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  • The Vamps James McVey Attends Star Studded Animal Fundraising Bash in London

    The Vamps James McVey Attends Star Studded Animal Fundraising Bash in London

    The Vamps musician James McVey showed his animal loving side when he attended The Mayhew Animal Home’s fundraising event ‘Tinsel and Tails’ in London to raise valuable funds.

    Alongside other stars including Neil Morrissey, who has previously adopted from The Mayhew, and well known animal advocate all round superstar Peter Egan, the canine star of the show was Gordon, the deaf Staffie, who stayed with the animal charity for almost a year before he was finally adopted.


    Photo Credit: Graham Hilling

    More than 200 people attended the Christmas fundraiser in the Connaught rooms in Central London. The event helped to highlight work of the charity’s campaigns such as TheraPaws, which is a much loved community project where dogs are taken into care homes to visit people with dementia.

    A record-breaking £14,500 was raised as guests were wined and dined and treated to festive-filled entertainment including a luxury auction and raffle.

     

    Speaking at the event James McVey said: ‘’I’ve always loved animals. I grew up in Dorset with horses, cows and donkeys so it’s awesome to attend an event like this with incredible TheraPaws dogs.

    “I eventually want to adopt an older cat from The Mayhew as it’s so important to give pets a loving home. When I buy a house I’m heading to the rescue centre.

    ‘’Millions of animals need homes. It’s really important for me to tell people my age of the amazing work the Mayhew does and spread the word.’’

    Chief Executive, Caroline Yates, said: “It was a great night for The Mayhew. It’s fantastic to have Neil Morrissey and his wife Emma Killick here. I did the home visit when they adopted from us 11 years ago and now they’re back with a 14-year-old Tiggy to support us.

    ”I’d like to thank everyone who came along and put their hands in the pockets for the pets. All the money raised will go towards rescuing and rehoming them.

    The Vamps are back with a bang with new single and album Wake Up and you can win two tickets to one of their UK tours and a chance to meet the band afterwards. Keep an eye on The Mayhew website (www.themayhew.org).

  • Kardashians Star Kylie Jenner Cleared of Dog Neglect Allegations

    Kardashians Star Kylie Jenner Cleared of Dog Neglect Allegations

    Keeping up With The Kardashians star Kylie Jenner has been on the receving end of an animal cruelty investigation carried out by The Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control following a complaint made by a member of the public who was worried about the health of the celebrity’s pet dog.

    The complaint centred around the weight of Jenner’s Italian Greyhound pups, Norman and Bambi.

    Following up the complaint officials found Jenner had no case to answer and the dogs were in perfectly good health.

    Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Derek Brown, deputy director of L.A. County animal control cleared the situation up:

    "We did an animal welfare check yesterday. Miss Jenner was very cooperative. "Her animals are actually under medical care, so there’s no neglect whatsoever. The breed of dog tend to be very lean anyway."

    He went to add that the department ”investigates all complaints”.

    Read what Kim Kardashian has to say about her own dogs.

  • Woman Who Posted Photo of Dog With Mouth Taped on Facebook Charged With Cruelty

    Woman Who Posted Photo of Dog With Mouth Taped on Facebook Charged With Cruelty

    Katharine Lemansky thought it would be a good idea to tape her dog’s mouth shut and post the evidence to Facebook. She has now been charged with cruelty.

    The 45-year old will be allowed to keep her chocolate Labrador cross, called Brown, until she appears in court.

    "Taping the dog’s muzzle shut was a terrible decision on Ms Lemansky’s part," said Cary, North Carolina police captain Randall Rhyne.

    "At the same time, it’s important to also note that our animal control officers who physically examined both Brown and her littermate found the dogs to be very well cared for, which is why we did not and could not remove them from the owner."

    Social media users who saw the photo of Brown spread their concern quickly.

    The photo was captioned, "This is what happens when you don’t shut up!!!"

