Making a Pawsitive Difference to Dogs and Children

Even the most mature adult can turn into an excitable junior at the sight of a waggy tail bounding towards them. It’s only natural that we want to show dogs affection, but greeting them in a safe manner is essential. Sadly, a lack of awareness on how to approach and care for a dog safely can lead to incidents where children are nipped. In some instances, dogs have been exiled to rescue centres or in worst case scenarios, put down. Deciding to nip this problem in the bud, our Burns By Your Side reading-to-dogs scheme and Clybiau Plant Cymru Kid’s Clubs recently ran an awareness poster competition in Out of School Childcare Clubs across Wales. Schoolchildren were asked to design posters on the subject of greeting dogs safely and caring for their welfare in five easy to remember steps. Following a remarkably high standard of entries, Stepping Stone for Schools, Thornhill Cardiff and Clwb Berch in Gwynedd (Welsh Medium Winner) were selected as winners for their attention to detail, artistic flair and clear, concise messages. The posters have since been distributed to 940 after school clubs in Wales. In addition, Burns by Your Side are delivering targeted workshops on responsible pet ownership at school assemblies throughout Wales. Championing dog safety is a cause close to their hearts. On Friday, our very own John Burns and Community Liaison Officer Carol Lincoln travelled to Ysgol Gynradd Abererch to present the award to school pupil, Deian Roberts who won the Welsh Medium Poster category. In addition to winning a prize for his school, Deian also received a toy dog mascot named Bobby.

For more information on Making a Pawsitive Difference to Dogs and Children talk to Burns Pet Nutrition