Supporters' Day 2014

Before - ready to rock!

  

This Tuesday and Wednesday Dogs Trust held its annual Supporters' Day event, welcoming over 700 people to the Rehoming Centre.  As usual, the Education Team was on hand to partake in the festivities with our very own Education Station!

 

 

Dawn, Liadh and Fiona are ready to 'paw-ty'!

 

At the Education Station the children learned all about Responsible Dog Ownership.  The children participated in a colouring competition where they designed their own 'scoop-the-poop' bags.  There were prizes galore and everyone got a lovely green poo bag holder donated by the Green Dog Walkers Campaign.

 

Hard at work

 

Next was the 'Who Wants to Be A ... Responsible Dog Owner?' quiz on the big screen.  The children answered questions about how to be a good dog owner and keep their dogs happy and healthy.  Chris Tarrant, eat your heart out!

 

Do you want to phone a friend?

Fiona takes the mic

 

There was also a fabulous touch screen monitor bursting with games and fun facts about our doggy friends.  We're sure that everyone left the Education Station bursting with new information to share with friends and family.





Technology wizards

 

Before they left, the children also coloured in some lovely pictures of the Canine Gang dogs and with a goody bag for everyone who participated, no-one left empty handed.   A great day was had by all and the Education Team is looking forward to the next event already!

 

 

Wowing the crowds

 

Angel stopped by to lend a paw!







No Hot Dogs or Melted Mutts!

 

 

  

Hi, I’m Cónán, one of the Dogs Trust Education Dogs. Now that summer is finally here and the temperature is rising, I'd like to share with you some very important advice so that your precious pet doesn’t become a Hot Dog!

 

 

 
• Remember, dogs cannot cool down as easily as humans: While humans get sweaty all over when they are hot, dogs like me only sweat from their paw pads. We rely mainly on panting to keep us cool – easier said than done!
 
 
• Make sure your dog always has plenty to drink: Dogs need to drink lots of water to keep themselves cool. Us doggies will drink more water than usual when the weather is hot so make sure we always have fresh, clean water in our bowls.

 

 
  
 

• Never leave your dog in the car, even if it feels cool outside: Remember, dogs find it harder to stay cool than humans, so what seems cold to you might seem warm to us! Dogs left in cars have been known to suffer from heat stroke and even die L


 
 
• Parking in the shade or leaving the car window open does not make it safe: Even with the window down, it is always hotter in the car than it is outside. Think of a car as a bit like an oven: air finds it hard to get in and out. We don’t want any melted mutts!


 
 
• If you are driving with your dog, avoid the hottest part of the day when possible and try to use a sunblind in the window: This will make the journey much more comfortable and enjoyable for your furry friend.
  
 
 
• Keep plenty of water on hand in the car and make sure to take breaks: This way your dog will arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed – not frazzled and stressed! Maybe you could even ‘paws’ yourself and take a short stroll with your pal to get you both some fresh air.
  
 
 
• Some breeds of dog need a summer groom: Some breeds of dog have lots of fur that will need to be cut or trimmed to make sure they don’t overheat when the weather is warm. As you can see from this photo below, I’ve just been to the groomer to have my furry coat cut short. I kept my handsome beard though – and I think I look ‘pawsitively’ amazing! ;)
 

 

Check out our Dogs Trust ‘Hot Cars Kill Dogs’ campaign video on YouTube – and be sure to share with all your friends!

 

 

Welcome Back Liadh!

The Dogs Trust Education Team is delighted to welcome back Liadh Fitzgerald, our South West Education Officer.  Liadh is very excited to be returning to the team and to resume visiting primary schools and community groups in Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

Liadh first became an Education Officer for Dogs Trust in 2010 and has been delivering workshops ever since in the company of her Education Dog, Molly.  Molly is a fabulous three-legged, white German Shepherd who has been dedicated to educating the children of South West Ireland all about Responsible Dog Ownership and Safety Around Dogs.  She has never let having three legs hold her back and has been a firm favourite with everyone she meets.

However Molly is now 9 years old - that's 63 in human years - and has decided that the time is right for her to retire, as health is not the best.  As an Education Dog, Molly has delivered at least 4 workshops a day, 4 days a week by Liadh's side - a heavy workload for a dog half her age!  She's now looking forward to lazy days spent curled up on the couch with her favourite dog treats.  The Education Team would like to thank Molly for her years of bringing joy to the classroom and hope that she thoroughly enjoys her retirement.

Liadh is currently taking bookings for her summer workshops in Cork, Kerry and Limerick, so if your summer camp, local library or other organisation would like a visit from Dogs Trust, you can contact Liadh on 087 923 9221 or at liadh.fitzgerald@dogstrust.ie.  You can also contact the Education Team at education@dogstrust.ie to see if workshops are available in your area.

Farewell Aoife and Brave!



The Education Team would like to bid a fond farewell to South West Education Officer, Aoife, and her wonderful Education Dog, Brave.  Aoife and Brave have made a great team, visiting schools and community groups in the South West since September 2013 to educate the dog owners of tomorrow about Responsible Dog Ownership.

Aoife and Brave met so many wonderful children and teachers on their travels through Cork, Kerry and Limerick, and Brave in particular enjoyed the attention and positive response he received in the classroom.  Brave has also been a great ambassador for Greyhounds, helping to show so many people what we at Dogs Trust already know - Greyhounds and Lurchers make great pets.  They are the 80km per hour couch potatoes!  In fact, Aoife has already been in touch to say Brave has taken to his retirement very well and is enjoying lounging around the house and in the sun.

Deirdre and Fiona would like to wish Aoife and Brave the very best for the future, along with the rest of the Dogs Trust Team. 

 



 Aoife and Brave, Muskerry News, April 2014

 

But don't despair, South West Munster!  The Education Team is pleased to announce that Education Officer Liadh has returned from leave and will be coming to a school near you soon!  There will be more on her return next week but in the meantime don't forget you can contact the Education Team on 01 879 1827 or at education@dogstrust.ie .