Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare News


Greetings
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a very Healthy New Year. We would like to thank all who have rehomed a Stafford and given them a second chance. Also a big thank you to the many donations we receive which all helps with the never ending call for vets bills. I personally would like to thank John & Gwen Laker, Alison & David Oakden, Pauline Dellaware, Val & Stu Mann, Norma Vann & Helen Treece, Barbara Green, Kay Hamilton & all their helpers, without their hard work there would be many more Staffords needing help.
Welfare would like to extend Christmas greetings to Battersea Cat & Dog Shelter, Discover Dogs for helping the many Staffords that are needing help in some way. Also to Jean & Peter Loughborough for doing the newsletter and last but not least our man behind the scene Mark. HAPPY XMAS.
Guildford Rescue Stafford Walk
Guildford Rescue held a Stafford Walk On Sunday 20th November to celebrate National SBT Day.
Nothing prepared us for the amazing response! We had 36 dogs turn up including four puppies, one of whom was deaf, several Staffie crosses, two Collies and one Yorkshire Terrier called Jo-Jo.
Gareth and Monty came all the way from Wiltshire.

We made an impressive sight stretching along the river all behaving responsibly and being great ambassadors for the breed.
£158.50 was raised for funds and everyone is asking when the next one will be!
Battersea Campaign
Welfare were invited to the Battersea Campaign for The Staffordshire Bull Terrier held at Westminster. It was to raise awareness of the breed in it's hour of need with more and more being abandoned with rescues and pounds being over-run. Welfare would like to thank Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for holding this event which was very positive, especially the Chairman, an MP, who made a knowledgable speech about the breed and spoke from the heart. We all have to keep up the momentum on the education of the breed and how it's not always good to produce a litter.
Daily Telegraph Article - MP Speaks up for Staffies
PATRON
It is with great pleasure that we can announce that the Rt. Hon. Lord Hattersley of Sparbrook has agreed to become the Welfare patron. Thank you from all of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare committee.
NATIONAL STAFFORD DAY
At the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Forum hosted by Battersea, it was decided to hold a national Stafford Day to inform the general public of the good qualities of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, instead of the negative side that he does not deserve. So we are looking to hold it over the weekend 12 & 13 November. This is the weekend of Earl's Court Discover Dogs, and two Champ shows also. Battersea and East Anglia will be bringing teams to demonstrate versatility, and the South Eastern group will be holding their rescue stand again with some Staffords rescued, and the love they still have for people, even after the cruelty dished out to them.
Leicester club will be at the East Midlands with information and Barbara will be at the North West. Audrey and Laureen will have a car boot sale going, with advice on the breed, while Diane Taylor will have her two trained and working Staffords in her local shopping centre to show just how good (with a little work) the breed can be. Kay Carmicheal is on track in Scotland and her group intend to fly the flag. We are hoping that some of you reading this can join in, maybe by having a funday show, or doing a Staff walk in your own area to promote your favourite breed.
Or you could put notices up in your local Vet's, try to get something in your paper or even on radio. There are many things you can try to show that your pet is not a devil on legs as it is sometimes portrayed, but a loving, easily trained pet who would give you so much love in exchange for a warm bed and a bellyfull of food. The Stafford really does need you to help at present. If you can persuade even one person of its qualities, that will be a massive help, and maybe we can walk our pets out again, without being accused of being thugs.
Guildford Rescue at Pets at Home
We recently spent 4 days at Godalming Pets at Home store for thier Support Adoption Week. We had a great time giving out leaflets and publicising National SBT Day and the walk we have organised. Dog Behaviourist David Egan from `Living with Wolves` was on hand to give out advice and work with our rescues. SOS Dog Rescue joined us on Sunday and several of our owners turned out to show us how their dogs were coming along.
It all went very well raising a total of £434 which is the best Pets at Home have ever achieved. Their charity gives us £100 for each day we attended.
Thanks to all who turned out to help.
DISCOVER DOGS - Sunday 13th November 2011
The Kennel Club invited the South-East rescue to have our rescue stand again,to show the Stafford in it's true light as a great family pet, and a dog "for all seasons".In the morning Alison brought along a young rescued male, and his fosterers, He turned out to be a real charmer, loving every minute of it, saying hallo to all the people who crowded around us. Later on in the morning, he tired, so he went home for a well earned rest.

