Dogs and water only go together at bathtime and in the summer months. Come winter and the big freeze and the two should never meet. I read a story today in a national newspaper along with the many comments underneath from readers and non dog lovers.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1336450/Dog-owner-falls-ice-frozen-river-rescuing-Labrador-Clitheroe.html

It seems the Labrador jumped into the frozen water and panicked. The owner with no thought for her own safety jumped in to save her beloved pet. This story could have been a disaster if it were not for the quick thinking of the woman's friend who threw a dog lead to the woman and pulled her out. The dog managed to escape by itself with no apparent injury.

Many people think this woman is foolish to have followed her dog into the icy water. I say she is a caring person who, when the chips were down went to save her family pet rather than see it drowned. This is the kind of person one could rely on in an incident, the type of brave person who would pull children from house fires and stand up to bullies in the street. We read of people who stand out during acts of terrorism and then fade away into the background sometimes not staying around to be thanked. Adrenalin kicks in when something happens, some poeple panic but good people act on impulse not caring for themselves.

I'd rather have this lady in my company then those who just watch and take photos on their mobile phones.

If you are out and about with your dog during this icy spell please keep your dog on a lead to save them, and you from possible danger. A brisk walk on a lead is better than an icy death.

I'm away for the week, lucky me! No I'm not sunning myself in some exotic clime but spending the week with three writing friends tucked away in a lovely cottage working on my novel in sunny Whitstable.

I've been pleasantly surprised by the lovely dogs I've spotted on my daily walks, all are happy and friendly. If only those who knock our four legged chums could see these dogs they would soon understand why a dog is man's best friend. Next door to our cottage live two cute Tibetan Terriers who seem to love life going by their excitement when we meet them while out walking. Sadly today I spottted another side, an all too familiar side to dog nwglect. I've not seen one out of control dog or indeed one nasty specimen on four legs.

Walking down the main street in Whitstable at midday we spied two dogs tied to railings outside Budgen's supermarket. Their leads were tight and the poor dogs had no choice but to sit on the frozen ice covering the ground, they tried to stand but the leads were tied in such a way they were forced to sit. They were shivering and obviously very cold. Both kept looking in the one direction - most likely the direction that their owner had headed when he or she abandoned them. The two dogs seemed to be elderly, both were of mixed breeding with short brown wire haired coats rather like lurchers, they looked similar so were most likely related in some way. One had a very large mamary tumour that was remarked upon by many passers by

We decided to wait and see if they were claimed or if the owner would appear. I had decided to have a word with them about the apparent ill treatment of these sweet dogs. The dogs started to whimper and the shivering increased. Well wrapped up in my coat with gloves, and boots on I thought how awful it was for these dogs to be treated in such a way. Not living in the area I wasn't sure of the where abouts of a veterinary surgery or the police. I would not have telephoned the RSPCA as most likely we would all have died of hypothermia waiting for them to arrive (note: I've encountered this in the past and it is not an idle comment).

After 30 minutes two women approached. The older one pushed a wheelchair with several children and entered the supermarket the other in her 30's stopped to untie the dogs and I approached her. I said that her dogs were very cold and shivering, she denied this. I said they should have coats on and should not have been left so long, she told me to mind my own business. I asked about the mammary tumour and was told it was not a tumour and that a vet knew about it - I've seen enough tumours like this in my life to know that it must have been painful and likely to burst. At this stage the dog could well have cancer in other parts of its body.

As me and my friend spoke to the woman she became abusive, said she'd owned dogs for 15 years, and these dogs were 11 and 8. The older lady appeared and told us they were working dogs (??) and should be used to the cold. No dog tied up so it couldn't move and forced to sit on ice could keep warm. They both walked away calling abuse over their shoulders.

This saddened me, I hate to think of these elderly dogs and where they are living, the woman couldn't even remove a cigarette from her mouth when she spoke to us. What life have these dogs got? Come to that what about the children?

If you live in Whitstable and spot these two dogs, approximately knee high, mid brown in colour with white splashes - one with a tumour that must be at least five inches in length hanging from its stomach please keep an eye on them, let the authorities know where they live.

The Animal Welfare Act states that animals should have:

A proper diet that includes food and water

Somewhere suitable to live

The ability to express normal behaviour

Protection from and treatment of illness and injury

Suitable living accomodation.

Do you trhink these two poor dogs are receiving these basic requirements?

If you are the owner of these two little dogs, please take them to a vet and please keep them warm and safe at all times. They do not deserve the abuse you dished out to them today.

There is often news of dog on dog’s attacks in the local press; a recent one in this very publication about a Rottweiler attacking another dog has led me to make a few observations.

 I can only remark on the facts given but several things made me very concerned both from comments made and the way that the situation was handled.

 Firstly dogs are not supposed to be off lead in a public place so both owners were not in command of their dogs. If they had been on leads to situation would not have occurred.

 The comment by the Kennel Club’s Caroline Kisko is very sensible. In my many years around dogs I have found that  Rottweiler’s in general are not a dangerous breed and are the most gentlest of canines..

