Education 'could reduce the number of dogs in the shelter'

Wednesday 27 December 2017

Reading up on how to take care of a pup before taking the leap is vital in giving the right care and building a trusting relationship - and the Jersey Dog Forum has vowed to help educate new owners in 2018.

Carla and Jess are the ladies behind the Jersey Dog Forum - a nearly 6,000-strong online dog-loving community. They recently launched a website to make sure owners could easily access the information and advice shared on the Facebook page.

Amid a busy time of year - one has to make sure doggy treat bags are kept well-stocked - the pair took time to share their hopes and wishes for 2018 with Express.

Here's what they had to say...

"The Jersey Dog Forum - now affectionately known as “the JDF” - was founded as an educational group with the intent of making up to date, well-researched information available to dog owners.

Pictured: The JDF team enjoy a Christmas meal together.

"Those who know the admins will know that we are passionate about helping rescue dogs; however, our take is that rather than focusing on the dog in the shelter, this problem can be tackled by educating people before they have even gotten a dog, whether from a responsible breeder or a responsible rescue and then making sure that they have access to helpful information on how they might help their dog to live in a world full of confusing human rules and to work with their dog in a way that builds trusting relationships and promotes bonding from puppyhood or adoption right through to old age.

"In 2018, we will continue this focus and hope that the new website will make it easier to share good information (and be able to find it again) - thank you to those professionals who have contributed already! However, we are most excited about using it to build on the fantastic community spirit which has already benefited the island’s charities - both human and canine - to the tune of more than £12,000.

Pictured: 20 members from the Dog Forum took part in 'It's a knockout' and raised £7,000. the biggest amount among all teams.

"In September, 20 dog-loving strangers came together to raise money for young children by throwing themselves over obstacles and at Christmas, 40 of us piled into the Farmhouse for a Christmas dinner.

"In 2018, we hope to fill the place with dog lovers! Some amazing friendships have been made however new ‘strangers’ are always welcome to come along and help us achieve even more! We actually aren’t really big social media fans but if we are going to do it, we will do our best to do good with it. Here’s to 2018, dog ownership, friendships, giving, helping and supporting others!

"P.S. We hope Gulliver lives a long and happy life on the Minquiers since he's taken over the forum the last few days."