Cruel Abandonment of Terrier Shocks Dogs Trust Staff

Staff at our Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre were left shocked last weekend after examining CCTV footage that revealed a man throwing a terrier cross over the 8ft fence leading into the staff carpark in broad daylight.

The incident took place at approximately 09.50 hrs last Sunday morning. Dogs Trust centre manager Catriona Birt said “the footage clearly shows a man driving a dark coloured Mercedes Benz pulling into the car park of Dogs Trust and taking out a little dog from the back seat of the car, walking straight over to the fence and throwing him over. You can see that the poor little dog is distressed, trying to understand what has happened and frantically looking for it’s owner’ The dog was quickly seen to by the Dogs Trust vet on call where he remained under medical supervision for 24 hours. Catriona said “The dog was shaken and confused but has come on leaps and bounds in the last few days.  We have named him Memphis, he is a gorgeous little man so full of love and life’.
Mark Beazley, executive director Dogs Trust said “Dogs Trust’s door is open to anybody who would like to come in and have a chat about rehoming a dog or any other aspect of dog welfare. We are aware that people’s circumstances change and understand it’s a very sad and sometimes traumatic situation for somebody when they can no longer look after their pet.  We would encourage people to seek information about the proper way to deal with such a situation, for instance going to other welfare organisations close to them for advice on the options open to them.Mark added “Our centre is been run at full occupancy since the day we officially opened our doors in 2009, our priority is to rehome as many dogs as we possibly can.  We cannot, as is the case with all animal welfare organisations, take in every surrender enquiry that we receive, we just don’t have the room but we always give advice about the best course of action to take.”

Dogs Trust are searching for the next ‘Santa’s Little Helper’

Dogs Trust are searching for the next ‘Santa’s Little Helper’

Can you believe it’s that time of year again!  If you would like to see your dapper doggie on the front of a Dogs Trust Christmas card then get cracking!

We are currently designing our 2012 cards and have 1 spot to feature a photo of your pooch!

Anyone can submit a pic and we are not restricting this to rehomed Dogs Trust dogs. Please feel free to share this with your dog owning friends and family.

Here are the Guidelines

1. The photo must be Christmas themed. (Think snow, Christmas trees, fairy lights, stockings, tinsel, Santa, winter coats, presents etc.) It’s okay to stage it!
2. The photo needs to be high quality so that we can print great quality cards. (It is ok to upload a lower resolution photo as long as you can email us a high resolution photo at a later date if required.)
3. We will not be able to use any blurred photos as they will not print well.
4. Make sure the photo is nice and bright.
5. Dogs only in the photo! We cannot have any of the other family members in the photo, so animals only!
6. We cannot accept any dogs in fancy dress, but props like crackers, Christmas hats, stockings etc. are fine.
7. The photo must belong to you as we will need your permission to use the image for all uses.
8. Tip: Try not to have too much going on in your photo, after all it’s all about the dog!
9. You can upload the photo directly onto our facebook page or email it to dtmarketing.ie@gmail.com
10. Include some information about your dog like name, age, where they came from etc.
11. Entries are restricted to 2 photos per person.

The closing date is 12 noon on Thursday 6th September 2012 so send in your pics ASAP!

Please don’t be disappointed if your photo is not picked, as we will only have 1 spot to fill. This year 9 of our Dogs Trust current residents will be featuring in the pack in order to try and find them a home.

Kayleigh and DeeDee review W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose

Kayleigh, from our Fundraising team and her dog DeeDee the Staffy cross, let us know what they think about this charming tale of a dog's lives...
(which has been 49 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list!)

DeeDee takes a closer look

Despite my best efforts, DeeDee was having none of it when I tried to convince her that what we really wanted to be doing on a rainy Saturday afternoon was going for a nice long walk. So instead of enjoying the great, very wet, outdoors we spent the afternoon curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea (for me), a fresh bowl of water (for DeeDee) and A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron.

It's a heart warming tale, narrated by a dog recounting the journey of being reincarnated through many lives trying to find and fulfil its purpose.

The simplistic writing style makes this book a very easy read and you’ll find yourself chuckling out loud, although be warned: any pet owner will undoubtedly get a lump in their throat at a few poignant moments. 

If ever you find yourself looking at your canine companion and wondering what they are thinking and the stories they could tell you, you will almost certainly enjoy this book. DeeDee and I found it perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon, and with our wonderful "Summers" we can guarantee there are going to be a few...

Dogs Unleashed Campaign

We're supporting the efforts of Dogs Unleashed campaigning for fair and balanced bye-laws in Dun Loghaire-Rathdown, where the County Council has recently proposed considerable restrictions on dog walking in the area.

Check out their video and sign the petition at http://www.dogs-unleashed.org/category/campaign/

DunLaoire Rathdown County Council (DLR) has proposed amendments to the beach bye-laws that ban dogs from ever entering the designated bathing area at Seapoint and Sandycove. They also ban dogs from the designated bathing area of Killiney beach for 5 months from May - September inclusive. Outside of designated areas, dogs may be exercised off leash but only before 10am and after 7pm, which for six months of the year would be in total darkness for evening exercise. The bye-laws make dog ownership very difficult in DLR and do nothing to tackle the key issues.

The Dogs Unleashed campaign centres on responsible and accountable dog ownership. Dogs Unleashed is asking DLR to enact fair and balanced bye-laws that consider all citizens who enjoy our open spaces and not the draconian and anti-dog regulations proposed. They also want these laws enforced on the minority of dog owners who fail to dispose of dog faeces and who actually allow their dogs to be 'out of control' thereby causing any sort of nuisance to the public at large. Dogs Trust supports Dogs Unleashed in their efforts.

Microchipping!

