National Black Dog Day – 1st October

Started in 2012, October 1st is National Black Dog Day! Founded by Colleen Paige, an author and forerunner in the advocacy and promotion of pet care and fair treatment of animals, it’s a day to get the word out and encourage people to adopt black dogs, who often get left behind in shelters just because of the colour of their fur.
Referred to as “Black Dog Syndrome”, this is a phenomenon where black dogs are passed over for adoption in favour of lighter-colored animals 🙁
Among dogs, yellow dogs were considered friendliest, brown dogs second friendliest, and black dogs least friendly. Darker pets were similarly judged less adoptable and black dogs were considered the most aggressive.

The term “black dog” is most commonly used to describe a state of depression, characterised by either poor behaviour or the lack of will to do anything, including things you once loved.

Not to be confused with International Dog Day on August 26th which encourages dog ownership of all breeds – when seeking a new companion, be sure to consider the mutts, mixes, purebreds, and everything in between.

The photograph is of Ronnie, a three year old black labrador who lives down Hursey with her owner Annie 🙂

For those who prefer cats… National Black Cat Day is held each year on 27th October.

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Post Office Open Today

Despite National Industrial Action this weekend, Broadwindsor’s Post Office Outreach service will be at the Comrades Hall this morning from 10am – 12.30pm. Thank you to the guys from Crewkerne!

You can also stop and enjoy a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee thanks to the Post Office Users Group 🙂


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Off To The Post Office!

The Post Office Outreach service is open at the Comrades Hall this morning from 10am – 12.30pm and your dog is welcome to come in with you 🙂 Continue reading “Off To The Post Office!”

Dogs Or No Dogs In Comrades Hall?

There is a debate as to whether the Comrades Hall has any official ruling to ban dogs from entering inside the building. No dogs are allowed anywhere in the vicinity of the playground, which includes the footpath and that is not in question.

At the meeting in November 2021, it was thought that dogs had never been allowed in. Those present believed that it was no and that it should remain so.  These minutes were approved in April 2022 as the extract shows:

There are metal objects i.e. bike rack just by the front door to tie leads to however this exclusion does not apply to assistance dogs of which there are several types nowadays so be mindful if you see a person with a dog before you ask them to leave it outside new signage will be needed to show this both for the hall and Bernards’s Place DC will investigate the Internet.” – these minutes were approved 26th April 2022.

However, it seems from the extract above that no actual vote was taken as nothing beyond a discussion has been recorded.

There are many people in the village who say they’ve always taken their dogs – on a lead – into the Hall.

Nonetheless, members of the Hall Committee put up a sign (as left).

The first sign put up was removed/stolen.

The 2nd sign put up to replace it now looks like this:

Those in favour state that, providing the dog is well-behaved, dogs should be allowed to visit public institutions, such as the Outreach Post Office, which uses the Comrades Hall every Tuesday & Friday morning since January 2010.

Furthermore, as yet, there is no mention to the exclusion of dogs in the old documents* which have recently been uncovered revealing the Comrades Hall will be celebrating it’s own Platinum Jubilee in November this year.
*There remains approximately 100 pages which the Chair is working her way through.

If no democratic vote was recorded, then it suggests that any Criminal Damage was done, not by the removal of the sign, but by the installing of the sign.  One village resident stated – “The installation and ban of dogs sign on the outside wall of the CH will be reported, as requested by the fitter, to Police.” Many residents feel very strongly and it has to be acknowledged that we do live in a village with many dogs. We all live in a democratic society and we all strive to abide by that principle.

In need of funds to complete their Playground Development plan, the Comrades Hall Management Committee additionally risk losing potential income from dog training classes, which are proving increasingly popular and are already offered in some neighbouring village halls.

The signs cost £5.28 to purchase on Amazon and cannot be repeatedly afforded.

The new Chair of the Comrades Hall Management Committee, Jacqui Sewell (who had left the November meeting prior to the discussion about dogs took place) commented that “…on matter of dogs – no form of approval was minuted for the signs to be put up & this will be raised at our 12th July meeting“.
It will appear in ‘Matters Arising‘ – to be discussed.

Do you have strong views on this issue? Do you own a dog? Are you affected by this decision ?

Let your voice be heard, please contact Jacqui Sewell before Tuesday, 12th July, directly by email at: jacquisewell@me.com.
Alternatively, you may make your comments to this post on Broadwindsor’s Facebook page, which is on view to all members of the public.


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It’s National Black Dog Day – 1st October

Started in 2012, October 1st is National Black Dog Day! It’s a day to get the word out and encourage people to adopt black dogs, who often get left behind in shelters just because of the colour of their fur.
Referred to as “Black Dog Syndrome”, this is a phenomenon where black dogs are passed over for adoption in favour of lighter-colored animals 🙁
Among dogs, yellow dogs were considered friendliest, brown dogs second friendliest, and black dogs least friendly. Darker pets were similarly judged less adoptable and black dogs were considered the most aggressive.

The term “black dog” is most commonly used to describe a state of depression, characterised by either poor behaviour or the lack of will to do anything, including things you once loved.

Not to be confused with National Dog Day on August 26th which encourages dog ownership of all breeds – when seeking a new companion, be sure to consider the mutts, mixes, purebreds, and everything in between 🙂

The Dog’s Trust have lauched a National Dog Survey. They’re calling on all dog owners to take 10 minutes to let them know how their dog has been coping since the pandemic began. Your answers will help them ensure a moment for all owners to unite for the happiness of their dogs. As all dogs begin to adjust to the new normal, they are there to help..
Learn more about the survey – Click HERE.
Ready to start? Click HERE.

Photo: ‘Bob’ – Brian Wing 🙂

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Dog-Napping – How To Prevent It

Having your canine companion dog-napped would be a horrendous ordeal. Sadly this crime is on the increase. A petition calling on the Government to make dog theft a specific offence had gathered over 316,500 signatures meaning it is well over the threshold to be considered for debate in parliament.

Around 29,000 people across the South West have contributed their signature to the cause. There are measures you can take to reduce the risk of this happening to you.

Becky Simmonds & Chip

Becky Simmonds is a professional dog walker and part time rescue worker.  She is part of an international team at BreedAdvisor which consists of experienced professionals, from trained Vets to Dog Breeders. Their sole purpose is to bring you accurate, helpful information you can trust. 

They advise: (Click the image for further information):

They also have informative pages on all the following dog breeds:
Click on the image to be taken to the active web page and scroll down.

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