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Service Dogs UK
Service Dogs UK is 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. You probably don't think about it very much, but these professionals sometimes encounter incredibly distressing situations, and can develop PTSD as a consequence. Thanks to Judith Broug and Garry Botterill, Service Dogs UK is now training dogs to support them. Most of the dogs are rescue dogs, so both dog and human live a much happier life together than they would have done apart.
In this episode, two brave veterans, Terry and Steve talk about their devoted assistance dogs, Bella and Benny.
You can hear Judith talk about the hard but very rewarding work of setting up the charity in Episode 169 of DogCast Radio. In Episode 180 of DogCast Radio, you can hear Judith and co founder Garry talk about their pride in the charity's growth and their attendance at Crufts 2017. You can find out more at the Service Dogs UK website.
Roxie the Doxie Finds her Forever Home
Dr Jody A Dean is a clinical psychologist with 28 years of experience, specialising in children, adolescents and athletes. When she adopted her rescue dachshund, Roxie, the clever dog led her down a path that would lead to her writing a book about their adventure. Now, Roxie the Doxie Finds her Forever Home is helping children, teenagers and parents talk about adoption and other family issues. Jody is also an advocate for rescue dogs, helping other dogs find their happy ever after in forever homes of their own.
For more information or to contact Jody, or ask Roxie a question, visit their Tally Ho Publishing website.
DogCast Radio News
Warning - this episode of the DogCast Radio News contains the very sad story of Rocco, a Border Terrrier puppy who died after being left home alone with his collar on. We covered this story in the hope of warning other owners that leaving your dog's collar on when home alone may be dangerous, and something you wish to avoid. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rocco's bereft family. Some dog owners are posting photos of their dogs with their collars beside them, accompanied by the hashtag #CollarsOffForRocco. There is also a Just Giving page in Rocco's memory, with proceeds going to Border Terrier welfare.
In other stories, you can hear about the Canadian police dog who fired a shot, the woman whose heart literally broke when her dog died, the lost dog who lost weight, the new dog restaurant opening in Birmingham, UK and the answer to why dogs dig.
The Alpha Dog Myth
The alpha dog myth was based on flawed research, and has long been discredited. So why is it still believed in some circles today? Julie recently chatted with some puppy owners who had been sold the alpha dog myth by people who should know better - behaviourists, trainers, vets and breeders.
In Episode 140 of DogCast Radio, you can hear wolf expert, Toni Shelbourne, give her views on why the alpha wolf talk is nonsense. On the Lanrador site you can read Pippa Mattinson's clearly reasoned article about why the alpha myth is not a useful way of thinking about dogs in general, or your dog specifically.