Gizmo's round up of the year 2013

As you see from the photo Santa brought me some great toys which was nice, and I had a wooftastic Christmas dinner, usually I have to stick to a prescription diet, but hey it was xmas ! My festive dinner was better than my human parents who both had stomach viruses and could only eat a very small amount ! Check out these two menu's and see what you think …

My Christmas Menu
Chicken filet lightly sautéed in virgin olive oil with chopped up green beans and a small amount of baked potato with gravy.
Followed by mature cheddar cheese on cheesy biccies !


My Humans Christmas menu
An egg boiled in slightly salted water (one each that is - after all it was Christmas day, so hey, they pushed the boat out) and a small amount of Tomatoe Heinz soup.
For dessert nothing as they spent the rest of the evening rushing to and from the toilet having failed miserably to digest their main meal.

On a personal level, health wise this year has been good. I have had no major illnesses or accidents or attacks by other nasty dogs ! Just minor stuff, landing on my furry face slipping on a wet patch on a tile, trying to run through a glass door. I'll explain, I saw a pesky moggy in my garden and wanted to chase the feline, but instead unfortunately head butted it (the door not the cat ) with full force, OUCH !

As some of you are aware I published my first novel this year 'Nobody's Poodle' and was recently listed in the top 50 guardian indie books, which was wooftastic ! I also have had loads of great reviews on amazon.

Moving on to the subject of the stray dog situation, It's been another tough year in Tenerife for the refuges but they are still battling along and managing to still look after the doggies in their care. I don't know how they do it.

On a positive note this year Adeje council started an initiative to promote responsible pet care through leaftets, and talks which is good, and a step in the right direction. Marion at Accion-Del-Sol continued with her excellant education campaign with visits to schools. The events at Accion-Del-Sol were all very well attended this year and support for Accion-Del-Sol is now coming from many different nationalities which is great.

Tierra Blanca in Fasnia is going from strength to strength under the guidance of Isabel, vet and Manager. The refuge is not quite fully constructed yet but it's getting there, I think Tierra blanca is doing very well given the fact that they have 400 dogs to look after and only a few staff to keep the place clean. Isabel's management skills must be good !.

There is now a dog beach in Guimar and I have heard there is going to be another beach for pooches, and is situated between El Medano and los abrigos which if that happens will be Wooftastic !

I have only mentioned two refuges in this post, because these two refuges are the main ones on the island in the South and they keep in contact with me the most. The other smaller refuges of course also do fantastic work !

If you would like to help the stray dogs of Tenerife, but feel maybe uncomfortable about donating cash to a refuge that you haven't visited, volunteer your time and bring along a bag of dog food that way you can find out about the refuge and speak to the refuge staff, also volunteering your time can be just as helpful as a cash donation. I don't want to put off anyone giving a gift of money though, as the refuges badly need cash. I am only offering this as a suggestion to make an informed decision for yourself. A list of the refuges is on my website http://tenerifedogs.com/tenerife-refuge-shelters/

Of course it would be great if no refuges were needed and people took more responsibility for their furry friends , but it's a not a perfect world and so refuges are unfortunately necessary.

To all the refuges on the island, dedicated foster carers, fund raisers and to anyone who has given a rescue pooch a home, and all my amigos on my facebook page have yourself a WoofTastic New Year

WoofTasticBooks.com

I have just set up a website Wooftastic Books which is a showcase for authors and books that feature dogs in an ethical way. Starting as a virtual bookshelf, growing into a virtual bookcase, and hopefully eventually a wooftastic library of dog-friendy books.

We have a selection of genres: novels, memoirs,  childrens’ stories, educational and informative books … whether written to inform, educate or entertain; factual or fiction; for children or adults you’ll find the best dog books here.

These books are the result of the authors’ experiences with dogs in many different ways … helping in refuges, being a search-and-rescue team member, running educational programmes, and even rescuing dogs from war zones. They’re all, in their own way, about our special relationship with man’s best friend.

Enter this Halloween photo competition and help keep some dogs from going hungry !

