Do you own Henley’s top dog?
DO you own Henley’s top dog? Perhaps your pooch is beautiful, striking or unusual looking. Perhaps they performed a heroic act or have an unusual or clever trick. Or maybe they’re just a loveable mutt who you rescued and is adored by your family.
Whatever type of dog you have, pedigree or crossbred, we’re looking for the number one all-rounder.
The Standard has teamed up with Naughty Mutt Nice, Henley’s dog shop and grooming parlour, to offer this great selection of prizes to the winner:
lOne free groom/service wash at Naughty Mutt Nice worth £40.
lA room for two, plus your dog, at Hotel du Vin in Henley, worth £300.
lA photo shoot for your dog with photographer Rupert Hennen plus a framed print worth £90.
lA Liberty Print Funky Mutts dog collar and lead worth £40.
lA Lily’s Kitchen Hamper full of organic dog goodies worth £30.
lA Canine Reiki treatment from Intelligent Healing.
lA free consultation and one-hour training session with TwoDog Training.
The first prize will be awarded to the owner of the dog whose story the judges like the best. One runner-up will receive a service wash to the value of £30 at Naughty Mutt Nice and a bag of natural cow’s ears. We will publish all the dogs’ stories and pictures in the Standard and at www.henleystandard.co.uk
Naughty Mutt Nice is your one-stop shop for dog grooming and essentials. Call (01491) 576629 to make an appointment. Hotel du Vin prides itself on being pet-friendly and offers you and your dog a warm welcome (dogs not allowed in the bistro).
Rupert Hennen specialises in dog portraits. He provides a unique photographic experience that is enjoyable and rewarding for pet and owner. See www.gettingthepicture.co.uk
Funky Mutts make beautiful leads, collars and poo bag holders in fairly traded, floral and retro cotton fabrics. Lily’s Kitchen makes organic and holistic pet food with the most delicious, nutritious ingredients with no by-products, animal derivatives or preservatives.
Alex Sims, of Intelligent Healing, has a BSc in equine science, a postgraduate diploma in McTimoney Animal Manipulation and qualifications in equine and canine massage, Usui and Karuna Reiki, behaviour rehabilitation, equine performance training and British Horse Society teaching.
TwoDog training specialises in one-to-one training in everyday situations for you and your dog. The focus is on behaviour as well as dog and people socialisation.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is send us the story of your dog, together with a photograph. You should write no more than 250 words. Send it, together with your name, address and daytime telephone number, to: Top Dog competition, Henley Standard, Caxton House, 1 Station Road, Henley, RG4 1AR or email it to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The closing date is Friday, July 16. The judges are Naughty Mutt Nice proprietor Aspen Weatherburn, Standardeditor Simon Bradshaw and Henley vet Erik D’Arcy-Donnelly.
The winner must book their prize appointments before September 2010. The prize is non-refundable and there is no cash alternative. Normal Standard competition rules apply and the editor’s decision is final. To see the rules, visit www.henleystandard.co.uk/regulars/competition_rules.php
SCRUMPY of Oxfordshire here, alias Scrumptious, Scrumpington or, on a bad hair day, Scruffy !
Names are pretty immaterial though as I tend to suffer from selective hearing unless there are treats around. It would be bad manners not to respond then, wouldn’t it?
I am an exceptionally handsome Cairn terrier, small in stature, huge in character.
Born and bred in Henley, there was talk I could move to Wallingford a couple of years back, when my owner got married. Thankfully her mum, who was facing “empty nest syndrome”, persuaded her to leave me behind.
It was a lucky escape for me as Gem and her husband compete all over the UK in agility and I could hardly see me living in a house full of honed athletes — and that’s just the dogs. As I am 84 (in dog years), I really don’t think so!
Between you and me, I rule the roost here with lovely gentle strolls along the Thames with my pal Sophie, then home for 40 or so winks on my own personal sun lounger. Then it’s back to work barking at planes that have the temerity to fly over my garden. How dare they threaten my territory?
