Human-Animal Bond Day
The dog was the first animal to be domesticated by our early relatives. Cave paintings dating back over 9,000 years show humans hunting with dogs highlighting how our relationship is one that has built slowly, but surely, over time as we’ve evolved epigenetically together.
Understanding the Human-Animal Bond
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals, no matter the species, but dogs are coined as man’s best friend. The ‘bond’ is defined by behaviours considered essential to the health and well-being of both, built between people and their dogs by understanding the mental, physical and social health of both parties.
When the balance is right, the sky’s the limit to build this bond, which can be likened to ‘an invisible elastic band’. It’s like an energy that acts like indelible ink. Literally until ‘death do us part’. Like all relationships, the one between you and your dog takes time, patience and understanding but above all the appreciation that your dog is not a little person in a furry suit.
The Unique Bond We Have With Our Pets
Dogs are their own ‘people’, they are sentient, and hugely emotionally intelligent, but should not be considered as a comfort blanket, but as beings with their own thoughts, expectations and needs. As every dog is a unique individual, even the most experienced dog owners can face challenges, yet when the ‘path of true love’ may not be smooth, this can develop into the strongest bond!
Truly appreciating the life-long commitment that the human-animal bond deserves is especially poignant in today’s climate with ‘rescues’ globally full to the brim of unwanted dogs. What’s become apparent in the pandemic years is that many dogs were purchased in haste, perhaps not fully appreciating the commitment that dogs really are. Or the fact that very often our ‘human’ messages can get lost in translation, namely because we wrongly assume dogs understand speech and don’t think like humans.
I like to use the playing a game of ‘fetch’ as an example. It can become the perfect reciprocal experience when the dog brings the ball back to you, it’s fun and triggers happy hormone release – both ways. But so often it becomes a different game – where owners are chasing after their dog, who has the ball, without a recall in place, which is creating frustration and stress for the human and the dog. Research from the Royal Vet College earlier this year revealed concurs that stress-related behaviours are still afflicting a generation of dogs born into the pandemic. Over 40 % of dogs suffered from fear and anxiety, 77% showed attention-seeking behaviours, and 25% showed aggression. And a whopping 52% have no recall and 67% still pull on the lead.
Anna’s Bond with Her Dogs
Despite 15 years prior bull terrier experience, and a love of the breed billed as ‘untrainable’, my own 9-year-old mini bull terrier, Prudence, was diagnosed as both noise and touch-sensitive as a puppy. However, by understanding her limitations, and how to desensitise her gradually, we’ve strengthened our relationship by working together building mutual trust and teamwork in all manner of contexts and situations.
With Mr Binks my 12 ½ year old re-homed English Toy Terrier, his journey has been nothing less than transformative. Over the past decade, he’s turned into my ‘wingman’. But this took time as he lacked confidence due to his degenerative bone condition, combined with a lack of early socialisation.
He’s testimony to the effects of a good diet, wellness, training, socialisation, and pushing his boundaries. With over a decade of experiences shared, I feel like I have done him proud and vice versa.
Benefits of Having a Good Bond
When the human /animal bond is working in harmony science concurs on the many health benefits, namely in relieving stress. A relaxing human-animal bond acts on the adrenal and other corticosteroid hormones including reducing blood pressure and heart rates.
A study on the effects of human-animal interaction on the level of salivary cortisol in shelter dogs found that contact with humans was associated with the shelter dogs’ lower cortisol levels. For people, the psychological stimulation induced by the presence of an animal and its need for care encourages self-care and reduces psychosomatic problems.
Perhaps at the nub of the Human-animal bond is Oxytocin release. The oxytocinergic system has been linked directly to many of the observed psychological effects of human-animal interaction. It promotes being social, bonding, and stress relief. It slows down heart rate, reduces blood pressure, calms breathing, inhibits stress hormones, and promotes a sense of calm, comfort and focus.
Interestingly studies have demonstrated that oxytocin levels are increased in dogs interacting with their owners but not with strangers!
