Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Welfare Bazaar, continues her column
ARE you ever out with someone and you wish they would behave a bit better? It is possible Ruby might feel this about Ronnie.
There is Ruby, sitting up begging politely while Ronnie’s playing about.
Ruby, older and wiser, is doing her best to lick Ronnie into shape but he can still have his own agenda at times, partly because he finds kennels stressful. These two Jack Russell terrier crossbreeds came into the care of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) in March after their owner moved into a flat. She had previously had both dogs since they were young – Ruby is now nine and Ronnie is six, so it is not surprising they are finding kennel life strange. Some days they spend time in the supervisor’s office where they are as good as gold.
They also enjoy snuggling up together at night. You can meet this handsome couple at the NAWT Rehoming Centre, Tylers Way, Watford Bypass.
With the holiday season here, NAWT is reminding us of our responsibilities in relation to dog travel.
Following a survey completed by 700 pet owners, they found that 41 per cent of respondents did not know what the Highway Code says about pet travel in cars. The Code asks us to ensure that, when in a vehicle, dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot be a distraction whilst driving or injure you or themselves, if you stop quickly. Ways of restraining animals in cars are a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.
The NAWT also advise us to check what our emergency breakdown cover says about travelling with dogs.
Their survey showed that although 88 per cent of respondents had such cover, only two out of three respondents knew whether there were restrictions regarding their dogs. In the event of a breakdown, many emergency recovery companies leave it up to the discretion of their employees to decide how the dog can travel if recovery is needed. They advise us to check our documents to see if there are specific guidance/ restrictions on pet travel.
On a lighter note, the Avenue Vintage and Antique Market is hosting a Top Dog show on Saturday (11am to 2pm).
It takes place at the Drayton Court Hotel, The Avenue, West Ealing. Details from www.inwestealing.co.uk.