The charity that’s helping homeless people to care for their pets

It’s hard to walk through any town without seeing homeless people who, often through no fault of their own, are living on the street.

Quite often, they are accompanied by a dog who is their only loyal companion when they have lost a roof over their head: their safety and security. 

Sadly, fewer than 10% of hostels and temporary accommodation accept dogs, forcing their homeless owner to continue to live on the street or to surrender the dog in order to be able to accept a refuge.

A charity called Street Paws is trying to change this. Its aim is to help homeless people to care for their pets and to remain with them. A team of volunteer vets and helpers provide treatment for pets who otherwise would be unlikely to be able to access it.

   (c) Street Paws 

Street Paws has also founded a growing team of 'Dog Champions' that provides accommodation for homeless dog owners. They may otherwise be rejected by hostels or emergency accommodation that doesn't accept dogs. This brilliant initiative enables dogs and owners to stay together, whilst receiving dog care advice and assistance, in a safe environment away from the street.

(c) Street Paws

Street Paws covers the cost of any treatment the dog may need, including vaccinations, to enable him or her to stay in the accommodation with their owner. Veterinary care can be very expensive, so this is a huge benefit for the homeless owner. 

A homeless man and his dog

In the winter being homeless is particularly difficult. The cold weather can make a challenging situation even worse. Street Paws is encouraging people to tell them if they see a homeless person and their dog struggling. You can find more information at https://streetpaws.co.uk/.

On Street Paws' website there's a lot more information about its fantastic work, and other ways of supporting the charity.

Those of us lucky enough to have a roof over our head and a warm bed can only imagine what it must be like to be living on the street. Cold, hungry, tired, and scared not only for yourself but for your beloved canine companion who may be your only friend.

This is why the work of Street Paws is so important, providing an essential lifeline for homeless owners and their dogs. Lets hope that it continues to receive the essential funding it needs. 

Do people care more for dogs or cats? Recent research puts this age-old question into focus

 

It’s a debate as old as time – dogs versus cats – and how much their owners care for them.

Are people really either a ‘dog’ or cat’ person? Do they have to be different, and must they be one or the other?

Now new research published in Psychology Today sheds light on owners’ attitudes and devotion to their beloved companions, investigating whether dog or cat owners have a stronger emotional attachment for their respective pets.

A difficult thing to determine, you would think, as it would be based on loyalty, devotion and love for the companion animal. However the study quantified it by asking how much an owner would be prepared to spend on their dog or cat on life-saving veterinary care, should it be needed.

Owners, were asked “if your pet had a life-threatening problem and could be saved by a medical procedure, what would you be willing to pay for treatment?’. 

The amount dog owners were prepared to spend was approximately double that of cat-owners on cats!

However, certain factors need to be considered...

For example, dogs, on average, are taken to the vet twice as often as cats, and are more likely to receive preventative care such as vaccinations and dental treatment. This could show that dog owners are more used to the financial demands of ownership, and therefore more willing to accept that they will pay more for an emergency medical procedure.

Many owners of both dogs and cats have medical insurance, and this is also likely to affect their answer.

Dogs can also be ‘high maintenance’, with owners willing to pay for regular grooming and in some cases day care for walking or drop in visits for their dog. Cats, on the other hand, are usually more ‘low maintenance’, can be groomed by the owner or groom themselves, and being more independent, can be left without company for longer periods.

Whilst the findings are interesting, it is hard to accept that simply because dog owners are willing to spend more on emergency care, it means they are more devoted to their animal companion.

Many cat owners are utterly devoted to their pets, and will do whatever is necessary for them if needed. As a lifelong cat owner, I can certainly vouch for this. The bond that a cat and its owner has is every bit as special as dog and owner. Cats are sometimes more selective about who they give affection to, so to be ‘chosen’ by a cat is indeed special. Cat owners are more likely to have more than one pet, too.

Many people have both cats and dogs (or have owned both but not simultaneously) and love them equally. Those who have both would be unlikely to prioritise one over the other, as they are all part of the family.