Submit a photo of your pooch with a Halloween theme, and the three winning images will receive a copy of Nikki Attree's "Nobody's Poodle" - a wooftastic short novel about Gizmo, a loveable ex-pat pooch uprooted from his home in cold, damp, muddy old England to start a new life in Tenerife.

Forty kilos of dog food will also be donated to the Tierra Blanca dog refuge charity as part of the prize and Nikki is inviting businesses in Tenerife (perhaps pet shops or vets ?) or individuals to match this donation. So far 140 kg has already been pledged to help keep some dogs from going hungry !

Please email your photos to nikki@tenerifedogs.com
 
This photo was taken by Edina of her 5 year old Chinese Crested dog called Gizmo .

Accion-Del-Sol October Fiesta

A Wooftastic time was had by all, at the Aktion-Del-Sol event at the Terrace Bar. What  a great turn out in support of the doggies. Andy was accompanied by a dancing dalmation, young elegant dancers showed off their moves and a cheeky young chap did a wonderful Michael Jackson rendition. There were some great raffle prizes and the children enjoyed the workshop and bouncy castle. The event was finished off with a fashion show.

Thanks to the Terrace Bar in Amarilla Golf for letting accion-del-sol use their venue and the performers for giving their time for free.

The only missing ingredient was Karen Clack who is a very important volunteer at Accion-Del- Sol. We were going to celebrate her 50th birthday at the fiesta but unfortunately Karen was ill and could not join us. We wish her a speed recovery and look forward to celebrate her birthday soon..!

If you would like to visit or assist Accion Del Sol in any way in the future please ring 922778630 for more information or do call in Monday-Friday 3-6pm. The refuge is situated at Poligono De Industrial Estate, Granadilla, Exit 51 on the TF1, directly next to ITER the Parque Eolica where the windmills are .
Accion Del Sol is always looking for people who would like to walk some of the many dogs at the refuge, if you have any spare time and would like to volunteer please do ring or just call in , you would make a few dogs very happy.

Lost Dogs in Tenerife/Perros Perdidos en Tenerife

Check out this facebook page lost dogs please and see if you recognise any of these dogs that have been lost in Tenerife

Accion-Del-Sol Party October 13th - from 4pm

The Terrace Bar Amarilla Golf are very kindly playing host to a accion-del-sol fund raising event in on Sunday the13th of October from 4pm onwards. This will be a family fun day with a children's play area which will have a bouncy castle, trampoline, a bucking bronco horse, sumo wrestling suits, face painting, a childrens activity workshop and the ever popular puppy play area. This will give the adults a chance to relax and chat in the comfortable outdoor area and enjoy the music provided by The Terrace Bar which caters for all tastes as well as a dance troupee and much more. There will be a BBQ with a very tempting menu and a cake stall for those with a sweet tooth !!

Please do come and support this very worthwhile cause . For more information or if maybe you would like to donate a raffle prize then please call Marion on 922778630.

'Pamper A Pooch Day' at Accion-Del-Sol

'Pamper a Pooch Day' at Accion-Del -Sol from Doodle on Vimeo.

Fred has been missing for 8 weeks

Fred has now been lost for 8 weeks . He went missing between Arona and La Escalona area. Fred has a micro-chip and a collar and weighs about 11kgs. He is a friendly dog but timid, frightened of loud noises,fireworks etc. 

If you think you have spotted Fred please call Vicki she is offering a reward TEL 697349525

Meeting concerning problems of stray animals.

There was a meeting on the 23rd July in the Cultural center of Los Cristianos council. Representatives of the boroughs of Granadilla, Guia de Isora and San Miguel de Abona attended.
The meeting concerned the problem of the ever increasing abandonment of pets, mostly dogs. Each of the municipales set out actions to respond to this problem, by improving more public awareness and more effective use of finances.

Another animal cruelty case is in the news in Tenerife.

