Dogs Today_369 : simplebooklet.com

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4 Dogs Today Issue 369 We live in strange times. The chaos happening in the larger world seems reﬂected in the dog space, too. The Naturewatch Foundation tells us that every four in ﬁve dogs and puppies in the UK are coming from unknown sources, including unlicensed breeders, illegal traders and puppy smugglers. Just 15-20 per cent of puppies come from licensed breeders. Many councils can’t even conﬁrm how many dogs a breeder is licensed to keep. Some breeders operate on an industrial scale — one licence allows for 250 female and 100 male dogs on a single site.Come on, dog organisations! We really need you to step up and sort out this mess!At the Kennel Club, we’ve had the chairman announce ahead of the AGM that he’s standing down, not just as the boss but as a director, too. Just before that, we’d seen a very weird attempt to ban ex-CEO Caroline Kisko from even being a member of the club, as she had signiﬁed her intention to once again stand for a place on the board.How did we all ﬁrst hear about this? From an anonymous and often very rude and cruel Facebook page called the Clarges Street Cat. It’s getting surreal.Last month, we brought you news about trouble ahead for Britain’s biggest and most-loved dog charity – Dogs Trust. We hinted more would be coming, but we’d not expected to be sent such a huge amount of information from a group of concerned staff members. The more I talked about what was happening within Dogs Trust, the more people got in touch. The press ofﬁce staff did their best to answer all the questions. We’ve printed everything for you to read – see page 6 onwards.Hopefully, next month, we will get a chance to talk to the boss so we can better understand where Dogs Trust’s CEO is planning on taking this ancient charity – but as you will read, several longstanding directors are leaving, so I think we can assume that not everyone supported his new vision. Change always makes people uneasy, but let’s hear him out.I had been hoping to speak to the new Kennel Club CEO after Crufts, too. But, so far, that hasn’t happened, either.LEADERS NEEDEDThese are very challenging times for the dog world and it’s terrible timing for two of the major institutions to simultaneously be having a real wobble. Let’s hope what comes next is good for dogs. I’d personally love to see Caroline Kisko as the ﬁrst female chair of the Kennel Club; she has had a lifetime to prepare for this.The latest KC ﬁgures show a dramatic decline in the numbers of registered dogs – yet we still have record numbers of dogs in Britain and rescue is full to bursting. Where are all these dogs coming from? There are a tiny number of licensed breeders in the country – a ridiculously small number. Who is breeding all these dogs?The 2024 KC ﬁgure is by far the lowest registration number since 1988 – and it’s some 32,000 less than any year since that date. In the two years to 2023, the KC lost around £2.7million and these latest falls in its basic revenue must be very worrying for the KC board.Dogs really need the strongest possible Kennel Club and Dogs Trust. But the way the world is going, I think there’s every chance that the Clarges Street Cat could end up running... well – everything! PBeverley CuddyIllustration by Beverley CuddyDear readersBeverley Cuddy is Dogs Today’s Editor and publisher. She shares her life with Betty, an Old English-Golden Retriever-ish dog from Many Tears, and Honey, a Cocker Spaniel.Insurance for your cats, dogs, caravans and more with our wide range of policies.YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY. INSURED.PROTECT THE SPECIAL THINGSVISIT THEINSURANCEEMPORIUM.CO.UK/DT99call 03300 243 980 today!Lifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium ® is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no: 202748.The maximum available discount is 30% - this is a combination of 20% Introductory Discount and 10% Multi-pet Discount. The Introductory Discount is available from the start of the policy untilits rst review/renewal dateON PET INSURANCEDISCOUNTUP TO30%

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Words BEVERLEY CUDDY6Dogs Today Issue 369Soon after we went to press, I received an anonymous letter from Dogs Trust staff. I presumed it has been sent to several media outlets, even though my copy was addressed directly to me, so I emailed the Dogs Trust press ofﬁ ce and asked if they had yet prepared a statement. Dear Beverley Re: Dogs Trust redundancies We have been interested in your Facebook posts about the recent, very sad Dogs Trust announcement that potentially 300 staff will be made redundant. We thought you might be interested to know that over the past few months, several anonymous letters have been written to the Board of Trustees and Buckingham Palace, outlining serious concerns that we have about the running of the charity by the senior leadership team. We are not aware that any action has been taken to address these concerns. Copies of the letters are below this message. We believe the Board of Trustees need to take their responsibilities seriously and robustly challenge the leadership team. Whilst the CEO claims that the changes are due to strategic changes, rather than ﬁ nancial pressures, this is patently untrue. Even if these changes do regrettably have to go ahead, there needs to be accountability at executive level too for the mismanagement of the charity, which has led to these circumstances. We thought you might be interested to hear a few further pieces of information:■As part of the restructure, a newly appointed role of Chief of Staff has been created. They will have no direct reports and basically act as an assistant to the CEO. Everyone at the charity is aghast at this appointment and believe it is totally tone-deaf, considering the 300 proposed redundancies. It is pure empire-building by the CEO. ■Unpublished 2024 results are expected to show £143.3m income and £150.4m expenditure – yes, a deﬁ cit, but this is largely due to uncontrolled costs and executive mismanagement, hardly justiﬁ cation for 300 redundancies given the extraordinary level of reserves.We are attempting to share this information more widely with the media. Our aim is to share this info as widely as we can to ensure that those responsible for the mismanagement of the charity over the past few years (since Adrian Burder’s tragic death) are held accountable for their greed. We’d appreciate your assistance in helping us achieve this aim. Regards Anonymous Dogs Trust employeesI immediately sent them the PDF, which said:In Dogs Trust we trustLast month, we predicted we might be returning to the subject of Dogs Trust. There had been reports of centres closing, of hundreds of staff being made redundant. But when a detailed anonymous letter arrived, it kicked off a chain of emails...Hi BeverleyI am so sorry for the delay in coming back to you. We are a bit thin on the ground, as it’s Easter hols.Would you be able to forward over a copy of the letter, so we can see what we are responding to, please?Many thanksBeccaPhoto by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)Letter sent to Chair of Board and a few other Trustees by anonymous Dogs Trust employees (Jan 2025): We would like to bring to your attention the below points, which we hope as Trustees you will consider:■Communication – why restructure? We have been repeatedly warned from leadership about the dire ﬁ nancial forecasts which are driving the Strategy and Transformation workstream. However, reported ﬁ nancials and forecasts suggest that Dogs Trust is not making huge losses. It always seems like actual ﬁ nancial results are signiﬁ cantly different (more favourable) to budgets, so how can these budgets and forecasts form the basis for the restructure?■A huge number of roles have been recruited in the Strategy and Transformation team, so the delays/length of time it is taking for this restructure to come to fruition is bewildering. Some of the roles are below. No one in the wider business really has any idea what they do. Examples of roles: - 2 x process improvement specialist- 1 x workplace transformation specialist- 2 x senior programme managers- 1 x change manager- 1 x programme planner- 1 x programme coordinator- 4 x programme managers- 1 x business manager (basically COO’s PA – very unclear what role is)- 1 x leadership development specialist■There is a huge lack of leadership within Dogs Trust. The monthly 30 minutes CEO online broadcast is an extremely poor form of leadership. None of the leadership team are ever in the ofﬁ ce. Annual conferences, collaborative staff events and Christmas parties are sorely missed.■IT transformation project – the total project has costed many millions (over £20m against an original budget of £12m). Signiﬁ cant budget overspends have been incurred over multiple years, overspends that have not been through robust approval processes. Suggest F&GP [Finance and General Purposes] request full P&L [proﬁ t and loss] accounts for the IT transformation programme, as there has been lack of accountability and visibility.■The COO seems to rely entirely on external consultants... Deloitte, PWC, Adapta, BDO... Has F&GP had full sight of the outputs from these consultants – is their impact worth the extortionate amount paid to them? Suggest F&GP scrutinise the amounts paid to external consultants/professional ﬁ rms in recent years. Why aren’t leadership using their skills to empower and invest in their own teams to drive change and improvements, rather than using external ﬁ rms?■Dogs Trust has become far too bureaucratic and commercial, losing the essence of what it means to be a charity.■The recent announcement that three long-standing directors are leaving Dogs Trust is a huge blow. They are three great leaders (Karen Reed, Paula Boyden, Nick Daniel), much respected throughout Dogs Trust, all with integrity and commitment to the cause. The thought that Rachel Casey, Louisa Simons and Owen Sharp are left to run the Dogs Trust ship is deeply concerning. ■There is great disquiet about the number of foreign trips the CEO goes on, at great expense to the charity. Why does he need to attend Mission Rabies/WVS rallies/vaccination drives when these charities already have a great leader in Luke Gamble? The fact that Brett Llewellyn also regularly attends these trips gives an impression of ‘jollies’ whilst operations back in the UK are struggling greatly.■We think you should be aware that several complaints have been made to the Charity Commission about misuse of charity funds.

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Along with the PDF, I sent an email to Becca, commiserating that we were both working on a bank holiday and asked if I could interview their CEO, Owen, about all this. I attached the interview I did with Chris Sherwood at the RSPCA before he announced he was moving on, to show the sort of thing I’d like to do. Becca didn’t come back to me, but the PR manager, Sarah, did. I was being moved up the tree.8Dogs Today Issue 369Letter sent to Buckingham Palace by anonymous Dogs Trust employees (Sept 2024) Considering the recent announcement that the King will be patron of Dogs Trust, you might be interested to know the following about internal turmoil currently occurring at Dogs Trust:■Anonymous letters have been written to the Board of Trustees and HR Director over the behaviour of the senior leadership team, including unexplained absences. No action seems to have been taken.■The ﬁ nancial situation is so dire that their £10million head ofﬁ ce in London is being marketed for sale and there will be a wide-scale restructure in 2025 involving the closure of several rehoming centres, many redundancies and termination of key areas such as Dog Schools.■The CEO earns between £170k-£180k. He is completely absent from workers, making many foreign trips a year. He has dictator-like managerial style – in remote meetings, people are only allowed to speak if they raise their hand.■Millions have been wasted on an IT transformation programme. Many within Dogs Trust believe this amounts to a huge cover-up. Trustees are not aware of the monumental overspend. Almost £20m has been spent on systems that have serious shortcomings.■On 1 July 2024, Dogs Trust changed its corporate structure (it moved its activity into an incorporated body) without telling donors for fear that it would remind donors about their direct debit donations, and many would subsequently cancel these donations. These donations are now being received in a new entity.■Management use a constant stream of consultants to do their work for them.■Euthanasia rates at rehoming centres are at an all-time high, affecting staff well-being and retention greatly.■In the past ﬁ ve years, there have been ﬁ ve different Finance Directors, which has resulted in ﬁ nancial negligence and lack of budgets. No one has any idea what budget they are working to. ■A recent staff survey exposed worrying levels of employees saying they have experienced or witnessed bullying and harassment.This is written by employees of Dogs Trust, and we believe the above warrants investigation and reporting on behalf of all the generous donors who give to Dogs Trust, who would be dismayed to learn about the chaos.Dear BeverleyThank you for being so patient with this. Please ﬁ nd below the statement. I will put your request to interview Owen in, and either Becca or I will get back to you next week. I hope you have a lovely Easter weekend.“We are aware of the anonymous letter and, while some of the claims it contains are inaccurate, we remain committed to listening to all feedback. However, because the letter was submitted anonymously, we are unable to follow up directly or address concerns with the individual who sent it.“Dogs Trust values staff feedback and maintains open, transparent channels for sharing it. This includes direct input to managers, HR and our Employee Forum, established last year to facilitate communication between staff and senior leadership. We also uphold a full whistleblowing policy.”Sarah GrantPR ManagerIssue 369 Dogs Today9I think I had expected something very like this back. Crisis PR is like chess. I knew my next move, too.Issue 369 Dogs Today9Dear SarahThank you for this, but I think I do need to go through some of the points raised and ask for comment – even if it is ‘no comment’.The charity is so loved and needed that hearing that there are staff feeling so unhappy and reading in the media that there are big changes being planned means that there is considerable concern and confusion. I think I need to press to discover if any of the allegations are true.Here are my questions:How and why did Dogs Trust change its corporate structure in 2024? What was the rationale? Was there any communication to donors? Around this time, Dogs Trust also stopped organising their International Conference. It was cancelled at very short notice – what was the reason for this? The International Conference is much missed, as it helped dog welfare improve globally. Is the increased funding of WVS in any way connected with this change of direction? Was this a board decision or a CEO-level decision?This was probably the ﬁ rst obvious change of direction for the charity externally – that and the change of charity number. Was there ever a public announcement about this shift of focus? What do the 2024 provisional accounts look like? I understand they are yet unpublished, but presumably there will be a larger deﬁ cit than that declared in the previous published accounts? What reserves does the charity have? Surely, there has been money stored away for a rainy day? The charity has always been amazing at marketing and donors have been very generous for many, many years. Britain is in a welfare crisis with rescues full past capacity post-pandemic and during a cost-of-living crisis. Surely, these are extraordinary times and deep pockets will be needed to keep the dogs of Britain safe. How will closing three centres help the other smaller charities deal with this unprecedented dilemma? All the instability in the charity will not have helped morale. Could the timing have been better considered? I have seen it quoted elsewhere that the redundancies and closures are not due to any ﬁ nancial deﬁ cit, so can you explain why 300 staff are facing redundancy and three centres are being considered for closing if not primarily to save the charity money? Is there a change in mission being planned? What is that? What has led to a change in focus? There have never been more unwanted dogs in Britain; the need to help has never been more urgent. Is it true that there has recently been a role of Chief of Staff created? Who do they report to? What is their function? Was the role externally and internally advertised? Is the person appointed from outside of the business or within? What is their job description? I have heard it described that they are going to decide who gets made redundant. Is this correct? The circulated document alleges that there are at least 14 roles in the Strategy and Transformation team. When was this team created and how many people are now working in this area of Dogs Trust? What is their purpose and who do they report to? What is Dogs Trust transforming into? When did the IT transformation project start? What was the objective and who does it report to? The document alleges that the total project has cost over £20m against an original budget of £12m. Is this true? If not, how much has it cost? What has been achieved? What is still to do? How much does Dogs Trust spend on external ﬁ nancial and business consultants each year? Is this spend going up or down? What sort of projects are they currently working on and how do they help dogs in need? What is the rationale for using external advisors? The number of staff employed earning more than £60k is sizeable – are there not skilled people already employed? How many ﬁ nance directors has the Dogs Trust employed in the ﬁ ve years? If there have been more than two, can you explain why? Has there been a recent staff survey about morale? What changes have been – or are being – made? The announcement of centre closures and redundancies must be stressful – how long will the consultation process take and ultimately who decides on the future direction the charity will take?More questions overleaf 1111098764532

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Issue 369 Dogs Today11Hi Beverley,We’re working hard to get back to you as soon as we can; apologies for the slight delay! As I’m sure you can appreciate, we’re a small press team and there were quite a few questions that you sent over, so we’ll come back to you hopefully by COP tomorrow (Thursday) – hopefully that is OK?Re: you interviewing Owen: yes, I’d love to set this up for Dogs Today. I think the most beneﬁ cial time to do it will be once we’re moving ahead with the new strategy, as he can talk you through Dogs Trust’s plans, chat about the problems dogs are facing at the moment (would be great to get your thoughts on this, too?) and how many more dogs we’re going to be able to help under the new strategy. We could even arrange for you to visit one of our centres. Where are you based?For now, why don’t we get the answers to your questions over to you (as I say, hopefully tomorrow) and then, if you still want to speak to someone, I can arrange for you to have a call with our Head of PR, or maybe our Director of Communications?Best wishesSarahThe next email was from the head of the PR team.Hi Beverley,I’m just stepping in on this to let you know that Sarah’s working hard to get responses to the questions you sent over, but we’ve got quite a few people still on Easter break this week and she’s ﬁ nding it challenging to get all the info she needs... I wonder whether it’s OK if we get a response over to you on Monday? Is that going to work for your deadlines?Also, though, regarding your request for an interview with Owen – I’d love him to do this, and he’s happy to, but I think there’s an opportunity here to do something a bit bigger in scale with Dogs Today.As you may already know, our consultation period will be up at the end of May, and we’ll be announcing the changes – ie potential centre closure/changes, potential redundancies etc. What would you think about doing an exclusive in-person interview with Owen, then breaking the news in Dogs Today of any changes; the reasons for any changes, how Dogs Trust will work going forward; how many more dogs we’ll be able to help?Just ideas, I thought Dogs Today would be the perfect place to tell the story and reach the people who need Dogs Trust the most...Shall we have a chat?Nikki LehelHead of Public RelationsI thanked her and, of course, gave an extension.Dear BeverleyFurther to our emails last week, thank you for your enquiry about Dogs Trust’s new strategy and the changes it brings. Thanks so much, again, for your patience in waiting until today for a response – much appreciated!I do hope you feel the below answers your questions, and, as mentioned in our emails, I would be very happy to arrange a full interview with our CEO, Owen Sharp, once we have completed the consultation process, to discuss in more depth the charity’s goals for the short, medium and long term. In the meantime, I hope this statement from the charity [overleaf] will cover everything you have asked about.NikkiPhoto by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)Unsurprisingly, they quickly asked for more time to answer these 21 questions. I had, in the interim, been talking to some more key Dogs Trust people and asked if I could add in some more questions.I explained that these observations came from major supporters of the charity who said they have been blindsighted reading about the changes in the media rather than being consulted or informed direct. Why had the major donors/life members etc not been kept informed? How are donors being informed about the planned closures? How do they make their feelings known? The document circulated complains that the current CEO is not a great leader – that he only gives a monthly online message, and that the leadership team is rarely seen by staff. Is this criticism fair? It must be hurtful to hear, but being the CEO is well paid. I would very much like to interview the CEO and give him the chance for people to get to know him better. The previous CEOs were very well known in the dog world. Has the current CEO got dogs? What is his vision for the Dogs Trust of the future? Is the CEO based in the ofﬁce full-time? Or is this a hybrid role? I have heard people say that there is a conﬂict of interest – the Dogs Trust chairman of trustees and the CEO being so involved in another charity (one that has received substantial funding from Dogs Trust). Can there be a statement about this to soothe those upset by these rumours? People who donated to Dogs Trust historically supporting the charity ‘never putting a healthy dog down’ were not necessarily expecting to be funding overseas efforts (no matter how worthy) by another entity. How much money has Dogs Trust given to other charities in the last 10 years? What is the rationale? Why has Dogs Trust become so involved with Mission Rabies/WVS especially? How much money has Dogs Trust (in any of its forms) given to Mission Rabies/WVS in the last ﬁve years? Have there been complaints about Dogs Trust funds being used for other charities? What were these complaints and what were the outcomes of those complaints? When the CEO travels overseas, is this funded by Dogs Trust or Mission Rabies/WVS? When visiting projects to do with Mission Rabies/WVS is this on Dogs Trust holiday days or is it considered part of his Dogs Trust workload? Does Dogs Trust pay for ﬁrst-class or business travel for any employees? What is the current policy on travel expenses? Is it true that Karen Reed, Paula Boyden and Nick Daniel are leaving Dogs Trust? Are any of them leaving? Is there a statement as to why any of them are leaving, if so? If they aren’t leaving, are they happy with their roles and would they like to be quoted about being named in the document being sent to the media/board/patron etc? Sorry, there are so many questions - if they could be answered by Owen, it would probably help calm troubled waters.1214131516212019181710 Dogs Today Issue 369Here’s exactly what I asked:If staff were working on a new strategy, I think it would be really useful to know what the new priorities are. I gather there is now a large team that work on behaviour – how many? What objectives have been achieved?How many long-term dogs are now in the centres? How many dogs are now categorised as ‘unmendable’? What numbers of dogs are being PTS because of behaviour issues?Are Dogs Trust moving away from British dogs as the main beneﬁciaries? I haven’t been notiﬁed of any new strategy.I am amazed at the lack of active Dogs Trust involvement in topical dog issues. Whenever there was a dog story, Dogs Trust historically were always asked to comment, but I very seldom see the Dogs Trust name now. Why?I explained that, obviously, I knew the identity of the people asking these questions but wished to protect their anonymity.Photo by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk)

