Seeing a dog-tor on the NHS or engaging in animal therapy could help ease lockdown loneliness.
In the wake of rising lockdown loneliness, a medical law firm is questioning whether alternative, more holistic treatments could be the answer – perhaps in puppy form.
Jennifer Smith, Litigation Executive, suggests that engaging with animals offers multiple health and social benefits.
“Pets are a great way to enhance social interaction. When out walking a dog, you find people stop and speak to you more often than if walking by yourself.”
“There is also the exercise that comes with owning pets. Taking the dog for a walk or cleaning out the fish tank or cage gets you away from the computer screen and helps improve your mood if you have had a stressful day at work.”
As NHS costs continue to rise to meet the increasing demands on mental health services, Smith also comments that regular check-ups with a dog-tor may help.
“Therapy dogs may be a more cost-effective means than perhaps more invasive means of therapy, and the patient may be more willing to engage in such treatment,” explains Jennifer Smith, Litigation Executive at Patient Claim Line.
“If the person is an animal lover, there may be more willingness to attend treatment appointments which again will help save money. Missed GP appointments cost the NHS £216million a year (source: NHS England).”
The average salary of a therapist in the UK is £33,043 per annum according to Payscale.com. According to the PDSA, dogs typically cost between £6,500 and £17,000 over a lifetime, and up to £105 a month. Based on these costs, twenty-six dogs could be supplied for the same cost of one therapist.
Of course, improving access to mental health resources is not as simple as prescribing dogs to patients. There are many variants of different mental health issues ranging from mild anxiety to more disabling psychosis conditions which will require their own specialist treatment plans.
However, Patient Claim Line hopes their comments will inspire investigation into complementary and alternative therapy medicine, which is currently limited on the NHS (source: NHS England). The firm also hopes to highlight the importance of patients having access to the right treatment for them.
7.3 million people are on antidepressants in the UK – that’s 17% of the adult population. (source: Gov.UK) Antidepressants are associated with withdrawal. Whilst medication may be the right treatment path for some patients, it’s crucial for long-term health that patients are not prescribed medication that they do not need, that the long-term side-effects of medication is properly explained to them and that other treatment options are explored.
According to a 2019 poll of 12,000 people by mental health charity Mind, just 21 percent of patients that were taking psychiatric pills were definitely told about potential side-effects.
“If you think you’ve been recommended the wrong treatment or diagnosis on the NHS, then you could complain to the GP or Trust,” explains Jennifer. “But this will not result in any compensation for pain, suffering and other financial losses that you may have incurred as a result of your wrong treatment or misdiagnosis.
There is also the option of instructing solicitors to investigate if the incorrect treatment and/or diagnosis is serious enough to be negligent. Medical negligence solicitors are skilled in legal proceedings and will quickly be able to let you know if you have a claim.”
As Swedish Lapland prepares for its usually popular winter tourism season, a local couple from Northern Soul Journeys have gone one step further and are documenting their time across the year with a weekly film as they train their huskies, grow, forage, preserve and create in preparation for guests returning.
The new dedicated YouTube channel will follow Hannah and Jeremias, and their Alaskan huskies, at their home just outside Lulea, Swedish Lapland. Launched this week the new video channel will open the door to life in Lapland and has been created as an extension of their popular tourism experiences that will once again be running later in the year.
“Our experiences have always been more than just a ride on a dog sled. We welcome every guest as an extension of our family so they can really experience what life is like in the Arctic,” says Jeremias. “This is what we hope to do for the rest of the year and give people a window into what life is like living in the Arctic wilderness.”
The seasons in the Arctic are more dramatically different than anywhere else on the planet, so much so, that locally there are eight seasons recognized, rather than four. With the warm summer months and midnight sun, comes a blossom of color and life with fruit and vegetables being grown and harvested. Hannah and Jeremias also have four teams of Huskies to care for, so there’s plenty of exercise and teamwork training required as they run pulling an ATV, rather than the winter sled.
“With the snow now melted away the summer sun brings life back to the forest, it’s the time of year we roll our sleeves up to work the land. As all our guests enjoy homemade breads, cakes, jams and preserves in the winter, we now need to grow, forage and harvest all the ingredients to see us through,” adds Jeremias.
Jeremias who born in Norrbotten met American born Hannah in Northern Sweden, where Hannah was a dog mushing guide and Jeremias was a snowmobile guide. Their first date was spent on a dog sled, and they have never looked back, starting their own experiences that didn’t just take guests out dogsledding, but teach them to become a ‘musher’ and run their own team of dogs.
“It is always important to experience more, and grow as a person, something that we pride ourselves in giving each of our guests,” says Hannah. “In the meantime, as we return from COVID, we wanted to bring a piece of the Arctic experience to people’s homes – and so our new video channel was launched.”
A private dogsled experience with the team at Northern Soul Journeys can last from one hour to a full day, costing from £100 per person. This includes a full guided tour with all of the equipment and instruction required; additional quality Arctic clothing; and plenty of time to get to know the dogs.
For more information about the Northern Soul Journeys, the new daily broadcast and experiences for next winter, visit www.northernsouljourneys.com, or to learn more about the region visit www.swedishlapland.com
OUR DOGS
We have Alaskan Huskies. You won’t find them at any dog show, but these dogs are built to run. The word husky refers to any sled dog, ranging form an Alaskan Malamute, to a Siberian Husky, to an Alaskan Husky, and everything in between. Each type has a different purpose Malamutes are very slow, but can haul a lot of weight, while the Alaskan is much faster and is the most common husky that you’ll see in races.
