We’ll be honest, over the years we’ve had our fair share of dogs who’ve caught something only to then drop it. Bonnie, Chloe and Danny, to name a few.
Let’s see how Fritz fairs against some brocolli. Watch his related videos to find out how he does vs other foods how can essay writers help you?. We’re all rooting for you Fritz!
In 2014 our beloved Labrador, Chloe, passed away.
In the last months of her life she struggled through with a genuinely horrible, heartbreaking condition called Degenerative Myelopathy.
Click Here to read more about Canine Degenerative MyelopathyThis disease essentially causes a breakdown between the brain and the body resulting in a loss of function normally in the dog’s hind quarters. As a result, the dog will appear to be dragging their back end and whilst the dog may not be in any extreme physical discomfort, the loss of mobility and subsequent impact of having to compensate for lack of back end mobility means the dog, in simple terms, struggles to move in anything like a free and fluid manner. It’s horrendous to observe in any dog but particularly in one who has previously enjoyed a very active life and who’s brain and senses are still in top shape.
Chloe was 15, so by no means was she a young dog and she certainly had 14 and a bit years of great health and a fantastic life doing all the things Labradors love to do.
In the process of investigating her condition I stumbled upon this.
A dog, younger than Chloe, showing the results of stem cell therapy.
Chloe was too old for this treatment to provide a realistic long term solution – even though, in our desperation we explored the possibilities. On balance, 15 years old is a good run, not that this provides much comfort when you see your dog quickly taken down by such a horrible, debilitating condition while their brain and other functions remain sharp. When we made the heartbreaking decision to let her go it was this disease that was the cause. Her lack of mobility reached an extent where the balance of positive, enjoyable elements of her day were eventually out-weighed by her struggles. She had a healthy appetite and her mind was sound. It is emotionally devastating to say goodbye to a dog in such circumstances and this is the first time I’ve even written a single word about her passing.
I didn’t want this to be an emotional post about the loss of Chloe – my wife has covered that very well. I do want people should know that stem cell therapy is a treatment that is now more widely used, particularly in the USA according to our research, and one that is clearly providing dramatic results in some cases.
Have a look at the video below. It shows GSD called Riley before and after stem cell therapy for the treatment of Degenerative Myelopathy.
When I first watched the video I was in a pretty delicate state, having just learned of Chloe’s condition and wanting to do ANYTHING we could to help her. It made me smile and, I’ll admit, cry. Please watch it and see for yourself. It’s truly inspiring.
Nothing says Easter quite like chocolates and daffodils – yet these seemingly harmless seasonal pleasures are set to cause illness and even death among UK pets over the next month, according to veterinary charity PDSA.
Every Easter, vets see a sharp increase in pet poisoning casualties caused by these seasonal items. Previously the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) has seen as much as a 150% increase in the number of enquiries about pets poisoned by chocolate over the Easter period. The most common victims were curious dogs, who frequently sniffed out chocolates left within their reach. Some dogs were also fed human chocolate as treats by well-meaning but misguided owners.
Similarly, cases of daffodil poisoning peaks around Easter, with most pet owners unaware of their potential danger to animals. In 2009 the VPIS found that over one third of all daffodil poisoning enquiries occurred at this time of year.
Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, said: “Vets across the UK are poised for an influx of Easter poisoning cases over the next few weeks. Easter wouldn’t be Easter without chocolate and daffodils, but unfortunately, neither are pet friendly.
“Many dogs, like us, enjoy the taste of chocolate and will happily eat it if they get the chance. When it comes to daffodils all parts of the plant are potentially dangerous, even the water these flowers stand in. The bulbs are highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if consumed.”
Elaine added: “The greatest chocolate danger is from the luxury brands intended for humans that have a higher cocoa content making it much more toxic to pets. Just a small bar of dark chocolate could fatally poison a Yorkshire Terrier!”
With daffodils, the main risk to pets is from the bulbs, as Nick Sutton, Specialist in Poisons Information at the VPIS explains: “Most of the enquiries we receive regarding daffodils concern dogs digging up and eating freshly planted bulbs. Animals can become very unwell after eating the bulbs. Although this is the most toxic part of the plant, eating the leaves, flowers and even drinking the water can prove harmful.”
