http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/ Tue, 13 May 2008 14:38:44 +0100 MyBB http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=581 Tue, 13 May 2008 07:21:53 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=581
The middle-aged couple returned to find their home in Chapel Street ablaze when they arrived back from a shopping trip at 8pm on Friday May 10.

The kitchen and bathroom were destroyed and there was also some slight smoke damage to a neighbouring house.

Watch manager Mick Rowlands said crews spent two hours at the scene, adding: "It appears that the cooker had been inadvertently left on.

"The couple lost their two cats, who were their pride and joy, in the fire."

Source: Stourbridge News]]>
The middle-aged couple returned to find their home in Chapel Street ablaze when they arrived back from a shopping trip at 8pm on Friday May 10.

The kitchen and bathroom were destroyed and there was also some slight smoke damage to a neighbouring house.

Watch manager Mick Rowlands said crews spent two hours at the scene, adding: "It appears that the cooker had been inadvertently left on.

"The couple lost their two cats, who were their pride and joy, in the fire."

Source: Stourbridge News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=580 Sat, 10 May 2008 20:12:58 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=580 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=579 Sat, 10 May 2008 19:57:47 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=579 See ya guys around!]]> See ya guys around!]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=577 Sat, 03 May 2008 09:29:37 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=577
Garage owner Adrian Poole, 58, was walking in Clevedon woods on April 21 with Spike, a black-and-tan pedigree Lakeland terrier, when he ran off into the trees.Mr Poole, who lives with his partner in Bristol, spent the next three days from 5am until nightfall searching the woods for the much-loved family pet, but to no avail.

Mr Poole has now put up a £1,000 reward for the return of Spike in a desperate bid to get him back home.

Mr Poole said: "We were walking in the woods and Spike was trailing his lead behind him.

"I think he saw a deer and went running off after it. I searched the woods, but couldn't find him and then went back every day for three days.

"We are all very upset at losing Spike - he is a lovely, pretty little dog and all of us, especially the children, are really missing him. Our house feels empty without him."

Mr Poole thinks someone may have found 16-month-old Spike and picked him up and are perhaps keeping him at their home. He added: "I've searched the woods very thoroughly and don't think he's up there.

"It may be that someone found him and took him back and have yet to hand him in. We are desperate to get him home and I really miss him as I used to bring him to work with me every day."

Anyone who has information can call Mr Poole on 07929 194 535.]]>
Garage owner Adrian Poole, 58, was walking in Clevedon woods on April 21 with Spike, a black-and-tan pedigree Lakeland terrier, when he ran off into the trees.Mr Poole, who lives with his partner in Bristol, spent the next three days from 5am until nightfall searching the woods for the much-loved family pet, but to no avail.

Mr Poole has now put up a £1,000 reward for the return of Spike in a desperate bid to get him back home.

Mr Poole said: "We were walking in the woods and Spike was trailing his lead behind him.

"I think he saw a deer and went running off after it. I searched the woods, but couldn't find him and then went back every day for three days.

"We are all very upset at losing Spike - he is a lovely, pretty little dog and all of us, especially the children, are really missing him. Our house feels empty without him."

Mr Poole thinks someone may have found 16-month-old Spike and picked him up and are perhaps keeping him at their home. He added: "I've searched the woods very thoroughly and don't think he's up there.

"It may be that someone found him and took him back and have yet to hand him in. We are desperate to get him home and I really miss him as I used to bring him to work with me every day."

Anyone who has information can call Mr Poole on 07929 194 535.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=576 Sat, 03 May 2008 09:28:30 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=576 The friendly Falabella called Parker is believed to have been taken from Avins Farm overnight on Thursday.

Owners of the family pet were shocked to find he was missing from the field on Friday morning.

The heavy iron gate had been shut when the owners left Parker but the next day it was discovered wide open.

Owner Caroline De Klee said: "Someone went to feed him and came back and said he wasn't in the field but all the sheep were still there.

"The gate can only be opened by a human and there is no way he could have escaped as he would have run straight to the mares in a nearby field. I have rung all the neighbours and farms and nobody has seen him.

"He is very friendly but gets excited easily so can be a bit of a handful. It is very sad. When I tell the children they will be very shocked."

If anyone has any information please contact Haywards Heath police on 0845 60 70 999.