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12Dogs Today Issue 369I’ll let you digest the above. I ran it past some of the senior supporters who had raised concerns with me already.An ex-member of staff was more systematic: 1 What is the evidence that times are more challenging now ‘than ever’? Weren’t things much worse in the 90s when there were serious stray problems and thousands upon thousands of dogs were being put down? 2 Haven’t unwanted behaviours always been one of the main reasons people have relinquished dogs? 3 How does closing Newbury help dogs ﬁ nd permanent homes faster? 4 What evidence do they have that providing ‘fostering hubs’ gets dogs homed more quickly? 5 Are fosters simply a ﬁ nancial alternative to use volunteers instead of paid staff to care for dogs? What kind of training and protections do the fosterers have in case of injury from or because of the dog? How much oversight is there of the fostering? Who is training fosterers and overseeing what they are doing with the dogs? 6 How does increasing stafﬁ ng, as stated, co-exist with getting rid of 300 staff? This makes no sense. Statement from Dogs Trust:As you know, we’re operating in deeply challenging times. The pandemic led to a sharp rise in the number of dogs in the UK, and now the cost-of-living crisis is causing many people to surrender their pets. Our rehoming centres are under pressure, and demand for our services has never been greater, as sadly we are seeing more dogs with unwanted behaviours being relinquished. These are unprecedented circumstances, and we need to maximise our impact in a changing world.To make sure we can help more dogs, we need to ensure that every dog in our care has even more help and support to ﬁ nd their forever homes faster, so that ultimately more dogs can beneﬁ t from our services. To achieve this, we are proposing closing our Newbury centre, as it sees relatively low demand for our services and furthermore, its catchment area overlaps with two of our other centres. We are also proposing to transform two other centres – Bridgend and Ilfracombe – into dedicated fostering hubs. These proposals are currently under consultation with our staff and no decisions are ﬁ nal yet. We currently care for 382 ‘underdogs’ – dogs that have been with us for over six months (which could be for any number of reasons). Any dog with unwanted behaviours has a tailored behaviour plan and receives the time, training and care they need to be able to ﬁ nd their forever home. With our proposed changes we will be able to rehabilitate and rehome even more underdogs even more quickly; being able to do more for our underdogs, with increased help and support, is one of the key reasons why we want to change how we work. If these proposals go ahead, we will reinvest the funding to increase stafﬁ ng with the aim of helping 27% more dogs by 2027 by increasing the support we can put in place for dogs in our centres and expanding our foster network. We know our foster network is critical to helping more dogs across the country, as a home environment is the best place for many dogs, whilst they wait for their forever homes. We will also be able to concentrate more resources on our rehabilitation services. This includes increasing staff numbers working on our free Behaviour Support Line and creating a new state-of-the-art digital platform to help support more dog owners than ever before. With more staff working in these areas, we can ensure that we are there to help even more owners facing unwanted behaviours and keep more dogs in their forever homes. Dogs Trust remains ﬁ rmly rooted in the UK. Around 84% of our total expenditure last year was spent on UK-based work, and we are not moving away from British dogs as our priority, but we also recognise that there are millions of dogs across the world who need help and support. Dogs Trust has a proud history of helping dogs abroad and our efforts are designed to complement, not replace, the support we give at home. This work will now be delivered through our sister charity, WVS and Mission Rabies, to save the lives of dogs and protect communities from rabies. So, whilst we appreciate that the cancellation of our International Conference last year raised concerns, we did this because we felt there was an urgent need to reallocate funding to help more dogs abroad through our direct services. We’ve also seen commentary about morale and leadership. Our Supporter replyMy goodness, this does need time to digest. I hate to say weasel words, but it does feel a bit like that. I will read and re-read. Closing Newbury but needing all the space you can get for the underdogs does not seem to marry up.Don’t understand redundancies then, in the next breath, adding staff.Not sure the world travel questions have been answered. How many ﬂ ights in 12 months? Nor the top-heavy stafﬁ ng – what does the Chief of Staff do?Draft 24 accounts could be revealing. Invest in governance? What/how much?It’s good that 73% are happy – begs the question how were the questions asked?If you speak to Owen, he does have the ‘gift of the gab’.I hope this is helpful, but I do ﬁ nd the responses rather irritating.7 27% more dogs is very speciﬁ c and yet ‘helping’ is completely unspeciﬁ c. In what way, exactly, will 27% more dogs be helped? 8 What evidence is there that the behaviour support line is keeping dogs in homes? 9 Why is Dogs Trust limiting its international work to India and rabies when many of the problems associated with dog welfare in the UK originate in Europe? 10 More than 1 in 5 staff members did not participate in the staff survey. Why? 11 Many colleagues enjoy their work. How many is ‘many’? What were the levels of staff satisfaction with management and the direction of the organisation? 12 You say technology is transforming the way teams work with, monitor and rehome dogs. What evidence is there that this transformation has beneﬁ ted the dogs in your care? How do staff feel about this transformation? Why was such a signiﬁ cant expenditure required? What exactly was the money spent on that credibly saved the same amount of money? Issue 369 Dogs Today13most recent staff survey had a 79% response rate, with an employee engagement score of 73%, and many colleagues expressing pride and commitment to the work. That said, we recognise there is more to do. We are listening closely to feedback across the charity: we appreciate that this is a very unsettling time for our colleagues and that not everyone will agree with our approach. We feel it is important to invest in technology, process and governance. This does mean sometimes working with consultants, where we do not have the skills in-house, or a long-term requirement to develop those skills.With regards to the incorporation of the charity, in July 2024, Dogs Trust formally changed its legal structure from a registered charity with corporate trustees to a charitable company. This is a model used by many large charities in the UK, which has simpliﬁ ed our governance. It doesn’t affect our mission or the work we do, but it allows us to operate more effectively as we face increasingly complex challenges in the sector. The name ‘Dogs Trust’ remains unchanged, and our commitment to helping every dog remains at the heart of everything we do.We have also invested in the technology that will help us to increase both our income and our impact. We have been careful to ensure that any investment made in technology is aligned with our strategic priorities and provides value for money, and we are proud that our ﬁ rst IT deployment in 2022 was to support our rehoming centres, transforming how our teams work with, monitor and rehome the dogs in our care. With regards to new roles that have recently been created, all new roles within the charity are heavily scrutinised by our job review panel, to ensure there is a valid and worthy business need for every role recruited for; we believe every role at Dogs Trust is essential to delivering on our ambitious new strategy.We want to thank three departing colleagues – Karen Reed, Paula Boyden, and Nick Daniel – for their years of dedicated service. Their work has helped shape the charity, it has made a signiﬁ cant difference to the lives of dogs in the UK, and we wish them every success in the future.Our supporters are the reason we’ve been able to stand by dogs for 134 years. We are sorry if some donors feel they’ve been left out of the loop, and we are committed to talking to our supporters and stakeholders about our new strategy and future plans. As we are still consulting with our staff, we’re currently limited regarding what we can conﬁ rm or communicate but, once plans are ﬁ nalised, we will reach out directly to supporters and stakeholders. In the meantime, we are always happy to speak with those who want to know more.Finally, our CEO, Owen Sharp, has two dogs: Lexi, a Saluki cross he adopted from our Basildon centre, and Hudson, a crossbreed from our centre in Ballymena, both of whom he met on one of his regular visits to our centres. He brings decades of non-proﬁ t leadership and regularly visits rehoming centres and teams across the UK. Owen works in a hybrid role, as do many of our head ofﬁ ce colleagues, allowing him to stay close to frontline teams and focus on our long-term strategy.We’re committed to keeping the conversation open as we navigate these changes and ultimately, we share the same goal: a better life for every dog. nI will put these points back to Dogs Trust and I expect we’ll be returning to this subject in future issues. If you would like your say, please contribute to the next Great Debate – see page 49.13 Isn’t there concern that directors are leaving in this way? Do staff have to sign NDAs? 14 There is no explanation as to why such a highly paid CEO is working hybrid and is not meeting directly with staff on a regular basis – managing in a completely impersonal way an organisation that should be focused on heart and building relationships, not data and technology.Those are just some of my questions after reading this blancmange of words.

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14 Dogs Today Issue 369 EXPERT ADVICEDr Anna Foreman, Everypaw Pet Insurance’s in-house vet, explains why she urges pet owners to apply sunscreen to their pets…Does the sun have any health beneﬁts for dogs?Dogs are unable to absorb UVB rays via the skin as we do; they rely solely on food for their vitamin D. Sunlight does, however, aid in the production of the hormones melatonin and serotonin, as in humans, and so exposure to the sun helps regulate a dog’s circadian rhythm, aiding sleep and general mental health.Dogs like to sunbathe for the same reasons we do – enjoying the warmth and bright light. It provides a relaxing sensation, which promotes rest and well-being.How long should dogs be allowed in the sun for? ■Much like with us, dogs can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke if they are in the sun for an excessive period of time. Dogs should be limited to sunbathing for a maximum of 45 minutes to an hour when the sun is particularly intense (11am-3pm). ■Dogs should always have shade to escape to (they tend to seek shade if too hot), and a bowl of fresh water available. They may also beneﬁt from a clean, freshwater ‘pool’ or cool mat to cool down in/on too. ■Dogs with breathing issues, such as brachycephalic breeds, or those suffering from respiratory disease, should not be allowed to lie in the sun at all, as the increase in body temperature and subsequent need to pant to cool down will put signiﬁcant strain on already compromised airways. ■Dogs in general should not be exercised in the middle of the day in warm weather – the cooler early mornings (before 8am) or evenings (after 8pm) are far safer. Generally, it is safe to walk your dog in temperatures Quick questionDo you have a problem you’d like answered by an expert? Or do you want advice from someone with personal experience of the issue? Email your question to enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.ukShould my dog wear sunscreen in summer?Photo posed by modelsHANDMADE DOG TREATS - MADE WITH THE FINEST INGREDIENTSSince its establishment in 2009, Poochʼs Treats has been a labour of love driven by our unwavering commitment to excellence. We take immense pride in handcrafting each treat using locally sourced, premium ingredients to ensure the highest quality.

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16Dogs Today Issue 369 under 20ºC, although large or ﬂ at-faced dogs, or those who are obese or suffering from other health conditions should always be closely watched in any temperature.■Even healthy dogs who are rigorously exercised are at risk of heatstroke at temperatures as cool as 20-23ºC. Extreme caution should be taken when exercising any animal in temperatures above 24ºC.■Instead of a walk in the heat, consider setting up a paddling pool for your dog in the shade in the garden (monitored!), or use indoor games in a cool room, such as puzzle feeders, lick mats and games with soft toys. If it is too hot to exercise a dog at all, particularly over a longer period, then cutting down the quantity of food and treats given is a good way to prevent weight gain.What are the potential dangers of dogs being outside in the sun for too long?■Heatstroke If a dog gets too hot, it can develop heatstroke, where the body’s internal temperature rises to above 39.2ºC due to being in external heat for too long. Some breeds of dog cannot tolerate the heat – and particularly, exercising in the heat. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, are particularly prone to heatstroke and so extra care should be taken with these dogs in hot weather. Additionally, older dogs and those with underlying health conditions do not tolerate the heat as well as younger, healthy ones. Dogs in general should not be exercised in the middle of the day in warm weather – the cooler early mornings or evenings are far safer.■SunburnDogs with poorly pigmented skin or a thin coat are at risk of sunburn and an increased risk of developing skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. Dogs, cats and other mammals with pink noses or ear tips are also at risk. Sunburned skin is painful in animals, as it is in humans. More chronically and seriously, repeated sunburn can lead to cancerous changes – we particularly see this on the ear tips and noses of white animals, especially cats. Cancers such as malignant squamous cell carcinoma can lead to ear ﬂ aps (pinnae) needing to be removed – they can be very locally invasive and tumours can end up being non-resectable (not able to be removed) if left for extended periods of time. Those on the nose are very difﬁ cult to remove in their entirety due to the tight skin and close association with the skull bone/cartilage.■PavementsThere are other risks in the heat, such as burning paws on pavements. If a pavement is too hot for us to place the back of our hand on for ﬁ ve seconds, it is too hot for our dog’s paws.Animals particularly at risk■Those bred to have a sparse coat or no hair, such as Chinese Crested dogs or Sphynx cats.■Those with shaved bald areas, such as animals who has been clipped for veterinary investigations and treatment (like a scan or surgery).■Those with white ear tips and pink noses – the lack of pigmentation (much like in pale-skinned people) allows for more exposure of cells to the sun.■The bridge and planum (tip) of the nose and abdomen/groin of all animals is at risk of sunburn to some degree due to a general lack of hair in these locations – darker skinned animals are at less risk, but any exposed skin can become sunburned!■ Make sure the environmental temperature of animals housed outdoors in enclosures is monitored. Chinese Crested. Photo posed by a modelSUN-SAFE PROTECTION As with most things, prevention is the best cure – in animals this is with sunscreen and by limiting sun exposure. Human sun cream is unsuitable for animal use, due to the chemicals used within them, and so an animal-speciﬁ c one should only be used. These are safe if they are ingested by animals (for example, licking their nose or grooming).WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS SUNBURNTA dog’s sunburn will look much like ours – pink, tender skin, which may blister. If a heat burn is seen, veterinary advice should be sought. In the meantime, cooling the area by running cool water over it can provide some pain relief. Like with humans, animals can become sunburnt if their skin is exposed to the sun without protection.– darker skinned animals are at less risk, but any exposed skin can become sunburned! Make sure the environmental temperature of animals housed outdoors in enclosures is monitored. Yorkshire Terrier. Photo posed by modelsQuick questionCOTSWOLDRAW.COMLEAN BODY MASSBALANCED TEMPERAMENTHEALTHY SKIN & COATENHANCED DIGESTIONBETTER ORAL HYGIENESTRONG BONES & JOINTSRAW DOG FOOD RANGETREATS, BONES & SUPPLEMENTStravellingwithpets.co.ukTop quality products to help you and your pets travel in safety, comfort and style!Protect what you loveCages and RampsDog BagCrash-tested harnessesOur crash-tested cages not only look great they are TUV crash-tested.Dog calming, award winning pop up kennel. UV mesh shades your dog from the sun.Works with existing seatbelts. Easy step-in design.01539 621884

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18 Dogs Today Issue 369 EXPERT ADVICETraining guru Dr Ian Dunbar continues his regular series on everything you need to know to raise a happy, well-trained best friend...Conﬁne your puppy to a rectangular ex-pen with: ■At one end, a bed, a food-stuffed chewtoy (or two), and a source of fresh water. ■A toilet at the other end – or, best of all, a dog door leading to a safe, outside fenced toilet. Your puppy will naturally prefer to use the toilet because of their spatial, olfactory and substrate preferences. ■They prefer to eliminate as far away as possible from their sleeping area. ■They prefer to pee where they smell urine and they prefer to poop in the same spot each time, but only if no previous poops are present – so clean up poop as soon as you return home, but only replace the urine-smelling substrate every few days. ■They prefer to eliminate on the same substrate as they did as younger puppies and are likely to do so in the future. The easiest toilet to construct is a plastic cat litterbox tray with a section of turf as the substrate. ■If you would like your pup to eventually eliminate on the sidewalk, or a potty pad, use a concrete tile or potty pad sprinkled with some dirt.If you provide the right substrate in the preferred location, using the toilet will become self-reinforcing.How do you teach your dog where to toilet when you’re not at home? Quick questionCorgi puppy (posed by a model)Issue 369 Dogs Today19Welcome toDignipetsMonthlySee you next month!Facing Difficult NewsSharing life with dogs brings deep joy, butsometimes, it means facing hard news. Ifyour dog is diagnosed with a life-limitingillness, support is out there.A hospice team can guide you—offeringcalm, clear advice and gentle care to helpyou make the best choices.What help is available?Groups like The Animal Cancer Trust andDignipets (online) offer expert advice. Yourvet practice is the place to start, and youmight also consider complementarysupport, such as physio or acupuncture,alongside treatment.Introducing one of ourfounders...My name is Maja Redfern.As a Hospice Vet and dogowner, I know how muchmemories matter.Our team at Dignipetsprovides hospice andvet visits for a peacefulpassing so you can letyour pet go with dignity.My experiencesEvery day, I’m inspired by the families Imeet—their deep love and commitment totheir dogs is powerful, even in the face ofuncertainty.Making choices about treatments orhospice care is never easy. Sometimes itmeans shifting focus from curing an illnessto prioritising comfort and quality of life.As hospice vets, we value creative,collaborative care—when carers and vetsthink beyond the standard path. Every dogis unique, and our aim is to honour thatindividuality while ensuring their pain ismanaged and their wellbeing remainscentral.You can read moreabout our onlineconsultations byscanning this QR code.ADVERTORIALPlease enjoy and share my three free downloadable eBooks, free courses, and other resources at DunbarAcademy.com and consider subscribing ($20/month) to have full access to the entire humongous archive of video instruction and entertainment, including all our courses: The Essential Puppy Training Course, The Behaviour Problems Compendium, Reactive Dog Toolkit, Reliability and Games Training Workshops, Science-Based Dog Training (with Feeling), and our shorter courses, Dog Training for Children, Dog & Cat Behaviour Problems, Biting and Fighting, Social Behaviour and the Doggy Dominance Myth, and Canine Sexual Behaviour,and a few courses in Spanish.We offer a free one-month’s subscription for you to check out and binge watch all the courses, plus, for just a short time, an annual subscription for $150/year ($12.50/month) from https://dunbar.info/freepupbooksFor a deep dive into the development of the dog’s brain and behaviour, you may want to explore the free courses for dog owners and pet professionals, (breeders, veterinarians, trainers, and shelters), at Dunbar Academy.com TOP TIP!If you don’t have a yard and want your dog to pee and poop at the kerbside: ■De-pee and de-poop your dog.■Pour water on the pee. ■Clean up the poop and dispose of the bag in your apartment building’s garbage. ■Walk your empty dog as a massive reward for prompt elimination prior to the walk. There is no need for a threesome on the walk: you, your dog and a bulging poop bag.Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy (posed by a model)

