Recently, we booked a stand at Hickstead to sell and promote the Silver Skincare range. This meant me being on site for several long days, in a heatwave. I was concerned about leaving the pug, Alice Pickle, the Duchess of Pickleton, whilst I was away. Who would look after Her Grace in the manner to which she has become accustomed? How would she cope without her loyal staff (me) to bow to her every need? Fortunately, I already knew the answer to this, because Alice Pickle has been lucky enough to be a guest at the Hotel for Pugs (and Griffons) before.

Last summer – in similarly blazing heat – she stayed there for a few days in the absolute lap of luxury. The highlights of which were the hours spent in the pool bar, Pug Tropicana, and her specially curated spa day treatments. She came back smelling fragrant. Closer to how a duchess should probably smell, and less like an old cheese, as per her usual aroma.

So I got in touch with Ian and Lisa again, the dog-focused and absolutely lovely couple whose beautiful country house home has been utterly taken over by pugs. To the point where it has become a hotel for them. In fact not just pugs, but also very cute Griffons Bruxellois. If you don’t know what they are, think gingery-brown pugs with tons of hair and beards and you’re not far off the mark. And they were able to fit Her Grace in for a stay. Hurrah, we all said.

After I booked her in, I realised she would be away for six nights

This is a long time for Alice – and for me. She and I are rather joined at the hip – it’s the most codependent relationship I’ve ever been in. But I needn’t have worried. Apart from the fact that working very long days on my feet in the heat was enough to floor me at the end of each day, both Ian and Lisa kept in touch with me throughout Alice’s stay.

I never had to wonder if she was alright, whether she was keeping cool, whether she was having a good time… it’s peace of mind you can’t put a price on, frankly.

Let me tell you a bit about Alice’s stay

Her days kicked off with morning walks in the cool woodland around 6am with the other dogs. She loved this. We live in an urban/beach-adjacent place, so a wood is always an exciting place for Alice. I got regular videos of her leaping logs and rustling through leaves.

Alice enjoying the pool with pug Ralph and Billy Whizz the griffon

During the daytime it was all about the five-star resort activities. Driving around in the Lambo with her best mate Polly riding shotgun (there is a yellow remote-control Lamborghini which the pugs get to zoom around the grounds in; see top picture). Or being hand pulled in a kind of luxury surrey with a fringe on top, because Ian was concerned that the grass might be too hot for Alice’s tootsies.

To keep cool in the 30+ heat, the Duchess had time in the shaded wakeboarding pool, learning to surf. And plenty of lounging around in the bigger ‘Pug Tropicana’ pool, snoozing in inflatables, and having regular cooling down spells in the water, and the shade.

Then there’s Puggy Puggy Treat Time, which is at teatime and warrants a special song, apparently, that Ian sings. “I do it in a falsetto,” he says. “It brings all the pugs to my yard.” The pugs and griffons are aware of PPTT, Pavlov style, and frankly take little reminding. Treats range from wedges of cold watermelon to slices of doggie sausage. And they all know exactly when it’s time.

One morning, sweating my arse off on the stand, I got a video from Ian showing Alice being hand-fed a few buttered toast squares at breakfast time. Crusts removed, naturally. “How wonderful,” I thought through slightly gritted teeth, sitting in the heat and dust of Hickstead on a stand where the temperatures were close to hitting 40 degrees. “I’m so pleased my dog is having a nice time.”

Enjoying the facilities and the bonhomie

Every dog is different, so the Hotel team checks what is good for everyone’s precious dumplings before doing anything with them. Alice is game for just about anything, so she got the full works throughout her stay, including a spa day. Transported to the wet room in the luxury surrey with a bottle of gin (!), she enjoyed a wash and shampoo, and a head massage. Followed by air drying with a special cap for her ears and a warm towel. She came home so silky and soft and clean I nearly didn’t recognise her.

She’s a girl’s girl though, and so although she spent her days with Ian engaged in the resort facilities, when she wanted a quiet cuddle she went to Lisa and snuggled up with her on the sofa. She also had a choice of where to sleep. They completely open up the house and no dog is restricted in any spaces, even the bedrooms. There are also unlimited cuddles on tap.

And I know they went over and above to keep my precious baby cool. See the screenshot above – also picked up when I was developing heatstroke at work. Jesus, what I wouldn’t have given for a bloody cold flannel! But the heat really is a worry with pugs and their ridiculous flat faces, and Alice has occasional seizures too. So knowing she was in safe and loving hands like this is really magic.

Read more: Doddery dogs – could your dog be struggling with arthritis?

