The DogCast Radio blog

The RSPCA is reporting an upturn in the number of “designer breeds” such as French bulldogs and Pugs being abandoned. Becoming fashionable can have dire consequences for a breed, for as more people choose to buy a puppy of a specific breed, more people will sadly choose not to keep the dog long-term. Some of the unfortunate dogs who are cast aside by their owners end up being taken in by the RSPCA.

In 2016 the charity rescued several Pugs and French bulldogs who had been abandoned. Here are some of their stories:

Poor Petunia

Most dogs who are found as strays face a challenging future – but two Chihuahuas who were recently found abandoned at the side of a busy road faced extra challenges. The poor, tiny dogs were not only dumped by the roadside, but one was blind and one was missing a foot.

I receive press releases every day, and this morning when I went through my emails, I spotted two which highlight the plight of too many dogs at this time of year. We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for dogs, and there are various reasons for that, the saddest being abandonment by their owner. For Rottweiler, Roger, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tugz, this nightmare became reality.

Roger and Tugz were fortunate in as much as they were found and taken to Batersea Dogs & Cats Home, making them the charity’s first arrivals of 2017.

Roger is a six year old Rottweiler who is partially sighted, and was found on New Year’s Day

I don’t really make New Year’s Resolutions anymore. Mainly because I know I’ll break them way before the year’s finished, and also because I’ll make changes when I need to, thank you, not in response to some arbitrarily agreed date.

However, this year, I’ll make an exception.

This year I’ll resolve to strive to keep Buddy as happy, healthy and active as he can be.

Animals may do the funniest things, but sometimes the consequences of their actions can be serious. But luckily for accident prone or over-adventurous animals, the RSPCA is always there to help. So here are the charity’s to 10 best, unusual, or just plain wacky rescues of 2016.

1. Bar-king mad!
An enthusiastic pooch got herself into a bar-king mad situation after getting her head wedged between two bars during an afternoon walk.

Five-month-old Schnauzer, Juno, was released following an operation involving the RSPCA and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service on 23 March.

On Tuesday night at The Grand Connaught Rooms in London, The Mayhew Animal Home’s Tinsel and Tails Christmas Fundraiser had plenty of glitz, glamour and of course gorgeous dogs.

James McVey from The Vamps and Stephanie Pratt were among the celebrities and their canine companions, who attended the star-studded event which honoured some of the incredible achievements The Mayhew has accomplished in 2016. The evening also aimed to raise money to ensure the charity’s vital work continues in future.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home resident, Brody, loves cuddles and has a happy-go-lucky personality – in fact those who meet him find it hard not to fall in love with him. But despite his charms, Battersea staff face a challenge in finding the right home for this lovely five year old black Labrador.

Seeing Brody play happily with his human and canine friends, nobody would guess that Brody has a medical condition similar to arthritis of the spine. Brody’s condition is called Lumbosacral Disease.

The days are growing shorter and colder in the northern hemisphere as we head towards Christmas. We may be hoping for – and singing about – a white Christmas, but the cold weather may not be so welcome for some of our pets, including dogs.

The RSPCA is urging people to get ready for cold weather, and make sure their animals will stay safe when the temperature drops.
Here’s some action you can take to make a difference for your pets, and for wilflife too:

Dogs

A German Shepherd who was abandoned in London is in the care of the RSPCA. Now named Princess, the dog is seeking a loving forever home. Poor Princess was left, tethered to a tree at the side of a busy road. A passer-by spotted black and tan German Shepherd Princess on the A2, a dual carriageway in Greenwich and summoned Inspector Anthony Pulfer.

Would you like to bring some warmth into the life of a Battersea Dogs & Cats Home dog this Christmas?

As winter takes hold of the UK, sending temperatures plummeting, the charity is appealing for the public to donate blankets (new or second-hand) to keep their residents cosy this Christmas. Battersea is currently short of bedding, and is urging people to help.

Think of your own dog snoozing comfortably, secure in your home, and imagine how delighted a Battersea dog will be to find comfort and warmth in a donated blanket.