Obese dog results in court appearance

If you were listening to the news on Southern FM this morning, you might have heard the report regarding a Brighton man who is due in court today.

He is facing charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for having a dangerously obese dog. Taz, a Border Collie, weighs 40kg, almost double what he should weigh. You can read  more on this story on the Chichester Observer website.

Obesity is just as dangerous for dogs as it is for us and can lead to serious health problems. Take your dog for regular weight checks and ensure they get a good diet and plenty of exercise. Walking the dog is a good, free way for us to keep fit too!

If you need advice regarding your pet’s weight, our Veterinary Healthcare Advisors will be pleased to see your pet for free to weigh them and discuss diet. Contact your local branch of Grove Lodge to arrange an appointment.

Direct appeal from Cats Protection, Worthing

Worthing & District Cats Protection is making a special appeal to help meet the cost of Olive’s treatment. We don’t make a habit of this – it is the first appeal we’ve undertaken since Scrunchie suffered appalling injuries in 2004, which some of you may remember.

Olive suffered a road traffic accident in Brighton and came to Grove Lodge Veterinary Group as a stray. Grove Lodge asked if Cats Protection would take responsibility for Olive and of course we agreed. She had suffered injuries to her hind legs, but once treated we were assured she would lead a healthy life. Olive is a beautiful 18 month old tortie and white female. One of the photos shows her just 4 days after having her hind leg amputated and the other just one day after surgery.

Olive is making a really good recovery and we are very grateful to Grove Lodge vets and nurses, in particular to vet Jane Maccabee who was directly involved with her treatment. Jane continues to treat Olive, changing her dressings etc and it was Jane who sent us these photos.

Olive is an amazing character, so gentle and extremely lively and inquisitive in her new home, which she shares with ‘mum’ Zoe and two cats who have accepted her already.

This appeal is to help cover some of the £2,700 cost that we have so far incurred on Olive’s treatment. If you would like to make a donation (for which we would be very grateful), please send it to our charity shop at:

Cats Protection Charity Shop
35 Rowlands Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 3JJ

Please make cheques payable to ‘Worthing & District Cats Protection’.

Any amount, however large or small, is very gratefully received.

Thank you for your kindness.

MYTH NO 6: Puppy should be reprimanded when he does wrong?

As we have discussed previously in the puppy myths, dogs don’t have morals so how can they do wrong? It may be ‘wrong’ to us, but to the puppy it is simply natural canine behaviour.

It is our responsibility to teach them what is acceptable to us, but it is imperative we DO NOT punish them – puppies cannot learn when they are frightened or confused. The correct way to train away unwanted behaviour is to ignore the bad behaviour and reward the good behaviour. Your puppy will then learn to do the right thing for you in a positive, bonding way. He will soon realise what behaviour achieves the biggest cuddles/best treats and what means you ignore him!

Also, the word ‘no’ means nothing to your puppy except that whatever they were doing was a great way to get your attention! This makes it more likely that the puppy will repeat what they were doing as they know you will pay them attention quickly – especially if they are feeling ignored.

You must bear in mind that puppies are not born with the knowledge of how to fit into human society – it is our job to show them the way. If you have any training or behaviour questions or concerns, please call your local Grove Lodge to arrange an appointment with our behaviourist.

Remember: positive reinforcement is the key to good, effective training.