You might be wondering why our dogs all look so different. That is because when we decide to make puppies we choose parents based on their conformation (their body structure), work ethic, fur quality, and personality. Things we don’t care about are markings or eye color. By having a diverse gene pool we can ensure that our dogs are healthy, hearty, and hard working.
Northern Soul Journeys is a small family-owned and operated dog sledding company in Norrbotten, Swedish Lapland. It was founded by Hannah and Jeremias Kinnunen-Levy in 2018. They offer a wide variety of tours throughout the year with our main focus being winter dog sledding tours.
Hannah and Jeremias met in Northern Sweden, where Hannah was a dog mushing guide and Jeremias was a snowmobile guide.
Their first date was spent on a dog sled, and while they drove through the forest, they realized they wanted the same things out of life.
At the end of the 2015-2016 winter season, they decided to test their relationship with a 1400 km hike through the Swedish mountains. They figured that if they could make it through that without killing each other, they would certainly make a good team.
At the end of the hike, they were a few kilos lighter and in love. After another winter season, they were ready to build their own dream of living a life with dogs close to nature.
Northamptonshire based Vetoquinol has announced its acquisition of Profender® and Drontal®, the broad spectrum dewormers for cats and dogs and is now the new owner of the brands in the UK and Ireland.
The brands were acquired by Vetoquinol following recent mergers between Bayer Animal Health and Elanco.
The popular pet brands come into the fold at Vetoquinol with a strong heritage and reputation.
Caitrina Oakes, Vetoquinol Managing Director UK and Ireland, says she is delighted to have brought the brands into the Vetoquinol portfolio and believes they are a natural fit for the company.
“Vetoquinol has long held a reputation for delivering therapeutic products that extend the capability of clinicians to treat and manage disease. Preventative care is also playing an increasingly central role in practices, with the emphasis on helping pets live longer, healthier, happier lives. With many pet owners spending more hours than ever with their pets during lockdown, companion animal parasiticides have never been more important.”
MPs on Parliament’s Petitions Committee have expressed disappointment at the Government’s response to their call to make pet theft a specific criminal offence.
Last month, following a string of petitions with more than 250,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee called for the Government to ensure the value of pets is fully recognised in the law and for pet theft to be made a specific crime.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Justice, Committee Chair Catherine McKinnell MP and Committee member Tom Hunt MP urged Ministers to ensure that sentencing options available to courts acted as a real deterrent for those who commit pet theft crimes. The letter also set out options for the Government on how to achieve this, and urged Ministers to take urgent action to amend legislation.
Formally responding to the Committee in a letter published today [30/07/2020], the Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, acknowledged the impact of pet theft as causing “deep distress” for pet owners. The Minister also said he recognised the “strength of feeling among campaigners regarding this issue” but reiterated that the Government has no plans to take further action in terms of legislation against those committing acts of pet theft. In his letter, the Secretary of State for Justice stated he was satisfied that current laws cover the crime of pet theft.
The response from the Government comes as recent research by DogLost showed thefts surged 65% amid lockdown – compared with the same period last year. The figures will add to concerns raised by pet theft reform campaigners, whose research has shown that the number of thefts is continuing to increase year-on-year.
Expressing disappointment at the response from the Government, Chair of the Petitions Committee, Catherine McKinnell MP, said:
“Pet theft is a truly callous crime. It strikes at the heart of families and the evidence is showing that every year the Government fails to take action the problem is getting worse.
“With the issue of pet theft now spiralling, it is incredibly disappointing that the Government have decided against taking action and bringing forward tougher sentencing for this awful crime.
“Petitioners have been pressing Parliament and the Government on this issue since 2018, with more than 250,000 signatures on petitions urging action to be taken.”
Petitions Committee Member, Tom Hunt MP, said:
“Pet theft is a particularly cruel crime, robbing people of a cherished source of companionship and causing untold harm to the animals themselves.
“I’m disappointed the Government has set out that it has no plans to make pet theft a specific offence in its response to the virtual discussion I chaired with the campaigners behind the Pet Theft Reform Petition.”
Commenting specifically on the (typically unenforced ref. pet thefts) 7 year sentencing outlined by Robert Buckland QC in his letter, Tom Hunt MP said:
“In the absence of a specific offense for pet theft, pets are classed by the law as inanimate objects, with their theft usually resulting in no more than paltry £250 fines. This punishment simply doesn’t reflect the serious nature of the crime.
“I’m firmly of the view that the law doesn’t reflect where the public is on this issue, and I will be pushing for Pet Theft Reform to get the debate in Parliament it deserves after the recess.”
Concerned campaigners for pet theft reform took part in a discussion last month with Petitions Committee Member Tom Hunt MP. Among those discussing the growing issue of pet theft were experts and academics in the field including John Cooper QC and Keele University academic Dr Daniel Allen, who has launched three separate petitions on the issue [watch the discussion here].
The letter sent last month by the Petitions Committee calls for the Government to bring forward legislation, by amending either the Theft Act or the Animal Welfare Act, to create a specific new offence of pet theft with an appropriate sentencing range to deter thieves and provide a punishment that reflects the true impact of pet theft.
