Robin Glover - PURE Dog Listener

God Bless The NHS (Mostly)

Robin Glover — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:28:55 +0000

You may have noticed my absence from the blogosphere for some considerable time, but now I’m back. I know it’s hard to contain your excitement but please try.

Where have been? You ask. Were you in Montana watching wolves and drinking Moose Drool beer again or was it Australia watching dingoes and eating Moreton Bay bugs? Sadly the answer is neither. I started to feel very unwell. I used to have a GP who was lacking in people skills to say the very least. The receptionists were straight from central casting. To even attempt to make an appointment you had to be in good health otherwise you wouldn’t survive the process. It went like this.

“Could I make an appointment to see a Doctor please?”

“Is it Urgent?”

” I suppose not but it’s very painful.”

“Only urgent appointments. Ring back tomorrow.”

“Could I make an appointment for tomorrow while I’m on the phone to you now?”

“No! Ring tomorrow!”

Tomorrow comes

“Could I make an appointment to see a Doctor please?”

“Is it Urgent?”

” I suppose not really urgent but it’s very painful. In fact it’s much more painful than it was yesterday when we spoke”

“Only urgent appointments. Ring back tomorrow.”

“Surely I must be able to get an appointment some time in the future. How about one day next week?”

“No! You must ring the day you want the appointment!”

The next day dawns

“Could I make an appointment to see a Doctor please?”

“Is it Urgent?”

“Yes it is.”

“Why? What’s wrong with you?

“I was rather hoping that the Doctor might find out and tell me.”

“Are you sure you need to see a Doctor today?”

Hmm let me think…YES!”

I get to see a Doctor whose opening gambit was to tell me that he allowed 7 minutes maximum per patient and would only deal with one concern per appointment. Anyone with a bad heart and a brain tumour would have to choose which complaint was likely to kill them first and get that treated. I gave my symptoms which I now know were textbook indicators for cancer. The diagnosis?

“I’m a very busy man. You’re not getting any younger. You must expect aches and pains and things not to work as well as they once did. I get very angry when people read an article in a paper or see a TV programme then self diagnose and then come and bother me.”

“So there is nothing wrong with me and I’m a bit of a Hypochondriac?”

“Yes”

I knew that I could trust him, he was such a good doctor because he was able to diagnose me without leaving his chair. In fact most of the consultation he spent side on to me while using his computer.

Eventually I was able to change surgeries and found that everyone at the new practice were as good as the previous rabble were bad. Because I’d had such an ear bashing from the old doctor I didn’t mention my symptoms to my new GPs. One day early last year I had an appointment for a chest infection. I was prescribed antibiotics and got up to leave when the doctor said “There’s something else troubling you isn’t there?” I replied “Only this problem I’ve had for two or three years.” The rest is history, within days MRI and CT scans at Frimley Park Hospital where they located a huge tumour. Off to St Luke’s Cancer Centre at Guildford for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy to shrink the tumour. Back to Frimley Park for major surgery to remove the tumour. I had a long post operative stay in hospital, nobody wants to stay in hospital but the care I received from my GP and staff, through all the hospital procedures at both Frimley and St Luke’s was magnificent. I laid in my bed and watched the staff at all levels working flat out, trying to do more and more with less and less resources. The NHS get a lot of often unfair criticism but as a result of my experience I consider it magnificent. They not only saved my life but gave me my life back at an good level.

Did I mention I’m now Cancer free?

So now I’m back to doing what I enjoy most, mending dogs. During my illness I gave up my operational commitment to PURE Dog Listeners Ltd which I co-founded with Caroline Spencer. I still have social connections with everyone involved but none of the stress of the business side. That leaves me with a lot more leisure time to spend on three major projects.

Firstly, as always, helping owners and their dogs reach a true understanding of one another and as a result see the behavioural problems resolved.

Next, to finish my second book. My first, ‘Why Does My Dog Do That? Because…. it’s A DOG!’ which I co-wrote with Caroline Spencer is, as the title suggests a guide to canine behaviour. It was very well received and got a good number of 5 star reviews on Amazon. There are also a couple of negative reviews. I didn’t get too worried as I have a good idea who at least one of the reviewers is and if I just say that, if I’m right, they are a person who is from the ‘Make Him Do It!!!’ School of dog training; so getting a good review from them would be like the UK getting top marks from France in the Eurovision song contest.

