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Security dog shot dead at Auckland airport for getting onto runway

New Zealand police officers have shot and killed a trainee security dog at Auckland airport after he escaped his handler and no one was able to catch him. The dog, a ten-month-old crossbreed named Grizz, broke loose in the early hours of Thursday morning, as he was being loaded into a van. Grizz wandered into a secure area, causing the delay of 16 national and international flights, and could not be coaxed or caught in the dark. After three hours the decision was taken to shoot Grizz. Unfortunately an Aviation Security dog was shot this morn @AKL_Airport staff had tried for 3 hours to catch it our thoughts are with handler — Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) March 16, 2017 Inspector Tracy Phillips of Counties Manukau District Police said Aviation Security Service (Avsec) commented, “Our thoughts are with the Avsec dog handler involved. This is not an outcome which anyone wanted, and police were only asked to be involved as a last resort.” Animal welfare charities and members of the public have condemned the decision, with many questioning why airport timings were more important than a dog’s life. The question over why a tranquilliser gun wasn’t available for use was raised too. Featured image via Facebook The post Security dog shot dead at Auckland airport for getting onto runway appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/17/security-dog-auckland-airport/

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Dealer couple jailed for selling dying Christmas puppies

A Kent couple who repeatedly sold sick and dying puppies to members of the public were jailed for a string of fraud and animal welfare offences yesterday. Anthony and Lucy O’Donnell were both handed significant sentences, for five months and two years respectively. They have both been barred from keeping animals for ten years. It was a long time coming for the pair; the RSPCA were made aware of their activities in December 2015, following calls from buyers who had purchased puppies that had sadly died within days. RSPCA inspector Carroll Lamport led an investigation into the dealers. He said, “Twelve people who had bought puppies from the same address got in touch with us to report concerns around the sellers after their dogs fell ill soon after coming home. “Sadly, of those 12 pups, all but two died. “We launched an investigation which involved gathering evidence from the owners and their vets, as well as sending two undercover officers along to the property to buy a puppy. “The officers - posing as a couple buying the pup as a birthday present - met a woman, now known to be Lucy O’Donnell, at the side of the road and after a few minutes of questions, handed over cash and walked away with the tiny puppy. “Luckily for him, he was taken straight into the care of one of our centres and, later named Branston, was rehomed and is now living a wonderful life with a loving family.” A few weeks later, the RSPCA were able to exercise a warrant at the address with the help of local police. Around 50 dogs and puppies were discovered, but there were no grounds to seize them. Instead the RSPCA proceeded with their investigation into the dead puppies, based on the evidence from the buyers. Inspector Lamport added, “It’s heartbreaking to think that this couple put money and profits ahead of the welfare of these poor pups.” See the video of the RSPCA’s test purchase on our Facebook page. The post Dealer couple jailed for selling dying Christmas puppies appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/16/dealer-couple-jailed-selling-dying-christmas-puppies/

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Firefighter adopts dog found in home of deceased owner

Last month, emergency service workers were dispatched to a home in Farmington Hills, in Michigan, USA, following reports of an unresponsive woman. Sadly, the lady in question had quietly passed away, but when firefighters searched her house, they discovered she had left someone important behind. Banjo, a young Boston Terrier, had been this lady’s beloved pet, and left alone for many days, was showing signs of dehydration. Firefighters gave Banjo some water, and looked into what they could do for the bereaved dog. They soon learnt his owner had no family nearby, and there was no one who could take Banjo on. They worried about Banjo all day. Where would he end up? Later that afternoon, one of the firefighters caved; Nick Newcomb asked to adopt Banjo and ensure a happy future for him. Once his shift was over, Nick took little Banjo home - a huge surprise for his young daughter, Brooke! Brooke Newcomb, Nick Newcomb, Banjo, and Stephanie Pann. Via Facebook/City of Farmington Hills, Michigan - Municipal Government “Our department prides itself on compassionate service to the community but this story is particularly heartwarming,” said Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh in a Facebook statement . “We extend our condolences to the family and hope that this wonderful gesture by Nick and his family will offer some small comfort during a very difficult time.” Featured image via Facebook/City of Farmington Hills, Michigan - Municipal Government The post Firefighter adopts dog found in home of deceased owner appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/15/firefighter-adopts-dog-found-home-deceased-owner/

