Dog Save The Queen
Dodging Quarantine rules in the UK
England has long held a reputation for its strict policy regarding the import of domesticated animals. In the past, a six-month (and sometimes even longer) quarantine period was required, which made travel with pets not only difficult, but nearly impossible. On December 11, 2002 however, a system once open only to European countries has been made available in the United States and Canada. It is called the Pet Travel Scheme – or PETS for short- and allows dogs and cats to gain entry into England after having met certain qualifications:
– First, they must be fitted with a microchip, which allows for identification.
– A rabies vaccination must then be given after which a blood test must be taken to insure that a proper amount of the vaccine has been administered.
– An official PETS certificate may be obtained after having provided proof of the above.
– Treatment must be given for ticks and tapeworms between 24 and 48 hours before travel begins.
– Last, a declaration must be signed stating that the travel ling dog or cat has not left PETS approved countries for at least six months before entry.
There are still some breed restrictions. Pit bull terriers, fila Brazilieros, dogo Argentinos, and Japanese tosas are illegal in the UK, and may not be imported under any circumstances.
by Alyssa Evans
A MILESTONE IN PET TRAVEL
Now that you and your pooch are in the country, where do you stay? We’ve found the perfect spot! The landmark Milestone Hotel, built in the late 19th century is a rare, elegant London hotel where four legged guests are welcome! This is not the hotel for you if you are planning any ‘anarchy in the
UK – as 1,000 pound deposit is required. Understandably. The themed rooms are elegantly decorated with unique objects and antiques from around the world.
At the Milestone, man’s best friend can choose from Woof Waffles, Meaty Munchers (chunks of steak in gravy served with creamed mashed potatoes), Toast and Topping, and even ready meals for the dog on the go. The hotel also offers purrfect choices for cats – they say, “to hear the purr is to know the comfort.” Kitty’s menu choices all are fancifully named: Sitting by the Lake (a fish dish) The Purring Feline (strips of fresh salmon with a side bowl of cream), and Cat Nap (a bowl of lukewarm hot chocolate). To counteract the rich dishes, the hotel will also make arrangements to exercise pets. For safety while outside, pets are provided collars inscribed with the hotel’s name, telephone details and pet ID number. The hotel’s hallmark is constant thoughtful attention in luxurious style- ‘no request is too big, or too small.’
The Milestone was named for the cast iron milestone within the hotel’s boundary. This charming hotel has retained all of the markings of its rich history, while providing all of the modern comforts any traveler, or his pooch, would require.
The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court London W85DL
www.milestonehotel.com.
by Carrie Devorah
BARKING MAD!
Dogs travel everywhere in London – on tubes, buses, and trains. This pet-friendly city is even rumored to have named an underground line after its four legged residents – the Barking Line!
A dip out of the way for photo-ops, dog fanciers can tube ride through almost all doggie descriptive towns on the Barking Line – like Bow Road, Bow Church, and Bromley by Bow. Famous residents included the Archbishop of Canterbury, David Beckham, and Alfred Hitchcock. Bow wow! by Carrie Devorah The Luck of Dozer: One Dog’s Story of Rags to Riches
The story of Dozer, an English miniature bull terrier, began in a 2″x 3″ box below the stairs of a flat in England. After having been raised under rough conditions and faced with daily neglect, he was eventually put up for sale. It was then when his luck began to change. The animal training company Birds and Animals had been sent on a mission by Executive Producers J.H. Wyman, Warren Littlefield and Simon West to find a young dog who could play the part of “Pete” on the upcoming Fox series Keen Eddie. They had been searching for some time when they finally came across the ad for Dozer. Although initially unsure of whether or not he could be trained properly given his upbringing, it was impossible for them to allow him to remain under such abuse.
As a result, he was purchased and brought to the nearby studios. Although at this point he had been saved from considerable harm, he still faced competition for the role. The photos of several other dogs were shown along with his own to the Executive Producers of the show. Each had been selected according to strict criteria, and each had potential. It did not, however, take long for Dozer to find the spotlight. Not only did he seem to fit the part exceptionally well, but his history generated a great deal of interest and enthusiasm.
After he had been officially given the role, and with only four weeks until the shooting of the Keen Eddie pilot, it was the job of Dozer’s new trainer Sally Jo Sousa (101 Dalmatians, Ace Ventura), to teach Dozer a list of tricks and skills. There were doubts at first as to whether he would be able to meet the deadline, but these were soon dismissed, and he was more than able to prove himself a capable worker.
These days, he is one happy and well-adjusted dog. He has come to enjoy not only the constant attention offered though his training, but also his newly indulgent lifestyle (filled with an endless supply of chicken, steak, and cheese). At nineteen months old, he has successfully finished basic training, in which he learned to sit, stay, lie down, and even bark on command. He is now in the process of tackling more difficult tricks and is so far able to chew up objects on demand, snarl at people, and more generally “cause mayhem” when needed. In what may be an even larger step, he has learned to work with cats on the show. According to his trainer, this was chaotic at first, but Dozer and the kitties are now able to work well together and even enjoy each other’s company!
From what might have been a meager existence, Dozer has risen into a talented star with a comfortable home. He is surrounded by support and stands as testimony that the story of rags to riches can also apply to dogs.Keen Eddie is a fast- paced combination of drama and comedy. Called a “70’s cop show…(with) a new twist” by Executive Director Simon West.
Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt (Tomb Raider), Sienna Miller (the BBC’s Bedtime), and Colin Salmon (Die Another Day) , it is the story of a New York City cop forced to adjust to the refinement of Scotland Yard.
by Alyssa Evans
Travel Issue/Volume 15
Spring 200
