4th February

Mark aired his frustrations with trying to adopt a dog from Battersea, but you know, this rescue "lark" is a pretty thankless task!

We are still receiving a high number of requests to take dogs in. These come from email  but also by phone despite the caller listening to a message saying we have no spaces and only to leave a message if they are calling about something else!

People who leave a message are dog wardens or other rescues, someone acting as a third party for someone who needs a dog rehomed, people who "I know you don't have any spaces but can you give me anyone else to try or some advice." People who just ignore it anyway!

One message this week was from someone who said he had found a dog running around the estate, had taken it in but couldn't keep it as he had two dogs of his own. I rang him back about to tell him to contact his local dog warden but maybe he had forgotten who he gave what message to as he answered the phone and said "Yeah it's my dog I need to rehome him!"

Another lady had given the "I know you are full, is there another number....."one. When I suggested Battersea she launched into criticism after criticism and said "I don't know how often you get there?" When I said I had been there that week and had found it fine she said I was obviously more with them than her and put the phone down!

Then I cannot tell you the number of times I have agreed to take a dog, only for them to change their mind or just not show up. This week I agreed to take a dog having heard about it for the second time only for the apparently "desperate" family to change their mind yet again.

"Are" I hear you say,"It is different for those wanting a dog." Not so! In fact hearing from someone wanting a dog I consider unsuitable, I find the hardest part of the job. Then there are the ones who do sound suitable, you get your hopes up and never hear from them again. Or the ones who want the perfect dog so every dog you suggest they reject despite wasting hours of your time. Or the ones who sound perfect but then they start stalling and then you find out it's not all so perfect after all....

And you start to think of all the things you could/should have been doing instead of wasting your time doing this..............but then every now and then it all works out..........happy people, happy dog..........happy ending! That's what makes it all worthwhile.

3rd February

Thanks to Valerie for writing the blog this week and telling the stories of some of our dogs, I hope you have enjoyed hearing about the happy endings and sharing with us the satisfaction of seeing a dog taken from kennels or an unsuitable situation into a loving home.

I rarely get ill and maybe I am not very good at it, but whatever I had this week certainly laid me low. After such a busy week the week before I was looking forward to catching up with things, but ended up doing only the essentials each day before crawling back into bed. I also lost all inspiration for writing the blog too.

 It's good to be feeling well again.

Yesterday I bumped into Jim who adopted  Buster. Buster was the first dog I took in when starting the rescue and the first dog I homed. He was ten when he came in, from a chap whose marriage had ended and  he had then lost his home.

I had been wondering just the day before whether he was still with us, as he must be pretty old by now and I knew he had health issues. Jim positively glowed as he told me that despite an enlarged heart diagnosed over a year ago, and back legs giving way plus sight and hearing fading Buster was definitely still with us! He told me what a joy he was and how happy he was, still greeting his master in the morning and that as long as he still enjoyed life they would keep him going. His love for his dog was apparent. But, Jim and his family were not the most conventional home when I checked them which reminded me of Lucy who went to Gareth a local Farrier. A friend in church told me recently that Gareth shoes a horse at her yard and Lucy plays with the Spaniel puppy.

It is great to hear of these dogs still doing well as they were very early days for the rescue and neither home quite complied with the rules but they were obviously the right homes for these dogs and then there is never the "perfect" home......a theme I will pick up tomorrow.

2nd January

After telling the reasons why Daisy, Honey, Oscar and Doris were in rescue, my mind went back  to May 2008 and a very special Stafford called Percy. Percy was a stray in Treetops, Alison had noticed him and her heart went out to him, he was finding life in kennels stressful, he was entire, had broken teeth, a poor gait and only a stump for a tail. Most nights when we talked Percy would come into our conversation. Although I had not seen Percy something that I cannot explain touched me about him. Alison and I agreed that if Treetops would sign him over to Guildford & District SBTR I would pay for his veterinary treatment to make him more re homeable. Treetops agreed and to Alison's Percy went, it soon became apparent that he was not over keen on other dogs to say the least. Alison took him to Jane the vet and it was decided that he would be castrated, bad teeth taken out vaccinated and put on a joint supplement, with this done in June 2008 Percy went up on the website, including The Oldies Club website for re homing.

