Thanks to Ushma Mistry and BBC Online News for the Headline.
Not something I was aware of that people actually feel is necessary to do. Transport a bunch of newly born puppies , just weaned away from their mother to be cuddled by complete strangers. Seems very odd to me.
Even some Universities are using this to reduce the stress levels in their students. Honestly there are better ways, and in truth older dogs who are used to being with people will do the trick.
The process should always be managed and controlled by responsible people who are not looking to “sell” puppies ( one of the people quoted in the article was a dog breeder who thought it was a wonderful idea and I can see why).
Thankfully a dog trainer in Coventry, Nicky Brunt has started a Government Petition, being a dog trainer, she probably sees the problems that arise when dogs have had a bad experience early in life and need special care and rehabilitation to get over it. This can easily start when they are puppies.
The Dogs Trust and the RSPCA have also raised concern about these events, Nicky has worked with Coventry Council and recently was successful in cancelling a puppy cuddling event planned to be held in a “pub” in Leamington Spa.
I for one will be signing her Government petition as “puppy cuddling” is symptomatic of thinking of dogs as soft toys, but they are not toys, they are sentient beings and the puppy stage of their life sets them up for their future. They need to be with their mother and siblings and be appropriately socialised, not traumatised.
Namaste and Thank You for Reading.🙏
thenotsomightyom 