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.
I have had a great week with "my girls" Hazel and Daisy. We started off with a visit from dog psychologist and behaviourist Sue Cudby of www.dogconnection.co.uk. Although the dogs are getting on well together there were a few little issues I wanted some guidance about concerning the pup Daisy. She had been VERY naughty last week! I found her chewing something and on investigation it was a piece of black platic, half an inch square but now dented and pitted. I had no idea what it could be until a little later when I went to use my lap-top and six keys were missing! Oh, no the little minx - I never thought she would do that! Luckily I found five of the keys on the chair and managed to press them back in place. They are a bit wobbly now but they work. The "c" key sometimes needs pressing twice. The others she had dislodged were the "l" "x" "alt" and "@". Thank god the "@" works or I would have been impeded in sending emails. The chewed up one, beyond saving, was a key with the windows symbol that I never use, so a stroke of luck there.
Another aspect to this story is that I have since gone into my Amazon account to order a book and found things in my basket that I did not put there! Two computer games including Grand Theft Auto - something I wouldn't buy in a million years! My only explanation is that Daisy had navigated into Amazon and pressed enter a few times whilst she was dancing around on my keyboard!
Now back to Sue the dog trainer. She works on the Alpha method, helping me to become pack leader. Up to now I think Daisy was top of the pack, Hazel second, and then me - servant to both! Sue gave me some very good and simple advice that is proving effective and I feel much more in control now. I do little training sessions with them each day using rewards and a clicker. They immediately learnt the word "training" and as soon as I say "lets do training" they both sit to attention, alert and ready to start. It is really funny and I can use that phrase as an immediate distraction if Daisy is doing something unwanted and she immediately sits and looks at me waiting for the training to begin. Great stuff!
Another thing I have to do is pretend to eat the dog dinner before I put it down for them. This asserts my position as leader. So I stick my nose in the bowl and make an enthusiatic yum yum sound. Then they have their dinner.
We also took the dogs for a walk and I am working on reducing the pre-walk excitement so I can get Daisy's harness on without the usual singing and dancing around the hall. Sue's methods are working well and things are a lot calmer now.
It has been a lovely sunny week here in Norfolk and at the weekend we went for a day out in neighbouring Suffolk. We went to Oulton Broad, where people were enjoying themselves out on their boats and pleasure cruisers were running trips for visitors. We stayed on terra firma but it was lovely to enjoy the atmosphere at the waterside and the dogs enjoyed themselves in the park. Then on to the seaside village of Walberswick where I enjoyed an alfresco lunch at a pub with the wonderful whiff of the sea in the air. Dogs were welcome on the terrace at The Anchor and, whilst I left Hazel tied to the table leg when I went to place my order, Daisy yapped as soon as I left so I had to pick her up and take her with me to the bar. Something else to work on. Hazel is very laid back and I can take her anywhere. As I ate my meal, they enjoyed laying under the table in the shade with a nice bowl of water.
On Sunday we went to the Norfolk Dog Day, in aid of Help for Heroes. Apparently the event raised nearly £80,000. There were thousands of people there with their thousands of dogs! I have never seen so many dogs at once - all shapes and sizes. They were all incredibly well behaved - no fights breaking out and I hardly even heard any barking. We arrived too late to enter any competitions, which was a shame because I am absolutely certain that Daisy would have won the Waggiest Tail competition. It never stops and is sometimes just a blur it is wagging so fast! There were over 200 entrants to the Perkiest Pup competition - imagine that - all those fluffy bundles of love to drool over.
So with these lovely activities, intermingled with our usual country walks and frolics in the garden, we have all had a splendid week!
Just to let you know about a fabulous event for dog lovers, taking place next Sunday, 9th August. This is the first Norfolk Dog Day in aid of "Help for Heroes" and will take place at Sennowe Park, Guist, near Fakenham.
There will be lots of dog shows, competitions and attractions and I am looking forward to a great day out there with my two dogs Hazel and Daisy.
For full information, visit the website at www.norfolkdogday.co.uk
The World's Ugliest Dog Competition has taken place at Sonoma-Marin Fair in California. It was more like a beauty contest with owners titivating their pets to enhance their "ugliness"! But then beauty and ugliness are in the eye of the beholder and I ,for one, think the winner is the epitome of cuteness!
The competition was open to pedigrees and the winner was Miss Ellie, a pure breed Chinese crested hairless from Tennessee. She is reported to be around 15 years old, has only a couple of back teeth, cataracts in both her eyes, several moles and pimples and limited hair - with such credentials the other entrants surely could not have stood a chance!