And let’s not forget the social life…

For a single dog, Alice enjoyed the fun of spending some time in a place with lots of other little dogs. And doing a ton of stuff she never gets to do at home. She’s a sociable girl, but goes for long spells where it’s just me and her. She’s happy with that, but also really  likes to get out and get social sometimes.

She made lots of chums, but got particularly close to another pug called Polly. I think they both missed each other once Alice went home. It’s enriching for Alice to enjoy some doggie company like this, and I know she loved it. But she was pleased to get back to the peace of our own space. It was a lot for her, something Lisa and Ian really understand.

I can’t recommend this place enough. Frankly *I* could do with a week there, going wakeboarding, eating watermelon and having a cold flannel if I get a bit snory. Lisa and Ian have an absolutely beautiful home and grounds, and I love the fact that they share their haven with little four-legged friends. The hotel is fully licensed and insured, and there is strict paperwork ahead of the booking, which also gives peace of mind. And a place to put down your darling’s likes, dislikes and loves. They have extensive experience when it comes to dealing with dogs that have special needs too. I mean, does it get any more perfect?

Get in touch if you want a site visit or viewing ahead of bookings. They’re based in West Sussex.
www.hotelforpugs.com

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post The Hotel for Pugs – more than just Pug Tropicana appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Soaring prices, increased time at home, and a desperate effort to amuse the kids are all factors that saw a rise in dog ownership during lockdown. We’ll talk more about how you can avoid contributing to the misery that is unethical dog breeding another time. But first, with dogs under threat, how can you avoid your own dog being stolen?

Dogs are being taken from cars, from gardens, outside shops, even snatched from people walking them. There are stories circulating about dog thieves marking dog-owning houses with cable ties outside, which may or may not be true.

And a quick glimpse at the cess-pits for animals that is Gumtree or Craigslist shows that prices have rocketed to ridiculous heights. So if you’re a dog owner, it’s wise to take extra security measures.

What’s really happening?

The Kennel Club reports that normally 2,000 dogs are stolen every year across the UK, but that the past year has seen a rise in thefts of nearly 20%. Less than 5% of cases result in conviction, and only approximately 22% of stolen dogs are reunited with their owners.

This means a whopping 1,560 dogs each year never see their families again. And to make matters worse, the legal system doesn’t seem to have a fitting punishment for the act of stealing someone’s dog.

At the moment, dogs are classed as ‘property’ under the Theft Act 1968 in British law. What this means is that a dog thief may be punished in the same way as someone who steals an everyday inanimate object, like a mobile phone or bicycle.

And why do they get stolen? Inspector Andrea Leahy, who is based at Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team says, “Dog theft is an abhorrent crime where criminals selfishly steal beloved pets from their families – sometimes to exploit these poor creatures by selling them on at inflated prices or breeding them for monetary gain.”

The emotional impact

Leahy goes on to explain the physical and mental consequences of dog theft on the victim. “The emotional impact of a missing dog is considerable, with victims left bereft and searching for their much-loved family member. In some cases not knowing whether they have been lost or taken.

“Unfortunately, because of the nature of these incidents, it can sometimes be difficult for police to identify whether or not a crime has occurred and, if it has, if there are any realistic investigative lines of enquiry.”

The feeling of loss and grief one feels after a dog is stolen is similar in severity to the response felt to a missing person

The feeling of loss and grief one feels after a dog is stolen is similar in severity to the response felt to a missing person. According to the Dog Trust’s briefing on the current dog theft situation, people mourning the loss of a dog fear they cannot openly grieve. They feel they won’t be taken seriously.

The briefing describes: “‘Disenfranchised grief’ is the term used to describe grief which is not acknowledged by society … People mourning the loss of a dog can often be faced with unsympathetic comments, like: ‘it’s only a dog’.

“A study involving in-depth interviews with dog owners who had experienced dog theft found that 30% reported feelings of ‘loss, grief or mourning’; 48% described themselves as ‘devastated’ and 37% suffered from ‘severe psychological or physiological effects’ after their dog was stolen.”

How they’re being stolen

Shockingly, just over half of all of dogs are stolen from gardens and/or people’s homes. This implies an enormous amount of dog thefts are carried out by confident thieves. Who are absolutely not afraid to come onto your property to steal from you.

Other ways in which dog thieves are working is by snatching dogs on their daily walks. Many thieves are targeting parks, woods and gardens – common dog-walking spots – and taking dogs that are off their lead. In some cases, dogs are even being snatched whilst being walked on the lead, with single female walkers being the main targets.