It’s fair to say the Government haven’t heard the end of this.
“With significant cross-party consensus and public support on this issue, the Petitions Committee will continue to raise it with the Government and look to ensure there is opportunity to challenge their response by scheduling a Parliamentary debate to ensure the petitioners concerns continue to be heard,” concluded Catherine McKinnell MP.
According to a new study, 8 in 10 dog owners said their pet was extremely important to their mental wellbeing during the UK’s lockdown and believe their dogs were largely happy, some did admit that their dog wasn’t his usual self as a result of being indoors for longer periods of time with the whole family.
The findings have been shared by natural pet treat brand Pet Munchies, which also learnt half of dog owners made sure their dog had extra play sessions, 4 in 10 dog owners took more walks and almost a third chose to keep their dogs stimulated and occupied at home by teaching them new tricks!
Natasha and Toto / Photo Credit: Natasha Wise
Natasha Wise is a three-time world agility champion. She explains the benefit to a dog’s mental wellbeing from having stimulation, such as learning a new skill to get the mind whirring, during unusual times like these.
“Stimulation focuses a dog’s brain on the desired game and reduces stress, anxiety, and associated unwanted behaviours. As a result, through mental stimulation, dogs become happier resulting in calmness and settling around the home after a period of stimulation.
“The best training tip I can give is to find out what makes your dog tick and include that in your teaching as a reward you know your dog will love. My dogs have a particular favourite brand, Pet Munchies, they’re very versatile and my dogs love them so I always have them to hand.”
Natasha’s dog Toto in training / Photo Credit: Natasha Wise
The most popular tricks taught by dog owners include playing hide and seek, sit/stay, roll over and giving a paw on command. Some ambitious owners admitted that they taught their dog to tidy their toys up behind themselves, to fetch the TV remote and even to read!
And to reward their pets for learning fun, and sometimes practical, new skills, dog owners treated their dogs to their favourite food and treats, lavished hugs, kisses and affection on their clever dogs and a few lucky dogs were even gifted new toys.
Dog trainer Cat Donald had to temporarily close her business during the lockdown. She told K9 Magazine that she decided to teach her two-year-old Labrador Retriever, Skye, a new trick that she could use every day – to fetch her lead.
“Without Skye, lockdown would have been much harder to get through, she’s made it a bearable experience and the bond with my dog has definitely grown for the better,” says Cat.
Cat Donald and Skye / Photo Credit: Cat Donald
Ryan O’Meara shared this piece of advice to help dog owners help their dogs to beat post-lockdown blues:
“For dogs that have gotten used to the specific routine of having their owners around, it may be jarring for them when it suddenly and abruptly ends.
“Dogs love being with their family, so less time spent with their owners can make them sad. Re-establishing routine is the key component for making sure our dogs don’t suffer the post-lockdown blues.”
A new study by Pet Munchies has revealed how the UK’s dogs spent lockdown – and it’s very sweet, except more dogs than ever will now be hiding from their owners – and some dogs will now even be tidying up behind themselves! Is your dog one of them?
According to the natural pet treat brand, 8 in 10 pet owners said that their dogs were very important for their mental wellbeing during the lockdown and admitted that without their pets for company, it would have been a very different experience.
However, while 77 per cent of dog owners believe that their dogs were very happy during the lockdown, not all were so sure and 8 per cent admitted that their dogs were not their usual selves, putting this down to having to spend longer periods of time indoors and more time with the whole family at home2, something that under usual circumstances, would be limited for dogs to experience due to members of the family leaving home to go to school or work.
Former professional dog trainer Ryan O’Meara explained why this might impact on a dog’s happiness:
“Dogs are happiest and most content when they are in a routine. When dogs are used to days following specific patterns – wake up, breakfast, walk, kids leave to go to school, and so on, it can be something to overcome when patterns of behaviour change because it’s a shift to what they knew to be their family’s routine.”
Ryan training his two dogs, Chloe and Mia / Photo Credit: Ryan O’Meara
How dog owners attempted to make lockdown fun for their pets
In a bid to repay dogs for their crucial role to their happiness, half of pet parents admitted that they spent more time playing with their dogs at home, while 4 in 10 took in more walks and almost a third (29 per cent) decided to keep their dog’s brains stimulated by teaching their dog new skills with a third (31 per cent) declaring they’ve taught their dog one-two new tricks.
The most popular tricks taught by dog owners include playing hide and seek, sit/stay, roll over and giving a paw on command. Some ambitious owners admitted that they taught their dog to tidy their toys up behind themselves3, to fetch the TV remote and even to read!
And to reward their pets for learning fun, and sometimes practical, new skills, 72 per cent of dog owners treated their dogs to their favourite food and treats, 66 per cent lavished hugs, kisses and affection on their clever dogs and 11 per cent of owners gifted their dogs new toys.
UK dog owners taught their dogs these fun games & tricks during lockdown
Hide and seek
Sit/stay
Give paw
Roll over
Tidying up (putting toys away)
Fetch keys/TV remote
Learning to read
Source: Pet Munchies
Other popular brain puzzles and activities favoured by dogs and their owners included learning how to fetch their lead, fetching specific toys and learning agility, one of the UK’s most popular dog sports.