This information was taken from the Proteanimaloy facebook page which was set up to help the poor dog, Luna.
Another animal cruelty case is in the news in Tenerife, this time in Los Realejos, where a man beat a dog so badly that her skull was split into two and was found conscious in a metal drum covered with earth. The dog was admitted to a veterinary clinic with ataxia, decreased sensitivity, hypothermia, tachycardia, and mouth full of dirt ... The diagnosis is Central Vestibular Syndrome due to traumatic brain injury and stroke.

LUNA will go to the foster carer, Maria Perez Vivas to recover from his physical wounds and severe psychological trauma.

This case of animal abuse has opened preliminary proceedings in the trial court of the judicial district of La Orotava, where criminal proceedings have been inituated by Proteanimaloy, (Eloy Torres) through their  lawyer Vinent Sandra Barrera.

Proteanimaloy is raising funds to pay for Luna’s ongoing treatment...

Nuevo caso de Maltrator animal de  en Tenerife, esta vez en el municipio de Los Realejos, donde se golpeó a una perrita en la cabeza partiéndole el cráneo en dos.

A la perrita, de nombre LUNA, se le encontró conciente dentro de un bidón metálico cubierta de tierra, quedando ingresada en una clínica veterinaria con ataxia, disminución de sensibilidad, hipotermia, taquicardia, boca llena de tierra…con un diagnóstico de Síndrome Vestibular Central debido a traumatismo craneoencefálico y accidente cerebrovascular.

LUNA se irá a una casa particular a recuperarse de las heridas físicas y del grave trauma psicológico, gracias a la educadora canina MARIA PEREZ VIVAS.

Este caso de maltrato animal posee diligencias previas abiertas en el juzgado de instrucción de la demarcación judicial de La Orotava, autos penales donde se ha personado la protectora de animales que se hizo cargo de la perra, PROTEANIMALOY, (ELOY TORRES )por medio de su abogado solidario, SANDRA BARRERA VINENT. A lo largo de la próxima semana se espera se interponga QUERELLA por las personas de sus rescatadoras a fin de que su agresor, o agresores, sean castigados.

Suerte LUNA.

Death Row Dogs To Get a Second chance

Article on eTenerife - Death Row Dogs To Get a Second chance

Battersea Dogs and Cats home - educational animation

Stay Cool Mis Amigos !

Mi amiga Janet Anscombe has issued a warning, it's going to start hotting up from Sunday. So be careful people for your own well being and look after your pooches in this heat. Make sure sure your doggies have plenty of water to drink and shade that they can cool down in.
 
Of course Tenerife in the south is warm most of the year but with temperatures reaching 35c and over , it's muy importante to make sure your furry friend doesn't over heat ! 

Also whatever you do, don't leave your dog in your car under any circumstances ! He or she will just dehydrate and die within minutes.

Stay cool mis amigos !

Fred has gone missing !

On the 31st of May, Fred went missing from the Arona and Escalona area. He is wearing a grey collar and is chipped. He weighs around 11 kgs and is a 4 year old mixed breed, uncastrated dog. He is much loved and missed and certainly not abandoned. 

If you see him please call 697340525

30 Puppies at Accion-del-sol needs homes !

More than 30 puppies at Aktion Tier Accion are looking for a new home. Please ring 922 77 86 30 if you would like more information..

Support the Local Animal Shelters

Here's a wooftastic animation by Julie Hume and make sure you check out her website



Here is a list of Refuges in Tenerife which always need volunteers...

This pooch from Accion-del-Sol needs a home

This pooch from Accion-del-Sol needs a fur-ever home please phone 922778630 if you interested in adopting this doggie...

How to get to Accion-del-sol - 

On the TF1 going north from the airport towards Santa Cruz take the turning off for the Granadilla Industrial Port, exit A. Head towards the sea and windmills go straight across one roundabout when you reach the next roundabout veer right up towards the Ecological centre. You will stop and see a hut ( you can't go any further as their will be barrier and somebody outside the hut) Aktiontier is up a track on your right about a 100 metres...

