Merseyside dog lovers urged to take part in 'im paw tent' survey

THE Dogs Trust Merseyside is calling on local dog lovers to take part in the biggest ever nationwide survey to help dogs and owners of the future.

The 2023 National Dog Survey will help the charity better understand the UK's estimated 13 million strong pooch population and the part dogs play in their owners' lives, shaping the support the charity offers to canine companions and their families.

This will be the 2nd time the Dogs Trust has called on dog owners to provide feedback about their furry friends, after the inaugural National Dog Survey was launched 2 years ago.

Over 350,000 people completed the 2021 National Dog Survey, and the charity is hoping for an even bigger response this year. Following the 2021 survey, Dogs Trust has created new services to help the nation's dog owners; including cost of living support, Reactive Dog Classes, and a new, free to access, Behavioural Support Line.

Staffed by specialist Behaviour Support Line Officers equipped with a range of behaviour qualifications and expertise; including:- animal behaviour degrees, dog behaviour accreditations, and hands on experience; the support line has already helped thousands of owners and their previously problematic pups.

Georgina Lowery, Dogs Trust Merseyside Manager, said:- "Over 350,000 people responded to our first National Dog Survey, giving us a real insight into how people care for their dogs here in the UK. We've since used all that we learnt to launch new services providing tangible support to dogs and their owners, including our Behaviour Support Line, helping them to tackle behaviour-related issues before they turn into real problems. What owners tell us through the National Dog Survey this year will again shape the future services provided by Dogs Trust so we can continue to support the nation's dogs and their owners."

The 2023 National Dog Survey is open until 18 June 2023, and covers topics including behaviour, breed information and how people like to interact with their 4-legged friends.

The survey can be completed online at:- NationalDogSurvey.Org.UK, and takes around 10 minutes to complete.

Georgina added:- "We want to build a complete picture of what dog ownership looks like today and ensure we can provide dog owners with the support they need. The 2023 National Dog Survey only takes 10 minutes, and it couldn't be easier to fill in. So, whether you complete it while having a cuppa, waiting for the bus, or on your lunch break, you will be making a real positive impact on the lives of dogs and humans."

For more information and to take part in the National Dog Survey, visit:- NationalDogSurvey.Org.UK. The closing date is 18 June 2023.
 

From 'merci' to 'miaow', Helen finds the purrfect 2nd career

WIRRAL based Helen Mulloy (50) has given up a 26 year career in teaching to start up her own business, The Cat Butler (Wirral), caring for pampered cats in the area when their owners are at work or away on holiday.

Until recently Helen was the head of languages at a local Secondary School, but starting this week, in a premium alternative to a cattery, Helen will be visiting cats while their owners away from home across the Wirral in:- Birkenhead, Prenton, Wallasey, Hoylake, West Kirby, Greasby, Heswall, Bromborough and Bebington.

After a long teaching career, ending as head of the foreign languages department, Helen, who has 5 cats herself, has found the purrfect 2nd career providing a premium cat care service with her brand-new business.

Helen Mulloy  said:- "Leaving teaching after 26 years was always going to be a big wrench, but I knew I wanted the chance to have a 2nd career and owning my own business was something that has always appealed to me."

As many cats don't do well in catteries, Helen's premium service involves visiting cats up to 3 times a day in their own homes to ensure they are fed, get as much affection as they want, and that their litter tray is regularly emptied. Additionally, she will provide a 'light touch' security service by checking over the house, watering plants, putting out bins and opening and closing curtains, giving the home a 'lived-in' look while their owners are away. For added peace of mind, Helen is fully insured and Pet First Aid qualified, meaning she can administer general medication and injections to cats suffering from diabetes.

Helen explains:- "We aren't called The Cat Butler for nothing. I will literally be waiting hand and foot on the cats in my care. My husband and I haven't been able to go on holiday for years because we didn't want to put our cats into a cattery, so I totally understand my client's fears about leaving their fur babies. The Cat Butler is going to offer them the service I wish I could have found for my cats, giving them complete peace of mind while they are away. Part of my service is also to send back regular photos and videos to their owners so they can see for themselves that they are happy and healthy, allowing them to fully relax on their holiday or at work. I have had a very rewarding career to date as a languages teacher but now I am looking forward to swapping conjugating French and German verbs for giving belly rubs every day. Less 'merci' and more miaow!"

If you would like to know more about the Cat Butler (Wirral), you can visit her website, or drop her an email Wirral@TheCatButler.Co.UK.