NEWS!

PINK IS THIRD TIME LUCKY! Pink is an elegant Pointer cross who was with The Lost Dogs' Home for  so long she developed a cult following on their web site – and was a favourite of the volunteer dog walkers. And now, thanks to new owner Rebecca Banks, she has a permanent home and a new name! Rebecca met the spirited 10 month old last week and after spending some time at the Home getting to know her, decided that she was just what she and her two year-old Pointer, Jackson (currently enrolled in Planet K9's Basic Manners course), were looking for. Just one problem; that name Pink.  “I’d seen a lovely dalmatian called Grace, and something about Pink reminded me of her,” says Rebecca. “And the Lost Dogs’ Home is in Gracie Street, so that sealed the deal!” The Home’s Sue Conroy says Gracie has a flighty personality who needs all the love in the world. “She came in here an underweight stray, was adopted once without success, and now Rebecca has given her a third chance,” says Sue.  “We are all pleased and pitching in to help her adapt to her new home.” Gracie and Rebecca will get post-adoption support including training with Planet K9 here at the Home (all LDH graduates are entitled to a free lesson from Planet K9). “We don’t think Gracie’s going to be an easy dog,” says Sue. “She has shown some escaping tendencies, so we needed to ensure she went to an experienced person who’s able to rehabilitate her.” Rebecca reports that Gracie is doing well in her new surrounds. “She’s very affectionate, learns quickly, and follows me everywhere.” She’s even helping with the gardening: “Gracie’s a dynamo! She rearranged my plants when I was away on Sunday morning, and she’s very bird focused. She’s a hyperactive puppy, but she is housetrained and takes her lead from Jackson, who tends to bowl her over when she gets too keen.” Everyone at the Home wishes Gracie well in her new life.

BUCKLEY GRADUATES Australia’s favourite pup has graduated from training school this week. Now reaching adolescence, Buckley along with mum Madeline are at the end of a seven-week ‘basic manners’ course conducted by Planet K9 at The Lost Dogs' Home. After completing puppy training with his foster carer Jodie, Buckley’s debut into canine etiquette began with a private lesson between Buckley, Madeline and Planet K9 Head Trainer, Nicole Beasley. The session helped Madeline understand positive reward based training methods which involve using praise, food or toys to reward good behaviour. Having spent his first few months in the limelight, Buckley was used to ongoing fuss and attention. He’d developed a habit of jumping up on people when he felt ignored. One of his first lessons at finishing school was how to ask for attention by sitting quietly, not by jumping and barking. “Buckley mixes very well with other dogs and people. He’s such an intelligent dog and has a really nice bond with Madeline. He was a little hard to toilet train but Madeline is on top of that now,” said Planet K9 Head Trainer, Nicole Beasley. Whilst the attack on Buckley was one of the worst examples of animal cruelty seen by staff at The Lost Dogs' Home, it appears that he has fully recovered from his ordeal. “He shows no signs of trauma or timidity now. He’s a sweet, confident ‘superdog’ who endears himself to everyone. Whilst he’s the star of the class, he just likes being with new owner Madeline. I think he’s a very loyal and clever dog”. This Sunday, Buckley will graduate with full canine credentials: he knows how to greet people and other dogs calmly, walk on the lead, come when called and lie on his mat. He’s even tried some agility which he excels at with his athletic frame. Next week, Madeline and Buckley will progress to the advanced obedience class. Their homework this week is to learn ‘leave it’ - Buckley has a habit of eating dead birds! As well as Buckley, there are hundreds of other canine stars undertaking training classes to ensure their new homes are “forever” homes. The Lost Dogs’ Home also offers one free training session for families who adopt dogs from its shelters.

	PLANET K9 IS PODCASTING! You can now tune in weekly to listen to our head trainer Nicole Beasley talking with  journalist Mark O'Brien about "The Secret World of Dogs".  Click here to find out more..  Thankyou to Mark O'Brien and The Lost Dogs' Home for the production of these podcasts. SMALL PAWS GANG MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR  CALENDER Small Paws Playgroup has become very popular in recent months. To help us cater for growing numbers please drop us a line to let us know you will be along this month - thanks Nicole, Comet and Astro planetk9@bigpond.com SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7th  start time 4pm   Location: The Lost Dogs' Home 2 Gracie St. North Melbourne Find out more about Small Paws Playgroup. click here to watch a group in action!
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