The first book is now out of print to be replaced by one Caroline has written on her own. The new book with the shorter title of ‘Why Does My Dog Do That?’ is being published in mid July. When the first book was withdrawn there was a surge in demand for it as it had been selling well and then supplies were cut off. Amazon are now selling their remaining stock at enhanced prices, have a look, I was amazed. I’ve always given a copy of the book to clients at their consultation. I still have a small stock but when that is exhausted I will have to come up with a cunning plan, I have a few ideas in mind.

My second book will focus mainly on my work as a Police Dog Handler in Hampshire. It may have slight detours into my pre dog days working in Soho in the ‘Swinging Sixties’, policing Carnaby Street at the start of the mini skirt and Grosvenor Square during the anti-Vietnam riots at the US embassy. It may also merge into post police service as a dog listener and mention the sometimes bizarre things that can occur at a consultation but mainly it will be about Police Dogs. Tracking and catching criminals, finding lost people, dealing with violent disorder, finding drugs and of course the obligatory car chases When Caroline and I wrote the first book I told her that the only thing missing was a car chase. Sometimes the job was tragic but there many genuinely funny moments that I hope to share. Two of the hardest things to get right with a book are, the title and the first paragraph. At present the working title is ‘A Life Gone To The Dogs’ any other suggestions gratefully received. Should I be lucky enough to find a suitable publisher, you’ll read it here first.

Last but not least in my ‘to do’ list is to finish a task I started a long time ago but had to be put aside. I aim to complete a comprehensive family history. I’ve got loads of scraps of paper with names and dates on but I need to get organised and do a proper family tree. There a loads of websites out there but some are very expensive and/or rubbish so any advice on what to use or steer clear of would be appreciated.

My website also needs updating but I may need a little help with that.

Now I’m back in the saddle this blog will be a regular feature mainly about dogs but also about anything else that catches my attention.

Book Promotions

Robin Glover — Sun, 29 May 2011 16:09:12 +0000

Together with Caroline Spencer the co-author of “Why Does My Dog Do That? Because…It’s A DOG!” I have been doing radio interviews to promote the book. Some of them can be heard here.

A Fun Day Had By All

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:04:32 +0000

Our stall at The Eastleigh Dog Fun Day last Saturday was hard work but a lot of fun. I always feel sorry for the organisers of events like this when the weather is unkind. They work for maybe a year to get everything right and then strong winds and rain conspire to spoil it. Well the weather tried but didn’t succeed. I was present with two colleagues and we didn’t stop talking to visitors until the last half hour when it slowed just a little.

We talked to dog owners about all matters canine and in two particular cases of dog aggression were able to make important interventions which showed instant results. I love it when a plan comes together.

We were also interviewed at length by a reporter from ‘Hampshire the County Magazine’ This is a very prestigious publication and we hope to appear in the October edition. We’ll be sharing a magazine with country houses and hunt balls and all things Hampshire, they may even print a picture. There’s only one way to find out, buy the October edition I think you’ll find it a controversial piece.

It’s a Fun day for Dogs

Robin Glover — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:13:23 +0000

We PURE Dog Listeners been very busy promoting the cruelty and gadget free methods that we use by doing a lot of meet and greet to achieve mutual understanding with people in the field of dog welfare.

Among the many groups of dog professionals that we’ve forged links with have been a number of Local Authority Dog Wardens. When you hear the name ‘Dog Warden’ don’t think of characters from a comic strip or cartoon, the incompetent and maybe cruel ‘Dog Catcher’ of your childhood. The law on everything in 2010 is very complex and dog law is no different. Todays Dog Warden or Animal Control Officer, the title depends on their location, have to be at the top of their game. They need to have good legal knowledge, both statute and local by laws, an understanding of dogs health, welfare issues and of course the way the canine mind works. None of this would be of any use if they lacked practical animal handling skills or the ability to interact with humans in situations that can be volatile.

I was gratified to be asked to talk earlier this year at a meeting of all Local Authority Wardens in Hampshire and give them an insight into the world of the Dog Listener. This was mutually beneficial because wardens are often asked for advice by concerned dog owners. By knowing about us, it gave them another place to point people for help. I enjoyed the day because I was dealing with people who already knew their stuff but wanted to know more.

