A Dog Is For Love

Welcome to "A Dog Is For Love"

My name is Dawn Dowsett and I am a dog-lover living in Norfolk, UK with my Golden Retriever, Hazel and our recent addition, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy called Daisy.

I originally started this site for Norfolk dog-lovers, but as I started to get comments and stories from around the world, I decided to make it for dog-lovers everywhere. So wherever you are, a warm welcome! It is good to connect with you and share our great love for dogs.

If you wish to send a picture of your dog, please email it to me at woof@ADogIsForLove.com  along with the dog's name and I will post it in the picture gallery.

I hope you will follow the dog blog and it would be great to have your comments. You might also want to use the RSS icon in the right sidebar to add us to your feed reader or simply sign up for email updates straight to your inbox when we update the blog.

I have a great ebook to send you with a wealth of tips for the dog lover. Just click on the image of the dog on the blue chair above to request your free gift and you will also receive any future newsletters from "A Dog Is For Love".

With love from Dawn, Hazel and Daisy.

 

"Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan's dog Daddy dies

At the age of 16, "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan's beloved pit bull Daddy passed away on February 19th. Daddy came to live with Cesar at age 4 months when his owner at the time couldn't cope with his behaviour. With Cesar's training the dog's behaviour became calm and submissive and he appeared in more than 50 of Cesar's TV shows as a positive example of a well-trained canine.

Daddy was shown to be very sensitive to the needs of other dogs and humans, especially if they were feeling sad.

Cesar commented "I've always seen Daddy as my teacher of life. He brought my family and me so much joy over the years. Personally, he represented what my grandfather taught me, never work against Mother Nature. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit lives on."

Cesar Millan has now set up an Emergency Animal Rescue Fund in Daddy's memory. The fund will raise money to assist dogs affected by hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters, as well as man-made situations such as hoarding, abuse, violence and puppy mills.

You can find out more about the fund at www.millanfoundation.org/daddyfund.

My Funny Valentine!

How lucky I was to receive a valentine's day card from such a handsome chap! He is good looking, has a full head of hair, twinkly eyes and a stunning smile. With a great sense of humour, he makes me laugh. What more could you ask for?

His name is Gazza and he is my Dogs Trust sponsor dog. I was thrilled to receive his card with the following words:

" Woof Woof, it's Gazza here!

"I've just spotted the postman dropping off all the Valentine's cards to the Centre! I hope there are some in the sack for me. Anyway, I thought I'd put paw to paper and send out one of my own - I hope you like it!

"I don't really have a girlfriend at the moment, but that's because I'm too busy hanging out with all the lads here at the sanctuary. My pals and I love the Beautiful Game, and there's nothing better to warm ourselves up on a cold February morning than a spot of football! I'm not as talented as some of my friends, but I've taken to sticking like glue to Jason, my fellow sponsor dog. He's the best with the ball, so I'm hoping to pick up some tips!

"When I'm not out on the pitch, you're likely to find me playing with my Kong - it's my favourite toy! My carers have been known to stuff it full with cream cheese. It's a great game, and trying to get every last morsel keeps me entertained for hours!

"Thanks for being my pal and sponsoring me. I hope you have a wonderful day. Will you be my Valentine?

"Love and licks, Gazza xx"

Well doesn't that make your heart melt? Gazza is a Golden Retriever cross cared for at the Dogs Trust centre in Salisbury. Dogs Trust do a great job caring for and rehoming dogs. I have sponsored several dogs that have passed away in their care. They gave them a home for life, even though they had problems and needed costly medication. Two dogs that I sponsored were cared for by them for 6 years.

If you would like to give as little as £1 per week to sponsor Gazza or another dog, please visit www.SponsorADog.org.uk . Your contribution will help Dogs Trust to continue their fantastic work.

Missing My Dogs!

It has been quite some time since I have posted to this blog. This is on account of an accident I had on 5th January. I decided to take the dogs for a late afternoon walk, got about 100 yards from home and slipped on the ice. I knew immediately that my ankle was broken and dislocated and gave out some agonising cries heard only by my dogs. As I lay on the snow I shouted for help but no-one heard me and no car came along the quiet icy lane. I decided that I would have to slither toward home and pushed myself along on my side. My Golden Retriever Hazel stayed by my side whilst Daisy the spaniel sniffed along the hedge, totally unconcerned! I let go of her extending lead at one point and couldn't see her but eventually spotted her lead handle about three feet away and managed to get hold of it.