There are specific groups of dogs that are being targeted, too. Yasmin Tompkins from the Pug Dog Welfare and Rescue Association (PDWRA) explained which dogs are falling victim to stealing.

Small breeds … dominate these lists, perhaps because they’re easier to steal without being seen

“French bulldogs are near the top of the all breeds on the list at the moment. Small breeds including pugs, Pomeranians, Maltese, chihuahuas, all dominate these lists, perhaps because they’re easier to steal without being seen.

“Staffies (Staffordshire Bull Terriers) are popular too – less easy to steal and prohibitively expensive to buy – but because they look fierce, they’re taken for use as guard dogs, and maybe even used in dog fighting. Labradoodles and spaniels are also featuring more now.”

Why is it happening?

Whilst there is no specific evidence on the reasoning behind every dognap, there are a few main motives for the crime.

Yasmin told us that the three main reasons for dog theft are usually for breeding purposes, as bait for dog fighting, and for simply selling on at a higher price.

Only 22% of stolen dogs are reunited with their families

“Sadly, some do end up as bait dogs. Un-neutered younger dogs/bitches will definitely be seen as breeding machines and sold on for that purpose. Others are sold as family pets to those that can’t afford regular prices through ‘breeders’. At the end of the day, it’s all free and ‘easy’ money to the thieves. Puppies especially have been sought after during lockdown because of their value, so thieves have largely targeted them, even if this means breaking into homes.”

How to support your dog’s separation anxiety as you return to work

How to avoid your dog being stolen

For goodness sake, spend some time TRAINING YOUR DOG!

Ensure your dog is fully trained, particularly in recall. They should run straight back to you when called. Don’t forget, dogs can run a lot quicker than humans, so if you do spot a potential threat, the chances of them being caught while running back to you will be minimised. Whereas if you’ve got to chase your dog… Do the training.

Think about what you’re posting online

Got a new puppy? Posting about where you’re planning to go for your first walk? Instagramming your dog and tagging in the location? Think about this stuff very carefully. You’re very visible.

Secure your gardens

If they are out in the garden, make sure you’re keeping an eye on them, and that any gates or fences are secure. Do not leave them unattended, even if they’re only a metre away from you. The reality is that opportunists won’t hesitate to snatch your dog if that’s what they’re after.

Walk safely

Walk your dog(s) with a companion, and keep an eye on each other’s dogs. If you have a friend or family member with dogs, arrange to go on your walks together. This will deter potential thieves, as they will be less likely to attempt an abduction if there is more than one person to potentially fight off.

Don’t make them vulnerable

No you don’t need to take them in the car every time you go to the shops. And absolutely you shouldn’t be tying them up outside places on their own.

Keep to busier areas

Always walk your dogs in well-lit, busy areas. Of course dog thieves don’t just operate at night, but the chances of them attacking you in broad daylight in front of loads of people are lower.

It’s always worth carrying something to distract, disarm or draw attention, like a whistle

Stay alert

When you’re out walking, always be aware of your surroundings and limit your distractions, such as being on your phone or listening to music. Be alert.

Prepare to surprise

Yasmin suggests some form of personal protection, and wearing bright, visible clothing. It’s always worth carrying something to distract, disarm or draw attention, like a whistle.

Update details

Make sure to keep microchip details up-to-date, especially if you move home or change your phone number.

Further advice from the experts

The Dog’s Trust suggests the following advice to prevent your dog from being stolen, in three simple stages:

SAFE: secure your property and garden

SPOTTABLE: keep them in sight and train them return

SEARCHABLE: know what steps to take if they go missing

Sussex Police advice

You can protect your dog from being stolen or getting lost by:

• Ensuring your pet is microchipped and registered with up to date information
• Investing in a collar and name tag, and use your surname rather than your pet’s name on name tags. Make sure to include your telephone number so you can be easily contacted if your pet is found. Your dog should always wear a collar and ID tag with your name and address on it as this is a legal requirement when your dog is in a public place
• Taking plenty of clear photos of your pet and remember to include any distinctive markings that could identify them
• Not leaving your dog unsupervised in the garden, the car or outside shops if at all possible
• Review your social media security settings, and be careful with the details you share, especially when it comes to your pets, your location or your favourite walking spots

Pay attention to your surroundings and know where your dog is at all times when out walking

• Pay attention to your surroundings and know where your dog is at all times when out walking. Be mindful of anyone trying to distract you or draw your dog’s attention away from you. If you feel that someone is following or watching you and your dog in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, move away from them and call police
• We know that some dogs may live in kennels outside. Please ensure you make it as hard as possible for some to break in. Use multiple locks and have CCTV cameras covering the kennel as a deterrent
• Ensure all gates are locked at top and bottom with a shoot bolt and padlock
• Ensure gardens and yards are secure so that no one can gain entry or pull your dog out. Make sure fences and hedges are secure, with no gaps that a dog can squeeze through
• Consider driveway alarms and CCTV – these can act as a visual as well as a physical deterrent

What if my dog does get stolen?