Dibley a special boy :)

Dibley is a wooftastic, friendly and happy three year old pooch. He unfortunately has nerve damage so will need a home where he can have access to the outside quickly as he doesn't always have control over his toilet.. Please contact Hazel (K9 Tenerife) Tel: 608 121 081 f you would like to adopt this sweetie :)

Accion-Del -Sol Pups

Lots of puppies at Accion-del-Sol that need homes - Ring 922778630

How to get to Accion-del-sol - 

On the TF1 going north from the airport towards Santa Cruz take the turning off for the Granadilla Industrial Port, exit A. Head towards the sea and windmills go straight across one roundabout when you reach the next roundabout veer right up towards the Ecological centre. You will stop and see a hut ( you can't go any further as their will be barrier and somebody outside the hut) Aktiontier is up a track on your right about a 100 metres...

Nelson needs a fur-ever home

Here's Nelson a pup about 5 months old. He will be a big doggie...

Tel: 608 121 081 K9 Tenerife refuge

Advice about grieving dogs

I have been asked by one of my facebook amigas, Jill  if there is any advice I can give her about her grieving dog.

Her pooch Andy, will not eat properly since his best doggie pal Lakia died three weeks ago. Jill is concerned about Andy as he just does not want to eat, and is still very depressed even though he is on doggie anti-depressants. Jill is looking for another lady dog from a rescue shelter in the hope that will cheer Andy up. Lakia the doggy that recently dies and Andy were both from rescue shelters in Tenerife.

Many of you who read this blog are  expert doggie owners and some of you have been on training courses in dog behaviourism.  If you have any advice/experience you can share that would be much  appreciated :) please leave comments muchas gracias

 I have suggested that Jill take Andy to a dog training class to meet other doggies and bring some food along to give to him as treats.

Here are some suggestions from some of my facebook amigos.

Steph Tufft Very sad. Would suggest (if she hasnt already) trying the most tasty, tempting food possible - good health can go out of the window for the mo, he needs to be enticed to eat. Does Andly get left alone at all for work reasons etc? If so can someone come in and see/walk/play with him? Can she socialise him with ther dogs - go on group walks and encourage him to participate? Hope he is ok. Such a shame 

Steve Felton  Lots & Lots of love and cuddles and a cuddly toy to snuggle up to, it's very hard I went through this with two Old English Sheep Dogs back in 1989, just think how you would feel yourself and give lots of care and attention to the one who is greaving, I wish you all the best and sorry to here about your loss xx

Chantal - I think the biggest mistake I made when DeeDee died was not bring her home and let Meg see her.. So I went with DeeDee to the vet and came empty handed back.. So Meg was looking for a long long time for DeeDee.. From that point on I said to myself when one dog dies I am showing it to the other k9 family members..

Olwyn Venables I don't have dogs anymore just cats but cats do grieve too.'Mum' cat was 20 years old and son was 16 and mum died at home.We dug her grave and son watched us bury her.It was pouring with rain,he sat on the wall by her grave for days and then one day he shook himself,came into the house and it was over.So the other family dogs should be shown the body.

Sunday 2nd June Aktion Tier Accion Fiesta

Don't forget this Sunday 2nd June Aktion Tier Accion are having their summer party. Sounds Wooftastic to me! Agility and swiming pools for the doggies. Plus a raffle and your chance to win my recently published book 'Nobody's Poodle' plus a mouse matt and mug!

Wooftasic ! Nobody's Poodle is now available...

Finally ! Nobody’s Poodle paper-back is now available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. The e-book will also soon be available.

Nobody’s Poodle is a wooftastic ‘tail’ about a loveable ex-pat pooch uprooted from his home in cold, damp, muddy old England to start a new life in Tenerife – a Spanish holiday island, located off the coast of Africa.

He writes, from a canine point of view of course, about settling down in a new country, coping with the cultural differences, and learning the language (although woof-speak is universal, mas o menos, there are still some differences which need to be understood, otherwise a dog can have muchos problemas with his furry Latin amigos).