About the Author – Anna Webb
As a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years of experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr. Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk \
From the Streets of Cyprus to the Silver Screen – Bobby The Rescue Dog
Today we are highlighting Bobby’s story and his extraordinary journey from the streets of Cyprus to a star of the big screen. He is now a bonafide film star, having appeared in a blockbuster movie alongside Hollywood royalty.
Where His Journey Begins
Bobby’s story begins in Cyprus, where he was found wandering the streets, hungry and alone. He was a typical street dog, underweight and covered in scars – clues that he had been mistreated. Two years ago, he was rescued by a local charity, Rehoming Cyprus Dogs. Immediately spotting his potential, the charity contacted Julie Tottman, a Hollywood Animal Trainer. Julie has trained many animals for huge hits like the Harry Potter series, Mamma Mia and Casino Royale.
Bobby’s ability to learn and natural skill makes him so easy to work with. He picks up the acting and thrives doing it. The sheer gratitude of a rescue animal makes them perfect onscreen partners.
The Big Screen and Beyond
Bobby, despite not being a Dalmatian, won over Disney casting agents with his shaggy fur and adorable personality. He landed the lead role alongside Emma Stone in the movie “Cruella” as her character’s sidekick. It’s rumoured that Emma Stone was so fond of Bobby that she wrote him a thank-you letter for being such a loyal sidekick.
More recently, Bobby has appeared in the highly anticipated “House of the Dragon,” the prequel to the iconic series “Game of Thrones.” In one scene, Cheese, the twisted ratcatcher, is shown kicking poor little Bobby. Fans were upset by the treatment of Bobby, but the show’s actors reassured fans that he was treated like royalty on set and that the kick was purely acting.
A Symbol of Hope
Bobby’s journey from a stray dog to a celebrated film star is a testament to the potential rescue dogs everywhere. His story is a powerful reminder that every dog deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Here at Wild at Heart Foundation, we believe that every dog deserves a loving home and a chance at true happiness.
We are unwavering in our support for rescue efforts, and with your help, we will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of stray dogs worldwide.
Please help us to continue our mission by donating.
Staycation with success!
With over four million dogs acquired in the past four years, it’s no surprise that ‘dog-friendly’ is responsible for over 7,000 searches a month for holiday cottages and Airbnb’s.
Apart from cost saving on dog sitters, or boarding kennels, holidaying with your dog is about building memories and maximising the time you spend together. Successful ‘holidays’ are about preparation, planning, desensitisation and training. Not least appreciating how your dog could react to new experiences in hot temperatures, and why stress can promote dehydration and heatstroke.
Preparation for a Successful Dog-Friendly Staycation
Many dogs four years old or younger haven’t benefitted from enough early and proactive socialisation due to pandemic restrictions, so it’s important to prepare your pooch for staycationing to minimise stress both ways. Understanding that your dog doesn’t know that they’re going on a ‘holiday’ is important. You don’t know what your dog is thinking, and being conscious of the impact of stressful situations on your pooch that you take for granted. By practicing all your training in advance of your departure will re-ignite the bond with your dog, and help you and your dog navigate new experiences more confidently. A trained dog is a happy dog and makes for happier families in the knowledge you have a set of skills to tap into. This means focusing your pooch and guiding them to appreciate the new sights, sounds and smells of your destination.
If your pooch is nervous going to new places, cafés, and pubs, spend time desensitising and counter-conditioning your dog before your holiday, it’s never too late to make improvements, and you can train an old dog new tricks! I like to make staycations home from home, taking your dog’s bedding, favourite toys, treats, chews and their regular food all help minimise stress by being ‘familiar’.
Any experience in a new environment will heighten your dog’s stress levels, and in summer there’s always a risk of overheating (even on a cloudy day) as anxiety creates raised cortisol levels, which increase a dog’s body temperature and their thirst.