If you do fall victim to dog theft, make sure to follow the correct procedure:

• Report to the police straight away, and get a Crime Reference Number (CRN) from them
• Alert your local council, dog warden, vets and rescue centres
• Contact your microchip company to flag as stolen
• Register on DogLost with your CRN at stolen@doglost.co.uk
• Share images and details across social media platforms, and print out posters and flyers for your area

Carly Pepperell

Carly gets to do everything under the sun, including writing, editing, taking photos, creating stories, and swanning around at launches. She can down a glass of Prosecco without pausing for breath, and aims to be the youngest Pulitzer winner ever.

The post Dog theft is soaring – how to avoid your dog being stolen appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We met Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association trustee and re-homer Jemma Middleton, who explains how dog rescuing works in this heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting interview.

Tell us about the PDWRA and what you do there

The PDWRA is a registered charity that operates nationwide. As the main pug rescue in the country, it re-homes and rescues pugs across the UK, and has been operating since 1973. We actually celebrate our 45th anniversary this year, which we’re all very proud of.

I’m a re-homer for the South, and manage the largest region of eight rehoming areas alongside my colleague Richard, as well as being a trustee on the board that oversees the governance of the charity.

How did you end up doing this sort of work?

I’ve always been very supportive and appreciative of all people out there who work tirelessly to help rescue and re-home animals, and fly the flag for animal welfare. As an animal lover, I knew that I wanted to give back and become involved in some way, and I absolutely adore the pug breed! While not without their share of health issues, they’re such loyal companions and hilarious company!

What does your role entail?

My job – if you can call it that, as we’re all unpaid volunteers – is to effectively run all aspects of rescue and rehoming across the South of the UK. From surrender calls and adoption applications, to foster homes and volunteers, and of course the pugs, there’s a lot that goes into the job, and that’s only really the re-homing side of things!

Can you talk us through the re-homing process?

My role as re-homer is to ensure that every pug who finds their way into the PDWRA is placed safely into a foster home or an adoptive home. Every case is dealt with sensitively and confidentially, without judgement, and every applicant hoping to adopt goes through a process of vetting and home checking, to make sure that they’re suitable.

Under what circumstances do the pugs end up arriving at the charity?

Most of the pugs that arrive at the charity do so because they’ve been relinquished by their former owners, through no fault of their own. We’ll also endeavour to re-home unclaimed pugs from stray kennels where possible, in addition to pugs that may have been abandoned, and will always offer to help with any other pugs that find themselves in kennels or rescues around the country. We’re always available and willing to help any pug that needs our help.

These are never easy to deal with, but we’re humbled that people trust us to do the right thing for their beloved family member

Give us some examples of the pugs that the PDWRA takes in

Every pug has their own story and unique case, but some common themes that we see include the heart-breaking surrender of a pug from a much-loved home, where the owner has had to make the decision to surrender in the best interests of the pug. These are never easy to deal with, but we’re humbled that people trust us to do the right thing for their beloved family member, and we help by placing the pug into a home where we know they’ll be just as loved as they were before.

There are also the sad cases where the pug has come from a home where it may not have had much love or kindness. Often, we learn the true facts once the pug is in our care, which unfortunately is an unavoidable aspect of rescue.

Then, we have the cases where it becomes clear that the pug was surrendered because the former owners couldn’t afford to pay for their vet treatment. These pugs will spend time in foster care, being treated until they’re fit and well, and ready to be adopted.

She was a stray, filthy and full of fleas, having been dumped in a park after fulfilling her miserable life of litter after litter

Are you able to discuss your most heartbreaking and heart-warming experiences?

My most heartbreaking moment has to be saying goodbye to my long-term foster and PDWRA rescue, Peggy; anyone who’s been through this with their pet knows the pain. It was extra tough with Peggy because she overcame so many obstacles in her life. She was a stray, filthy and full of fleas, having been dumped in a park after fulfilling her miserable life of litter after litter. She had a limb deformity and a progressive condition, but she also had such spirit and enjoyed her life after rescue to the fullest. She was amazing.

My most heart-warming moment was actually not too long ago! A young pug was collected in early December last year by a lovely foster carer of ours. He’s totally blind and has lived a very sheltered life, and his foster carer sends me video updates of him doing everything for the first time, from his first steps into the garden and his first cuddle, to his first time out on a walk and first time accomplishing the stairs. What a brave boy he is – it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about him!