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20 Dogs Today Issue 369 Australian Shepherd Dog puppy. Photo posed by modelsQuick questionHow can I create the ultimate dog garden? EXPERT ADVICEFrom engaging scents for curious noses to cooling water for hot paws, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Guy Barter and Battersea’s Dawn Grehan dig into gardening ideas to get your dog’s tail wagging… ■Incorporate areas to engage your dog’s sensesA sensory area of the garden is an ideal way to stimulate dogs’ senses while helping to keep them mentally stimulated and decrease boredom. Dogs love to explore by using their noses and there are many dog-friendly herbaceous plants and shrubs that can be planted for them to investigate, such as rosemary, basil, thyme and lemon balm. To keep dogs busy while Issue 369 Dogs Today21tending to the garden, owners can set up brain games by hiding some of their pet’s favourite treats or toys around these plants. Offering different surfaces to stimulate dogs’ paws can also engage senses, such as grass, play-grade bark chip and garden paving for pets to follow their owners around the garden.■Make use of robust plants that can withstand playtimeIt’s a good idea to have a range of plants that can endure a dog’s day-to-day play and bursts of energy. Robust plants such as sedges, shorter grasses to run through, catmint and lavender are all good options. ■ Make your garden pleasing – for you bothAs humans, we enjoy having a beautiful garden with plenty of things to look at, and you can also make it pleasing to the eyes of your pets by offering them some visual stimulation in their outdoor sanctuary. Dogs mainly see in blue and yellow, so plant dog-friendly plants such as cornﬂ owers, pansies, asters and sunﬂ owers. Pansies grow all year round, allowing for a permanent feature in the garden for owners and their pets to enjoy.■Incorporate plenty of shaded areas for warmer monthsAs the weather gets warmer, it’s important to offer your pet plenty of shaded areas to keep cool and relax. You can make use of larger trees that are dog-friendly, such as ﬁ eld maple and hawthorns, or larger shrubs, such as camellias and deutzias, which will add a beautiful pop of colour to your outdoor space. When spending time in the garden with your dog in hotter weather, be sure to offer them plenty of water stations to keep hydrated.■Fence off anything that could be toxic There are a number of plants that can be toxic to dogs, such as alliums (including onions, garlic and leeks), foxgloves and rhododendron/azaleas. If you have any plants in your garden that are toxic to dogs, enclose these with a secure fence that your dog cannot get through, under or over.All toxic plants can present different symptoms in dogs, from an upset tummy to vomiting and even heart problems. Any plant can cause side-effects when ingested and some animals may be more sensitive to plants that are commonly considered safe. Be vigilant when your pet is out in nature and if you are at all worried about your pet’s health, consult your vet immediately. PCOMMON FLOWERS THAT ARE TOXIC TO DOGS INCLUDE:■Daffodils■Azaleas■Bluebells■Prairie lily, lily of the valley, peace lily, and calla lily ■Tulips ■Hyacinths■Carnations■Hydrangeas■Rhododendrons

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22 Dogs Today Issue 369rom a childhood marked by extreme religious control and abuse to becoming a beacon of strength and resilience, Bon Allen’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. The TEDx speaker has overcome immense adversity and deﬁed the odds, embracing endurance sports, advocating for mental health, and ﬁnding purpose through art and her beloved companion, Wilson the Chow Chow. Born into a strict religious household, Bon was one of six children. Her early life was dominated by a church afﬁliated with the controversial Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Subjected to physical and emotional abuse, she was forced into academic studies despite her passion for art and music. At 18, she had to leave home and navigate a world she barely understood. Throughout her life, Bon had a source of special inspiration: her grandmother. Her unconditional love reminded Bon that true strength lies in both perseverance and compassion. “The way my gran was with me really impacted how I chose to view and handle things. Negative impact lasts less time if you choose to accept it and then ﬁnd the opportunities to learn and grow that it gives you. “I’d never justify the behaviours I endured, but I’d deﬁnitely say acceptance and refusing to allow it any lasting impact will take away the control it can have over you.” The years that followed were ﬁlled with hardship. Struggling with mental health, she reached a breaking point in her early 20s. Years of being told she would amount to nothing had taken their toll, and she felt there was no way forward. In a moment of despair, she attempted to die by suicide from overdosing on medication. However, fate intervened — she collapsed sooner than expected, leading to her rescue and ultimately giving her a second chance at life. “I was terriﬁed and frustrated. My attempt to stop the pain had failed and I was so sure it was the answer,” Bon recalls. She had a reaction to the antidote meds, which left her unable to speak. Bon added, “To be honest, it took a long time for my mindset to change massively. It was in the late 1990s and mental health was so stigmatised at that time, so I really buried what I was going through and was shamed by those around me for even trying it.” STRONG COMEBACKIt was only in her 30s that Bon could appreciate that she survived. For a brief period of Bon’s life, she managed to ﬁnd happiness in marriage, only to face infertility and serious health complications. Bon was diagnosed with a rare immune condition and spent years battling chronic pain, at one point relying on a wheelchair. But in true testament to her resilience, she not only regained mobility but went on to achieve extraordinary physical feats — running marathons, competing Hush puppiesWords BEVERLEY CUDDYEveryone is coveting these shoes. Forget Jimmy Choo, you’ll be craving a pair of Bon Dog sneakers after reading this story!Fin strongwoman events, and even delivering a TEDx talk on body neutrality. At her heaviest, Bon weighed 322 pounds, battling both physical challenges and the emotional scars of her past. Instead of focusing on appearance, she embraced body neutrality, shifting her mindset to what her body could achieve. Through endurance training and self-acceptance, she redeﬁned strength, proving resilience isn’t measured by a number on a scale. Despite her physical triumphs, personal challenges persisted. A difﬁcult separation left her isolated, with only a few biological family members remaining in her life. It was during this time that Wilson, a Chow Chow she adopted in 2021, became her anchor. When she found herself struggling again, a close friend reminded her: “You’ve got Wilson.” Their bond gave her the strength to keep going, and, through his illness, she rediscovered her passion for art — a career she once abandoned but now fully embraces. Bon’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to carve a new path despite life’s hardships. “People often tell me that trauma made me stronger,” says Bon. “It didn’t. It almost broke me. But I was born strong — and that’s why I made the choice to not just survive, but to thrive. “I started painting again when Wilson got sick to cope with what was happening and be with him. “In late February of 2024, I was awoken at 4am by Wilson. Completely not his style at all. I responded to his shout and went downstairs to ﬁnd a distressed dog, blood seeping from his back end. By the time we arrived at the emergency vet, he was so dehydrated and sick, it was difﬁcult to get a needle in to administer ﬂuids and medication. Over the next two weeks, my veterinary practice ran a battery of tests to try to get to the bottom of what was wrong.“He had stage 2 kidney disease. As do I. For me, it is manageable. For him fatal.”DEVIL’S WORK “Previously, I’d been told by my family that art was the devil’s work. My ex-husband and his family regarded art as a hobby – not a career.“Wilson had introduced me to a new tribe, a new family: the Chow community. As I shared one of my dog paintings, I got encouragement – people were saying, ‘Erm, why on earth is this not what you do?’“As I dealt with the long hours of travel for Wilson’s treatment, the relentless tube feeds as he stopped eating, the lack of sleep from reassuring his furry head that he was OK and I was right there, I got messages. Not just from other Chow Chow owners, not even just from dog owners, but from people. From all over the world. Who had witnessed the joy of Wilson, the dog unafraid to just be himself, and they had fallen in love too. “Although I didn’t have that old need for people to show up, they did. Day in, day out. There were messages of support and fundraising for treatment. We were never alone.”Bon’s whole world was in chaos, but painting dogs grounded her. Bon arranged a Chow Chow meet – one of Wilson’s favourite activities – and 35 Chows attended from all over the UK. Wilson loved every minute. “Then we convinced an indoor snow centre to let us in after-hours so he could roll around in the thing he loved most – snow. Just one last time. And he did. And the joy and tears together were a beautiful thing.”Wilson was just three years old when he died. Bon said, “He was the dog who saved me, but I couldn’t save him. “When I paint a dog, all the love I had left to give Wilson just comes out on the page and I have found it has really helped me cope better with losing him because I feel like he and I will always be connected through it.”The Chow world soon began asking Bon to paint their dogs and she developed a unique style. She taught herself how to reproduce her work so that her artwork could have practical uses, too.“My great uncle Ivor (my grandmother’s brother) became a huge advocate for me being an artist. In my last conversation with him in December, he said to me, ‘You mustn’t quit at this. It was Issue 369 Dogs Today 23 Photos © Bon Allen

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always a crime you weren’t allowed to pursue it, but this is what you were meant to do.’ He passed away in January and that conversation will stick with me forever!”I particularly admire Bon’s cheeseboards that remind you to pay the cheese tax to your dogs! Her humour shines through in every piece.I’ve followed a similar track to Bon by painting the dogs I love – Bearded Collies. By the time I was in my early 20s, I had a range of more than 200 Beardie-themed products and had agents all over the world. I thought I had all the bases covered, but I never painted dogs on to shoes! I was in awe, but Bon was incredibly generous.“Let’s meet up and I’ll show you how to do it! Let’s do a collab!”I won’t need to be getting my paintbrushes out just yet; Bon had already added a Beardie to her growing range – she’s adding more and more dogs every day. And if you want shoes, you can commission her to paint your dogs. Her shoes really are iconic. How did she learn to do it?“I wanted a pair for myself for Wilson’s celebration, so I researched how you could paint canvas shoes – and it’s surprisingly simple. You use acrylics and can use normal clear lacquer to seal them.“And then people started asking if I would do them for them and it kind of grew from there and they’re probably now my favourite thing to do. “And when I look at the ﬁ rst pair I painted with Wilson on versus the ones I produce now, I can see how conﬁ dence has made such a difference.“Then people started asking about leather shoes – so again, I researched and learned that. The leather shoes are much harder – there is a process to strip the leather, and the paint is much less forgiving than acrylic and must dry in between layers, but it’s so worth it for the end product.”Bon’s shoes have travelled the world. Her social-media feed is full of ecstatic unboxing videos.SECRET MEETINGA Chow friend knew that Noel Fitzpatrick’s book about his beloved Keira had really made Bon feel it was OK to grieve for Wilson and ﬁ nd a legacy to keep him close. “So my friend secretly booked for me to meet Noel at Crufts, knowing I wanted to paint him a pair of shoes. Then I met him and when the girls he works with saw my shoes and commented, my friend told them I make them and that I wanted to make Noel a pair – and it went from there!”Of course, Noel wanted his much-missed Keira at his feet. It’s just such a gorgeous way of commemorating your best friend – they’re literally with you every step you take.Noa joined Bon before Wilson passed, a rescue dog who also needed a lot of TLC. A painful condition meant both her eyes had to be removed. She very much missed Wilson, so Bob joined the family too and he grew and grew in character and size, and the two became great friends.People are often incredulous that Noa is blind, as she and Bob run and play together with such conﬁ dence. People they meet even ask Bon, “Are you sure she’s blind – she must be able to see something?” They just don’t seem to notice she has no eyes! I asked Bon if she has plans to add any more Chows, and she didn’t rule it out. Her dream would be to have a big place and lots of land for more Chows in need to live and play. Maybe her art can fund that in the future; sadly, more and more Chows are ending up in rescue these days. Bon explains that they are very unusual characters, as are the people who love them.“For me, growing old disgracefully, surrounded by Chows, and bringing joy to fellow dog owners through my art sounds perfect.” PSee more of Bon’s artwork here: www.bondog.co.ukPhotos © Bon Allen24Dogs Today Issue 369You can give a greyhound a life after You can give a greyhound a life after racing and the forever home they deserve.racing and the forever home they deserve.CHARITY NUMBERS: 269668 & SC044047There is a greyhound close to you looking for a home with you, to ﬁnd out more visit www.greyhoundtrust.org.ukIf you can’t home a greyhound, please consider donating or shopping with us at www.greyhoundtruststore.comThere’s no place like homePlease give a greyhound a place to call home. Don’t delay, call us today.You can give a greyhound a life after racing and the forever home they deserve.SAY HELLO TOAND WALKWITHCﬁdenceYellMYANXIOUSDOG.CO.UK#DOGSINYELLOWAward winning products.Designed and tested in the UK.Helping you to let others know your dog needs space.100% Natural100% Guaranteedpetzlife.co.ukCplete Oral Care

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26 Dogs Today Issue 369For many years, it was believed that there were around six million dogs in the UK, but a recent study led by Dogs Trust, in collaboration with researchers from the Universities of Leeds and Exeter, suggests that ﬁgure is actually around 13 million. We saw an enormous growth in dog ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic and many of these dogs were not properly socialised or trained. With the demand for trainers at an all-time high, there has never been a better time to start a career in professional dog training, but where do you begin your journey to become qualiﬁed? You only have to look at Facebook to be inundated with adverts for every company under the sun offering you the latest or the best course that will certify you as a trainer. But what weight do these qualiﬁcations carry? If dog training ever became a regulated industry, would these qualiﬁcations meet the minimum standard that the government will require? Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty are directors of the iPET Network, an awarding organisation that specialises in creating qualiﬁcations solely in the animal care and veterinary science sector. They recently celebrated their ﬁfth year in business as an awarding organisation for the Ofﬁce of Qualiﬁcations and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). Sarah and Fern helped to shed some light on what these qualiﬁcations mean and the need for regulated dog training courses.CLOSE SCRUTINY“There are lots of courses, lots of CPD (continued professional development), many accreditations,” explains Sarah. “Ultimately, the bottom line is, if it’s a regulated qualiﬁcation, it’s been scrutinised – it’s been recognised by Ofqual, the government agency that recognises the iPET Network as an awarding organisation.“This means we are scrutinised constantly by Ofqual about everything that we do with developing the qualiﬁcations, how we quality assure them and so on.“A regulated qualiﬁcation needs to be on the regulative framework of qualiﬁcations. Anybody can go to the government website of Ofqual’s register of courses (https://www.gov.uk/ﬁnd-a-regulated-qualiﬁcation), where you can type in any qualiﬁcation or title of the qualiﬁcation. If it’s not on that website, then it’s not regulated. In other words, it hasn’t gone through the robustness of creating learning outcomes and assessment criteria, and it hasn’t got the approval for an awarding organisation to rubber stamp it.”Every awarding organisation must publish a course handbook, so students can ﬁnd out what they’re going to learn.Qualiﬁcations are given levels, but what do they mean? ■Level 2 is technically GCSE level ■Level 3 is A level ■Levels 4, 5 and 6 go up to degree levelWant to become a dog trainer? With so many different organisations and courses, where do you begin? Before you part with your hard-earned money, make sure you’re investing in a course that offers a genuine qualiﬁcation Photo posed by modelsWords ALEX WILSONTraining trapsIssue 369 Dogs Today 27 This is all based on how the learners answer the questions and how much depth they need to give. Level 2 might need to list things, a level 3 might be expected to describe and explain, so the student shows more understanding of the topic. Level 4 might have to analyse or compare two different things and go into more depth. Some courses are being marketed by large dog-training businesses as the equivalent of a level 3 or a level 4. This is just marketing jargon. Sarah Mackay explains, “There is no such thing as ‘an equivalent of’, because either it is, or it isn’t, a real qualiﬁcation. If it is a qualiﬁcation, it must be either one of those levels. That’s what we’re passionate about – making sure that the learner’s outcomes and criteria ﬁt the needs of the market and ﬁt the needs of the learners, because that is the core skill and job role that students are going to come out with, with that qualiﬁcation.”The reality is, if the qualiﬁcation is not written robustly, or they are not thorough, you may have a qualiﬁcation title that does not underpin what the student has learned, as there are no checks and balances to make sure that the learning meets a standard. LEARNING EXPERIENCEFern Gresty adds, “In reality, we are trying to compare apples with oranges. I remember having a discussion with someone at Crufts many years ago, about the need for a regulated qualiﬁcation – somebody gaining that qualiﬁcation over somebody just having experience. It is around the fairness of the testing of that assessment. We can all learn things, we can all say that we have the knowledge, but the only way that we can test that is through an assessment that is done in a fair and quality-assured way. This means that it is checked thoroughly, not by one or two people who could be a friend, but by people who are independent and who have learned to a higher level and have been assessed at that higher level.“It’s using this framework that makes these steps more accessible. The world of dog training has lots of different courses, accreditations and ‘equivalents to’. The regulator Ofqual ensures awarding organisations comply with the conditions of recognition and design and develop robust qualiﬁcations using the appropriate frameworks. This means that it is a fair standard for everybody to be able to work to. In an unregulated industry, it’s tricky to try to get everybody on the same page, but we’ve got to start somewhere and if you start with a regulated qualiﬁcation, you’re in the right zone.”Currently, dog training, dog walking and dog grooming are not regulated industries, but there are some comparatives with other things that are out there. What tends to happen is the government of the day will look at certain industries, often based on a knee-jerk reaction to something else, maybe an incident. With the XL Bully situation, dog training may well be being investigated as I write this article. FUTURE-PROOFINGSarah explains more: “In terms of the licences that we can already see in animal welfare, the wording really is around being Ofqual regulated, because that is the government matching their standards across the board. What they actually say is that to get the higher level of licence – for example, to get to be a ﬁve-star dog-boarding facility – you’re looking to achieve an Ofqual-regulated level three qualiﬁcation. The criteria then get submitted to the licensing department through the councils that actually go out and inspect the standard. They will In an unregulated industry, it’s tricky to try to get everybody on the same page, but we’ve got to start somewhere and if you start with a regulated qualiﬁcation, you’re in the right zone”Sarah Mackay & Fern Gresty of the iPET Network