Natasha Wise is a three-time world agility champion. She explains the benefit to a dog’s mental wellbeing from having stimulation, such as learning a new skill to get the mind whirring, during unusual times like these.
Natasha’s dog Toto in training / Photo Credit: Natasha Wise
“Stimulation focuses a dog’s brain on the desired game and reduces stress, anxiety, and associated unwanted behaviours. As a result, through mental stimulation, dogs become happier resulting in calmness and settling around the home after a period of stimulation.
“The best training tip I can give is to find out what makes your dog tick and include that in your teaching as a reward you know your dog will love. My dogs have a particular favourite brand, Pet Munchies, they’re very versatile and my dogs love them so I always have them to hand.”
Ryan O’Meara shared this final piece of advice to help dog owners help their dogs to beat post-lockdown blues:
“For dogs that have gotten used to the specific routine of having their owners around, it may be jarring for them when it suddenly and abruptly ends.
“Dogs love being with their family, so less time spent with their owners can make them sad. Re-establishing routine is the key component for making sure our dogs don’t suffer the post-lockdown blues.”
A new study has revealed how the UK’s dogs spent lockdown – and it’s very sweet, except more dogs than ever will now be hiding from their owners – and some dogs will now even be tidying up behind themselves!
According to new research by natural pet treat brand Pet Munchies, dog owners said that without their pets for company, it would have been a very different experience, with 8 in 10 pet owners said that their dogs were very important for their mental wellbeing during the lockdown.
Toto in training / Photo Credit: Natasha Wise
However, while 77 per cent of dog owners believe that their dogs were very happy during the lockdown, not all were so sure and 8 per cent admitted that their dogs were not their usual selves, putting this down to having to spend longer periods of time indoors and more time with the whole family at home2, something that under usual circumstances, would be limited for dogs to experience due to members of the family leaving home to go to school or work.
Former professional dog trainer Ryan O’Meara explained why this might impact on a dog’s happiness:
“Dogs are happiest and most content when they are in a routine. When dogs are used to days following specific patterns – wake up, breakfast, walk, kids leave to go to school, and so on, it can be something to overcome when patterns of behaviour change because it’s a shift to what they knew to be their family’s routine.”
Ryan whistle training his two dogs, Chloe and Mia / Photo Credit: Ryan O’Meara
How dog owners attempted to make lockdown fun for their pets
In a bid to repay dogs for their crucial role to their happiness, half of pet parents admitted that they spent more time playing with their dogs at home, while 4 in 10 took in more walks and almost a third (29 per cent) decided to keep their dog’s brains stimulated by teaching their dog new skills with a third (31 per cent) declaring they’ve taught their dog one-two new tricks.
The most popular tricks taught by dog owners include playing hide and seek, sit/stay, roll over and giving a paw on command. Some ambitious owners admitted that they taught their dog to tidy their toys up behind themselves3, to fetch the TV remote and even to read!
And to reward their pets for learning fun, and sometimes practical, new skills, 72 per cent of dog owners treated their dogs to their favourite food and treats, 66 per cent lavished hugs, kisses and affection on their clever dogs and 11 per cent of owners gifted their dogs’ new toys.
Most popular dog tricks/games taught by owners in lockdown
Hide and seek
Sit/stay
Give paw
Roll over
Tidying up (putting toys away)
Fetch keys/TV remote
Learning to read
Source: Pet Munchies
Other popular brain puzzles and activities favoured by dogs and their owners included learning how to fetch their lead, fetching specific toys and learning agility, one of the UK’s most popular dog sports.
Natasha Wise, pictured below, is a three-time world agility champion. She explains the benefit to a dog’s mental wellbeing from having stimulation, such as learning a new skill to get the mind whirring, during unusual times like these.
Natasha and Toto / Photo Credit: Natasha Wise
“Stimulation focuses a dog’s brain on the desired game and reduces stress, anxiety, and associated unwanted behaviours. As a result, through mental stimulation, dogs become happier resulting in calmness and settling around the home after a period of stimulation.
“The best training tip I can give is to find out what makes your dog tick and include that in your teaching as a reward you know your dog will love. My dogs have a particular favourite brand, Pet Munchies, they’re very versatile and my dogs love them so I always have them to hand.”
Ryan O’Meara shared this final piece of advice to help dog owners help their dogs to beat post-lockdown blues:
“For dogs that have gotten used to the specific routine of having their owners around, it may be jarring for them when it suddenly and abruptly ends.
“Dogs love being with their family, so less time spent with their owners can make them sad. Re-establishing routine is the key component for making sure our dogs don’t suffer the post-lockdown blues.”
A German Shepherd named Marley was walking by the cliff edge at Bull Point in Ilfracombe, Devon and dropped his stick, which then tumbled over the edge.
Marley went over the cliff edge to retrieve his stick but ended up falling into the water and could not get out. His owner found a different route safely down but then could not get back up the cliff again.
Marley and his owner travelling back to safety with the RNLI / Photo Credit: Nikki Bradshaw
Two Coastguard rescue teams were also called to the incident as well as the Newquay Coastguard helicopter. The all-weather lifeboat was first to arrive on the scene and the Coxswain Carl Perrin instructed for the inflatable X-class boat to be put in the water, with a line keeping it secured to the ALB, so they could reach the shore.
