Clunk, click, every trip includes your dog

For many of us, a journey isn't complete without our dog by our side. Whether it's a quick trip to the shops, a visit to the park, or a family holiday, our four-legged friends are part of the family.

But there is one simple step that far too many people overlook.

Securing your dog in the car could save their life.

The image above tells a story in three parts.

In the first panel, everything feels normal. A happy dog sits on the back seat while its owner drives. It looks harmless because nothing has gone wrong.

Then comes the unexpected.

A driver brakes suddenly. In just a fraction of a second, an unrestrained dog becomes a projectile. Even at relatively low speeds, the force created in a collision can throw a dog forward with devastating consequences. They can suffer severe injuries, be thrown from the vehicle, or injure the people travelling with them.

No one sets out expecting to have an accident, but accidents happen every day.

The final panel shows the safest outcome. The dog is wearing a properly fitted travel harness that is securely attached to the vehicle. It remains protected, reducing the risk of serious injury and giving everyone in the car a better chance of walking away safely.

A correctly secured dog helps to:

• Protect your dog during sudden braking or a collision. 
• Prevent your dog from distracting the driver. 
• Reduce the risk of injury to passengers. 
• Stop your dog escaping onto a busy road after an accident. 
• Give emergency services safer access if they need to help. 
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Many people think, "It's only five minutes away."

The reality is that a large proportion of road accidents happen close to home. The distance doesn't matter. Every journey carries some level of risk, whether you're travelling one mile or one hundred.

A good quality travel harness should:

• Fit your dog comfortably without restricting breathing or movement. 
• Be crash tested where possible. 
• Attach securely using the vehicle's seat belt or approved anchor points. 
• Be adjusted correctly every time you travel. 
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Dogs can also travel safely in secured travel crates or crash-tested carriers, provided they are suitable for the dog's size and properly fixed inside the vehicle.

Our dogs trust us completely. They rely on us to keep them safe, whether we're at home, out walking, or on the road.

Before you start the engine, take a few extra seconds.

Clunk. Click. Every trip includes your dog.

That simple habit could mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Have you watched this? What are your thoughts on it?

My personal view, and not the view of our charity, is that the mother should have faced at least two very serious criminal charges. I don't feel that justice has been served.

Like many people, I believe charities should be sacrosanct. They should exist solely to help people, children, or animals, and the funds raised should be used only for charitable purposes.

Every time a case like this comes to light, it damages public trust in the charity sector. While the headlines may focus on one organisation or individual, the impact is felt across the sector, particularly by smaller charities that rely heavily on public goodwill and donations. These are often the organisations doing vital work in their communities and the ones that can least afford a loss of trust or funding.

Here’s what you can do to check a Charities legitimacy:

Check if the charity is registered

In England and Wales, genuine charities can usually be found on the official Charity Commission register https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission 

Scotland has its own register  https://www.oscr.org.uk/ 

A registered charity should be able to provide:

Its charity number

Its registered name

Information about its trustees and activities

Be aware that some legitimate community groups and charities with very low incomes may not be required to register, so lack of registration alone is not proof of fraud.

Be cautious of pressure tactics

Fraudulent fundraisers often:

Demand immediate donations

Claim there is an urgent emergency but provide little detail

Make donors feel guilty for not giving

Refuse to answer questions about how funds will be used

Legitimate charities welcome questions and understand that donors may wish to research before donating.

Look for transparency

A genuine charity should be able to explain:

What it does

Who it helps

How donations are used

Who runs the organisation

Many publish annual reports, accounts, and impact information.

Check contact details

Be wary if:

The organisation only has a social media page

There is no physical address or contact telephone number

Messages come from personal accounts rather than official charity channels

The website appears recently created or poorly maintained

Watch for unusual payment requests

Red flags include requests to:

Transfer money to a personal bank account

Send cash through money transfer services

Donate using gift cards or cryptocurrency when this is not part of the charity's normal fundraising methods

Verify fundraising appeals

If you see an appeal shared online:

Visit the charity's official website directly rather than clicking links in posts

Check that the appeal appears on their official channels

Confirm the fundraiser has permission to raise money on the charity's behalf

Review financial information

For registered charities, check:

Recent accounts

Annual returns

Trustee information

This information is available through the Charity Commission register. Trust your instincts

Take extra care if:

The story sounds exaggerated or inconsistent

The fundraiser cannot provide evidence of the work being done

The organisation avoids questions

Something simply does not feel right

Positive signs of a genuine charity:

Clear mission and objectives

Transparent finances

Named trustees or directors

Regular updates about its work

Established contact details

Registration with relevant regulators where required

Willingness to answer questions about its activities and finances

No single sign proves a charity is fraudulent, but several warning signs together should prompt further checks before donating.

Talk to others if you have concerns, and see whether there are any Facebook groups or online discussions about the charity. However, take what you read with a healthy dose of skepticism. Every charity, whether genuine or fraudulent, is likely to have disgruntled former supporters, volunteers, staff members, or beneficiaries who may have their own reasons for speaking out.

Ask questions and look for evidence. Don't base your opinion solely on what others say. Consider the source of the information and ask yourself why someone is making a particular claim. What evidence do they have? What might they gain from saying it?

Unfortunately, there are also fraudsters who pose as legitimate charities to obtain money, goods, or other items of value. This makes it even more important to do your research before donating or supporting an organisation.