 Recently the rehoming centre has been presented with a number of dogs found by members of the public which to our delight, turned out to be microchipped. However, in some cases the details on the database were that of the breeder or the owner had since moved or changed their contact telephone number.

After some detective work by our staff, we did eventually manage to re-unite some of the dogs with their owners.

We hope that by writing this blog, it will remind people to register their own details and to keep these up to date and also to dispel any myths people may have about microchipping!

Is it a legal requirment to microchip your dog?

No, however the Control of Dogs Act (1986) states that all dogs must wear a collar and identification tag while in a public place.

The owner's contact information should be clearly legible and should ideally include a contact telephone number and address.

Identification tags should be of a good quality, durable material with a solid connection to the collar.

Why should I microchip my dog?

Collars and tags can easily be removed so permanent identification such as microchipping should be considered by all dog owners.

Even if you have a secure area for your dog, there is always the possibility they may be mistakenly let out or escape. All dogs picked up by wardens, rescue organisations and those handed into veterinary practices are routinely scanned for a microchip.

We also have to face the reality that many dogs are stolen in Ireland each year. Sometimes these dogs are sold on, used for breeding or other purposes and can be found very far away from home.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID). It is composed of a tiny radio receiver and transmitter, enclosed in glass with or without a plastic coating.

How long to microchips remain active for?

Microchips generally remain active for decades.

What size is a microchip?

Microchips are approximately 12mm in length and 1mm in diameter, about the size of a grain of rice!

How does a microchip work?

The microchip lies dormt under the dog's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. When an appropriate reader is used, a radio signal is emitted to the microchip. The signal pwers it up and the chip transmits a signal containing the 15 digit number back to the reader.

So how am I contacted?

If you pet is found and scanned, their microchip number is entered into the database where your contact details have been recorded.

However, if a microchip has not been registered to the current owner, they cannot be contacted.

We cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring your contact details are registered, not the breeder or rescue organisation's details. Remember that many years could pass before you pet escapes or becomes lost and at that stage, the breeder or rescue may no longer have your details. There, should you change address or phone number (especially mobile phone number) you must ensure you update your details on the database!

To check if your details are registered, simply enter your pet's microchip number on http://www.europetnet.com/ or http://www.petmaxx.com/

Where can I get my pet microchipped?

Your pet can be microchipped at any veterinary practice. The most important aspect of microchipping is that your register your details on the implanter's database. You will receive paperwork to complete this from your veterinary practicioner. Most databases allow online completion and instant registration.

If you are not comfortable with the internet and want your pet immediately registered, as your veterinary practice to assist you.

Best practice

It is best practice to have your pet scanned each time he/she visits your local vet, just to ensure to chip has not moved and is still active.

Please also ensure, in the unfortunate event that your dog is taken, please report the dog as stolen to the microchip database.


Here's a link to our website where you can read more about microchipping
http://www.dogstrust.ie/az/m/microchipping/default.aspx

Introducing Betty!

Betty is a beautiful 6 year old, deaf, short haired Collie cross, with the most amazing ears may we add! She came to the centre over a year ago with two other dogs who were both rehomed, but sadly Betty has never left the centre.


Due to the length of time she has been with us, she is really beginning to struggle in kennels. She has good doggy skills and loves a playful pal to wrestle with and then have a nice snuggle with when everyone goes home for the evening.

Betty is a super smart Collie and has learned her basic cues through hand signals and targeting, as she cannot hear cue words/sounds. She is a very sweet, affectionate dog and if there was an adopter looking for a clever Collie to work with, she would be amazing! 


Unfortunately for some reason, nobody ever asks about Betty but we know the right home is out there for her. She is a very pretty girl and would truly make an amazing dog for the right family!


For more information on adopting Betty, please pop into the centre or give us a call on (01) 879 1000. We would love to hear from you. If you know anyone thinking of adding to their family, please tell them about Betty, or any of the other 153 dogs we currently have here in the centre, looking for their forever homes.

All of these dogs will be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before leaving the centre. They go home with a collar and lead, as well as a little bag of food to get you started! Dogs Trust also provide a lifetime of behavioural support for our dogs and their adopters! 

Just a few pics to share with you all...

Luah is an English Bull Terrier who is deaf. He has received some special training here so that he now knows some sign language! A very sweet dog, who needs a forever home ASAP.

 Oscar and Lilly, St Bernards. Lilly has been rehomed since this pic was taken and we are now looking for a home for her friend Oscar. He is a big loveable boy, who just wants someone to play with.

 Jake is a 2 and half year old German Shepherd who just wants a home where his family will take the time to get to know him. He just loves to play with his friend Korma!

This is Jake playing ball with his pal, Korma. Korma is a 2 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. He is just full of mischief so would promise plenty of fun times for a prospective new family.

This is Finn - talk about a stunning looking dog! He is still only a baby at 9 months old, so would definitely need a home where the family will work patiently with him to improve his doggy skills. Once he gets to know you, Finn will be your best friend and probably never want to leave your side!

Poor Scooter is not the most attractive looking dog. We suspect he came to us with ringworm or mange, which badly damaged his skin and has left the poor guy with serveral bald patches. Aside from this appearance though, this little guy is an absolute super star who just wants someone to love him and play with him.

Oh now this beauty is Dove. She is just stunning, don't you think? She is a 2 year old Collie cross, just a fabulous all-round dog, who can be a pure goofball when she gets to know and trust you! She does love company so would need a home where someone would be home with her the majority of the day.

If you are interested in any of the above dogs and think you could offer them the loving home they deserve, please do pop into the centre for a visit! We open every day from 12pm til 4pm, apart from Tuesdays. We are even open at the weekends and bank holidays! If you know someone who is thinking of adding to their family, do have them check out our website or pop in to say hello, we have over 154 adult dogs and puppies who are all looking for their forever homes!