We Cairns were used in the war to warn of enemy aircraft approaching because of our long-distance hearing. Saying that, flight BA23 to New York is just taxiing at Heathrow, so back to work.
Awoofly nice speaking to you, Scrumpy X
Gill Walker, of Northfield End, Henley
UNWANTED by his owners, Rory was handed into Stokenchurch Dog Rescue centre on Valentine’s Day six years ago.
He was 14 months old but only half his correct body weight. He had never been socialised with other dogs or taken for walks and was very frightened.
Due to his fear of small enclosed places, it was thought that he had been kept shut away somewhere small and dark.
Due to his highly traumatised state, I was asked to foster him for a while and I quickly realised that I could never give him back, so formally adopted him.
It took me two years to get him to trust people again and to stop him destroying the house. But, my goodness, it was worth it. He is now the most quiet, loyal and loveable chap you could wish to meet and has helped me raise hundreds of pounds for Stokenchurch Dog Rescue. He is a wonderful ambassador for rescued dogs.
He helps me at street collections, village fetes and bric-a-brac sales, has visited day centres for the elderly and assists with presentations at brownie groups etc.
Due to his very gentle nature, he has helped children to overcome their fear of dogs.
In September, he has been invited to be “dog of honour” at a wedding of two very loyal supporters of Stokenchurch Dog Rescue centre.
Rory is a once-in-a-lifetime dog.
Joyce Marriott, of Pyrton
EBBY’S life used to be in a cage at a Welsh puppy farm.
She spent her whole life producing puppies until at the age of eight she suffered a huge prolapse and was considered no longer financially viable.
She was left, without any veterinary care, waiting to be shot with all the others whose money-making days were over.
Before the tragic day arrived, an angel appeared in the form of Sylvia, from Many Tears Animal Rescue.
She saw a glimmer of life in Ebby’s sunken eyes and whisked her and her fellow inmates away.
After long days and sleepless nights of round-the-clock care from Sylvia and her team, Ebby pulled through. Now the long road to recovery would begin.
Ebby knew nothing about life on the other side of the bars. She had never felt grass beneath her feet, had never felt a kind human hand.
This is where Ebby struck gold for a second time with Glenda, one of the Many Tears fosterers.
With love and care, Ebby started to enjoy the life of a pet who was no longer just a throwaway object past its sell-by date. Once Ebby had an idea of how good life could be, Glenda had the bittersweet task of finding her a permanent loving home.
After years of looking for a pug, we came across the Many Tears website and looking back at us we saw this little face.
After reading her story, we knew Ebby was not the easy, picture-perfect pet but we were prepared to carry on the hard work and love that Many Tears had given her.
Two years on, Ebby may be pug ugly in some people’s eyes but she is our shining star.
Without the help of Many Tears, every year hundreds of dogs would be used, abused and thrown away so people can have that essential designer pet.
Ebby is helping to say thank you to her saviours by helping to raise much- needed funds and, most importantly, promoting awareness to stop people buying puppies without finding out where they originated.
Amanda Wheeler, of Langley Hill Close, Tilehurst, Reading
HELLO or woof, my name is Teddy. I am a white, black and tan eight-year-old Jack Russell and I would like to tell you a little about myself and why my family thinks I am a dog in a million/Henley’s top dog.
My new family, the Davises, took me into their lives in 2007 from Battersea Dogs Home where I was taken, at age five, because my first owner was unable to look after me.
I soon won the hearts of the kind carers at Battersea who really looked after me for more than a year, including extra care and attention when I developed kennel cough. I just wanted a new home.
When my new family met me, they had recently lost their dog Scampy. They had a lot to learn about me, including my liking for yoghurt, dirt and toys and that I had plenty of mischief and love to give back to them. Everyone who sees me thinks I am still a puppy because I still have a great love of life and really smile when I am happy.
I am always checking people’s shopping bags when I meet them to see if they have anything for me.
I was officially adopted and helped my family cope with cancer and am a great companion to my disabled mum and dad (who I often persuade to throw me a ball).