Source: Midhurst Observer]]> The friendly Falabella called Parker is believed to have been taken from Avins Farm overnight on Thursday.

Owners of the family pet were shocked to find he was missing from the field on Friday morning.

The heavy iron gate had been shut when the owners left Parker but the next day it was discovered wide open.

Owner Caroline De Klee said: "Someone went to feed him and came back and said he wasn't in the field but all the sheep were still there.

"The gate can only be opened by a human and there is no way he could have escaped as he would have run straight to the mares in a nearby field. I have rung all the neighbours and farms and nobody has seen him.

"He is very friendly but gets excited easily so can be a bit of a handful. It is very sad. When I tell the children they will be very shocked."

If anyone has any information please contact Haywards Heath police on 0845 60 70 999.

Source: Midhurst Observer]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=575 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:34:31 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=575 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=573 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 08:24:01 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=573 As part of National Pet Month running from April 5 to May 5, Hutchinson, Dunlop and Baird veterinary practice on Hallfield Lane has been offering dog owners discounted identichipping following the Wetherby News's heart-breaking story that reported six beloved dogs missing from across the district in March.

The practice, moved by our report, wanted to help dog owners the best it could and decided promoting identichipping as part of National Pet Month would be a good move.

Veterinary nurse, Sarah Jones, said: "We thought highlighting identichipping would make people realise how important it is and the very sad article in the Wetherby News spurred us into action."

The practice has also been holding a free raffle this month open to anyone buying its Royal Canin Diets products.

And free nurse appointments have also been available along with free flea detection goodie bags.

A National Pet Month awareness event, which will include cheese and wine, will also be held at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, on Thursday May, 1 at 7.20pm.

The free evening is open to anyone and is being dedicated to preventative animal health care. There will be special guest speakers including free goodies and a raffle.]]> As part of National Pet Month running from April 5 to May 5, Hutchinson, Dunlop and Baird veterinary practice on Hallfield Lane has been offering dog owners discounted identichipping following the Wetherby News's heart-breaking story that reported six beloved dogs missing from across the district in March.

The practice, moved by our report, wanted to help dog owners the best it could and decided promoting identichipping as part of National Pet Month would be a good move.

Veterinary nurse, Sarah Jones, said: "We thought highlighting identichipping would make people realise how important it is and the very sad article in the Wetherby News spurred us into action."

The practice has also been holding a free raffle this month open to anyone buying its Royal Canin Diets products.

And free nurse appointments have also been available along with free flea detection goodie bags.

A National Pet Month awareness event, which will include cheese and wine, will also be held at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, on Thursday May, 1 at 7.20pm.

The free evening is open to anyone and is being dedicated to preventative animal health care. There will be special guest speakers including free goodies and a raffle.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=572 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 08:23:10 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=572 The bare-eyed cockatoo Joey was plucked from his cage in The Pet Stop on Catherine Street on Wednesday night. It is the fourth time the shop has been targeted in the last five years and since it opened in 1985.

An American grey cockatoo, which has a damaged wing and an Umbrella cockatoo called Harry were also stolen, as well as two snakes. The animals are thought to be worth at least £2,500.

"It makes me ill, so it does," said owner Val Greenwood, picking up Joey's feathers strewn on the ground.

"The snakes don't bite, but it's a pity they don't," she said.

The 71-year-old discovered the mess when she opened the shop at 7.30am yesterday. It is believed the intruders used a saw to open the grill door at the back of the shop. They also prized open and busted the wooden door using a crow bar. When she went inside her shop, Val was confronted with a bloody mess on the ground and walls. She believes Harry would have been petrified and probably repeatedly banged his wing against the cage, injuring himself, which would explain the blood.

"It would have annoyed him," she said.

As for Joey, who was stolen but returned after being missing for several weeks about three years ago, Val described the popular white-coloured bird as lively and very chatty. He was wearing a plastic collar, and had plucked all the feathers on his chest.

"People come from all over to see him and everyone in the town knows him. In fact, there was one lady who came in to see him today and when she heard what happened she was in tears," explained Val, adding the bird would nip anyone he is unfamiliar with. "They would have had a struggle with Joey."

Describing Harry, a large and very, very noisy bird, Val said, "They've wrecked the cage. It's ruined."