Two crew members took the X-class to the shore, where the casualty and dog were both uninjured. They were brought to the ALB on the X-class, with the two crew members swimming back to the lifeboat so they could remain socially distant. The lifeboat was then back at the station around 12.25pm.
Marley and his owner back on land / Photo Credit: Nikki Bradshaw
After the rescue, Marley’s owner said: ‘I really can’t thank the RNLI enough for coming to help us.’
Coxswain Carl Perrin is reminding dog owners to be cautious, saying: ‘We would like to remind everyone to please keep their dogs on leads if they’re walking close to cliff edges and remember the best thing to do if your pet gets into trouble at the coast is don’t enter the water yourself, instead call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We’re all very glad there was a positive outcome in this case.’
Members of the Scottish Parliament have voted to raise the maximum sentence for animal cruelty in Scotland from 12 months to five years. The Bill will become law after it receives Royal Assent.
The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill was first introduced in the Scottish Parliament in October 2019 and it has now passed its third and final reading.
Charities have been campaigning to raise Scotland’s maximum sentences to five years, in line with many other countries in Europe.
Research published by Battersea in 2017 showed that the maximum sentence of 12 months for animal cruelty was among the lowest across the whole of Europe – with only five other countries having lower sentences (including England and Wales). Both fly-tipping and theft carried higher sentences.
Battersea’s Chief Executive, Claire Horton CBE, said: “This change would not have happened without everyone’s support. Now we desperately need England and Wales to follow in the Scots’ footsteps.”
In England and Wales, where the maximum punishment for animal cruelty is the lowest in Europe at just six months, the Westminster Bill has been postponed yet again; despite the Government first pledging its support almost three years ago in 2017.
The Bill has been published twice before but fell during the prorogation of Parliament in October 2019, and a second time when a general election was called in December.
A Private Member’s Bill brought in by Chris Loder MP is currently seeking to introduce these measures, but this month (June), it was delayed until 23 October 2020 – five months after its original date for discussion in Westminster.
If you feel strongly that the next discussion should not be delayed, write to your MP and encourage them to support and do what they can to push and avoid further delays.
We test a lot of pet tech. We’re lucky that way. So when we tell you what we think is the best pet treat camera for older dogs, it comes from a place of experience. We’ve tried loads.
New research recently revealed that we spend the most on our dogs when they are puppies or in their senior years, which makes sense really.
When our dogs are young, we try to find out what our puppies like/dislike to make them happy – and of course, the teething stage means we have to replace beds, toys, and more, multiple times, and when a dog enters their senior years, I think we’re more determined than ever to make each day special.
Or that’s how I see it.
Our oldest dog is 14 now and over the last couple of years, her mobility has slowed her down, her teeth and gums are more sensitive so hard chews are not really a suitable treat option any more and she’s never been one to play.
It brings unpredictability and variety to her day.
She never knows when the jingle to let her know treats are being dispensed might ring out, so she is more alert because heaven forbid another dog gets any.
When we’re away from home, it makes us feel like we’re never too far away from being connected with her. Something that’s more important than ever these days.
The Furbo app, which you use to dispense treats, is simple to use and works off wifi.
Furbo treat camera app
The app also lets you save your memories, letting you take videos and photos, and gives you the option to personalise what your dog hears when treats are dispensed.
Furbo treat camera two-way microphone (works even for older dogs)
The two-way mic and speaker also means you can talk to them while away from home. They can hear you and you can hear them.
It keeps her active and engaged.
Over the last six months, like many older dogs, her hearing has started to fade and she relies on my other dogs to let her know when they hear my personalised ‘who wants a biscuit?’ jingle.
Summary – the Furbo pet treat camera is perfect for older dogs (and younger ones too)
However, even though she no longer hears like she once did, her desire to get to the dog camera for the treats before anyone else is still as strong as ever – and she will barge anyone out of her way if need be (she’s always been focused and single-minded).
The concept of a dog treat cam may seem like a novelty in some ways, but quite honestly, we wouldn’t be without one. It has without a doubt made my dog’s days brighter.
Renowned BBC sports commentator Andrew Cotter, who has been entertaining us all through lockdown with videos of his own dogs Olive and Mabel, has created his latest hilarious video with a dog named Nala for a good cause .
UK-wide charity Dogs for Good launched their #WinningFromHome competition three weeks ago which asked entrants to post a video, on Twitter, of their own companion dog during the Covid-19 lockdown, as part of the charity’s ongoing efforts to highlight the power of dogs.
Each entrant donated £2 and over £1,000 has been raised to date. This money will help Dogs for Good train assistance and community dogs to live more independently.
The winning video shows one-year-old Cavapoo, Nala, as she attempts to catch a bird in the garden, and Andrew describes her as having “the stealth of a sofa moving across the lawn”.
He explains why he chose her video as the winner: “Sport has tension, anticipation, build-up, bursts of activity, concentration and drama and Nala’s quest delivers all of those things.
“Like any serious competitor, she’s absolutely focused on the job in hand and her commitment shines through.”
He added: “I chose to support Dogs for Good because the charity celebrates the inherent good in dogs and champions the power of the human-dog bond.
“It trains dogs to help people with a wide range of disabilities and those partnerships go on to change lives.”
Andrew Cotter with his dogs, Mabel and Olive
Nala’s owners Joe and Ruth Daniels, from Chingford in Essex, who have three children Caspar, Milla and Arthur, were thrilled to win this competition and love Andrew’s commentary.