The main problem, according to Elaine, is that owners simply aren’t aware of these seasonal dangers. To help people learn more, here are some seasonal facts from PDSA and the VPIS:
• Large amounts of chocolate can poison dogs and other pets due to the toxic effects of theobromine, a component of chocolate similar to caffeine.
• The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appears within six to 12 hours of ingestion, and can last as long as 72 hours.
• Initial signs can include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea abdominal tenderness and restlessness. This can then progress to hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing.
• In severe cases there are fits, heart beat irregularities, coma or even death.
• Daffodil bulbs are the most toxic part of this plant. They contain chemicals called alkaloids and glycosides which are hazardous to pets. These chemicals are present in all parts of the flower, but most concentrated in the bulb.
• The lethal dose can be as low as 15g of bulbs – this could be as little as just one bulb!
• Even the water the daffodils stand in is toxic and can cause stomach upsets in pets if drunk.
Sweet-toothed Labrador, Buster, from Derby made an egg-cellent recovery last Easter thanks to PDSA – after he collapsed with chocolate poisoning from wolfing down a dozen chocolate cream eggs!
Five-year-old Buster’s owner brought the chocolate eggs as an Easter treat for her grandchildren. She hid them away in her spare bedroom, but didn’t count on mischievous Buster sniffing them out.
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Vicky Sims, who treated Buster last year says: “Buster was quite lucky. Cream eggs have a fairly low theobromine content because they’re half fondant. Higher quality ‘posh’ chocolates are the most dangerous as they have high concentrated doses of theobromine – which poisons pets.
“Many people are simply not aware that even small amounts of human chocolate can kill a little dog. If you want to indulge your pet you should opt for a healthy pet treat instead.”
According to figures released today by the RSPCA, brindle dogs are finding it harder to find new homes from UK dog adoption shelters.
The charity says:
– Over the last three years it has taken the RSPCA on average 41 days to find loving new homes for the dogs in our care – for brindle dogs this figure is 65 days.
Black and white dogs are the most frequently seen dogs in the RSPCA’s care and take on average 37 days to rehome, black and tan dogs come in second and take an average of 40 days to rehome and brindle dogs are third but take 65 days to find their new homes.
Between 2012 and 2014 the RSPCA found new homes for 611 brindle dogs compared with 915 black and white dogs and 780 black and tan dogs.
The dogs in our care can come through to us because they have been neglected, cruelly treated or even abandoned.
On March 6 the RSPCA was contacted about a shocking discovery on Chester Road East, in Queensferry, Deeside, Flintshire. Eight brindle puppies were found in a black rubbish bin by children who called a dog warden from Flintshire County Council who then called the RSPCA. The pups were so young some of them had their umbilical cords still attached. The puppies – three male and five female – are now in the care of RSPCA fosterers and are being bottle fed around every two hours. It is unknown what breed they are.
Dog welfare expert Lisa Richards said: “It is a shame some of our brindle dogs are being overlooked particularly when their beautiful markings are matched by their brilliant characters..
“We think all dogs are beautiful and would urge people to look beyond the colour of the dogs to see their amazing personalities.
“Owning a dog can be a huge responsibility but it can also be a very rewarding experience for any family.
“Brindle dogs – like all our rescue dogs – can make great family pets and we think their distinctive markings are just as special as any other colour.” –
The colour bias is not exclusive to dogs. Cats seem to suffer similar problems as do black coloured dogs.
Tyler was one of thousands of dogs entered to take part in the Butcher’s 10-Day Taste Challenge. Sadly only 100 dogs could be chosen, but lucky for Tyler he was one of the lucky few. Here’s his story…
Tyler’s owner spoke after the challenge saying, “His coat is a lot shiner now and he’s actually got a bit more energy, so he’s been a bit more like a puppy!”
100 dogs from across the nation participated in the Butcher’s 10-Day Taste Challenge where owners swapped their pet’s normal meals for a variety of recipes from Butcher’s and shared how they got on with 9 out of 10 owners confirming that their “dogs love Butcher’s”, devouring the meaty recipes on offer.