Police forensics were in the shop on Thursday morning. Val said the shop might open for business at some point later in the day.

"You see they are very crafty," she said of those responsible. "They only took the birds that were hand reared and are worth a lot of money. The only word for these people is scum. Aren't they?"

As well as stealing the animals, the intruders left a mess before fleeing, ripping animal accessories from the wall and trashing the front area of the shop. Staff were still cleaning up on Thursday afternoon.

"I come here everyday and I work hard," said Val, who believes the perpetrators will try to sell the birds. "But sure they couldn't sell Joey in the town because everyone knows him."

Val appealed to other pet shops across the province to remain vigilant and contact police if they are approached in relation to buying either a cockatoo or a snake.

Source: Derry Journal]]> The bare-eyed cockatoo Joey was plucked from his cage in The Pet Stop on Catherine Street on Wednesday night. It is the fourth time the shop has been targeted in the last five years and since it opened in 1985.

An American grey cockatoo, which has a damaged wing and an Umbrella cockatoo called Harry were also stolen, as well as two snakes. The animals are thought to be worth at least £2,500.

"It makes me ill, so it does," said owner Val Greenwood, picking up Joey's feathers strewn on the ground.

"The snakes don't bite, but it's a pity they don't," she said.

The 71-year-old discovered the mess when she opened the shop at 7.30am yesterday. It is believed the intruders used a saw to open the grill door at the back of the shop. They also prized open and busted the wooden door using a crow bar. When she went inside her shop, Val was confronted with a bloody mess on the ground and walls. She believes Harry would have been petrified and probably repeatedly banged his wing against the cage, injuring himself, which would explain the blood.

"It would have annoyed him," she said.

As for Joey, who was stolen but returned after being missing for several weeks about three years ago, Val described the popular white-coloured bird as lively and very chatty. He was wearing a plastic collar, and had plucked all the feathers on his chest.

"People come from all over to see him and everyone in the town knows him. In fact, there was one lady who came in to see him today and when she heard what happened she was in tears," explained Val, adding the bird would nip anyone he is unfamiliar with. "They would have had a struggle with Joey."

Describing Harry, a large and very, very noisy bird, Val said, "They've wrecked the cage. It's ruined."

Police forensics were in the shop on Thursday morning. Val said the shop might open for business at some point later in the day.

"You see they are very crafty," she said of those responsible. "They only took the birds that were hand reared and are worth a lot of money. The only word for these people is scum. Aren't they?"

As well as stealing the animals, the intruders left a mess before fleeing, ripping animal accessories from the wall and trashing the front area of the shop. Staff were still cleaning up on Thursday afternoon.

"I come here everyday and I work hard," said Val, who believes the perpetrators will try to sell the birds. "But sure they couldn't sell Joey in the town because everyone knows him."

Val appealed to other pet shops across the province to remain vigilant and contact police if they are approached in relation to buying either a cockatoo or a snake.

Source: Derry Journal]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=570 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:24:16 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=570
Firefighters have called off their search for the dog, named Gypsy, which ran down a riverside hole while chasing rabbits this morning.

The dog was being walked on the bank of the River Tees behind St Peter's Church, Croft, North Yorkshire, by sisters Rachel Craine and Claire MacDonald.

When it ran down what they suspected to be a rabbit hole, they contacted fire officers in the hope they could rescue it.

A team from Richmond Fire Station were called to the scene at 3.02pm but could not hear any sound of the dog.

They called RSPCA officers who contacted the relevant authorities to find out whether the hole was a fox den or badger sett.

Shortly before 6pm they started to use endoscope cameras to search down the hole, after officials confirmed it was not a badger sett.

The officers dug extensively around the rabbit hole, but could find no sign of the dog and suspect it may have escaped via another route.

Gypsy is mostly white with a grey patch. Anyone who thinks they know where Gypsy is should contact Claire MacDonald on 07514-066772.

Source: Northern Echo]]>
Firefighters have called off their search for the dog, named Gypsy, which ran down a riverside hole while chasing rabbits this morning.

The dog was being walked on the bank of the River Tees behind St Peter's Church, Croft, North Yorkshire, by sisters Rachel Craine and Claire MacDonald.

When it ran down what they suspected to be a rabbit hole, they contacted fire officers in the hope they could rescue it.