So, whilst the research produced interesting findings, it is difficult to quantify by money alone how devoted owners are to their animals. The bond between any good owner and companion, no matter what species or breed, is priceless.

Yellow Dog UK - some dogs need their space

Have you heard about 'Yellow Dogs'? No, not adorable Golden Labradors, but a campaign to raise awareness that some dogs need space.

This is done by the dog wearing yellow to alert other dog owners and passers-by. Yellow Dog UK is part of an international initiative introduced in 2012 to increase awareness for dogs who need space whilst they're training, recovering from surgery, or being rehabilitated, for example.

(c) Image thanks to Yellow Dog UK

The concept was originally developed by Swedish dog behaviourist Eva Oliversson, recognising that a clear signal to others that a dog needs space will help his behaviour and enable him to feel more safe and secure. Indicated by wearing yellow, at first this was by yellow ribbons, but a whole range of yellow jackets, collars and bandanas are now available.

There can be a number of reasons for a dog wearing yellow. He may be a rescue animal who is being rehabilitated, or he may have health issues that make him nervous or vulnerable. Other reasons include his having had a bad experience with other dogs: for example by being attacked, or a bitch who is on heat.

Any of these reasons can lead to a dog needing space, and this should be respected both by other dog owners, and those who simply want to greet or pet the dog.

In the UK, 'Yellow Dog UK' at https://www.yellowdoguk.co.uk/ provides a lot of helpful information and advice, as well as enabling owners to buy from a range of yellow merchandise for dogs to wear. Owners can contact Yellow Dog UK for  free poster and ribbon, too.

If you think your dog would benefit from wearing a 'yellow dog' identifier, the website is a great place to start.

                                                 (c) Image thanks to Yellow Dog UK

Yellow Dog UK also promotes dog ownership and encourages both children and adults to always ask permission before touching a dog who they don't know. 

Promoting responsible and careful dog ownership, as well as the 'Yellow Dog' message, is worthwhile for all dog owners and lovers. Let's hope more take it up in the future.

Check out Hubble & Hattie's range of helpful books on dog behaviour, including:

https://www.hubbleandhattie.com/shop/HH5079/

https://www.hubbleandhattie.com/shop/HH4890/

https://www.hubbleandhattie.com/shop/HH4384/

Paws on Board – get on board with your canine companion!

Surf school for dogs takes off in Dorset

Vicky Mansfield, based on the Dorset coast, has used her ethical dog-training skills to branch out into making the most of the ideal beaches around Bournemouth and Poole by offering to teach dogs to surf with their owners!

A lifelong dog lover, Vicky has immersed herself in all things dog-related for as long as she can remember. A believer in ethical training methods without fear, pain or punishment, she is a member of The School of Canine Science, The Dog Training Academy, The Victoria Stilwell Academy and Dr Dunbar’s Dog Behaviour and Training Academy. Vicky lives and breathes dogs, and loves sharing her knowledge and passion with others.

As well as offering dog and puppy training, dog owners can immerse themselves (quite literally!) in the Dorset waves, accompanied by their dog on board! By teaching the dogs confidence and calmness in the water, both dog and owner can enjoy the waves safely. All that’s needed, alongside Vicky’s training, is the hire of a dog-safe surfboard and lifejacket. Vicky believes in slow learning techniques that help the dog to digest information in their own time, rather than forcing behaviour on them.

     Dogs and owners start to catch the waves

Paws on Board offers the only dog surfing lessons in the area. By building confidence, balance and behaviour on a board, it offers a unique way to bond with your canine companion whilst having fun and learning new skills. The organisation was recently recognised by the local newspaper, the Bournemouth Echo, as a ‘Trader of the Week’ for the enterprising way that Vicky has developed the business.