Also at this time Alison had taken a call from an owner who was expecting her first child and felt that she could no longer keep her dog and could we re home him. Alison explained that there was not any available spaces, instead offering her placement of him on the website. Although she would have to keep him until a home was found, she agreed. As the dog was in inner London I went to assess him for his suitability for re homing. Knowing the area from driving through it to one of my customers I found the address without any problems. The area is densely populated with hoodies and their Staffords in tow on large thick chains as leads, not the best place to try and re home a Stafford without the help of a rescue!  As the door opened I was greeted by the owner and a beautiful red male Stafford called Blaze. Observing Blaze in the home I listened intently on Blaze's life and his character. Blaze had been attacked in the local park as a puppy whilst on the lead by another Stafford running loose. The attack was so intense it was reported in the local paper and had left Blaze with a damaged tear duct. My assessment of him was a good all round 18 month old Stafford. You may be thinking how does Percy come into Blaze's life? Well on 19th July 2008 an adoption enquiry was received from Luci for Percy, it was a  perfect application but not for Percy as Luci already had a Stafford called Tara and a horse called Goose. The lifestyle would be to much for Percy but not for Blaze! Blaze was put forward as a more suitable dog for the Luci and Tara. A meeting ensued  between Tara and Blaze on neutral ground. Tara and Blaze were great together both accepting one another, it was the best a meeting could be. Luci agreed to adopt Blaze and Blaze was taken back to his owner with agreement that the handover would take place the following weekend.

Stuart and I collected Blaze the following rather eventful Saturday. We had just got out the car to be greeted with a hoodie and a Stafford with a large chain around its neck also acting as a lead, the chain must have at least 3ft of it being dragged on the floor behind the owner, it was unbearable and I wanted to say something but just looked at Stuart who shrugged his shoulders knowing there was nothing we could do. Blaze was ready and waiting and quite frankly I could not wait to get Blaze and get out of the area. Blaze's owner handed over bedding, toys etc to help settle Blaze into his new home. The owner handed me a carrier bag which contained photos of Blaze including the newspaper article for Luci. Blaze did not turn back for a second glance when we left but happily got in the car. Petrol  required then we would be on our way, but as we got to the petrol station  opposite where Blaze had lived Police cars descended from every direction there had been a robbery just a few minutes before. We arranged to meet Luci with Tara again on neutral territory all was fine, now to Blaze's new home and life, he happily jumped out of  the car following Tara into the house. I handed over the carrier bag and went through the photos with Luci when I stared with disbelief at a photo of  Blaze with an electric collar on!!! This was obviously used when the owner walked him as she was unable to stop him from pulling and had used this method as opposed to correct training.

Blaze now lives a charmed life with Luci, Tara and Goose and has a new friend Chico the Jack Russell. I cannot thank Luci enough for adopting Blaze and giving him such a great life. Luci has been so much help supporting GDSBTR at Battersea D&CH reunion event every year raising funds. I feel blessed that she has also become a friend  and wish Luci, Tara and Blaze a long and happy life together.

As for Percy he inadvertently found homes for 4 dogs including Blaze whilst looking for a home. Eventually we adopted him, surprisingly he was fine with Daisy, Honey and Oscar. Daisy was forever licking his face and he would stand there allowing her to do it, at times I thought his head would come off! Honey would snuggle up and sleep with him whilst Percy was Oscar's best friend having their own form of chase. Sadly Percy died on the 3rd June 2010, after drowning in our fish pond, he had never taken an interest in the pond during the 22 months he was ours. How and why it happened will always remain a mystery. Although no longer with us he still promotes adopting older Staffords with his picture on the banners for the rescue stand. When not in use a banner hangs at the side of our bed and Stuart wishes him Good Night before going to sleep.

1st February

Peace reigns at last! My daughter and grandson Charlie who is 6 years old, arrived for dinner this evening with a  cacophony of noise from Daisy, Honey and Oscar with Doris quietly waiting at the rear for some attention. Charlie gently strokes Doris and gives her a kiss on her head, respectful of her age, she licks him in return. Once they have greeted one another Doris lays in her bed. Charlie and Honey have a special affinity, she absolutely adores him and is never far away from his side. Oscar once he has had some attention will lay down and get on with dozing on the sofa. Daisy on the other hand treats Charlie like a naughty puppy, gently mouthing him if she thinks he is getting to boisterous. Charlie and the dogs are never left on their own together a practice that we have always done and is recommended at all times.

Daisy, Honey, Oscar and Doris are all rescues, each are different, varying ages and reasons why they where in rescue.