At Butcher’s Pet Care, we believe dogs will enjoy their dinner so much more when they are served one of our mouth-wateringly meaty meals.
Why? Because every dinnertime, you’ll be giving your dog a tasty meal made with fresh meat, no artificial flavourings and natural ingredients – guaranteed to get them licking their lips.
Each delicious recipe has been developed with leading nutritionists so you can be sure your dog is getting all of the meaty proteins, vitamins and minerals they need to be as Fit as a Butcher’s Dog™.
What’s more, there are no artificial flavourings and no fillers such as soya or wheat, so they are gluten free too. An appetising bowl of Butcher’s has everything that your dog needs and nothing it doesn’t!
For more information on the 10-Day Taste Challenge and Butcher’s Pet Care, like our Facebook page – or click the button below to visit our website and see more videos of dogs who took part in the Taste Challenge.
If you’re looking to spend a few minutes watching some dogs have fun, then look no further than Vine. Designed so show shorter video clips rather than full length videos, you can discover a whole new world in a shorter space of time.
Here are seven of the most amazing dogs we’ve found while exploring Vine…
1. Marnie the dog
Rescued from the streets as an older girl, this 12 year old Shih Tzu now lives the high life and has over 615,000 followers on Vine.
Follow Marnie here
2. Rosie
There’s a whole lotta love for Rosie with over 236,000 people following this Chihuahua girl.
Follow Rosie here
3. Dinky
This pup has attitude, and loves to drive! With more than 550,000 followers, it’s fair to say a lot of people love #dinkynation
Follow Dinky here
4. Strudel
No doubt a rising star, we’re sure big things are going to happen for this girl.
Follow Strudel here
5. Belle Villegas
Who can forget this lovely little girl’s amazing entrance that captured a smile from many a dog lover last year?
Follow Belle and her owner here
6. Barkley the Pom
A celebrity in his own right, he has over 450,000 followers on Vine.
Follow Barkley here
7. Wheezer
This Australian Silky Terrier music aficionado will surely make you smile.
Follow Wheezer here
We hope you enjoyed our countdown of seven of the most amazing dogs we’ve found on Vine!
Today is St Patrick’s Day and these dogs want to show you just how much they want to celebrate – will you join them?
1. The Dachshund who can’t help himself.
2. The Golden Retriever who’s styled his hair ready for his hat.
3. The dog with the flashing bow-tie.
4. The dog who’s ready to party.
5. This dog can’t hide just how excited he is about St Patrick’s Day!
Have a great day wherever you are, whatever you’re doing!
Today, the Sentencing Council has published proposals for how courts should sentence people convicted of dangerous dog offences. A press release issued by the Sentencing Council reads:
The proposals follow changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which came into force last year. These made very substantial increases to the maximum sentences for these offences, extended the law to cover offences on private property and introduced a new offence to cover attacks on assistance dogs.
New sentencing guidelines are therefore being produced to reflect the changes to legislation and to provide updated guidance for judges and magistrates to use in sentencing these cases, which can include those of the utmost seriousness involving a fatality.
Sentence levels in the proposed guidelines have increased in line with changes to the law and therefore allow a wider range of sentence lengths than are possible under existing guidelines. The law has increased maximum sentences for offences where someone is killed by a dangerous dog from two years to 14 years and so proposed sentencing ranges, which go up to this new maximum can accommodate more effectively the variety of offenders who come before the courts. At the top end, they could involve someone who has bred or trained a dog to be aggressive and uses the dog as a weapon or to intimidate people, whose dog carries out a fatal attack.
However, the guideline sentencing ranges also cover incidents where the dog owner was much less culpable. This could include someone who has been a responsible dog owner and taken safety measures but an unforeseen incident happens where their dog escapes from their house and attacks someone in the street and despite their efforts to restrain the dog, the victim dies.
The proposed guidelines also reflect the increase in the legal maximum from two to five years where a person is injured by a dangerous dog with sentencing ranges that go up to four years, allowing sentencers to go outside the guideline in exceptional cases.