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28 Dogs Today Issue 369be looking at the hours that people have trained and the hours that people have been learning. In other words, they’re looking for a level three, which will usually meet the higher standard. So, as an awarding organisation, we believe that this would meet the standard required.“However, Defra also helps to make these rules, and things again will adapt over time. What we advise everybody, at the moment: if you get your level three, you’re safeguarding and future-prooﬁng yourself for what may come.”Fern adds, “We’re always striving for progression routes as well. It’s those progression routes within the sectors or within the areas that we can have as a stepping stone. For those people who are passionate about wanting to learn in other areas, there are qualiﬁcations available to them to continue learning, because that’s what it’s all about.”QUALITY ASSURANCE Quality assurance makes these kinds of qualiﬁcations so different to the run-of-the-mill courses. The student will complete the work. Tutors and assessors will mark the work. Then it goes to an internal quality assurer, who will check that the tutor has given fair and relevant feedback, and the standard of the qualiﬁcation has been met. And then it goes to an external quality assurer, who will check that the internal quality assurer has done their checks and balances before any certiﬁcate is released.“That is the core difference,” explains Sarah. “You have to have those layers of quality assurance, so that we know that when a certiﬁcate is issued, all the standards have been met to the level of that qualiﬁcation, rather than just a quiz online or optional assessments, or getting a certiﬁcate with no formal assessment. How has that knowledge been embedded and how do you know what that learner has learned? We can all answer a multiple-choice quiz and meet the pass rate and away we go, but has that knowledge been embedded? The way the qualiﬁcation is built reinforces the fact that the tutors have to mark the work, and the learner has to really understand what that question is about and what the question is asking around dog training.”There may be courses out there that are doing this, but because they are not Ofqual regulated, the student doesn’t know. It needs to be transparent. The student should know exactly what they’re buying. In some cases, they don’t even know which awarding organisation they’re with, and if students are spending money, they should know what they’re getting, what they’re learning, and what they can do with the qualiﬁcation.ACADEMY LAUNCH Now we have a better understanding of the terminology around different types of qualiﬁcations, and we understand what it means to train in an Ofqual-regulated course, the iPET Network – in conjunction with the Xtra Dog Academy – have recently launched the iPET Network Level 3 Certiﬁcate in Dog Training, regulated by Ofqual.This course is an ideal choice if you are looking to start a career in dog training, or are already a trainer wanting a real level 3 qualiﬁcation that will make you stand out from other trainers in your area. This programme is both ﬂexible and structured, allowing students to learn at their own pace, whether they commit just 10 hours a week or more. They will have lifetime access to a cutting-edge learning platform where there are over 125 videos, covering many different aspects of dog training, behaviour, management, life skills and more, as well as the support of tutors who are there to guide students and support them every step of the way. The course tutors include Xtra Dog senior instructor Gail Skinner, who grew up in South Africa and now runs one of the busiest training centres in the Algarve; Dr Erica Cosijn, the world expert on noise sensitive dogs; Nicki Lucka, a puppy training specialist and senior Tellington TTouch practitioner; Linda Reader, also a Tellington TTouch practitioner, who used to teach grooming at a further education college on the south coast; and vet Dr Monika Kleyenstuber, who will teach all about canine health care. And not forgetting me, Alex Wilson, senior Tellington TTouch practitioner and canine body language specialist.The core content of the course is divided into four sections: ■Introduction to canine ethology ■Canine health and handling theory ■Dog training and socialisation theory ■Dog training and handling skillsStudents will also get involved in practical and written tasks, real-world case studies, and interactive coaching calls. By the time students complete the programme, they’ll have everything they need to succeed as a professional dog trainer – not just in terms of working with dogs, but also with elements of business and marketing to help them be the best dog trainer they possibly can. This course will also meet the criteria discussed by Sarah and Fern in terms of a regulated qualiﬁcation.The Xtra Dog Academy wants to make sure that all students will be a good ﬁt for the course and that the course is also the right ﬁt for them, so application is by Zoom or telephone interview. More information can be found at www.xtradog.academy or by calling 0330 088 3647. PAlex Wilson of the Xtra Dog Academy100% natural chews & treats, sourced sustainably, in the UK and Europe.Deluxe artisan confectionery for dogs and Shampoo Soaps made with goat’s milk, neem and especially picked aromatherapy oils.Artisan deluxe confectionery chocolate for your dog to celebrate gotcha days, birthdays, seasonal festive occasions or simply just because!Made by hand from healthy and safe ingredients that your dog will love. As well as carob, maple syrup, peanut butter and coconut oil, we aim to titillate the taste buds by using various vegetables for diverse ﬂavours and colouring. They come in many shapes and sizes: hearts, ﬂowers and leaves, buttons, stars, doughnuts, seasonal shapes and even dinosaurs – just for fun!www.dogdancing.orgdogdancingltd@gmail.com07535 176 317

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30 Dogs Today Issue 369here’s something heart-warming about watching your dog’s ears perk up as you load up the car for a new adventure. For many of us, our four-legged friends are more than just pets – they’re family, so it’s only natural we want them to join us on our holidays. The good news? The UK is one of the best places in the world to holiday with your dog, offering a treasure trove of pet-friendly escapes, from rugged coastlines to tranquil countryside retreats. We have over 140,000 miles of public footpaths, 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), and 15 national parks, many of which are open to dogs. Plus, more accommodations, pubs, cafes and attractions are embracing the ‘dogs welcome’ ethos than ever before.Another perk of staying in the UK? No airport stress for you or your pet. No crates in cargo holds, no sedatives, no unfamiliar climates. Just the joy of watching your dog’s tail wag on a windswept beach or beside a crackling ﬁre after a long countryside ramble.But before you hit the road, a bit of planning can ensure your break is fun, safe and stress-free.THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATIONFrom boutique hotels with gourmet dog menus to glamping pods and spacious Airbnb cottages, the UK offers a huge range of dog-friendly stays. Look out for amenities like enclosed gardens, nearby walking trails, dog towels, treats and even dog beds. The top websites to search are: ■PetsPyjamas www.petspyjamas.com ■Canine Cottages www.caninecottages.co.uk ■DogFriendly www.dogfriendly.co.uk ■CoolStays www.coolstays.com LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONPick a destination that suits your dog’s temperament and energy levels. Energetic dogs may thrive in the Scottish Highlands or Lake District, while older or smaller breeds might prefer the ﬂat sandy beaches of Norfolk or the peaceful Cotswolds.Words GRAHAM SMITHTIllustration by Kevin BrockbankPack your bags, pet!Whether you’re craving coastal walks in Cornwall, a lakeside lodge in the Lake District, or a cosy cottage in the Cotswolds, there’s a dog-friendly destination waiting for you and your best friend. Here’s your go-to guide for holidaying in the UK with your pet...EATING OUT Gone are the days when dining out meant leaving your dog behind. Across the UK, more pubs, cafes and even ﬁne-dining spots welcome dogs with open arms – and often a treat or two.Look for the ‘dog-friendly’ symbol on pub websites, check out the DoggiePubs website, or use apps like BringFido. In many country inns, you’ll ﬁnd dog treats at the bar and maybe even a dedicated ‘dog beer’ on tap.Always carry a mat or towel for your dog to lie on, and bring a chew or toy to keep them occupied if you’re settling in for a long lunch. >Issue 369 Dogs Today 31 VET PREPBefore you go, ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and they’re microchipped. Pack any medications, and make a note of the contact info for a local vet at your destination.

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32Dogs Today Issue 369TRAVEL TIPSBY CAR■Plan regular breaks for stretching legs and toilet stops.■Use a seatbelt harness, travel crate or dog guard for safety.■Keep the car well ventilated and never leave your dog in a hot vehicle.BY TRAIN■Dogs travel free on most UK trains but must be kept on a lead or in a carrier.■Not all stations have grassy areas, so plan ahead.■Bring water and something for them to lie on.BY FERRY■Travelling to islands like the Isle of Wight, Scotland’s Hebrides, or the Channel Islands? Most UK ferries allow dogs on board – either in designated pet areas or staying in your car.RAINY DAYS AND REST DAYSBritish weather can be unpredictable, and even the most energetic pup needs a rest day. Thankfully, there are plenty of attractions that welcome dogs.■ Eden Project (Cornwall) – dogs are allowed in outdoor areas and shaded shelters.■ National Trust and English Heritage sites – many properties allow dogs in the gardens and grounds.■ Dog-friendly cinemas and cafes – yes, these exist! Check local listings before you go.■ Or simply curl up in your dog-friendly cottage, pop on a ﬁ lm and enjoy some much-needed downtime together.KEEP IT SAFE AND RESPECTFULWhile many places welcome dogs, it’s important to be considerate.■Keep your dog under control, especially around livestock and wildlife.■Clean up after your dog – always.■Respect beach bans – some have seasonal restrictions.■Leave no trace – keep natural areas clean and enjoyable for everyone.THE JOY OF SHARED ADVENTURESOne of the greatest joys of holidaying with your dog is the bond that deepens between you. Exploring a new forest trail, paddling in a stream, sharing a sunset on a clifftop – these are the moments that create lifelong memories.With the UK’s rich variety of landscapes, welcoming attitude towards pets, and increasing number of dog-friendly venues, there’s truly no reason to leave your best friend behind when you go on holiday. So grab that lead, pack the treats, and get ready to explore the UK.Have a favourite dog-friendly spot you’d love to recommend? Send your tips and photos to Dogs Today – we’d love to share your adventures!Along with your usual dog-walking gear, don’t forget:■Water bowl and bottles■Poop bags (biodegradable if possible)■Dog food and treats■Towel (for muddy paws)■Lead and harness (and maybe a longline)■Favourite toy or blanket for comfort■ID tags with your mobile numberIllustrations by Kevin Brockbank■ PACKTHEESSENTIALSIssue 369 Dogs Today33CORNWALLWhy: Golden sands, cliff-top paths (keep your dog on a lead!) and plenty of pet-welcoming pubs make Cornwall a top choice. Watergate Bay is perfect for dogs who love to run, and many beaches allow dogs year-round. Don’t miss a walk along the South West Coast Path, or a visit to Tintagel Castle where dogs on leads are welcome.Dog-friendly highlight: The Lost Gardens of Heligan – dogs on leads are allowed in most areas, and there are even dog drinking stations.LAKE DISTRICTWhy: An absolute dream for active pups and their people. With its rolling hills, forest trails and shimmering lakes, the Lake District offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Many pubs here not only welcome dogs – they spoil them.Dog-friendly highlight: Take your dog on a boat ride across Lake Windermere or Derwentwater – both allow dogs on board.NORFOLKWhy: Flat terrain, vast skies and miles of uncrowded coastline make Norfolk a favourite for those seeking a relaxed break. The Holkham Park is ideal for on-lead walks, and nearby Wells-next-the-Sea beach is famous for its colourful beach huts and dog-friendliness.Dog-friendly highlight: Norfolk Broads boat hire – many companies allow dogs, so you can enjoy a lazy river cruise with your furry companion.PEAK DISTRICTWhy: The UK’s ﬁ rst national park remains a magnet for walkers and their dogs. Explore the Monsal Trail, Dovedale, or Mam Tor, and then settle into a welcoming country pub with a roaring ﬁ re.Dog-friendly highlight: The Chatsworth Estate allows dogs on leads in the parkland, and many of the estate cottages are pet-friendly too.ISLE OF SKYEWhy: For the truly adventurous, Skye offers awe-inspiring landscapes and quiet, uncrowded trails. Be aware of local wildlife and sheep, and keep your dog under control, but the scenery and serenity are well worth the trip.Dog-friendly highlight: Fairy Glen and Quiraing walks offer otherworldly beauty and room for roaming.DOG-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS THE UK’S TOP 15 DOG-FRIENDLY CITIESA recent survey found that 56% of dog owners plan their trips around their pets, while an impressive 68% would choose not to travel if they couldn’t bring their dog. With this in mind, the travel experts at Accor researched the top 15 UK cities, taking into consideration factors such as dog-friendly parks, eateries, accommodation, veterinary care and grooming. Each facility was scored out of 10 based on quality (average review rating) and reliability (number of reviews).See the full results and ﬁ gures at https://all.accor.com/a/en/limitless/thematics/travel-tips-guides/dog-friendly-cities.html 1 LIVERPOOL 2 BRIGHTON & HOVE 3 GLASGOW 4 CHESTER 5 LINCOLN 6 LEEDS 7 MILTON KEYNES 8 SHEFFIELD 9 YORK10 BRISTOL11 EDINBURGH12 CARDIFF13 INVERNESS14 MANCHESTER15 BIRMINGHAMKEY:■ Dog-friendly parks ■ Groomers ■ Dog-friendly eateries ■ Vets ■ Dog-friendly accommodation ■ Dog-friendly city score 7.11 7.056.766.626.596.366.326.306.286.166.086.045.915.815.79

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Those soft brown eyes meet yours and your heart melts… Animals evoke powerful feelings in many people. This is one of the key reasons why animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is so powerful in helping people who struggle with repressed or overwhelming feelings. The correct psychological term is ‘projection’. This describes the process of placing one’s feelings on to an animal (or object) or attributing one’s feelings to another. It differs from anthropomorphism, where people give animals complex human characteristics as though they were human. When working with people for emotional healing, alongside an animal co-therapist, the role of the animal co-therapist is one of a vital emotional signiﬁer. Animals have highly adapted senses, and companion animals have lived alongside humans for tens of thousands of years. Part of their adaptation and successful evolution 34 Dogs Today Issue 369Co-mpassionThis article is part of a series looking at ‘co’ - the missing letters in our therapeutic and healing work with animals. Working with other species as co-therapists is an important shift in our attitude. This month, behaviourist Ciara Louw concentrates on compassion and how dogs help people access their feelings at an addiction centre Words CIARA LOUWhas been to become deeply attuned to what humans are feeling, thinking and experiencing. Originally, this skill allowed them to be working animals, like helping a shepherd move their ﬂock. They became guardians, protecting their human co-habitants from threat, and they became hunters, working together to catch what would become a shared meal. Over time, they took on more subtle roles – for example, toy breeds came to enjoy their human companions’ laps and cuddles. These remarkable alliances between humans and dogs have been strengthened and reﬁned for generations, where today, most untraumatised dogs seek out and ﬂourish with human companionship.In a therapeutic context, dogs direct their sight, scent and auditory abilities to the human patient/client. They can sense mood and emotion. They react to fear, anger, excitement, calm, even if the human is successfully masking those feelings from other people. They bring a combination of heightened senses and a sensitivity that evolved over generations that enables them to read people and interpret their motivations and intentions.RECOVERY PROGRAMME In a therapy programme for adults residing in an addiction recovery centre, we see remarkable evidence of this. Many of the patients had been repressing their emotions for years through chemical abuse and other means. The only criteria for the patient to participate is that they enjoy being around animals. Obviously, animal co-therapy is not constructive if people fear, dislike, or are allergic to animals. The therapeutic team comprises a human clinical psychologist, a human dog behaviour practitioner and four dog co-therapists – one per participant.Patients are welcomed and given an overview of the activities of the day. They have the opportunity to express what they are feeling and what they hope to experience on the day. They then draw from pieces of paper in a dog bowl, to select the name of the co-therapist they will work with. The dogs are introduced and patients are given a backstory about each animal. All of the co-therapists on this ﬁrst part of the programme are mixed breeds. They have been selected, as per our previous article (last month), for their afﬁnity to humans, their obvious beneﬁt from being on the programme, and their ﬂexibility in unexpected events. The dogs all live in a shelter and this is part of their enrichment.MAKING CONNECTIONSImmediately, from the ﬁrst encounter, people start identifying aspects of themselves in the animal co-therapists. A tough guy sees himself in a scrappy little terrier. A woman with an eating disorder likes the long-legged female. The ﬁrst layer of reaction by humans is often to appearance and general character.To get to know each other, the session starts on a ﬁeld where the human participants are introduced to basic dog behaviour dos and don’ts, while the dogs have a run around. Some groups have already opened up at this point, talking about pets and experiences they have had with dogs in their lives. One of the male dogs on the programme was selected because he is obsessive about objects being thrown for him. Many patients spontaneously identify their own compulsive behaviour with this co-therapist. They can see how his ﬁxation means he misses out and gets distracted from his purpose. Another pair have been chosen because the male dog is so attached to his female kennel mate. He follows her everywhere and pines when she is out of sight. Again, the patients start to see themselves in one or other role and start to reﬂect on how this plays out in their own human relationships. These are just some of the overt observations that start to help people access feelings about who they are in the world.Next, we split up, so that each patient gets some alone time with their animal co-therapist. The Issue 369 Dogs Today 35 CIARA LOUWBased in Cape Town, South Africa, I have always been an explorer. I am a perpetual student with degrees in architecture and environmental science, a diploma in animal behaviour, and courses in everything from ﬁnancial trading to death doula-ing. My business experience includes leadership roles: as managing director, creative director, board member, chief ops manager of an animal-assisted therapy non-proﬁt organisation; and I presently have a company offering strategy and innovation. My life experience spans climbing Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, the Japanese Kimono Kodo, driving up Africa, and walking across Europe. My psycho-spiritual work encompasses animal-assisted therapy, in group and one-on-one settings, soul work, and traditional healing. I love creative expression and have published writings and poetry, continually capturing the world around me in paintings, drawings and photographs. My personal mission is to restore the innate bond between people and nature, for the enrichment of both.MEET THE PRACTITIONERS...