But please don’t let this put you off helping other in need, a genuine charity can make a world of difference to a person or animal in need.

In recent years, the future of pet ownership has taken a bleak turn as costs surge and financial strains intensify. According to reports, veterinarians' prescriptions have spiked by as much as 150%, while the prices of essential pet medications have climbed by approximately 26%. These staggering increases, though variable, paint a troubling picture for pet owners grappling with the rising cost of keeping their beloved companions healthy.

One pet owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed the distressing reality of escalating medication costs. What was once an £85 prescription has now ballooned to £120, reflecting a stark 41% surge. This substantial hike for just one medication for one pet underscores the challenges faced by owners with multiple pets or those requiring multiple medications. The looming question arises: what options remain when the financial burden becomes insurmountable?

The dire situation prompts pet owners to contemplate distressing scenarios. Some may sacrifice their own well-being to ensure their pets receive necessary care, while others confront the heart-breaking decision of euthanasia—an emotionally taxing process entailing additional costs for the procedure and removal of the animal's remains. Alternatively, relinquishing pets to shelters becomes a last resort, though overcrowded facilities already grapple with an influx of surrenders, including those bred under cruel conditions.

Moreover, the cost of basic necessities such as pet food has soared, exacerbating financial woes for struggling owners. Sainsbury's wet dog food, for instance, has seen a staggering 112% increase over the span of a year—from 40p to 85p—an unsustainable rise for many households. With dog insurance premiums doubling in some cases, the prospect of obtaining adequate coverage diminishes, leaving owners vulnerable in times of crisis.

Beyond medical expenses and sustenance, ancillary costs such as flea treatments, grooming services, boarding fees, and licensing charges compound the financial strain. Even supplies like cat litter and poo bags witness marked price hikes, further burdening pet owners already stretched thin.

As the spectre of financial hardship looms over pet owners, urgent questions arise: What recourse exists for those unable to afford essential care? How can the escalating costs of pet ownership be curbed to ensure the well-being of beloved companions?

In the face of these challenges, a call to action resonates within the pet ownership community. Advocacy for accessible veterinary care, government support for struggling pet owners, and responsible breeding practices emerge as potential avenues for mitigating the crisis. Yet, without concerted efforts to address the root causes of rising costs, the future of pet ownership remains shrouded in uncertainty, casting a sombre shadow over the bond between humans and their faithful companions.

Our mission is to provide assistance to as many individuals and their pets as possible throughout the South Wales region. However, our operational expenses have risen, while donations have declined, and the demand for our services has reached unprecedented levels. Given the unsustainable increase in costs for both our supporters and their pets, we find it unfair to seek additional donations from them. Therefore, we are reaching out to our supporters to inquire whether they are aware of any funding opportunities through their employers or connections to potential grantors who could assist us. Any assistance or introductions to potential sources of funding would be greatly appreciated as we strive to continue our vital work in supporting pets and their owners in need.

1. Heatwaves Are Dangerous: Dogs can quickly suffer from heatstroke and dehydration during heatwaves. It’s essential to be extra vigilant about their well-being during these periods.

2. Stay Hydrated: Always ensure there is plenty of fresh, cool water available. Dogs can get dehydrated rapidly, so monitor their water intake closely. But don't over hydrate as this can also cause problems.

3. Indoor Comfort: During heatwaves, keep dogs indoors where it’s cooler. Air conditioning, fans, and well-ventilated spaces help maintain a comfortable environment.

4. Avoid Peak Heat: Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. Avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day.

5. Hot Surfaces Burn: Asphalt, concrete, and sand can become extremely hot and burn your dog’s paws. Test the surface with your hand before letting your dog walk on it.

6. Provide Shade: Ensure your dog has access to shaded areas both indoors and outdoors. Shade helps prevent overheating when your dog is outside.

7. Cooling Options: Offer cooling options such as wet towels, cooling mats, or a shallow kiddie pool where your dog can lie down and cool off.

8. Limit Physical Activity: Reduce exercise and playtime during heatwaves. Overexertion can lead to overheating and dehydration.

9. Grooming Helps: Regular brushing can help remove excess fur and keep your dog cooler. However, consult your vet before shaving, as some fur types offer natural protection against the sun.

10. Watch for Signs of Overheating: Look for symptoms like excessive panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, and lethargy. These can indicate overheating or heatstroke.

11. Special Care for Vulnerable Breeds: Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs) and older or overweight dogs are more prone to overheating. They require extra care and monitoring during heatwaves.

12. Keep Cool Water Available for Play: If your dog enjoys water, let them play with a sprinkler or in a shallow pool to help them stay cool and hydrated.

13. Avoid Car Rides: Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time. Temperatures inside cars can soar within minutes, posing a deadly risk.

14. Use Cooling Vests or Bandanas: Special cooling vests or bandanas designed for dogs can help regulate their body temperature during outdoor activities. In very high temperatures beware of cooling mats retaining heat, pop them in the freezer for 5 minutes to cool them down, but don't freeze them.

15. Know Your Dog’s Limits: Every dog is different. Age, weight, breed, and health conditions affect how well a dog can handle heat. Be mindful of your dog’s specific needs and limitations during heatwaves. Teach your children to respect your dog in the heat, humans aren't the only ones to become a little techy due to being to hot!

By understanding and addressing these aspects, you can help ensure your dog stays safe, comfortable, and healthy during heatwaves.