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10 ways to avoid dog theft

Today, Tuesday 14 March, is Dog Theft Awareness Day. In the UK, incidences of dog theft have risen by 24% in the last three years alone - it’s a low-risk, highly profitable crime, and one that devastates families, ripping them apart. Today, MPs will gather at Portcullis House in Westminster to discuss this growing trend. The event will be hosted by Gareth Johnson MP, who has been campaigning for greater recognition of this offence for years; his constituency is in Kent, a county with one of the highest rates of dog theft in the UK. We need to make stealing a dog more legally significant than stealing an object. Until that happens, here’s our top tips for avoiding becoming a victim, and losing your best friend. 1) Walk with care Doing the same loop around your house every morning at the same time? Someone could be watching you, and the dog you have with you. Make it trickier for thieves, and don’t always be in the same place at the same. This makes it harder for a planned abduction. Dog owners are forever being approached by new people who are curious about their dogs and want to have a chat - a dog is a great ice-breaker! Most of these conversations are totally innocent, but if you feel concerned and think someone is trying to suss out information about your pet, it’s OK to lie. Say your dog is old, ill, and neutered! 2) Know your risk Some breeds are a much more valued target than others. Small, fashionable breeds such as Pugs and Frenchies can command the highest re-sale value. It’s incredibly easy for thieves to sell these breeds individually, pretending the dog is their own pet and making up a credible story in an online advert. Likewise, working gundogs such as Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels are prized for their high level of training, ability to produce valuable litters of puppies, and the likelihood they will be left unattended in an outdoor kennel. As many as 50% of all dog thefts involve a working gundog being snatched. 3) Guard in the garden The vast majority of dog thefts occur when a dog is left unattended in its own garden. Secure your fencing, secure your gates, and don’t leave your dog outside for long - and never if you are leaving your property entirely. Private CCTV is an option too; its becoming more commonplace, and could provide vital information in an incident about an individual and the vehicle used. 4) Stay up-to-date A microchip gives you the very best chance of being reunited with your pet. Wherever they may end up in the country, a chip will always carry your details over the many miles. Keep this information updated; not only is this a legal requirement, it’s common sense! 5) Get tagging Via Purrfectly Yappy Likewise, a tag is a legal requirement of any dog owner - a dog must be wearing an ID tag in a public place, bearing the name and address of its family. A telephone number is optional, but encouraged! However, refrain from putting your dog’s own name on the tag. A thief who knows your dog’s name has an advantage; it makes it easier to gain your dog’s trust. 6) Stay together in public Never leave your dog tied up alone outside a shop, or alone in your car, even if you are only going to be a few minutes. It doesn’t take long at all for an opportunist to strike, and you’d never forgive yourself for putting your dog in that vulnerable position. Leave your dog at home, safe behind locked doors and out of sight. 7) Perfect the recall The joy of an off-lead run for most dogs simply cannot be matched - but it gives thieves a window of opportunity. You need to be able to call your dog away from danger. If a stranger whistles, with a kind voice and the promise of a treat, you need to be able to intervene. 9) Get snapping Make sure you have excellent photographs of your dog from all angles - a clear close-up of the face, and a full shot of the body, as well as some of any distinguishing marks that set your dog apart, such as a smudge on the toe, or a patch on the side. These pictures will be vital to a campaign should your dog be taken. Save them in several places to keep them safe. 10) Have an action plan If the worst is to happen and your dog goes missing, have a plan in place of what you will do next. The first 48 hours are crucial. Contact DogLost , the UK’s largest lost and found dog service, to register your dog. Contact the police and your local dog warden. Get on social media and start spreading your dog’s details and pictures - the idea is to make your dog ‘too hot to handle’, so that any potential buyers will be warned, and local people will keep an eye out. The post 10 ways to avoid dog theft appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/14/10-ways-avoid-dog-theft/

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Blind dog saved after seven days in the wild

