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DogCast Radio Episode 77

Stephen Foster, author of Walking Ollie, and Along Came Dylan, with rescue dog Ollie, and latest addition, Dylan.Photo by Jason Bye

Episode 77 of DogCast Radio is now available.

The photo here shows author Stephen Foster with his rescue dog Ollie, a Saluki cross, and the latest addition to the family, Saluki Dylan. Ollie inspired Stephen to write Walking Ollie, about the adoption of Ollie, and the difficult relationship that developed between them. Ollie was found living wild as a young pup, and was left with many emotional problems. The book that tells his story is honest and moving and very funny.

Stephen later decided that Ollie needed a canine companion, and so pedigree Saluki Dylan joined the household, inspiring in his turn Along Came Dylan. You can hear Stephen talk about his absorption into the doggy world, and his take on living with dogs. He was a delight to talk to.

The other interview in the show is with veterinarian Paula Terrifaj. At the moment we’re all feeling the effects of the credit crunch, so Paula has very timely advice about how to spend less at the veterinarian without compromising your dog’s health. Paula has some great ideas.

There’s also my thoughts on that ever present chore of dog ownership – walking the dog. When it’s cold and dark most of the time in winter, it can seem extremely difficult to spend so much time outside exercising our two, but it has to be done.

Whether you’re out walking your dog, or tucked up in the warm at home, put us on your MP3 player, or access us via your computer, and we’ll do the rest!

Take care,

Julie x

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My Day at Dogs Trust

Four hopeful heads

Well, I survived my arduous day’s work at Dog’s Trust. Actually it wasn’t arduous at all; it was very interesting, and I met some lovely people and dogs. The team at Dogs Trust Roden are so committed to helping the dogs in their care find loving new homes, it’s wonderful to witness.

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Dogs Trust, Nintendo and Girls Aloud

Dogs Trust, Nintendo and Girls Aloud

I’m off to my local Dogs Trust shelter tomorrow to shadow a canine carer for the day. Tomorrow – for the first time in a long time! – I will clock on at 8.30a.m. and clock off at 5.30p.m., with just an hour’s lunch break. Even when I do put in that many hours, it’s sitting comfortably at my computer.

Anyway, I’m thinking about Dogs Trust a lot tonight, and received this information from them too:

GIRLS ALOUD LAUNCH DOGS TRUST EDUCATION INITIATIVE

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My friend's uncle's dog

It’s often questioned whether there is any point sending dogs away to be trained by an expert without the owner present. Many question whether the dog will associate his new found obedience with his owner at all, and whether once back at home he will revert to behaving as before.

Whatever the truth of it is, I heard a funny story about it the other day from a friend. Apparently an uncle of my friend had a dog years ago who was very naughty. The dog was duly bundled off to no less than legendary trainer Barbara Woodhouse to be sorted out.

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Man's best friend - whether man likes it or not

This photograph always makes me smile. My husband was busy trying to carry out vital repairs to our boat’s engine, and he was ably assisted by Buddy. I just love the way Buddy has found a way in, and made the most of it. Maybe he has sensed Anthony’s mechanical frustration and is seeking to relax him, maybe he wanted to assess the damage himself, or more probably he just wanted some attention.

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What dog lovers can agree on

Lady Margaret Flack contacted me today to notify me of a petition she has started on the Downing Street website. You can find it at this link http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Puppy-Farming/

There is a lot of change going on in the British dog world at the moment, and for the most part people hold wildly differing and strongly voiced opinions. Surely the one thing that unites all dog lovers is wanting the best quality of life possible for dogs. One of the key things we need to do to achieve that goal is to stamp out puppy farming.

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Interviewing and information

This weekend’s episode of DogCast Radio – episode 76 – is now available. It includes the interview with Lady Margaret Flack that I talked about in the post, “Puppy farming in the UK”. It also includes an interview with David Frei, (http://www.davidfrei.com/) co-host of the National Dog Show sponsored by Purina. (http://www.nationaldogshow.com/)

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Dogs, teeth, and trouble

They say politics is a dog eat dog business, but for President Bush’s dog Barney, it became a dog eat reporter affair.

You can see what happened on You Tube (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BQOG969hElQ&feature=related) when the Scottish Terrier decided he had had enough press attention. I don’t know about you, but when I watch that video what I see is a dog clearly giving off, “Don’t come near me signals.” The reporter ignored these at his peril.

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And you are?

I recently met my young niece’s boyfriend for the first time. I felt protective and wanted to establish that this young man was a suitable escort for my niece, but I didn’t want to come over as heavy handed and intrusive. What conversation could I have with him to set my mind at rest? What question should I ask to gain the measure of his character?
And then it came to me in a moment of inspiration.

“So,” I asked, “are you a dog person or a cat person?”

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Dogs aren't Christmas presents

It may seem as familiar as the nativity at Christmas, but it’s time for a reminder about puppies and Christmas. Don’t buy a puppy as a Christmas present. Apart from anything else, Christmas is far too busy a time for most of us to devote the necessary attention to a new dog. The comings and goings will make it impossible for them to bond with their new pack and settle into a new home.

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Sharing

285 - Crufts 2025

Andy Hale

In our Crufts 2025 special, Julie (after getting lost in the vast NEC halls!) talks to dog behaviourists Kay Attwood and Andy Hale, catches up with long standing friends of the show Jill Crow and her daughter Bryony, finds out about Performance Dog UK and Pet Remedy, and discovers how you can protect your dog out and about with doggy armour and in the car with a crash tested car seat. All the fun of Crufts without having to walk until your feet are sore!

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

Molly

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

Benny

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

Lorraine

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

Wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.