    According to officials, police officers in South Daytona in Florida tracked Ms Lemansky to North Carolina, where she admitted taping up the dog’s mouth.

    She faces a fine and up to 150 days in jail over the charge – called a misdemeanour in America.

  • Woman Who Taped Dog’s Mouth Shut Charged With Cruelty

    Katharine Lemansky thought it would be a good idea to tape her dog’s mouth shut and post the evidence to Facebook. She has now been charged with cruelty.

    The 45-year old will be allowed to keep her chocolate Labrador cross, called Brown, until she appears in court.

    "Taping the dog’s muzzle shut was a terrible decision on Ms Lemansky’s part," said Cary, North Carolina police captain Randall Rhyne.

    "At the same time, it’s important to also note that our animal control officers who physically examined both Brown and her littermate found the dogs to be very well cared for, which is why we did not and could not remove them from the owner."

    Social media users who saw the photo of Brown spread their concern quickly.

    The photo was captioned, "This is what happens when you don’t shut up!!!"

    According to officials, police officers in South Daytona in Florida tracked Ms Lemansky to North Carolina, where she admitted taping up the dog’s mouth.

    She faces a fine and up to 150 days in jail over the charge – called a misdemeanour in America.

  • Santa’s Little Helper v Brian Griffin – Who You Got?

    Santa’s Little Helper v Brian Griffin – Who You Got?

    Straight choice. Pick your favourite TV dog from this battle of the big guns…

  • More Brits Admit to Preferring Dogs to Cats – What’s Your View?

    According to new research out today almost half (45%) of British adults admit they prefer dogs in a battle between dogs vs cats.

    The research conducted by Churchill Pet Insurance is said to relaunch the battle between the two beloved British pets as the insurer asks pet lovers to take to social media using the hashtag #ChurchillCatsVSDogs to share thoughts on the findings.

    dog photo

    When asked which personality traits they associate most with dogs and cats, almost three quarters of pet lovers respondents to the survey claimed dogs are seen as loyal. Almost 7 in 10 said they were protective while giving unconditional love. Over half also claimed they saw dogs as intelligent, while cats are not only intelligent but independent thinkers and cunning.

    Dan Streets, Churchill Pet Insurance manager commented: “We are officially a nation of dog lovers – a preference which transcends age, gender and location. Our friendly pooches give us unconditional love and protection, so have earned the top spot as our loyal companion. It’s not all doom and gloom for cats though, as our research clearly shows that many see them as the pet of choice, as their independent thinking and intelligence in looking after themselves means they are often the perfect pet.”

    So, what do you think? Share your views with us by commenting below or take part in the social study by sharing your thoughts with us on Twitter @K9Magazine using the hashtag #ChurchillCatsVSDogs!

  • Canine Health Screening Works (So Why isn’t it Compulsory?)

    Canine Health Screening Works (So Why isn’t it Compulsory?)

    Health testing designed to support responsible dog breeding by screening for hereditary conditions is helping to improve the health of breeds across the UK, according to new statistics from the Canine Health Schemes.

    The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Kennel Club jointly run the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes to screen dogs for certain inherited conditions. Owners and breeders can use the results from the schemes to make informed breeding decisions to help produce healthier puppies and work towards eliminating debilitating inherited conditions.

    The latest data from the Hip and Elbow Schemes show a clear and sustained reduction in the incidence and severity of these conditions. BVA President Sean Wensley said:

    “The latest statistics from Canine Health Schemes clearly demonstrate that responsible breeding, supported by testing, can make a difference to the health and welfare of dogs.

    “Health considerations are particularly important when it comes to mating, and it is vital that the risk of passing on inherited conditions is continually reduced. The hip and elbow dysplasia tests are extremely useful tools for breeders and vets, both of whom want to ensure the health and welfare of future generations of dogs.

