NEWSLETTER LATE SUMMER 2002

The summer is nearly over and I'm sure you're all wondering where was the Fun Day. Well, it's just about to happen, so we expect to see you all there! It will be on Saturday 14th September, so pray for good weather! There will be Agility competitions, for beginners and up, in addition to the Novelty classes and the other fun races we have for you all. Any volunteers to help on the day would be warmly greeted and given a doggy choc. Seriously though, we do need help - whether it's timing recalls, setting up in the morning or cooking the all important Bar-B-Q! If you can help, please ring the office.

Agility News

As the summer is about to end, it's a good time to give yourself a new hobby ... and a warm one too. So, if you haven't already tried it, what about giving Agility a go? There's nothing quite like standing in the pouring rain and icy wind on a dark winter's day having an agility lesson! After all, you are meant to be running around the field, which keeps you nice and warm. Actually, although that does happen, we then vacate the field and have a cup of coffee! Agility is an excellent sport for you and your dog. It keeps you both fit, and allows you to work your dog off the lead whilst having lots of fun. And it is fun - ask any of our current Agility dogs. There is nothing that excites them more than doing Agility! Any dog can have a go, old or young (please check with the office about young dogs, big breeds MUST be over 12 months before doing agility). And of course, any size can have a go - Agility is divided into minis, midis and standard heights, or Chihuahua, Spaniel and Collie! If you are still in doubt come along and watch a lesson, or come and speak to one of the instructors.

Just recently Twix and Peter won out of Starters Agility, and Mike and Herbie won Elementary Agility so many congratulations to them! Twix is also the currently leading the Scallywags Dog of the Year competition and is storming ahead with the points. We will soon be starting the Agility League; as in last year, the team will be picked by running a competition between all interested dogs to enable the teams to be picked for the following event.

Kyla's Corner

Well, I hope you all had an enjoyable summer. Personally, it's been a good one - plenty of trips out to the pub with a plate of chips, and long summer evening walks squirrel-hunting. And of course some sunbathing. Not that I last long in the heat, but Rosie has got a tan to be proud of on her tummy. Rosie, as I may have mentioned, is a Greyhound who lives with me. How about I tell you all a little about her?

Rosie is now 7 years old, and came to live with us when she was 4 years old. She was born in Ireland where many of the racing Greyhound are bred, but she was brought over to this country to race at Wimbledon Dog Races. Unfortunately, like most ex-racing Greyhounds, she was dumped when she was no longer fast enough. After a Rescue Home and a couple of private homes she finally came to live with me. Like the saint she is, (and despite her racing days), she manages to live with three cats, who you may remember cause us all much strife! But more than that, Rosie goes out to visit people who can't have their own dog.

Rosie is a registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. This means that she has been temperament tested, and so is my Mum! She is also required to be kept flea and worm free, fully vaccinated and when out PAT dog visiting, has to be shiny and clean all over. As both she and my Mum passed, they are now registered, and Rosie has been working for over a year now. Every month she goes off to visit a home with a group of mentally and physically disabled adults. In particular, there is a lady called Marion who is especially fond of Rosie. She likes to stroke her very very softly, especially her back and her ears!

Due to their disabilities, and in addition because they live in a home, it is difficult for them to keep pets - especially as the responsibilities of owning a pet falls on the carers in the home. By having a PAT dog visit, they are able to enjoy time with a dog. PAT dogs visit hospitals, homes and schools. They can even do private work with individuals who are scared of dogs to the point of having a phobia.

There are also PAT cats which, just like the dogs, are temperament tested. Not that the cats in my house could pass - calm is not a word that would describe the cat-goings-on in my house! So, as you can see, whilst Rosie might not be running around the Agility ring with my self she too has a busy life!

PAT Dogs can be reached on: 0118 9212467 or Pets as Therapy

THE HAVEN HOTEL FOR CATS LUXURY INDOOR BOARDING CATTERY Home from home for your cat’s holiday Inspection invited anytime. TURKEY ISLAND SHEDFIELD SOUTHAMPTON 01329 833813 10% Discount for Scallywags clients

Posh Paws Qualified Mobile Dog Grooming All Breeds & Cross-Breeds Groomed with Care in your own home Phone Diane on 01489 895364 Or Mobile on 07796 024935

Contributions

If anybody has anything that they would like to contribute to the newsletter we would be pleased to receive it. Personal doggie stories, interesting news items, competition ideas, poems are all welcome - so please let us have your ideas.

or feel free to post any questions/comments on our message board

or ring us on 01329 833813