The truth about dogs

As the breeder of this dog, from whom Rosemary and Phil Corbet bought the dog in Jersey, I need to straighten out a few facts with you about this article.

This puppy was quite importantly not acquired from me in Jersey at just three weeks old. Barley was collected from me and taken back to Guernsey at the appropriate age of eight weeks old, not three weeks as stated. Phil Corbet first saw and visited Barley at three weeks old so I could judge if he would be a suitable owner and to see if he liked and wanted the dog.

I am stressing the point because in the dog community, be it owners, protection groups, dog associations, dog trainers, the kennel clubs and animal shelters here in the Channel Islands and UK, these groups are quick to attack breeders seen to abuse pups. Selling a puppy at three weeks old is enough to completely ruin a breeder's reputation throughout our small island communities. Apart from commercial ruin, it also can have personal negative impacts within the local community.

On a less important note, the other dog in Jersey carrying out care home visits is a bitch called Kebo not a dog called Duddley. Duddley is a wonderful dog and carries out lots of agility training. Again, dog owners are sensitive and their noses can be easily put out of joint!

I understand that these facts should have been made more correctly to you by the Corbets but unfortunately as a result, there has been negative feedback to me as so many people know my pups here in Jersey and I am now finding myself having to explain myself, which should not have happened out of what should have been just a nice little story about a dog visiting infirm senior citizens.

TINA BEE.