Bits for Pets Blog

A blind dog that was dumped when he was just five-months-old has been voted the nation’s RSPCA Dog of the Year.

Bullmastiff Oliver fought off stiff competition from five other rescue dogs in the RSPCA Dog of the Year final stealing an impressive 23 per cent of people’s votes.

Oliver was thrown out onto the street by an unscrupulous dog breeder when he was a puppy simply because he had an eye infection. He was found by a dog warden just before Christmas 2005 - thin, distressed and in severe pain from his eye.

Bullmastiff Rescue came to his aid but despite urgent veterinary treatment the infection spread and Oliver ended up losing his sight, and one of his eyes was actually removed. But his luck changed when, after reading his distressing story in the local paper, Julie Harkess and her family decided to give him a chance of happiness and offer him a home.

Now aged two-years, Oliver has overcome his disability and lives a fulfilling life with the Harkess family and their other dog Simba. He even has a special artificial implant in his one remaining eye to give him a normal appearance, even though he cannot actually see through it.

Julie, 38, said: “I can’t believe that Oliver has won the competition! He’s a true inspiration and clearly the rest of the country think he is too. We’re so proud of him. Oliver has been through so much but he’s made such good progress that we forget he’s blind. No matter how down we might feel Oliver always lifts our spirits.

“I just can’t believe that he lost his eyesight simply because his previous owner didn’t want to spend the money on vet’s fees. He’s a huge dog now, weighing 50 kilos, and he’s a huge part of our family. He really deserves to be the RSPCA’s Dog of the Year.”

Commenting on his incredible story of triumph over adversity RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans said:

“All of the finalists are winners but Oliver’s story particularly captured the heart of the nation. He had such a tough start to life but despite everything he’s been through - even losing his eyesight - he’s now such a happy dog. Oliver really does deserve to be the RSPCA’s Dog of the Year.

“Over 17,000 dogs are rehomed from the RSPCA each year and Dog of the Year is a chance for dogs like Oliver, who were once unwanted, to really show just what fun and loving pets rescue dogs can make.”

Sarah Alexander from Dog of the Year sponsor Butcher’s Pet Care said: “We are delighted that Oliver is the winner – he’s got so much character and is a great example of what joy rescue dogs can bring to their owners.

“At Butcher’s Pet Care we believe very strongly in ensuring that dogs lead a fit and healthy life, which is why we are delighted to be working with such a worthwhile charity like the RSPCA. The Dog of the Year competition is a great way to recognise the hardship many dogs have to go through before they find a happy and secure home. We hope that our support can help make a difference.”

Oliver will receive a whole host of prizes including a year’s supply of dog food from Butcher’s Pet Care, RSPCA pet insurance cover for one year and he will get to star on the front cover of leading dog magazine Dogs Today, plus much more.

For more information about RSPCA Dog of the Year or for an RSPCA spokesperson please contact the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244/0288.

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We hope all our customers will tune onto December 10th episode of 60 Minute Makeover, as our Aquavista wall mounted aquarium will be featured.

We were approached back in the summer and asked if we would donate 2 Aquavista Aquariums to the show. Knowing the 60 Minute Makeover like to help deserving people - we gladly agreed.

The Aquavista wall mounted aquarium, make a brilliant addition to any home or office and makes an ideal Christmas present.

Police at a north London railway station have got mice running scared - after recruiting a 13-year-old cat.

Tizer was adopted by British Transport Police (BTP) from the Cats Protection charity in September and inducted into the force as an honorary constable.

In his role as the Chief Mouser Pc Tizer walks around King’s Cross rail station to keep it rodent-free.

An “essential member” of the team, he has unfettered access to all areas and shares an office with a senior officer.

Insp Roy Sloane, who enlisted the tabby, said: “Pc Tizer is already an essential member of the team.

“Since we got him we haven’t seen any mice in the building at all… Prior to his arrival we were spending a fortune on pest control and it wasn’t really working.”

Insp Sloane said he visited the charity’s adoption centre in north London with the aim of finding a cat to clean up the station’s rodent problem.

He met Tizer, who arrived at the centre in August after his owner died.

Insp Sloane, who shares his office with Pc Tizer, added that his feline colleague helps other officers “de-stress” and has given a boost to the force’s morale.

“Everyone is always asking after him, and he is probably the most popular member of staff,” he said.

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We have now introduced the Zoomed range of Terrariums. Zoomed have brought out a range of glass terrariums for reptile and amphibian owners. The terrariums have a full front glass opening door, with secure snap closure. A zoomed Repti Lock can be added for extra security. Th special screen top keeps feeder insects in while allowing greater UVA and UVB penetration throughout the terrarium. These smart looking terrariums are available in 4 different sizes, and are in stock now!

Click Here! To view our Zoomed Terrariums