Register online NOW at pupidol@btinternet.com to enter your dog

Other competitions include:

-MISS HAMPSTEAD 2010 (Prettiest Female)

- MR HAMPSTEAD 2010 (Handsomest Male)

- CUTEST PUP

- GOLDEN OLDIE (for canines over

- BEST RESCUE

- LIKE OWNER, LIKE DOG (if you & your dog look quite alike…)

Great raffle (with many prizes), face painting, and a lot of fun guaranteed!

£3 per entry, all proceeds go to All Dogs Matter
Charity Reg. Number 1132883

(HURRY! ONLY 20 DOGS PER CATEGORY!)

Xylitol is increasingly used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum and other confectionary; it is used in dental hygiene products and is also found as an excipient in many medicines. Of particular concern are the sugar substitute products that contain Xylitol which are used in home baking as well as in manufactured goods. Cakes, biscuits and other goodies made with it are toxic to dogs. Owners may not be aware of these dangers and may not associate clinical deterioration with ingestion of these foodstuffs.

Other animals such as ferrets and cats may be similarly affected and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is monitoring all referred cases.

BVA Past President Nicky Paull commented:

“While most dog owners are now aware that foods such as chocolate and grapes can be toxic to their pets few are aware of the dangers if their dog eats a cake or muffin containing Xylitol.

“If you think your dog may have eaten chewing gum or a sweet or cake containing Xylitol and appears unwell, perhaps vomiting or lacking coordination, then contact your vet for advice immediately and be ready to provide information on what’s been consumed.”

The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) have produced an easy reference guide to keeping pets safe from harmful substances. The ‘Pets and poisons: keeping your animal safe’ leaflet can be easily downloaded from the BVA AWF website at www.bva-awf.org.uk or you can request a copy from the Foundation.

Alexander Campbell, Head of Service at VPIS, added:

“With the increasing number of products containing Xylitol on the market the VPIS recognises the extreme importance of raising awareness of the danger to dogs of ingesting this substance, particularly in the light of a case we handled the other evening which involved a dog eating a muffin made with this sugar substitute.

“This is yet another instance where a food or food additive deemed safe for human consumption proves to be dangerous for other species. Pets should really only be given foodstuffs formulated for them.

“It is possible that other animals such as ferrets or cats might be affected similarly, but few cases are yet documented. The VPIS continues to monitor all referred cases in all animals with the aim of clarifying the situation in other species as and when more data become available.

“The VPIS would like to see manufacturers of these products provide some visible warnings and information on the packaging and to inform the retail outlets they supply of the potential risks to dogs.”

On the Prince’s arrival at the site, all the working dogs waiting in the courtyard to meet him broke out into a spontaneous welcoming bark, which made everyone smile and set the tone for a very informal and fun visit. Prince Harry was escorted round the training centre by Andy Cook, Canine Partners’ CEO, and the first port of call was the training hall where several of the Charity’s youngest recruits were waiting to impress the royal visitor.

Among the pups lucky enough to interact with Prince Harry were 14 week old Labrador Una, who happily shook paws with the Prince, and even showed off how good her recall was by running to him when he called her. Four-month-old golden retriever Trudy demonstrated how she was learning to put her front paws on a step, and went one stage further in front of Prince Harry by putting all four paws on the step and sitting down! But the pup that received the most royal attention was eight-week-old Veyron – named after the famous supercar the Bugatti Veyron. As Prince Harry cuddled the pup he commented on the little noises Veyron was making. Andy quickly responded by joking, “That is what he normally does before he is sick!” Later on, however, the Prince got his own back on Andy when they were watching a dog being groomed by jokily saying that he was allergic to dog fur.

Once the youngsters had performed, it was time for the older dogs in training to show off the more advanced skills they learn, including pulling bedclothes off, handing over a purse at a checkout and opening doors. Prince Harry was invited to get involved by putting some wheelchair gloves on and asking demonstration dog Doyle to remove them and put them in the washing machine. Undeterred by his famous temporary handler and all the world’s media taking pictures, Doyle performed his duty and earned a pat on the head from the Prince.

Then it was on to meet two very new partnerships who were on their two-week residential course at the centre, learning the training and cementing the bond. Gwyneira Waters (45), who lives in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, with her canine partner Nikki, and Alison Wyatt (45), from Colchester in Essex, with her new partner Maddy, had a chat with Prince Harry about how they were looking forward to more independence and confidence when they took their new dogs home with them at the end of the course.

