Chris Kamara commentates on the most adorable clash of the century – the European pup

Grrr-eth Bale cheers on his team

Dogs Trust is getting behind the home nations ahead of England and Wales’ Group B clash at the European Championships by naming their own adorable teams of four puppies after the squads’ star players.
Leading England’s loveable line-up are Chris Pawlling, Spaniel Sturridge, Dele Allisation and Jamie dig up the Yardy, whilst Wales’ hopeful hounds have been named Gurr-eth Bale, Hal Dogson Kanu, James Collie and Joe Leadley. To help find homes for the eight abandoned puppies, who came to Dogs Trust Shrewsbury as an unwanted litter, the rehoming centre has filmed a video of the furry teammates in action, featuring commentary from dog-loving pundit Chris Kamara.

While they may not quite have the fancy footwork to rival their namesakes, the playful pups can’t resist bounding after a ball and would love to find a football-loving home where they can continue their training and receive plenty of adoration from their number one fans, in the form of a new family.

Louise Campbell, Dogs Trust Shrewsbury Rehoming Centre Manager, says:
“These adorable puppies are fantastic fun and would make wonderful pets for footy-loving families, whether they’re from England or Wales! They are always on the go and have bags of energy so will need active owners who appreciate the demands of a young puppy, and can happily kick a ball about for hours with their new four-legged best friend.”

“Our puppy teams aren’t as experienced as the human England and Wales squads, so they would benefit from a little extra training to get them in tip-top condition for their new positions as family pets. They will need homes with secure gardens to bound around in and would of course love a football to play with. As the pups are still very young, they will be cheering on their teams with us at the rehoming centre, but we really hope they will find their perfect match before the tournament comes to an end.”

If you are interested in rehoming a dog please contact Dogs Trust Shrewsbury on 0300 303 0292.

Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity with 20 Rehoming Centres across the UK. Dogs Trust cares for around 17,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.

Office dog Bridie is a constant reminder of the work of the RSPCA.

A woman who has dedicated her working life to animal welfare has started work as the RSPCA’s Chief Scientific Officer along with her rescue dog Bridie.

Dr Julia Wrathall has worked for the RSPCA for more than two decades, including most recently as the head of the charity’s farm animals department for 12 years.

Her new appointment sees her leading the RSPCA’s four science teams at the charity’s headquarters near Horsham, West Sussex, accompanied by her Irish Setter Bridie.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has taken in its 1000th dog since the beginning of the year, a four year old Akita, fittingly named Legend.
Legend was well-loved by a caring family but was handed in to the world-famous animal charity because of his owner’s allergies. Now this playful and affectionate male is ready to find new owners.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home cares for more than 5000 dogs a year across its three centres, with an average of 13 dogs arriving every day.
Two thirds of the dogs arriving at the Home are taken in after their owners are no longer able to care for them.

Dogs Trust designs a ‘secret’ garden for dogs at Hampton Court Flower Show

Paws will be padding into Hampton Court Palace Flower Show next month (July 5th-10th) as Dogs Trust - the UK’s largest dog welfare charity - unveils the show’s first ever garden designed especially with dogs in mind. Celebrating the charity’s 125th year, the garden marks Dogs Trust’s commitment to finding loving homes for thousands of abandoned dogs every year.

Designed by acclaimed designer Paul Hervey-Brooks and entitled ‘A Dog’s Life’, the garden

EU Dog & Cat Alliance finalises position on international rehoming

International rehoming of dogs and cats should not be carried out as a standard practice EU Cat & Dog Alliance member organisations have agreed this week. Instead members will work preventatively in the country of origin to minimise the need for rehoming animals abroad, for example through neutering and educational campaigns.

Simona Lipstaite, European Policy Advisor for the EU Dog & Cat Alliance and Dogs Trust, comments:

Advice and information for parents as Dog Bite Prevention Week arrives

The RSPCA is encouraging parents to teach their children how to behave - and more importantly, how not to behave - around dogs.

As Dog Bite Prevention Week (12 - 19 June) nears, the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation is urging parents to spend some time educating children on the best way to approach a dog, and how to act around dogs.

Proud volunteers from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will take part in the entertainment parade for Her Majesty The Queen and 10,000 guests at The Patron’s Lunch on Sunday 12 June. The Patron’s Lunch is a celebration of The Queen’s patronage of over 600 charities and organisations – including Battersea – on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

I have been lucky enough to interview psychology
professor, neuropsychological researcher and dog lover Dr.
Stanley Coren twice. The subject of our first chat was
how to age proof your dog. At the time of  that
interview Buddy, my Labrador was only three years old.  He was
a baby. Physically a solidly built dog, mentally he was very much a
puppy, and there was not a single strand of grey in his glorious,
shiny, black fur.

British actress and singer Samantha Barks, best known for the role of Éponine in Les Misérables is joining Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in appealing for more foster carers to help offer a temporary home to the charity’s most vulnerable dogs.

The actress is a frequent visitor to the world-famous charity and has fostered Battersea dogs in need of a little TLC and time away from kennels.