As a result of that interaction I was invited to take part in a Fun Dog Day in Lakeside Country Park, Wide Lane, Eastleigh, Hampshire (opposite Southampton airport). on this coming Saturday 21st August. There are many attractions at a good venue with plenty of parking. It starts at 1000 and finishes at 1600.

I’ll be there all day with colleagues and you’ll find we are all happy to talk dogs forever. So, if you want advice or to enquire about one of our courses or maybe just want to chat, we’ll be pleased to see you. Just look for our gazebo displaying a banner with our happy ‘PURE Dog’

Flags, Football, Foxes and the Future

Robin Glover — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:32:07 +0000

It’s been too long since my last post. Things have been exceptionally busy both on the domestic and business front. The most important thing by far was the arrival of Grand-daughter Isobel. She was very poorly at birth but now everything is fine. I’ve travelled to all manner of exotic locations in the th last 12 months, Australia, New York and even Newcastle. At present my wife is back in Australia while I sun myself on the Aldershot Riviera. I was going to get a little blonde in while she was away but couldn’t find any takers.

Unusually for me I thought I’d start with a moan. The FIFA World Cup which goes on for a month has had a predictably bad effect on business. When I or one of my colleagues, visit a client to ‘mend a dog’ we are typically in their home for around four hours, maybe longer. There are not many homes in the UK that do not have at least one family member who is heavily into the competition. They do not want any distractions during this time, indeed a survey showed that 1 in 3 people would not answer the door or phone during a match. When you add Wimbledon fortnight which grabs the attention of many of the non football watchers then you’ll realise that this is a good time to catch up on the garden.

The England games were of course an embarrassment with over paid, foul mouthed, can’t be bothered Divas just turning up for their pay packets. I wonder how many Nurses wages or sets of decent body armour for our troops in Afghanistan could have been bought by the wages and endorsements received by Rooney and gang. Perhaps they’d like to contribute something towards a fund. Sorry, that was a silly thought. There are nightclubs to be visited and saucy photos to be texted to girls with long legs and lots of hair. We must get our priorities right.

Our fans on the other hand appear for the most part to have behaved very well. However, their flags! What is going on with the Standard of St George? The whole idea of a Standard or flag is that is easily identifiable so that in the heat of battle you know who is in your gang and where they are. Why then do so many people have the need to have ENGLAND written across their national flag. We KNOW it’s our flag. The clue is in the cross of St George. Even worse is when companies print their name on the flag as in JBB Sports. In many countries legal action would be taken against anyone defacing the flag. Can you imagine the USA allowing displays of the Stars and Stripes with ‘Buy Coca Cola festooned across it?

Now we come to foxes. Following the attack on the two little girls in London passions have been aroused on both sides. People say that a fox would never do such a thing, all foxes are lovely. Well just as a dog can only be a dog then a fox is a fox. They are predators and will look for easy meat, the weakest in the herd. They do not have the same moral hang-ups that we humans do and while humans, without any thought of the consequences of their actions, consider these animals cute and cuddly, feed them and encourage them into their gardens and by extension, into their homes, the problem will only get worse. I’m not only talking about attacks on humans, these are relatively rare at the moment but far from unknown. You must also consider the large number of foxes with severe mange and other diseases. By encouraging these animals large numbers of domestic pets are put at risk from this disease. Consider also fox body waste. If you’ve never smelt it you’ve got a treat coming. Remember Mr Fox is not house trained. If he feels the need to go he won’t care if it’s on your prize roses or on your Persian Carpet and I can tell you that ‘Shake ‘n’ Vac’ won’t be much help.

So let the urban fox revert back to living the way they were a few years ago. Let them be wary of us and live life as they are supposed to. It will be better for both species.

One thing that really irritated me with the fox debate was pronouncements by Brian May the guitarist from Queen on the subject. From his luxury home nowhere near where the incident took place he was able to inform the world that ‘No fox was involved’. ‘The parents hadn’t seen a fox’ and ’no fox would go near a house with a lot of human activity.’ this is despite the fact that a police officer attending the incident in company with the paramedics took a photograph of a fox looking through the patio windows of the address minutes after the attack. It appears that Brian May is not only an excellent guitarist with a joke haircut but he also has the power to see through walls many miles away.