    “Vets have a vital role to play both in encouraging clients to screen for inherited conditions before dogs are used for mating, and, for the Hip and Elbow Schemes, in submitting all diagnostic x-rays taken so that an accurate picture of what is happening in the different breeds is obtained. Anyone thinking of breeding from their dog or considering buying a puppy should ask their vet about relevant health screening.”

    Results from the Hip Dysplasia Scheme, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, showed improvements in the median scores of 20 of the 21 most-scored breeds over the last 15 years, indicating a reduction in the incidence and severity of hip dysplasia in scored dogs. The remaining breed, Tibetan Terrier, has maintained a low median score for the entire period.

    Results from the Elbow Dysplasia Scheme give the numbers and percentage of the different grades (0-3) for all breeds combined for each year since 1998. This also shows a clear reduction in the incidence and severity of the condition in the dogs which have been assessed under the scheme, with a higher percentage dogs from all breeds achieving grade 0 (normal elbows) and fewer dogs grading 1, 2 and 3 (affected).

    Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “This data goes to show just how much of a positive effect health testing is having on the health and welfare of dogs.

    “The BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes are useful tools to support responsible breeding and, as evidence from the data from the hip and elbow schemes, they are going a long way in protecting the future health of the UK’s dogs.”

    “Breeders who health test their dogs should be tremendously proud that they are having such a sustained positive impact on dog health, and we would encourage any breeder who does not currently use the schemes to do so, to enable the positive results to continue.”

    The Canine Health Schemes cover hip and elbow dysplasia as well as hereditary eye disease and Chiari-malformation/Syringomyelia. Breeders interested in using Canine Health Schemes testing should contact their vet for further information.

    The statistics and additional information about the Canine Health Schemes are available at www.bva.co.uk/Canine-Health-Schemes/

    At present, there is no obligation for breeders to health screen their dogs when registering them with the Kennel Club, it is purely optional.

    Good breeders should always subject their dogs to health screening prior to making the decision to breed.

  • RSPCA Bristol Seeking Information About Dog Abandoned Roadside in ‘Appalling Condition’

    Staff at Bristol Dogs and Cats Home are appealing for information after a German Shepherd was found straying in an appalling condition in Bristol on November 6th.

    The dog, named ‘Zen’ by staff at the Dogs and Cats Home, was found by kind passers-by, who took him to the RSPCA Bristol Branch on Albert Road, having immediately realised that the dog was in an astonishingly poor state of health and suffering terribly from his obvious injuries.

    Staff at the centre said that Zen was in an “inexcusable condition”, he had been neglected to the extent that he had open sores all over his body, his nails had completely overgrown; shockingly some of his nails had even grown right around and back up through the pads on his feet. The skin between every single toe on each paw was infected, he had sores to his mouth, and he also had scarring and infected wounds as a result of not having received treatment for a skin condition. Zen was in a very poor health, suffering terribly and in a lot of pain.

    The veterinary surgeon who attended to Zen at the RSPCA Bristol Clinic said, “Zen was probably one of the worst skin cases I’ve ever seen. He had ulceration of the skin to his face, hind legs & all four paws, with a large ulcer over his hip. His feet were swollen, and obviously painful to walk on – he only moved if he had to. The ulcerated skin was deeply infected and the dog was also extremely thin”.

    Unsurprisingly no one came forward to claim Zen, and he was not microchipped, so an owner could not be traced. Very sadly, the vet advised that the severe nature of his disease condition and the extent of the pain and distress meant there was no option but to put Zen to sleep on humane grounds, to alleviate his suffering.

    Jodie Hayward, Manager of the Bristol Dogs and Cats Home, said “This has been a very traumatic experience for everyone involved. The misery and suffering this poor dog went through would have been horrific”

    “The smell of rotting flesh, infection, and bad skin, was so terrible that it made our eyes water. It is hard to think that somebody may have had this dog living with them in a house”.

