Lambert fell in love Way back in 2017 we asked 30 new Dogs Trust adopters to keep a photo Sleeping beauty with Tiny Tim as soon as they met him at diary as they started out on their life journey with their new dog – just the rehoming centre! look how gorgeous they are! We want you to share the love too - why not use the hashtag #MyDogIsFor Life to share your rescue dog stories, and don’t forget to tag us on insta @Dogstrust This is funny stuff Tiny Ginny the Border Collie was just a year Schniiifff old when she arrived at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe after being found as a stray. Tim She has been living her best life with Rowena and Owen Dimond from Lydhurst since they adopted her in 2017, and together they’ve shared so many adventures - including Me and my spotty sis camping, running along the beach and Nothing beats King strolling through woodlands. snuggle time

Ginny Did someone say I was cute Heading home! Homeward bound! I enjoy walking I’ll be better soon - even in the rain King the crossbreed was born at Dogs Trust Leeds on 16 December 2017 after his mum had been found straying in Leeds just a few days earlier. If she hadn’t been found, things could have turned out very differently. The team at Leeds looked after King, and his mother and his seven siblings until we were all ready to find loving new homes. Cheeky King now leads a charmed life with Mark Riddell and Colette Cox – his forever family. We go on lots of adventures #MyDogisForLife – join in the fun! Share pics of you and your adopted I’ll soon be big enough to get up there! Dogs Trust best friend on Insta. So pretty I have lots of friends All grown up @DogsTrust. If you love it - share it!

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IN THE LINE Good golly, lotsa Collies! OF SNOOTY Our Bridgend team have their hands full with a mini tsunami of 14 delightful Collies. The fabulous fourteen range from longer stay resident, two-year-old Staff at Dogs Trust Basildon could not be Whiskey, to nine-week-old pup Lotus Blossom and her six littermates, pictured prouder of their boy, Chip, who recently here. While the pups have each now found great new families, the rest are uncovered over £7,000 worth of drugs eager to meet their special someone. They each have different personalities but while doing his job as a detection dog for they all have one thing in common; they would all make a perfect companion in the Police Force. Working with his the right home. handler, PC Luke Pitchford, Chip sniffed Our Bridgend team have their hands full with a mini tsunami of 14 delightful out the narcotics haul hidden inside a Collies. The fabulous fourteen includes nine week old pup, Lotus Blossom, van in Woodham Ferrers – leading to the and her six littermates, (pictured.) While the pups have each now found new subsequent arrest and conviction of a families, the rest of the Collie squad are eager to meet their special someone. drug dealer. They each have different personalities, but they would all make the perfect PC Andy Gaw, Essex Police dog companion in the right home. Bridgend’s current Collie quota includes shy girl trainer, said, Khaleesi (3), timid yet sweet Percy (3) and energetic and super-smart Whisky ‘When PD Chip came to me for an (2). If you’re interested in rehoming a Collie, from Dogs Trust Bridgend or

assessment, he passed with flying colours elsewhere, please call 0303 003 0000 or visit dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/ Photos: Sara Beaumont and he has continued to impress. He was put through his paces during the basic training course and has reached a very high Simon and Jo Kite love being Dogs Trust foster carers. standard. PD Chip is a fantastic dog with I Thought I Saw A Puddy Tat... a great personality he showed the right attributes to become a police dog on the We did, we saw a puddy tat! Three to be precise. The tabby trio had been very first day. He has so much enthusiasm If you live near Glasgow, West Calder or Penrith, and you simply adore found at our Kenilworth rehoming centre, when canine carer, James Sowerby, and energy and it was just a question of dogs – we would LOVE to hear from you! Our rehoming centre staff in heard meowing emanating from behind the bins. James and his fellow canine channelling it in the right way.’ Glasgow and West Calder, together with our new doggy transfer hub carers took the tabbies - whom they named Skip, Dusty and Scrappy - to team in Penrith, are on the lookout for experienced dog owners who their local Cats Protection branch, where they were expertly looked after. are at home for most of the day and would be willing to provide a cosy, As James explains, temporary foster home for some of the dogs who need a wee bit of

extra TLC – and would benefit from some time away from the hustle ‘It was such a tiny sound amidst and bustle of a busy rehoming centre. Fostering a dog can be an the excitement of the dog walk, incredibly rewarding experience and Dogs Trust will cover all food and we almost didn’t hear the kittens. any veterinary costs. All we ask is the foster carer is at home for most We found them on-site behind for most of the day, has easy access to transport and lives no more than locked gates, so I think it’s unlikely an hour’s drive away from their local Dogs Trust centre. they were abandoned. We think a stray cat put them there, but after having scoured the grounds we If you’d like to know more please call us on: 0141 773 5130 for Glasgow, couldn’t see any trace of the mum. 01506 873 459 for West Calder and 01768 870 617 for Penrith. I’m sure they’ll be adopted soon as For all other Dogs Trust centres please call 0303 003 0000. they are so beautiful.’

