Wartime sacrifices of man’s best friend
DOGS played an important part in World War I. Terriers hunted for rats in the trenches and gave warning of enemy patrols, while Red Cross ‘mercy dogs’ carried medical supplies to the wounded in No Man’s Land.
Many soldiers adopted mascot dogs — including Rin Tin Tin, who was found in an abandoned German war dog station by a U.S. soldier and went on to be a canine film star.
Elaine Warburton, who owns a Barking Mad dog care franchise near Scotlandwell, Fife, which she runs with husband John, says: ‘We want to remember canine heroes. As well as aiding casualties, delivering messages and boosting the morale of soldiers at war, dogs have always been humanity’s best friend.
‘We held a memory walk recently and created a “Rainbow Bridge” remembrance tree for dog lovers to celebrate the lives of their cherished pets, while providing mutual support.’
Lee Dancy, Barking Mad managing director, says: ‘We founded the UK’s first annual Dog Remembrance Month and set up a Facebook support group for those who have lost a precious friend.’ The firm, whose franchisees organise dog holidays with host families as an alternative to kennels, is looking for more pet-loving, business-minded franchisees. The franchise costs from £14,957.
Meanwhile, the Oscar Pet Foods delivery franchise has launched a sister pet care franchise, Leading The Way. Franchisees help clients in managing care, such as with dog walking and vet visits.
The package includes accreditation from awarding Certa in Companion Animal Health, Welfare and Disease Control, pet firstaid training and access to a transport system that meets Defra and RSPCA standards. Investment is normally £10,995, but there is a limited offer of £8,995.