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Bel Mooney - Small dogs can save your life
Writer and broadcaster Bel Mooney was happily married to Jonathon Dimbleby, and they lived with his two dogs, whom Bel liked, but hadn't quite learned to love.
Then a tiny rescue Maltese called Bonnie came into Bel's life, and won her heart and her admiration. Despite her small size, Bonnie was to prove an invaluable friend and ally to Bel when her husband left her and her world fell apart.
Bonnie's steadfast devotion helped Bel rebuild her life, and highlighted what a lot we humans could learn from our dogs. Bel has written about six turbulent years of her life in her aptly titled book, Small Dogs Can Save You Life, and in this interview she talks about it with humour and honesty.
Dog lovers will enjoy this book whatever size of dog they prefer, because at its heart is a celebration of the vital role our dogs play in our lives. You can find out more about Bel Mooney and all her books at her website.
Dachshund profile
I always think that Dachshunds look sweet, but I am aware that it can be a huge mistake to judge the nature of the dog by its appearance. To find out about the true nature of the dog beneath that sweet exterior I talked to Molly Morlino from Hill Country Dachshunds.
Molly knows all about Doxies - or Daxies as they are known in the UK - as she has been breeding them since she was fourteen years old. Molly shares her insight into the character of a Dachshund, as well as what motivates them best in training, what health issues are associated with the breed, how much grooming and exercise they require, and other areas of life with this determined little hound.
Molly is making great use of technology by streaming the birth of her dogs' litter live online, and also installing Cubby Cams in her kennels. This means that puppy buyers can witness the birth of their puppy as it happens - amazing!
To find out more about Hill Country Dachshunds and to view some of those gorgeous Doxies visit Molly's website, and you can also friend her on Facebook
News
In the DogCast Radio News, we have storied of drug detecting dogs who are helping parents keep an eye - or rather a nose - on their teenagers, and ensuring the safety of a holiday resort in Cornwall, UK.
There's also the story of the dog who slept through a burglary, and the dog who truly went that extra mile to help his family when fire broke out. Oh, and would you build your dog a $20,000 dream kennel in the garden? - we report on the dog owner who did.
You can find out more about Dargo the dog who is helping parents keep their kids on the right track at the Desert Drug Dog website.
Buddy's Diary
Poor Star has ruptured her cruciate ligament and has had TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery to rectify the problem. Buddy talks about the effect this has had in the DogCast Radio household in Buddy's Diary. He tells the whole story - how it happened, how Star was bundled off to the vet, what she smelled like when she returned, and the dreadful repercussions of the whole thing.
Star
The DogCast Radio team would like to thank everyone who has sent good wishes to Star, who is now on the slow road to recovery, getting lots of rest in her crate, and gradually building her strength back up.
In due course she should make a full recovery.