After slow progress I eventually got to the end of the hedge. The two Golden Retrievers, Megan and Tara, who live at the bungalow at the end of a short track, could then see me and started barking incessantly. Tara's bark in particular was one of distress and after a while her owner came out to see what the trouble was. At the same time the lady from the farm heard the commotion and also came to investigate. Thus I was discovered and an ambulance called. So I owe my thanks to the dogs for their timely alert to my predicament.

As I went off in the ambulance I was worried about my dogs but my neighbours assured me they would take them for a walk and give them their dinner. At the hospital it became clear that I was not going to be quickly fixed up and sent home. With two breaks described as "nasty" I was going to need surgery to put metal pins and plates in my ankle. Unfortunately the severity of swelling made surgery impossible and there was no option but to remain in hospital whilst the swelling calmed down enough to operate. I was in hospital for 10 days in all.

My dear sister immediately came to stay and look after the dogs, making the 100 mile journey on the evening of the incident. Thereafter the snow fell heavily and she was literally snowed in at my cottage, the lane impassable for 5 days and her car embedded on my drive.

The question of the dogs' long term care was weighing heavy on my mind as I knew my sister had to return to work and I would be incapable of looking after them when I returned from hospital. To my surprise and delight some friends that visited me in hospital concluded that I wouldn't be able to care for them and offered to look after them in their home until I was fit enough to have them back. I cannot measure my gratefulness for this gesture. My dogs have never been in kennels and are used to a very comfortable lifestyle with lots of affection. To put them in a kennel environment would have been so upsetting for me, although I know they would have been safe and had their basic needs met. Instead I have been so comforted to know that they are being so well cared for by Liz and John and are enjoying all the things to which they are accustomed.

They are still away and I am missing their presence so much. Sometimes they come for a visit and that brings me untold joy. Last Sunday, Hazel raced into the room and licked my face over and over, followed by Daisy who must have thought that I still needed a good wash!  Well I suppose that figures when you haven't had a bath or shower for 6 weeks! Although obviously pleased to see me, at the end of the visit they hop happily into the car with Liz and John with no backward glance so, although nice to think that only my love is good enough, it is blatantly not true! They are happy and secure and I am blessed to have such good friends.

Liz and John describe Hazel as "an angel" and Daisy as "a little minx"! I hear tales of her antics from grabbing the end of the toilet roll in the cloackroom and running along the hallway with it, to eating John's cornflakes when he left them unattended on the coffee table. I undestand that their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels don't quite know what to make of Daisy. She entices them to play but at ages 10 and 12 they prefer to snooze in their beds.

I have another 9 days in plaster, then will progress to a supportive knee-high boot. Then the physiotherapy will start, so things are moving on and getting ever closer to being able to have the dogs back with me. Having that to look forward to is spurring me on to a full recovery.

They say that out of adversity some good always comes. Well I have discovered what truly good friends and neighbours I have. I have got to know neighbours much better and their kindness has been overwhelming. Sometimes we see all that doom and gloom in the news but underneath it all there is good in the world, and I am grateful. 

Merry Christmas!

Warmest wishes for Christmas and the New Year!

 

With love from Dawn, Hazel and Daisy

A Winter Wonderland

It is Christmas Eve and I wonder if we will have a white Christmas this year? The landscape has been transformed over the last 7 days to a winter wonderland, thick snow adding a magical quality to every winter scene. Today the temperature has risen a smidgen and there are some signs of a melt but it is all set to freeze again tonight and more patchy snow showers are forecast in some areas.

The dogs have been loving it. Hazel has always enjoyed the snow and always rolls over on her back as soon as she gets outside. She does this over and over and really seems to love it! For puppy Daisy this was her first experience of snow. She is a fearless little soul and meets all new things with gusto and this was no exception. She doesn't roll but goes dashing about, then stops for a dig.