Another partnership lucky enough to meet Prince Harry was Stephen Brookes who has had canine partner Major for six weeks. Stephen (31), from Fareham in Hampshire, is a petty officer in the Royal Navy and has served for 14 years. After an accident on his motorbike he sustained a spinal injury which left him tetraplegic and a wheelchair user. He has been undergoing rehabilitation at Headley Court, the defence medical rehabilitation unit, and it was there that he heard about Canine Partners, and decided to apply. He said: “Since having Major I have gained more independence in my everyday life. Being in a wheelchair, I was highly reliant upon my family, friends and carers. He makes tasks I found difficult since my injury, so much easier, like picking up objects, opening doors, using lifts and even paying for items in shops; now I can call on Major and he can do these things with me. Major comes with his own cheeky personality and I believe we were well matched. He is now a valued, and much loved member of our family, he fits right in.”

Stephen’s wife, Nichola (31), and two young children Emily (2) and Grace (5) also met the Prince, and the two girls presented him with little posies. They were very excited at meeting Prince Harry, but even more excited at all the photographers and television cameras. After a few seconds of talking to the Prince, Emily turned away and was heard to say: “Can I have my biscuit now?” which caused much merriment with the royal visitor.

The event was rounded off with a tea party where Prince Harry had a chance to mingle with a host of working partnerships. There was even a “when Harry met Harry” moment when he came upon a red golden retriever canine partner sharing his name. He asked Harry’s disabled owner, Sarah Ashcroft (32) from Swanley in Kent, if he was so named because he was ginger!

The visit has been the highlight so far of Canine Partners’ 20th anniversary year, and will help to raise the profile of the Charity. Andy Cook says: “The visit by Prince Harry is a huge boost to Canine Partners and we thoroughly enjoyed showing him how we train the dogs to help people with disabilities. He was very interested in our work with the Armed Forces, and had a long private chat with petty officer Stephen Brookes about how the dogs can make such a difference to injured servicemen and women. The Prince proved to be a competent handler with the more advanced dogs in training, and a big hit with the younger puppies who vied with each other to get the most cuddles! He spoke to many of our working partnerships, giving him an insight into the variety of ways a canine partner can help his disabled owner.”

The Hollywood A-Lister and ex-Wife of Brad Pitt is well known for her love of dogs and already owns a Corgi cross Terrier called Norman and a white German Shepherd Dog called Dolly.

Why not follow in the fabulous friends footsteps and take a look at 100′s of rescue dogs looking for their forever families. www.dogsblog.com

Veterinary surgeons across the UK are required under RCVS guidelines to make provision for out-of-hours emergency veterinary treatment, a commitment they have recently re-affirmed. However, it is the responsibility of animal owners to know what to do and where to go in a veterinary emergency, something which is particularly important when travelling away from home.

“Thankfully, the most eventful thing about a holiday for a pet is usually all the new and exciting places to explore,” says RCVS Vice-President Jerry Davies. “However, if an emergency does arise, pets depend on receiving prompt veterinary attention, so owners need to know in advance what to do and where to go.”

The easiest way for animal owners to find practices local to UK holiday destinations is via the College’s free online ‘Find-a-Vet’ service (www.findavet.org.uk), which can be searched by town or postcode. This also shows whether practices are accredited by the RCVS under its Practice Standards Scheme – a voluntary accreditation scheme which helps to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care.

“Outside normal practice hours, the provision of emergency veterinary treatment can vary and might well be different from that which owners are used to at home,” says Jerry. “Practices may provide emergency cover themselves, team up with other practices to look after a bigger area, or contract out to dedicated emergency service providers.”

“Practices should always be able to explain their arrangements clearly for the times when they are closed, so it’s best to give them a call beforehand to double check,” he advises. “Your usual veterinary practice may also be able to help you target a suitable practice at your holiday destination.”