A team from Richmond Fire Station were called to the scene at 3.02pm but could not hear any sound of the dog.

They called RSPCA officers who contacted the relevant authorities to find out whether the hole was a fox den or badger sett.

Shortly before 6pm they started to use endoscope cameras to search down the hole, after officials confirmed it was not a badger sett.

The officers dug extensively around the rabbit hole, but could find no sign of the dog and suspect it may have escaped via another route.

Gypsy is mostly white with a grey patch. Anyone who thinks they know where Gypsy is should contact Claire MacDonald on 07514-066772.

Source: Northern Echo]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=569 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:15:05 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=569 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=568 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:40:23 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=568 The council took over the responsibility from Lincolnshire Police and anyone who needs to report a stray dog should call ELDC on 08446 601111.

One of the kennels appointed as an animal reception centre where strays can be taken outside normal office hours is the Furze Pet Hotel in Beesby near Alford who will accept dogs between 8am-8pm, they can be contacted on 01507 450764.

Walkers Kennels in Grainthorpe on 01472 388551 will accept dogs 24 hours a day following notification by telephone.

ELDC has launched a service via its website – http://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk – to reunite owners with their stray dogs.

The dogs are posted on the internet with a description of the dog and where they were found.

But there will be a fee charged to the owner. If the dog warden has seized the stray dog, £25 will be charged before the dog is returned, plus £7.50 for every day or part of day the dog spends in kennels.

Charges may also be made for vaccinations and veterinary fees.

Log on to ELDC's website to find out more http://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk]]> The council took over the responsibility from Lincolnshire Police and anyone who needs to report a stray dog should call ELDC on 08446 601111.

One of the kennels appointed as an animal reception centre where strays can be taken outside normal office hours is the Furze Pet Hotel in Beesby near Alford who will accept dogs between 8am-8pm, they can be contacted on 01507 450764.

Walkers Kennels in Grainthorpe on 01472 388551 will accept dogs 24 hours a day following notification by telephone.

ELDC has launched a service via its website – http://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk – to reunite owners with their stray dogs.

The dogs are posted on the internet with a description of the dog and where they were found.

But there will be a fee charged to the owner. If the dog warden has seized the stray dog, £25 will be charged before the dog is returned, plus £7.50 for every day or part of day the dog spends in kennels.

Charges may also be made for vaccinations and veterinary fees.

Log on to ELDC's website to find out more http://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=567 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:38:37 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=567
PR consultant Jonathan Edwards, 37, of Perth Road, Stroud Green, said he had to call local police before his three-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell, called Brutus, was allowed into the Shell garage in Park Road, Crouch End.

Even then, the attendant would only let him through if Mr Edwards carried Brutus in, despite there being no sign banning dogs.

He said: "I had to pass my phone through to the garage attendant to get the police operator to get him to allow me to pick my dog up and carry it through to pay for my petrol. I was there for 15 minutes!

"It just seemed absolutely ridiculous. As a responsible dog owner I never take my dog anywhere that has a sign saying 'No dogs allowed'. I had the issue once on the M6 and ended up in a row and I always check for 'No dogs' signs now."

Mr Edwards tried complaining to Shell but gave up after 15 minutes on hold to customer services. He said he has suffered similar situations at Starbucks in Crouch End, and Abbey National in Seven Sisters Road.

"We are supposed to be a nation of dog lovers and I live partly in France," he said, "and there you can take your dog into Michelin-starred restaurants. You can take them anywhere; every café, every bank.

"You can go shopping in the main department stores in Manhattan and every third person will have a little dog with them.

"My experience of living in London for three years is one of frustration - before you can even make a simple journey you have to pick up your phone!"

A spokeswoman for Shell said: "Shell UK Retail does not allow dogs, other than registered assistance dogs, within the shops attached to its forecourts, for reasons of hygiene.

"The shops sell convenience retail goods, including fresh food, and the company adheres to the same hygiene rules as other food retailers, such as supermarkets, who do not allow dogs on site either.

"Most of our sites either already have 'no dogs, except assistance dogs' notices. Sites without this notice will receive them shortly.

Source: Hornsey Jornal]]>
PR consultant Jonathan Edwards, 37, of Perth Road, Stroud Green, said he had to call local police before his three-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell, called Brutus, was allowed into the Shell garage in Park Road, Crouch End.

