The DogCast Radio blog

• The new scheme by house and pet sitting business TrustedHousesitters see green plaques placed on homes across the nation, to recognise beloved pets in the same way noteworthy humans have been for over 150 years

• The first animals to be honoured include a heart-warming whippet, a bully-fighting cat and a life-saving dog

• Pet owners across the country can now put forward their own pet, to become a part of the scheme in 2019

Tiny Timmy’s appeal supported by new celebrity pals.

The story of Timmy the Chihuahua who needs vital surgery pulled at the heartstrings of kind supporters as well as a host of celebrities.

The RSPCA has launched a fundraising appeal [video] for a Chihuahua who suffers from ‘floating kneecaps’ and needs surgery to fix his painful bow-legged walk.

Puppy hobbled with hairband and dumped in handbag tied to charity shop door handle.

Little Radley was found in a red handbag left hanging from the door of a London charity shop in the middle of the night.

A tiny puppy who was found with his front legs tied together and dumped in a handbag is winning over the hearts of RSPCA staff caring for him.

Eight-week-old Radley was found by a member of the public in the early hours of Monday morning (17 September).

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is coming to Kent for this year’s Muddy Dog Challenge. On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September, hundreds of participants and their dogs will be taking on a thrilling obstacle course at Eridge Park in Tunbridge Wells and raising money for the animal charity which has a local centre in Brands Hatch.

Do you have a place in your heart (and home!) for Roxie?

A rescue dog who is struggling with a lonely life in kennels is hoping that September will bring her a new home.

For almost 12 weeks, nine year old Roxie has watched as other rescue dogs at RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre in Kent have been chosen by new adopters, while she has been sadly overlooked.

Now staff are desperate to find the pooch her very own fur-ever home.

It was a tricky rescue but the trapped hedgehog called Spike was eventually freed by the RSPCA.

A rescue dog helped save the life of a hedgehog which got stuck down a drain and was unable to free himself.

Rosie, a Cocker Spaniel and Bulldog-cross, became a real-life Lassie when she knew that there was an animal was in trouble in the back garden of the family home in Waverley Avenue, Nuneaton.

She kept going up to owner Lorna Back (31) and then going to the drain from the kitchen sink and wagging her tail.

Leading animal welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has strongly welcomed today’s proposed Government ban on third party puppy and kitten sales in England.

Today’s announcement could prevent thousands of animals from being born into squalid conditions and split from their mothers too young, in order to line the pockets of unscrupulous breeders.

Furthermore, Defra’s consultation into a ban on third party sales could stop such breeders and sellers from operating by making the commercial sale of puppies and kittens less than six months old illegal.

RSPCA deputy chief executive Chris Wainwright said: “We’re delighted that the UK Government has committed to a programme of reforms to animal welfare law, including this announcement on how to bring in the ban on third-party sales of puppies and kittens in England.

“Our work to tackle the puppy trade means we’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact that unscrupulous breeders and third-party dealers can have on dogs and people. It’s disgusting that these sellers can make so much money from the misery of animals and prospective owners.

Here's the latest news from Surf Dog Ricochet, who will be featuring in our August episode:

Tracheostomies and breathing tubes don’t stop these kids!

Blue Cross has begun their annual search for the UK‘s 'Veterinary Nurse of the year' and is calling on pet owners and veterainry practices to help. The charity’s award recognises the dedication of the country’s vet nurses and their invaluable support to their veterinary teams, the nation’s pets and pet owners. The award is given to a vet nurse who not only cares for sick and injured pets but also goes the extra mile to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve pet welfare in their community.