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Spencer of Newbury Hooch of Salisbury Rehomed by Sarah from Newbury in 2015 Handsome Hooch is seen here proudly after a difficult start in life, nine-year-old out and about in Cornwall. ‘Hooch is the Spencer keeps everyone fit and healthy on best thing that has happened to us and his fun and very energetic walks. He’s so we are so glad he found us’. No doubt calm and friendly at home, he’s even won he feels the same way about Patsy and Living their best lives – meet our rehomed Dogs Trust doggos - and the people who love them. Please send over the family cat, Gizmo. John, his happy new owners. photos of your adopted Dogs Trust friends to [email protected] (NB High-res jpeg only please!) Join in on Twitter and Instagram with #MyDogisForLife Bella of Pretty Bella was adopted by Julie from our Merseyside centre when she was only 4 months old. In that short time she’d already had 3 homes, so not Fidget of surprisingly she had some behavioural issues. With patience, love and help from Darlington Dogs Trust behavioural team, she’s now Beautiful Beagle cross very much a settled and loved member Fidget, rehomed from our of the family. Darlington centre, shows all the beagle traits - food being a particular obsession. He runs it all off on his local beach, where, despite his diminutive size, Fidget’s owner Jill says, ‘he’s as fast as a Greyhound!’ Soot and Daisy of Merseyside This mischievous and sprightly duo love nothing more than a romp in the countryside, Soot being quite the ladies’ man. Having exhausted themselves while out and about they love nothing more than movie night in, each with a comfy arm each to snuggle into.

Del-Boy of Ilfracombe Rehomed from Ilfracombe by Mel and Hallum, local celebrity Del-Boy laps up the attention on his lovely walks in the Devon countryside or on a visit to the beach. This stubborn but loveable gentleman couldn’t be further from Peckham!

Banksy of Basildon Copper of Darlington Steve and Rory tell us After a long and unsuccessful search for Mr Right, 3 year old Copper was that the splendidly- love at first sight for photographer Lauren in 2017. He’s proved to be a Riley of Shrewsbury named Banksy was not willing and able model - for the small fee of attention and cheese! Gurbhag Singh tells Wag: ‘Me and Riley have been together 18 months initially a big fan of other now, Rebecca and I adopted him from Dogs Trust Shrewsbury after I dogs, but thanks to their started volunteering there. I remember our first walk so clearly, and how perseverance, he can now Scamp of Ballymena/Basildon magical his hugs were. Riley loves going to parks and especially beaches. play happily with his big Alison is devastated at the loss of her Scamp. Originally found as He used to be scared of water, but in the past 18 months we have been to Uncle Ralf dog. Steve says, an underweight stray and taken to our Ballymena centre, then later different beaches all over the country, staying in pet-friendly hotels. ‘He’s now a very spoiled transferred to Basildon, Scamp was ‘the most adoring little chap, and I like how he falls asleep in my arms like a baby, nothing in this world feels dog, and he’s progressing although he was by no means perfect, chasing anything that moved, we better than him placing his head on my chest as he dozes off. He bosses well with his training, as learnt to trust each other, and we walked for miles and miles together. I every hooman in the house and is very demanding, wanting constant belly well as making our home a am so grateful for the chance that Dogs Trust gave him when he was a rubs, loads of treats and walks all day - but that’s what we love about him - very happy one. Feels like stray. Of course I am completely biased, but this is because I adored him. after all he is our world.’ he’s always been here! He was simply my best friend.’

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THE HOUNDS OF From great days out for all the family to enjoy, including your dog, to professional development seminars for veterinary and behavioural THE UNDERGROUND professionals, we’ve got a Dogs Trust event to suit you. To book a place on Put your feet up, grab a custard cream, let the dog flump on your lap – it’s competition time! We’re asking you to suggest tube station names a professional development event please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk involving dogs, and the best three (as chosen by office dog Sonny the super snoozy Greyhound) will receive a lovely, chocolatey prize! Here are a few examples to get you in the mood: German Shepherd’s Bush, KEY Fun Day, dogs welcome! Meet our dogs on the Dogmobile Behavioural seminar, book through www.eventbrite.co.uk Warwick Avenuefoundland, Covent Guard Dog. AUGUST Send your most creative ideas to: [email protected] or on a postcard to: WAG competition, Dogs Trust 17 Wakley Street, London 4 Dogs Trust Leeds Fun Day, Woodlands Farm, York Road, Leeds LS15 4NL EC1V 7RQ. Closing date for entries is 30 August. 7 Dogmobile at North Devon Showground, Umberleigh EX37 9DX 10-11 Dogmobile at VW Festival, Harewood House, Leeds LS17 9LE 12 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Dogs Trust Shoreham, BN43 5LT 21-22 Dogmobile at Asda Canterbury, Sturry Road, CT1 1DG SEPTEMBER

2 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Dogs Trust Shrewsbury TF6 6BP The End Of A 7-8 Dogmobile at National Trust, Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR

9 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Elms Community Centre, Green Lane, Whitefield, M45 7FD First-Class Service 10 Dog School talk, Understanding your Dog, £10, Dogs Trust Manchester M34 3SG 14 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £10, Dogs Trust Loughborough LE12 6SE After an incredible 40 years of service, our OCTOBER volunteer ‘stamp lady’ Jenny Thomas has 9 Dog School talk, Firework Fear in Dogs, £5, The King’s Centre, 56 Bull Head Street, Wigston, LE18 1PA decided to take a well-deserved rest and retire from running the Dogs 9-10 Dogmobile at Asda, Owlcotes shopping centre, Pudsey LS28 6AR Trust stamp appeal. 9-10 Dogmobile at Richmond Town Centre, North , DL10 4QL Jenny has raised a 14 Dog School talk, Happy Vet Visits (aimed at veterinary professionals), £5, Dogs Trust Shoreham BN43 5LT phenomenal amount during this 16-17 Dogmobile at Tesco, Victoria Road, Diss IP22 4JN time, contributing more than £200,000 towards helping our 18-19 Dogs Trust behaviour conference, ‘From Science to Practice,’ Oxford Town Hall, OX1 1BX CHRISTMAS four-legged friends. In 2017, Buy tickets now on www.dogstrust.org.uk/behaviour19 we awarded Jenny the ‘Dogs 22-23 Dogmobile at Pets At Home, Llantrisant CF72 8RP Trust Phyllis Mayer Argus 30-31 Dogmobile at The Valley, Evesham Country Park, Worcestershire WR11 4TP IN JULY! Medal’ in recognition of her outstanding commitment to stray Although it’s not snowing, we’re getting in and abandoned dogs - only the 20th the Christmas spirit with the launch of our recipient of this award in the long new 2019 Christmas Catalogue. Every year, history of the charity. to celebrate the launch of our wonderful On behalf of everyone at Dogs Trust, new range of gifts and essentials for we would like to thank Jenny for her tireless humans and dogs alike, the crackers come commitment to helping the dogs in our care - and out and we’ve even been known to play ‘We wish her the very best in her retirement. We would also like to give a woof you a Merry Christmas‘ in July! big thanks to you, our readers, for your wonderful contribution to the appeal. Please continue to send all postage stamps, postcards and foreign If you didn’t receive a catalogue with this currencies to this new address: copy of Wag! just call 0844 324 8520 or email [email protected] and Stamp Appeal, Dogs Trust, we’ll be happy to send you one in the post. 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ Alternatively, visit www.dogstrustgifts. com and order online to save you time and We politely request that bulky envelopes use a stamp with the word ‘Large’ us money. printed on it.

22 www.dogstrust.org.uk Summer 2019 Explore dogstrust.org.uk to find some clues! Boost your donation by WHERE’S I’ve got a favour 25p for every £1 you Can you spot: donate to Dogs Trust to ask you. SIZZLES? Sizzles from Dogs Trust Shoreham Gift Aid is reclaimed by Dogs Trust from the Casper from Oakfield Old Dogs Home at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury It’s summer at Dogs Trust – and it’s tax you pay for the current tax year. In order competition time! Simply circle the nine Seamus the sponsor dog Thousands of dogs like me for us to Gift Aid your donations please ensure things below and email your answer to us A person putting the collar and tag on their dog Illustration: Gary Brightside will soon have a new place you tick and date the box below at: [email protected] or post the page An owner binning their dog’s poop to call home in Cardiff. to: Wag competition, Dog Trust, 17 Wakley Date: A Dog School coach Street, London EC1V 7RQ. The winner Will you help make sure will be drawn out of a hat – and the prize A dog being trained to come back to their owner I wish to Gift Aid this donation and any donation I is a big box of chocolates. Remember to it’s full of things to make Three Dogs Trust canine carers make in the future or have made in the past 4 years include your name and address on your us happy and healthy? to Dogs Trust. entry! Competition closes on 30 August. A Dogs Trust volunteer I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less A special square on Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount the Founders’ blueprint of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax £100 year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Vet care to get dogs Please note your address is required to identify you £25 back on their paws as a current tax payer.

A toy to help dogs Please notify Dogs Trust if you: feel at home again £5 1. Want to cancel this declaration 2. Change your name or home address 3. No longer pay sufficient tax on your Your details: Income and/or Capital Gains

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms (please circle) If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional First name: rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid Surname: donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code. Address:

Postcode: From time to time we would like to send you Supporter number (if known): updates about our work, products, services and how you can support us, including Payment details: fundraising activities and research by post. If you’re also happy to hear from us by email Will you help make our new Cardiff rehoming centre the most dog-friendly place in the world? and/or phone, please fill in your details. ______£5 £25 £100 Other £ Email: I would like to donate by:

Cheque/postal order (please make payable to Dogs Trust Phone: and write your name and address details on the back) You can opt out of communications or change your Debit/credit card preferences at any time by phoning 020 7837 0006 Card no: or visiting dogstrust.org.uk/keepintouch

In order to communicate with you more effectively, Valid from: / better understand your preferences and ability Expiry date: / Issue no: to support our work, we may analyse your data. We do share your information within the Cardholder’s name (as printed on the card): Dogs Trust group; currently Dogs Trust Worldwide, Dogs Trust Ireland and Dogs Trust Promotions. For more information, please visit our privacy Signature: section: dogstrust.org.uk/privacy

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