The law also introduced a new offence of a dog being dangerously out of control and killing or injuring an assistance dog, which could be those trained to guide someone with a visual impairment, or assist someone with a hearing impairment or other disability. A guideline has therefore been produced to cover this offence, accommodating the varying levels of harm and culpability that can arise. It takes into account both the harm to the assistance dog and the potential impact on the assisted person of being without their trained dog for any period of time.
In line with the extension of the law, the draft guidelines now cover incidents which happen on private property as well as in public spaces. This means they will apply to incidents such as when a postal worker on a delivery round is attacked by a dog in someone’s front garden or when a guest at someone’s house is injured.
As well as setting out appropriate sentence ranges for these offences, the guidelines aim to make sure sentencers use the full range of their powers, for example awarding compensation to victims or banning irresponsible owners who put the public at risk from keeping dogs.
The Council is seeking the views of as many people as possible interested in the sentencing of dangerous dog offences. It is particularly interested in views about how to assess the seriousness of offences, which factors should influence a sentence, the structure of the guidelines and the sentence ranges and levels.
The consultation closes on 9 June 2015. It is open to everyone, both criminal justice professionals and members of the public. People can respond by visiting sentencingcouncil.org.uk, responding either to the full consultation, or by filling out a simpler online questionnaire.
Judge Julian Goose, member of the Sentencing Council, said:
“Most dog owners are responsible, care for their pets properly and keep them under control but some irresponsible owners put others at risk of injury or death and we want to ensure that the courts have the guidance needed to help them sentence offenders appropriately.
“In drawing up our proposals, we have been very aware of the potentially devastating impact of these offences on victims. Long sentences are available for the most serious offences. Sentencers are also encouraged to use their powers where appropriate to ban people from keeping dogs or to order them to pay compensation to victims.
“This is a public consultation. We are interested in hearing from people with expertise or an interest in this issue so that we can develop guidelines that are clear, proportionate and effective.”
Trevor Cooper, dog law specialist at Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, commented:
“Courts often face the difficult task of deciding on appropriate sentencing in dog cases, which can be emotive and complex. These draft guidelines on dangerous dog offences will help to provide much needed clarity and consistency in assessing individual cases. This is vital with the changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act coming into force last year. Dogs Trust are pleased to see the proposals recognise that there can be a range of culpability on the part of offenders for these offences, and that courts should carefully consider the appropriate sentence in each case.”
Richard Monkhouse JP, Chairman of the Magistrates Association, said:
“There has been an increase in dangerous dog cases coming before the courts over the past 10 years and following the significant changes in the law, we are pleased that new guidelines are being introduced. They will help magistrates decide on appropriate sentences for the variety of offenders they deal with and assist them in taking other actions necessary to keep the public safe, such as by banning an offender from owning a dog.”
This consultation is open to everyone including members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, business representatives and any individuals who work in or have an interest in criminal justice or fraud matters. It closes on 9 June 2015 and responses can be made online at www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk, by email to consultation@sentencingcouncil.gsi.gov.uk or by post to:
Office of the Sentencing Council
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London WC2A 2LL
K9, what a great name, eh? This K9 was one of 100 lucky dogs chosen to take part in the Butcher’s 10-Day Taste Challenge last November. Watch her story unfold below…
Speaking after the challenge her owner Tina, who submitted K9’s entry, said: “I can’t believe that dog food could actually do that to a dog. She had a lot more energy during the Taste Challenge.”
100 dogs from across the nation participated in the Butcher’s 10-Day Taste Challenge where owners swapped their pet’s normal meals for a variety of recipes from Butcher’s and shared how they got on with 9 out of 10 owners confirming that their “dogs love Butcher’s”, devouring the meaty recipes on offer.
At Butcher’s Pet Care, we believe dogs will enjoy their dinner so much more when they are served one of our mouth-wateringly meaty meals.
Why? Because every dinnertime, you’ll be giving your dog a tasty meal made with fresh meat, no artificial flavourings and natural ingredients – guaranteed to get them licking their lips.