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36Dogs Today Issue 369human therapists step back but keep a close eye, particularly on how the animal co-therapist is behaving and responding to the human. When a very active dog lies down and does not want to walk but wants to be stroked, we take note. When a person pays no attention to the dog co-therapist or is rough voiced, we observe. When there is an unexpected challenge like a blocked path, we notice how both behave.After the walk, there is unleashed play time in a ﬁ eld. All the interplays are closely monitored. The human therapists only step in if there is concern for the safety of either the patient or co-therapists, but it is otherwise a free interactive period. Some patients naturally seek out the human therapists – this is also observed. We then thank and say goodbye to our animal co-therapists. Saying goodbye is a small loss and an important part of the process. For some patients, this is a pivotal moment when they can start to scratch the surface of their own layers of grief.As this is an outdoor format, where we do not follow the set-up described in the ﬁ rst article, the dog co-therapists have the freedom to move away and not work, if so inclined. After the session, they are given a run to blow off steam and are taken back to settle with a treat. They are closely observed for any signs of stress. If these emerge, they are addressed immediately. The animals are never expected to work if they have been ill, injured or had a stressful event recently. Their welfare is tantamount to the programme.If the weather is inclement, and we work indoors, we create:■A safe space – a mat and water bowl, where the animal can retreat for a break when needed■A neutral zone that they can move in and out of■An active working space, where the patients can engageReturning to the outdoor session and having ended the canine section, we meet indoors in a group therapy set-up, led by the clinical psychologist. In the break that naturally occurs when moving indoors, the human therapists swap critical insights and observations. There follows a discussion period, where the patients are speciﬁ cally encouraged to talk about their feelings before and during the animal work – with astonishing results. DEPTH AND UNDERSTANDINGIn almost every group, the patients talk about love and loss in detail, accessing deep feelings. Many talk about sophisticated concepts of freedom (and how addiction impinges on this), about relationships, their own pets, and those they have loved. They relate to the animals living in a shelter. Many hardened addicts ﬁ nd a softness, compassion and empathy. One of the questions they are asked is whether any of their fellow patients behaved differently to how they know them. Often, the patients see a whole new side to one another that they had not previously encountered. There are often tears, always laughter. Very rarely do the human therapists have to press the patients Many scientiﬁ c studies support that touch interaction with animals decreases stress hormones like cortisol and increases feel-good hormones like oxytocin. This is a physiological and emotional balm for them bothIssue 369 Dogs Today 37 with external observations; often we are awed at how the patients make the same observations themselves. This group session takes as long as it needs. By the end, we consistently see that the majority of patients’ faces have softened, their body language is loose and relaxed, and their manner is open and calm. They self-report feeling “better, loving, hopeful, and joyful”.EMOTIONAL BALMThe closing activity is optional free petting time with puppies and kittens (who are always plentiful at the shelter). The patients will not need to talk about this unless they want to, and they can sit and play with warm, soft, young animals in whatever way is satisfying to both. (As an aside, handling improves the kittens’ and puppies’ chances of being homed.) Many scientiﬁc studies support that touch interaction with animals decreases stress hormones like cortisol and increases feel-good hormones like oxytocin. This is a physiological and emotional balm for them both. We do a report for the recovery centre on the same day, so that they can pick up on any signiﬁcant outcomes in the patients’ ongoing therapy. The recovery centre, in turn, regularly reports that many patients have breakthroughs on the programme. Over time, the programme has become so popular that attendance is now a reward for good behaviour in the addictions centre.Our experience demonstrates how humans respond positively to animal co-therapists, enabling patients to express positive and difﬁcult feelings in ways they had not previously been able to access. This opens up a new dimension in how they experience themselves and how they relate to the world. It is a small intervention, but it can change the trajectory of a person’s emotional healing. At the very worst, the person has had some time outdoors in nature, in a different setting. At the very best, they have connected to deep feelings of love, loss and hope, increasing their resilience and their chances of personal recovery.Dogs – simply by being dogs – evoke emotions in many people. When partnered with human therapists – trained, understood and observed – they become powerful therapists in their own right. P

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38 Dogs Today Issue 369’ve recently noticed that Betty is showing her age in a very relatable way. She will sometimes forget why she’s come into a room. She will stand there for a little while, trying to remember. Sometimes it will be something important – like reminding me it’s time for her dinner. She’ll go to where I’d been sitting earlier and woof even though I’ve already started making her meal. Or, in the morning, when she’s been out for her ﬁrst garden break and I’m getting her breakfast ready, she’ll stand at the bottom of the stairs to tell me to hurry up – that it’s time to get up. When she turns round and sees me behind her, she looks surprised, as if it’s a magic trick!Many years ago, when this magazine was still a pup itself, I stumbled upon Vivitonin after my lovely old Beardie, Sally, started to show her considerable age. Vivitonin had been developed as a human heart medication, but it had surprising side effects: it appeared to make people more youthful in other ways. Someone explained to me that it puts the bounce back into red blood cells and because oxygenated blood starts to move around the body more efﬁciently, like it used to, it begins to restore and refresh lots of things – including the brain.The results were very impressive with Sally, but there was never much marketing spent on the drug, as it was rather expensive and a bit vague to describe. It made vets feel uncomfortable trying to sell it; it just sounded too good to be true. It was usually only brought up when people were considering euthanasia for a very old dog. The vet might suggest a two-week trial just to see if it helped – a last-ditch something to try. People were also keen to give it a go after a doggie version of a stroke, as there wasn’t really anything else to try.VETERAN VITALITYWhen I last looked at this sector, someone said there was a newer, even better drug, but I couldn’t remember the name (I must be getting old!). As Betty was struggling to get over kennel cough, I was at the vet’s for some antibiotics, and I thought I’d ask what was now recommended for cognitive disfunction. It was a short conversation, as the vet didn’t really think Betty’s symptoms were advanced enough to warrant something very powerful and he’d not had much luck with Vivitonin so far. I was able to give him a ﬁrst-person review with Sally, even if it was decades ago. I felt it was worth a go with Betty, too. I said I’d let him know if it helped. As soon as she’s over the cough, we’ll start her on it and see if it helps her memory. Back in the day, I was told that some vets, having seen what Vivitonin could do for dogs, were illicitly taking the free samples themselves as a sort of Red Bull alternative... and that from talking to the people at the drug company, There’s When the brain starts getting a bit rusty, what helps with ‘senior moments’? And, at the other end of the dog, what stops urinary leaks? The hive mind delivers its wisdom...Betty. Photo by Beverley CuddyIWords BEVERLEY CUDDYIssue 369 Dogs Today39there were human trials for the drug on Japanese men – looking at it being a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s.Betty has been on Pawable collagen for a packet and half now – and it’s made a huge difference. She’s much quicker to recover after exercise, with less stiffness. Her coat has improved too. I used to joke that her Old English-Golden Retriever mix had given her hair that resembles Jeremy Clarkson’s! But now it’s much softer – perhaps more James May, maybe soon Richard Hammond. BUYING TIMEShe’s also been on a food that’s meant to give her more years. But I’ve found she doesn’t like pork or salmon, and anything with sweet potato in it gives her wind. So, we might not be staying on that one, as she’s incredibly fussy.There’s also news of a new super drug that is coming. Loyal is in development and it looks likely to extend a dog’s good years by another year – so the equivalent of seven more years in human terms! We asked you last month whether you’d be in queue for this – read all about it in the Great Debate (page 48).CANINE CENTENARIANSBut how many dog years is equivalent to a human year anyway? Many years ago, Dogs Today had a section in the magazine called Golden Years. We printed a table (see above) that Vivitonin had shared with us, which calculated a dog’s human age, taking into account weight and whether the dog was a pedigree or a crossbreed, as they had discovered that small mixed breeds usually live much long than giant pedigrees. If a reader’s dog reached 100 years old, we’d send them a telegram from the Queen’s Corgis. I think we should bring that back – don’t you? Write in if your dog is 100 years or older and tell us what you do to help keep them young at heart – and send a photo. P’s life in the old dog yet! Your dog’s ageUnder 15lb (7kg)15-30lb (7-13.5kg)31-50lb (14-22kg)51-75lb (23-34kg)76-100lb (35-45kg)101lb+ (46kg+)19 12 13 15 17 202 16 19 19 21 23 263 22 25 25 27 29 324 27 30 31 32 34 375 32 35 36 37 39 426 37 40 40 42 44 477 41 44 45 46 49 528 45 48 49 51 53 579 49 52 53 55 57 6210 52 55 56 59 62 6711 56 59 60 63 66 7212 59 62 64 67 71 7713 63 66 67 71 76 8314 66 69 71 76 81 9015 70 73 75 80 86 9616 74 77 80 85 92 10417 79 82 84 91 99 11118 83 86 89 97 106 12119 88 91 95 103 114 13120 94 97 101 111 122 142This table shows the equivalent age of a crossbreed dog, in human years. It represents a conservative estimate for pure-bred dogs. For a more realistic age for pedigree dogs, add on two years to your young dog’s age before doing the conversion. The table assumes that the dog is at target bodyweight.Overweight dogs may age more quickly than the table suggests.KEY: ■Middle aged ■Senior citizenOLDIES AGE CHARTI thought I’d ask my Facebook timeline what other things people have found useful for their oldies and what’s best for leaky dogs – so far, Betty remembers where to go to the bathroom, even if she’s unsure who is the other side of the bathroom door! Turn over to check out their personal recommendations...

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40 Dogs Today Issue 369Isobel DeeleyOur rescued Greyhound Wiki (14 in May – old for such a big dog) does sometimes exhibit confusion – for example, forgetting he’s just had a pee/drink and going through the same actions again, or just standing and staring or getting anxious. He is, however, still a happy, affectionate and contented dog who enjoys his food and his (albeit now short) walks. I have heard of Librela, but as Wiki is already on drugs for a degenerative spine condition (Gabapentin and Amantadine) to help keep him out of pain and able to walk, we are a bit cautious about introducing new drugs that might adversely affect the kidneys. So, I’m reading responses here with interest.Wiki used to be mostly black, but is just as beautiful as a white-faced oldie. We adopted him when he was two.Vanessa HolburnIsobel Deeley, I have a Lurcher who also has a similar sounding problem with all the discs in his neck. He’s on Gabapentin already and paracetamol; I’m off to look up Amantadine…Sandy WatertonFor dementia, Selgian worked miracles for my old girl. Cassie DaviesMy old Lab was given Vivitonin when she had vestibular syndrome, and it truly was a wonder drug. Both my old Labs had regular hydrotherapy treatment and physiotherapy, which really helped them.Shirley HutchinsonLibrela can have an amazing impact on arthritis.Helen MayneWe stopped Librela, as Lola has Cushing’s and ataxia, and she is now on a tiny, weekly dose of ketamine, which has helped a lot with her leg strength. And she has a quarter of a Pardale (a veterinary analgesic medication for dogs containing paracetamol and codeine) three times a day.Julia O’ConnorI remember when Vivitonin ﬁrst came out. It was a wonder drug. Dogs who started to get canine dementia symptoms reverted to being like Peter Pan after taking it. I’d be interested to hear of newer drugs but did always wonder what Vivitonin would be like for humans.Liz UnderwoodAktivait was literally a life-changer for dementia for one dog. Vivitonin did nothing for her and has done nothing for another dog on it.Helen DicksMy vet said Vivitonin is very variable. Some dogs respond beautifully to it and others don’t.Carole MortonI started using the collagen you recommended, and, three weeks in, l can see a difference – yes, she’s still stiff, but better than she was.Olwen TurnsWe had a dog on Vivitonin for a good couple of years, but that was a long time ago. He died in 1991. I have no idea what products are now available.Fiona ClarksonI love Vivitonin and have used it on many older dogs. I also like to give vitamin E as a natural antioxidant, which also boosts circulation to the brain. Julia OwenMy beautiful Teddy is 15-ish, and, this time last year, we thought we were losing him. Moving to a new area and discovering a fantastic, privately owned vet, The Hadleigh Vets, has given him a new lease of life. They hold regular ‘senior pet sessions’ and give advice on massage and movement techniques to help him. Monthly Librela injections and daily B12 capsules have made such a difference. He’s still a bit slow and even more stubborn than he was before, but he’s still enjoying life, and that’s the main thing. Tracey JaneI have started my girl on Dorwest Braincopa. I feel it’s made a difference.Helen BurtonI have had great results with Dorwest Herbs’ Braincopa. My Cavalier was getting me up every night, standing in the garden and looking as if he couldn’t remember why he’d gone out there. I put him on Braincopa, and it stopped straight away. I thought it might be coincidence, so I stopped the pills, and he started doing it again. He has been on it ever since and it hasn’t happened again.Lindy MargachAktivait gave me back my happy Isla and deﬁnitely alleviated her dementia. Brilliant product.Niki RoeI have used melatonin with my older dogs. Really, really good for dementia too. Sam BradleyWhen my late Beagle was diagnosed with Lafora, her neurologist prescribed meds and suggested supplements for her decaying brain: MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil and vitamin B12 (Protexin Cobalaplex). Some of my late Poppy’s meds could help when your girl gets to the pacing and unsettled stage. I have lots of videos on YouTube if anyone’s dog ever has this disease, as there wasn’t much about when I started googling it. Helen DicksNot tried it, but have read that lion’s mane is good for cognitive health, both in dogs and people. >© Isobel Deeley© Vanessa Holburn© Julia Owen2024-10-18_ADSPDCONPSuperDog takes our 50 years of award-winning nutritional expertise even further– all the innovation and careful, effective formulation you’d expect from Vitabiotics, now available for your special companion.From vitality to healthy joints and bones, SuperDog formulations provide optimum levels of micro-nutrientsto safeguard the diet of your furriest family member.Proud supporter of Battersea, caring fordogs and cats since 1860From , Amazon, Ocado, and Vitabiotics.com– all the innovation Joints & Bones60 Chewable TabletsHealth & Vitality60 Chewable Tablets*Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Value & Unit Retail Sales 52 w/e 7/9/24. To verify contact Vitabiotics Ltd, 1 Apsley Way, London, NW2 7HF. Vitabiotics Ltd will donate 35p + VAT from the sale of each SuperDog product to Battersea Dogs’ Home Limited which donates its profits to Battersea Dogs’ & Cats’ Home (registered charity number: 206394). Stockists may vary.

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42 Dogs Today Issue 369Marilyn Anne EvillAnipryl is another drug that is used for Parkinson’s in humans. This is my old girl who will be 17 in September, still pretty active, but deﬁnitely slowing down now. She has a very irritating tendency to bark loudly once she wakes up, as she wants everyone else to get up too.Shelagh WalkerAm I right in thinking Vivitonin is the same as Vitofyllin? My old girl (now sadly passed away) was on Vitofyllin to help with canine dysfunction. Beverley CuddyThey’re made by different drug companies, but they do seem to have very similar active ingredients! Vitofyllin does seem less expensive than Vivitonin, so good to know!Celia BourneMy 17-year-old dog started wandering at night and looking confused. She’s been on Vitofyllin for about six months now and is much more with it. Also sleeps through the night.Jane PooleVitofyllin has been a great addition to my older dog’s meds.Antonia LeechSelgian is a licensed drug for ‘antisocial behaviour’, so generally what I recommend trying. There is a supplement called Aktivait that I have also had good success in. Di AllenI’ve got my 13-year-old boy on PEA from Vince the Vet. It’s great for cognitive function and helps with joints issues too. Naturally occurring rather than prescribed medication and we’ve seen a massive difference. Elle Gabriella LewisAdd coconut oil to her food and blueberries too.Claire SmithFlorence is 15 and doing pretty well. She’s just started Vetmedin for her heart, and has turmeric golden paste, Aktivait and a quality probiotic. Just started a little trial with Antinol. But I’m noting down everyone’s recommendations, as she does have some canine cognitive dysfunction.Bev GrubbaMy nearly 14-year-old Tibetan has been on Yumove Max Plus for years and she’s still zooming like a pup with my other dogs, though she does sleep more often and longer. She’s a deaf dog and I trained her with hand signals, which my other hearing dogs follow too. She guards her food in recent years, but that’s all.Linda WardAre you sure that’s not deafness? One of my work dogs looks very surprised at where I am sometimes, but it’s because she’s hard of hearing and didn’t hear me call her. She looks for me where she expects me, not where I’ve gone.Tinker is on Sildenaﬁl (sorry, spelling might be wrong) for his heart tumour and it’s deﬁnitely put a spring in his step.Beverley CuddyBetty can still hear the treat bag rustle two rooms away, so her hearing is still good. Glad to hear Tinker’s feeling better. You have spelt the drug correctly. When I googled, I discovered it’s a Viagra alternate for humans! Katy ParryI’ve been researching meds for canine dementia. Have a look at GedaCure. Good results in clinical trials in South Korea, and they’re setting up trials in the US and EU. Unfortunately, no mention of the UK.Lesley WhiteDenamarin is good for dementia, apparently. I was using it to support Rosie, as she was on Vetmedin. Also, this for the heart: www.ace-canine.com/products/carnicareduomax The man who runs the website is very helpful and knowledgeable.Pam GrifﬁthsI think my lad is experiencing a bit of deafness, as he looks at me with an ‘up yours’ look when running in the ﬁelds and when he does come back, he panics if I’m not where he left me.Sandy WatertonSelgian has been really good for mine.Emma CowanHere is my wonderful old man. Rescued at four as a stray and he’s now almost 13 and my best friend. Snoopy is doing well on Hilton Herbs.Susan WebbWe’ve used Hilton Herbs with great effect in the past, and the liquid version. Have a look at SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). I use Furever Products MaxxiSAMe. Tess Eagle SwanRaffy is struggling and I found out about something called sundowning. Will research that more, as he gets worse at night. >© Marilyn Anne EvillPhoto posed by a model© Claire Smith© Linda Ward© Bev Grubba© Emma CowanIssue 369 Dogs Today43Train My Puppy DumfriesRuby will be 10 next month (considered old for St Bernards). At eight years, she started reverse sneezing. Maybe laryngeal paralysis – maybe a tumour. She had one nosebleed in October. I rushed her to the vet, who was not particularly interested. Since then, I have used MCT oil. The reverse sneezing has signiﬁ cantly improved; sometimes she doesn’t do it for a month. MCT oil also helps cognition by supporting the myelin sheath indirectly. I also now use Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a naturally occurring fatty acid amide. It is just starting to be marketed to vets, but often contains a lot of ﬁ llers, notably maltodextrin. I also mix and match vitamin C, Boswellia natural anti-inﬂ ammatories, and omega 3-rich oils. Mentally, she’s sharp. Trudy FrielsI don’t have any advice on medication, but there’s a great book about dog dementia and ageing: Remember Me?: Loving and Caring for a Dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. PJulia O’ConnorPropalin was pretty much a life saver for urinary incontinence. I think the alternative used to be Stilboestrol tablets, but Propalin had amazing success.Julie Harris-StephensWe used Propalin for our old girl’s incontinence, which was greatly successful. Antonia LeechPropalin syrup and Incurin are licensed for urinary incontinence in females – the latter is what we’ve always ended up using in our old Beardies to good success.Helen MaynePropalin is good for old-lady leakage, and we have started on Aktivait, but only a couple of weeks in. The only noticeable difference so far is that she is getting up earlier.Carole MortonI have used Incurin on one of my older dogs – a great success. Marianne BrettFor leaky dogs – Incurin. It’s prescription only, but cheap (much cheaper than alternatives, like Propalin) and works wonders. Gone from huge puddles whenever an oldie fell asleep to none at all. My 14.5-year-old Malinois has been on them for about a year now.Sandy WatertonWe had side effects with Propalin. I use a more natural product: Protexin CystoPro (twice daily). Shirley HutchinsonDorwest Green Releaf and Garlic and Fenugreek are great for general maintenance of incontinence in older dogs – I use it as a matter of course for oldies. If it’s related to a bitch having been spayed, then Incurin is good.Denise A BarleyI’ve only recently discovered the existence of D-mannose for incontinence – and what a wonder (totally natural) substance it is! I started giving Pawbits Bladder Buddy Bladder Support tablets to a very leaky (ﬂ ooding!) dog a few months ago and was impressed, but it was only recently I researched the contents.This article was an eye-opener for me: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9260159/Linda AronsonD-mannose is the active sugar in cranberry. It coats the bladder so bacteria can’t attach. Phenylpropanolamine and diethylstilbesterol act by improving the patency of the bladder’s sphincter. Selegiline is used primarily in the US for canine cognitive dysfunction, but approved to treat Cushing’s too, although not effective for that in my experience. I know it is used far more widely for behavioural problems in Europe. Vivitonin is interesting. It does indeed increase blood ﬂ ow. It’s not approved in the US, but related to pentoxifylline, is used to treat dermatologic autoimmune diseases like SLO (symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy) and SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) and vasculitis. Very interesting.Cassie DaviesI didn’t know you could use D-mannose with dogs! I’ve taken it when I’ve had a UTI, and it has always worked very well.Ann WilliamsThe Wet Dog Mats from Jacob’s Den are wonderful for leaky dogs. They keep them dry and are inﬁ nitely washable and reusable – we’ve got one that’s still soft and comfy after 11 years.TAKING THE PEEmaltodextrin. I also mix and natural anti-inﬂ ammatories, © Train My Puppy Dumfries