When Sage the Labrador disappeared from her garden in a rural neighbourhood in the Santa Cruz Mountains, her devastated family held little hope of finding her alive. At 12 years old and completely blind, Sage wouldn’t cope well out in the wilds of California all alone. Nevertheless, the Cole family and their friends and neighbours keep searching for her, putting posters up and spreading her photographs on social media. After Sage had been missing for seven full days, her family were slowly starting to accept that they may never see her again - and then something amazing happened. Via Facebook/Kevin Foster Dan Estrada, a neighbour of the family, was out on a hike, and spotted Sage laying by a stream at base of a steep slope in the mud. He assumed the dog was dead; she looked completely lifeless. Nevertheless, he jumped into the stream to get her, and was shocked to see Sage lift up her head to him wearily! As she was too weak to walk, Dan carried Sage across his shoulders, back up the slope and out of the woods to her family. Via Facebook/Kevin Foster Hero Dan even refused the $1000 reward Sage’s family had put up, insisting it be donated to a local animal rescue charity instead. Sage has been checked over by a vet, and is in good health despite her ordeal. It just goes to show you should never give up hope! Featured image via Facebook/Kevin Foster The post Blind dog saved after seven days in the wild appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/10/blind-dog-saved-seven-days-wild/

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Hunting group kills off 25 Foxhounds after Bovine TB outbreak

A fox hunt in Kimblewick – which has its kennels in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire – has euthanised as many as 25 Foxhounds after a suspected bovine TB outbreak. The Kimblewick hunt, which counts former Countryside Alliance deputy chief executive Lord John Gardiner among its members, has culled the dogs affected and has implemented biosecurity measures in order to prevent the disease spreading and causing further outbreak. Another 120 hounds are being monitored for similar symptoms, in what is thought to be the biggest ever potential outbreak of bovine tuberculosis amongst dogs in Britain. The Kimblewick hunt have abandoned hunting with their own dogs for the rest of the season. However, the group have continued to carry on with legal hunting activities with hounds from other hunts. In 2005, the use of dogs for fox hunting was banned, although hunts are still carried out legally; hounds instead follow an artificial scent, in a practice known as trail hunting. However, critics say that this process often leads to the ‘accidental’ deaths of foxes, when hounds pick up a genuine scent, which then leads to the horrific ‘flushing out’ of the fox. Subsequently, biosecurity signs have been placed at the entrance to the kennels in Aylesbury. While mycobacterium bovis is usually linked to cattle and badgers, other animals such as horses, sheep, pigs, deer, dogs and cats can also become infected. Hunt officials have said it’s most likely that “the hounds contracted it from eating meat from a contaminated bovine.” The chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, Eduardo Goncalves said, “The implications of this outbreak are huge. It would be a farce if hunting was allowed to continue while bovine TB is rife. All hunting with dogs must be suspended with immediate effect in the bTB epidemic zone.” The hunt itself covers a large area of the Home Counties, including Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. Subsequently, biosecurity signs have been placed at the entrance to the kennels in Aylesbury. A spokeswoman for the Animal and Plant Health Agency – also a part of the Department for Environment, Rood and Rural Affairs (Defra) – had the following to say on the outbreak, “The bacterium that causes bovine TB in cattle has been found in dogs at a kennel in Buckinghamshire. The origin and route of this infection is being investigated.” She added, “Dogs are not considered to play a significant role in onward transmission of bovine TB.” The Kimblewick hunt first came across the signs of bovine tuberculosis towards the end of last year, alerting DEFRA immediately. They said in a statement, “We are waiting for Animal and Plant Health Agency’s epidemiology report that might give details of the source of infection, however it would appear that it is most likely that the hounds contracted it from eating eat from a contaminated bovine. There has been no contact with other packs of hounds since the initial case was suspected, and a monitoring and testing protocol has been rolled out across the country. “The Kimblewick Hunt has been working alongside Defra, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Public Health England and the Masters of Foxhounds Association in order to ensure that bTB has been contained. No other cases have been reported. “Testing continues on the Kimblewick hounds in line with advice given from veterinary and scientific experts during this very difficult time for the hunt staff and their families.” Stock. Tim Rose Photography. But this is not enough, according to the advisory body Hounds Off, which works to protect wildlife from illegal hunting and give advice to farmers, landowners and residents who might be affected. A spokesman for the group said, “With the link between the Kimblewick Hunt hounds and bovine tuberculosis now confirmed, Hounds Off calls for the immediate blanket suspension of all hunting by all packs of hounds pending further investigations and enquiries.” Images: stock The post Hunting group kills off 25 Foxhounds after Bovine TB outbreak appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/09/hunting-group-kills-off-25-foxhounds-bovine-tb-outbreak/

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Dog walker assaulted for intervening in an attack on a seal

