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The Alternative Animal Sanctuary
How far would you go to rescue animals without any other hope? Would you give over your house to them? Would you go into debt for them? Would you survive at times on four hours sleep a night to ensure they were comfortable? How much difficulty would you endure to ensure the animals that found a home with you had an easy life?
In today's episode you can hear an interview with the amazing Tamara Lloyd. Tamara is an inspiring woman who has taken in a great variety of animals to live at her Alternative Sanctuary.
Many of the dogs and horses who live here were condemned as being too aggressive. However Tamara's simple approach of allowing the animals the time and space they need to heal has had astounding results. When the DogCast team visited the sanctuary, we met gentle, affectionate, happy dogs, who would have been put down for behavioural or health reasons if Tamara had not stepped in.
This is a touching story of a woman who is driven to help animals, whatever the cost to herself. Tamara has received a variety of awards for her rescue work, including one at the Wag and Bone Show (see episode 22), and you will be inspired as she talks of her experiences.
For more information or to make a donation go to Tamara's website.
News
In the DogCast Radio news, we hear how you can "buy" a dog for Christmas in the right way, for example sponsoring an assistance dog.
You can also hear how dog owners indulge their pets at Christmas, and one unusual dog who gave a Christmas present - not to his humans, to a species of bird!
All this and more from Kate and Nick at the Newsdesk.
Two Minute Fiction
In our two minute fiction feature host Julie has written, and reads, her festive story. What makes a good present? As one pet shop owner observes his customers, what conclusions does he reach? Listen and find out!
Dog Intelligence
Is your dog of a supposedly intelligent breed, but you'd never know from his behaviour? Or is he a breed not traditionally considered so clever who can do amazing things?
We have a link to an article about intelligence ranking, with discussion of the article, and we consider how we interpret our dogs.