Daisy adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (BDCH) age approx 1 year. She had just had a litter of pups, when the puppies were 6 weeks old and all sold, Daisy was handed into BDCH the owner stating she had killed two kittens aged 3 weeks from a litter they had bred. Daisy is now 10.

Honey, BDCH aged 16 weeks reason for re homing:- She bit, chewed and jumped up. Honey is now 7.

Oscar, Guildford & District SBTR aged 16 weeks, reason for re homing:- Relationship break up, the owner had a young child,  she moved back in with parents, dog being neglected and mistreated. Oscar is now 3.5years.

Doris, from a pound with a put to sleep date, rescued by Animal Helpline Peterborough aged 13+ years, reason:- was a stray. Doris could not walk far due to breathing difficulties when we got her and would not have been able to walk far we therefore assume that she was dumped somewhere as she would not have been able to walk far from where she lived.

Sadly there are many myths that people perceive about re homing  a rescue dog.  Many think that rescue dogs are unwanted because they are problematic. Most dogs are given to rescue centres through no fault of their own, common reasons are relationship break-ups, moving abroad, moving home, allergies and the arrival of a new baby. Some owners cannot cope with the dog. This is rarely down to the dog but usually because the owners have chosen a breed on looks alone and not done their research on what the specific breed of dog needs to be happy.

You can't train a rescue dog! All dogs have the potential to be trained but they are also individuals with different motivations and will learn at different speeds. Poppy was a problem dog but with Mark and Cats devotion Poppy is a credit to them and a testimony to what can be achieved see blog for 22nd and 23rd January. This takes commitment, time and effort on the part of an owner, which many do not want to undertake. Many are misguided to think a dog instinctively knows what is required of them, they should walk without pulling, come when called, sit and stay. These all have to be taught with consistency, all members of the household following the same training routine using the same commands to avoid confusing the dog.

All rescue dogs have medical problems. Not all rescue dogs have medical problems, the majority are young and healthy, those that come in with a medical problem are treated and are not re homed until they have made a full recovery or the prospective owner is informed about the treatment the dog requires.

Rescue dogs are not damaged goods and not all have been cruelly treated either. Rescue dogs go on to make loving loyal companions. Which is why we now have four Staffords of our own.

After our German Shepherd Max and  Jack Russell, Sally passed away, Stuart and I had vowed we would never have another dog, finding it to difficult to make the decision to have them put to sleep through ill health and subsequently the loss. For 9 years we enjoyed  the good life, travelling to the far parts of the world, which are all now a distant memory. Instead we have a life filled daily with laughter, frustration, joy and love thanks to Daisy, Honey, Oscar and Doris. We have come to terms that everything has its lifespan, although it does not stop us shedding a tear and the pain so unbearable when they die. With so many dogs needing homes we will continue adopting a rescue dog.   Valerie

30th January

Sadly Alison is not feeling well this evening and has taken herself off to bed.  Alison like me is a person who soldiers on not allowing oneself to succumb to being ill. So unfortunately for all of those who read the Blog I apologies if it is not up to Alison’s standards. I for one enjoy Alison’s blog and look forward to reading it, often having a chuckle relating to her stories and events of the day. Get well soon.

I love the weekends and today was especially nice with the sun shining no cold northerly winds biting through you. Although it does have its downside for dog walking, people who do not normally walk their dogs come out to take advantage of the sunshine. Those of us who walk our dogs regularly on the common call them fair weather walkers and extra care has to be taken. With dogs appearing from nowhere and the owner not in sight, then the owner will appear a few moments behind oblivious to what their dog is doing. Usually with a mobile phone glued to their ear or they are intensely involved in a conversation with their companion and the dog is running riot making the most of its freedom. On days like this our normal hour walk will take in excess of one and a half hours to ensure our dogs have their run otherwise they are all like coiled springs with the exception of Doris who will not give her ball up in demonstration.

For many people fostering is something that is not considered. It in it's self can be rewarding and enjoyable to know that they will go off  to a new home healthy, happy and healed and in giving them the chance for a new life is the greatest gift you can give.






Bullseye who is currently being fostered by Sally, Simon and not forgetting Saffy is one such dog who is blossoming and is becoming slightly less cheeky although he did manage to open the doors in their hallway cupboard and proceed to pull out and open a screw top dog treats container from about 5 foot up! They have no idea how it got the container open, it didn't have any teeth marks on it!! Needless to say they now have extra locks on the doors! The photos of Bullseye were taken after he'd been racing around the garden with Rufus, (Sally's Mum's dog). Sally's mother enjoys having Bullseye around as it keeps Rufus very happy and fit! Well done Bullseye. Rescue needs people like Sally and Simon and we cannot thank them enough for giving him a stable life whilst waiting for a home of his own.