A County Durham dog walker is recovering after she was punched in the face while trying to stop a group of teenagers from attacking a seal. Sarah Tough was left with a bloody nose after the incident on Monday on Crimson Beach, where she had been out with her Border Collie Tally. Her pictures have been shared thousands of times on social media in commendation of her bravery. She wrote in a Facebook post , “....him and his pals were torturing a baby seal on Crimdon Beach, rolling him around and burying it in the sand.” Sarah Tough and her Border Collie, Tally. Via Facebook/Sarah Tough After she threatened to call the police, Sarah was set upon by one of the group. Thankfully her trusty dog leapt to her defence, and bit the attacker on the ankle. The group then fled. The RSPCA arrived to help the seal, which was exhausted but unhurt, and it returned to the sea. The charity has issued a warning that seals should never be touched by members of the public. Thankfully Sarah’s nose isn’t broken, although poor Tally has a chipped tooth. Featured image via Facebook/Sarah Tough The post Dog walker assaulted for intervening in an attack on a seal appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/09/dog-walker-assaulted-intervening-attack-seal/

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April’s Caption Competition

This month’s prize: The winner of this month’s caption competition gets a PoopPot , an expandable, airtight pop-out poo-bag container. It is odour-free and can be attached to your belt, bag or lead using the handy dog-shaped clip. Order yours from www.PoopPot.co.uk How to enter: It’s free! You can enter by simply completing the entry form below. Good luck! (Should you prefer, you may also enter by post, send your entry (along with your name and contact details) to September competitions, Dogs Today, The Old Print House, 62 The High Street, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8AA. Postal entries must arrive by 9 April 2017). Caption competition entry form * Your photo caption: * Your name (in case you win!): First Last * Your email (in case you win!): * Field Label window.wp = window.wp || {}; wp.ccf = wp.ccf || {}; wp.ccf.conditionals = wp.ccf.conditionals || []; wp.ccf.conditionals[13539] = []; The post April’s Caption Competition appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/09/aprils-caption-competition/

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April’s Cross Question

* Which breed is parent A? * Which breed is parent B? * Your name (in case you win!) First Last * Your email (in case you win!) Preferred type of book prize (in case you win) Let us know if there’s a particular book you’d be interested in. Key words might include: humorous, training, dog games, puppies, encyclopaedia, agility, name of a specific breed. If you do not enter anything or we cannot match your request from our prize library, you will be sent a book prize at random. * Anti-spam check window.wp = window.wp || {}; wp.ccf = wp.ccf || {}; wp.ccf.conditionals = wp.ccf.conditionals || []; wp.ccf.conditionals[12956] = []; The post April’s Cross Question appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

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‘Cash’ the Belgian Shepherd finds huge stash of euros on Luxembourg train

An aptly-named sniffer dog has found €286,000 hidden on a man and in a suitcase during a search of a train in Luxembourg. The massive find was a part of an anti-drug service raid, of which Cash the dog’s nose proved to be a vital element of success. Cash led his handlers to a train passenger who was found to be concealing €50,000 on his person. The Belgian Shepherd then indicated towards a piece of luggage, which was found to have €236,000 within. All of the money was confiscated and two men have been arrested pending further investigation, as under Luxembourg’s laws, cash amounts totalling more than €10,000 must be declared. With a combined find of over a quarter of a million euros in one shift, Cash has certainly proven his true value! Featured image: stock The post ‘Cash’ the Belgian Shepherd finds huge stash of euros on Luxembourg train appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/07/cash-belgian-shepherd-finds-huge-stash-euros-luxembourg-train/

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Abandoned puppy Picasso inundated with rehoming offers

A dog given up due to his severe facial deformity has been saved from euthanasia and is all set for a loving new family, all thanks to Luvable Dog Rescue in Oregon, USA. Picasso is a ten-month-old Corgi-Pit Bull cross, and was born with a twisted, misaligned jaw, which gives him a very lopsided look. This meant he wasn’t easy to sell; instead, Picasso was given up to the pound by his breeder, along with his litter brother, who has been named Pablo. Via Facebook/Luvable Dog Rescue After learning the pair were on the pound’s euthanasia list, volunteers at Luvable Dog Rescue stepped in. Picasso is now waiting to have a tooth sorted out, but luckily it seems his problem is fairly cosmetic; Picasso can eat quite happily, and seems none the wiser to his abstract profile! Via Instagram/Luvable Dog Rescue His uniqueness has garnered Picasso quite a following across Luvable Dog Rescue’s social media channels, and propelled him into international news. All this attention means he is more or less guaranteed a fantastic new home, as offers flood in for both him and his brother. Featured image via Luvable Dog Rescue The post Abandoned puppy Picasso inundated with rehoming offers appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/06/abandoned-puppy-picasso-rehoming-offers/