Even then, the attendant would only let him through if Mr Edwards carried Brutus in, despite there being no sign banning dogs.

He said: "I had to pass my phone through to the garage attendant to get the police operator to get him to allow me to pick my dog up and carry it through to pay for my petrol. I was there for 15 minutes!

"It just seemed absolutely ridiculous. As a responsible dog owner I never take my dog anywhere that has a sign saying 'No dogs allowed'. I had the issue once on the M6 and ended up in a row and I always check for 'No dogs' signs now."

Mr Edwards tried complaining to Shell but gave up after 15 minutes on hold to customer services. He said he has suffered similar situations at Starbucks in Crouch End, and Abbey National in Seven Sisters Road.

"We are supposed to be a nation of dog lovers and I live partly in France," he said, "and there you can take your dog into Michelin-starred restaurants. You can take them anywhere; every café, every bank.

"You can go shopping in the main department stores in Manhattan and every third person will have a little dog with them.

"My experience of living in London for three years is one of frustration - before you can even make a simple journey you have to pick up your phone!"

A spokeswoman for Shell said: "Shell UK Retail does not allow dogs, other than registered assistance dogs, within the shops attached to its forecourts, for reasons of hygiene.

"The shops sell convenience retail goods, including fresh food, and the company adheres to the same hygiene rules as other food retailers, such as supermarkets, who do not allow dogs on site either.

"Most of our sites either already have 'no dogs, except assistance dogs' notices. Sites without this notice will receive them shortly.

Source: Hornsey Jornal]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=566 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:37:16 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=566
They need people who could help doing occasional vet runs and also foster homes for dogs waiting to go to their "forever" home.

If you are a whiz at IT and could help create eye-catching posters, or maybe produce a newsletter for supporters, your help would be greatly appreciated. Or perhaps you can sew and could make some dog beds, or collect items for the monthly auctions?

People are needed to help with raising funds either on a regular basis or perhaps a one-off, maybe a raffle in work or among family and friends, a sponsor event or any other way of helping to raise money for the rescued dogs.

Dogs like Dillon, a six-month-old old English sheepdog born with a damaged heart, Micky, an old Yorkshire terrier with Cushings disease, whose medication costs £50 a month, Badger, a labrador pup who needs surgery to mend his leg, and Pepsi, another "old lady" who needs surgery to remove bladder stones.

These dogs are just a few of the ones needing help or looking for a new home.

Contact Eileen on 01443 687467 or Jan on 01443 431131 if you can help in any way or if you would like to adopt a dog. They are all neutered and vaccinated, and all homes are vetted for suitability.]]>
They need people who could help doing occasional vet runs and also foster homes for dogs waiting to go to their "forever" home.

If you are a whiz at IT and could help create eye-catching posters, or maybe produce a newsletter for supporters, your help would be greatly appreciated. Or perhaps you can sew and could make some dog beds, or collect items for the monthly auctions?

People are needed to help with raising funds either on a regular basis or perhaps a one-off, maybe a raffle in work or among family and friends, a sponsor event or any other way of helping to raise money for the rescued dogs.

Dogs like Dillon, a six-month-old old English sheepdog born with a damaged heart, Micky, an old Yorkshire terrier with Cushings disease, whose medication costs £50 a month, Badger, a labrador pup who needs surgery to mend his leg, and Pepsi, another "old lady" who needs surgery to remove bladder stones.

These dogs are just a few of the ones needing help or looking for a new home.

Contact Eileen on 01443 687467 or Jan on 01443 431131 if you can help in any way or if you would like to adopt a dog. They are all neutered and vaccinated, and all homes are vetted for suitability.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=565 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:32:45 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=565
Also if you or anyone you know has bought a sick puppy can you please let us know as we are doing our best to advise people what to do int he circumstances.:D thank you.]]>
Also if you or anyone you know has bought a sick puppy can you please let us know as we are doing our best to advise people what to do int he circumstances.:D thank you.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=564 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:27:11 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=564 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=563 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:56:53 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=563
Microchipping can reunite lost animals with their owners within a matter of hours, but Rosie's story has far darker connotations. At the time she went missing, she was one of three Springers living with her owners. The dogs had been out in the garden, but when called, only two appeared. Rosie was missing. Neighbours had noticed a parked car and although no-one had seen the dog being taken, posters, advertisements and a reward failed to find her.