If you would like to find out more about Paws on Board, the website has lots of useful information:

https://pawsonboard.co.uk/

     Getting ready to hit the surf

All photos with thanks and credit to Paws on Board.https://pawsonboard.co.uk/

Dog theft is on the rise – especially since lockdown

For pet owners, the sudden disappearance of their beloved companion is one of the worst things imaginable. But sadly, for many owners, this is becoming a harsh reality as dog theft is on the increase.

During lockdown, many people sought the companionship of a new puppy, thinking it was the ideal time to settle in a new member of the family. Unscrupulous thieves have noticed this surge in demand, and as prices increased, so have thefts.

Dog theft is not new. There have always been those who steal dogs and puppies for their own gain. There are several motives for stealing a dog, including reselling to puppy farms for breeding, or at an inflated price via online community sites such as Gumtree, and also, shockingly, for dog fighting. There are even instances of dogs being stolen and taken to medical and other types of laboratories, to be used in experimentation.

More recently. thieves have spotted that dogs (and especially puppies) are a quick and easy way to make money. With the rise in ‘fashionable’ breeds of dog (often owned by celebrities who post pictures, posing with their pooch on social media), an increase in demand for certain breeds has followed. Pugs, Cockapoos, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas are just some of the breeds currently in high demand. Dogs such a these are targets for thieves who know that they can sell one quickly.

© By DK1k - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77847428

French bulldogs are particularly popular, and are a target for thieves.

Responsible owners take all the recommended steps to safeguard their dog, including microchipping, never leaving him unattended, and keeping him on a lead. However, thieves are increasingly targeting private gardens, as well as stealing from reputable breeders’ property by breaking in to take puppies, some so young that they should not leave their mother. This is heartbreaking for the unsuspecting owner or breeder who believed their dogs or puppies were safe.

Dog fighting, although banned in the UK, along with the owning of fighting dogs, still takes place in secret, and dogs can be stolen for the distressing purpose of being taught to fight, or used as bait to train other dogs.

© Dogslost

Above, just a selection of posts from ‘Dogslost.co.uk’ in the last few weeks. Dogslost is the UK’s largest lost and found service.

Campaigners have petitioned to call on the Government to make pet theft a specific crime, rather than being treated as ‘property theft.’ Given the heartbreak and suffering it causes to both owners and dogs, the punishment, they believe, should fit the crime, and regarded differently. The animal group Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (Sampa) campaigns for tougher legislation on pet theft, and compulsory microchipping. A glance at its website shows the scale of missing pets, with many French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers missing, as well as other breeds. Although focussed on dogs, some cats are also stolen, especially pedigree breeds, so the same caution is required by owners of feline companions.

The RSPCA has produced a helpful checklist reminding owners of the dangers, and how we can protect our dogs, and keep them safe during this period of increased theft:

© RSPCA

In the current climate of increased dog theft, please keep yours safe and protected, whether at home or when out and about.

A campaigning message from #PetTheftReform shared on social media and by © SAMPA

Caring for a golden oldie - how to say goodbye in a good way

Those who read our books live all over the world, and we love to hear from them when they get in touch with us. Carolyn Walters is based in Australia, and here she writes about how our book Older dog? No worries! has helped her to care for her Golden Oldie, Hugo, improving quality of life for them both. 

Me and my Golden Oldie

I recently received from my good friend Robyn Youl a copy of Older Dog? No Worries! as she knows that my old companion, Hugo, and I had begun going through some rough times due to his advancing years.

                                                  Young Hugo

Hugo – who's thirteen-and-a-half – had always been healthy until about a year ago when his health deteriorated very quickly, which, mentally, I struggled with as I hadn't prepared myself for the particular challenges of an ageing dog.

                                                                      Hugo at 13

The physical pain that Hugo was suffering resulted in a decline in his mental health. I wasn’t sure what to do to help him, but Older Dog? No worries! has helped me understand what's happening to Hugo, and how to make his transition through old age easier.

Amongst other things the book illustrates different approaches to enhancing a dog’s senses, which I’ve found very effective due to the fact that Hugo is almost completely deaf. I have incorporated some interactive and sensory activities into Hugo's life, who has learned to trust his other senses in his everyday life, and his confidence has increased because of this. 