    Staff at the Bristol rescue and rehoming centre are now appealing to the public to come forward with information.
    Jodie continued, “This poor dog did not deserve to be neglected in this way, the injuries he had meant that he can’t have travelled far. He could barely walk. He was found in the Sheldon Road/Romney Avenue area of Lockleaze, Bristol on November 6th 2015”

    “Someone out there must know something, we please ask that if you have any information at all, no matter how small that you report it so that we may find justice for Zen. Maybe we will never know, but we will do our best to find out so that no other animal is allowed to come to harm at the hands of this person or people again”. Staff at the centre have also shared the appeal on their social media pages, with the hashtag #?justiceforzen.

    If you think you may have any information about Zen, where he came from, who may have owned him – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please contact the main RSPCA control centre on 0300 1234 999, quoting ref: 476/26/11/15. 

  • Don’t Let Dogs Suffer Like Us, Powerful Message Delivered to Kennel Club

    Don’t Let Dogs Suffer Like Us, Powerful Message Delivered to Kennel Club

    People suffering from a rare but incredibly painful neurological condition are pleading with the Kennel Club to do more to halt the spread of the condition among Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia (CM/SM) affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a number of unpleasant symptoms, including searing pain, vision and hearing loss and paralysis. Studies have revealed that up to 70 per cent of Cavaliers are affected because of being bred with skulls too small to accommodate their brains.

    This week is the KC’s National Canine Health Testing Week (#NCHTW) – an initiative to raise awareness of buying puppies from health tested parents. However the Club has found itself accused of hypocrisy and its social media accounts filled with images from those asking why testing isn’t compulsory for Cavaliers: a breed so badly affected by genetic problems.

    Harrowing photographs, including those of patients recovering from brain surgery and close ups of newly stitched shave skulls, have been posted on social media by sufferers. “Some days the pain is beyond excruciating. I can tell you, a dog can’t,” reads the selfie of Lynn Burton, who has been through two major brain surgeries.

    “This is a rare and complicated condition. I can understand why many don’t want to acknowledge that it can cause terrible pain for dogs,” she says. “A major concern of sufferers is passing this to their children. That people breed from dogs without doing all they can to reduce the risks is so sad.”

    Over 21,000, including a host of celebrities, are supporting a petition asking the Club to introduce mandatory testing for CM/SM and also a heart disease called MVD, which is 20 times more prevalent in Cavaliers than any other breed.

    Amy Alldred from Kent is just 28 and has already undergone major surgery. She posted pictures of herself in hospital. “I felt compelled to speak out. There’s no cure for this. Just like many Cavaliers, I take a cocktail of medication to control the pain but with little success. If MRI screening breeding dogs reduces the prevalence it must be worthwhile and the Kennel Club must make it mandatory.”

    Dog owners have also taken to social media. One such is Donna Farrand. Her four-year-old Cavalier, Freddie, underwent cranial decompression surgery this week in an attempt to reduce his SM pain. “While the KC has been messing around with soundbites, Freddie has had part of his skull removed.”

    According to long-time owner Nicki Hughes, all kinds of breeders are guilty of not health testing properly: “The KC and breed clubs would like people to think it’s just backyard breeders and puppy farmers. I lost my beloved Teddy at six. He had MVD and SM. His breeder? An international judge. There is an official CM/SM screening programme but breeders have boycotted it.”

    The Cavalier health crisis was revealed in the 2008 documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which showed top show Cavaliers with inherited disease being used for breeding against veterinary advice. The BBC later ditched its coverage of Crufts, the KC’s most prestigious event, because of the outcry.

    The KC describes itself as “The UK’s largest organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of all dogs” but TV vet Emma Milne believes it is motivated by money. “The UK is way behind much of Europe where countries have seen dramatic improvements in disease prevalence through robust testing. When will the KC stop seeing pound signs and starting seeing sense?”
    Numerous famous faces are backing the campaign, including Tony Parsons, Binky Felstead, Linda Robson, Fern Britten, TV vet Mark Evans and many others:
    “Please can I ask you to sign and retweet this petition to save dogs’ lives”, Pixie Lott has urged her Twitter followers.