It is always exciting to hear from anyone who has re homed one of our dogs. We love to hear how they are getting it is always so encouraging.

Some dogs find themselves back in rescue through no fault of their own. These dogs seem to take longer to re home as people think that there is a problem with the dog without enquiring about the circumstances

Gucci  was one such dog. She was homed to an elderly gentleman and came back into rescue when  the gentleman sadly had a fall and was hospitalised, it was decided that it would be better for him to move into a care home. Gucci was placed in kennels and waited until Alan came along and fell in love with her. Her first outing was on a boat going past the kennels where she had stayed but was now free and loved. Gucci is now called Bella and loved by all. Thank you Alan for giving Bella a second chance. She looks wonderful.

Valerie

27th January

Thanks to Val for sharing some thoughts on the meeting yesterday. I actually had another, unrelated meeting, in the evening, just in case you thought it had all been too much and I had to lie down in a darkened room!

Sounds like we both found travelling there challenging but as you can hear, very worthwhile. The things we do for these dogs!

It was actually very fitting that Val should report on the meeting, as she is a great supporter of Battersea and two of her dogs are from there.

I think it excellent that a start has been made and that the breed clubs are involved.

I actually viewed the dogs alongside "the person" and I think he was visibly moved by the undeniable fact that the majority were Staffords or had a large chunk of Stafford in them. Also I realised that he did not face the dilemma as we do, almost daily, of being asked to take in a dog and having to decide if it really looks enough of a Stafford or not.If we say "No" what happens to the dog then?

Sometimes there will be a perfectly pleasant young dog which is obviously not pure but you know would be easy to home but you still have to refuse.

I would also like to clarify a point I tried to make on Monday's blog 24th January. When speaking about training classes it sounded as if I was being negative about them. I apologise, that is not what I meant, I thoroughly endorse them.What I was trying to say was, if a Stafford is dog aggressive, I do not think you can train it out of them, although all training helps in controlling them, I do not believe that taking a puppy to training classes will ensure it does not become dog aggressive, and when a dog is, then the only way forward is with an owner who keeps the dog under control at all times. Mark is not the only Stafford owner who walks early in the morning and late at night!

Lastly today, we ran a caption competition at our vets like the one we ran online. Despite extending the entry date we only had three entries and one of those was the vet! Even so despite it being £1.00 a go we received £10.00.

I sent first prize (a £20 gift card donated by Pets At Home) to the first entrant and a 10% off voucher to the second (poor Jane the vet got nothing as I know she was only trying to help )

When I arrived home from the Battersea meeting there was a hand written envelope awaiting me. Inside was a card with a photo of a Staffie on and the message thanked me for the Pets At Home gift card and enclosed was a £20 donation!

The winner of the competition was a devoted Staffie owner who just gave her winnings back to us!

26th January 2011

Yesterday I picked up a member of Welfare from Kings Cross station who was staying with us for the night to enable her to attend the meeting at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. I knew that although involved with SBT Welfare she was also an eminent show judge for Staffordshire Bull Terriers. What I did not know was that she had twice won Crufts for Best of Breed in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier category. Driving home, my mouth ran away with it's self telling her that I did not care if my dogs were not a Stafford, they were mine and I loved them. I know that they are not show standard but there are two types of Staffords those that conform to show standard and those that do not. Many of the dogs that come into rescue are those that are not of show standard but are never the less a Stafford. She confirmed,  that she has two hats her show ring judging hat and a breed hat.

Alison and I knew that there was another person attending the meeting who we had heard only deemed a dog a true Stafford if it was Kennel Club registered so it was good to hear that this was not her opinion.

The day had come for Alison and I to attend Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for the meeting on the  Staffordshire Bull Terrier problems. After trying to put Alison at ease on driving to Battersea, I found myself slightly apprehensive about travelling there by train, albeit not that far, something that I had not relayed to Alison so this will be the first that Alison knows about it!

Travelling by train I arrived first, followed shortly by Alison's text to say she was not far away. I saved the seat next to me but in the next seat to her sat ' The Person'. I was worried by this and when Alison arrived I silently mouthed to her who it was!

The meeting was underway The Chair opened with an out line for the meeting stating that it was called to discuss the current situation with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and how those attending viewed the situation.