It’s not fair to pick just on poor old Brian May he is at least a musician I’m always happy to listen to. What does really get me is how actors and musicians think that their opinion is more valuable than anyone else’s. Remember these people spend most of their time in a totally false environment, pretending to be someone else. They are surrounded by yes men to massage their egos. I remember Paul Mac Cartney in the Beatles early days returning to the UK after a tour during which he’d been arrested for drug possession. He was, once safely back home, outraged. How dare these foreigners enforce their laws against a Beatle? He stood there puffed up with self importance and said “I’m here to tell you that drugs never hurt anybody.” Well it didn’t improve the swimming skills of Stones guitarist Brian Jones. And what happened to Jimi Hendrix? Too much time down the gym I expect . The list is endless and includes many ordinary people who only got into that lifestyle because their idols said it was cool.

While on the subject of the Beatles what about John Lennon? He really cared, a true working class hero. I particularly liked his song ‘Imagine’ what really reached out to me was the line “Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can.” This written by a man living in luxury in a huge New York apartment and playing a piano that even in those days was £50,000+. I was living on a coppers wages trying to bring up 3 children. So yes John, I can imagine no possessions. How about you?

Then we have those like Bob Geldof and Bono who are the only ones who care, well I suppose they have more time than the rest of us who have to work for a living. I just want my actors to act and my musicians to sing and play. Lets leave the state of the country and the fate of the world to the people who really know what they’re doing. The Taxi Drivers. During muy Police service I attended many tragic and horrific incidents. I’ve held peoples hands while they were dying or maybe just scared. I’ve heard people call out to God, for their mother, a doctor but

And now to the future. It’s just over ago that I left the organisation that I had been connected with and started PURE Dog Listeners with a colleague, Caroline Spencer. During the last year it has grown far more than we could have hoped. We are now a limited company which makes me a director. It sounded quite grand until I reminded myself that is how the Krays occupation was shown on their charge sheets for murder and associated crimes. We have much planned for the next year with our first courses starting in October for those wanting to become PURE Dog Listeners or just enhance their knowledge of all things canine. One thing I do know is that it will be fun. Already signed up for the first course are a dog walker, an agility instructor, a traditional dog trainer who wants a better understanding of the dogs perception of what’s going on plus of course dog owners.

What Breed Should I Get?

Robin Glover — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:42:01 +0000

Once again we come to the end of the year. It seems like only twelve months since the last one. Much has happened in 2009 mostly good but a few low points. There have been breavements of family and friends but the imminent arrival of a new Grandchild shows the cycle of life continues. The last year has shown me the vital importance of making a will and letting someone know where it is. It’s too late when you’ve gone.

In the dog world there have also been ups and downs. More horrific attacks usually by ‘status dogs’ that have, in some cases, ended in death. The specific breed is usually blamed but it’s not the poor dogs fault it’s what we, the human race, top of the food chain, have done to the dog. How we’ve bred it, how we keep and treat it and why we choose a particular dog. Any breed of dog is capable of aggression indeed, probably the most fearsome dog I’ve dealt with pound for pound, or should that be ounce for ounce? Was a chihuahua. Had it been Labrador size or larger it would have been lethal. Did we mend it? Of course. You’ll notice I say ‘we’ because I can do nothing on my own. If the owners don’t play their part then we’ll never make progress. Happily most of my clients do what is required and with the ongoing support that they receive they reach a positive outcome.

When choosing a new dog, decide what you want it for. There are a multitude of breeds in a variety of sizes out there, not to mention the mixed breeds. What is your lifestyle, do you live in a house or flat, town or country? Do you have children or are you intending to in the near future? Are you active or is a lap dog for you? What size of dog will fit into your home without making it too cramped? Answer these questions before you even think about what breed you will buy. Once you’ve picked a breed you think would be suitable, research it thoroughly and then find a good breeder. Don’t make the decision on your own unless you live alone. You’ll no doubt want other family members to do their share of walking, feeding and grooming. If so they are entitled to some input before you buy.

Be aware also of the public’s perception of various breeds, all Labradors are friendly, all Jack Russells are snappy and perhaps the most commonly held belief at present, all Pitbulls, Staffies and other ‘Bull’ breeds are baby killers. This is of course grossly unfair but is an attitude not helped by many of the owners of such breeds. All stereotypes have some basis in fact and it is a sad truth that a certain type of person will always want a ‘status dog’.