    “We need to make sure all Cavaliers are health tested before breeding,” believes Craig Revel Horwood, who has a Cavalier called Sophie with hereditary heart disease.

    “We should be breeding for health, not creating problems for our loved pets,” says Deborah Meadon, who has been a staunch supporter of the Cavalier health campaign.

    Add your voice to the petition: https://www.change.org/p/the-uk-kennel-club-stop-registerin-g-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-puppies-unless-their-parents-are-mri-scanned-and-heart-tested

  • Dog Owners: Do NOT Fall Asleep in Bacon Scented Underwear

    Dog Owners: Do NOT Fall Asleep in Bacon Scented Underwear

    Got a dog? Well, you’re here so it’s safe to assume you probably do.

    Now, we’re amongst friends here, so have you ever had a problem with your dog picking up/chewing/carrying or being unnaturally interested in your pants? Yeah, you know what we’re talking about, don’t act like you don’t!

    Well get ready dog lovers because J&D’s Foods, is pleased to announce the launch of Bacon Scented Underwear™, the world’s first underwear that looks and smells like bacon.

    Marrying the ultimate in comfort and cured meat, J&D’s Bacon Scented Underwear represents the gold standard of meat-scented luxury undergarments. Each pair is hand crafted in the USA to offer the support of briefs, the freedom of boxers and the smell of breakfast cooking in your pants. You really can have it all.

    Featuring state of the art moisture-wicking, scent-emission technology stolen from NASA, we’ve embedded the smell of everyone’s favourite smell into the fabric of your pants. This intoxicating scent will last through multiple wash cycles and wearings – depending on the (ahem) strength of your own scent, your underwear should continue to smell like bacon for up to 6 months or even a year.

    J&D’s legal team has advised us to post the following serious warnings:

    • J&D’s Bacon Scented Underwear is not recommended for people in the following professions: mail carriers, zookeepers, veterinarians, dog catchers and walkers, and circus performers (especially lion tamers).

    • If you have a large dog with razor sharp teeth, please do not fall asleep in J&D’s Bacon Scented Underwear.

    • If you are hiking in the woods where bears are known to roam, please do not wear Bacon Scented Underwear without also carrying a firearm.

    J&D’s Bacon Scented Underwear is available exclusively at www.baconunderwear.com for $19.99 per pair

  • Pair Sentenced for Leaving Injured Dogs in Pain

    Two Hertfordshire men who admitted leaving their injured dogs to suffer have been disqualified from keeping animals for life, following an investigation by the RSPCA’s special operations unit.

    Samuel Lyas and Valentine Baldock were sentenced at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday, 23 November), after they both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to terriers, some of which were left with the skin ripped from their lower jaws.

    As well as the ban, Lyas (dob 27.3.90) was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, 280 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £3,600 in costs after he admitted causing an animal fight between a dog and a fox.

    Baldock (dob 26.5.84) was also ordered to do 225 hours unpaid work, and pay £3025 costs after also pleading guilty.

    The RSPCA began investigating Lyas, from Brent Pelham, near Buntingford, after being made aware of allegations that he has used his dogs to attack wild animals.

    A warrant was carried out by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Rural Operations Team at Lyas’s home address in April this year, where RSPCA officers in attendance found six terriers, including a red male called Max (above) and a black longhair called Bronson who both needed treatment for their injuries.

    Max was suffering de-gloving injuries, which is where the dog had no skin on his lower jaw, leaving the flesh exposed after it had been ripped off.

    A separate warrant the same day at Baldock’s address, also in Brent Pelham, found more dogs, including black terriers called Gravel and Todd, showed they had several head, facial and jaw injuries which had not received proper treatment.