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44 Dogs Today Issue 369 MARVIN In May 2022, I noticed a growth under my Lurcher Martin’s hind paw. I thought a grass seed had become infected. My vet wasn’t sure and wanted to do a biopsy, but they ﬁrst decided on a needle aspiration. As soon as the needle went in, the mass started to bleed and they struggled to stop it. They referred him to the Liverpool Small Animal Hospital to do the biopsy. He had this done in October 2022 by which time there were numerous masses on his paw. The result was a haemangioma or, more likely, a condition known as angiomatosis. They would continue growing and could cause lameness. There were two options: to operate to debulk the mass and then have radiotherapy, but it could grow back and possibly go up the leg. The second option was a full amputation of the affected leg, which we chose, as Marvin was 10 years old. In August 2023, he was back at Liverpool Small Animal Hospital, struggling to walk. He had a blood clot in his aorta that was restricting the blood ﬂow to his hind leg and had high blood pressure. He left the hospital with ﬁve different medications to be given daily.Marvin’s walking varies greatly. Currently, he is struggling to walk again and we worry about him every day.Why should Marvin deserve the prize? One evening, after his amputation, we noticed his mouth was slowly dripping with blood. The emergency vet couldn’t get the bleed in his gums to clot, so he had to be kept in overnight and given medication to reverse the blood thinners. Because of this bleed, we were told not to give him anything hard in his mouth to eat. So his dry dog food was stopped and his evening chew. Marvin deserves to have something special.Janice MooreMAVROULAMy name is Mavroula. I was born on the streets in Greece, almost 11 years ago. I had a buddy who kept me company, but the bad humans threw us poisoned meat and he got very sick. I didn’t eat the meat, even though I was starving, because it smelled odd.After a long time, some kind humans took me to a ‘safe place’. It was a huge compound, with hundreds of dogs and only a few humans. We didn’t get a lot of food because there were so many of us, and often it was only boiled rice and bread. Very occasionally, a huge pallet of nice-smelling meaty food arrived, which the nice humans said was donated by other nice humans who lived far away.One day, the lady who was in charge told me I was going on a long journey to a country where our pallets of delicious food came from, and that I was going to have a special human all to myself. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!Two years ago, when my mum and I met up with lots of my compatriots at our annual show, I won Most Gorgeous Greekie trophy. It was nearly as big as I am! I would love to try some of your greatest dog food, to make up for all those years that I went hungry in Greece.MavroulaGreatest Of All Time dogsYour GOATSLast month, we asked readers to get in touch and nominate their dog GOATs – their greatest dogs of all time. As it’s our 35th anniversary, we will be picking 35 to feature in the next few issues and all will win some Years.com, considered by some to be the best dog food in the world.Years.com is fresh food for dogs, made by top chefs from only highest-quality speciﬁc cuts of meat and fresh veg. By using a revolutionary new method, it needs no preservatives or other nasty chemicals added. You can literally see everything that is in this food. It’s lightly cooked and then vacuum sealed so it can be stored in a cupboard for three months before opening and then for seven days in the fridge. It’s as delicious as it is healthy and won’t take up all your freezer space! It’s had the highest ever rating on the dog food comparison site All About Dog Food. When Betty and Honey had a free trial, they both refused to eat anything else afterwards, so be warned! This is very tasty food.If you’d like to nominate your dog, please tell us more – email beverley@wearebrandshare.com with ‘35 Years’ in the subject line.Shop now at www.pawpalsco.comAt Pawpals, we focus on the little things that make a big difference. We know how much your dog means to you, and we’re committed to designing practical, high-quality items that fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Whether you’re heading out on a big adventure or just enjoying a quiet moment at home, we’re here to support the special connection you share with your dog.Our 32oz 3 in 1 pet bottle makes caring for your furry friend easier than ever. With a built-in water dispenser, food bowl, and storage container, you can keep your pet hydrated, fed, and well-stocked on-the-go. Perfect for outdoor adventures, travel, and everyday use.Our 3 in 1 bottles have…• A finger grip handle• A leak proof and detachable lid • Thermal and insulated • Come in 9 different colours!• A thermal flask with two detachable bowls (one for water and one for treats)Holidays & Holiday Home Ownership | 25 UK locations awayresorts.co.ukDog fendly getaways*because leaving them behind is ruff!

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46Dogs Today Issue 369 As you might imagine, we get lots of free samples at Dogs Today and very rarely are they life changing. But when a press release came in, asking if Betty and Honey would like to try paella, I was intrigued. I gave the company the dogs’ details, but what I got in the post was much more than a posh nosh. They’d arranged a week’s trial of their chef-prepared human-grade dinners.Everything arrived in purple boxes that proudly boasted that it was ‘The UK’s highest rated dog food’ by the website All About Dog Food. The dogs loved the paella; it looked much better than the M&S human version we’d not long enjoyed. But the surprising thing was, this fresh food wasn’t frozen or even chilled. Until opened, it can be kept in a cupboard – a major innovation for someone with very limited freezer space. Betty and Honey have tried pretty much every food on the market, but when I started serving up a ‘Chicken Thigh Mediterranean Casserole’ or the ‘Steak and Kidney Hotpot’, I was shocked. This had real wholefood cuts of meats – no vague animal derivatives. Even my very fussy son said that it didn’t look or smell like dog food. I attempted to transition Honey and Betty back to their normal expensive dog food once the week’s trial was over – but they simply wouldn’t let me! Their disappointed faces completely guilted me out. I had to cave in. s you might imagine, we get lots of s you might imagine, we get lots of free samples at free samples at Dogs Today and very rarely are they life changing. very rarely are they life changing. But when a press release came in, asking if Betty and Honey would like to try paella, I was intrigued. I gave the company the dogs’ details, but what I got in the post was much more than a posh nosh. They’d arranged a week’s trial of their chef-prepared human-grade dinners.Betty and Honey have tried pretty much every food on the market, but when I started serving up a ‘Chicken Thigh Mediterranean Casserole’ or the ‘Steak and Kidney Hotpot’, I was shocked. This had real wholefood cuts of meats – no vague animal derivatives. Even my very fussy son said that it didn’t look or smell like dog food. Subscribe and win a GOAT!(No, not that type of goat!)This is our 35th year and we obviously couldn’t have done this We want to say thank you by giving our subscribers the chance we’ve found in that time! We’re calling them the GOATs!Issue 369 Dogs Today47This innovative food is called Years.com, and, in our 35th year, we’d like to give 35 readers the chance to try it for a week, too – completely free of charge! They’ll even throw in some posh treats.Tell us why you think your dog is a GOAT (the greatest of all time) and why he or she deserves what has been called ‘the greatest dog food in the world’. Email beverley@wearebrandshare.com with ‘35 Years.com’ in the subject line and I’ll try to pick the 35 winners!When you email, do tell me how long you’ve been reading the magazine – how and when you found us.This innovative food is called Years.com, and, in our 35th year, we’d like to give 35 readers the chance to try it for a week, too – completely free of charge! They’ll even throw in some posh treats.Tell us why you think your dog is a GOAT (the greatest of all time) and why he or she deserves what has been called ‘the greatest dog food in the world’. Email beverley@wearebrandshare.com with ‘35 Years.com’ in the subject line and I’ll try to pick the 35 winners!When you email, do tell me how long you’ve been reading the magazine – how and when you found us.Dogs Today is only £12.50 quarterly if you pay by Direct Debit* ■Save more than £20 over the year■Delivered free direct to your doorHow to subscribe:It couldn’t be simpler – just scan this QR code, or go towww.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/product/dogs-today-uk-subscriptions But if you struggle with signing up online – don’t worry. If you would prefer to have someone call you and walk you through it, please email me at beverley@wearebrandshare.com with your phone number.All new subscriptions will commence with the current issueWith newsagents and supermarkets reducing their shelf space for magazines, it’s getting harder to ﬁ nd us. Help us by subscribing – and reap the rewards:Buy direct and save more than £20 a year!*UK only. By entering, you conﬁ rm that your details will be passed on to the company providing prizes for distribution & marketing purposes.’t have done this without you – our wonderful readers. e to win one of the greatest innovations SUBSCRIBE NOW& start saving today!How to enter

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48 Dogs Today Issue 369 Illustration by Kevin BrockbankGreat DebateIf you have an opinion on this subject that is not already covered here, putting ‘Great Debate’ in the subject line. Please limit your response to San Francisco biotech start-up Loyal has raised £115m to develop a drug to give an extra year of healthy life to dogs. Would you give it to your dog?Issue 369 Dogs Today49Julia O’Connor✗I’d be reluctant to consider this. How would they know when to start that extra year? It’s often not predictable at all to know the longevity of many dogs’ lives, as they can suddenly develop a serious, life-limiting condition. Also, the pill wouldn’t be able to control issues like heart problems, canine dementia or other conditions that dogs often get as they age.Sometimes you have to consider whether you’re keeping a dog alive for the dog’s sake or for your own, and I don’t really know how the company deﬁ nes ‘healthy’ in that extra year they suggest they can give. It’s an odd one!Brian Holmes✗A pill that mimics the effect of what could otherwise be done naturally? Why don’t we just do it naturally?So it’s for ‘healthy dogs’. How long do they have to take it? What if your dog becomes unhealthy for whatever reason? How many dogs are healthy at 11/12/13...? When does the ‘extra’ year begin? When the dog dies, so you just count back? How do you know you got any extra?Sounds like selling hope for something you could do with healthy living.Carole Morton✗No, the metabolic system might improve, but what about the skeleton? No good improving one without the other. At the end of the day, who are you really doing it for? I think you should not put human values on to dogs.Joe Heggie✗No, because one more year would never be enough. We have to allow a natural path, I think.Tess Eagle Swan✗Never.Helen Dicks✗No, I wouldn’t. When they get to a certain age, you know your time with them is limited, so I’d rather just make the best of it and treasure the moments they’re with me. I can’t imagine giving a pill and then waiting on tenterhooks to see if they survive another year, and, as someone has already pointed out, when would you know to give it to them?Bill McCamlie✗No! How many promises are made about wonder medications that, further down the line, are found to be false or actually caused harm? I love my dog dearly, and, after a very close call with medications, I now weigh up the risk of everything that goes into his body. I wouldn’t risk this.Lyn Freeman?Depends on the quality of life for that year.Sarah Towers✗But it isn’t giving them an extra year. How can they even claim that? Have they trialled this on two identical dogs with the same conditions, given it to one and not the other? Crazy talk.Mandy Wilson✗No. We have our allotted time, however hard that is.Billy de Goede✗Nope, for all the reasons already stated.Cherry Cliffe✗No, I would not do it. Not fair on the animals or the people that love them.Gill Hamilton✗In my opinion, it’s better to keep dogs slim throughout their lives, provide a good diet and exercise – then it’s the luck of the draw.Jacqui Baker✗No. e, email enquiries@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk o 100 words.NEXT MONTH’S TOPIC: Do you have conﬁ dence in the management of Dogs Trust?Dogs Trust is in the news, due to its plan to make 300 staff redundant and close up to three rehoming centres. Other rehoming charities report that their kennels are at 100% occupancy with long waiting lists for dogs waiting to be surrendered. The 2023 accounts show charitable donations to Dogs Trust of more than £136 million. Do you think they provide good value for donors’ money? Do you agree with Dogs Trust that the changes are necessary and will allow for better resource allocation? Let us know your thoughts! Email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk with your thoughts, putting ‘Great Debate’ in the subject line or write to ‘Great Debate’, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AANo Yes MaybeThis month’s result93%7%

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t’s 10pm and I’m pulling into the service station to meet one of our team. Paul has just driven to Birmingham to meet Martin, another one of our team, who drove all the way to Manchester to pick up Daisy, a pregnant bitch handed to us from a Dachshund breeder. I’m looking forward to seeing Paul. I only usually see him in parliament when we meet for Apdawg (all-parliamentary dog advisory welfare group) meetings. The Easter holiday trafﬁc has meant many extra hours on the road for everyone involved in this tag team and we are all shattered and desperate to get home before midnight. Having spent the night before wide awake, organising the logistics of transporting Daisy, I need my bed soon. Over tired and emotional, I’m ﬁghting back the tears. Over the years, it’s usually been the puppy farmers themselves that I meet at this spot, so it’s nice to see Paul’s happy face with a hug waiting. Gorgeous little Daisy is handed to me. She’s shivering, probably with fear and maybe because it’s cold. So, after letting her have a wee and a drink, we quickly get her into the van where the heating is running, and Paul and I sort out paperwork. While Martin was driving to Manchester to collect Daisy, the breeder asked if he could take another – a ﬁve-month-old puppy. Of course, we said yes, while I racked my brains to think who could foster him. We are always so short on foster carers, but I worry what will happen to these dogs if we don’t take them. I try to work out why the breeder is handing us a pregnant bitch. There’s always a reason; they never give away their stock – the proﬁt. We assume it’s because a costly Caesarean will be needed. I’m also wondering why she’s giving us a ﬁve-month-old puppy too. She’s obviously not been able to sell him. Some unscrupulous so-called rescues buy the pups that puppy farmers have not been able to sell. They masquerade as rescuers, but we all know they are just third-party puppy dealers, handing over big sums of money to puppy farmers – all falsely gathered from the general public as donations. The donors don’t realise they are contributing to the ongoing circle of puppy farming. The breeders are happy to sell the pups at half price to these so-called rescuers – an absolutely absurd situation. CALL FOR REGULATIONRescue is currently unregulated – and this is one of the many reasons why the situation needs to change. There is a new petition just launched, calling for rescue regulation [https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/718660]. We are nation of animal lovers – or we are meant to be. If you care about our pets and their welfare, please sign. It will take two minutes. When I arrive back at the rescue, I realise the breeder has not ﬁlled in some important questions on the surrender form. I drop her a quick text, asking for this information. It’s late. I guess they will answer me in the morning. After checking on all the animals, I climb into bed with Daisy right next to me. A good night’s sleep is needed by all. At least I haven’t had to look for a foster for the ﬁve-month-old puppy, as Martin fell in love with him on the way to meet Paul in Birmingham. This is his breed; he loves Dachshunds and rescued Moose about a year ago. We’re all hoping that it’s going to be a foster fail with this pup too – we couldn’t wish for a better forever home for this little man. When morning comes. We are all awake after a good night’s sleep. Daisy hasn’t made a sound. She settled in very nicely. She gulps down her breakfast and comes out for a little plod around the farm with us. She’s absolutely gorgeous. If her puppies come out with the same temperament as her, they will make beautiful pets. By 3 o’clock, I’ve still heard nothing from the breeder. I’m desperate for some answers. Has she wormed Daisy? At the stage of pregnancy, this desperately needs doing. I called the vet she uses, to make a request for the history (standard practice when taking in a dog to rescue). I’m told the dog is registered with them, but Words NIKI ROEPregnant & dumped 50 Dogs Today Issue 369Lack of regulation means people can masquerade as genuine rescues when actually they are cogs in the puppy-dealing machine. This month, Jack’s Giant Journey picks up a pup and a pregnant bitch, who are caught up in this mess Ino, they haven’t seen her. She hasn’t had any scans and she is unvaccinated. They can’t really say whether she is wormed, but the breeder has never bought worm or ﬂea treatments from them. Maybe the breeder bought in bulk online or somewhere else, particularly as the breeder told me she is raw feeding. I drop her another polite message, asking again for more information. A few hours later, the phone rings. It’s her. I quickly answer, hoping to get the answers I desperately need. Instead, she is screaming at me, telling me I am mithering her and that she is going to report me. If she’d ﬁlled out the form correctly, she would never have needed to hear from me again. I take it from this bizarre reaction to me politely asking twice that I’m not going to get the answers I want. We make a calculated guess that if she hasn’t bothered to vaccinate, she hasn’t bothered to worm either. So off I go to worm Daisy, hoping I’m doing the right thing, as an overdose of worming can be just as detrimental to her as not being wormed. Because of the bank holiday, Daisy isn’t seeing our vet for a few days yet. We are hoping to get more information on her pregnancy from her scan. We are, of course, hoping a natural birth can happen and a C-section is not needed. I’m still bafﬂed as to why the breeder is handing over a pregnant bitch. We have been told a few different excuses, none of which we believe. I guess we’ll have to come to our own conclusions on that one. We set up her whelping box and hope to share good news of a healthy litter of puppies soon...HAPPY NEWS! Bear, whom we mentioned last month, was taken up north by Charlotte McConnell, my bestie from school. She’s now a lawyer who helps us with our contracts. She was very much needed in our neutering campaign this time last year in Bulgaria. With a clean bill of health, Bear has gone to The Bull Terrier Club (UK) Welfare Trust and we wait for exciting news to hear that they have found him his forever home!Issue 369 Dogs Today 51 CAN YOU HELP? One of the biggest bills in rescue at Jack’s Giant Journey is food. If you would like to contribute, we would be very grateful. Jack’s Giant JourneyAccount number: 29292460, Sort code: 309950 www.jacksgiantjourney.comCOMING UP FOR AIR Dealing with another breeder has been remarkably different to the last one! Jade was an ex-client of mine from maybe 15 years or more ago. She had Pugs back then. But it was South African Mastiffs she was calling about this time – just a little bit bigger! Jade isn’t really a breeder. This was her ﬁrst litter and it was not planned. She reached out to us, asking us to help ﬁnd homes for the last four of a huge litter of 11. Jade is a good person and wanted to know everything about the homes that we had chosen for her dogs. She had given it her all with these puppies. She ended up in hospital weeks later, after they had all left her, and, even whilst in hospital, she kept texting me, asking for updates on them all. One of the four got handed back into us and straight away she went to pick him up. He went back to her while another home was found, as she was familiar to him. Jade totally loves these dogs. When giving us the pups, each one got all the things that a good breeder would hand over: toys, food and things with her smell on. And as she left us, the tears were rolling down her face. I felt for her so much; I think she would have kept them all if she could. What a difference it is to deal with someone that actually cares about the dogs and where they are going… Unlike the breeder of Daisy and Simba, who didn’t even ask where they were going. Her only question to me was: how quickly can you get here to take them? She did not care where any of her dogs were going; she just wanted them gone! I’m quite sure I will never hear from her again to check on them. Over the years, I’ve dealt with many breeders – or greeders, as we call them. You’ll never ﬁnd a good breeder selling their dogs on Facebook or even online. These breeders have waiting lists of people wanting their puppies. They don’t have to market their pups. We never see their dogs coming to rescue in the same way that Daisy or Simba have, as a good breeder will always take their dogs back for any reason and they care about where their dogs go. Having said all this, rescuers are sinking. Too many dogs are being bred. We need a hiatus on breeding just so we can come up for air. Is it ethical that breeding is still allowed when rescues are so full? Should dogs be sitting on death row while breeders are still allowed to breed? Something is not right here. I can’t wait for the day that, as a rescuer, we are no longer needed and there are no dogs looking for homes. Sadly, I’m not sure it will happen in my lifetime. In the meantime, we just carry on rescuing and trying to save lives!