Initially Ruth was wary about getting a dog but bowed to pressure from Caspar, and now they can’t imagine life without Nala as she’s brought so much happiness to the family.
Joe Daniels said: “I wasn’t aware of Dogs for Good as a charity before lockdown and the competition has been a lovely introduction to the very special, life-changing work it carries out.
“Nala’s a funny little thing and has a lot of character. She’s playful, determined and very much her own dog. During lockdown, she’s kept us all entertained in a number of ways and when she does her ‘bird dog’ thing, it’s turned into something of a family spectator sport.
“Andrew’s commentary is perfect and he’s done Nala’s efforts proud. The build, the tension, the humour, the whole nine yards. It’s such a special thing to have happened during lockdown and is a memory that we’ll really treasure.”
The Daniels family with Nala
Dogs for Good Chief Executive, Peter Gorbing, said: “We’re all really thrilled to have worked with Andrew Cotter on this competition and well done to our very worthy winner, Nala.
“The competition highlights the fact that now, more than ever, dogs have a huge part to play in keeping the human spirit buoyed. They have anchored so many of us through lockdown by simply being dogs and offering us their unconditional and life-changing devotion.”
New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals that, for the first time since the study began in 2014, there has been a year-on-year fall in the number of dogs reported stolen across England and Wales.
In 2019, an estimated 2,026 dogs were reported as stolen to police forces, a fall of 23 per cent compared to 2018 (2,625).
But despite this good news, on average, six dogs were still reported as stolen every day and for the sixth year in a row, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the most popular breed of dog to be targeted by thieves, with 89 dogs stolen in 2019.
Crossbreeds remain the second most commonly targeted, although the number stolen in 2019 increased substantially, by 42 per cent. This is perhaps partly due to the popularity and expense of so-called designer dog breeds like Puggles and Schnoodles.
Chihuahuas remained in third place in the table, although with a slight reduction (four per cent) in numbers stolen compared to 2018.
Yorkshire Terriers, which did not make it into the top 10 most commonly stolen breeds in 2018 are now sixth, with triple the number stolen in 2019. This may be partly due to their popularity among well-known celebrities such as Serena Williams, Simon Cowell and Steven Tyler.
Lurchers and Border Collies were also outside the top 10 in 2018 but are both now among the most popular targets for thieves.
Breeds that have fallen in popularity for dog thieves include French Bulldogs, Jack Russell Terriers and Pugs.
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line, said:
“It is encouraging to see that the number of dogs stolen has fallen over the last year and, during the current lock down period, we expect this to drop even more. There is a risk, however, that these numbers may start to rise again as Lucy’s Law which came into force in April restricting sale of puppies from third parties, could result in some thieves having to take drastic measures to access certain breeds.
“Dogs are such an important part of our lives, so to have one stolen is like losing a member of the family. We urge dog owners to be extra vigilant while out on their walks or in the car and not leave their beloved pets alone. Simple steps like not tying dogs outside of shops or leaving them in cars can help reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for thieves.”
In more positive news for dog owners, the number of dogs returned to their owners in 2019 increased and means nearly one in five stolen dogs were recovered.
Areas of the UK most at risk from dog thieves, according to police data
London and the South East remained the dog theft hotspots in England and Wales, with the two regions accounting for a third of all reported cases of dog theft last year.
West Yorkshire Police received the second greatest number of reports (167) of stolen dogs in 2019, while Kent saw the third-highest with 100 reports.
Both forces, however, received fewer reports of stolen dogs in 2019 compared to 2018, a reduction of seven per cent and four per cent respectively.
Alongside the Metropolitan Police, the top 10 police forces which saw increases in the number of dogs stolen in 2019 were Leicestershire Constabulary, West Mercia Police, Essex Police and Durham Constabulary.
Dyfed-Powys Police returned the greatest proportion of dogs to their owners last year, reuniting 26 out of 33 dogs with their owners, a success rate of four in five dogs.
Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line, continued:
“It is great to see that the number of dogs returned to their owners is on the rise across the country, giving hope to those who have had their dog stolen. The positive changes in the law in recent years, such as microchipping become a legal obligation, will have contributed to the improvements in reuniting owners with their lost pets and we hope that this continues in the coming years.”
What to do if your dog is stolen
1. Check the local area and your dog’s favourite spots as your dog may have wandered off.
2. Make your dog ‘too hot to handle’ by sharing on social media, putting up posters in the local area and informing local media – include pictures and any distinctive marks in any appeals, and ask others to spread the word.
3. There are some specific sites set up to help find lost and stolen dogs, like doglost.co.uk.
4. Report your dog as stolen to the police and provide them with as much detail as possible.
5. Report your dog as stolen to local pet related services like vets, animal shelters, pet shops, dog wardens and the council. Provide photos, a physical description and the dog’s microchip number
Report your dog to the microchip database.
Dog theft statistics UK (2019): summary
Six dogs are stolen every day, according to Direct Line Pet Insurance.
More dogs are stolen in London and the South East than any other region in England and Wales. Behind London, West Yorkshire is a hot spot for dog thefts in the UK, according to police data.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the most targeted dog breed by dog thieves, followed by cross-breeds and Chihuahuas.