Here are some pictures of their snow-time fun!

 
  

Dogs Trust Launches "Doggy Christmas Menu"

This article featured in The Independent gives some tips on what to feed your canine friend at Christmas:

Feeding dogs human food at Christmas can seriously damage their health, leading canine charity the Dogs Trust has warned.

Speaking at the launch of the Doggy Christmas Menu, a veterinary-approved list of foods safe for consumption by the animals, Dogs Trust veterinary director Chris Laurence said feeding dogs with turkey bones, grapes, mince pies, Christmas puddings, cheese and alcohol could lead to poisoning or even death.

"As a vet I have seen some terrible examples of dog poisoning over the Christmas period," he said.

"In many cases the owner was totally unaware of the hidden dangers and was simply intending to be kind."

Aimee Best's dog Freda, a five-year-old Labrador and Staffi cross, learned her lesson the hard way and had to have her stomach pumped after eating a chocolate bar left under the Christmas tree.

"Christmas 2008 was a nightmare for us," Aimee explained.

"Freda devoured a whole bar of chocolate before being rushed to the vet for emergency treatment."

The Dog's Trust hope its new menu, which includes canine-friendly dishes like mutt nog, cranberry and turkey gobble gobble and doggy mince pies, can make such incidents a thing of the past.

The charity has enlisted the help of TV actor and dog lover Jeremy Edwards for the campaign, whose dog Molly loved the options on offer.

"Molly has certainly given her paw of approval to this risk-free Christmas treat," he said.

"Despite being a fussy eater, she particularly adored the doggy mince pies - she devoured them in 30 seconds flat."

A full list of dangerous foods and more information on the doggy menu can be found at http://www.dogstrust.co.uk.

Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity, with 18 rehoming centres across the UK and Ireland. It cares for more than 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.

The charity is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

This article featured in The Independent gives some tips on what to feed your canine friend at Christmas:

Feeding dogs human food at Christmas can seriously damage their health, leading canine charity the Dogs Trust has warned.

Speaking at the launch of the Doggy Christmas Menu, a veterinary-approved list of foods safe for consumption by the animals, Dogs Trust veterinary director Chris Laurence said feeding dogs with turkey bones, grapes, mince pies, Christmas puddings, cheese and alcohol could lead to poisoning or even death.

"As a vet I have seen some terrible examples of dog poisoning over the Christmas period," he said.

"In many cases the owner was totally unaware of the hidden dangers and was simply intending to be kind."

Aimee Best's dog Freda, a five-year-old Labrador and Staffi cross, learned her lesson the hard way and had to have her stomach pumped after eating a chocolate bar left under the Christmas tree.

"Christmas 2008 was a nightmare for us," Aimee explained.

"Freda devoured a whole bar of chocolate before being rushed to the vet for emergency treatment."

The Dog's Trust hope its new menu, which includes canine-friendly dishes like mutt nog, cranberry and turkey gobble gobble and doggy mince pies, can make such incidents a thing of the past.

The charity has enlisted the help of TV actor and dog lover Jeremy Edwards for the campaign, whose dog Molly loved the options on offer.

"Molly has certainly given her paw of approval to this risk-free Christmas treat," he said.

"Despite being a fussy eater, she particularly adored the doggy mince pies - she devoured them in 30 seconds flat."

A full list of dangerous foods and more information on the doggy menu can be found at http://www.dogstrust.co.uk.

Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity, with 18 rehoming centres across the UK and Ireland. It cares for more than 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.

The charity is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.

A Dog is an Orangutan's Best Friend!

Orangutan's have always had a special place in my heart, so I was captivated by this story and pictures sent to me by a friend recently.

 

Suryia the orangutan lives at Tigers Sanctuary in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was 

not doing well and the staff were concerned about her health. One day a dog wandered into the sanctuary in a truly emaciated condition. Suryia took to him the moment the dog arrived. She stayed with the dog night and day until he was well and during the process found a reason to live. They are now inseparable.

 

I am sure that these pictures will melt your heart and show that a dog is not only a man's best friend, but also an orangutan's!

 

Walking The Dog is Better Exercise Than Going to The Gym!