Hugo recently lost his lifetime companion – Zeph, the dog he grew up with – and I was concerned that this may cause him to become anxious and depressed, but, instead, the reverse appears to have happened, and Hugo seems to be thriving as his mental and physical health have greatly improved.

                                                  Hugo and Zeph

Now, Hugo is extremely absorbed in his new lifestyle, is more animated than ever before, and seems to enjoy a considerably improved quality of life, being confident, comfortable, relaxed and happy. 

I could not ask for anything more. 

Older dog? No worries! has opened my eyes, and shown me that although Hugo is an old dog, there are little things I can do to improve the quality of his final years. It has also shown me how to prepare mentally for the different stages that Hugo will experience and, of course, for the final stage. 

If I was to say in just a few words what my understanding of the book is, and what I have learned from it, they would be: How to say goodbye in a good way …

Carolyn Walters

Australia

Adopting pets during lockdown - is it the right thing to do?

Whilst most of the world’s population is in lockdown due to the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a lot of coverage in the media about adopting a pet. But is this enforced confinement really an ideal time to welcome a new cat or dog into the household?

In theory it could be – when else would we be confined to our homes for such a long period of time, and so be there throughout the day to help settle a new family member into their new home?

Some people may be feeling isolated and lonely, cut off from their friends, family and colleagues, and longing for the company that an animal companion would undoubtedly bring during self-isolation.

These are worthy reasons to consider adoption, and without doubt there are thousands of pets looking for their ‘forever home’ and the love of a new owner.

However, adopting a pet is a huge undertaking, and many prospective owners don’t consider the full implications first. The lifetime cost of owning a dog is calculated at anything between £5,000 – 15,000 depending on the breed (source PDSA https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/the-cost-of-owning-a-dog) and that may be without factoring in vet’s fees and insurance!     

When the pandemic finally ends and life begins to return to some sort of normality, many people will return to work and study, leaving homes empty for much of the day. Dogs can’t be left for more than a few hours, so unless you are lucky enough to have a dog-friendly workplace or the option to continue to regularly work from home, think very carefully before adopting, as it will be hard to adjust back to a different pattern once a dog is part of the household. Dogs need regular daily exercise so time for walks should be factored in.

Moreover, many dogs have come to be in a centre because their previous owner could not (or would not) adapt to having a dog and had to give them up. What could be more distressing for the dog who is returned to a shelter, having had a taste of being part of a loving household?    

Cats are by nature more adaptable, but considerable thought is still required before adoption. Whilst they are naturally more independent than dogs, many cats are especially loyal to their owners and miss them when they are away. If you plan to keep a cat indoors, he will need stimulation in the form of toys, a comfortable place to sleep, a litter tray, and fresh water and regular feeding. Two cats can be company for one another, if they get along. Consider whether it is safe to install a cat flap, allowing access to the outdoors. It may be fine if you live in a quiet area away from busy roads, but, sadly, many cats lose their lives to cars each year so this may not be the best option.

Animal adoption organisations and sanctuaries have taken different approaches during lockdown. Battersea’s adoption centres are closed during the COVID 19 epidemic. Cat’s Protection is limiting adoption through its centres for the safety of  staff and volunteers. Dog’s Trust is  rehoming only an exceedingly small number of animals, and its rehoming centres are closed for th duration of the pandemic in the interests of both staff and animals. Remember that once the pandemic is over, the dogs and cats will still be there, needing homes more than ever, and adoption decisions can be made in the light of the situation people find themselves in then, which may be very different to how it used to be, pre-lockdown.

Think very carefully about animal adoption, particularly in this unsettling time. Undoubtedly, welcoming a canine or feline companion into your life can be one of the best things you can do, and giving a home to a previously homeless animal is to be commended.

But it may be better to wait until ‘normal’ life has resumed before taking that big step ...