The DogCast Radio blog

I've just heard that the wonderful surfing dog Ricochet has been nominated for USA Today's Most Heroic Dog of 2010. You can read about Ricochet's story at her website, and if you haven't heard of her you're in for a treat. If you'd like to vote for Ricochet click on this link - and she's be a very worthy winner.

 
Take care,
 
Julie xx
 
P.S.
 
Happy New Year!

I read an article this morning about a lady who is lavishing £600 on her dog for Christmas. She is happy to disclose at the same time that her partner is only getting gifts to the value of £100. While I don't wish to criticize her, I can't help feeling that this situation is wrong on many levels.
 

If it's the thought that counts at Christmas, the thinking about dogs should be that they don't make good presents. It's too busy a time of year to be able to devote the necessary time to settling in a puppy. But don't take my word for it, here's what Dogs Trust have to say on the matter:

TOYING WITH THE IDEA OF BUYING A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS?
Dogs Trust reveals the shocking 'lifespan' of festive gifts

New research carried out by Dogs Trust, the UK's

Dogs really don't belong in shops, however posh or iconic the shop is. Good breeders who care about their dogs, and rescue charities too,want to see who is buying or adopting their dog - they don't supply shops, and there are many reasons why. Please don't buy dogs in shops - if there's no demand there's no reason for the shops to keep up the supply. Here's an update on the protest held outside Harrods to highlight the fact that Harrods sells dogs:

Harrods Protest

Campaigners from the anti puppy farming groups

I've just been contacted by Kloe Jobling who is trying to make a difference to dogs in her area. Sounds like a great idea to me. Here's more info about the Give a Dog a Home campaign:
 
Introducing: Give a Dog a Home

Tails of abandoned dogs in Sunderland are set to start wagging thanks to a local campaign.

‘Give a Dog a Home’ aims to encourage Sunderland residents to consider adopting a dog from a local shelter instead of buying a puppy.

It's certainly cold in the UK currently and there's advice from Dogs Trust's Roden Centre on keeping your dog happy and healthy over winter:

OH DOGGY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!
Dogs Trust Roden issues advice to keep dogs happy and healthy this winter

As Britain continues to endure a cold and icy snap, our four-legged friends need a little extra care and warmth to ensure they cope with the wintery conditions.

Christmas is a great time of year for getting together and sharing that holiday spirit. But do make sure that your dog has as much fun as you do. Here's some advice from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons:
 
Include veterinary care in Christmas plans,’ advises the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Sometime over the weekend of 13th/14th November my daughter and I saw the John Lewis Christmas advert on television. We both had the same reaction, that it was not right - or even Christmassy - to show the dog in the advert stuck out in the snow in an old-fashioned, doorless kennel. Then the program we were watching came back on and we forgot about it. When I went onto the Internet on the following Monday morning, the doggy circles in which I move were awash with people complaining about the advert - the inadequate shelter, the isolation of the dog - and it was clear that I was not the only one who hadn't liked this advert. Many people were advocating contacting

Just had this from Dogs Trust:
 
DOGS TRUST COMMENDS NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY ON COMMITMENT TO COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust, which has a Rehoming Centre in Ballymena, has welcomed an announcement that the Committee stage of the Dogs (Amendment) Bill has been completed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. If passed, the Bill will make it compulsory for all Northern Irish dogs to be microchipped.

Dogs do not belong in shops, and no scrupulous breeder would send their pups to a shop. But did you know that iconic London shop Harrods does sell dogs? Here's information about a protest to highlight this issue:

A coalition of anti puppy farming groups [1] will be staging a protest over the sale of puppies at world-famous store, Harrods on Saturday 4th December 2010. A petition [2] will be given to Harrods during the protest.