Managing Stress and Heat on Your Staycation
Oftentimes when dogs are getting too hot, they will refuse to drink. This is their instinct kicking in as they associate drinking with peeing, which means they would lose body fluids. To prevent any risk of this happening, always take fresh water with you and I pack bone broth in a cooler bag. Like an isotonic drink, bone broth is packed with electrolytes and minerals, along with its meaty flavour and smell, which will get your dog drinking and hydrate him more quickly than water alone.
Plan all your travel and excursions around the heat of the day. So early morning or later in the day is ideal. Factor in plenty of comfort breaks and choose services with grassy areas, rather than concrete or tarmac which can burn dogs’ paw pads. Small dogs tend to run hotter than bigger dogs as they have faster metabolisms. Older dogs, flat-faced breeds, and black-coated pooches will also be at a higher risk of heat stroke.
Be aware that your dog’s body temperature is always two degrees Centigrade hotter than ours, with normal levels between 38.3 – 39.2 degrees Centigrade. When a dog’s temperature hits 40 degrees Centigrade they’re at risk of heatstroke and death. This can take effect very quickly. Even in a stationary vehicle, parked in the shade with the windows open, it can be fatal in under 10 minutes.
Taking Care of Your Dog’s Needs
Depending on where you’re staying or how long you’ll be away, needn’t mean compromising on your dog’s meals. A change of diet and different drinking water can trigger tummy upsets, in both people and dogs, so I will take my own filtered water, and I advise using bottled water only to err on the side of caution.
Be prepared and take a basic first aid kit with you to help with insect bites and stings. Also, practice making a bandage in the event of a cut or a grazed paw pad. Research a local vet practice where you’ll be staying just in case of an emergency situation.
About the Author – Anna Webb
As a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years of experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr. Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk
How to Keep Your Dog Cool, & Beat the ‘Summertime Blues’
Unlike people, dogs can’t regulate their body temperature by removing clothing or wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Dogs can only ‘lose heat’ through panting, or through their paw pads. A dog’s body temperature is naturally two degrees hotter than ours between 38-39 degrees Celcius, they can reach ‘boiling’ point, 40 degrees Celcius, very quickly.
Signs Your Dog is Too Hot
Signs that your dog could be over-heating can be a combination of excessive panting, restlessness, drooling, lethargy, collapse or vomiting, excessive thirst and either bright red or dark red gums.
Interestingly another sign is refusing to drink. This is because a dog’s natural instinct kicks in, and to prevent urinating and losing fluids. They are pre-programmed not to drink to conserve fluids. In this instance tempting your dog with some super hydrating bone broth can work a treat. Packed with electrolytes, minerals and vitamins as well as plenty of water, it has an ‘isotonic’ effect. Similarly, coconut water works in a similar way, but for me ’bone broth’ is more species-appropriate.
Remember that puppies and older dogs are the most vulnerable and that dark-coated dogs absorb the sunlight faster than paler-coated dogs.
How to Prevent Your Do Getting Too Hot
It’s our ‘duty of care’ to ensure that our precious pooches stay safe and cool. Take care not to walk your dog in the midday heat of the day, opting for early morning and evenings instead. Generally speaking, for walking the dog temperatures are ideally at a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius. Be mindful to avoid too much ‘aerobic’ exercise like ‘fetch’, instead go for a gentle stroll, perhaps practising some training like a sit or down stay in the shade. Avoid the sunny side of the street so dogs’ paw pads won’t ‘burn’ on concrete pavements. Always ‘be prepared’ and take cool water out with you in case of an emergency.
If you’re travelling in the car, plan your journey to avoid the hottest part of the day. Check how hot the ‘back seat or boot’ gets. Even with the air conditioning on full blast, it sometimes doesn’t adequately cool the back of a vehicle. Clip-on fans can be used, and the windows can be kept open slightly to allow for fresh circulating air. Plan your journey around regular comfort breaks for you and your pooch, and the chance to stretch and take in some sights, sounds and smells.
Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle, even in the shade on a scorching day!!! A car turns into a greenhouse, and dogs tip into heat stroke in only five to 10 minutes, causing a terrible death where organ failure takes hold.
Missing One Walk Won’t Harm Your Dog
If temperatures go over 30 degrees Celsius, maximise your home and garden rather than risk the ‘outdoors’. There are so many cooling vests, mats, and bandanas to help keep dogs cool. Plus, a dog-friendly paddling pool is an investment and fun garden feature. Also, make sure your garden has a shady spot for your dog to chill. Indoors, invest in a fan, and add ice cubes to a water bowl. Positioning this in front of the fan allows for cooler air to circulate.
For Summertime enrichment why not stuff an interactive toy with a banana, freeze and serve as a homemade sorbet? Make ‘ice pops’ from bone broth or Kefir water and keep your freezer stocked up to beat the ‘Summertime Blues.’
Check Out Anna’s Other Blogs
Protect Your Dog & Our Planet This Flea Season
About the Author – Anna Webb
As a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years of experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr. Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk
Spring Hazards to Watch Out for with Your Dog
Did you know that May is National Walking Month?
This is the perfect time of year to explore new trails and soak in the beauty of spring with your dog. However, with the change in season comes a new set of potential Spring hazards that dog owners should be aware of.
Ticks and Fleas
Spring is prime time for ticks and fleas to become more active. These pests can cause a range of problems, from skin irritation to serious diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. After each walk, check your dog’s coat, ears, and paws for any signs of ticks or fleas, and remove them promptly.
Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies during the spring. Pollen, grass, and other environmental allergens can cause itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. If you notice your dog exhibiting these symptoms, consult your local vet. Wiping down your dog’s paws and coat after walks can help reduce exposure to allergens.
Plants and Flowers
Spring brings an explosion of new growth, but some plants and flowers can be toxic to dogs. Keep an eye out for common toxic plants such as azaleas, daffodils, and lilies. If you’re unsure about a specific plant, it’s best to avoid it. Consider bringing a dog-friendly plant identification app on your walks to ensure you’re aware of any hazards.
Increased Traffic
With the nicer weather, more people are out and about, leading to increased traffic on roads and trails. Always keep your dog on a lead, especially near busy roads. Reflective gear and LED collars can improve visibility during early morning or evening walks. It’s also a good idea to refresh your dog’s recall training to ensure they respond promptly to commands.
Lawn Chemicals
Many people use fertilisers and pesticides in the spring to help their lawns flourish. These chemicals can be harmful to dogs if ingested or if they encounter treated areas. Be cautious when walking through residential areas and avoid lawns that have signs indicating chemical treatment. If you suspect your dog has come into contact with harmful chemicals, wash their paws and contact your vet.
Snakes and Wildlife
As the weather gets warmer, snakes like grass snakes, adders, and smooth snakes, as well as other wildlife, become more active. Depending on your location, you may encounter snakes or other potentially dangerous animals. Keep your dog on a lead and stick to well-trodden paths to minimize the risk of encounters. If you do encounter a snake, back away slowly and give it plenty of space.
Spring is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy nature with your dog, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential hazards that come with the season. By taking a few precautions and staying vigilant, you can ensure that your spring walks are safe and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Happy National Walking Month, and here’s to many more safe and happy walks!
Protect Your Dog & Our Planet This Flea Season
Fleas and ticks are a common nuisance for our pets and can sometimes even be an inherent risk for your pooch. It is important to prepare your dog for this time of year to preserve their health and prevent an infestation.
Those Pesky Fleas
When biting bugs ‘spring’ into action, we’re advised to apply an insecticide on dogs’ necks to prevent any risk of fleas, yet such topical applications don’t prevent fleas from jumping on your pooch for a quick snack. Whilst one flea will only bite once, in some ‘allergenic’ dogs just one bite from a flea can trigger an eruption of flea dermatitis. This is a nasty allergic reaction that becomes deep-rooted if not treated, with a vicious cycle being created between the symptom and the cause. The irony is that fleas jump on and off your dog, they predominantly live and breed in your garden, in your home furnishings, carpets, in your wardrobes, and even in your car. In fact 90% of fleas will be in your environment, not on your dog!
