Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert MARION GARNETT, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair continues her column
This week let’s hear about two dogs, each very different but both know their own mind.
Firstly, Aidan takes after my own heart. Not only does he like to lie on the sofa but he also prefers the cosiest part – the end seat. Moreover, when he’s laid on the sofa he likes to be covered with a fleecy blanket.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have a campaign saying “Staffies. They’re softer than you think” and, if they’re like Aidan, you can see why.
When he goes for a walk, he likes to take his favourite toy – a plastic sausage dog. He’s gentle and likes a cuddle but has a cheeky side and tries to work things out to his advantage.
He remembers things that work and tries them again another time. Although he’s good-natured, he can be quite difficult to move if he wants to stay put. Aidan is currently in foster care and is looking for a home where people are around most of the time as he finds it difficult being alone. If there’s space on your sofa for Aidan together with his blanket and favourite toy, contact Battersea Old Windsor at bow.rehomers@battersea.org.uk or call 01784 494 443.
Finn is another dog who knows his own mind. On October 5 2016, Finn, a German Shepherd police dog, was chasing a robbery suspect with his handler PC Dave Wardell when the suspect attacked them.
Finn sustained serious stab wounds to his chest and head while protecting his handler who sustained a stab wound to the hand. Even after being stabbed through the lung Finn did not let go of the suspect until the suspect was arrested. Finn was expected to die but after hours of surgery and weeks of recovery, he survived.
The suspect was charged with Actual Bodily Harm for injuries to the handler but only criminal damage for the horrific injuries to Finn. Under UK law there is no specific offence for causing injury to a police animal while carrying out their duties. Finn’s Law is a campaign to change this and would see causing injury to service animals including police dogs and horses becoming a specific offence.
Progress has been made and the next reading of the Bill in parliament is on June 15. Team Finn (finnslaw.com) is asking us to contact our MP letting them know we support the bill. Meanwhile Finn, now retired, has just enjoyed his first swim in the river for this year.