All I wanted was someone to love me and, hey, I have three owners. It’s great!
Brian Davis, of Southdown Road, Emmer Green
Henley Standard click here
Whatever type of dog you have, pedigree or crossbred, we’re looking for the number one all-rounder.
The Standard has teamed up with Naughty Mutt Nice, Henley’s dog shop and grooming parlour, to offer this great selection of prizes to the winner:
lOne free groom/service wash at Naughty Mutt Nice worth £40.
lA room for two, plus your dog, at Hotel du Vin in Henley, worth £300.
lA photo shoot for your dog with photographer Rupert Hennen plus a framed print worth £90.
lA Liberty Print Funky Mutts dog collar and lead worth £40.
lA Lily’s Kitchen Hamper full of organic dog goodies worth £30.
lA Canine Reiki treatment from Intelligent Healing.
lA free consultation and one-hour training session with TwoDog Training.
The first prize will be awarded to the owner of the dog whose story the judges like the best. One runner-up will receive a service wash to the value of £30 at Naughty Mutt Nice and a bag of natural cow’s ears. We will publish all the dogs’ stories and pictures in the Standard and at www.henleystandard.co.uk
Naughty Mutt Nice is your one-stop shop for dog grooming and essentials. Call (01491) 576629 to make an appointment. Hotel du Vin prides itself on being pet-friendly and offers you and your dog a warm welcome (dogs not allowed in the bistro).
Rupert Hennen specialises in dog portraits. He provides a unique photographic experience that is enjoyable and rewarding for pet and owner. See www.gettingthepicture.co.uk
Funky Mutts make beautiful leads, collars and poo bag holders in fairly traded, floral and retro cotton fabrics. Lily’s Kitchen makes organic and holistic pet food with the most delicious, nutritious ingredients with no by-products, animal derivatives or preservatives.
Alex Sims, of Intelligent Healing, has a BSc in equine science, a postgraduate diploma in McTimoney Animal Manipulation and qualifications in equine and canine massage, Usui and Karuna Reiki, behaviour rehabilitation, equine performance training and British Horse Society teaching.
TwoDog training specialises in one-to-one training in everyday situations for you and your dog. The focus is on behaviour as well as dog and people socialisation.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is send us the story of your dog, together with a photograph. You should write no more than 250 words. Send it, together with your name, address and daytime telephone number, to: Top Dog competition, Henley Standard, Caxton House, 1 Station Road, Henley, RG4 1AR or email it to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The closing date is Friday, July 16. The judges are Naughty Mutt Nice proprietor Aspen Weatherburn, Standardeditor Simon Bradshaw and Henley vet Erik D’Arcy-Donnelly.
The winner must book their prize appointments before September 2010. The prize is non-refundable and there is no cash alternative. Normal Standard competition rules apply and the editor’s decision is final. To see the rules, visit www.henleystandard.co.uk/regulars/competition_rules.php
SCRUMPY of Oxfordshire here, alias Scrumptious, Scrumpington or, on a bad hair day, Scruffy !
Names are pretty immaterial though as I tend to suffer from selective hearing unless there are treats around. It would be bad manners not to respond then, wouldn’t it?
I am an exceptionally handsome Cairn terrier, small in stature, huge in character.
Born and bred in Henley, there was talk I could move to Wallingford a couple of years back, when my owner got married. Thankfully her mum, who was facing “empty nest syndrome”, persuaded her to leave me behind.
It was a lucky escape for me as Gem and her husband compete all over the UK in agility and I could hardly see me living in a house full of honed athletes — and that’s just the dogs. As I am 84 (in dog years), I really don’t think so!
Between you and me, I rule the roost here with lovely gentle strolls along the Thames with my pal Sophie, then home for 40 or so winks on my own personal sun lounger. Then it’s back to work barking at planes that have the temerity to fly over my garden. How dare they threaten my territory?
We Cairns were used in the war to warn of enemy aircraft approaching because of our long-distance hearing. Saying that, flight BA23 to New York is just taxiing at Heathrow, so back to work.
