Why do dogs do what dogs do?

We all know that cats and dogs can be quirky. Cats are easier to understand. They’re more logical. If your cat bites your hand after you’ve been stroking it, that’s because it has mixed emotions. On the one hand it is a pleasant reminder of its mother’s lick. On the other hand, “I didn’t evolve to be socially stroked!”

Dogs are quirkier. This image above is Enzo upstairs, he’s an Italian Spinone who lives with my cousin, Jenn. Jenn can be doing whatever she’s doing, turn around and see Enzo quietly looking at her with a tea towel hanging from his mouth. He just stands there. Staring.

Enzo knows what he’s doing but do we? I don’t but I do know that the quirky things dogs do make us love them even more.

Enzo downstairs.

In the 1980s, another Italian Spinone, Badger was York Street’s canine receptionist. Jenny Ward RVN arrived each day, vacuumed everything including Badger her dog then opened up for the day’s activities. If you’ve had a question about an insurance claim or a nurse’s query Jenny is still at it helping the clinic to run smoothly. Having satisfied her enjoyment of shedding Spinone hair she’s just added a non-shedding Standard Poodle pup, Finn, to her home.

Jenny Ward prepares Badger for his Reception duties, circa 1989.

Jenny’s new ‘birding dog’ Finn

Does your dog embarrass you? Read this month’s blog about embarrassing pets.

Would you climb mountains to support deaf people?

Forty-five years ago Bruce co-founded the national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. As you can see from this billboard, some Hearing Dogs share a family background with Jenny’s new Finn – Poodle, working cocker and Labrador all make for great dogs to provide ears and social support for deaf people.

When Hearing Dogs was 16 years old, Amanda Haynes, the London Vet Clinic’s superb manager qualified as an RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse). Twenty-eight years on here she is with Jenny at our Christmas Party last January. (Yes, working in veterinary medicine keeps you youthful!)

Keeping a medical facility running smoothly takes time and energy but if that were not enough Amanda wants to raise funds for Hearing Dogs by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, on double replacement hips.
Amanda’s husband will look after their son (Atlas), dog (Otter), cats (Onyx, and Mango), tortoises (Toby, Victor, Albert, and Nigel), bearded dragon (Mushu) and two axolotls (Jeffrey and Mavis) while she is away in October.

Hearing Dogs alert their partners to important sounds — doorbells, alarms, even a baby crying and, most importantly, help rebuild confidence and independence. Read more about their work at www.hearingdogs.org.uk

Amanda says, “I’m taking on this challenge to honour the incredible work of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and to celebrate how much can be achieved through compassion, resilience, and community support.

Standing at a breathtaking 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s highest free-standing mountains. The climb will push me both physically and mentally, but I’m determined to reach the summit not just for myself, but to raise vital funds for a cause I truly believe in.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward helping this charity continue to train and support dogs who change lives every single day.

Please support me on this journey by donating whatever you can. It will mean the world to me, but even more to those who will benefit from the amazing work of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Together, we can make a difference one step (and one paw!) at a time.
Thank you so much for your support 💜

Amanda

Ways to donate

Follow this link to Hearing Dogs to donate

Scan the QR code below

 

Or you can phone or pop in to buy raffle tickets

We know who invented
“A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”

Speaking of Hearing Dogs, one of the charity’s first Trustees was Clarissa Baldwin. 40 years ago, one of our neighbours was a charity called Dogs Trust. Clarissa Baldwin became its CEO and turned a good organisation into a great one.

Clarissa has done wonders for dog welfare. At a time when most animal charities were run by retired military men or ex politicians. Clarissa broke the mould. She showed that it’s possible to be a woman, be a successful fashion model, take charge of a decent local organisation and turn it into the world’s best.

Clarissa’s memoir has just been published. Order a copy HERE.

Dolly makes us feel better too
when we arrive at York Street

Look at this picture of Dolly Bains in Reception and you can understand why so many Google reviews say what a pleasure it is to know Dolly is looking after them.

People often ‘test drive’ a variety of professions before finding the one they really enjoy. Dolly’s first career was dental nursing but then she discovered how satisfying it is to help people and pets. We thought she was teasing us when she explained that her siblings are Polly, Holly, Bobby, Robby and Tobby. But they are! Three cheers for a family that understands fun.

 

Until next month, enjoy the summer
Bruce and the York Street Team