DogsTrust Blogs

Pets at Home

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:29:00 GMT

Earlier in the month I accompanied Matthew Davies, the CEO of Pets at Home on a tour of our West London Rehoming Centre in Harefield. Dogs Trust has always worked well with Pets at Home and we value their dedicated stance on not selling puppies. During the summer the centre really looks at its best and it is really heart warming to see people meeting and bonding with dogs in the beautifully landscaped outside areas. It was wonderful when Matthew summed up his tour by telling me that it had been a real privilege to visit the centre and see so many gorgeous, happy dogs.

Greyhounds

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:20:00 GMT

With the closure of Walthamstow Stadium last weekend – greyhounds have been hitting the headlines. Many journalists have chosen to go down the nostalgic route in their articles – lamenting the demise of the sport and reminiscing about the so called ‘glory days’ of dog racing. I would have preferred them to dedicate more column inches to considering the rehoming process that will follow the closure.

Last week I was in Ireland to talk to the Greyhound Industry about plans for changes to the rules governing greyhound racing in the UK and how we are hoping that they can contribute to better welfare for the dogs. I had never been involved in a video conferencing situation before and, call me old fashioned, but I think there is nothing like meeting people face to face, but it was a fascinating process!

Pedigree dogs Exposed!

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:04:00 GMT

It was horrifying to watch last night's Pedigree Dogs Exposed programme on BBC1. I am very aware that the Kennel Club has been making significant efforts in the recent past to persuade breed clubs that they need to make more effort to eradicate genetic disease and carefully control inbreeding. We hope this programme provides them with the impetus and muscle to accelerate their plans.

Dogs Trust is aware that there are many genetic defects in pedigree dogs which cause significant health and welfare problems. We see many afflicted dogs in our Rehoming Centres and deal with the consequences. Not just the physical problems but also the mental anguish. Dogs Trust recognises that the majority of breeders are responsible and prioritise the welfare of their dogs; but we believe that the following four steps would help reduce the suffering of some pedigree dogs.

Two Elderly gentlemen and award winning staff in Devon

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:49:00 GMT

Last week I visited our Ilfracombe Rehoming Centre - it really must be one of the prettiest of all our locations especially when the sun is shining. Despite being compact, it manages to find homes for many, many dogs.

I enjoyed a guided tour and was really gratified to see so how many of the residents had been snapped up and were waiting to go to their new homes. Amongst all the wonderful dogs, two gorgeous Westies – Bill and Ben - caught my eye. They had been bought in as their owner had sadly died. Because she was carrying one of our Canine Care Cards it meant that we were able to step in quickly and take care of the dogs. Although Bill and Ben are rather elderly with a minor few health problems, they will make wonderful companions to the right rehomer and I’m looking forward to hearing about their new life soon.

Our International Visitors

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:47:00 GMT

We recently invited representatives from ten animal welfare organisations from around Europe to come and learn about Dogs Trust work practices, and hear about their issues and concerns.

It was heart-warming to be able to help like minded people who devote themselves to the care of dogs in other countries, especially when some have to battle on a daily basis to provide basic care for their animals.

Summer is coming

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:47:00 GMT

The summer is approaching and soon we shall all be more inclined towards spending time in the great outdoors.

This is especially welcome news for the dog owners amongst us, who will find their daily walks with their canine friends distinctly more enjoyable. This country is blessed with such beautiful countryside, and what better way to enjoy it than with a four –legged companion? If you are not lucky enough to have a dog at present, we at Dogs Trust are always on the look out for new volunteers to assist with walking the 16,000 dogs in our care.

Dog Rescue

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:27:00 GMT

Some of you may have been watching Dog Rescue, a fly-on-the-wall documentary about Dogs Trust West London and Manchester Dogs Home which is screened on ITV every Sunday evening for the next three weeks. It had 3.2 million viewers in the second week, which is a staggering number and so heartwarming to see that rescue dogs are topping the TV viewing charts!

For the past few months an ITV film crew has been following staff at our Rehoming Centre in Harefield, West London, to capture the day to day life of a busy dog rescue centre.

Dogs Trust Honours

clarissa.baldwin1@dogstrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:47:00 GMT

Our very first Dogs Trust Honours Awards…

“The doggy Oscars” 2008

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas

Clarissa.Baldwin@DogsTrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:09:00 GMT

One of the nice things about writing a blog during the run up to Christmas is that amid the frantic business of shopping, cooking and socialising it gives one the perfect excuse to spend a quiet moment reflecting on the past year and planning for the future.

It would be quite wrong of me to write a festive blog (ugly word, useful tool) without mentioning my favourite saying

Greyhound Report

Clarissa.Baldwin@DogsTrust.org.uk (Clarissa Baldwin) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:47:00 GMT

As one of the assessors for Lord Donoughue’s independent review, I am pleased that the long awaited report into the Regulation of the Greyhound Industry has now been published. I am sure the next few weeks will see a flurry of activity with differing views on what is, and what is not, included in the 150 page report.

There will undoubtedly be those who think it is the answer to the future of greyhound racing and others that feel it has not been as revolutionary as they had hoped and expected.