Tag: Dogs Trust

West Lothian Dogs Trust manager celebrates 25th anniversary

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre manager Susan Tonner celebrates her 25th year working for the UK’s largest animal welfare charity this month. In that time, Susan has helped secure forever homes for more than 13,000 dogs in and around West Lothian – and sometimes, even further afield.

Susan has ‘led the pack’ at the Bentyhead Rehoming Centre team since 1995, in her role as Centre Manager. Having worked in animal welfare most of her life, Susan’s love for dogs started when she adopted her first rescue dog, a Border Collie named Shep from a local rescue in Edinburgh. Over the years Susan has adopted 17 rescue dogs, most from the West Calder centre, with older canine residents holding a special place in her heart.

Susan said: “I can’t believe it has been 25 years, it feels like yesterday when I first started at the centre; but although it might not feel that long, things have changed a lot in that time.

“When I first started there were three main kennels; we were taking in 250 puppies a year and up to 700 at its peak and that’s when we added a purpose-built puppy unit. There has been a constant look at improving and providing the best facilities for dogs, and that is what I love about my job.

“To look back and see everything you’ve achieved really the best thing about working for Dogs Trust – they always put the dog first.”

When thinking about her fondest memories over the last 25 years, Susan said: “You remember all the emotional things, but mostly it’s all been happy. I always come back to thinking about a pregnant Cavalier called Lou. When she gave birth I ended up having to catch the first puppy, as she was walking and that sort of set up the whole birth from there.

“Lou was lying on her back throughout, while we did all the work for her. She was a lovely dog but was slightly put out by the puppies getting so much attention, that she wanted for herself, and I liked that about her.

“The best part of my job is always being able to find any and every dog its forever home.  It’s lovely to help the dogs but also very rewarding to help people who may have to part with their beloved pet and make them feel reassured that we will love and care for their dog like they would.

“It’s important that people feel they can bring their pet to us in their time of need and know we will care and do our utmost for their dog.”

As part of her 25th anniversary celebration, MSP for West Lothian, Angela Constance, has lodged a motion with Scottish Parliament to recognise Susan’s contribution and commitment to dog welfare in the local community; and to thank her for her continued good work especially at this challenging time.

Angela Constance said: “Dogs Trust at West Calder is well known and highly regarded locally; and this is in large part due to the contribution made by Susan.

“I want to both congratulate and commend Susan for her 25 years of outstanding service to the welfare of animals and of course to the wider West Lothian community; and as her colleagues will testify, she still has a lot more to give.”

To find out more about how you can support Dogs Trust, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk

Letters: Dogs Trust West Calder thanks supporters

Dear Editor,

In these unprecedented and challenging times, we would like to say a huge thank you to all Dogs Trust supporters and players of People’s Postcode Lottery in the local area, for their continued support.

We are currently looking after 49 dogs a Dogs Trust West Calder and without the help of the dog loving public, we would not be able to give our wonderful dogs everything they need whilst they are in our care waiting to head off to their forever homes. For many that wait is going to be longer than usual due to the current lockdown.

However, regardless of how long they have to wait, we can assure you that thanks to our supporters and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, all of our dogs have everything they need, every single day they are with us.

More than £13million has been awarded to Dogs Trust since the partnership with People’s Postcode Lottery first began in 2013. This has meant we have been able to invest in additional highly skilled staff such as behaviourists, canine carers and veterinary staff, expand initiatives such as our Home from Home fostering scheme, invest in our volunteers and improve facilities at our rehoming centres, all of which has lasting benefits for our four-legged friends.

We know all of our supporters share our vision to improve the dog welfare landscape in the UK and although at the moment we don’t know the financial implications of Coronavirus on Dogs Trust as it is an evolving situation, we are certain that the coming months are likely to see an increased demand for our services.

That is why we want to take this opportunity to thank dog lovers in the region for their vital continued support.

If you would like to find out more about how Dogs Trust is helping dog owners during this difficult time, or if you would like to make a donation, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk

Thank you.

The team at Dogs Trust West Calder

Dogs Trust: Think outside the delivery box!