In that case I should be fit as a fiddle! This article appeared in www.upi.com.

The average British dog owner gets more of a workout walking his dog than someone with a gym membership, a pet healthcare expert said.

Research indicates dog owners exercise their pets twice daily for 24 minutes each time, totalling more than five hours a week, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday. In addition, dog owners take Fido on three long walks a week, adding another two-plus hours to the total.

By comparison, pet-less people spend about an hour and 20 minutes exercising, whether in a gym or on their own, the British publication said.

A spokesperson for pet health expert Bob Martin said the difference seems to be a matter of perception - going to a gym can seem like a chore while walking the dog could be considered fun.

"A couple of short walks a day soon adds up and this research shows that it amounts to more time than people spend in the gym," the spokesman said.

Martin's study of 5,000 people, including 3,000 dog owners, indicated 86 percent said they enjoyed walking their dogs daily, while 22 percent said it could be a chore.

By contrast, 16 percent of respondents said they enjoyed exercising in the gym while nearly 70 percent considered it a chore.

The survey showed 60 percent of pet owners said they always go for a walk with their dogs, even when pressed for time while 46 percent of gym-goers said they often find other things to do to get out of exercising.

Faith - An Inspirational Story of a Dog with Two Legs

A friend sent me this truly inspirational story by email and it is so wonderful, I simply had to post it on my blog!

 

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. He was born with 2 legs. He of course could not walk when he was born. Even his mother did not want him. 

 

His first owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'. But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him. She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself. She named him 'Faith'.
  
In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement. Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him for standing up and jumping around. Even the other dog at home encouraged him to walk. Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward. After further training in the snow, he could now walk like a human being.  
    
Faith loves to walk around now. No matter where he goes, he attracts people to him. He is fast becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows. There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him. He was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies.
  
His present owner Jude Stringfellow has  given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world to preach that "even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul". 

    

In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better you just need to look at life from another direction. I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day. Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.

 

 

Dogs and Fireworks

Bonfire night is coming up this week, on November 5th, and for many dogs and their owners fireworks are a nightmare, causing stress and anxiety for days on end as people celebrate with a bang!

My dog Hazel has always been frightened of fireworks. She would tremble all over and climb on me, or else take cover under my desk or therapy couch. Over the last few years I have seen many TV episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Milan. I think he is amazing and it turns out that every time there is an anxiety problem with a dog, it is the owner that needs training! With this in mind, I realised that I must be contributing to my dog's anxiety about fireworks.

On the basis that I convey my energy to my dog, I need to give out the energy of calm-assertiveness in order that my dog can be calm-submissive. In the past I was comforting her, telling her it was OK and that mummy was looking after her! I have to be honest and admit that I liked protecting her and the feeling of her cuddling up to me for safety. In the light of my new learning, it was my responsibility to assume the role of leader of the pack. I had not been fair on her and had not given her what she needed in the past.

This all happened a couple of years ago when there had been firework displays and firework parties in the neighbours' gardens for a few days running. I took the normal precautions of drawing all the curtains and having the TV on quite loud. When we heard the first bangs go off, Hazel's ears pricked up and she came to me for reassurance. In order to convey calm-assertive energy, I did not look at her, I relaxed my body and gave a yawn. I made sure I was utterly unaffected, unconcerned and chilled out. I said nothing and did not touch her. Amazingly, there were no trembles and after a while she laid down. Then I started to give her a nice brush and she accepted this very calmly. Later the noise was more intense and she did climb up and spread herself over me. I allowed this but again did not speak, fuss or look at her.

This was our best bonfire night ever. Hazel was calm and confident - it was as if she knew she was in good hands. So often our behaviour with our dogs is about what we need from the relationship rather than what the dog needs. As a dog lover I need to give my dog leadership and balance through my thoughts and body language. I should not indulge her fears and anxieties because it makes me feel needed! In having a dog, I make a commitment to take care of her needs but there is no reciprocation in the dog/human relationship. My needs are my own responsibility.

Over the last two years our firework nights have been less stressful with this approach. She has not come to like it but we manage the situation much more successfully now that I don't indulge Hazel and feed her fears.

