There can not be many of you reading this note, who have yet to encountered a 25mm white metal circular disc issued by The Tail-Waggers Club to append to the owners favourite Mutt's collar or elsewhere, depending on what the dog will tolerate.

Despite my best efforts a number have managed to gain entrance to my Numismatic holdings and whilst examining a small group of them, one came as a surprise, this issued from New Zealand, and is slightly smaller (24mm) than it's British counterpart.  Two pictures of a group, containing a few of the variaties that can be met with, of these Dog Tags is offered at the bottom of the page to refresh the mind or to show the uninitiated what they look like.

A very brief history of The Tail-Waggers Club

This Club was founded in 1928 by Captain Horace Hobbs.  Dogs that became members of The Tail-Waggers Club received a special collar medallion engraved with the Club's logo and the motto 'I help my pals'.  In just over a twelve months, the Club flourished and more than 200,000 dogs had enrolled, enabling £20,000 to be donated to aid the work of the Royal Veterinary College.

Within a couple of years of it's founding, The Tail-Waggers Club was able to offer financial support to the newly-formed Guide Dogs for the Blind.  During the mid-30's, the Club had almost a million dog members, including those belonging to members of the Royal family and many famous celebrities.

The Club continued on a reduced scale after World War 11 and in 1960, Spillers petfood company bought the club assets.  The Club received a number of substantial legacies, and Spillers registered a charitable trust in 1972 to administer these funds - the Tailwaggers Club Trust.  Today, Tailwaggers operates as an extremely small organisation and gives support to both Dogs and Cats.

My Story

Whilst pottering around a local market looking for something Numismatic to spend my hard earned cash on, I spotted a small glazed picture frame containing a Tail-Waggers Club Certificate.

This was pounced upon immediately as I had never seen it's like before, the price was requested from the seller and after a little negotiation, the item was dutifully purchased.

On returning to my dwelling the chance was taken to thoroughly inspect the purchase and I quickly decided to dump the frame, which, to be kind, had seen better days and for sure it would not enhance the rest of the junk littered around my home.  Out came the tool kit, the retaining nails were removed and out popped the glass and certificate. This was laid on the table and the glass was lifted off and discarded.  The certificate was then raised from it's backing and to my great surprise revealed a photograph of a group of Ladies with Children.

Not being a expert on women's fashion I have no idea of the issue period of this photograph, but assume 1910-1930.  Like the picture frame this group photograph was of no interest whatsoever, so it was lifted ready for discarding. 
This act was to be a heart stopper, as it uncovered a master piece, fit for a visit to the Antiques Roadshow to be told is was worth £1000's.

Regretfully no such luck just a print without any value, oh well, lived in hope for a very short time, before I came back down to earth. My ship will come in one day!

DOG TAGS