Heron on the River Allen, Wimborne, on my Dog Walk this morning with Four Paws dog Max.
I was able to get very close to this beautiful Heron who went from river bank to river bank and let Max and I get very close. Unfortunately the battery on my phone died after this first photo.
Such a handsome bird, even though he is responsible for taking fish from local garden ponds!
About our dog walking events.
We’re back and bigger than ever!
Our BIG Walkies is the biggest series of dog walking events in England & Wales. We run these events to protect more animals and help them find loving new homes.
Last year, BIG Walkies raised over £100,000 and this year with the help of you and your doggie pals we hope to raise even more.
Sign up now
Sniff out the fun
We’re kicking off in May with four huge events in South London, North London, Cardiff and Bournemouth not to be missed.
You can register with or without a dog for just £10, additional pooch pals cost £5 each and you can bring up to four dogs with each registration. If you’re coming along with a group of friends why not register as a team? You can invite as many people and pooches as you want and walk together!
Later in the year, look out for over 40 events across England in September and October. Registrations will open in May, but if you just can’t wait – register an interest in our future events today and we’ll let you know when the local events are announced.
What are you waiting for? Join our very own series of sponsored dog walks to help give animals in need a second chance at a happy ending.
Dog owners who have not had their pets microchipped could face a fine of up to £500, as a new law comes into force.
All dogs in England, Scotland and Wales are now legally required to be chipped by the time they are eight weeks old.
It is hoped more stray or lost dogs can be reunited with their owners.
The government says one million dogs – about one in eight of the UK’s estimated canine population – have not yet been chipped. A law has been in place in Northern Ireland since 2012.
The change for the rest of the UK was announced in 2013.
Unique code
If local authorities come across a dog without a microchip, owners will have up to 21 days to comply with the law or be fined.
When a dog is microchipped a tiny chip about the size of a grain of rice is inserted under the loose skin on the back of its neck, giving it a unique 15-digit code.
If a dog is lost or gets stolen and is picked up by a council or a shelter, the microchip can be scanned and matched to contact details stored on a database.
Charities such as the Dogs Trust, some local authorities and some vets will microchip dogs without charging.
Countries such as Northern Ireland which already have compulsory microchipping have seen a decrease in the number of stray, lost and abandoned dogs, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
The new law will not replace current requirements for dogs to wear a collar and tag with their owner’s name and address when in a public place, Defra said.
Animal welfare minister George Eustice: “We are a nation of dog lovers and we want to make sure they stay safe.
“Microchipping our dogs will not only reunite people with their lost or stolen pets, but also help to tackle the growing problem of strays roaming the streets and relieve the burden placed on animal charities and local authorities.”
Waggy Tails Dog Rescue News.
Dog Presentation.
On the first Saturday of each month we hold our Dog Presentation, starting at 10am at West Parley Memorial Hall, BH22 8SQ. The dogs in our care are brought along by their Foster parents so that prospective adopters can see them and learn a little more about their lives so far. The presentation is followed by time to view the dogs on the field behind the hall and then the Induction Meeting at 11.15am which all prospective Adopters are required to attend. We would advise you to arrive by 9.45am as car parking is at a premium. We start promptly and ask you to be punctual as latecomers disrupt the presentation. We look forward to seeing you and volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions. Please ensure that you have suitable footwear for the field.
Wounded Military Dog Gets Highest War Medal.
A military dog who lost her leg on duty in Afghanistan is to receive the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Lucca lost one of her front legs during a search for improvised explosive devices in 2012.
The 12-year-old German Shepherd completed more than 400 missions with the US Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan – helping protect thousands of troops.
Now retired, she has been flown from California to be presented with the Dickin Medal at Wellington Barracks in London.
Lucca’s handler, Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham told Sky News is was an “incredible honour” to receive the award.
“It is very humbling to be part of this entire process. I think more importantly is that Lucca’s accomplishments are going to help bring awareness and recognition too all our military working dogs and their handlers.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the dog handlers who have served before me and allowed me to do my job today.
“I have had the privilege of serving with some of the finest, both in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
The award was founded in 1943 and is bestowed by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).