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I don’t want to kill my dog

I was sitting on a bench at a playground watching my son play, as my dog Sally sniffed the bushes nearby. A gentle, rather distinguished German Shepherd mix ‘of a certain age’, she was, as usual, followed by a trail of children. One boy broke away from the group to come speak to me. “What’s that thing on your dog’s arm?” he asked. “Her elbow?” I answered. “No, that big lump, on her front leg,” he said. “What’s that?” That’s how it began. The news is forcing me to consider questions I have never before faced Within a matter of a few days, the vet confirmed what I feared: sweet Sally has a malignant tumor, now the size of a tennis ball, on her right forearm. The tumor is growing so rapidly that neither the vet nor I had noticed it at her check-up just a few weeks’ prior. The news is forcing me to consider questions I have never before faced. And boy howdy, they are tough. First, let’s dispense with euphemisms. I’ve always found hearing that a pet was “put to sleep” a verbal toe-stub: the pet isn’t going to wake up. Similarly, “put down” strikes me as too dismissive for the gravity of the situation. “Put down” is what I do with an empty coffee cup. For me, considering whether to end Sally’s life mandates clear thinking: I am preparing myself for a day when I might choose to have her killed. (Hang on a moment, I have to stop typing to sob.) A rescue dog, Sally was already two or three when we got her, 12 years ago. For reasons I’ll never know, she chose me as her pack leader, following me from room to room, refusing to walk with anyone else if I am anywhere on the premises. I take her everywhere I can, even to work; suffice to say she and I are pretty close. She’s the first dog I’ve ever had, and she has certainly schooled me in the meanings of loyalty and unconditional love. A life-and-death decision, as I carefully monitor her quality of life. The vet told me that the tumor is too big to be removed. We can do further testing, she said, to find out exactly what kind of cancer it is, to where it has metastasised - it’s so fast-growing that she says it’s safe to assume it has already started to spread - and that my options could include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or amputating her front leg, at the chest. After multiple discussions with the vet, with my children and with my God, I’ve decided not to put her through more testing, nor to take any extreme measures. She’s on anti-cancer medication and painkillers, but I’m going to stop there. While I understand completely people who feel otherwise, I am simply not going to force her to ‘fight’ a cancer battle that she couldn’t possibly comprehend. So what does that mean, for me? It means that, armed with only the confirmed knowledge that Sally has more than weeks (but fewer than years) ahead of her, I will probably have a decision on the horizon. A life-and-death decision, as I carefully monitor her quality of life. If that tumor grows at the speed at which it started, she could find herself unable to walk. Or if it spreads, she could find herself with a host of other ailments. Watching her slight limp, I can already see that there that the moment may well arrive when ending her life would be a kindness I am afraid of the suffering that might lie ahead. I am heartsick at realizing she might soon be unable to climb the stairs to sleep under my bed, as she always has. I am distraught imagining her struggling to walk through our beloved woods. Beyond than that, I am staggered by the weight of holding her fate in my hands, overwhelmed by the terrible power over her life and death. Watching her slight limp, I can already see that there that the moment may well arrive when ending her life would be a kindness. But my imagining the future stops cold at the notion of driving her to the vet’s, having her put her head in my lap, and stroking her head, while she dies, at my behest. I can’t see myself doing that to her. I can’t see myself failing to do that, for her. For years, I’ve been grateful at the depth of the life-lessons I have learned, as her owner. I am humbled that she may teach me one more deep lesson, on the true meaning of love. Featured image: stock This is a guest essay by Amy L. Freeman. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email [email protected] The post I don’t want to kill my dog appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/06/i-dont-want-kill-dog/

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Thailand’s strays to benefit from major care project