Members of Stafford Welfare, East Anglian Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, The Breed Council and Battersea were of one voice. The overwhelming numbers coming in, rescues full of Staffords, the lack of homes, the situation exacerbated with people unable to find rented accommodation that will accept a dog and local councils and housing associations telling owners that dogs are no longer allowed in other words the dog has to GO!

The discussion proceeded to the identification of a Stafford and Stafford X's. I for one get confused when looking at Battersea D&C Home re homing website as some I would deem  a Stafford that they call a cross, some I would say are a cross and they deem them a Stafford! This was explained that if they come in as a Stafford or as a Stafford X they have to remain as per their description due to the data base enabling owners to re claim their dog. However, it was agreed that many X's would benefit from the omission of  'Staffordshire Bull Terrier' due to the stigma and perception of those who do not know the breed.

 I do not recall as a child or throughout my life until recently that dogs were called a X of a specific breed, only that they were a mixed breed or mongrel. In fact growing up in London it was always deemed that a mongrel was the most faithful dog you could get.

Ali Taylor of Battersea informed us of their education program with schools, on dogs and anti social behaviour with dogs, showing us a video that they have produced including interviews from various people that have been affected. It was effective and those that live in a large city situation would be able to relate to it. I for one have seen certain aspects of what happens with young youths meeting up with their dogs on my local common all of which have been Staffies or X's.

The outcome of the meeting ended on a buoyant note with all agreeing to work in partnership creating a Staffordshire Forum with those present at the meeting, on a regular basis to move forward with momentum. Smaller rescues do not carry the weight or the resources that Battersea have, thereby opening doors to a far wider audience. Agreement by all, of all dogs to be micro chipped as a legal requirement. This could be used instead of a dog license as most responsible owners automatically have their dog micro chipped and would not therefore be penalised if this was to become law, where licensing would inevitably be. Battersea will undertake to put an article together for their Paws magazine, which is distributed to people that have re homed a dog, donate and is available on their website. The Stafford problem is now on such a large scale it cannot be rectified all at once but if we can chip away bit by bit hopefully we will see a light at the end of the tunnel.

To end the visit we were taken for a tour of the Battersea site visiting the various dog areas. Dogs taken in as strays and those being handed in by their owners are kennelled in a separate block here.They spend the legal required seven days before they can be placed for re homing, during which time the police will assess any dogs that could come under the dangerous dog's act. As we were walking through the corridors of kennels  none were barking most were happy to see us with tails wagging, paws up on the bars with eyes pleading for a kind word and a stroke, a few were confused and withdrawn and unsure of why they were there. It seemed endless and this was only one floor, there were two other floors just like this one it brings home the enormity of their workload.

 Any euphoria that I felt quickly diminished, a category one notice (Dangerous Dogs Act) was on the door of the pen here was a puppy aged 3 - 5 months still with its milk teeth, eyes so bright and happy yet it had a death sentence. The only way this young puppy a Pit Bull was leaving Battersea was not in the arms of a new owner but a lethal injection and in a bag to be cremated. I could no longer hold back the flood of tears I know that this is the only option for the puppy BUT this should not be happening. This dog did not ask to be born but bred by those for money,  who have no consideration that in doing so they already sentenced the dog to death, who will go on breeding with the mother for as long as there is a market or she can no longer produce a litter. Anger at the people responsible for breeding her. I question, is the Dangerous Dogs Act working? I have never seen a Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino or Fila Braziliero. Pit Bulls, yes, with the Dangerous Dogs act it has increased the breeding of these, including crossing them with other breeds. Whilst they remain banned some will want one just because they shouldn't have one and thereby the Dangerous Dogs act has created a status dog.

Battersea assess the dogs suitability to be re homed, this is not by one assessment if found that they have problems they will work with them and a more senior assessor will assess the dog before a final decision is made. Sadly some dogs do have to be put to sleep and it is not something that is done lightly.  Battersea is no different to any  rescue, they have a duty to the public and those people and families that they re home dogs to.

The re homing block are those dogs ready for a new home, here the problem is evident with the majority being Staffords and Stafford X's, other  pure bred breeds are increasing at Battersea but the main influx are our beloved breed.

Raised to elation and then deflated we all have had enough and depart our separate ways. For me even as I write this I can still see the little puppy in my mind and will always remember her. This time next week she will no longer be here. God bless you little one.

Alison and I thank Ali and everyone at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for arranging the meeting and their hospitality.

 Thoughts written by Valerie