Eight ways to entertain your dog with a cardboard box and toilet roll tubes!

With the nation’s dog owners mostly spending National Pet Month (April 1st – May 10th) indoors, Dogs Trust is issuing some top tips on how dog owners can keep their dogs happy – all with simple household items – a cardboard box and toilet roll tubes!

Jenna Kiddie Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: “We understand that owners may be looking for ways to keep their dogs occupied, especially when the current advice is to go outside just once a day for exercise with your four-legged friend.

“Whilst physical exercise is important for your dog, mental stimulation is also essential to help keep them happy. You can make it fun for them, and because they’re using their brains, it’s just as tiring as physical exercise.

“It’s really easy for you keep your dog’s brain busy from the comfort of your own home using simple household items. From activities involving their favourite treats, to games using things you may have left over from online deliveries, there are many ways you can keep your dog active, without stepping outside your front door.”

Dogs Trust has come up with eight fun ways to entertain your dog with a cardboard box and tubes whilst you’re staying indoors, and asking people to share their pictures and videos using the hashtag #MyDogIsForLife and tagging @DogsTrust on Twitter and Instagram.

Tutorial videos for the eight games will be released during National Pet Month on the charity’s social media pages.

  1. The paw-fect figure 8 – Get two boxes and set them out a little distance apart. Hold your dog’s treats or a favourite toy in one hand and slowly start to move them in a figure of eight around the two items, swapping the reward into your other hand at the centre point. One arm will guide your dog around the item to the left and the other arm will guide your dog around the item to your right. Repeat several times until you’ve got the movement smooth and well-rehearsed!
  2. Digging deep: Shred or scrunch up newspaper or any paper items and pop them in an empty box. Drop in some treats or toys, and watch your dog dig away!
  3. Paws-up: Can you get them to put their front feet on the box? Their back feet? Can you get them to run round to the left, to the right? Can smaller dogs sit in the box? Think outside of the box and we’re sure you won’t be able to contain yourself with all this fun!
  4. Bowling balls: Create a 10-pin bowling alley with spare kitchen roll tubes. Have a competition and see how many pins you can knock down vs. your dog!
  5. Tunn-els of fun: Cut the sides of a few boxes and line them up to make your very own DIY tunnel. Encourage your dog to go through with the promise of treats or their favourite toy at the end of the tunnel!
  6. Jog your dog’s memory: Lay out multiple boxes in a semi-circle and pop a treat in one of them, making sure your dog is watching. Hold up a sheet to block your furry friend’s vision, drop and then see if they remember which box the treat was in! Repeat the game and change the box with the treat in, see how many times they get it right!
  7. Snoot challenge: next level – remember the original snoot challenge where you had to make a circular shape with your hands and wait for your pooch to run up and put their nose through the hole? Building from this, cut a hole out in your box and see if you can get your dog to poke their nose through it! *boop*
  8. Teach your dog to read – for starters write different words (e.g. sit, down, paw) on different boxes that you want your dog to learn. Say the word that’s on the specific box in front of them, and ask them to do what the word says. When your dog does as you’ve asked, reward them with a tasty treat and repeat several times until your dog has associated the new word, with the specific box!

Images and videos shared with Dogs Trust will appear on the My Dog Is For Life webpage feed for others to see and take inspiration from. www.dogstrust.org.uk/mydogisforlife  

For more information, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.

Letters: Dogs Trust thanks loyal supporters during Coronavirus outbreak

Dear Editor,

As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust is so lucky to have the support of all of our dog loving friends. We want to say how thankful we are to each and every supporter all year round, but especially with the recent events and the uncertain circumstances we all find ourselves in.

Dogs Trust West Calder has been inundated with offers to foster our dogs, to drop off donations and even offers of cakes and chocolates for our hard-working staff who continue to show up for the dogs who need them in these difficult times.

We appreciate these kind gestures and although for the moment we can’t accept them due to the need to limit social interactions, please be assured, your support is very much at the forefront of our minds.

The staff at the centre will continue to care for the dogs, give them all the love, attention and training they need, while also making sure they’re working at a safe distance from each other.