So, before setting off on holiday, animal owners should remember the following:

* Use www.findavet.org.uk to locate a local veterinary practice and find out what its emergency provisions are, or ask your own vet for advice;
* Take any medication with you that your animal might already be on and the instructions for it’s use;
* Home visits are rare, even in an emergency, so be prepared to take your animal to the practice as that’s where it can usually be treated best;
* A ‘holiday’ practice will need to see your animal’s clinical records, so take your usual vet’s contact details with you;
* There is no NHS for pets: emergency treatments out-of-hours will often be more expensive (although vets are required to obtain clients’ consent for any non-emergency treatment);
* Even if you’re leaving your pet with a friend or pet-sitter, it’s still worth contacting your usual practice to double check that their arrangements for veterinary emergencies haven’t changed.

30 teams will undertake the Challenge, which starts at 9.15am with breakfast. During the day’s activities, lunch will be served, and there will be an opportunity for participants to win themselves a fabulous prize in one of the two auctions. Prizes range from a private tour of Goodwood House or a chance to stay in a chalet in Klosters, to a voucher for a portrait photograph of your pet by renowned photographer Nick Ridley or tea at the House of Lords. Canine Partners is extremely grateful to all auction donors for their generosity in supplying a wonderful selection of lots.

Last year the Challenge raised £13,800 for Canine Partners, and it is hoped that this year the guests will be even more generous. For a charity that receives no government funding, events like these are vital to help fund the training of more dogs for people with disabilities.

Holywell Estate has been the venue for the annual Driven Clay Challenge for many years, and the Earl and Countess of Clarendon generously open up their grounds and host the event every year. Another high profile supporter is Canine Partners Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester. Unfortunately this year His Royal Highness is unable to attend in person, but he has sent a message of support for all those taking part.

The Driven Clay Challenge is sponsored by a variety of established and well-known companies including Cypress Asia, Knight Frank, Holland and Holland and Country Life.

Anyone wishing more information about this event can call Jane Jackson on 01730 716002 or email janej@caninepartners.org.uk

“Every week millions of dog owners honor me by allowing me in their homes to teach through the Dog Whisperer television show,” says Cesar Millan. “I would love to use this platform to inform people about pet overpopulation and how it’s killing millions of animals yearly in America. One of the kindest acts people can perform to save the lives of animals is to spay or neuter their pet, which prevents homeless animals from ever being born in the first place.”

The Millan Foundation approached Lopez Negrete for its strategic insight and assistance in targeting dog owners to promote the importance of spaying or neutering their pets. The agency offered its services on a pro bono basis, helping the nonprofit by designing and producing a fully integrated communications program. All work is focused on raising awareness of the consequences of pet overpopulation, which includes leaving over 4.5 million dogs and cats to die in local animal shelters each year due to a lack of space.

“We are dog lovers and have admired the work that Cesar has accomplished throughout the years,” said Alex Lopez Negrete, president, CEO/CCO of Lopez Negrete Communications. “Pet overpopulation is an important issue and one not commonly addressed in the Hispanic community, so we knew this was a breakthrough project we had to engage immediately.”

Equally, the Millan Foundation and Lopez Negrete understand that U.S. Hispanics love and treat their pets as family members, but are largely unaware of the issue of pet overpopulation and the resources available to provide spaying and neutering services. Research proved that the Latino population is a demographic that is very open to learning of the repercussions of leaving pets unsterilized and willing to take an initiative in addressing the problem.

A long hot summer is expected and with the public heading out in force for some sunny frolics, Poop Scoop Week is aiming to ensure a poop-free and pleasant experience in all open spaces.

Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, explains:

“We want Poop Scoop Week to be about saying thank you and well done to the millions of well-behaved dog owners, but also to remind the irresponsible minority that their dog can’t pick up after itself.

If every dog owner fulfils their duty we can all look forward to summer strolls and picnics in parks free from the worry of dog poop! Let’s make Poop Scoop Week the week everybody takes responsibility – we will be amazed at the difference we can make.”

Dog fouling is a problem the charity is determined to tackle. The campaign slogan ‘Bag it and Bin it’ is a simple reminder to all dog owners:

BAG IT – Once your dog’s poop has been scooped, carefully turn the plastic bag inside out and your dogs mess will then be ‘bagged’.

BIN IT – Dispose of your bag in any litter bin provided (don’t leave it lying around). Contrary to popular belief, dog waste can be put into a public litter bin if a specific dog waste bin is not provided.

Everybody should get in touch with their Local Authority to find out their local Poop Scoop Week itinerary of events.

Battersea’s Chief Executive, Claire Horton said: “Partnership lies at the heart of everything Battersea stands for. Though I have only joined the Home in June, I can immediately see how much has been achieved in the past year and how recent policies and working practices are now delivering tangible improvements.”