Rosie had been missing for over a year when she was found a long way from home – Carlisle. The dog showed obvious signs of having been used for breeding and this could be why she had been taken.

Animals go missing for all sorts of reasons. Dogs and cats can become lost. They can be spooked by loud noises and sometimes bolt. Cats are inquisitive and the Scottish SPCA has dealt with quite a few that have travelled hundreds of miles in the backs of vans or, in one extreme case, a young tabby that ended up in Holland.

Cats are sometimes disliked by neighbours and we know of some animals that have been stolen and dumped a long way from home. Pets can be stolen and sometimes certain breeds are stolen to order.

The value of some breeds is high with some pups and kittens being sold for £1000. Multiply that by five, six or even ten per litter and it is easy to see why some of our much-loved pets can be viewed by the unscrupulous as a way of making a quick buck.

In all these instances, a tiny microchip could prove essential to reuniting animals with their owners.

A chip is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under the loose skin at the back of the neck of a cat or dog using a hollow needle – in human
terms, it is similar to having an ear pierced.

And it is not just cats and dogs that can benefit from microchipping. A few weeks ago, the Evening News featured a racoon found in a garden. Rocky was eventually reunited with his owner, but was microchipped before he left our care. Tortoises and even parrots have benefited from being microchipped.

Surprisingly, many pet owners are willing to spend large amounts of money on "bling" accessories and miss out the two things that are of direct benefit to their animal – pet insurance and a microchip.

If you are in any doubt about the value of chipping your pet, remember Rosie. Without her chip, she would have been just another Carlisle stray and may never have gone home.

And not knowing what happened to your animal is every owner's worst nightmare.

Doreen Graham is a spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA.]]>
Microchipping can reunite lost animals with their owners within a matter of hours, but Rosie's story has far darker connotations. At the time she went missing, she was one of three Springers living with her owners. The dogs had been out in the garden, but when called, only two appeared. Rosie was missing. Neighbours had noticed a parked car and although no-one had seen the dog being taken, posters, advertisements and a reward failed to find her.

Rosie had been missing for over a year when she was found a long way from home – Carlisle. The dog showed obvious signs of having been used for breeding and this could be why she had been taken.

Animals go missing for all sorts of reasons. Dogs and cats can become lost. They can be spooked by loud noises and sometimes bolt. Cats are inquisitive and the Scottish SPCA has dealt with quite a few that have travelled hundreds of miles in the backs of vans or, in one extreme case, a young tabby that ended up in Holland.

Cats are sometimes disliked by neighbours and we know of some animals that have been stolen and dumped a long way from home. Pets can be stolen and sometimes certain breeds are stolen to order.

The value of some breeds is high with some pups and kittens being sold for £1000. Multiply that by five, six or even ten per litter and it is easy to see why some of our much-loved pets can be viewed by the unscrupulous as a way of making a quick buck.

In all these instances, a tiny microchip could prove essential to reuniting animals with their owners.

A chip is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under the loose skin at the back of the neck of a cat or dog using a hollow needle – in human
terms, it is similar to having an ear pierced.

And it is not just cats and dogs that can benefit from microchipping. A few weeks ago, the Evening News featured a racoon found in a garden. Rocky was eventually reunited with his owner, but was microchipped before he left our care. Tortoises and even parrots have benefited from being microchipped.

Surprisingly, many pet owners are willing to spend large amounts of money on "bling" accessories and miss out the two things that are of direct benefit to their animal – pet insurance and a microchip.

If you are in any doubt about the value of chipping your pet, remember Rosie. Without her chip, she would have been just another Carlisle stray and may never have gone home.

And not knowing what happened to your animal is every owner's worst nightmare.

Doreen Graham is a spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=562 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:29:17 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=562
Tips from Countryside Properties have been put forward to help people moving house care for their pets and make the change in surroundings less stressful.Packing can be worrying to see for some pets, so it has been suggested that they should be taken to the house of a friend or family member. Identification tags with names and numbers are advised to prevent the loss of a creature, while ensuring that all belongings are stored away before introducing animals can reduce stress.

