Two interesting threads here/ Just a comment on the misuse of parking spaces for people with a blue badge, which could be a thread on its own. Of course the spaces are at the scenic point of beauty spots. If I reach the point where mobility is severely restricted, I would love to be able to sit and look over the reservoirs around which I've walked my dogs/children/grandchildren so happily for so many years. I couldn't do this if the disability slots were on the main car park. It's selfish to use a disability space when you don't need it.
The discussion on bringing dogs into the UK from other places in Europe is interesting, if I can put aside my irritation on the publicity seeking manner in which the DM columnist behaved.
I've recently indulged myself with a puppy, but have had rescued dogs for many many years, and also fostered dogs waiting for adoption (until the pup arrived....) I feel that the cost and effort involved in bringing stray dogs to be re-homed in the UK would be better spent on public awareness/funding the cost of neutering strays in their home countries. I love Greece and over the past 30 plus years have been pleased to see huge improvements in animal welfare. A lot of this I'm sure is down to the efforts of northern european visitors/ex pats, who have raised awareness, and money, to fund programmes where dogs/cats are neutered. There are so many dogs in need of re-homing here, and yes, a lot of them are the result of people who buy a puppy with no real understanding of the fact that there will be years of commitment/training/care needed if you are to have a happy, healthy dog.