Treatment Plans – Can They Be Improved?
We’re living in a world where monthly ‘subscriptions’ are a business model, and vet practices have optimised such packages, encouraging monthly insecticide treatments as a precautionary solution to fleas. Yet in many other countries, especially in Scandinavia, vets are prohibited from selling treatments unless the dog actually has fleas. Then a prescription is prescribed to obtain the insecticide at a pharmacy. The mantra is to #TestBeforeYouTreat, which scientists at Imperial College London are urging British vets to adopt this approach, at least assess the risk to benefit of monthly application following shocking evidence that insecticides only used on pets are polluting British rivers.
The Environmental Impact of Flea Treatments
The insecticides used in these flea products flow down household drains when pet owners wash their hands after applying the treatment. Vet guidelines advise that pet owners should not touch their animals until the application site is dry, but the Sussex-Imperial research, which was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, shows that pollution lasts for the product’s entire duration of action, which is at least one month, potentially even longer. Wastewater from sewage treatment works is a leading source of fipronil and imidacloprid pollution in rivers, with concentrations exceeding safe limits for wildlife. With drastic implications for wildlife, as the pesticides contained within the flea treatments can harm fish and invertebrates that live in waterways.
Both Fipronil and imidacloprid are widely used in flea treatments, which are typically applied to the back of the pet’s neck once a month, but no longer approved for use in outdoor agriculture. Imidacloprid belongs to a group of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, which affect pollinators. In fact, a teaspoon of Imidacloprid can kill 1.25 million bees! The paper from Imperial College London shows how domestic pet flea and tick treatments or Parasiticides, are largely overlooked, but are a potentially significant source of contamination polluting our waterways.
Responsible Flea Management
Scientists are urging vets to assess the risk to benefit of each animal, with certain single-house cats potentially never needing a treatment at all! Offering practical advice like recommending natural product alternatives and teaching owners to test for fleas with a piece of white paper and a flea comb! In the same way that we might apply a ‘mosquito’ repellent, there’s a raft of natural ‘sprays’, and shampoos, containing ‘anti-flea’ essential oils like lavender, rosemary and cedarwood.
On a bigger scale, these insecticides could be harmful to human health as until recently the impact of pet parasiticides has been considered ‘trivial in the grand scheme. But if pet owners get these insecticides on their hands, they are likely all over the home, and as yet the impact of such parasiticides has not been studied on human health!
Let’s continue to protect our pets from those pesky fleas whilst taking consideration for ourselves and the planet we live on.
About the Author – Anna Webb
As a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years of experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr. Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk
Celebrating Dogs in Film!
Could The FIDOS Rival The Oscars?
The cultural significance of dogs is ingrained into our heritage, from the Fine Art masters like Sir Edwin Landseer and Gainsborough whose paintings give us a view of dogs in the 1800’s. Many great Photographers from Man Ray to Richard Kalvar snapped timeless images that have captured dogs as man’s best friend through the 20th century.
What About Dogs in Film?
We all know about Lassie and Rin Tin Tin, and more recently the fame of Uggie, the Parsons Russel Terrier, who starred in the 2011 multi-award-winning comedy-drama – ‘The Artist’. Incredibly Rin Tin Tim earned more than Greta Garbo and saved Warner Brothers from bankruptcy in the early 1930’s – thanks to his box huge office takings. Marking his passing on August 10th 1932 and the huge loss to the silver screen the world stopped still for a minute’s silence. Despite this, he never received an Oscar.
Neither did Lassie, even though his co-star in ‘Lassie Come Home’, Elizabeth Taylor, famously said that Lassie was her best-ever co-star. The list of films is endless from Toto, the Cairn Terrier in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Turner and Hooch’, played by a Dogue de Bordeaux called Beasley, there’s Beethoven, Digby, White Fang, Haichi, and hundreds more – all these canines have stolen the show!