The comment that it could have been a child who was attacked is not the right thing to say as it is inferring the dog is dangerous. Dogs do not as a rule naturally attack people, young or old unless provoked.

When out with a dog always be aware of dangers to you and your dog. Be considerate ot other people who may not like dogs and above all do not let your dog wander up to other dogs off lead as you are not in control of any situation that may arise.

Elaine Everest is a journalist and author specialising in canine topics.

Dogs do fight other dogs, the little dog came off worse because it was little, and this is natural. The smaller dog did go over to the larger dog, why did the owner of the smaller dog not restrain it at that point?  Both owners were in the wrong as they were not in control of their dogs.

Kicking out at a dog is not only cruel but downright dangerous. The dog could have turned on the person kicking it and bitten them. It is an offence to harm another dog and the RSPCA now have written evidence that the owner of the smaller dog intentionally attacked a dog intending to harm it. All this large dog knew was that it was being hurt and this would have fuelled the situation with the larger dog most likely fighting back even more.

Yes, the owner of the Rottweiler should have given their personal details and offered more help but we do need both sides of the story before passing judgement.

Above all we do not need scaremongering stories pointing the finger at a breed and saying children could have been hurt when this was simply two owners in the wrong as their dogs were off lead that led to  a fight.

Broadstairs based writer, Jane Wenham Jones is well known for her novels but did you know that she writes how to books for writers. In her own sparkling style she introduced writing to many new writers with her book, Wannabe a Writer. With quotes from many well known authors was a breath of fresh air in the sea of heavy going writer’s tomes.

Today I’m attending the launch of her next book, Wannabe a Writer We’ve Heard Of (Accent Press). This book gives writers advice on how to promote themselves and their writing. My own contribution to Jane’s book was to tell how signing books at Crufts is somewhat different to signing in a book shop. I’ve dedicated books to dogs, their friends and their owners. My best suit is often covered with dog hair and slobber by the end of the signing where I’ve stolen a quick cuddle with the cutest and sometimes largest of dogs.

So, I’m dusting off my best frock and climbing out of my writer’s garret to go along and meet interesting people and talk about books – and dogs.

Broadstairs based writer, Jane Wenham Jones is well known for her novels but did you know that she writes how to books for writers. In her own sparkling style she introduced writing to many new writers with her book, Wannabe a Writer. With quotes from many well known authors was a breath of fresh air in the sea of heavy going writer’s tomes.

Today I’m attending the launch of her next book, Wannabe a Writer We’ve Heard Of (Accent Press). This book gives writers advice on how to promote themselves and their writing. My own contribution to Jane’s book was to tell how signing books at Crufts is somewhat different to signing in a book shop. I’ve dedicated books to dogs, their friends and their owners. My best suit is often covered with dog hair and slobber by the end of the signing where I’ve stolen a quick cuddle with the cutest and sometimes largest of dogs.

So, I’m dusting off my best frock and climbing out of my writer’s garret to go along and meet interesting people and talk about books – and dogs.

As bonfire night draws near I am making contingency plans to protect my dogs from the noise of exploding fireworks in the neighbourhood. Over the years the explosions seem to louder and the celebrations run over weeks rather than the one day.

 Like many dog owners I have signed petitions asking for fireworks to become organised events by councils and charity organisations so that fireworks are no longer on sale in shops.

Last year in Swanley town centre I counted seven shops selling fireworks which appalled me not only as so many were being let off as soon as the schools kicked out but the cost of each fireworks – who has money to burn these days? I’d rather give the money to charity than use it to frighten defenceless cats and dogs.

I’m appalled by the firework counter in Asda. How can they be promoting breast cancer charities one month and supporting the sale of explosives the next? If you care about this problem please write letters and boycott these shops.

What to do on the 5^th

 I feed my dogs later in the day. They tend to sleep for a few hours after their meal so it means that as the fireworks go off they are more likely to snooze the time away. I have a radio or television switched on upstairs and down so the house has a background of noise. I make the rooms they live in warm and cosy so that they feel safe. I never take them out during times when fireworks are bound to be let off. Walks and trips to the park are changed to mornings.

 Let your dog out into the garden early to do his business. If he has an accident due to stress just remember that this is the price you pay for owning a dog and do not scold him.

 If a dog becomes stressed comfort him and never tell him off as it will unsettle him further. Treats and games will fill the few hours. A Kong stuffed with peanut butter can while away a few hours as can a treat such as a Jumbone.

Drugs and help

Never sedate a dog during firework night as this could lead to more stress. There are CD’s that can be purchased with recordings of fireworks exploding. The idea is to play these over a number of weeks on low sound to desensitise a pet. They have never worked for my dogs but I know they do work for others.

 A Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) diffuser can work for a dog at times of stress. Used as a plug in or on a collar these will calm a stressed dog during times when they are out of their comfort zone. Now widely available from vets, pet stores and online the DAP diffuser can work wonders.