Is there a process for easing the pugs into their new homes?

We carefully match each pug to the home that we feel suits them and their needs best. We ensure that all of the pugs are neutered, micro-chipped and vaccinated, and that any health issues are addressed. Once the pug is settled into their new home and the new owners are happy, we know our job’s done – for that pug at least, and then it’s on to the next one!

Tell us more about the trustee side of things…

My role as a trustee of the charity is to ensure that it’s being governed correctly, and to help manage it from more of a top-down perspective. It’s a lot more formal, but we have some exciting plans this year to rebrand the charity, as well as some new members joining the board, who will have so much to bring to the team.

Do you rely heavily on volunteers?

It’s certainly not possible without the help of all of the PDWRA’s volunteers, who we call upon when needed, to foster, home check and transport pugs around the country. We’re supported totally by volunteers, and everyone gives their time freely and generously. This means that every penny that we fundraise goes directly towards our pugs, and mostly their vet bills, which is our biggest expense!

Rescue really is seven days a week, all year round. I don’t think there are many people who are able and willing to dedicate so many hours for free, but the PDWRA team somehow find a way to keep going.

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen our vet bills soar to over £100,000 a year

In what ways has the PDWRA developed in recent years?

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen our vet bills soar to over £100,000 a year, and we rescue and re-home over 200 pugs annually. So far, 2018 has been very busy indeed, with 45 pugs on our register already as of February, so we don’t anticipate this year being any less busy than the past couple have been!

It’s been a busy few years, with the popularity of the pug breed soaring, and the inevitable consequences that has on the number of pugs needing to be rescued and re-homed.

That sounds like time-consuming work…

Very much so, and no two days are ever the same either. At our busiest, we had 14 pugs on our list for the South region alone. At times like that, it’s not uncommon for me to be in my office all day and night. Post-Christmas and the summer holidays seem to be the busiest times of the year, but overall it’s rarely quiet at the PDWRA!

Rescue cases can often be urgent, and you just never know when your phone will ring next, or what it might be. Sometimes you have to drop everything to focus on a case, and some cases can be complicated and ongoing, particularly if a dog has health issues that need ongoing or specialist care, or behavioural problems that can make placing them challenging.

If we have a lot of pugs in foster care (as we do at the moment!), we can often spend a lot of time contacting foster carers to keep updated on their progress, contacting vets about their treatment, and searching for and checking potential homes. Then, there’s of course all of the admin that needs to be done!

And how are they processed?

Every dog is given a unique ‘welfare number’, and has their own file. We keep records of all of the information that’s available, such as vet records, microchips and inoculations. Our secretary works tirelessly to keep up with all of the pugs under the PDWRA umbrella! We keep paperwork records for every pug – a trail of their surrender, stay in foster, and/or eventual adoption.

It must be heartbreaking sometimes – how do you cope?

There are certainly standout moments that are very tough to deal with – cases that have been very shocking or upsetting, but which are fortunately few and far between. We’re only human, after all, and dealing with difficult, sad and unfair situations on a daily basis can wear you down. I think it’s fair to say that I definitely do cope with the good company and humour of Richard, who I work alongside.

It’s certainly a team effort and we share the load, literally and mentally. I have a very supportive husband who, whether he likes it or not, listens to me talk about pugs every day and have a moan when I need to! My biggest motivation is seeing all of the pugs enjoying their forever homes, and how happy they make their families. That makes it all worthwhile.

Finally, how can people help, and what are some of your tips on getting a pug?

There are so many ways you can help! First, you can donate – every donation, however big or small, helps immensely, and goes straight to the pugs in our care. You can also sign up as a ‘Friend of Welfare’ on our website with an annual donation.

You can volunteer too, whether that’s through fostering (there’s a foster application on our website), doing home checks, or transporting pugs. Or, if you’ve even more time to give and want to become more involved, there are always opportunities! Just email secretary@pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk or click on the banner below.

Then, there’s adoption, where you submit an adoption application on our website to be considered as a forever home for a rescue pug. It’s easy and tempting to want to buy a cute puppy from a breeder, but there are so many amazing dogs in rescue that have so much love to give!

If pugs aren’t your passion, there are loads of different breed rescues and other rescues throughout the UK that are crying out for support too. Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do, and there are opportunities out there, and help needed, for whatever your passion is.

Click HERE for the Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association

Fred Latty

The post Could you handle it? A day in the life of a dog rescue volunteer appeared first on Silver Magazine.