Each delicious recipe has been developed with leading nutritionists so you can be sure your dog is getting all of the meaty proteins, vitamins and minerals they need to be as Fit as a Butcher’s Dog™.
What’s more, there are no artificial flavourings and no fillers such as soya or wheat, so they are gluten free too. An appetising bowl of Butcher’s has everything that your dog needs and nothing it doesn’t!
For more information on the 10-Day Taste Challenge and Butcher’s Pet Care, like our Facebook page – or click the button below to visit our website and see more videos of dogs who took part in the Taste Challenge.
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy who was badly beaten by an eight-year-old child has now been rehabilitated by the RSPCA and is searching for a new home.
Following his rescue by the RSPCA Stanley was taken in to the charity’s Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey.
After becoming stressed in kennels Stanley jumped and ruptured a cruciate ligament which then needed veterinary care.
The one-year-old pup has since undergone hydrotherapy to help him heal and staff have been working hard to rebuild his confidence after his rough start in life in the hope he will now be able to find someone to call his own.
Fosterer Sarah Piggott said: “Stanley is a gorgeous boy and is looking for a home with the most special and loving of owners. He’s a bright, sensitive and affectionate dog who, despite being so young, has coped with so much in his short life – he now just needs an experienced owner to share his life with.
“He’s extremely clever – he likes his puzzle toys, clicker training and classes. Stanley has a pink bunny toy that he really likes – he carries it around the house and brings it to his favourite people to play with.
“He’s sweet and affectionate and bonds strongly to the people who look after him – his favourite thing to do is chew on stag bars, have cuddles on the sofa or a belly rub. In many ways he is a typical young staffy – bouncy and energetic!
“He is a beautiful dog that has grown so much in confidence – now he just needs experienced owners to continue to work with him and help him understand the world is not so scary. I know he would make his new owners very happy – we just need to help him find them!”
Stanley cannot be rehomed with children and would prefer to be the only pet in the home. If you would feel like you could offer Stanley his forever home please contact RSPCA Millbrook on 0300 123 0740 or email sarah.piggott@rspca.org.uk
What happens if you ask your dog to help you out in a live cooking demonstration?
Something like this….
Teddy was selected to take part in Butcher’s 10-Day Taste Challenge – here’s his story…
Speaking after the challenge his owner, Annette, said “From Day 1, he was cleaning his dish, bright eyed and bushy tailed, very happy. Taking part in the Taste Challenge with Butcher’s is the best thing I have ever done for my dogs. I am going to keep on that way.”
100 dogs from across the nation participated in the Butcher’s 10-Day Taste Challenge where owners swapped their pet’s normal meals for a variety of recipes from Butcher’s and shared how they got on with 9 out of 10 owners confirming that their “dogs love Butcher’s”, devouring the meaty recipes on offer.
At Butcher’s Pet Care, we believe dogs will enjoy their dinner so much more when they are served one of our mouth-wateringly meaty meals.
Why? Because every dinnertime, you’ll be giving your dog a tasty meal made with fresh meat, no artificial flavourings and natural ingredients – guaranteed to get them licking their lips.
Each delicious recipe has been developed with leading nutritionists so you can be sure your dog is getting all of the meaty proteins, vitamins and minerals they need to be as Fit as a Butcher’s Dog™.
What’s more, there are no artificial flavourings and no fillers such as soya or wheat, so they are gluten free too. An appetising bowl of Butcher’s has everything that your dog needs and nothing it doesn’t!
For more information on the 10-Day Taste Challenge and Butcher’s Pet Care, like our Facebook page – or click the button below to visit our website and see more videos of dogs who took part in the Taste Challenge.
Just in time for the weekend, K9 Magazine’s latest issue has been released and whether you’d like to read at home from the comfort of your sofa or on the go, we have an edition to suit you!
Find out what’s in this issue before you download your flash or tablet friendly editions here and spend some time relaxing with us this weekend.
We’d love to hear what you most enjoyed or what you’d like more of from us so don’t be shy, come back and let us know!
Meet Elsa, the dog who shovels snow. That’s right, most dogs just make a mess – this girl helps to clean it up apapers!