This March, international animal welfare charity Four Paws is running a project on Koh Chang Island – the second biggest island in Thailand – as a team of dedicated veterinarians will attempt to neuter around 300 street strays and owned dogs to help reduce the booming feral population. Via Four Paws The problem is considerable. It’s estimated that there are around 730,000 unwanted street dogs of various breeds and sizes across Thailand, which are all constantly looking for shelter and food. Many of the dogs are undernourished, and suffering with in sores, fleas and sarcoptic mange. For small local communities, this is a huge problem, and they don’t have the means to cope on a long-term basis. Via Four Paws Julie Sanders, director of the companion animals department at Four Paws, explains, “One of the main reasons for Thailand’s stray animal problem is pet owners failing to spay and neuter their animals. Furthermore, owners frequently get rid of their dogs when they are no longer ‘cute’ or become too expensive or too time-consuming to take care of. The dogs which are abandoned on the streets and left to fend for themselves, end up breeding with other street dogs or free-roaming pet dogs. They become pregnant and go on to have puppies. These puppies become the next generation of street dogs and so the cycle continues.” Four Paws will be constructing temporary veterinary clinics in Buddhist temples all over Koh Chang, where dogs will be neutered, and vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus and distemper, as well as treated for parasites and microchipped. Via Four Paws Vaccinations will help to ensure the current stray population is kept healthy, preventing the spread of disease to humans and other animals in the community. Sterilisations will prevent further reproduction, significantly slowing the rate at which litters are born into the existing street dog population. Aside from this being the most humane method for canine population control, the approach is cheaper and far more sustainable in the long run. Via Four Paws Four Paws will also hold several community and school events across the island of Koh Chang to promote responsible ownership and create a better understanding of street dog welfare. The team will be distributing leaflets and sharing tips with tourists on how to have a ‘dog-friendly’ vacation. It’s hoped that community focus will also contribute towards making the project sustainable. Via Four Paws Julie adds, “Four Paws is not only neutering and treating the dogs. Our aim is also to create better understanding about street dog welfare in Thailand. With this knowledge, local people and tourists can significantly improve the situation with strays in the long term.” Images courtesy of Four Paws. The post Thailand’s strays to benefit from major care project appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/02/thailands-strays-benefit-major-care-project/

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What I learnt from having my own dog stolen

I own three dogs, whom I love dearly, and I class them as members of my family, just like many other households in the UK. On New Year’s Eve I was out celebrating with family and came back home to find my front door wide open and all the lights switched on. The first thing I noticed was my loving French Bulldog Fleur was missing out of her crate. My other two dogs were there, safe and sound, but poor Fleur had been taken. Other valuables had been taken too but all I cared about was my Fleur. My heart sunk; I physically felt sick not knowing where she was and if she was safe. I rang the police immediately to report the crime and started my search for her. She was worth more than any of the valuables in our home... I plastered my dog as stolen all over social media, and asked the public to help me share the information to make Fleur ‘too hot to handle’. The police confirmed they highly suspect the break-in was specifically targeted at Fleur - her breed is worth a lot of money. She was worth more than any of the valuables in our home and the criminals clearly knew this. The idea behind posting on social media was to get her to go viral and to warn anyone selling her on or buying her. I succeeded, with an overwhelming response of at least 180,000 shares on my personal profile. This did not include all the other organisations that made posters for me and shared Fleur through their own profiles. The celebrity Jodie Marsh even shared my posts. Within 48 hours of the incident, I was reunited with Fleur through the power of this social media. Somebody contacted me, saying they had seen her in a house where they had gone to buy a vacuum cleaner (which we found out later was in fact our stolen Hoover). The buyer at the time was under the impression it was simply a one-off secondhand item for sale. When they went to collect the Hoover, they noticed a brindle French Bulldog in the living room, fitting the same description of our Fleur. They had seen our stolen posters all over Facebook and recognised her, so immediately phoned us! We got our Fleur back and were utterly overwhelmed with joy. We know we were so unbelievably lucky to have her home in the space of two days, as most cases can go on for month after heartbreaking month, or even remain a total mystery. The police were generally very good at dealing with our case. However, I strongly felt they did not take the fact a family member had been stolen seriously enough. I consider it to be kidnap - it’s taking a cherished living being from somebody’s home. Now I am trying to raise awareness of dog theft in the UK and how incidences are increasing. Luckily I had a strong connection of contacts when Fleur disappeared, as I work in a veterinary clinic. I knew what steps to take to have the best chance to be reunited with Fleur again, but others just wouldn’t know what to do. DogLost UK were really amazing; Jayne Hayes, the lady who originally started the website, phoned me personally from Wales to talk about my experience and shared her own story with me, which inspired her to start up the organisation. Dogs should not be treated like mobile phones or laptops when they are stolen. I’m just so thankful to everyone who shared on social media and all the organisations that helped me get her back. I would hate this to happen to anyone else, but I know that sadly it will. Tougher sentencing is definitely needed; these criminals make a lot of money from stealing dogs, and cause immeasurable pain. Dogs should not be treated like mobile phones or laptops when they are stolen. They are loved family members, and mean the world to some people. A suspect had been arrested for my case and we will find out if there is enough evidence for it to go to court very soon. The Stolen And Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPA) is hosting a parliamentary event in Westminster on the 14 March 2017, telling MPs why their support is vital in tackling the growing crime of dog theft. Whereas I have written to our local MP and invited him to join, he unfortunately has other commitments. So instead I’m doing as much as I can to raise awareness. Not enough people know about the prevalence of this crime; it’s happening all to often. This is a guest essay by Connie Wisniewski. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email [email protected] The post What I learnt from having my own dog stolen appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/02/i-learnt-dog-stolen/