Awoofly nice speaking to you, Scrumpy X
Gill Walker, of Northfield End, Henley
UNWANTED by his owners, Rory was handed into Stokenchurch Dog Rescue centre on Valentine’s Day six years ago.
He was 14 months old but only half his correct body weight. He had never been socialised with other dogs or taken for walks and was very frightened.
Due to his fear of small enclosed places, it was thought that he had been kept shut away somewhere small and dark.
Due to his highly traumatised state, I was asked to foster him for a while and I quickly realised that I could never give him back, so formally adopted him.
It took me two years to get him to trust people again and to stop him destroying the house. But, my goodness, it was worth it. He is now the most quiet, loyal and loveable chap you could wish to meet and has helped me raise hundreds of pounds for Stokenchurch Dog Rescue. He is a wonderful ambassador for rescued dogs.
He helps me at street collections, village fetes and bric-a-brac sales, has visited day centres for the elderly and assists with presentations at brownie groups etc.
Due to his very gentle nature, he has helped children to overcome their fear of dogs.
In September, he has been invited to be “dog of honour” at a wedding of two very loyal supporters of Stokenchurch Dog Rescue centre.
Rory is a once-in-a-lifetime dog.
Joyce Marriott, of Pyrton
EBBY’S life used to be in a cage at a Welsh puppy farm.
She spent her whole life producing puppies until at the age of eight she suffered a huge prolapse and was considered no longer financially viable.
She was left, without any veterinary care, waiting to be shot with all the others whose money-making days were over.
Before the tragic day arrived, an angel appeared in the form of Sylvia, from Many Tears Animal Rescue.
She saw a glimmer of life in Ebby’s sunken eyes and whisked her and her fellow inmates away.
After long days and sleepless nights of round-the-clock care from Sylvia and her team, Ebby pulled through. Now the long road to recovery would begin.
Ebby knew nothing about life on the other side of the bars. She had never felt grass beneath her feet, had never felt a kind human hand.
This is where Ebby struck gold for a second time with Glenda, one of the Many Tears fosterers.
With love and care, Ebby started to enjoy the life of a pet who was no longer just a throwaway object past its sell-by date. Once Ebby had an idea of how good life could be, Glenda had the bittersweet task of finding her a permanent loving home.
After years of looking for a pug, we came across the Many Tears website and looking back at us we saw this little face.
After reading her story, we knew Ebby was not the easy, picture-perfect pet but we were prepared to carry on the hard work and love that Many Tears had given her.
Two years on, Ebby may be pug ugly in some people’s eyes but she is our shining star.
Without the help of Many Tears, every year hundreds of dogs would be used, abused and thrown away so people can have that essential designer pet.
Ebby is helping to say thank you to her saviours by helping to raise much- needed funds and, most importantly, promoting awareness to stop people buying puppies without finding out where they originated.
Amanda Wheeler, of Langley Hill Close, Tilehurst, Reading
HELLO or woof, my name is Teddy. I am a white, black and tan eight-year-old Jack Russell and I would like to tell you a little about myself and why my family thinks I am a dog in a million/Henley’s top dog.
My new family, the Davises, took me into their lives in 2007 from Battersea Dogs Home where I was taken, at age five, because my first owner was unable to look after me.
I soon won the hearts of the kind carers at Battersea who really looked after me for more than a year, including extra care and attention when I developed kennel cough. I just wanted a new home.
When my new family met me, they had recently lost their dog Scampy. They had a lot to learn about me, including my liking for yoghurt, dirt and toys and that I had plenty of mischief and love to give back to them. Everyone who sees me thinks I am still a puppy because I still have a great love of life and really smile when I am happy.
I am always checking people’s shopping bags when I meet them to see if they have anything for me.
I was officially adopted and helped my family cope with cancer and am a great companion to my disabled mum and dad (who I often persuade to throw me a ball).
All I wanted was someone to love me and, hey, I have three owners. It’s great!
Brian Davis, of Southdown Road, Emmer Green
Henley Standard click here