It will certainly be quieter without visits from the dog loving public, but we promise we will open our doors again as soon as we can and are looking into ways we can do this as a matter of urgency.

We are coping well at the moment, but know it is likely that there may be an increase in demand for our services in the coming weeks.

Although we are unsure how long our centre will be closed for, if anyone does want to support our work caring for dogs in the current crisis, please go to our website and help with a donation; it would make a big difference.

Susan Tonner,

Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder

Dogs Trust releases Coronavirus response plans

  • Dogs Trust Glasgow and West Calder will move to appointment-only system from 5pm on Friday 20th March
  • The Uddingston and West Lothian based centres will be closed to walk-in members of the public during this time
  • Charity is no longer taking charity shop goods at rehoming centres or shops to limit unnecessary contact and will advise when receiving new stock again.

Dogs Trust in Scotland has announced temporary changes to its activities following Government advice to limit non-essential contact.  

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity, which has 20 rehoming centres across the UK, has outlined plans to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff and visitors, whilst continuing to carry out the essential work of caring for and rehoming dogs.

Dogs Trust Glasgow and West Calder will move to an appointment-only system for potential adopters from 5pm on Friday 20th March and all centres will be closed to walk-in members of the general public until further notice.

The charity will also run appointments for people who wish to give up their dog for any reason. People who have a current reservation or are due to collect their new family member will not be affected and can contact their local centre by phone if they have any questions.

The charity is also postponing all non-essential community events and has suspended Dog School training classes, including those based at the rehoming centre, for the time being. Those wishing to donate any pre-loved items to the charity are asked not to bring donations to the Glasgow or West Calder rehoming centres, or their nearest Dogs Trust charity shop in person, until further notice.

The charity’s staff will be limiting all unnecessary social interaction, practising  frequent hand washing with soap and sanitiser, and visitors will be asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before and during their visit.

Catherine Gillie, Regional Manager at Dogs Trust, said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff and our local communities is of paramount importance to us. We will continue to monitor and follow advice from the Government and are doing what we can to limit non-essential travel and contact. 

“We need to continue our essential work of caring for and rehoming as many dogs as we can in a way that aims to protect everyone involved in the process. That’s why we will be closing our centres to walk-in members of the public from Saturday but continuing to offer people opportunities to adopt a dog by appointment only.

“If you feel unwell or are experiencing any symptoms, or if you or a family member are self–isolating, we ask that you please don’t attend your appointment but call us so we can work out the next steps for you.

“Everyone can keep up to date with all of our latest news via our website and social media platforms which we will keep updated regularly.”

Members of the public wishing to book an appointment can call the contact centre on 0207 837 0006.

Dogs Trust’s Dog School takes the lead!

  • Number of overall dogs attending classes increases by 12% each year
  • In 2019 562 puppies attended classes at Dog School Edinburgh
  • In January this year the team have already had 100 puppies attend classes

Dogs Trust Dog School in Edinburgh, which launched in Scotland in 2017, has gone from strength-to-strength, celebrating its most successful start to the year so far.

The team has trained 100 puppies in January alone this year, which is already a quarter of the total number of puppies they would normally see in a full year!

Year-on-year the total number of dogs trained by the Dog School Edinburgh team has increased by an average of 30% – from 346 dogs trained in 2017 to 974 dogs trained in 2019. Due to such popular demand, the team is now running 20 classes every week across Edinburgh.

Dog Trust Dog School was launched to help owners build life-long bonds with their dogs, by developing a good understanding of dog behaviour and training techniques to avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to problem behaviours.

Amongst the newest graduates are two three-month-old siblings, whose families had no idea they would be attending the same class together. When the two Golden Retrievers, Willow and Teddy, attended their first class, they instantly recognised each other. Their owners couldn’t believe how similar the dogs looked and after a brief chat they realised their pets were related.

Teddy’s owner, Lily, said: “When we heard Willow’s name being called out, we thought surely this couldn’t be Teddy’s sister?! It was such a lovely surprise to find out they were from the same family and they clearly loved being reunited with one another.

