Forty years at the sharp end
I have always been in awe of Joanna Mason, but talking to her earlier today made me remember why she's a complete hero. Someone who should be treasured, rewarded, decorated.
Joanna has been rescuing Staffordshire Bull Terriers for the last 40 years. It's been an uphill struggle and one that has broken her heart so many times.
In 40 years she's taken in turned around countless dogs that were unlucky, let down, badly damaged, extremely poorly or just badly abused. How many times do you think she's been bitten?
Never.
That statistic reveals so much about the breed she has devoted so much of her life to.
Joanna sounds just as perky as the first time I spoke to her.
The dogs keep her young she says.
Her energy puts me to shame.
Joanna is 87.
Wouldn't it be lovely if she could look back at the last 40 years and be able to relax, but never has the breed been in more need.
Joanna has some revolutionary ideas to sort things out.
A breeding holiday of five years to give rescue a chance to catch up.
It used to be old dogs she mainly helps, these days dogs are only weeks old when they need her help.
And Joanna would like some control over breeding and crossing these dogs, someone taking charge and slowing things down and incentivising neutering.
Wise words from someone who loves her breed with all her heart.
Let's hope Joanna sees some of her dreams come true so she can retire without fear for the future.
Joanna has been rescuing Staffordshire Bull Terriers for the last 40 years. It's been an uphill struggle and one that has broken her heart so many times.
In 40 years she's taken in turned around countless dogs that were unlucky, let down, badly damaged, extremely poorly or just badly abused. How many times do you think she's been bitten?
Never.
That statistic reveals so much about the breed she has devoted so much of her life to.
Joanna sounds just as perky as the first time I spoke to her.
The dogs keep her young she says.
Her energy puts me to shame.
Joanna is 87.
Wouldn't it be lovely if she could look back at the last 40 years and be able to relax, but never has the breed been in more need.
Joanna has some revolutionary ideas to sort things out.
A breeding holiday of five years to give rescue a chance to catch up.
It used to be old dogs she mainly helps, these days dogs are only weeks old when they need her help.
And Joanna would like some control over breeding and crossing these dogs, someone taking charge and slowing things down and incentivising neutering.
Wise words from someone who loves her breed with all her heart.
Let's hope Joanna sees some of her dreams come true so she can retire without fear for the future.
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