Key operational achievements in 2009 include:

· Care given to 10,600 dogs and cats across Battersea’s three sites in London, Windsor and Brands Hatch.

· Over 82% of Battersea’s total expenditure spent directly on animal care – a year on year improvement.

· 2178 lost dogs and 117 lost cats reunited with their owners thanks to the services of Battersea’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line

· Over 36,000 hours of time given by over 300 volunteers

· A record number of cats rehomed in August 2009 following a targeted media campaign

As a charity that relies almost entirely on the generosity and goodwill of its supporters, the economic strain of the past year has inevitably impacted upon both the revenue income and operational costs of the Home. Moreover, the consequences of irresponsible dog and cat breeding and ownership still factor heavily upon Battersea with almost 80% of its intake last year comprising of stray or abandoned animals from members of the public or via local authority dog warden services.

Claire Horton continued: “From our fundraisers and potential rehomers to local authority dog warden services and the Police; from fellow animal welfare organisations to key political stakeholders and the media; Battersea is dependent upon them all for their support but in return we offer a service and quality of care for our dogs and cats that is second to none.”

Existing legislation has failed to reduce the number of dog bite incidents in the UK, which have risen in the past five years by 79% in London and 43% nationally*. Meanwhile costs have continued to rise; it was revealed that 10 million pounds has been spent by the Metropolitan Police alone in the past 3 years simply to implement Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, relating to the seizure, kennelling and euthanasia of banned breeds.

The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) has lobbied against the inadequacies of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 for many years and members of the group are now backing a new Dog Control Bill proposed by Lib Dem Peer Lord Redesdale, which will receive its second reading in the House of Lords on Friday (9^th July).  This Bill would consolidate previous legislation and better protect the public by targeting the cause of dog attacks – dog owners themselves.

Lord Redesdale commented: “People deserve to feel safe around dogs and this Bill goes a long way towards protecting the public through tougher action against irresponsible dog owners. The current law has done nothing but make banned breeds and their lookalikes more appealing and created the issue of status dogs because they are a status symbol.

“Owners of aggressive or violent dogs of any kind would be brought to account with this Bill, which in turn will prevent a large number of attacks by dealing with problem behaviour at the first signs of aggression rather than when an attack has taken place, as in current legislation”.

Can you spot the dangerous dog? The answer lies with the owner holding the lead.

If passed, the Bill will introduce major changes to current dangerous dog legislation, which is widely considered to be one of the most ineffective pieces of government legislation ever brought into force. These changes include:

• More emphasis on the owner’s responsibilities – the Bill supports the principle that it is the owner who has the potential to make a dog either well-behaved or badly-behaved. It gives authorised officers the powers to place Dog Control Notices on irresponsible owners at the first signs of dog aggression.

• Attacks which take place on private property would also become a criminal offence – a large number of dog attack incidents occur within the home and on private property. The Bill includes various exemptions such as being attacked by another animal, provocation, and attacks on individuals committing an offence for which they could be imprisoned.

• Legislation will no longer be breed specific – since the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, public money and resources have been wasted by already overstretched police authorities seizing dogs simply for being of a particular breed or type. Research now overwhelmingly supports the principle of ‘deed not breed’, and proves that genetics (breed) play only a limited part in the temperament of an individual dog, with environment and training having a far greater effect.

The DDASG has been working closely with Lord Redesdale in support of his Dog Control Bill and has long been calling on the government to repeal the current legislation. The Group believes that the breed specific nature of current legislation has caused it to fail, and that focusing on individual breeds has failed to prevent a large number of dog attacks, or reduce the number of Pit Bull Terriers in the UK.

DDASG Chairman Chris Laurence, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, said: “We firmly believe that the Dangerous Dogs Act needs to be overhauled to better protect the public and that a new dog control regime that emphasises responsible dog ownership should be introduced.

“The Dog Control Bill supports the principle that it is people, not the dogs themselves that make dogs dangerous. Lord Redesdale’s Bill would allow people to be better protected from dangerous dogs with tougher action taken against irresponsible dog owners.”

The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group has also launched a petition supporting Lord Redesdale’s Dog Control Bill which already has almost 10,000 signatures. The petition can be found at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/repeal-and-replace-the-dangerous-dogs-act.html