Miss Ellie is a rescue dog and her owner, Dawn Goehring, is very proud of her. Miss Ellie had been kept in a kennel for much of her life and had not been shown love and affection. When Dawn took her in she knew no commands and was not house trained but now rules the roost among her other rescue pals and even attended her owner's wedding in rival white dress and veil.
Miss Ellie may not have had a good start in life but now she is a winner!
The Eastern Daily Press reported today that dogs heading to the Royal Norfolk Show on 1st and 2nd July this year will be able to take a rest at a new “crèche”.
The idea came from the newspaper's cartoonist Tony Hall who regularly visits the show with his 10 year old border terrier Harry.
Mr Hall thought dogs, and their owners, would both benefit from somewhere for the pets to have a lie down, while the humans headed off to areas of the showground where dogs are banned - such as food tents, and livestock pens. He wrote to show manager Sarah de Chair and she wrote back - to Harry - with a letter from her own dogs Digger and Dougal saying it was a good idea.
The crèche will be in a marquee near the dog show and will carry the name, and a cartoon banner picture, of Harry.
Many dog owners love to take their pets to the show but there was a need to for them to have a bit of “respite”, especially during times of hot weather. It will help to prevent owners from leaving dogs in hot cars - in the past staff have, on occasion, had to break into cars to free distressed animals.
In previous years a small area was provided, run by the RSPCA, but the new marquee will provide a much greater area with 35 cages where people can leave their dogs for up to 2 hours for a small donation.
So, if you live in or are visiting Norfolk, have a great day out with your dogs!
People wanting to use the crèche should visit there as soon as they arrive to arrange a stay.
This year's Fun Dog Show and Summer Open Day isto be held at Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre Snetterton, North End Road, Snetterton, Norfolk, NR16 2LD on Sunday, 7th June 2009 at 12:00pm- 4:00pm. An entry fee may be applicable.
There will be lots of attractions and activities including Agility Demonstration, Giant Dog Tombola, Raffle, Tombola, Trade Stands, PDSA Mobile PetCheck, Games for all the family, Eastern Area Prison Drug Dog Team display, Refreshments and much more!. There is also an opportunity for your dog to take part in the Fun Dog Show in which your dog can compete to win a rosette or even 'best in show’!
Friends, family and dogs are all welcome. I went to last year's event and it was a glorious day and great fun.
If you have any queries please contact Dogs Trust on 01953 498012.
You may remember the TV programme broadcast some years ago entitled "The Dog Listener". This featured Jan Fennell who has established a worldwide reputation as a dog trainer.
Jan will be delivering an afternoon talk in Aylsham, Norfolk on Saturday 13th June 2009, as well as an evening event in Harleston, Suffolk. Each event includes a talk of approximately 90 minutes followed by a question and answer session. After a break, including book signing, Jan will explain the 4 core elements of "Amichien Bonding". Full details of the events are as follows:-
An Afternoon With Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener"
All proceeds to Cinnamon Trust
Saturday 13th June 2009 from 2.00pm to 6.00pm
Venue: The Jubilee Family Centre, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6JG
Admission by advance ticket £15.00
Telephone: Lynn Hopkins 0777 767 8681 Email: lynn@verynicedogs.co.uk
An Evening with Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener"
All proceeds to Jerry Green, Suffolk
Wednesday 20th May 2009, starting at 6.00pm
Venue: The Swan Hotel, Harleston, Suffolk
Admission by advance ticket £17.50, to include light refreshments
Telephone: Julie Abbott 01702 206649/Mobile 0777 181 7097
Email: juliesunbright@aol.com
OR: Rachael Messiter 07747 022732 Email: info@talkingpaws.co.uk
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the jewel in the crown in American dog shows, like our Cruft's in the UK. Yesterday a Sussex Spaniel called Stump was named "Best In Show". Best of all he is 10 years old, equivalent to 70 in human years! This is truly inspiring and gives all of us late starters great hope and encouragement!
Stump lives in Houston, Texas and is the oldest dog ever to win Westminster. He showed great personality and is in great shape. When not performing in the ring he loves to play with a plush Grinch doll.
Judge Sari Tietjen said "He showed his heart out, I didn't know who he was or how old ... I just couldn't say no to him."
My dog Hazel's birthday is not until August but we always like to make a special day of it. Last year we were away in Hampshire and she had a wonderful birthday swim in the Beaulieu River and it was lovely to see her enjoying her favourite sport. She had birthday gifts and I bought her a cooked sausage from a supermarket deli as a special treat.
This year, as we are living in a hamlet with quite a few dog residents maybe we will have a litlte gathering! I came accross this great little article about planning a dog party. Shhhh! Don't tell Hazel, it's got to be a surprise!