 Neighbours

 Try to remind neighbours that you have dogs and that fireworks can be very scary. We have a neighbour that seems to ignore this fact and lets them off several times during the lead up to bonfire night. Now I know how inconsiderate he can be I am prepared in advance to protect my dogs as much as possible.

 Hopefully this year, with the country in the grip of a recession and so many people facing job losses and cuts in pay there will be less money spent on fireworks and we can all have a pleasant 5^th of November.

Stay safe!

SAD TIMES

It's been very gloomy in our house this week. One of the dogs died. We all expect to lose our four legged friends at some time bur this death came as a shock. In our household we are at the stage of every dog being over the age of ten. In the last year we have lost three (two sisters and a brother) who made the ages of 14 and 15 before setting off for The Rainbow Bridge. That was upsetting, but expected.

Nelson (our Nellie) was a fit and happy Old English Sheepdog aged 11 and three quarters. He was an undemanding dog, loved to have his tummy tickled and to sit next to me by the Rayburn before settling under the dining room table on his furry rug. He simply died, collapsing by the patio door as I opened it to let out all four of them to do their 'business.' Such was the shock I thought he had tripped, but no, as I held him he gasped for air and passed away. His sister sat watching, almost as though she knew something was wrong. She did the same when her older sister, Peggy died. Keeping calm so as not to frighten him I pulled a rug around him and cuddled him as he took his last breaths. I dare not cry as I wasn't sure if he would feel my fear. I spoke to him about how we loved him, and how he would soon be with his mum and dad and all his doggy friends at The Rainbow Bridge. Only when he was still did I shed a tear then they wouldn't stop.

I'll miss his little ways, our home is now missing our guardian dog who would not rest until he knew where we were - he would have made a good herding dog. What is very strange is that he died on the exact spot upon which he was conceived on 30th December 1998. I recall it well as it was a very cold day and his mother and father took 20 minutes to perform 'the deed' while I stood bare footed on the cold floor supervising the match!

The next day we took Nelson to the pet crematorium near Cambridge. We do this for all our dogs not wanting to leave them with the vet or have them collected. It is the least we can do for the years of faithfullness they have given us. Wrapped securely in a blanket he was handed over to caring staff and we waited to take home his ashes in an ash casket where he now sits safe and free from harm with seven more of our much missed dogs.

I’ve just returned from Cornwall where I spent a lovely week with my husband and two of my dogs. Buster (11 ½) and Molly (10) are Old English Sheepdogs so not the smallest of dogs to fit into a car as they too need their luggage and have their needs. Also being elderly they are not as nimble as they once were so long walks and cliff climbing was out for us – thank goodness!

Here are some helpful hints on what to plan for when travelling with a dog:

Pit Stops

Don’t expect to drive from A to B in one hit without a stop. Your bladder may be able to cope with a six hour journey but your dog’s will not. We set off from Swanley at 5 am so as to avoid the M25 during morning commute time. We headed down the M3 and then took the A303 to the West Country. Stopping every 90 minutes the dogs were able to stretch their legs and do their business without becoming stressed.

Seat Covers and Safety

We have a Citroen C3 which is quite a small vehicle but the fuel consumption and running costs are excellent. In our dog showing days we ran an estate car or a van that was more suited to carrying dogs and humans. For this trip the dogs travelled on the rear seat of the car which meant that the bespoke waterproof cover came into its own. With dog fleece bedding on top and spare bedding in the seat well we were ready for the week. Our dogs are good travellers but being mindful of their safety should there be an accident both wear Clix dog harnesses that fit snugly around the chest area and click easily into the seat belt fixtures. I’ve found these to be invaluable and being adjustable we were able to use them on our other two dogs when they travelled to the kennels.

These harnesses are available from The Company of Animals and range from £10.49 to £18.49 depending on the size of your dog.

www.companyofanimals.co.uk

Food and Drink

Never feed your dog before you set off on a long journey. We find that carrying hard dog biscuits such as Bonio’s means that when you make a stop at a service area the dog can have a small snack whilst you eat your packed lunch. Do not assume that water will be available when you stop over. Keep a bottle of tap water and a dog bowl handy in the car will save the expense of buying bottled water or queuing in the ladies, dog bowl in hand when your dog is thirsty. Mentioning stopovers, please please, please, never leave your dog alone in a car even for a few minutes. Dogs die in hot cars and even if the sky is overcast and you park in the shade your car can become an oven within minutes.

Journeys End

We tend to stay in self catering cottages when holidaying with our dogs. To ensure that the cottage is free of dog hairs at the end of our stay we take a few bed sheets and lay these over any chairs or furniture that the dog is liable to brush past. Scented wet wipes are ideal for wiping and little marks on carpets and furnishings. Before we leave the property we use a product such as Shake and Vac on all the floors and go through the cottage with a vacuum cleaner or stiff broom so there are no reminders that our dogs stayed the week.

Next time I’ll tell you about visiting dog friendly and some not so dog friendly places with Molly and Buster.