Dogs on the Dole

I thought this was going to be about the people who sleep on the streets and have dogs sleeping with them, obviously much loved and a comfort possibly to the owners (the dogs that is). but I always feel a little concerned that these people are begging and still able to have a pet, when some people work for a living and cannot afford one. I do not begrudge them a pet, and I do realise that housing is an enormous problem, and I feel guilty about the way I feel, but I still feel that way.

Must watch on CatchUp. I have a great respect for the Dog's Trust, they do an incredible job. We sponsor a Staffie called Eric through them and get the loveliest letters from him throughout the year.

Sadly some on the streets have dogs in order to beg- and change dogs often- when they stop pulling the money in. That is particularly the case in Mediterranean countries. The Dogs Trust does a really good job of keeping an eye on street dogs.

I'm afraid in most countries there is nothing like the PDSA- so if people do not have the money- the dogs do not get treatment if they are injured or become ill. The PDSA is unique and fabulous.

Anya; tell me what you think of 'Barry'! And, if I eat that much chocolate will my coat shine as well ? When we were away last week we spoke to someone who had a Whippet/Staffie cross and she said he was the best dog she'd ever had. It was good to see how non judgemental TDT were when dealing with the people who wanted to breed from their dogs etc.

I didn't see this but I would love a little dog more and more but really do not feel I can properly afford it. It does make me wonder how those on benefits, etc., manage. I don't want them not to be able to have them I would just like someone to tell me how I could do it!

I do feel there have been vast increases in vet charges since insurance became more readily available.

It said in the programme that people are breeding less Staffies because their price has come down but they're now breeding toy dogs and they will be the ones that need rescuing in future years. The man in the programme with the bulldog had a wife who works and she pays for the dog and it's treatment [they cost up to £2,000 to buy]. I don't want to offend any bulldog owners out there but have to say I find them revolting, although I do have a fondness for Pugs [but would never have one]. There are cut price vets springing up now and some dog charities do have dogs that they will always take back if the owner has a problem.

the miniature dog breeding is of real concern- this is done by breeding the runt of the litter, with the runt of the litter- and so on- creating poor little toy creatures which are so fragile. Good friends of our in France bought one last year- not from a breeder, toy Staffs terrier- and it has twice broken a leg jumping from the settee. The cost has been astronomical, as the bones are so so tiny that operating and screwing in place is true micro-surgery. They had no idea- and are now in debt due to this, with father unemployed. They saved a few Quid (Euros) on the purchase, and now have had to spend a couple of 1000s on ops. Tragic. Sorry for diversion.

The owners also don't seem to realise that small dogs [and bulldogs] often have to have medical intervention when whelping [as one woman who bred from her chihuahua found to her cost..she then couldn't find anyone to buy them but was bailed out by selling two to family members].

In the past anyone could afford a mongrel or a moggy, fed on scraps and never seeing a vet. Keeping any pet is now a big responsibility, which some owners do not accept, but if someone falls upon hard times (losing their job, becoming chronically ill etc) it must be terribly difficult to keep the pets they already have and love. At least if they're on benefits the PDSA or Blue Cross will help with vet treatment.
I didn't see the programme but feel sorry for anyone who longs for a pet but can't afford it.