LETTERS: Tips for dog owners to save costs in recession

Dear Editor - In recent weeks, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has been very saddened to hear of a number of instances in which people are struggling with the costs of owning a dog, especially when the pet needs veterinary treatment.
Sadly, we have seen an increase in the number of dogs needing to be re-homed because people have lost their jobs and homes in the credit crunch.
Dogs Trust recognises how important dogs are to people’s lives and appreciates that many are struggling to keep them.
We are keen to stress that owning a dog does not have to be expensive and there are many ways that you can keep the cost of ownership down including:

• Bulk buying food for your dog
  
• Feeding dry biscuits rather than tinned food
  
• Maintaining pet insurance premiums if you can - insurance may seem expensive, but potential veterinary fees will be more so

For dog owners forced to move into rented accommodation, Dogs Trust will also be launching a ‘Lets with Pets’ campaign this spring to encourage landlords and letting agents to accept tenants with pets.
Dogs Trust is always available to offer advice and assistance where it can.
Anybody struggling to care for their dog in the current economic climate should contact us at 020 7837 0006.

Clarissa Baldwin
Chief executive officer
Dogs Trust
17 Wakley Street
London
EC1V 7RQ

Kennel Club award for dog-friendly Nether Stowey B&B

A NETHER Stowey B&B has been awarded a Kennel Club honour for an innovative attempt to beat the credit crunch.
The Old Cider House (pictured), in Castle Street, won the Open For Dogs award after a national vote for the most canine-friendly businesses.
Ian Pearson and his partner Lynne Abbott, who bought the Edwardian property six years ago, particularly encourage visitors with dogs.
The couple provide them with a welcome pack containing details of local walks, dog collar identity tags, and homemade dog biscuits.
They have a black labrador, Ozy, who also greets guests on arrival.
The couple received a certificate and engraved golden dog bowl at the Kennel Club’s annual Discover Dogs event held in London earlier this month.
Mr Pearson also runs Somerset's smallest micro-brewery, Stowey Brewery, which he started in an outbuilding in 2006.
He said: “Our customers love having the dogs around and we think it is so important as a business to make dog owners feel welcome.
“We keep up-to-date with the most dog-friendly walks in the area and we are delighted to have won the Kennel Club’s award.”