The FIDOS
When cinema journalist, Toby Rose, a massive dog lover founded the FIDOS, or For Incredible Dogs On Screen Awards, in 2007 and the Palm Dog Awards in 2001, he wanted to mirror 2 of the biggest award shows, The Oscars and The Palme d’Or at The Cannes Film Festival, but to celebrate the canine co-stars. Uggie, the star of ‘The Artist’, was rightfully awarded Best in Year at the 2011 FIDOS, acknowledging his talent.
The FIDOS are held on the same Sunday as The Oscars, and this year were staged at the British Film Institute for the first time. The red carpet was packed with a sparkling attendance of film critics, journalists, personalities, actors along with canine celebrities and influencers. As Toby explained: “Our 2024 event raised the ‘bark’ as it has been an extra special year because of the number of dogs in film from Barbie to Wonka to Napoleon. Plus, there’s been a trend of dogs starring alongside A-listers, from Tilda Swinton to Will Ferrell to Mark Wahlberg.
The panel of judges was highly qualified to choose which dogs deserved the bespoke collars designed by Creature Clothes. An impressive judging panel included Kaleem Aftab, film writer and head of international programming for Red Sea Film Festival: Peter Bradshaw, film critic for The Guardian; Rita Di Santo, FIPRESCI film critic; Wendy Mitchell, film journalist and author of Citizen Canine; Tim Robey, film critic for Daily Telegraph; Anna Smith, film critic, broadcaster and host of Girls On Film podcast; Joe Utichi, Executive Awards Editor at Deadline and Damon Wise, film Editor.
The Winners Were:
Mutt Moment: Anatomy of a Fall (dir. Justine Triet) – Messi, the Border Collie who played Snoop
Blockbuster Bowser: The Little Mermaid (dir. Rob Marshall) – Gary the Australian Labradoodle who played Max, the Old English Sheepdog
Rom Com Rover – Barbie (dir Greta Gerwig) – Sugar, a West Highland White Terrier
Historical Hound Napoleon (dir Ridley Scott) – Fortune, Josephine’s Pomeranian
Best In World: Anatomy of a Fall (dir. Justine Triet) – Messi, the Border Collie
The Oscars
There have even been indications that some of the lavish campaigning that has become a hallmark of the Oscars is starting to spill over into the FIDOS.
In February, Border Collie, Messi’s bid for the top award received a huge boost when he was flown to Los Angeles from his French home to mingle with Hollywood’s glitterati. Messi had lunch with Bradley Cooper and Billie Eilish, plaudits from Emma Stone and an encounter with Ryan Gosling that went viral online. Messi’s film role in Anatomy of a Fall as an assistance dog to a visually impaired boy who is the only witness to his father’s death includes a scene when Snoop, Messi’s character, almost dies. At one point Messi’s performance was so realistic that Ryan Gosling rushed over to help!
It begs the question, could The Oscars and The FIDOS converge?
About the Author – Anna Webb
As a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years of experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr. Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk
International Women’s Day – The Woman Who Rescues Stray Dogs
This International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate our wonderful female founder and her unstoppable determination to make the world a better place for dogs everywhere.
Nikki Tibbles, the driving force behind Wild at Heart Foundation with a mission to give the world’s stray dog population a better life! Her creativity and determination have not only helped Wild at Heart become a world-renowned florist, it’s also the reason Wild at Heart Foundation is the thriving, meaningful and committed charity we are today.
Our Female Founder
As a lifelong lover of dogs, growing up with dogs, and now being surrounded by the 4 four-legged loves of her life Nikki has made Wild at Heart Foundation her passion project and raison d’etre. In just a few short years, this incredible woman has transformed her personal passion project into a meaningful and truly life-changing venture. Since our inception in 2015, our work now extends across all corners of the globe, read more about our global project partners here. 2,026 dogs have found their forever homes, and 30,417 dogs have been sterilised, thus preventing the unwanted birth of millions of stray puppies. We have also been able to provide educational and financial support to many local communities and projects around the world to help them tackle the growing number of stray dogs in their areas.