    The vet also discovered a number of staples in the corner of Gravel’s mouth, some of which had become partially detached from the skin. These had been administered by Baldock

    RSPCA special operations unit inspector Cliff Harrison said: “This is a depressingly familiar type of case that myself and colleagues have had to deal with on a regular basis.

    “The injuries to these poor terriers were exactly those that we expect to find on dogs that are put underground to pin foxes and badgers at the back of their earth until dug down to.

    “These dogs are so friendly to humans, but show no fear underground and the inevitable result of them being put underground time after time are these horrible injuries that we found on that day.

    “These are the result of countless encounters and to add insult to their injuries these dogs were not treated by a vet for either pain relief or reparation, which meant that their unnecessary suffering was prolonged.”

    DC Amanda Matthews, an officer on the Rural Operational Support Team, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of this sentencing. Lyas and Baldock treated these animals abhorrently and caused them considerable pain and distress. They do not deserve to be in the presence of animals and I am reassured that they will not be able to for a good few years to come.

    “I hope that today’s sentencing serves as a warning to anyone who mistreats animals that this behaviour won’t be tolerated and, in partnership with the RSPCA, the police will do all they can to bring offenders to justice.”

  • True of False: This Dog Received a Sex Change Operation?

    True of False: This Dog Received a Sex Change Operation?

    Is it possible that dogs can have a sex change operation?

    Well, it turns out, yes. It is.

    A hermaphrodite dog underwent surgery to make her female and boost the chances of her finding a new home.

    Manchester Dogs’ Home said the condition was putting people off homing Georgie, a stray Staffordshire bull terrier cross.

    The home’s manager at the time, Lisa Graham said:

    “Georgie received a lot of interest but when people found out she had both male and female organs they backed away.” Now Georgie has had her male organs removed they are hoping to re-home her.

    "We told people we were happy to fund it but they still weren’t interested," said Mrs Graham.

    "She is a very soft and sweet dog and would make a lovely pet."

    The manager of the charity said Georgie, who has been at the kennels since mid-August and is believed to be aged between one and two, had "recovered well" from surgery.

    She said hermaphrodite dogs were "very rare, especially in cross breeds".

  • WATCH: Couple Who Let Dog Film Wedding Didn’t Expect This to Happen!

    My dogs came to my wedding, they had their own bespoke collars and they were a big part of our plans. The venue was entirely chosen on the basis of it being suitable for them to enjoy.

    This couple went a step further and not only was their dog a big part of their day, he was their filmmaker.

    When Josh and Addie Burnette decided to let their dog, Ryder, film their wedding they weren’t sure how it would turn out (who would!) but this heartwarming video tells a story of it’s own.

    We think Ryder has a future in the business! Don’t you?

  • Dragons Den Star Joins Dog Lovers Anger at Uncaring Kennel Club

    Dragons Den Star Joins Dog Lovers Anger at Uncaring Kennel Club

    A red-faced Kennel Club (KC) has found its social media accounts flooded with posts from owners of one of Britain’s best-loved dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, accusing the Club of hypocrisy over its handling of a health crisis affecting this popular breed.

    Today saw the start of the KC’s National Canine Health Testing Week to raise awareness of the importance of buying puppies from health-tested parents. However, worrying numbers of Cavaliers suffer debilitating hereditary disease and yet the KC does not insist on screening before breeding.

    Over 21,000, including a host of celebrities, are supporting a petition asking the Club to introduce mandatory testing for the two most serious conditions: a heart disease called MVD and SM, a neurological disorder caused by dogs being bred with skulls too small to accommodate the brain.

    The KC has invited dog owners to post canine selfies on social media under the hashtag #NCHTW in support of health testing but has found itsFacebook and Twitter accounts filled with images asking why health testing isn’t compulsory for Cavaliers: a breed so badly affected by genetic problems.

    One such is Donna Farrand. Her four-year-old Cavalier, Freddie, is undergoing cranial decompression surgery today in an attempt to reduce his SM pain. “While the KC messes around with meaningless soundbites, Freddie is having part of his skull removed.”

