Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Who will get the Cole dogs?

I don’t know about you, but when I heard news of Ashley and Cheryl Cole splitting up, my first thought was for their dogs. What is going to happen to them?

Well if Cheryl has her way, then the two Chihuahuas will be staying with her. She is besotted with Buster and Coco and can’t bear the thought of living without them.

But of course, Ashley too wants to keep hold of the pooches so there could be a battle on Cheryl’s hands.

It’s all being taken very seriously and sources have said that there are temporary arrangements in place for visitation rights to the two dogs. It will be interesting to see who wins this battle of the puppies.

Crufts revises its standards amid accusations of poor dog health

Not long to go until this year’s Crufts start to take over our televisions. I don’t know about you, but I love sitting down and watching my favourite furry friends trot around the arena, showing off their shiny coats.

But Crufts has come under attack recently over accusations that it encourages inbreeding which can lead to health problems in dogs.

Well now the British institution is fighting back by saying that it will focus more on working animals and even mongrels.

The Kennel Club has also worked with vets to revise its standards for the competition. The health of the dog is now top of the agenda with Crufts according to the Kennel Club. And I should hope so too!

Although Crufts wasn’t shown on television last year because the BBC refused to air it, it will be back on our screens this year on More4. I can’t wait!

The dangers of dog walking

Taking the dog for a walk should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

But even when we are in the most deserted areas of the countryside, there are certain dangers to be aware of.

In the past month, three dog walkers have been trampled to death by cows. This usually occurs when dogs have been let off their leads. If the cows feel there is a threat to their calves, they will do anything to protect them. And this is what has led to the unfortunate deaths.

Advice from farmers is to just think of yourself and not the dog. Even if the dog is on the lead when cows begin to charge, the advice is to let them go.

Some farmers are calling for a law change to make it compulsory to keep dogs on leads in the countryside.
But whatever the outcome of these sad deaths, extra care must be taken when walking our dogs.

Super dog to the rescue!

We all know that we can rely on our dogs.

And as if proof were needed, Taiyuan Zoo in northern China has confirmed this.

On June 25th, the zoo was surprised to discover the birth of two red pandas. But sadly the mother abandoned the cubs. This led to a frantic search by zoo staff for a surrogate mother to feed the newborns.

Eventually a small white dog, belonging to a farmer in a nearby suburb, was chosen. The dog was already lactating and is extremely good natured according to the zoo staff. She immediately accepted the cubs and began feeding them.

Since being adopted by the mongrel, the cubs have doubled in size to 20cm. And with the red panda being an endangered species, the little white dog has really saved the day!

Jet set ‘pawsengers’

The bags are packed, passport is at the ready and you’re already smothered in suncream.

There’s no better feeling than jetting off on holiday.

But then, you turn round only to see your pooch looking up at you with that expression on his face. He knows.

And that pang of guilt is enough to take the shine off your holiday feeling completely.

But this is a problem of the past for American pet owners, because here, Pet Airways has just been launched.

Pet Airways is an airline aimed solely at animals, from budgies to cats and dogs.

During the flight, pets are taken on in-flight toilet trips and they even enjoy pre-boarding walkies. It sounds as if they are treated to a better service than their owners!

The airline means that pets are no longer crammed into the cargo hold with the luggage. It also means no more sorry expressions and no more feelings of guilt.

Just remember to pack that doggy passport!

Shocking dog thefts

Dog thieves have stolen dogs worth £5000 from a yard in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland.

The incident occurred overnight last Friday. And the thieves took five dogs but dropped one of the puppies as they fled the scene.

A two year old black Pug worth £1000, a Chihuahua, worth £800 and four Chihuahua puppies valued at £800 each were taken by the thieves.

One of the Chihuahua puppies was dropped by the thieves and was later spotted and returned to its owner.

The theft happened on Finvoy Road in Ballymoney between the hours of 9:30pm on Friday and 6:30am on Saturday. Police have made an appeal for any information.

That guilty look

You walk into the room, only to find your dog’s head buried in the rubbish bin. And what follows is what can only be described as a look of guilt.

At least, I thought it was guilt. But researchers at a New York college think otherwise. Barnard College carried out an experiment where they tricked owners into thinking innocent pets had misbehaved.

Most of the owners claimed they could see that guilty look even when dogs had really done nothing wrong.

The study found that there was no link between the owner’s claim of reading a guilty look and whether the dog had misbehaved.

Well no matter what the scientists say, I still believe that dogs can display their emotions. After all, when their head has been buried in the rubbish bin, they’re right to look guilty.

Toby nominated for award

Toby is a West Highland terrier who has been nominated for the doggie version of the People’s Pride of Britain awards, also known as the prestigious national Dogs Trust Honours awards, in the ‘doggie devotion’ category.

Toby is 15 years old and has lived with his owner, Fiona, for almost all Read the rest of this entry »

Survival of the fittest

Every now and then, you read an amazing story about dogs that makes you wonder at how well they can survive and adapt.

Today I was reading a story about a cattle dog called Sophie Tucker who fell overboard from a family yacht off the coast of Australia in rough weather.  The family searched but could not find her and feared her lost.

Today the family was reunited with the dog.  She Read the rest of this entry »

Dog loses half body weight

An overweight dog is an unsightly dog in my opinion as it means they are suffering.  To many dog owners though, it apparently means they love them.

Recent research has shown that one third of dog owners admit they give their dogs too many treats and about the same admit that a lack of exercise is probably contributing to the problem.  If you can’t keep your dog healthy then you don’t deserve one!  In fact, this research also showed that two thirds Read the rest of this entry »