Tips for a Fabulous Doggy Birthday Party
Gone are the days when dogs were simply animals, now many people consider their dogs to be an integral part of the family. As a family member, many dogs are now celebrating birthdays, and in style too. In order to have a fantastic party there are some issues that require consideration, and a little bit of planning to do as well. If you are getting ready to have a wonderful birthday party for your dog, here are some tips to help you along.
Who to Invite
The dogs you invite to the birthday party could make or break the festivities. If the dogs don't get along then fights could break out which would really put a damper on the spirit of the party. Try inviting dogs you know your pooch is friendly with, such as neighbor's dogs or dogs from the dog park. The more familiar the dogs are with each other the easier it will be for them to socialize.
The Food
It is important to have a separate menu for the dogs, because human food is full of sugars and fats that are bad for animals. There are many recipes for wholesome dog treats, and you can even bake a dog cake at home with carob chips or meat flavors. Try to have each owner give his or her dog food directly, because food left on the ground is just begging for a squabble.
Play Games!
Don't just sit there; get your guests involved and active! Dogs love to play games, and they love the rewards even more. Try playing doggy musical chairs, where the guests circle until the music stops, and then each dog has to sit. The last dog to sit is out, and so on. Have prizes for the winners, both human and canine.
Keep it Brief
Dogs reach a point where all the noise and social activity simply becomes too much. The ideal time for a dog party to run is about an hour. After this most dogs have simply had enough, and would probably enjoy a nice long nap.
Other things to remember: set out lots of water and a large trash can for any waste. Also, don't forget to thank your guests for coming! Have fun planning your dog's birthday, I'm sure he'll have a blast.
Article by Nancy Cope of Pampered Dog Gifts - the place to shop for dog gift baskets, gourmet dog treats, fancy dog collars and designer dog beds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Cope http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-For-a-Fabulous-Doggy-Birthday-Party&id=1950208
Last night I went to see the recently released film “Dean Spanley”. There were several points of interest for me in this film: it is a period piece; it was filmed on location in East Anglia; and, of course, it has dogs in it!
The star cast includes Peter O’Toole, whose portrayal of the cantankerous, hard-hearted, geriatric father is nothing short of brilliant. Must deserve an Oscar, surely? Sam Neill is in the title role as Dean Spanley and Brian Brown plays a “colonial” who gives a whole new perspective to the occupation of conveyancer. Quite fancy that job myself!
It is an unusual and intriguing story of love and loss, centering around the reincarnation of Dean Spanley, who was a dog in his former life. Sounds quirky I know but it is the sort of thing I just love.
It was great to see familiar locations such as Holkham Hall and estate, Norwich Cathedral and the historic Elm Hill in Norwich, a street full of wine merchants in the film. There were also wonderful scenes of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, which I have never visited but will now.
My favourite part of the film was when the two dogs, a scruffy grey mutt (most loveable!) and the Welsh Springer “Wag” went for their short adventure. It was truly joyous and captured the essence of what it must be for a dog to enjoy freedom and what comes naturally. Their doggy sleep under a tree was a wonderful “aahh” moment for me. This then leads up to the inevitable sad part but soon we are returned to humour and a happy ending.
In Peter O’Toole’s character, it is wonderful to finally see a heart hardened from so many years of denial suddenly melt, allowing joy to once again find its place there.
The best-selling book “Marley and Me” by John Grogan is soon to be released as a film starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. The UK release date is 13th March 2009 although it will be out at Christmas in the US.
The book is a great read and is the true story of Marley the naughty Labrador pup and his owners John and Jenny Grogan. The book’s subtitle is “life and love with the world’s worst dog” which says it all!
The New York Times review said “A book with intense appeal… tenderly follows its subject from sunrise to sunset, from the ball of fluff stage to the heartbreaking farewell”.
The book made me laugh and cry but mostly tears of joy at the unconditional love that we all know from our dogs. I am sure a box of hankies will be required for the film version!
11 puppies have been used in the filming and all of them have now been adopted by members of the crew. Well how could they resist?
The Dogs Trust at Snetterton will be holding a Boxing Day sponsored dog walk. You can join in the walk whether you own a dog or not. Those without a dog will be paired up with a canine companion from the centre.
The four and a half mile walk starts at 10.30am and the route takes you through the picturesque Norfolk countryside, including the village of Shropham. Refreshments will be served at the end of the walk.
The event will raise much needed funds for the upkeep of strays and abandoned dogs and what better way to help burn off some of those extra Christmas indulgences!
Obtain further information and book your place by calling 01493 398377 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk
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