“Classes are relaxed and fun for both owner and dog; and there are opportunities to socialise your puppy with other dogs. We got to learn all about dog behaviour and how they feel in relation to the way they act. This was very beneficial as it has given us the building blocks to continue her reward-based training at home, while we look to advance her training further at Dog School’s adolescent classes later this year.”

Dog School’s growing success has been supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery through charitable funding to Dogs Trust.

Six years ago, People’s Postcode Lottery set out to support the charity in their vision to improve the dog welfare landscape in the UK and have a lasting impact for millions of dogs.

Louise, Willow’s owner, said: “Willow and Teddy are so alike, not only in appearance but also their mannerisms too. Training was great, especially for our kids because they were over the moon that Willow was taking part in classes with her sister.

“The whole experience was really beneficial for us because our coaches were very approachable, and no question ever felt silly. Having our kids there was also a great platform to help us all better understand why training is so important.

“We also learnt this will be especially true as Willow approaches adolescence; continuing training at home is vital as dogs can start to fall back on bad habits while reaching maturity.”

Julie Morrison, Head Coach at Dog School in Edinburgh, said: “Over the last couple of years, the number of dogs attending our classes has dramatically increased which is absolutely fantastic.

“We love helping to build strong bonds between pets and their owners as training is just as much about the owner as it is about instilling positive behaviours in dogs.

“It was fantastic to see Willow and Teddy socialising in class and they have come on so well! We look forward to hearing all about their progress at home.

“We are hugely grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, whose funding has allowed us to invest in more specialist staff as demand for our classes continues to grow.”

If you would like to find out more about Dogs Trust Dog School in Edinburgh, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogschool or call 07388 375835 /  07920 658647.

Dogs Trust to host Longlegs Luncheon

Potential dog owners are being invited to tea by some very special long-legged canine friends at Dogs Trust West Calder, in the hopes they might meet their perfect companion.

Amongst the doggy guests of honour will be Liam ‘Longlegs’. When not napping, Liam enjoys nothing more than a good cuddle on the couch. Also present will be Lucy ‘Longlegs’, who is an older lady of nine, and Laddie ‘Longlegs’, who is playful and full of energy.

The event, named the ‘Longlegs Luncheon’ will take place on 21st March from 2.00pm – 3.00pm, with the team hoping to rehome their 16 long-legged sightsounds currently in the care of the rehoming centre.

On the day attendees will be treated to some light refreshments and provided with lots of information about the sighthounds at the centre – with a possible opportunity to meet some of the dogs themselves.

While there, guests will get to learn all about the special characters of each of the 16 sighthound dogs in need of permanent homes. Although they are best known for being long-legged what is less well known is that these dogs are affectionate, remarkably clever and full of personality.

Susan Tonner, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder, said: “Staff at the rehoming centre calculated that the length of all the legs of the 16 longlegs currently in our care, added together, would equal the height of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh!

“Most of the sighthound residents at the centre can be divided into those who are lively longlegs, playful longlegs and energetic longlegs.

“They make for excellent family dogs: kind, calm and gentle. They adore affection from their owners and like to be involved in fun activities. We have so many dogs with such different personalities, that each of our longlegs will be just right for someone.”

If you would like more information, please contact the West Calder Rehoming Centre on 01506536840 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/our-centres/west-calder to find out more about the lanky Lurchers and gangly Greyhounds currently in need of a forever home!

You can also follow Dogs Trust West Calder on Twitter @DT_WestCalder for regular updates on centre events as well as the dogs available for rehoming.

“Do You Love Me?” among top five questions we most want to ask our dogs

Dogs Trust is calling on owners in Edinburgh to show their four-legged friends some extra love this Love Your Pet Day (20th February), as new statistics show the number one question that we most want to ask our dogs is “Are you happy?” 

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity polled 2,000 dog owners and 73% of people in Edinburgh said they wish their dog could talk, especially as 70% of owners say their dog surprises them at least once a week.

