A Dog Is For Love

Crèche for Dogs at Royal Norfolk Show

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.

Vets vs Doctors

As a pet insurance policy holder with Petplan, I receive their magazine called "Pet People". This is a good little read with lots of interesting snippets. This time round there was a piece about vets versus doctors. According to the Petplan study 40% of people trust their vet's advice more than their doctors. The least trusting of their doctor are the 16 to 24 age group, the overwhelming majority of whom put more trust in their vet.

The study also showed that price is not a main consideration when choosing a vet. The main factors are the vet's manner, friendliness of staff, and recommendations from friends and family.

I have the greatest admiration for vets and their wide ranging knowledge. They have to understand the anatomy and physiology of a huge number of species and in a single day could be dealing with birds, reptiles and mammals. And the creature cannot tell them what is wrong or where it hurts, so their diagnostic skills have to be highly developed. Add to that the fact that they have to deal sensitively with worried owners. All in all I think they are awesome. Many is the time that if I had an ailment I wished I could consult the vet! All the ones I have seen with my pets have been so kind and loving, maybe the animal lover in them means they are just naturally kind people.

I suppose one factor is that you pay to see a vet but get free consultations with a doctor under the NHS in the UK. Doctors are under huge pressure to meet government targets so it is no wonder that you sometimes feel you are on a conveyor belt. I must say, however, I have seen some very good ones as well as some with a not-so-good bedside manner.

The Dog Launderette

Could this be the most hideous idea ever? Frenchman Romain Jarry has invented the "Dog-O-Matic" automatic dog washing machine. You shove your pooch into the machine, set the programme to go and half an hour later he comes out clean, dry and sweet smelling...and probably traumatised for life.

The cost ranges from £13 to £31 ($20 to $48) depending on the size of dog. The inventor hopes that the British public will endorse the machine and says the dogs  "have fun". I for one hope and pray this idea doesn't catch on.

Jan Fennell "The Dog Listener" is coming to Norfolk

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