The sight of familiar objects, such as toys and baskets, can also be very comforting.Martin Leggett, regional sales director at Countryside Properties, commented: "Like humans, pets have very different personalities so all animals will react differently to a change in surroundings."It is important that moving house goes as smoothly as possible for all the family, including our pets."

Over 1,800,000 house moves took place last year, with almost half involving pets, according to the firm.When moving home, be sure to have a good self-storage system in order to reduce clutter and provide a safe environment for animals.]]>
Tips from Countryside Properties have been put forward to help people moving house care for their pets and make the change in surroundings less stressful.Packing can be worrying to see for some pets, so it has been suggested that they should be taken to the house of a friend or family member. Identification tags with names and numbers are advised to prevent the loss of a creature, while ensuring that all belongings are stored away before introducing animals can reduce stress.

The sight of familiar objects, such as toys and baskets, can also be very comforting.Martin Leggett, regional sales director at Countryside Properties, commented: "Like humans, pets have very different personalities so all animals will react differently to a change in surroundings."It is important that moving house goes as smoothly as possible for all the family, including our pets."

Over 1,800,000 house moves took place last year, with almost half involving pets, according to the firm.When moving home, be sure to have a good self-storage system in order to reduce clutter and provide a safe environment for animals.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=561 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:05:27 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=561
Specsavers invited guide dog puppies Ellie and Dougal to a fund-raising day at its store in Broad Street to help generate awareness of Guide Dogs for the Blind and collect donations.

Staff contributed £5 from every eye examination on the day and even carried out repairs on people's glasses in return for a donation to the charity.

Store director Randeep Singh, who donned a guide dog suit and walked about the town centre encouraging shoppers to make a contribution, said: "Thank you to everyone who supported us on our fund-raising day. We really enjoyed hosting the event which was helped by the customers who played a huge part in its success."

Guide Dogs corporate fund-raiser Steve Muxworthy said: "To fully support a guide dog throughout its life costs £37,000 - to cover vet's bills, training for the dog and its owner and ongoing support, but we can start making a difference with just £60, which will buy a harness, collar and bell."

Source: Worcester News]]>
Specsavers invited guide dog puppies Ellie and Dougal to a fund-raising day at its store in Broad Street to help generate awareness of Guide Dogs for the Blind and collect donations.

Staff contributed £5 from every eye examination on the day and even carried out repairs on people's glasses in return for a donation to the charity.

Store director Randeep Singh, who donned a guide dog suit and walked about the town centre encouraging shoppers to make a contribution, said: "Thank you to everyone who supported us on our fund-raising day. We really enjoyed hosting the event which was helped by the customers who played a huge part in its success."

Guide Dogs corporate fund-raiser Steve Muxworthy said: "To fully support a guide dog throughout its life costs £37,000 - to cover vet's bills, training for the dog and its owner and ongoing support, but we can start making a difference with just £60, which will buy a harness, collar and bell."

Source: Worcester News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=560 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:03:57 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=560
Liz Mackie and her husband Andy, of Rayners Avenue, Loudwater, have started a poster campaign to find their beloved Lakeland Terrier called Murphy.

Mrs Mackie, a personal assistant, said: "I think it's sort of keeping us going because you are doing so much to find him.

"It's awful to think if he's out there on his own hungry or if he's missing us. Hopefully he's with a really kind family having a whale of a time."

The family have spent the weekend putting up posters in High Wycombe town centre and across south Bucks.

They have also placed a picture of their tan-coloured pet on a website specifically for lost dogs.

This follows the disappearance of 17-month-old Murphy from the garden of the family's home on Friday.

Mrs Mackie, who also owns a Jack Russell and a Westie, added: "My mother phoned me at work at 11am. I dashed home. I was thinking I would just find him next door because he'd often sneak through the hedge.

"I spent a few hours running down to the park and to the golf course shouting 'Murphy'."

But Mrs Mackie says she believes the dog, who is micro-chipped, was not stolen.

She added: "I am not going to give up even if I have to travel the country."

The couple are offering a reward to anyone who finds their treasured pet.

"We got him because of his temperament. He's always happy, alert, clever and so loving," Mrs Mackie added.]]>
Liz Mackie and her husband Andy, of Rayners Avenue, Loudwater, have started a poster campaign to find their beloved Lakeland Terrier called Murphy.