There are not many who could face the hardships of global dog rescue, alongside running a 5-star, award-winning business. But for those who have met Nikki and have seen, first-hand, her passion, drive and commitment to making a difference in the lives of stray dogs worldwide. It will come as no surprise to learn just how much of her heart, soul, time, energy and money she has poured into making Wild at Heart Foundation the charity it is today.
The Women Behind Wild at Heart
Across Wild at Heart and the Foundation, you will find a predominantly female workforce, with women making up leadership positions, creative masterminds and dedicated dog lovers. Women play an integral role in driving both the company’s successes.
Wild at Heart Foundation, is driven by a small but mighty team of dog-loving women. Founded on the belief that every dog deserves love and compassion, this dedicated group works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals. It’s noteworthy that the dog rescue industry is predominantly women-led, reflecting the empathy, nurturing spirit, and dedication that women bring to this vital cause.
Let’s celebrate the women who rescue dogs this International Women’s Day!
Our Incredible Female Project Partners
We proudly support a diverse network of project partners, many of whom are remarkable women leading the charge in saving stray dogs around the world. These female project partners are on the front lines, braving challenges and working tirelessly to provide shelter, medical care, and love to dogs in need.
Their passion and resilience are inspiring, and we are honoured to collaborate with them in our shared mission to make the world a better place for animals. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of countless dogs, thanks to the dedication and compassion of these remarkable women.
Read our blog ‘Women Who Save Stray Dogs‘ to read more about the incredible women that we work with.
Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day and honouring the women who inspire us every day. Together, we can #InspireInclusion and create a more gender-balanced world.
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at Wild at Heart Foundation!
The Importance of Sterilisation – World Spay Day
75% of the global dog population are strays! Without intervention, 1 female dog and her litter of puppies could result in 67,000 more homeless dogs living on the streets in just 6 years!
Sterilisation remains the single most effective and compassionate method of controlling the growing stray dog population. We are delighted that sterilisation is such a key part of our mission. Since our inception, we have supported over 30,000 dog sterilisations as part of our global programmes.
The Sterilisation Process
Among the various animals that benefit from sterilisation, dogs stand out due to the bond we have with them and the increasing size of the stray dog population worldwide. Sterilisation, whether through spaying, for females, or neutering, for males, involves a surgical procedure aimed at preventing reproduction. While it may seem daunting or cruel, the process is routine and safe. There is minimal risk involved with this procedure. It contributes significantly to the overall health and wellbeing of our four-legged friends whilst helping to stop the cycle of stray dogs living on the streets worldwide.
Attitudes towards Sterilisation
Worldwide, there are many different cultures who in turn have their own opinions and attitudes towards sterilisation. In the Western world, sterilisation is widely accepted as a standard practice for responsible pet ownership, supported by accessible veterinary services, more financial freedom and advanced education campaigns.
However, in other cultures, there can be resistance or scepticism toward sterilisation. This can be due to cultural beliefs about the role of dogs, concerns about altering a natural process, limited access to veterinary care, and a lack of resources. In Mexico, stray puppies are being born at an unbelievable rate. This is due to a common thought that neutering a male dog takes away his masculinity. In rural Romania, there is a woeful lack of accessible veterinary care for dog owners, and the available clinics tend to focus on farm animals.
The Impact of Sterilisation
The impact that sterilisation can have extends far beyond individual dogs and reaches into broader societal realms. By preventing unplanned litters and the growth of the stray dog population, sterilisation addresses the root of the issue, thereby alleviating strain on animal welfare organisations, shelters and other resources. Moreover, in countries still suffering from disease, it contributes to public health. By reducing the risk of diseases transmitted through stray dogs, both humans, their communities, and animals alike will benefit.