The ex-pat / travel genre has been popularised by some very successful books, but until now man’s-best-friends’ take on it has been little explored. We’re familiar with “Driving over Lemons”, but there hasn’t been a ”Bouncing over Bones”. Most of Tenerife’s ex-pat Brits know and love Joe Cawley’s “More Ketchup than Salsa”, but we’ve all been waiting for ”More Saliva than Salsa”.
Nobody’s Poodle is much more than an ex-pat diary though. It’s a gripping story, with a plot that is the mutt’s nuts. Our intrepid hero: Gizmo may be more street Doodle than swanky Poodle, but he’s very much his own dog. He’s all about standing up for the underdog, and it gets him into a fair few scrapes on the mean streets of Costa del Scorchio.

He’s also something of a canine philosopher, and along the way you’ll be learning a lot about their universe …

Nobody’s Poodle Facebook page has now almost 4,000 likes, to check out the page click on this link

Gizmo's Birthday

It's my Birthday today I am three years old , about 21 in human years.
It's been a tough year with one thing and another. Having an operation to remove a bladder stone, then being bitten and almost losing a leg, but I am obviously a strong pooch and have come through it all looking as gorgeous as ever, and of course I am one of the lucky rescue dogs as I found a fur-ever home with humans who love me and who have enough money to pay the vet bills ! 

Rosie a very sweet Podenco

This post is in honour of Rosie, a very sweet and intelligent Podenco who was cruelly poisoned this week and is sadly missed by Janet Anscombe and Jeremy and many amigos.
 
Podencos can make very good pets and furry amigos, they are often overlooked in the rescue shelters.  But the podencos I have met who are fortunate enough to have a loving home are very affectionate and intelligent. So don't be put off adopting one, assuming they are just hunting dogs as they can make very good furry friends.!
 
There are many podencos in Tenerife shelters waiting for a home, who are hoping for that special person to give them a second chance. See link

Anaga ( in the photo below) who is staying at siruis canarias needs a loving home, she was abandoned near a veterinary clinic in La Laguna. Anaga is a little scared of strangers, so you would have to gain her trust. It is unfortunately typical behavior of dogs who have been abused.
 
But like most podencos she  is very affectionate and gets on with other dogs. Anaga is wormed, vaccinated and sterilized
Contacto --> MARISA : 649.364.883
correo@siriuscanarias.com
website

Accion-del-sol puppies

Here are some puppies at Accion-Del-Sol that need homes....Please ring  922778630
for more information.

How to get to Accion-del-sol - 

On the TF1 going north from the airport towards Santa Cruz take the turning off for the Granadilla Industrial Port, exit A. Head towards the sea and windmills go straight across one roundabout when you reach the next roundabout veer right up towards the Ecological centre. You will stop and see a hut ( you can't go any further as their will be barrier and somebody outside the hut) Accion-del-sol is up a track on your right about a 100 metres...

Dogs That Need a Forever Home

All the doggies below are being looked after at K9 . If you are interested in adopting any of these dogs please phone - 667 638 468 and check out K9 website

How to get to K9 - K9 is at Las Chafiras on the San Miguel side of the motorway. Follow the San Miguel road for 400 metres, you will see the First Impressions Building on your right hand side. After a further 300 metres you will see a road off to the right. Continue on this road for approx a mile. The kennels are on the right on a bend. Car parking opposite the entrance.

Otto is a male Wire Haired Fox Terrier aprox, 5 yesrs old. He has a good temperament and gets on well with other dogs.

 

 

Gracie is a female, around 4 months old, will be a large dog. She is very friendly and full of energy.

 

Billy is a male dog, of mix breed. He is around 4 months old, will be a large dog. He is very shy and needs some extra loving to become a well rounded pet.

 

Three pups who need to find a place called home

Three puppies who came from the Arona area and are currently being looked after at Accion-Del-Sol. Need homes. The pups are have a mixture of poodle and possibly terrier.

If you are interested in adopting one of these pups please ring accion-del-sol on 922778630  teneriffa@aktiontier.org

How tragic a young girl dies after being attacked by four dogs in the UK.

How tragic a young girl (Jade Anderson) dies after being attacked by four dogs in the UK.

If you read the link in the Guardian, the police are still trying to confirm the breed, but two of the dogs are thought to be Staffordshire bull terriers and two bull mastiffs.