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Choking Labrador saved by police officer

Larry the Labrador died at the weekend - but was miraculously brought back to life by the actions of a caring police officer. Kayleigh Rickell, from York, relayed the incredible tale on Facebook, explaining how her dog had been out with her father at the time. The six-year-old Labrador was playing happily at the park when a freak accident occurred; Larry picked up both his ball and a stick at the same time. The stick forced the ball deep into Larry’s throat and obstructed his breathing. Larry began to choke. Kayleigh explains, “My dad tried so hard to remove the ball, as did two other ladies who came over to help. The ladies called on a policeman to help, [and] as the policeman tried to remove the ball my dad ran home to get the car to take him to the vets. Whilst doing so, on the field, Larry died - his muscles relaxed and the policeman removed the ball and performed CPR. Larry is alive!” Kayleigh thanked the police officer, the women, and veterinary clinic, where Larry was taken to receive oxygen, on Facebook . She has now set up the ‘ Larry the Lab Initiative ‘, to help raise awareness of the potential dangers of dog toys, as she believes the ball that almost killed Larry was too small for him. Featured image via Facebook/Kayleigh Rickell The post Choking Labrador saved by police officer appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/03/01/choking-labrador-saved-police-officer/

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Smartcane ™ Device Workshop

On Monday 27 February we were fortunate enough to host a workshop facilitated by Piyush Chanana, Senior Research Scientist from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. The workshop was to demonstrate the use of the Smartcane™, which is an electronic travel aid for persons with visual impairment. Smartcane™ uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles within a distance of 3 metre and conveys information about distance through distinctive vibratory patterns. This enables users to navigate around obstacles safely without touching or bumping into them. Our students, staff and members of the public had the opportunity to interact with the Smartcane™ and to learn about other assistive devices that are currently being developed in India. The post Smartcane ™ Device Workshop appeared first on South African Guide Dog Association .

http://www.guidedog.org.za/smartcane-device-workshop/

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Pancakes For Your Dog

Include your dogs in Pancake Day today with this dog-friendly pancake recipe! Sian Jenkins The above recipe is for you to print out and keep, so please feel free to save and share it. You will need: Frying Pan Ingredients: 45ml Wholemeal Flour 45ml Skimmed Milk 1 Egg ½ tsp Clear Honey ½ tsp Vegetable Oil Instructions: Combine all of the ingredients together in a jug and mix well to remove any lumps. Use a small amount of vegetable oil to heat in a frying pan. Pour the mixture onto the heated pan and fry until one side is cooked. Flip the pancake and fry the other side. When both sides are cooked, move the pancake onto a plate. Add more oil to the pan for the second pancake. Sian Jenkins Cut into bites-size pieces to serve to your dog - perhaps with some fresh blueberries, strawberries or a drizzle of honey! Featured image credit: Sian Jenkins This is a guest essay by illustrator Sian Jenkins. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email [email protected] The post Pancakes For Your Dog appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine .

http://dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/2017/02/28/pancakes-for-your-dog/

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