    Barry Richardson’s Cavalier, Archie, lost his battle with SM aged three: “Words cannot describe my anger at how trivially the KC treats this issue. It’s saying #itshiptobehealthy; this should be the norm. It needs to ditch the gimmicks and do the right thing.”

    According to long-time owner Nicki Hughes, all kinds of breeders are guilty of not health testing properly: “The KC and breed clubs would like people to think it’s just backyard breeders and puppy farmers. I lost my beloved Teddy at six. He had MVD and SM. His breeder? An international judge.”

    The Cavalier health crisis was revealed in the 2008 documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which showed top show Cavaliers with inherited disease being used for breeding against veterinary advice. The BBC later ditched its coverage of Crufts, the KC’s most prestigious event, because of the outcry.

    Figures released days ago from Denmark that reveal its compulsory heart scheme for Cavaliers saw a 73 per cent reduction in MVD will add to the KC’s blushes, which doesn’t even have an optional heart scheme for Cavaliers despite promising one over seven years ago.

    The KC describes itself as “The UK’s largest organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of all dogs” but TV vet Emma Milne believes it is motivated by money. “The UK is way behind much of Europe where countries have seen dramatic improvements in disease prevalence through robust testing. When will the KC stop seeing pound signs and starting seeing sense?”

    Even human sufferers of SM have been posting selfies in support of Cavaliers. Lynn Burton has had two major brain surgeries. “As a human, I can tell you about the constant pain, tingling and numbness. Some days it is so excruciating I feel like my head is ripping apart,” she says. “Cavaliers can’t speak. To allow puppies to be born without doing everything possible to reduce the chances of them suffering like this is inexcusable.”

    Numerous famous faces are backing the campaign, including Tony Parsons, Binky Felstead, Linda Robson, Fern Britten, TV vet Mark Evans and many others:

    “Please can I ask you to sign and retweet this petition to save dogs’ lives”, Pixie Lott has urged her Twitter followers.

    “We need to make sure all Cavaliers are health tested before breeding,” believes Craig Revel Horwood, who has a Cavalier called Sophie with hereditary heart disease.

    “We should be breeding for health, not creating problems for our loved pets,” says Deborah Meadon, who has been a staunch supporter of the Cavalier health campaign.

    View the petition at https://www.change.org/p/the-uk-kennel-club-stop-registerin-g-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-puppies-unless-their-parents-are-mri-scanned-and-heart-tested

    Follow the campaign on Twitter @healthycavalier and on the Cavaliers Are Special Facebook page

  • WATCH: Disabled Dog Learns to Run with New Prosthetic Legs

    WATCH: Disabled Dog Learns to Run with New Prosthetic Legs

    Daisy, a disabled dog from LA was abandoned on the streets of LA at just two months old before being taken in by animal rescue group, A Home 4Ever Rescue. She has since found a home to call her own with couple, Sheena and Christian Maine, and this fabulous little girl has now been given a new lease of life, thanks to a set of prosthetic legs.

    Daisy has a deformed right shoulder. Both front hips and elbows are also affected. She used to use a wheelchair, and still uses it regularly, according to her owner’s blog on underbiteunite.com, but is predominantly using her new prosthetic legs.

    Check out her video below! But be warned, if you think about all she’s had to overcome to this point this happy video will make you tear up so have tissues handy.

    Speaking on her blog Daisy’s owner says, “Her new and improved prosthetic legs are amazing! According to Dr. Campana (from Animal Orthocare), the leggies can’t be too light and need to maintain a certain weight, so they aren’t comparably lighter to her previous ones. They are, however, much more compact, allowing Daisy to walk faster without the legs hitting each other like before. The sole of her leggies were cut shorter and now have a hook shape to them. Also, the leggies both feel and look as if they are actually a part of her legs. I am so excited for what the future hold for Daisy with her new legs!”