Taking his place were two old stalwarts, Daisy and Honey. The two old charmers being bombproof, were soon rolling around the floor with any kid who would roll on the floor with them, and didnt mind having a face wash! All we (John & Gwen) had to do was to give out our information, stuff, and watch Daisy and Honey do their stuff. A lot of people went home with such a better image of our favorite breed. Val and Stewart stayed on until the end, so it was a great day for the Stafford.

Nancy & Paul fronted the Southern Counties Club on the Discover Dogs stand, which turned out to be a roaring sucess, with people crowding round to see the show staffords. All went away with a raised and enlightened view of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the British dog and his breezy, cheerful allrounder character, instead of a hard to handle dog which he is most certainly not. Well done to you all who helped there.

The Battersea Home girls turned out a team of Staffords (all rescues), all owned by the lovely girls now, to show how responsive the breed can be to a a little fun work and some loving. The East Anglian Club do run a team of Staffords, as a demonstration of their ability, it's so good to see the dogs really enjoying life and doing so well at agility. The demo was so enjoyed by the visitors, although unfortunately the dogs moved too fast to get decent photos! Some Police Forces are now taking an interest and are trying them out for possible work dogs. And please remember, quite a lot are now taking on the role of Patdogs. The Staffordshire is a great allround dog, and is the British icon in the dog world. They do deserve a much higher standing than they get.
Stafford Day - Leicester
Liecester S.B.T. rescue Norma Vann is giving leaflets out at the East Midland Championship show on the 12/11/11 they have a stall on at this show, Norma says they have a new calander out with rescue dogs on please contact her if you are interested. Helen Treece is doing a stand outside a large pet store and has arranged a doggy walk . The R.S.P.C.A are holding a Stafford awareness day and Norma Vann is the speaker & Richard & Norma are judging the classes this is being held in Radcliffe. So positive results - thank you Leicester S.B.T.rescue for all your hard work!
Helen Treece from Leicester rescue is holding a promotion stall at Just for Pets shop in Burton on Trent between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th November. There will be a walk at Bradgate Park Leicester 11am.
SOME LEICESTER RESULTS
Saturday 12th November----Norma held a rescue stall at the Midlands SBT show, where she recieved some very positive vibes towards the work of the rescue teams ,and hopefully, some new fans of our breed.
Helen held a rescue stall at Just for Pets, at Burton -on -Trent, Many rescued dogs turned up to promote the breed, and were very happy to meet their adoring fans from the general public, many of who got an enlightened view of the Stafford there.
Sunday 13th---A bright and sunny day found us at the Bradgate Park, where we had a crowd of about 15 Staffordshire Bull Terriers of all ages from 17 weeks up to 8 years. A lovely walk, (and an ice cream) was enjoyed through the park, we just had to keep watch out for the rutting deer!! We had a lot of positive comments from other dog walkers, and our dogs were allowed to meet and greet with the general public. Also , the Greyhound rescue were happy to see us there, on their annual walk.
NEUTERING SCHEME
RSPCA South East region (London, Essex,Kent & Sussex) is at present offering low cost neutering for certain areas of Kent to aid Staffordshire Bull Terrier owners who are on low income, or on benefits .Neutering your pet will be of great benefit to its welfare , we suggest that you enquire at your local office for further information. If you require advice or assistance main phone number is 0300 123 4555
Service operating in Sittingbourne , applies to animals under 23 Kilos in weight, bitches will be £35.00p, and dogs, £25.00p. Phone contact for sittingbourne is 0300 123 0306, to apply. the Folkestone area is also covered under this offer, the telephone contact for your area is 0300 123 0306 the same conditions apply ,The third Area covered at present applies to the Medway, please call your local RSPCA office.
We do feel that this is an extremely good opportunity to take advantage of, as the private costing is far more expensive,and neutering wil prevent any unwanted pregnancies, and possible cancers. thank you.
Scottish S.B.T. Rescue
Georgie Torrence thanks everyone who helped with the dog show held on 4th June at Dirleton which raised £1,500! The Coffee morning in April raised £342 and the Coffee morning in September raised £272.
Kay Hamilton held a fun dog show at Dogs Trust in Glasgow this was attended by Kay, Beth & Nat with Tracie Lyons. Beth made 100 rounds of shortbread and coffee cake. Bill at the kennels made a cake with raffles and selling of goodies £400. This to be an ongoing event.
Stafford Day - Guildford
Alison Oakden from Guildford rescue will be helping John & Gwen Laker on the Discover Dogs stand at Earls Court on the 12th November with Val & Stu Mann. Guildford will have Sandy & Sally assisted by Honey, Doris & Daisy.
On November 20th, Guildford are doing a walk from Pets at Home in Godalming starting at 11am. On the 27th November Living With Wolves are holding a Dog Behaviour and Training Clinic at Pets At Home in Godalming 10am untill 3pm. Donations to be given to Pets At Home support adoption scheme.& Guildford & District S.B.T. rescue. Sunday 4th December there is to be a Bullie Rescue Xmas Fund raiser at Millford Village Hall in Godalming.
So good luck to all these events if anyone can help just turn up on these dates.
BATTERSEA REUNION
This is how we started the day, nice and bright, full of optimism. Val and Stuart with the Treasure Map, creating lots of interest.

