Your Dog July 2023

It hardly seems possible that Your Dog Magazine was launched nearly 30 years ago! But it was, and quite quickly established itself as Britain’s best-selling dog magazine — the practical, advice-driven monthly that helped owners to get the most out of life with their pets, and to keep up-to-date with all the latest trends and developments in the dog world. Some of those dog owners have been reading the magazine since it was first published — and continue to do so — but we’ve also welcomed a whole new generation of puppy parents into the fold. The world has changed dramatically in the last few years and that includes for us and our pets. At Your Dog we like to keep abreast of dog owners’ changing views and preferences, which…

This month’s cover star is four-year-old Labrador Xylia. “Xylia loves cuddles, food, and training,” says owner Elizabeth Stratford, from Littlehampton, West Sussex. “She enjoys playing with her toys, chewing a tennis ball, and running through long grass or playing with other dogs on the beach. She does not like baths, cats, or having to stay in her bed during human mealtimes! “Xylia was training to be a Canine Partners dog (www.caninepartners.org. uk) and made it all the way to advanced training, but sadly is a bit spooked by loud noises so was rehomed with me last year. She enjoys coming to Arundel Cathedral, where I work, and attending choir practice (which I take). She gently patrols up and down to check the children haven’t dropped any music. If they have,…

ON THE RIGHT TRACK A Kent owner, who’d given up hope of seeing her beloved Beagle again following reports he’d been hit by a train, was elated when he was found alive 10 days later. Spooked by fireworks, two-year-old Ronnie scaled Jo Wackett’s garden gate and bolted. After posting a plea on social media, Jo was contacted by a train driver, who was convinced he had hit a dog matching Ronnie’s description as his train rounded a bend near High Brooms Station, Tunbridge Wells. “He was devastated, but I came off the phone with some closure about what had happened,” said Jo, an air stewardess. “As we assumed the worst, my partner Grant and I told our daughter that Ronnie wasn’t ever coming home. We were all absolutely heartbroken and…

DOG DATA Research from Rover.com has revealed 78 per cent of UK owners have seen an increase in their self-esteem since caring for a dog, while 59 per cent feel more confident at work. Most people aren’t aware that cropping a dog’s ears is against UK law, according to research from Battersea. The animal rescue charity’s survey on public awareness of ear cropping found more than half of respondents didn’t realise the cruel practice has been illegal in this country since 2006, while more than 80 per cent were unable to identify pictures of dogs who’d undergone the procedure. Battersea, which has seen an increase in ear cropping, is concerned that social media images may be influencing young people’s attitudes and normalising the practice. More than a fifth of 18…

A London-based animal welfare charity stepped in to help a desperate owner worried about her dog’s welfare while she underwent a major operation. Mayhew’s Pet Refuge programme cared for Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Major, during Alisa French’s complex surgery for painful bilateral osteoarthritis. The 50-year-old single mum, whose two children have special needs, was faced with either cancelling her procedure or parting with her beloved 12-year-old dog. But following an impassioned social media plea, Alisa, from Bromley, found out about the charity’s programme, which supports pet owners facing an unexpected temporary change in their personal circumstances who have limited or no means of arranging help to look after their dog or cat. “Knowing Major would be safe and well, receiving expert care and support meant I could stop worrying and focus…

• FIT FOR A KING! Congratulations to West Yorkshire-based fresh dog food manufacturer Naturaw, on being awarded the first-ever King’s Award for Enterprise. The Wetherby firm is one of 148 organisations in the country to secure the prestigious honour, which was attained for its excellence in sustainable development. Naturaw uses high welfare meat from British farms, insulated, plastic-free packaging, self-generated solar power, and electric delivery vans, as well as planting a tree every time a new customer subscribes. • PET REHOMING CRISIS WORSENING, SAY STATS A shock report from Agria Pet Insurance has revealed 72 per cent of UK pet rescues have seen a sharp rise in the number of cats and dogs with behavioural disturbances over the past three years. The alarming statistics show the financial impact this is…