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Pet plan are now taking votes for their Veterinary Awards 2011. Policy holders and non policy holders can all vote. As my vet are Peak Vets and they are in my opinion the most helpful, friendly and amazing vets in the world - they already have my vote. Vote for your favourite Vet/Vet nurse/Vet practice at http://www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards/

Oh absolutely no malice or argument meant - sorry if it seemed that way. Unfortunately, I have quite a bit of muzzle experience, and the Baskerville despite being the far superior muzzle the clips are dubious, the best ones have a proper buckle and strap. The fabric muzzle does allow the dog to pant and be comfortable in general but I agree that on a really hot day or when strenuously exercising they are far from ideal because of the restriction around the whole of the muzzle. I have met quite a few dogs (usually shepherds) when the first time you fit a muzzle go bananas and with a Baskerville, get their claws in the basketwork, scratch their faces to bits and if a clippy type get them off no problem. For getting these dogs used to muzzles I find the fabric ones invaluable as they find them more comfy and less able to get off. You would hope a good owner will upgrade to a Baskerville eventually as they are much safer. There may just be some owners whose dogs are vile in a Baskerville muzzle and will injure themselves but will tolerate a fabric one and for our own safety we would rather they wore something. One downside being that if the fabric muzzle fitted comfortably and not too tight the dog can still nip. I would much rather any dog be in a Baskerville any day of the week but I have the fight the corner of the fabric muzzle as it can be a useful aid and in some cases is better than nothing. Hope that explains a bit more

I'm afraid I find fabric muzzles more trustworthy and comfortable for the dogs and they can pant and drink if it is properly fitted. Regardless of type some people get ill fitting muzzles which are too small thinking more about risk prevention than animal welfare and comfort, when you would think the latter is as important (especially to your dog). Baskervilles are by far the best for walking and exercising but unfortunately it is a little scary how easy it is for an unwilling or nervous dog to get their claws in the basket bit, pull and unclip it. Fabric muzzles are much more difficult to remove, and if you are starting to get your dog used to wearing one I would always go fabric first for the training stage (they seem to find them much more comfortable and less intrusive) but for long term use you should always upgrade to the more sturdy and trustworthy Baskerville. The obvious other issue is that a dog in a fabric muzzle can still bite if it is too big and if badly fitted as Lotti can cause the dog more distress as it is too restrictive around the mouth and nose. I have to fight the corner of the fabric muzzle however because in some cases where a dog will not keep a basket muzzle on - they are the difference between being bitten and not.

My car goes to a brilliant guy on Broadfield Road S8, always extremely reasonable. B J Mason, worth a look - don't think it is too far from you.

Hope you have found your missing kitty, if not I couldn't tell from your description if she could be tortie or tabby and white so I just wanted to point this out just in case it could be her. http://rspcasheffield.homeip.net/cgi-bin/lostandfound.py?lostorfound=found&species=Cat (Number 2985) Good luck x

I am not sure what postcode your area is but could it possibly be this one on the RSPCA website http://rspcasheffield.homeip.net/cgi-bin/lostandfound.py?lostorfound=found&species=Cat Number 2887? Hope you find her soon x

Don't know if you have noticed but looked at Sheff RSPCA site and this little lad is now reserved - fabulous!!

It may be that if your cat is elderly (despite being well looked after), if someone has seen him in their garden and they do not know the cat they often get reported as "poorly strays" as they may be a little underweight due to their age. They are then taken to vets and other rescues. If you have an elderly cat that you let outside, please get them microchipped as I believe that many owners do not look for missing elderly cats believing this myth, when actually they are sat in a vets or rescue centre waiting for their owner to come forward. Hope you find him soon x

My old terrier is a dab hand at the Antiques roadshow theme tune. Head back, ears back full volume. It's great!!

p.s missed a bit - There are extremely few cats you can't rehome. I have had foster cats who are semi feral, a fourteen year old who had recently had a thyroidectomy and I have just fostered a cat who was involved in an RTA with an amputated front leg and recovering from a pelvis injury. They have all been adopted into loving homes - you just need to wait for the right one to come along.

No thankfully as far as I am aware cats are not routinely put to sleep. Sheffield branch is working as hard as possible to ensure all the cats taken to them are put into foster homes. I foster for them and usually have more than one foster animal at a time (because luckily I can) and as soon as one of my foster animals is adopted there is always someone else needing to come and be spoiled at my house until a suitable adopter is found. It is very difficult for all cat charities this time of year as we are all aware and especially with Sheffield RSPCA not having a centre at the moment but the many fosterers they have (all volunteers) are doing a grand job taking these cats in and still doing many adoptions.

The rspca at Bawtry have some on their website if you are not particular on what type chickens you want. http://www.syac.homeip.net. Hope you get some soon xx