Episode 15 - Losing Lennox, great Greyhounds and more

The Dog News Show

In Episode 15 of The Dog News Show, Julie kicks things off with a story from Rachel Rounds how has written in the Daily Mail about her experiences of how her pregnancy has effected her dog. Rachel's seven year old Labrador Maxi has shown a sudden interest in her "bump" and apparently this is a documented phenomenon, if not a common one. Debbie has had clients who've had similar experiences, and Julie recently interviewed an expert who has observed that women's hormones can interfere with dog training. Have you ever found pregnancy or menstruation have had an effect on your dog - or do you think it's a myth?
The story of Lennox the pitbull type dog who was taken from his family home in Belfast and held for being a dangerous dog has spread around the world. Sadly, after exhaustive legal wrangling, Lennox was put to sleep on 11th July 2012. His family will never forget him and neither will Lennox's "army" - the band of committed supporters his story drew; but how will the wider campaign to free him be remembered, and how does it reflect on the dog community? Debbie reflects that the many dogs in this position in counties all around the UK need equal support, and suggests what the way forward might be.
Many people think that Greyhounds are energetic dogs who need lots of exercise, but the truth is that Greyhounds are sprinters rather than marathon runners, and after a walk or run they are most likely to be found curled up on the sofa or in front of the fire. Olive the Greyhound has been visiting Corsham Primary School in Wiltshire to help the children who are struggling with reading. The lovely aspect of this story is that while Olive - and her canine colleague Tim - have been helping the children, then children have been in turn raising funds for Greyhounds in need.
Next up is a story from Cardiff of a bored "guard" dog trying to tempt passers by into amusing him by throwing a tennis ball. A short film has been made of the dog's actions, and apparently people have traveled miles to take a turn at throwing the ball for the enigmatic "Mr Dog". But is the story as cute as it first appears? Is keeping a dog trapped in a commercial yard for so much of the time in fact cruel?
Working dogs are close to Debbie's heart and she has set up Bravo Working Dog Rescue to help rehabilitate and rehome failed and retiring working dogs. She talks about how some dogs are betrayed when they come to the end of their working life, and urges caution to anyone donating a dog to become a working dog.
In Schmaltz Corner, to end the show with a smile, Julie has the story of a eight year old dog Lexus, who lost the use of her back legs and whose story was featured on the Internet after her owners created a homemade cart for her. Apparently Lexus was delighted with her make-do method of getting around, but now a company who makes carts for dogs has donated a specially made vehicle for her. So does this happy ending pass the Debbie Connolly test? Well yes and no - listen and all will become clear!