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Crufts 2008

Gromit and Julie
Crufts was the usual spectacular celebration of all things dog. There was a strong message of rescue this year, with actor Neil Morrissey talking movingly about his own rescue dog, and why he's supporting the Pedigree Adoption Drive (see DogCast Radio episode 62). Also in Episode 62 you can hear from It's Me or the Dog presenter and dog trainer Victoria Stilwell on what she was doing at Crufts.

There were many people attending who were eager to use the focus on dog related issues to get their message out, and we'll be continuing our coverage in episode 63. This year there were even rumours of a "Superdog" flying in from America. The gossip became so strong it caused a major bookmaker to suspend betting on the winner of Crufts. Fortunately no dogs were found to be wearing capes, or underwear outside their clothes, and the competition went ahead as normal.

One canine celebrity was Gromit - of Wallace and Gromit - who was there to help celebrate the Kennel Club's Good Citizen scheme. In his honour there was a huge (over fifty feet high) inflatable model of him at he front of the NEC, which houses the sprawling show over several of its vast halls. There's only one thing to do with such a gigantic inflatable - have your photo taken with it!

Take care.

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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.