One Week On

Last week was an exciting point in the journey my dogs have taken me on since adopting Susie-Belle in August 2011. Twinkle, Cerise, Renae and Susie-Belle were on the telly!

Back in November we spent the day filming for a slot on Britain’s Favourite Dogs, a popular TV show hosted by Ben Fogle and Sara Cox and watched by a few million viewers. For me it was a prime opportunity to talk not only about schnauzers – who came in at number 12 of 100 breeds on the night – but more importantly puppy farming and Schnauzerfest.

I was heartened to see the total inspiration for Schnauzerfest – Susie-Belle – being given a prime spot on the show. It’s in her memory that I do all I can to educate about the industry which caused her such harm. Puppy farming is a terrible blight on our society and to have the efforts of everyone who makes Schnauzerfest work, feature within the context of an appealing TV show was a proud moment. It brought Susie-Belle to life once again and for a lot of viewers it was the first time seeing the enormous impact on many that she still has, 3 years on from her death.

I’m very thankful to everyone who makes Schnauzerfest the vibrant, effective movement for good that it now is. Through it, we raise awareness, we raise funds and we directly transform the lives of dogs like Susie-Belle. We’ve had an incredibly positive and engaged response from an astonishing number of people following the programme. Many finding us for the first time, lots wanting to get involved and pledging support for Schnauzerfest and all it stands for.I coudn’t have hoped for better when I agreed to be involved with the show last year.

The big Schnauzerfest weekend in October (12-13) is going to be exciting and it could not be a better timed moment for DBARC, the small rescue we support. They’re currently caring for 9 dogs saved from puppy farms, most of whom will need eye surgery to restore their vision and multiple other interventions. All have varying cases of tumours, infections, parasite infestations, rotten mouths and bad ears. Plus the pernicious emotional wounds inflicted by being kept in breeding facilities.You can read about Mila here, newly arrived and in serious need of the expert care DBARC provide.

For these dogs, they are safe, secure and will receive all they need before moving into new homes in due course. And getting to live the lives they should always have had. It is for them that I spoke last week on television, and for whom I will keep on speaking up until the industry changes its nasty, cruel ways.