I write this sitting on a ferry bound for Calais. All around are school kids and families off to spend half term on the Continent. I, however, am off to help 15 little canine lives come to the  UK, to a better life, to find them homes on our already overcrowded island.

 I am asked many times, often in a rather loud, confident voice reminiscent of UKIP's leader, 'Why Greeks and Romanians, when there are so many English dogs needing homes?'

We have one of the best animal welfare systems in the world. You don't see many stray dogs on our streets, not because they are dead through poison as in Greece and Italy, or trapped by brutal dog catchers as in Romania, but because we have a reasonably good system of dog wardens to pick up strays, the RSPCA to prosecute cruelty and many many rescues, large and small, who battle daily to cope with the deliberate and indiscriminate breeding for profit, that scandalously takes place in all sectors of our 'animal loving' nation.
 
Contrast this with the lack of neutering that results, equally scandalously, in thousands, probably millions (no one cares enough to count) of unwanted street dogs in many of the southern and eastern parts of Europe ( don't get me started on Asia ).

Whilst we are causing this suffering, we as humans must bear the responsibility to help them in whatever way we can, where ever they come from. A dog is a dog, just like a human is a human. Our dogs have wonderful mixed breed characteristics that make them charming and uniquely individual. Adopt or foster a Give a Dog a Home dog and you will know that in your life you have reached out courageously and compassionately,  to support a creature in dire need. Its a good feeling - try it!