It's so important to socialise your dog, whatever breed you have. As all dogs can have the potential to attack, but there is no question and I think it is your moral obligation if you own a dog that is so strong and has the potential to cause serious damage like the Staffordshire bull terrier , Pit-bull and bull mastiffs  etc, to train them properly

I know even a Yorkshire terrier could cause injury to a child, but to my knowledge no child has been killed by a Yorkshire terrier.

I am sure there will be many on my Facebook page who will reply with the claim that their bull terrier, pit- bull etc  is a pussy cat and would never attack and that is great, good and you probably right it will never happen , but please don't think because he is a pussy cat with you in your home, that he may never attack. I have seen many dogs in Tenerife that should have muzzles on them, but their owners claim that their Rottweillers, staffordshire-pit bulls etc  are fine and it's no need for their dogs  to wear one. The problem is that it only takes one attack to ruin an innocent persons life, being scarred for life at the very least or killed.

The fact is Pit-bulls, Staffordshire bull terriers, etc  have incredible strong jaws and will cause far more damage than many other breed of dogs and it only needs to happen once, and it could be the only time the dog has ever attacked in it's life, but it could end in tragedy as it did sadly for Jade Anderson. So proper training is so important and using a  muzzle in public if your dog is listed as dangerous is essential, and the right thing to do !

Dogs that need homes

Bacon, is a male staffordshire. He has been at K9 for 8 months. When he arrived he was very skinny and heartworm positive, with the help of a sponsor he is now fit and healthy. K9 need to find a home for him quickly as they can't keep him in the area designed for puppies. 

He is very friendly with people and likes to play with a ball. He would be best suited as the only dog, but may be ok with others if trained and kept in check. He is around 2 years old give or take. If interested in adopting Bacon please come along for a visit and take him for a walk. Ring Hazel at K9 Tenerife 608 121 081 kennels open 11pm - 2pm

How to get to K9 - K9 is at Las Chafiras on the San Miguel side of the motorway. Follow the San Miguel road for 400 metres, you will see the First Impressions Building on your right hand side. After a further 300 metres you will see a road off to the right. Continue on this road for approx a mile. The kennels are on the right on a bend. Car parking opposite the entrance.

Website

 Elvis is two years old at staying at  accion-del-sol if you are interested in adopting him ring Marion....922778630

 

Directions to Accion-Del -Sol .On the TF1 going north from the airport towards Santa Cruz take the turning off for the Granadilla Industrial Port, exit A. Head towards the sea and windmills go straight across one roundabout when you reach the next roundabout veer right up towards the Ecological centre. You will stop and see a hut ( you can't go any further as their will be barrier and somebody outside the hut) Aktiontier is up a track on your right about a 100 metres...

My views on Crufts

One of the most interesting things about Crufts were the different charities which were discussed on the program, for example 'The Medical Detection Dogs' a organisation that trains dogs to help people with life threatening health problems see link  also the Dogs for the disabled charity that trains assistance dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities.

Personally though, I think Best of Show is a weird concept.  I can understand the agility section, heel work etc, because the dogs are doing something active and they look as if they are having fun, but poncing around the ring doing nothing but basically showing off your fur style and how you walk is just well strange. Another thing one of the finalists had a very sloped back, don't tell me that is natural. Plus there were quite a few fatties in the ring .!

The crufts presenter discussed with a  kennel club representative if hybrid dogs ie labradoodles would every be accepted  in crufts. How snooty is that, I don't think any self respecting doodle would want to ponce around a ring anyway. Personally I have better things to do than take a bath every week or even more and have my fur brushed every time I move, no, no wouldn't suit me !

Lastly what is it with the ridiculous show names is that really necessary an example 'Belleville honeynut crunch' sounds like a breakfast cereal not a name of a dog. I mean to say you got to laugh,

Thought I would make a couple up myself.....