Daisy's New Jumper

I never thought I would dress my dogs but I couldn't resist buying Daisy a lovely red jumper for the Christmas season. I bought her a hat and booties as well but she wouldn't keep them on - she is a girl of style and I think she knew she looked silly. But she does look a treat in her jumper and I think she knows it!

"Hachiko: A Dog's Story" a Film With Richard Gere

Richard Gere was at the Rome Film Festival yesterday, promoting his recent film "Hachiko: A Dog's Story". The dog star of the movie joined him in front of the crowds on the red carpet.  

The film is a remake of a Japanese movie about a faithful dog that died at the train station waiting for his owner. The dog is a Japanese Akita. Gere said that he "cried like a baby" when he read the script of his new movie in which he stars as the college professor who finds the abandoned dog and takes the poor lost animal in. The two soon form a strong and emotional bond.

The story is a legend in Japan but this time round the movie is set in Rhode Island. Gere said he would choke up when talking about the story and told a news conference "I was telling people over dinner, and I could only get half way through the story and I would start crying" "This is a love story," said Gere, "It has nothing to do with gender or species."

The film was released in the USA and Japan in the summer and is said to be "coming soon" to the UK. I will be looking out for it but, knowing me, I will be blubbing from start to finish!

Daisy and The Donkey

We have had a lovely weekend with my friend Jane staying with us. Yesterday we went to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, on the Sandringham estate. There were some lovely walks through the woods and along the open grassy rides. Then it was great to spread out the rug and have a picnic in the October sunshine.

Jane with Hazel and Daisy

Today, we have been to Felbrigg, a National Trust estate, and again walked through the woods, enjoying the autumn colours. It was a very cute moment when Daisy saw a donkey in a field. She is very inquisitive and friendly so went over and poked her head through the fence to meet him. He approached and they nuzzled each other for a few minutes. It was a lovely sight!

 

A Postcard From Hazel and Daisy

From Hazel:

We are on holiday in Mummy's favoutrite place again - The Lake District. I am glad she likes it 'cos I like it too. Today we had lovely walkies in the forest, and by the lake. Mummy said I was a monkey - I have never seen a monkey but I don't think it's anything like me. It was because I layed down and rolled in a big muddy puddle just as we were about to get back in the car. I say Mummy should lighten up and discover the joy of getting a bit dirty. You smell more interesting when you are dirty. Anyway, the real bonus was she let me go for a swim in the lake to get clean again. I love swimming! It's my favourite thing.

Daisy has been quite good and has only stolen my toy twice since we've been away. I pretend to get cross but I know she is only little and doesn't know good manners yet. I never tell her but I do like her really and it's fun to see her baby ways. I don't know how long we are here for but, whatever, I go with the flow. I know Mummy is really enjoying it and when she sees the lovely scenes, her eyes go all dreamy. I love it when she's happy, we have been mates for a long time.

From Daisy:

Woo hoo! My first holiday! Fun stuff this. New smells everywhere. When we arrived at our holiday cottage, I sniffed every room from corner to corner. Me thinks another doggy has been in here before. I wondered where we were going when we had this long journey so far from home. But it's good and anywhere is home as long as Mummy and Hazel are there. 

Today we went walking where there were these wooly creatures - Mummy called them sheep. I wasn't allowed to chase them, oooh, spoil sport! Their poo was everywhere and I tried to eat it but Mummy kept pulling me away. I had to laugh when she stepped back into a great big soft cow pat! Now that smelt good!

Me and Hazel are sleepy now. I am going to dream of those sheep creatures. I can chase them in my dreams, Mummy can't stop me!

Lots of love, woofs and licks,

Hazel and Daisy xx

Riding The Waves At The Dog Surf-A-Thon

A surf dog surf-a-thon was held at the weekend in aid of the Helen Woodard Animal Center, which raises funds for orphaned animals and promotes awareness about responsible pet ownerhip.The event took place at Del Mar, California and one little pug called Bentley looks like he's having a fun time surfing those waves!

And this little sweetie looks like she's just hanging around, looking for luurve!

For more pictures visit Sky News.