Like clothes and music, dogs go out of fashion. When I was younger, the dog of choice for those wanting a manhood extension was the German Shepherd or ‘Alsatian’ as they were known then. This caused all the decent owners of the breed to be tarred with the same brush. Other dog owners would cross the road to avoid them, smaller dogs would be picked up and cuddled when a GSD left their home in the next County. Little dogs would snarl and bare their teeth at the mellow GSD and the small dogs owners would not apologise or do something about their dogs behaviour, but instead would say “He was attacked by an Alsatian!” So that’s alright then. The GSD owner was then expected to feel guilty because someone elses dog was out of control. The GSD went out of fashion and in came the Doberman followed by the Rottweiller then the Pitbull. Of course when the Pitbull was made illegal, overnight there were a lot of large Staffies on harnesses. At the end of a chain big enough to moor an ocean liner you would often see a shaven headed youth with ‘Vacant’ tatooed across his forehead. Another blow to the responsible owner of the breed.

So get the breed you want as long as you’ve researched it thoroughly. Get a Staffie if you want, I know some delightful members of the breed. But, if you do choose a Staffie, be prepared to be stereotyped as a drug dealer or gang member. You must also be aware that a dog on dog confrontation in the park will be perceived very differently by both other dog owners and the courts when the dog involved is a bull breed as opposed to say a Lab or spaniel. I’m not trying to put you off, just make sure that the dog you get is the one that will fit in with you and your family. He or she is going to be with you for a long time so it makes sense to get it right.

Help needed in Australia

Robin Glover — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:58:49 +0000

We know that there are dogs in need around the world. Luckily there are many good people and organisations working to alleviate these problems. Here in the UK we probably have more such as in other parts of the world although of course there are never enough.

In Australia we have colleagues www.doglistenersdownunder.com.au who are doing amazing work in all fields of canine welfare. You may recall the dreadful Victoria bushfires a short time ago. People and dogs lost their lives and homes and many of those who survived suffered terrible burns. There was treatment for the humans but no infrastructure in place for the dogs particularly for those parted from their owners. Dog Listeners swung into action and were the driving force in the rescue and treatment of these dogs. This is still a work in progress but Lynne (who I met during my recent visit) and the gang will be there for as long as it takes.

This morning on the Australian Dog Listeners Forum I read about ‘Lacey’ and it really touched me. I know that we can’t, as much as we would like to, help every dog. I know that Australia is a long way away, but due to the huge size of the country and the proportionately small population they can’t have the same number of suitably funded shelters that we have. I also know that times are hard for everyone, unless you’re an MP. Just read Lacey’s story below and if you can help it would be wonderful. If you can’t we understand. For your information an Australian Dollar equates to about 50p.

LACEY’S STORY

Hello, my name is Lacey and I am eight years old. I came to Golden Retriever Rescue because I am not wanted by my owners as they are having a new baby. I have lived in the yard all my life without a bed or shelter and when I arrived at GRR I was filthy and my gorgeous golden coat and tail were full of knots. However, Wendy and Trisha looked on the inside and found a special quality in me that touched their hearts. They also noticed that I had difficulty moving around but I was so happy to be living in Goldie headquarters that I didn’t mind the pain. Life was certainly getting better by the moment.

Going through the assessment process at GRR I was bathed and groomed but a vet check, followed by x-rays showed that I have the worst case of hip dysplasia the vet has seen in his career. GRR’s vet said that I should have my x-rays placed in a text book and here I was thinking that it was because of my cute smile. My x-rays show that I have no sockets for my hips and I have been taking the pressure on my knees causing one to deteriorate to the point that I need a knee as well. No wonder walking was so painful. Goldie Rescue was given the difficult decision to put me to sleep. Wendy and Trisha thought long and hard because there are so many Goldies that they need to help, but they just couldn’t put an end to my life without me ever having the chance to know what it is like to be pain free and part of a loving family, so it’s new hips for me. GRR’s vet calls it bilateral hip replacement and I know that the recovery will be long and painful but it will be wonderful to walk and run again.

GRR has been in debt for over eight years and it seems that it’s only the depth that varies, but the surgery to give me two new hips will cost approximately $6,000 and Goldie Rescue wants to continue to help other Goldies that come to them for help. It’s not all about me you know.

GRR has found a special family to care for me during my long and difficult recovery and now they need to find the money to pay for my surgery and that’s where you come in. If you would like to donate towards my operation please go to the Donate page found on the top right hand corner of the website or simply send a cheque made out to Golden Retriever Rescue Inc.