Philippe Viscount Butt Face the Great Woofer - Bulldog

Salvador Dali of Kentwood Keep and Eye on my Nuts - Great Dane

Storms and pets

It's windy where I live today and it's predicted to get near hurricane strength. if you would like to check out the updates on the storm hitting the canary Islands go to Janet Anscombe website.

Don't forget your pets make sure they are safely inside.


                                         Me having my last walkies before the storm hits.

If you like to keep updated with snr Gizmo please join his Facebook page

Thieves run off with baths - Puppies have no place to wash at K9 Tenerife !

This is barking mad ! - Last weekend 2 baby baths were stolen from the front yard of K9 Tenerife !  K9 now need another two baths as the rescue pups need a place to wash !

So if you have a baby bath you could donate, please get in touch with Hazel at K9.....667 638 468


Website - K9 Tenerife

Accion-del-sol fiesta

Checked out Accion-Del-Sol fiesta today. The event was well attended, there was a demonstration of martial arts etc and a dog show, which I joined in. I thought I did quite well. Must not forget to mention the wonderful cakes made by Karen Jane Clack and Marion, and tasty doggie biscuits made by Andrea.
 
While I was there I said Hola to some of my rescue amigos who need a home.
Please Ring accion-del-sol if you are interested in adopting a pooch ring 922778630 

 Saying hola to some of my furry amigos who need a home

 Hanging out in the cafe - while Nikki eats a whole piece of cake !

Dogs available for adoption at Accion-Del-Sol

If you are interested in adopting one of these dogs, please telephone accion-del-sol ...........................on 922 77 86 30


 


 


 

 

Micro-chip your dog, there is no good reason NOT to..!

This really makes me barking mad, people who don't micro-chip their dog as really there is no good reason not to ! Unless of course you are thinking about abandoning your dog in the future then micro-chipping could ruin your  plan.

Micro-chipping is such a simple thing  and if your pooch goes missing you have increased your chances of recovering him.  Your dog still would need to be taken to a vet by a kind person but if he does, the chip is then scanned and your details will come up on the vet's computer and with one phone call you are re-united with your furry friend.

The chip is quite inexpensive and doesn't cause any pain for your dog.

The abandoned doggy problem is not getting any better in Tenerife but if everyone micro-chipped, neutered and spayed  their dog it would go towards helping to reduce the stray problem.

So mis amigos if you haven't already done it, get down to the vet and get your furry best friend micro-chipped. You owe it too him ! and for your own peace of mind, as if your dog does go missing you might regret it !

Join Gizmo on Facebook

Nobody's Poodle

Check out my other wooftastic blog Nobody's Poodle click here

Nobody's poodle is a wooftastic book about a lovable ex-pat pooch living in Tenerife. He writes, from a canine point of view of course, about settling down in a new country, coping with the cultural differences, and learning the language (although woof-speak is universal, mas o menos, there are still some differences which need to be understood, otherwise a dog can have muchos problemas with his furry Latin amigos).

Facebook page Snr Giz

Facebook page Nobody's Poodle

K9 Tenerife- A good dog owner

• 

The following was taken from the K9 newsletter - written by Mikey Braithwaite

A good dog owner…
Gives dogs the opportunity to be ‘dogs’…,lets them mooch about, sniff on their walks, have the freedom to run about, and to be sociable.
Takes the time & trouble to teach dogs the boundaries that human society dictates they must know.
Protects them from the things that upset or scare them – not punish them for telling people if they are upset or scared.
Teaches dogs to cope with the difficult things in life, like being handled, being left alone or being treated by vets.
Gives the dog the opportunity to express innate dog behaviour through fun training, where this can be expressed in safe, fulfilling ways.
Manages the environment the dog lives in, so the dog is safe, secure and cannot come to any harm.
Finds an up to date training class that understands how dogs learn and what they need, and gets stuck into some doggy sports and training activities.

A good dog owner doesn’t…
Intimidate or punish to get ‘obedient’ behaviour.
Inflict unnecessary obedience or petty rules on their dog just so they can say they are ‘in charge’.
Over manage or over-control the dog’s life so it can never be a ‘dog’.

-------------------------------------------
All sounds like sensible stuff thanks K9