Ain’t nothing but a hound dog

Dogs seem to be expendible to some people. Not a living, breathing creature to be loved and nurtured, but a weapon to be used and discarded when it becomes too dangerous or surplus to requirement.

For the millions of reponsible dog owners in this country, tonight’s Panorama is going to be deeply upsetting. It is a sad reflection of our society where a breed which was previously regarded as a loving family pet is now demonised through no fault of its own, but as a result of thugs turning these affectionate, loyal dogs into aggressive so called ’status dogs’ for their own violent purposes.

I am of course talking about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

To quote the BBC website: “Officials say the number of Staffies coming into Battersea has leapt 850% since 1996, and they often lack basic training that allows them to get along with other dogs or sometimes even people.”

What is the solution? Reintroducing dog licences? Compulsory microchipping? Tightening up of rules regarding breeding? All these ideas are valid and indeed desirable solutions, but the penalty for not abiding by these rules needs to be strong and instant.

What are your thoughts?

If you would like to talk to someone about any issues you are having with your dog, call the Grove Lodge main hospital on 01903 234866, or make an appointment with your vet. We have a qualified behaviourist who is always happy to see your pet and help with any problems you are experiencing.

Panorama tonight: It shouldn’t happen at a vets

You might have seen the trailers on BBC for their special Panorama tonight at 9 pm, entitled “It shouldn’t happen at a vets”.

The programme reveals apparent evidence of overpricing, cruel treatment to animals and general dishonesty at the UK’s largest veterinary chain.

I will be watching this programme with great interest as, if what they portray is a fair representation, the practice in question deserves to be exposed, as would any practice which behaved in that way.

Please watch it – we welcome your comments. Andrew Ash and David Constantine have compiled an open letter which is on our Home Page, please take a moment to read it.

Hurray! Hurray! It’s a holi-holiday!!

Great weather, long evenings, barbecues, ice cream, strawberries, lazy afternoons ……. love the summer!

If you and your dog are taking a holiday this year, why not share your pictures and memories with us? It would be lovely to see your dog splashing through the waves, or running across the moors – wherever you go take a pic of your dog having a fab time and send it to us! It will give everyone a smile.

The email address to use is enquiries@grovelodge.co.uk – so get snapping!