Thank you for reading my story and whether you decide to donate or simply wish me a speedy recovery I’m happy to know that there are people out there who care enough to hold me in their thoughts. That’s a whole lot more than I’ve experienced in my life so far.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE INC.
www.grr.org. au
P O Box 4081 Oatley West NSW 2223

Dog Quotes and Poems

Robin Glover — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:32:53 +0000

My old website had a page with some of my favourite doggy quotes and poems. It got lost in the recent move, so I’ll include them here as a blog post instead.

If you have anything similar to share, please add a comment below!

“Old age means realising you will never own all the dogs you wanted to.”
Joe Gores
“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.”
Edward Hoagland
“The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.”
Madame de Stael
“No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as a dog does.”
Christopher Morley
“The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, he will make a fool of himself too.”
Samuel Butler
“A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down.”
Robert Benchley
“I don’t understand, he’s never, ever, done that before!!”
Everyone who’s ever had a dog
A Road Safety Poem
Little doggie
Busy street
Motor car
Mincemeat
Anon
GUARDIANS OF THE NIGHT
Trust in me my friend for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath.
When all others have left you
And the loneliness of the night closes in,
I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all obstacles
And search out those who might wish harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion,
The caring touch of your hands.
It is for you that I will selflessly give my life
And spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing of the seasons
Know that each day at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by
The coming and going of your footsteps.
I anticipate them at the opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill.
The voice of authority over me when I’ve done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly
For I am your right arm,
The sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me.
I seek only to please you and remain in your favour.
Together you and I shall experience
A bond only others like you will understand.
When outsiders see us together
Their envy will be measured by their disdain.
I will quietly listen to you
And pass no judgement
Nor will your spoken words be repeated
I will remain ever silent,
Ever vigilant, ever loyal.
And when our time together is done
And you move on in the world,
Remember me with kind thoughts and tales.
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us undetected.
If we should ever meet again on another field
I will gladly take up your fight.
I am a Police Working Dog and together
We are GUARDIANS of the NIGHT
Author Unknown
If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend
But please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
the kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Please do not grieve – it must be you
who had this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years -
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears.
- Author Unknown -

New Website

Robin Glover — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:23:00 +0000

With the launch of the ‘Association of PURE Dog Listeners’ and the website www.puredoglisteners.com we decided that my personal website was looking a little tired and so we’ve done the trendy thing and had a makeover and facelift (no botox), to give it a lighter look.

One of the great advantages of the new site is that I can do quite a lot of the work myself whereas before, as a confirmed Luddite I had to keep bothering my IT guru for the simplest things. This has stopped him changing his phone number, at least for a while. This is still a work in progress as I’m now running two websites along similar lines that are complementary but have their own identities.

I hope you like it, I’m very happy with it and look forward to improving it as I learn. As always, if you have any comments I will be happy to hear from you.

A PURE New Beginning

Robin Glover — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:47:00 +0000

As you may have read on previous blogs my new puppy is called Phoenix, this is a very appropriate name with it’s connection with rebirth and rising from the ashes.

I have for some time now been working as an ‘Associate Highly Recommended Dog Listener’ under the umbrella of the Jan Fennell Dog Listeners organisation. it has been a very fruitful collaboration but for sometime now I have felt that it was perhaps time to move to a smaller operation where I would know everyone involved both as a person and also their capabilities as a Dog Listener. The focus could be put back where it should be. On dogs and their owners.

I talked with a friend and colleague of mine (and a superb dog listener) Caroline Spencer and she felt the same way. We decided to set up a new association. What to call ourselves? We kicked a few ideas about and as a starter came up with ‘Caroline and Robin Animal Psychology’ but that would give the acronym ‘CRAP’. As Phoenix had arrived at such an opportune moment we thought we might use him as the face of the new company. How about Phoenix Independent Dog Listeners? But that gave us ‘PIDL’ not a very appealing acronym although certainly better than our first thoughts.

After a lot more thought we realised that the reason for this new venture was to keep what we do pure. Going to peoples homes and helping them and their dogs in their own safe place where we could really make a difference and bring their dogs to a happy and peaceful resolution. That was it. PURE Dog Listeners. We are at the moment working flat out doing the admin and we are still mending dogs. Nothing else has changed except that we are now a much tighter unit able to support one another at all times. It’s going to be an exciting time I feel revitalised.