In 2019, one in five stolen dogs were recovered and reunited with their families. Dyfed-Powys Police in Wales returned the greatest proportion of dogs (four in five) to their owners last year.
British dogs are being trained in the detection of coronavirus.
The dogs are being utilised as the world hunts for early detection methods for spotting coronavirus infections in humans. Watch the dogs being put through their paces in this fascinating video.
The dog has been with us long enough to have gathered a nice collection of dog quotes, sayings about dogs and philosophical canine mutterings.
You may have heard someone say something about dogs that you’ve had heard many times before but didn’t know exactly what the term or phrase meant.
Well, let’s see if we can help.
Some of the common phrases you’re likely to have heard are much older than you might expect. Some of them date back to the ancient Greeks and Romans…and beyond.
Many of the phrases that are still used today are not used in the same manner as they once were.
“The Dog Days of Summerâ€
This phrase originated from the ancient Greeks and Romans and is often referred to as “die canicularesâ€, “Days of the Dog†or simply “Dog Daysâ€. The phrase is used to refer to the extreme heat and miserable conditions that arrive with it each year. This time period was considered to be an evil period by many people. Although it is no longer true, it was once thought that the heat was from Sirius, the Dog Star.
“Raining Cats and Dogsâ€
This phrase has no definitive origination however there are many different suggestions as to how the phrase came to be. The most widely accepted version supposedly originated in 17th century England. During this time period there were strong rains and downpours that drowned large amounts of dogs and cats leaving their bodies to float down the flooded areas. Due to the severity of the drownings, it often looked as though it really was “Raining Cats and Dogsâ€.
“Three Dog Nightâ€
This phrase originated from the original Australian inhabitants. During cold nights these people would lie down into a hole to sleep. They would have their dingo to sleep on them for warmth. On very cold nights they would sleep with three dingos for the added warmth.
“The Hair of the Dog that Bit Youâ€
This phrase is used today as a metaphor. If you have a hangover you would “Have a bit of the hair of the dog that bit youâ€. Or in simple terms, have a bit of alcohol to cure your hangover. Originally the phrase was used when someone was bitten by a dog and some of the hair from the dog was placed inside the open wound.
“Hangdog Expressionâ€
This phrase is used when someone is expressing their feeling to an extent that you think is excessive. Similar to that of a dog pouting or sulking after being forbidden to do something.
“The Tail Wagging the Dogâ€
This phrase refers to something that is of no importance, or very little importance, being used to make a scene or cover something of higher importance in a way of diverting attention for the main issue at hand.
Dog Quotes
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams
The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. ~Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912
From the dog’s point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog. ~Mabel Louise Robinson
Dogs are miracles with paws. ~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy
Man is a dog’s idea of what God should be. ~Holbrook Jackson
The dog is the only animal that has seen his god. ~Author Unknown
Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull
My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton
We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot
I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner
I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren’t certain we knew better. They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love with no moral restraint, and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying. ~George Bird Evans, Troubles with Bird Dogs
Our dogs will love and admire the meanest of us, and feed our colossal vanity with their uncritical homage. ~Agnes Repplier
One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you’re feeling blue is that he doesn’t try to find out why. ~Author Unknown
Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job. ~Franklin P. Jones
I talk to him when I’m lonesome like; and I’m sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth
When a dog barks at the moon, then it is religion; but when he barks at strangers, it is patriotism! ~David Starr Jordan
Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend. ~Corey Ford
If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. ~Phil Pastoret
Want to contribute your best dog quotes?
Now’s your chance.
There’s a comment form below. Why not use it to submit your own words of infinite wisdom relating to dogs.
You won’t get paid, but you might find yourself being quoted in a thousand years from now!
Coping with the loss of a dog is so hard. When a person dies, friends and family are usually united in grief, with acquaintances offering support and sympathy, but what many fail to realise is that not all loved ones are people.
The death of a pet, particularly a close companion like a dog or cat, can leave loving owners totally devastated, but there is a definite lack of understanding or appreciation for this loss by others who can’t get past the naïve belief that a pet is ‘just an animal’.
For bereaved owners, this attitude can be extremely damaging and prevent them from grieving and coming to terms with their loss, making them afraid to show emotion or talk about their feelings.
Emotional support: How do we cope with the loss of a dog?
The vast majority of us with pets will be faced by their death but, when that day comes, it’s important to remember that your feelings are normal and justified, and that you shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about your loss or cry. A creature you cared for, loved and received unconditional love from in return, has gone and you have every reason to feel hurt and upset, regardless of the fact that this loved one wasn’t human.
Dogs are here for a good time, sadly, not a long time
A natural reaction to grief
Bottling up your grief is a natural reaction in these circumstances, but it has long-lasting effects which can cause you further pain, heartbreak and even illness at a later date.
No-one thinks death is an easy thing to come to terms with, but if you can, think about the enormity of what has happened and how it is effecting you so you can deal with your feelings and not just push them to one side.
We’re all different and no other person can truly claim to “know how you feel†as they can only know how they felt in similar circumstances, but many experts believe there are five main stages of mourning and most of us will experience some, if not all of them.
Recognising these stages can also be an important step in your acceptance process, so think about your behaviour and be prepared to listen to friends and family who may have seen a change in your personality you weren’t aware of.
