My beloved James

This is James, my very beloved cat who died on 17th May aged 11. He was the sweetest, gentlest boy I'll ever have. I got him at 3 days old, abandoned with 2 other kittens who later found homes. From the start James was special and I couldn't bear to rehome him. A polite, unassuming boy, he'd never push in, preferring to take food on his paw and eat it nicely. He's never been any bother in all his life, surviving liver failure 4 years ago, I was lucky to have the extra time with him.

My heart is very broken, I miss him.

Ultimate Pet Show

My talk went really well, haven't used Power Point in ages but it actually worked! We had a great audience and a good laugh. Show was a little disappointing in size but the Jollye's Life Stage where the talks were done was really busy.

I'd like to thank Marc Abraham, Andrew Seel from thepet.net for posing for a photo to celebrate my getting into the finalists of their online competition and to Anna Webb from Paws PR for arranging it.

Lots of people came up to talk afterwards, had a really good time, thank you to all who came to meet me and ask questions.

I might have some exciting news about my new dog food soon. Don't want to jinx it, so will keep you waiting.

Ultimate Pet Show May Bank Holiday

I am doing a talk on the Jollye's Life Stage at the Ultimate Pet Show, Monday 4th May at 10am.
Come and hear me debunk the commonest myths about cats and dogs.
I will then be on the Paw Plunger stand, F15 with my friends Mike and Mel, supporting them. So if you want to come and chat, ask a question, please do.
Enjoy the show!

Old Dog, New Tricks, helping older pets

My new project will be launched in a couple of weeks. Having run a rescue myself, I know how hard it is to home older pets. People sometimes assume they are set in their ways and can't be trained but this isn't true.
When the publicity starts, trainers will be asked to join and offer at least a free half hour to help an older pet in a new home. Sponsors and supporters will be asked to offer money off so a goody bag can be given to the new home.
If the idea is successful then it could be extended to long stayers too.
Rescues will nominate animals that will also be put on our website.
www.olddognewtricks.org.uk

Stunt Baby, training dogs with kids

The exposure for one of my ideas has created a lot of interest. I've used stunt baby for many years, last year to help the most fantastic couple adopt children after their dogs pasted the social workers!

I dress a doll in a dirty nappy and baby clothes and carry it, throw it and all sorts of inhumane things! It helps to test the dogs reaction to a baby/child being in the home and helps to train the dog to behave around and not be afraid of kids. I also build in a routine of noises to acclimatise the dog to that too. Not quite as simple as it sounds here, you have to know what behaviour is acceptable and what to do when it isn't, but it's helped many dogs to stay in their homes.

The photo is of Jangles and a real stunt baby.

Unusual Pets, do you have one?

Twenty Twenty TV are making a one off programme about unusual and embarrasing pets. Do you have a pet cow, sheep or goat? Maybe a mad chicken or cockerel? What about a guard goose?
They are filming in April and want quirky, funny, light hearted stories about the other side of pet ownership.
Anyone interested either email us and I will pass it on or contact Victoria Ray on VictoriaRay@twentytwenty.tv

Eating Pets - Right or Wrong?

The Express has picked up on something I said about people trying to get rescued livestock for breeding and eating. I hope sanctuaries are as rigorous in their process for adopting livestock as they are for cats and dogs. More people are asking about the goats, sheep, pigs and geese and whether they are suitable to breed from or raise to slaughter! The answer is NO!!!
Animals in sanctuaries whould be adopted to places they can live out a happy life. Several comments seem to indicate that people don't think pet homes exist for these animals but they do. Having already been spared the chop, they don't deserve to go back to it.
If you want animals to slaughter then buy from commercial breeders at the going price and raise them as such, don't think rescue animals are a cheap option, they don't deserve that.
I don't entirely understand how people can eat an animal they have petted and loved and that has been a friend?