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52 Dogs Today Issue 369 Your news & viewsClarissa Baldwin with Poppy, a LurcherLAST MONTH’S DEAR READERS PROMPTED SOME LETTERS ABOUT DOGS TRUST, AN ISSUE WE’RE COVERING FURTHER THIS MONTH (SEE PAGE 6). TRUST ISSUES I worked for Dogs Trust in the 1990s when it was known as the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) and the CEO was Clarissa Baldwin CBE. I was director of the Hope Project and went on to establish and run the welfare and behaviour services of the organisation as the animal welfare manager.Clarissa was not only a CEO who had led the organisation from a well-meaning dog rescue charity with an income of £750,000 in 1974 to one of the largest charities in the UK with an annual income of over £75 million and 20 rescue centres. She was a remarkable and inspiring leader with a passion for animal welfare. Clarissa wore her heart on her sleeve and always centred the dogs in every decision she made. She understood that compassion was what drove the success of the organisation and she extended that to every person who worked for her, volunteers and adopters. She treated every member of staff, every colleague, every adopter and every dog as an individual and this philosophy underscored the way in which the organisation operated on a day-to-day basis. She always ensured she was well informed about what was happening in each centre. When we were working on complex issues, she sought the counsel of those who had experience and knowledge. She recognised the importance of practical, hands-on skills as much as those with academic qualiﬁcations.I have continued to follow Dogs Trust, as I am very proud of my time with them and the work they have done and continue to do. Through remaining in communication with people still involved with the organisation, I learned that things changed dramatically following the death of Adrian Burder, the CEO who stepped into Clarissa’s shoes following her retirement. He had been a colleague during my time there and understood the vision and principle of the organisation. It became obvious that the organisation had lost its way when they began to employ people in the highest positions who had no real knowledge or passion for dogs and their welfare. All seemed to be simply climbing the career ladder. I started hearing that many of the best people were leaving the organisation due to a new faceless and corporate style of management that seemed to have no understanding of the kind of people who choose to sacriﬁce their lives to work for little money on the frontline of animal welfare. The staff doing the hard, daily work in the shelters – cleaning, feeding, caring, and dealing with an often difﬁcult public – became disposable and no longer appreciated as the important and special individuals they were. Priorities changed and not for the better. This is now evidenced by the announcement of 300 redundancies, all from the front line. Meanwhile, it appears that the organisation has become top heavy with people working in positions that are superﬂuous to anything but proﬁt-seeking businesses.I very much hope that Dogs Trust ﬁnds its way back to being one of the most respected dog welfare organisations in the world. This will only happen if and when they choose to focus on helping dogs and not helping bulk up the CVs of those who now hold the most power.Colette KasePostbagCHERRY-PICKING When I worked at a rescue centre, we had cause to contact other rescues for help because we had an inﬂux of dogs and simply didn’t have the space. Eventually, Dogs Trust said they could help us, which was wonderful. Now the catch... They would only take medium to small dogs, they had to be in pairs (to make sure they got along with other dogs), they had to have no known behavioural issues (which was difﬁcult because we had no history on these dogs – we only had our own interactions to go on) and absolutely no Stafﬁes or bull-type breeds. Not once, in all these years, have I heard of Dogs Trust taking a dog that they wouldn’t be able to rehome easily. There are so many reputable no-kill small rescues who are stepping in, even if dogs need more help than others before they are ready to ﬁnd new homes. Where is the money going? Why do Dogs Trust need to spend so much on fancy TV advertising? I know people who dedicate their lives to helping animals and they don’t want fancy uniforms or sparkling ofﬁces because the money is better spent on the dogs. I’m left wondering how an organisation like Dogs Trust, who have millions, are closing branches. This will put more pressure on those small, brilliant rescues who are always there, picking up the pieces, and who can only dream about the amount given to Dogs Trust. Carmen ColeIssue 369 Dogs Today53LOST DOGTo all dog owners out there, please make sure your dog has a tag! It’s mandatory and yet I have seen more and more people not bothering because they assume the microchip is going to be enough. It’s so much easier to call a number on the dog’s tag and reunite them with the owner right away than to take them to a vet’s and get them to scan the dog. I found a lost terrier on a walk recently and he had a collar but no tag. I couldn’t get him to a vet on the day, so he had to spend the night at my home and he was so scared from being in an unfamiliar place, it broke my heart. I took him to the vet’s the next day and the owner was located, but this could have been avoided if only he’d had a tag. Abby JonesGet in touchWe love to hear your news and views, and see photos of your dogs! Email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk Write to us at Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AA Join the debateVoice your opinions on news stories and other topics on our Dogs Today Magazine Facebook page or through our website www.dogstodaymagazine.co.ukPATCHI live in London and can’t have a dog right now. My partner died last year of cancer and we had to stop work so I could care for him. We worked in a touring theatre show, so it wasn’t fair to have a dog.I have always dog sat and walked, though. Since my partner died, I have been doing more of it, and it’s such therapy.Before my partner died, he bought me a wonderful camera and I have been lucky enough to win a few competitions with my photos, although he never got to see them.I took one of the dogs I look after, a Border Collie called Patch, to Wimbledon Common, and captured these photos.StephSTAFFIE HUGThese are our rescued Stafﬁ es, George and Lola. We adopted these amazing brindles in September 2023. The love they have for each other (as well as the love they give us) is immeasurable.Tracy WhitePATCH

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54 Dogs Today Issue 369 My Dog CrushMany of us have ‘dog crushes’ – soft spots for breeds or types that we love but know we’ll probably never own for lots of terribly sensible reasons. Maybe you don’t have enough hours in the day for the dog you dream of. Perhaps you have a wandering eye and there are just too many dogs to ﬁt into a lifetime. Or you already have a house squashed full of adored allsorts that chose you.In this feature we go through popular dog crushes and take a fresh look at what it would be like to actually live with them.KomondorPhoto © Kris BrockIssue 369 Dogs Today55Character & behaviourThis is deﬁ nitely a specialist breed that needs an experienced pair of hands. 75% of our Komondor owners advised against the breed for ﬁ rst-time owners. There aren’t many Komondors in the UK, so expect to go on a waiting list if you are lucky enough to pass a breeder’s suitability assessment.Large and powerful, with a guarding heritage, they need careful, thorough socialisation and training for life as a modern pet. One anecdote from our survey reveals the everyday issues that can arise. “A trusted friend came to house sit - not easy when most people can’t come into the house. My boy decided that even though he knew her, he stood across her so she couldn’t get up from the chair she was sat in, as I wasn’t there. She had visions of being stuck there till I got back two days later!” 58% had experienced guarding issues with their dog being protective of their food and belongings and 43% bark at postal workers, refuse collectors and others. Surprised these ﬁ gures aren’t higher? One owner pointed out, “It’s important to realise they are all different. They aren’t all nervous of strangers or of vet visits. We had one who had a bad experience at a vet as a pup, before he came to us. Vet visits continued to be a problem, but he was one of 16 Komondors I’ve lived with over the years. The other 15 Koms enjoyed their vet visits.” To their loved ones, they are loyal, devoted companions. 85% agreed that they’d “loved dogs before, but this breed is special”. “They are so special, it’s hard to describe,” said one Kom fan. “Deﬁ nitely not for the average owner, as they are a thinking breed so will try to take charge if they think the owner is not up to it. But once the bond is established, it’s like they can read your soul.”ExerciseHalf of our survey give their dogs 30-60 minutes of exercise a day. The rest gave more than an hour, or under 30 minutes (perhaps for puppies or older dogs). Roaming their territories and walking their boundaries are regular pastimes, and the dogs are ever vigilant, but not in a hyperactive, unsettled way. Many owners reported how lazy their dogs are and how they like to sleep a lot. One person said their dog was particularly skilled in “always being in the way and blocking our exit – we call it ‘maximum inthewayness’!” HealthThe Kennel Club has no listed health tests for the breed. However, our survey respondents recommended hip, elbow and eye testing. One said, “I would ideally like them to have everything, but with such a small gene pool at the moment and not enough new people interested in the breed, this is not feasible.”Another said, “They are a giant breed, which comes with added risks, but they do not seem to have loads of additional breed-speciﬁ c genetic illnesses.”Heart and ear issues were reported in our survey, and almost two-thirds of owners had experienced bloat in the breed. NO MORE PULLING • NO MORE RIDING UP • NO MORE RUBBING • NO MORE COMING OFF • NO MORE DISCOMFORTREVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLARCall to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www.dogmatic.org.uk Awarded ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 - 2021, UK’11 TIMES WINNER OF ‘Product I can’t live without’For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST Winners 2013-2024WINNER2020Global100Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 – UKEndorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine & Feline Behaviour AssociationWith its iconic white coat of dreadlocks, the large, imposing Komondor is instantly recognisable and has a huge, charismatic character to match. Our survey of Komondor owners revealed:

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My Dog Crush56Dogs Today Issue 369 OriginsThe Komondor’s origins lie in rural Hungary where he protected the Magyar people’s ﬂ ocks from predators. As a livestock guarder and herder, the Komondor would live amongst his wards. The Magyars developed the breed’s large size and powerful build so the Komondor could hold his own against wolves and bears. Even the coat helped in the dog’s challenging work. The thick cords, protected against the elements, the white coat camouﬂ aged the dog when amongst the ﬂ ock, and the cords also acted as a kind of armour. The breed’s independence and aloofness hark back to these origins. The Komondor worked alone, making life and death decisions. Despite now being a pet in most homes (certainly in the UK), the breed’s vigilance and alertness, suspicion of strangers and his natural guarding instincts are still very much present. ●Flossie ●Marley●Zappa●Cordelia ●Barkus●Quinn●Rasta●Boris ●Betty ●BobBest namesBest Facebook group●Komondors●Komondors UK Issue 369 Dogs Today 57 Kris Brock We have been lucky enough to have Komondors in our family for 17 years now. We waited three years for our ﬁrst Kom, as litters do not occur very often in the UK. We have three Koms at the moment, Barkus, Dinah and Pollyanna.Living with a Komondor (and I purposely say ‘living with’, rather than ‘owning’) is unlike any other dog relationship we have ever had.When you take what will become a 70kg adolescent with teeth into your family, you need to understand what you are letting yourself in for.Bred for centuries to be pastoral guardians and independent decision makers, they are not the average dog and not for the faint hearted. They may look like ﬂuffy, gentle giants, but underneath lurks a ﬁercely loyal guardian who would protect you with his life. For this reason, socialisation is vital, probably the most important thing to learn.Start the training as early as possible, but train with respect and kindness. Koms are not naturally biddable dogs, although they are eager to please. The secret is to rule with them, not over them. Don’t try to ﬁght them, as you won’t win!The coat is challenging, but that can all be learned later; get the socialisation wrong and you could be looking at a lifetime of problems. Get it right and you will have a lifetime of devotion from a breed that, by their very nature, fall obsessively in love with you.They are respectful of other dogs and humans who are respectful of them. When they become part of your family, their urge to guard and protect every member is strong. For this reason, they are not suited to a chaotic family life. They may not understand that your children’s friends are only rough playing, this will cause them anxiety and they may feel that they have to intervene – and a 70kg dog could easily knock over or injure a small child.Our Komondors love to go on long walks with us. They don’t wander far from their immediate territory. When we go on walks, one of them will always refuse to come with us, as they will not leave the home unguarded. When we come back, the remaining dog will then go for a walk, as they have been relieved from duty.We are fortunate enough to live on a farm miles from anywhere, so our Koms have plenty of freedom and are happy to independently patrol their territory. Inside the house, it’s the same: all exits and entrances must be guarded at all times, so they prefer to lay in front of the doors rather than sleep in their comfortable beds.Although Koms don’t shed like most other breeds, they often bring back half a forest in their coats, so they are not a breed for the compulsively house-proud. Every few days, the cords must be separated to prevent matting at the root. This, however, becomes routine, whilst watching TV or relaxing in the evening. The unique coat keeps them warm in the winter and acts like a personal ventilation system in the summer. It’s designed as a natural armour to protect from predators. An assailant would end up with a mouthful of cords before getting anywhere near the ﬂesh. It is believed that they have on average 2,000 cords.Bathing and preparing for a show is a considerable task. Due to the lanolin in their coats, it can take 30 minutes just to get the cords fully soaked; then each cord must be washed individually, similar to handwashing a pure wool jumper. Rinse and repeat!The coats cannot be left to dry naturally, as they would go mouldy and smell! We wring out the cords, followed by towelling down and then the hot air blaster. The coats take around three days to become fully dry.Even though we compete at shows (we have been awarded Best of Breed three times at Crufts), we believe in letting dogs live like dogs, so they have a normal life on the farm with no restrictions.When preparing for a show, I begin at least two weeks in advance and give three baths. The ﬁrst bath takes away the regular day-to-day dirt and grime. Then, a few days later (you have to wait for them to dry), the second bath gets them white. The third bath, around three or four days before the show, gives them that bright and silky show gleam. Then every cord is trimmed, to make the ends rounded and even.Our dogs love showing and get so excited when the show bag comes out – if they didn’t, we wouldn’t do it. Living with our Komondors is a way of life. I cannot imagine life without a Kom. POwner’s viewNO MORE PULLING • NO MORE RIDING UP • NO MORE RUBBING • NO MORE COMING OFF • NO MORE DISCOMFORTREVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLARCall to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www.dogmatic.org.uk Awarded ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 - 2021, UK’11 TIMES WINNER OF ‘Product I can’t live without’For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST Winners 2013-2024WINNER2020Global100Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 – UKEndorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine & Feline Behaviour AssociationBarkus with Kris Brock