Nice to see so many Staffords having a home. The majority of Battersea staff having one or even three as Mark has.

Despite the fact this little girl was badly burned on the head, she responded to lots of love and care by her new family.
Didn't we do well?!?

The rain held off till the afternoon, then the heavens opened! So out came the umbrellas, even for the Pearly King and Queen.
Unfortunatly this old Bully was not singing in the rain.

Two sheltering from the rain and one of many in fancy dress (he`s not really a bad boy).
When the rain stopped we all continued to enjoy the day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRY !!!
19 years old and still going strong, although a little slower!
Not wanted after 14 years, so out on the street. Has lived with John and Gwen plus Lucy (recently deceased at 16 years old) and Winnie another oldie.There are many more oldies needing a home, if you think you can provide one please call.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier T-Shirts and Polo Shirts
T-Shirts and Polo Shirts are now available for mail order. The front shows our SBTW logo, the backs have the message 'Punish the deed, not the breed'.
Please see our gifts page for more information.
13th Jan 2011 - RSPCA launches video plea for the 'misunderstood' staffy
In a bid to ‘re-brand’ the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the RSPCA has launched a new film to demonstrate the loving role of Staffies in family life throughout the ages.
The charity has launched the film to help the public learn more about this misunderstood breed and to encourage responsible re-homing. Up to 80 per cent of the dogs in many RSPCA centres are Staffies or Staffy-crosses and the numbers continue to rise. This is most notably down to shifts in public attitudes towards the breed, meaning the dog has become increasingly associated with gang violence and anti-social behaviour rather than as a doting family pet or adored companion.
RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley said: "Staffies have been adored family pets in Britain for well over a century but we've certainly seen a change in the way that the breed has been treated in recent years. From the numbers we take into our dog centres, it’s clear that increasing numbers of Staffies have been poorly trained and badly treated, and then abandoned when their owners find them too hard to manage. “This video demonstrates how rewarding owning a Staffy can be. If you, or anyone you know, are thinking about rehoming or buying a dog, please share the video link and help us give new homes to thousands of Staffies who deserve our love and affection.”
The new film can be viewed and downloaded here
You, Your Staffordshire Bull Terrier & The Dangerous Dogs Act
Please click below to download our leaflet about the Dangerous Dogs Act and how it affects every Stafford owner.
Click here to download.