Use the resources which are available to you, such as Internet sites, literature and bereavement counsellors. Information and advice is there to help people in your situation, so make the most of it – there’s no need to cope alone.
The stages of grief after losing a pet
There is no time limit on grief and we all come to terms with death differently, so never judge yourself by others’ experiences. You and the loved ones around you who are also grieving are the people you should be concentrating on, so don’t torture yourself further by thinking about how quickly someone else got over their loss – and besides, they probably hadn’t and were simply putting on a brave face.
However, it’s fair to say that the majority of us will go through some or all of the five stages recognised by experts, but not necessarily in a particular or most common order. Each stage can present or manifest itself differently in each individual, but, if you’re honest about your feelings, you’ll probably realise and hopefully accept which stage you’re going through.
There is no right or wrong way to handle a dog’s death
Denial:
The shock of learning that your pet has either died or – the nightmare that many of us face – is desperately ill and should be euthanased to save he or she from further pain, can be too much to bear.
It’s common for people to refuse to believe this news, leaving them bewildered and/or distant, while others carry on as if nothing has happened. In a family, the latter can often cause animosity and further upset with relatives believing the person doesn’t care about their beloved pet.
Denial is simply a defence mechanism to hide from the painful truth and someone should not be attacked for doing so. Instead, try talking about the situation so that, little by little, the facts begin to sink in.
At some point – usually just a few hours or days, but in some cases much longer – they will accept that their pet has died or that their death is inevitable and the next stage of the healing process can begin.
Anger is natural when coping with the loss of a dog
So the truth has hit you – your four-legged companion has died or is desperately ill and should be given the peaceful end they deserve. Knowing this certainly doesn’t make it easy to handle and you’re furious that this has happened and lash out at your family and friends, the vet who was forced to deliver the bad news, yourself – sometimes even the pet you’re grieving for, angry that they’ve left you.
Again, this is a natural reaction, but one which can cause bad feeling between loved ones who are all suffering, so whether you’re the one who is angry or you’re just on the receiving end, remember what is behind this uncharacteristic behaviour.
Try your hardest not to be judgemental or to point blame, and if an argument erupts because of the strain, take a few deep breaths or even walk away for a few moments until everyone has calmed down. Whenever possible, talk about and make amends for anything hurtful which has been said as guilt will only cause further problems.
Bargaining
This stage is particularly relevant for owners with terminally ill pets. Quite often we try to make bargains with ourselves, our family, vets, and very often God, that if our pet is saved, we’ll do something differently and keep our promises.
This is an attempt to regain control and change the course of events, but this is obviously false hope and, deep down, we often realise this. The truth is our enemy, but also our cure. Talking things through and repeatedly going over the facts is one of the best ways to understand that nothing you do or say can change what has happened or that your pet’s death is unavoidable.
Depression after the loss of a pet
The severity and nature of depression varies dramatically from person to person, but this is almost always the most difficult stage to clear. Practical implications, such as the cost of medical treatment and the use of time you previously spent with your pet, can cause much worry, not to mention the guilt we often feel about the treatment of our pet and others.
Have I helped my loved ones?
Have I made their grief worse?
Did I do enough for my pet before he or she died?
Questions like these plague us and, as there seems little to be positive about, it’s very difficult to gain control of our thoughts and feelings. Other people are extremely important at this stage as they can not only offer comfort and support, but are often able to put things in perspective.
If you are on your own, this is a good time to seek the help of a bereavement counsellor or to contact others through charities and even some pet insurance companies now offer dog bereavement coverage. Make use of these services. They can really help you cope with the grief of losing a beloved dog.
It may seem uncomfortable at first talking about personal feelings with a stranger, but these people are there to help because they’ve dealt with their own grief and appreciate what you’re going through.
During this stage, many people decide to get another pet, believing it will take the place of the beloved companion they’ve lost, but this is not a time to make such a decision as it’s natural to compare your new member of the family to the one you so dearly miss. This simply isn’t good for you or fair to your new pet. Give yourself enough time to come to terms with your loss before you embark on another special relationship.
Acceptance
Accepting your dog’s death and coming to terms with the loss is a long and painful process, but one you can complete if you allow yourself to grieve. Having shed your tears and conquered your feelings of anger and guilt, it’s time to remember your pet in his or her prime and the love they gave so freely to you and your family. Death is a tragic fact of life, but both people and pets will continue to live on in our memories, so never be afraid to reminisce as a part of the process of coping with the loss of a dog.
How to survive after the loss of a dog
Grief is a confusing, frustrating emotion which can prevent you from concentrating on anything else and totally take over your life for weeks, months, even years – but as the old adage says, life goes on and so must you. No-one expects you to forget about the pet you adored, but there are better ways to remember them than by feeling miserable or guilty. Face the truth, cry your tears, talk through your feelings and, ultimately, celebrate the life which brought you so much happiness.
Who can I talk to about coping with the loss of a dog?
Pet Bereavement Support
Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death, parting or enforced separation, can be a sad and difficult experience.
When the love and friendship of a pet are gone, life may suddenly seem very empty. If you have lost, or are facing saying goodbye to, a much loved pet and need somebody to talk to, The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service is here for you every day from 8.30am – 8.30pm.
Please don’t hesitate to call us them if you are struggling: 0800 096 6606
Marley and his owner travelling back to safety with the RNLI / Photo Credit: Nikki Bradshaw