Among the top questions owners in the area said they would most want to ask their dogs if they could talk were “are you happy” (50%), “how could I make your life happier” (44%),  “do you understand me when I talk to you” (44%), “what do you dream about”  (30%) and “do you love me” (28%)?

Dogs Trust has some top tips to show your pet pooches just how “paw-some” they are:

  1. Have a treasure hunt – hide some of your dog’s favourite treats in different rooms around the house and see how quickly they manage to locate them.
  2. Play their favourite game – Catch? Fetch? Tug of war? They’re all great fun to your dog! Show them some love by spending time playing their favourite game with them.
  3. Make them their very own Snuffle Mat! – A snuffle mat is an enrichment toy that encourages your dog to sniff and search out hidden treats amongst the mat.
  4. Build them a Doggy Den – has your dog’s bed been looking pretty well lived in recently? Create your furry friend a cosy, comfortable place to sleep.
  5. Teach them some new tricks! With our easy to follow Dog School videos or enrolling them in some classes.
  6. Take your dog out on an adventure to their favourite walking location. Allow them to have a run around and really stretch their legs!
  7. Teach your dog to treat bob! – Keep your dog entertained with these easy to make toys by following these simple instructions.
  8. Give them a squeaky-clean smile – Dental hygiene is important for dogs. Head to our advice page to follow our helpful guide on how to brush their teeth.
  9. Buy your dog a new collar – Your dog wears their collar 24/7, so why not make sure it’s nice, comfortable ‘fetch’ing?! Head here to get a personalised dog tag to complete the look.
  10. Make them a delicious treat! There are plenty of recipes for treats which can be eaten at all times of the year on our website, including dog friendly pancakes and mince pies!

Susan Tonner, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust in West Calder, said: “Dogs are such wonderful characters and play such a big part in our lives, and what’s clear from these statistics is that we want nothing more than to make our dogs’ lives even happier. 

“Of course, every day should be love your pet day and there’s lots of different ways you can show your pet pooch just how much you love them from building them a doggy den to playing their favourite game.

“This Love Your Pet Day why not show some extra love to our rescue dogs as well and make some of their wishes come true by donating toys and treats to your local rehoming centre.”

The charity also asked owners in Edinburgh what they loved most about their dogs. How affectionate they are (65%), how much of a good companion they are (45%) and how much happier they make our own lives (51%) were among some of the main reasons why we can’t live without our four-legged friends.

For more information on how to donate to your local rehoming centre through its Amazon Wish List visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/wishes

Dogs Trust launches ‘Don’t Be Dogfished’ campaign

  • Edinburgh visited on a national tour by the UK’s leading dog charity to warn dog lovers of deceitful puppy sellers online
  • The van, designed by dirt artist Ruddy Muddy, highlights the horrific reality behind many online puppy adverts, with some puppies travelling in awful conditions, malnourished, thirsty or kept in tiny cages away from their mum
  • More than one in 10 (12%) of puppy buyers in Edinburgh suspect they were lied to by the seller of their puppy according to new research by Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog charity, visited Edinburgh yesterday in a fake puppy smuggling van as part of its Don’t Be Dogfished campaign, to help stop dog lovers falling victim to the cruel puppy smuggling trade.

Members of the public in Edinburgh were invited to come down to the Grassmarket to speak to Dogs Trust experts about how to avoid being misled when buying a puppy online.

The Don’t Be Dogfished campaign, which launcheed on the 17th January in London, has taken to the road on a national tour with a fake puppy smuggling van that has been specially adapted for the campaign.

The van, which is based on those used by perpetrators, illustrates the hidden reality of puppies bought online and the cramped and filthy conditions they are often subjected to as they are illegally trafficked to the UK.

Celebrity dirt artist ‘Ruddy Muddy’ has created a heart-wrenching mud-art mural to bring the hidden horrors of smuggling vans to the surface for all to see. Likewise, the interior of the van has been dressed to depict the real-life scenarios some of the puppies rescued by Dogs Trust have subjected to.

Catherine Gillie, Regional Manager at Dogs Trust, said: “Today we’re launching a campaign warning people ‘Don’t be dogfished’ – to help stop people being duped into buying puppies that have been illegally imported into the country by devious dealers. 

