Dogs Trust Merseyside staff care for abandoned mum and 12 pups

OVER the last few weeks, staff at Dogs Trust Merseyside have been kept busy caring for a mum and her 12 puppies who were found abandoned in a property in Liverpool. 2 year old American Bulldog, Tara, and her 12 puppies were found alone by the property's landlord after the tenant moved out. After being taken to a local vet by the landlord, they were brought to Dogs Trust by the local dog warden. The staff at the charity's Merseyside Rehoming Centre sprang into action to take care of the mum and her litter of 6 boys and 6 girls. Despite their worrying ordeal, the dogs are thriving after receiving lots of love and attention by the Dogs Trust team. Thanks to this care, the 12 puppies have all been reserved and will soon be on their way to their forever homes.

Georgina Lowery, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside, said:- "Tara and her pups are real troopers as they have had such a tough start in life but have been doing so well in kennels. It's always heart-breaking to see a mum and her young pups come to us like this, but when we hear the pitter and patter of tiny paws, we're on hand to give them the TLC they deserve. It's so unusual to have such a large litter come through and they've absolutely melted our hearts. It'll be hard to say goodbye to these little bundles of joy, but we'll be safe in the knowledge that new owners will help them grow into large loveable dogs."

Sadly, mum of the pups, Tara has had her ears cropped. Ear cropping is illegal in the UK and Dogs Trust do not believe ear cropping is acceptable. The Government is currently consulting on their proposals to ban the import of dogs with cropped ears, plans which Dogs Trust support. The charity is urging the Government to go further and ban the sale of dogs in the UK which have undergone these procedures.

Georgina added:- "Tara is a great mum and is doing really well. She's currently getting some TLC from centre staff and we are hopeful she too will soon be ready to find a forever home where she can get the love she deserves".

Dogs Trust encourages anyone who is unable to care for their dog to come forward and talk to them. Last year the charity received 50,000 enquiries from owners struggling to care for their dogs. The Dogs Trust team can provide help and support for struggling owners, and in cases where owners do need to rehome their dogs, they can do this in a way that ensures the dog's needs are met.

If you would like to find out more about rehoming any of the dogs at Dogs Trust Merseyside, please go to:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.

North West Puddle Jumping Championships

GRAB your big coat, put on your wellies, and join WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre for the returning North West Puddle Jumping Championships this February Half Term. From the 11 February, until 19 February 2023, Martin Mere in Lancashire is welcoming families for the annual puddle jumping competition as they search for who can make the biggest splash! Daily winners will be announced every day throughout the half term, with each winner winning a splash tastic prize.

Families are advised to arrive early to enjoy everything on offer, including:- the practice zones set up to help entrants perfect their splashing techniques before the 2:30pm competition.

Those attending can also head towards the pond pavilion from 11:30am to make their own mini-raft and warm up in the craft room between 12pm and 3pm making badges, colouring and creating a mini wetland. With lots more on offer, such as daily wild bird feeds, swan health checks and GIANT LEGOŽ figures, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Nick Brooks, Centre Manager at WWT Martin Mere said:- "We know children love splashing around in puddles, and what better season to do this than now? Our popular puddle jumping event is perfect, come rain or shine. Whilst visiting, families will be able to explore our wetlands and see amazing species such as our Asian short clawed otters, geese, swans, flamingos and ducks. They can even delve deep into our ponds and discover creepy crawlies such as nymphs, water boatmen and dragonflies".

To find out more about the North West Puddle Jumping Championships, visit the WWT Martin Mere website.