Mrs Mackie, a personal assistant, said: "I think it's sort of keeping us going because you are doing so much to find him.

"It's awful to think if he's out there on his own hungry or if he's missing us. Hopefully he's with a really kind family having a whale of a time."

The family have spent the weekend putting up posters in High Wycombe town centre and across south Bucks.

They have also placed a picture of their tan-coloured pet on a website specifically for lost dogs.

This follows the disappearance of 17-month-old Murphy from the garden of the family's home on Friday.

Mrs Mackie, who also owns a Jack Russell and a Westie, added: "My mother phoned me at work at 11am. I dashed home. I was thinking I would just find him next door because he'd often sneak through the hedge.

"I spent a few hours running down to the park and to the golf course shouting 'Murphy'."

But Mrs Mackie says she believes the dog, who is micro-chipped, was not stolen.

She added: "I am not going to give up even if I have to travel the country."

The couple are offering a reward to anyone who finds their treasured pet.

"We got him because of his temperament. He's always happy, alert, clever and so loving," Mrs Mackie added.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=559 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:35:50 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=559
Local authorities, including South Tyneside Council, are now responsible for stray dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Police previously dealt with the animals during the night, and at weekends.

The change in the law has led to fears that local authorities will not be able to cope with the extra demand, and more dogs will be left wandering the streets.

Sarah Wilkinson, from West Hall Kennels in Cleadon Lane, Cleadon, said: "I'm not sure how it is going to work, as you can't expect kennels to be open 24 hours a day for people to be able to drop off dogs.

"The system we had with the police was working really well. The dog used to be picked up and taken to holding cells, where it used to be collected by the dog warden the next day.

"If people are going to be asked to keep a dog overnight, it could stop people from reporting strays, and if the dog is injured, it could have an impact on the animal's welfare."

An extra £4m has been allocated to councils in England and Wales to he
lp them deal with the issue.

Last year more than 105,000 strays were collected in England and Wales, with almost 8,000 of those being put down.

A spokesman for South Tyneside Council said: "We have made interim arrangements with My Pet Shop (formerly Triple A) dog kennels company, based in Follingsby Lane, West Boldon.

"It will receive stray dogs out of normal working hours, but not on Saturdays.

"During normal working hours our arrangements will continue, with the dog wardens collecting stray dogs and taking them to our contracted kennels, West Hall, in Cleadon Lane, Cleadon.

"These kennels will also take in stray dogs on Saturdays, between 8am and 5.30pm.

"We are piloting the arrangements for two months, after which time we will conduct a review.

"Members of the public can contact the environmental health team out of hours on 427 2090 for further information."

source: the shields gazette]]>
Local authorities, including South Tyneside Council, are now responsible for stray dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Police previously dealt with the animals during the night, and at weekends.

The change in the law has led to fears that local authorities will not be able to cope with the extra demand, and more dogs will be left wandering the streets.

Sarah Wilkinson, from West Hall Kennels in Cleadon Lane, Cleadon, said: "I'm not sure how it is going to work, as you can't expect kennels to be open 24 hours a day for people to be able to drop off dogs.

"The system we had with the police was working really well. The dog used to be picked up and taken to holding cells, where it used to be collected by the dog warden the next day.

"If people are going to be asked to keep a dog overnight, it could stop people from reporting strays, and if the dog is injured, it could have an impact on the animal's welfare."

An extra £4m has been allocated to councils in England and Wales to he
lp them deal with the issue.

Last year more than 105,000 strays were collected in England and Wales, with almost 8,000 of those being put down.

A spokesman for South Tyneside Council said: "We have made interim arrangements with My Pet Shop (formerly Triple A) dog kennels company, based in Follingsby Lane, West Boldon.

"It will receive stray dogs out of normal working hours, but not on Saturdays.

"During normal working hours our arrangements will continue, with the dog wardens collecting stray dogs and taking them to our contracted kennels, West Hall, in Cleadon Lane, Cleadon.

"These kennels will also take in stray dogs on Saturdays, between 8am and 5.30pm.

"We are piloting the arrangements for two months, after which time we will conduct a review.

"Members of the public can contact the environmental health team out of hours on 427 2090 for further information."

source: the shields gazette]]>