Among other things, dog welfare featured heavily in the news this week – from a royal visit to an animal hospital to a scientific claim that sent the Internet into a frenzy.
1. Don’t Hug Your Dog They Say
This week everyone went berzerk when a rather compelling article was published in Psycology Today stating that dogs do not like being hugged and that it actually stresses them out! A scientist explained that in a random sampling of 250 photos of dogs being hugged, over 80% of them were demonstrating at least one indicator of stress, discomfort or anxiety. Whilst this wasn’t a new idea to us – we’ve written about dog hugs before – it’s hard for a dog lover to accept that their affection may not be well received.
2. Then They Said Dog Hugging Might Be OK
3. Poop Shock Rocks Madrid
As with many cities, Madrid has also been trying to fight the problem of abandoned dog poop – that which has not been picked up by the owner. In that vein, a new punishment has been devised to deter dog fouling. Guilty dog owners face fines of up to €1,500. However, if they find this fine distasteful, they also have the option to serve the city by cleaning the streets! Whether the new scheme works or not remains to be seen, but we look forward to finding out.
4. Alabama Rot Is Taking Lives
Alabama rot was first spotted in the USA in the 80’s and was found to cause sores on the skin. It is a potentially deadly disease that appears to find its victims among damp wooded areas. Symptoms include vomiting and a loss of appetite. Ultimately it appears as lesions on the skin which grow at a frightening rate, creating an open wound – hence the name. Alabama Rot was brought to our attention again this week by this article. Be advised that it contains graphic and potentially upsetting images.
5. The Dutchess of Cornwall Made Friends
Just another reason why dogs and animals as a whole are so wonderful. They don’t know or care who you are. Nor are they interested in posing for photos. Instead they’ll follow their own course, even if it finds them under your Royal robes. That’s where cheeky Kingy ended up on the Duchess’s recent trip to the Queen Mother Hospital in Hatfield to celebrate the animal hospital’s 30th anniversary. Thankfully this misstep in protocol was taken in good humour by everyone.