Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Fight over Britain’s Got Talent dog

My favourite dog of the moment is Chandi who performed on the first round of auditions of the new series of Britain’s Got Talent.

It almost brought me to tears to see the rescue dog dancing away and responding so well to its owner’s commands. But Ant and Dec are having a spot of bother over the talented tailed one.

It appears that the two pint sized hosts can’t agree on whether this year’s dancing dog, led by owner Tina is better than last year’s star pooch – Gin who was trained by owner Kate.

Well I don’t normally like to take sides when it comes to dogs as they’re all beautiful animals, but I think I know who my money’s on. What do you think?

Everyone loves a Meatball

Everyone loves a good dog show. But there was only one star at the Beautiful Bulldog pageant held in Des Moines, Iowa recently.

Meatball, a brown and white bulldog was announced as the winner of the annual pageant. Dogs travelled from all over the country in order to compete and most were dressed in special costumes, but Meatball seems to have pipped them all to the post.

The slobbering pooch won a key to the city, as well as a royal cape and crown and he will also make several public appearances at Drake Relays events in the future.

Some say that bulldogs are ugly. I couldn’t disagree more. And I bet they wouldn’t say it to Meatball’s face anyway!

Dogs banned from parks

There’s nothing better than a walk in the park with your favourite furry friend. On a warm sunny afternoon, it’s great watching all the dogs chasing around, enjoying themselves.

But that may not be the case much longer in some areas of Nottinghamshire. The Newark and Sherwood District Council have banned dogs from 72 parks in the area including play areas and fields.

If dog owners do let their animals onto these sites, they could face a fine of £75. It is said that these new measures have been put in place in order to tackle dog owners who let their dogs get out of control and those who do not clear up their faeces.

It is unpleasant and selfish for dog owners to behave like this but I think there are better ways of dealing with the problem than banning all dogs. It’s not fair to punish everyone for the mistakes of a few selfish dog owners.

Pets living the high life

My cheeky little westie Bobby, is on holiday in France at the moment (I know; how the other half live!)

But getting him there was not easy to say the least. Preparing your dog to go abroad involves a lot of paperwork and of course the dreaded injections (but don’t tell them that.) Dogs even have to have their own passport to be able to go abroad.

Remember to research it all thoroughly and when they are in need of injections to travel between countries, ensure that they have them at least 24 hours before you travel (or more if necessary).

It may seem like a lot of hassle, but it’s worth it to spend time with your beloved pooch and also to save them from the kennels.

I’m just waiting for my postcard from Bobby now.

Toto’s over the rainbow

I have to say, I am completely underwhelmed by the ‘talent’ being displayed on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest search for a star TV programme, Over The Rainbow. Most of the contestants have a weak karaoke voice at best with only a couple showing any sign of power and quality.

But I’m not giving up on the programme just yet, because it seems that dogs are about to save the day (again) as hundreds of pooches battle it out to be crowned Toto in the West End show.

The hopefuls gathered at Stoneleigh Park for auditions and they really showed off their talents. The dogs will really be put through their paces during the audition rounds and a shortlist of ten will appear on Saturday night’s show. I can’t wait to find out who will be named as Toto!