“People think they are getting a healthy, happy puppy but behind the curtain lurks the dark depths of the puppy smuggling trade. Many of these poor puppies suffer significant health conditions or lifelong behavioural challenges, and sadly some don’t survive, leaving their buyers helpless and heartbroken – as well as out of pocket.

“This is why we are touring the country in a van like those used by puppy smugglers to educate the public on the shocking realities of the puppy smuggling trade and advising them how they can take action to avoid being ‘dogfished’. If it seems too good to be true, as hard as it is, walk away and report it.”

The tour comes as shocking new statistics released today by Dogs Trust reveals how unsuspecting dog lovers in Edinburgh may have been conned or ‘dogfished’ into buying puppies illegally imported into the UK, leaving them heartbroken and almost £500 on average out-of-pocket. (1)

The UK’s leading dog charity polled over 2,000 puppy owners to see how many buyers might have fallen victim to illegal puppy smuggling, where puppies are brought into the UK from central and eastern European countries to sell on for vast profits. Many described how sellers falsified paperwork, offered discounts for a quick sale or lied about the age and breed of the dog.

All is not what it seems 

Over a third (37%) of puppy buyers in Edinburgh were not allowed to see the puppy more than once while 25% were not allowed to see the puppy with their mum – two signs that all might not be what it seems.

More than one in 10 (12%) puppy buyers in Edinburgh said their seller lied to them about the dog they were buying, lying about things such as the age, breed and whether they had been vaccinated and microchipped. 29% said they had concerns, related to health or behaviour, about their puppy within just a few weeks of buying them.

Horrific conditions and unnecessary suffering 

Worse still some reported terrible conditions where their puppies were “locked in a small cage away from mum”, were so sick they “very nearly died”, or were “scared of their own shadow and very wary of humans”.

More than one in 10 puppy buyers polled in Edinburgh (12%) said within their first year their puppy had developed significant health or behaviour problems, such as diarrhoea and anxiety, causing terrible suffering for their beloved pet whilst costing them on average almost £500 in additional vet bills.

Some of those people even said their puppy had either died or had to be put to sleep, due to the severity of their condition.

Over 201,300  dogs were advertised online in 2019 on four of the UK’s biggest classified websites.

More than half (53%) of those polled in the city said they felt puppy smuggling was a big issue in the UK, yet 29% said they would not know they need to speak to their local Trading Standards if they suspected their puppy was smuggled, with contact details able to be found on the ‘Don’t Be Dogfished’ website.

The Don’t Be Dogfished campaign is asking potential new owners to take the following steps to avoid being misled when buying a puppy:

  • Always see puppy and mum together at their home and make sure to visit more than once.
  • Ask lots of questions and make sure you see all vital paperwork, such as a puppy contract – which gives lots of information about their parents, breed, health, diet, the puppy’s experiences and more.
  • If you have any doubts or feel pressured to buy, as hard as it may be, walk away.

The findings reveal the importance of puppy buyers insisting on these essential checks, as they are often avoided by shifty sellers who put owners under pressure to part with their cash or ‘rescue’ the puppies from poor conditions.

For more information about the Don’t Be Dogfished campaign and advice about how to avoid being misled when buying a puppy online, search ‘Dogfished’ or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogfished

Dogs Trust invites dogs and their owners to annual Greyfriars Bobby commemoration

  • Dogs Trust hosts second Greyfriars Bobby commemoration event, promoting responsible dog ownership
  • 70% of dog owners in Scotland are unaware it is a legal requirement for their pet to wear a collar & tag, as well as having an up-to-date microchip
  • Should our pet go missing, ensuring they wear a collar & tag makes it easier and quicker to be reunited with them and could save money on unnecessary kennel fees

 Dogs and their owners are being invited to a special Greyfriars Bobby commemoration event, hosted by Dogs Trust at Greyfriars Kirkyard on 14th January 2020.  Continue reading Dogs Trust invites dogs and their owners to annual Greyfriars Bobby commemoration