Blogs & Articles

pandemic rescue pup
What makes me happy now: my pandemic rescue pup
Author Curtis Sittenfeld on falling hopelessly in love with a brave, beautiful and occasionally malodorous chihuahua named Weenie. It’s hard to pick my favourite thing about my family’s pandemic rescue... Read more...
concept of time
I’ll be back! Do dogs have a concept of time?
“You’re good doggies. I’ll be back soon.” Ever said that? Those were my last words to my dogs this morning when I took my kids to school. Though I’d only... Read more...
our relationship with canines
Dogged by controversy: Our relationship with canines through the ages
Dogs and democracy have always been difficult bedfellows, as evidenced at an exhibition about our favourite pets. Canine companionship is personal. Political. Pandemic puppies grew into problems as lockdowns were... Read more...
puppy power
Puppy power! Joey the 2-legged pup went from unadopted to starring in the 2023 Puppy Bowl
He might be a member of Team Ruff – but there’s nothing harsh about this loving little pup. Playing in the backyard with his canine siblings, Joey looks like any... Read more...
Litter-picking eco dog Trinny cleans up park
A Border Collie called Trinny is helping clear litter while out on walks in her local park. BBC News reports that the five-year-old pet picks up rubbish she finds on the ground and deposits it in the nearest bin. Her owner Alanna Jackson, from Clydebank, said she only needed a little bit of training and it’s now a game for the clever canine. She is hoping Trinny’s example will encourage more people to keep their local area free from the litter. Alanna said: “It started because there is a lot... Read more...
‘Small like a ball’: Pearl the chihuahua becomes world’s shortest dog
Pearl is shorter than the standard television remote and about as long as a dollar bill, Guinness World Records says. What do you call a chihuahua dog that’s shorter than a popsicle stick and can fit in your pocket? The planet’s shortest living dog, Guinness World Records has announced. Pearl qualified for the title after a veterinarian at the Crystal Creek animal hospital in Orlando, Florida, where she was born, used a special dog-measuring wicket to determine she was just under 3.6in (9.14cm) tall and 5in (12.7cm) long. Those dimensions... Read more...
Paul O'grady
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home donations hit £100,000 after death of Paul O’Grady
London charity ‘overwhelmed and touched’ by donations to tribute fund set up after death of ambassador. The Guardian reports that Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has been “overwhelmed and touched”... Read more...
Stroud house opens for homeless people with pet dogs
A former Salvation Army minister’s home has been converted into house for homeless people with pet dogs. BBC News reports that Citadel House in Stroud will offer temporary accommodation to eight people. It has been repurposed after being bought by Gloucester City Homes (GCH), using a Stroud District Council grant. GCH says pets can be a barrier to accommodation and some people would rather stay on the street than give up their pet to qualify. Michael Hill, GCH director of assets, said: “Within the Stroud area, there are significant numbers... Read more...
Enhancing your Cat’s apartment life
Spring Living: Enhancing your Cat’s apartment life
Those of us who keep cats in our apartments are often looking for ways that we can enhance their enjoyment of the space and keep them occupied throughout the day,... Read more...
Ukrainian rescue cat becomes regular at local British pub and 'never wants to leave'
Ukrainian rescue cat becomes regular at local British pub and 'never wants to leave'
Life was looking bleak for Rocket the cat after his owners were forced to abandon him as they fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Mirror reports that as he... Read more...
Rishi Sunak caught breaking rules again after walking his dog off lead in park
Rishi Sunak has been spoken to by police after walking his dog without a lead in a London park – right beside a sign that warns against doing just that. Metro reports that TikToker Lucy MacDonald Conno was taking a stroll through Hyde Park when she spotted the prime minister’s fox red Labrador having a sniff near the edge of the Serpentine lake. Despite a sign on the path saying owners must keep their dogs on a lead or risk breaking the law, one year-old Nova was not attached to... Read more...
Food collected at Crufts for pets left in Ukraine
Food collected at Crufts for pets left in Ukraine
A Ukrainian woman has raised money at Crufts and collected dog food for pets left in Ukraine. BBC News reports that Irene Sheyko, from Stirchley, set up Forever Lida in... Read more...