Jan McLoughlin, from the charity, said: “Lucca’s conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty makes her a hugely deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.
“Her ability and determination to seek out arms and explosives preserved human life amid some of the world’s fiercest military conflicts.”
The award has previously been given to 29 dogs, 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.
Four Paws Dog Archie looking a super handsome puppy after his visit to his Dog Groomer’s earlier this week.
Gorgeous Archie!
Four Paws Dog Max has found the perfect place to rest his head after our dog walk today.
Our walk this morning in Wimborne took us via Redcotts Recreation Ground, along the River Allen (which is now passable) and then around Waitrose Green and back home.
It was lovely with the sun out and Max had a wonderful time with all the fresh new smells!
We said ‘Hello’ to all the other doggies out walking too!
Max has since been to ‘The Original Posh Paws Dog Groomers and is now modelling his Summer Coat!
Going overseas with your dog can seem like a nerve-racking experience. Our top 10 tips will help ease the journey.
No 1.
Plan ahead
Although it is now possible to travel abroad with your dog without him enduring months of quarantine you can’t just book a last-minute holiday and set off. The rules vary from country to country, so ask your vet for advice on what is needed to ensure your dog can safely leave the country and, importantly, has all the documentation to allow him back in again.
No 2.
Microchip
All dogs travelling abroad must have a microchip for identification purposes. This should be done before the dog has a rabies vaccination so that your vet can record the unique microchip number on your dog’s pet passport.
N0 3.
Rabies vaccination
All dogs must be vaccinated against the deadly disease rabies prior to travelling to another EU country or returning to the UK. The rules have eased slightly but you must wait 21 days after the vaccination before your dog can travel, or return, to the UK from another EU or non-EU listed country. However, if your dog is travelling into the UK from a country that is not listed on the Pet Travel Scheme he will require a blood sample 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and you must then wait three calendar months before travelling.
No 4.
Passports please…
Once your dog has fulfilled all the necessary criteria for travelling — been microchipped and had a rabies vaccination — your vet can issue you with a pet passport. The passport remains valid as long as your dog continues to meet the UK’s entry requirements.
No 5.
Carry on
Under the UK’s Pet Travel Scheme only certain approved transport companies and routes can be used to bring pet dogs into the country. Some companies will request a veterinary statement to confirm that your dog is fit to travel before they allow him to board, so check beforehand to ensure you comply with all their requirements. You may also need to buy an authorised pet travel carrier so that your dog can travel safely and securely.
No 6.
Extra protection
The Pet Travel Scheme safeguards against the risk of rabies entering the UK, but your dog could be at risk of other potentially fatal diseases, so ask your vet for advice on how to protect him. Tick treatments are no longer compulsory, but you may wish to provide this or invest in a protective band such as a Scalibor collar to help control ticks, mosquitoes, and flies.
No 7.
Comfort breaks
If your dog is in a carrier it must be large enough for him to stand up and turn around in, and he will appreciate a blanket or cool mat for extra comfort. Allow plenty of time in your schedule so that your dog can relieve himself before he travels. Check with your travel company about available exercise areas.
No 8.
Hot dogs
The temperatures abroad may be much warmer than in the UK, which could mean your dog will be more vulnerable to heatstroke. Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest periods of the day and make sure he has access to cool shade and plenty of water. Investing in a heat-reflecting cool coat will help to keep him comfortable.
No 9.
Food and drink
A day or two prior to travelling, start to reduce your dog’s food intake slightly and on the day of travel feed him as early as possible. Make sure that he has constant access to water throughout the journey. Remember that you may not be able to buy your dog’s usual brand of food on holiday, so pack sufficient supplies for the time you are away.
No 10.
Homeward bound
One to five days before you return to the UK you must visit a local vet for your dog to be checked, scanned, and given a tapeworm treatment. The vet will also sign and date your dog’s passport. On the day you return home the travel company will scan your dog’s microchip and check the pet passport and other documents. If your pet doesn’t meet the necessary requirements he may face quarantine or be sent back to the country you have travelled from, so check, check, and check again, to ensure everything is in order.
Dog picture for Monday Morning to make you Smile!
So, Monday …
We meet again!