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My Dog Crush58Dogs Today Issue 369 GroomingCoat care will be an important part of every Komondor’s life, so it’s important to introduce them to it carefully from a young age, so they learn to enjoy it. “We always introduce them to grooming as young as possible. Short daily bursts, with treats. Get them used to being touched – particularly ears (inside and out) and feet. In summer months, check for seeds. You need to feel all over regularly, as lumps and bumps aren’t visible.”The ﬂ uffy puppy coat begins to change at around nine months of age. When the ﬂ uff sheds, it twists in with the emerging new coat. Without any human intervention, large mats would be created. Some Kom coats are self-cording but most need help to form, which your dog’s breeder will show you how to do. Essentially, the mats are split, to produce thinner cords. There is a useful coat guide, covering all aspects of grooming and maintenance, at www.regerastacekomondormudi.com/komondor-coat“A fully coated Komondor does not need too much grooming, unless they have a dog show coming up. A young Komondor is much more time-consuming. The developing corded coat does take daily grooming.”The coat is never brushed or combed, but that’s not to say that it’s low-maintenance. It is time-consuming to develop the cords (“the ﬁ rst 18 months are the hardest to support the cording”), and drying the cords is also a lengthy process.But owners usually develop their own routines and most told us that it’s a pastime they ﬁ nd relaxing. “If they’re laid next to you, you ﬁ nd yourself going through the coat, looking for bits which need attention. We ﬁ nd it relaxing to both us and Komondor.”Some people opt to trim the coat in older dogs, so they don’t have the full weight to carry around. NO MORE PULLING • NO MORE RIDING UP • NO MORE RUBBING • NO MORE COMING OFF • NO MORE DISCOMFORTREVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLARCall to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www.dogmatic.org.uk Awarded ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 - 2021, UK’11 TIMES WINNER OF ‘Product I can’t live without’For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST Winners 2013-2024WINNER2020Global100Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 – UKEndorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association●Stubborn ●Loyal ●Wary ●Protective●Loving ●Wise ●Patient ●Corded ●Quirky ●Powerful TraitsIssue 369 Dogs Today59Love the breed? Shop the breedNO MORE PULLING • NO MORE RIDING UP • NO MORE RUBBING • NO MORE COMING OFF • NO MORE DISCOMFORTREVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLARCall to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www.dogmatic.org.uk Awarded ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 - 2021, UK’11 TIMES WINNER OF ‘Product I can’t live without’For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST Winners 2013-2024WINNER2020Global100Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020 – UKEndorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association^ A 1970s ‘Carnabone’ Street print. This fun Carnaby Street spoof print is available as an A3 poster (£12), A2 (£22) or various sizes of giclée print (£20-£70). From enchantednorthumbria on etsy.comLove the breed? Shop the breed^ > This personalised ceramic mug (£8.90) would make a lovely gift to a Komondor fan (or a cheeky pressie to yourself!). A matching 500ml stainless steel water bottle (£18.99) is also available. It is double-walled to ensure it is leak-proof. Both from PollyannaPoops on etsy.com^ A choice of Kom cards – left blank inside for your own message. £3.99 for a single card (discounts for multipacks) from AmberMariesStudio on etsy.com^ Unisex cotton T-shirt in a wide range of colours and sizes (small to 5XL). From £17.76 from AuthenticApexCo on etsy.comCotton shopping >bag with long handles. 10-litre capacity. £17.50 from SueThatcherStudio on etsy.com

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60Dogs Today Issue 369 Tea breakName: _________________________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Postcode: __________________Telephone: _____________________________________________________Email address: ___________________________________________________ISSUE 368 SOLUTION: Across: 3 Shetland; 8 Odour; 10 Imp; 11 Dingo; 12 Parlour; 13 Eden; 14 Andersen; 17 Hospital; 19 Bark; 22 Basenji; 24 Cairn; 25 Mia; 26 Belle; 27 Scribble. Down: 1 Poodle; 2 Pointers; 4 Happen; 5 Terrier; 6 Apso; 7 Dry-run; 9 Riot; 15 Spaniels; 16 Lion cub; 17 Habits; 18 Animal; 20 Kennel; 21 Scab; 23 Star.591210201481715321131618122274196231 1Gyles Brandreth’s Prize Crossword!Complete the crossword grid, then post your entry to arrive by 12 June 2025 to: Crossword 369, Dogs Today, The Cottage, Church Street, Wyre Piddle, Pershore, Worcs WR10 2JD. The ﬁ rst correct entry drawn after the closing date will win a Kong Wubba Zoo Koala dog toy worth £12. Available from PurrfectlyYappy.com How to enterQuick Clues Across1 Crufts winner? (5)4 See 9 Across 8 One in charge of canine classes? (7)9 (And 4 Across) Mountain rescue breed (5,7) 10 Charged, accused (8)11 Gundog may be involved in hunting it (4)13 Large, working breed (5,4)16 Cut dog’s coat (4) …17 ... as part of this activity? (8)20 Weapon used on the range? (5)21 Country home of one kind of setter (7)22 One who knows how to treat dogs (7)23 Long, pointed weapon (5)Cryptic Clues Across1 How the victor might eat? (5)4 See 9 Across8 22 Across, perhaps, uses a sports shoe (7)9 (And 4 Across) Arrange dinners at bar for this breed (5,7)10 At home, CID will turn to face young Edward, put on a charge (8)11 Grouse, perhaps, at Scrabble? (4)13 Dog ate clumsily in wild garden (5,4)16 Part of film which shows what to do to shaggy dog? (4)17 For making pet beautiful, newlywed gets gin cocktail (8)20 Plunder destroyed by lifer (5)21 I come down to earth again – in this country? (7)22 Dog expert’s name, right? (7)23 Pierce rotten pears (5)Down 1 Plant putting terrier initially in a kind of panic? (6)2 Oscar, perhaps, produces some publicity about fighting (5)3 Dobermann nails a singer-cum-actress (8)4 Canine, one who lodges (we hear) with a soldier (6,7)5 Hurry to get some brushes (4)6 You say Annie and friend get together to make a cartoon? (7)7 Diana has the right to show indecision (6)12 Oy, whose American uncle? (8) 13 F-foreign (not English) variety! (7)14 Burn – blimey! – in half of school (6)15 N African town where foreign ruler sounds dear (6)18 I estimate this means angry (5)19 Sounds like genuine part of angler’s tackle? (4)Complete the crossword grid, then post your entry to arrive by 12 June 2025 to: Dogs Today, The Cottage, Church Street, Wyre Piddle, Pershore, Worcs Wyre Piddle, Pershore, Worcs WR10 2JD. The ﬁ rst correct entry drawn after the closing date dog toy worth £12. Available from PurrfectlyYappy.com Complete the crossword grid, then post your entry to arrive by 12 June 2025 to: Dogs Today, The Cottage, Church Street, Wyre Piddle, Pershore, Worcs WR10 2JD. The ﬁ rst correct entry drawn after the closing date dog toy worth £12. Available from PurrfectlyYappy.com Down 1 Plant that excites felines (6)2 Prize (5)3 Dobermann … (8)4 Where England meets Scotland, you’ll find this breed? (6,7)5 Ian …, legendary Liverpool footballer (4)6 Enliven (7)7 Hesitate (6)12 Spitz types from Siberia (8)13 Small wire-haired breed originating from Belgium (7)14 Wither, parch (6)15 SW Moroccan port (6)18 Annoyed (5)19 Length of cine film (4)Put the kettle on and have a go at our competitions!Issue 369 Dogs Today61The printer The printer ran out of ink after ran out of ink after one and a bit – oops!one and a bit – oops!Winning captionPhoto submitted The Animal Behaviour Centre Cocker Spaniel & Bichon Frise by Tim Rose (www.timrosephotography.co.uk) Laura Jean367 Caption Runners-upCross QuestionThe writer of the winning caption and sender of the ﬁ rst correct answer to the Cross Question will each win a Kong Wubba Zoo Mandril dog toy worth £12. Available from www.purrfectlyyappy.com. The judge’s decision is ﬁ nal in all competitions. Email your Caption Competition & Cross Question entries together with your contact details to comps@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk or post to: Competitions 369, Dogs Today, The Cottage, Church Street, Wyre Piddle, Pershore, Worcs WR10 2JD, to arrive by 12 June 2025Can you guess which breeds Florence’s parents are? 367 Cross Question SolutionReba’s parents are a Cocker Spaniel and a Bichon FriseThe ﬁ rst correct answer came from Tinka Thorpe +When your parents call you Blackhead because they think Spot is too common!Clare WilliamsI told you to put sun lotion on your body as well!Gillian MonkDo you have a funny pic you’d like us to feature? Please email it to us at comps@dogstodaymagazine.co.ukHow to enterPhoto submitted by Senga ThorpeWinners of the Cross Question and Caption Competition will win a prize from Purrfectly YappyWinners of the Cross Question and Caption Competition The judge’s decision is ﬁ nal Winners of the Cross Question and Caption Competition Can you come up with a witty and amusing caption for this photo? Caption this!Does this mean I’m head of the family?Trish BriteeYou’ve got your mum’s good looks and your dad’s hairy legs!Dawn Lewis

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62Dogs Today Issue 369 www.foreverhoundstrust.orgPRIORY ROAD ASCOT BERKSHIRE SL5 8RJ01344 882689We are a non-destruction sanctuary for abandoned & unwanted dogsRegistered Charity No. 256728established 1958NEUTER AND SPAY,NO MORE STRAYSWe neuter and spay thousands of dogs and cats in Romania every yearCharity No: 1172316www.animalsni.ukPayPal email: donations@animalsni.ukwww.animalsni.ukCharity SpotlightWelcome to Charity Spotlight - a handy reference point for good folk doing great work. We’re helping to raise the proﬁ le of this diverse group and we encourage you to get involved with them, by offering a forever home, fundraising or volunteeringIf you’d like to see your organisation featured in these pages, please call us on 01276 402591 for more detailsLincolnshire Greyhound Trust (LGT) is an independent charity (1103656) with kennels near Boston in South Lincolnshire and near Epping in Essex. We were formed in 1998 as a branch of a national organisation, but became an independent charity in May 2004. We have homed over 2,400 Greyhounds since we began.What we doWe home retired racing Greyhounds and consider homes in any area of the UK (if we aren’t able to help, we’d be happy to suggest a responsible homing group in your area).Any Greyhound we home would be spayed or castrated in advance, vaccinated and microchipped. We provide a walking-out coat, collar and lead, muzzle plus the option of four weeks’ free insurance. Most importantly, we provide lifetime back-up for any Greyhound we home in case of any issues whether relating to the Greyhound or personal circumstances, and we also have an excellent community of fellow owners in our Facebook group.Why a Greyhound?Greyhounds are often lazy, laid-back dogs, who need just two 20-minute walks a day, although some are happy to do more (and some happy to do less!).We home them with the elderly, as they are a great companion and not over demanding; with families, as they can be very tolerant of young children; with people who work full-time, providing they can split the day; and some Greyhounds can also go to people with other pets, including cats.Most of our Greyhounds are between three and ﬁ ve years old and have come from racing owners and trainers who trust us to ﬁ nd them better homes than they can. We do sometimes get younger Greyhounds in and also older Greyhounds that have been returned from homes often through no fault of their own.Can you help?The main way people can help is to get in touch and take on a Greyhound as a pet or by promoting LGT to their friends and family. But if you can’t do that and want to help, we have a weekly lottery at just £1 a week, payable by standing order, which pays out over £100 every week. Just get in touch for more information.Find out more We hold regular awareness days where we take Greyhounds to meet the public, and they can all be seen on our website www.lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.co.uk If interested, please call Kev on 07941 313025 or email kev@lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.comLincolnshire Greyhound Trust Charity of the monthIssue 369 Dogs Today63As a rescue charity, Rushton helps abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs on a international scale. Rescuing dogs from all over the world. especially the meat trade in Asia and China.Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1139999Call Now:+44 (0) 1823 49 10 52To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable and at risk dogs from YorkshireSaving Yorkshire’s DogsRegistered Charity No 1167291Tel: 07562 986101Email: savingyorkshiresdogs@gmail.comWeb: www.sydrescue.org.ukFind us onWE RESCUE KILL SHELTER AND ABANDONED DOGS FROM ROMANIA AND REHOME THEM IN THE UK AND GERMANYwww.barkingmaddogrescue.co.uk@barkingmaddogrescue @bmdrdogs www.petsavers.org.ukFinding the cures for serious pet illnesses, helping them live longer, healthier liveswww.leicesteranimalaid.org.ukTel 01455 888257Registered Charity No. 242560Rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and catsRegistered Charity No. 1077588Help us to help moreWe rescue and rehome 100s of dogs and cats in London every year themayhew.org020 8962 8000We are a small dog and cat rescue that specialises in the rehabilitation of pets who need their second chance at happiness. No matter your age, location or family status PAWS gives everyone a chance to be a part of the rescue story. www.pennineanimalwelfaresociety.orgGreyhounds make great pets★ Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust has been rehoming Greyhounds since 1988★ We have rehomed over 2,300 retired Greyhounds★ Kennels in Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire & Epping Greyhounds since 1988 We have rehomed over 2,300 retired Greyhounds Kennels in Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire & Eppingwww.lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.co.uk07941 313025kev@lincolnshiregreyhoundtrust.comRAYSTEDERegistered charity no 237696www.raystede.org01825 840252Rescuing and rehoming animals in Sussex

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64Dogs Today Issue 369 Doggie Delights Pawlicious Botanical RangeOur new range of botanicals is handmade in Wales, especially for Doggie Delights. Containing essential oils, these shampoo bars, sprays and balms will help to ward off ﬂ eas and ticks, calm over-excited and anxious dogs and soothe noses and paw pads after sunny walks. Our shampoo bars also contain neem oil, coconut oil and goats milk to cleanse the fur and skin and relieve sensitive or itchy skin, as well calming rashes. We are expanding our range all the time. Check out our shop!Special 5% off this May for Dogs Today readers – use code: DTBOTMAY25www.dogdancing.org/shop dogdancingltd@gmail.com | 07535 176 317 Canine Product of the MonthAdvertising featureWant to advertise your business in our classiﬁ ed adverts section?Call Mike McGlynn now on 01276 402591 or send an email to mike@dogstoday magazine.co.ukHolidays, Charities, Services & ProductsClassiﬁ ed advertsIssue 369 Dogs Today65www.dogs-holiday.co.ukDogs stay free!Boturnell Farm CottagesHome from home for you and your dogs. If they are relaxed, then you can relax. Every cottage has an enclosed garden for those late night & early morning comfort breaks. PLUS: 8 acres of woods ● Throws for the furniture ● Animal ﬁ rst aid kit 6622JulyEvery product is handcrafted by our very own skilled artisans who draw on years of specialist experience, a love of creativity, a passion for quality and a huge appreciation for functionality ... but with flair.07774 626677 | sales@annrees.co.ukwww.annrees.co.ukHandmade Dog Collars & CoatsThese delicious and healthy treats, expertly formulated by Company of Animals, are the perfect training reward. Enriched with Omega-3 & 6, ginger and turmeric to support joint health and immunity, they are designed to motivate and encourage your dog to engage enthusiastically, helping develop a strong bond between you and your dog.Training Treats of the MonthAdvertising feature6622JulyCoachi Natural Training Treatswww.companyofanimals.com1 Supports Joint HealthOur natural dog training treats are infused with turmeric and ginger, offering anti-inﬂ ammatory beneﬁ ts that support joint care, mobility, and physical comfort, especially as your dog ages.2 Boosts Immune SystemPacked with protein-rich ﬁ sh, sweet potato, and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, these treats are designed to enhance your dog’s immune system, supporting overall health and resilience.3 Gentle on Sensitive StomachsGrain-free, hypoallergenic, and lowin calories, our treats are free from artiﬁ cial colours and preservatives, making them a perfect, easily digestible reward for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

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Over the years, I’ve met so many dogs that I’ve fallen in love with. Every photoshoot would bring me close to new puppies and interesting breeds that would be added to my endless list of favourites.Clever, slightly scruffy dogs always attracted me. When I heard that Vicki Cuerden was on a mission to create the most intelligent dogs in the world by blending Bearded and Border Collies with a splash of Springer Spaniel… well, my ears pricked up! Vicki called them the Rodinglea Scrufﬁ es and I instantly fell in love.But while their appearance ticked every box for me, they were just too clever for most people. They didn’t just need a job, but a career and hobbies.SILENT PARTNERSI remember meeting Vicki at an event. Our columnist dog shrink Dr Peter Neville said hello to us on his way into the venue. When Vicki’s dog replied “Hellooo!”, Peter did a double take. “It sounded like your dog just said hello!” he laughed.But that wasn’t the only word the dog knew. The Rodinglea Scrufﬁ es were so bright, they understood everything people said and sometimes they spoke back – in sentences.Now, is being non-verbal part of the reason why dogs are our best friends? Having a dog that can tell us they want more liver treats and when they are bored with a walk – well, it changes the dynamic of the relationship somewhat.I decided we needed a competition to showcase the most intelligent dogs we knew and Dog Brain of Britain was conceived. This was years before Britain’s Got Talent began.The entry criterion was wide. We needed to recognise all types of clever dog – not just the obedient. We received amazing entries – the most talented football-playing dog was up against a dog who had been taught by his clever owner how to walk again after the muscles he would normally use were damaged by illness. We had dogs that could predict an owner’s epileptic seizures, and dogs that could fetch a beer from the fridge. CHAT ROOMAs we drew up the shortlist, Vicki’s talking dogs had to be on there – and, of course, they were the ones all the media desperately wanted to meet.They say never work with children or dogs; no one mentioned clever talking dogs! I now realise that less intelligent dogs make perfect pets for most people.ITV’s This Morning booked all the ﬁ nalists to appear live on their show and I watched it from the ofﬁ ce, full of anticipation. All the ﬁ nalists were amazing, but the item ended with no mention of the Rodinglea Scrufﬁ es.I phoned Vicki afterwards. What had gone wrong?“We were in the green room about to go on and the dogs just said to me that they didn’t want to do it. They didn’t like sharing the studio with the other ﬁ nalists. They’re a bit snobby, I guess – they don’t like mixing with dogs that can’t talk.”I was contacted recently by one of Vicki’s young relatives who wanted to know more about the amazing dogs she had once bred. I was sad to hear that Vicki recently passed away. I’ve not met any talking dogs since, but I will probably never stop talking about Vicki’s dogs. PIllustration KEVIN BROCKBANK66Dogs Today Issue 369 and Border Collies with a splash ears pricked up! Vicki called But that wasn’t the only so bright, they understood everything people said and sometimes they spoke back I’ve not met any talking dogs since, but I will probably never stop talking about Vicki’s dogs. Talking dogs Confessions of a dogaholicREVOLUTIONARY HEADCOLLARStops dogs pulling on the lead and gives you back control.Life-Changing products for you and your dog!Also available: Collars, Non Slip Leads and Gripper Training Leads oﬀering added security and conﬁdence throughout the winter months.‘Matching accessories in a selection of colours’ with high quality workmanship and ﬁttings.Endorsed by Dr David Sands BSc PhD CFBA Fellow of the Canine & Feline Behaviour AssociationCall to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 or visit us at www.dogmatic.org.uk ‘PRODUCT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT’AWARDED ‘Best Dog Collar Manufacturer 2020-21 - UK’ and Most Innovative Dog Collar Manufacturers 2019For Dog People by Dog People Because your dog deserves the BEST NO MORE PULLING • NO MORE RIDING UP • NO MORE RUBBING NO MORE COMING OFF • NO MORE DISCOMFORT

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