Championing Animal Welfare
As we reflect on World Spay Day, we want to reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of dogs worldwide. Sterilisation is a crucial pillar of a mission and the only way of compassionately making the most impact on the growing stray dog population. We are committed to supporting our sterilisation partners and educating communities about the importance.
Sterilisation is the cornerstone of responsible pet ownership and offers health benefits for animals and the communities they live in. Together, we can create a world where every dog receives the care, compassion and respect that they deserve.
The Power of Music for Your Dog
Have you ever wondered about the effects that music can have on your dog? Just as for us, science concurs that certain tunes potentially are therapeutic to our pooches. Research proves that dogs that are given a varied playlist, emulating their heartbeat in tempo with higher frequencies is best. Dogs hearing is four times more acute than ours and they hear high and low frequencies that we can’t. Hence dogs’ noise sensitivity to triggers like smoke alarms and fireworks.
What Type of Music is Best for Your Dog?
Interestingly Reggae scored highly in a study by Glasgow University in 2017. The aim is to study the effect of genres of music on the stress levels of kennelled dogs. It revealed that dogs’ Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was significantly decreased, indicative of reduced stress, when dogs were played Reggae. The study also showed that dogs spent significantly more time lying down and much less time standing up when Reggae was played. As soft rock was also popular, the study showed that a variety of tracks and artists promoted auditory stimulation and reduced habituation. All the dogs appeared more relaxed with musical auditory enrichment. Reggae also offers the reassuring frequency of a heartbeat.
Adapting Music to Your Dog
Small dogs and puppies normally have heart rates of 120 to 160 BPM. Dogs over 15 kg have heart rates between 60 to 120 BPM. So, the larger your dog, the slower the normal heart rate, and vice versa for small dogs. Bearing this in mind, certain tracks might be more appropriate for your dog depending on the BPM’s of a particular song in its ability to offer the most calming ‘heartbeat’ effect. Various studies including a study from Switzerland in 2021 investigated the effect that the tempo or BPM had on dogs in kennels.
Interestingly playing low frequencies with harsh deep vocalisations like Heavy Metal increased the dogs’ arousal compared to high-pitched music. Possibly an understandable reaction considering that dogs generally communicate fear of a threat through low-pitched vocals like growling. Heavy metal tracks also reduce the dogs’ sleep quality according to the study, so perhaps it’s best to avoid playing your dog AC/DC!
Enriching Your Dog Through Music
Traditionally studies suggested that classical music with a low Bpm of 50-60 is proven to reduce stress, but after time, dogs become bored! Adding aural enrichment for dogs is easy and can help deflect from noise triggers outside, and help counter anxiety when home alone. Create a playlist that matches your dog’s heartbeat and BPM range, understanding that all dogs are individuals with a higher or lower sensitivity to sound. As stress is contagious from humans to dogs, any playlist must be as much of a personal experience for you, not only for your dog.
How Music Can Help with Nerves
Some dogs can suffer from nerves when travelling in the car. A playlist, that your dog has been carefully de-sensitised to, can provide comfort and reassurance in the car. By acclimatising your do to this compilation well in advance of travel, ideally in a pet carrier that will be in the car, you can help reduce the stress caused by travel. Don’t forget, it’s illegal to have your dog unrestrained in the car!!!
Start with the audio on low and build the volume gradually. Once this step is complete, transfer the dog, the pet carrier and the sounds to the car. Remain stationary, and at any point, your dog becomes stressed, (panting, lip-licking, barking), then stop! Repeat the next day, and keep training sessions short and positive. When your dog is happy in a stationary vehicle turn on the engine, and repeat. The final stage is to go for short varied drives and build gradually. Always have fresh air ventilation and plenty of water in your car – a calm dog makes for a calm human and vice versa!
Remember! Never leave your dog in a stationary vehicle for fear of dog theft, and in summer months overheating and death.
About the Author – Anna Webb
As a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years of experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr. Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk