This week’s doggy news. It’s official – dogs give the best hugs and make the best goalkeepers. Plus an important dog health update.
1. Comfort dogs sent to love Orlando
We were shocked and saddened this week to hear about the Orlando shooting, which claimed the lives of 49 people. In such tragic situations, it’s hard to know how to comfort those most affected – it sometimes seems like a hug is the best you have to offer. And who better to offer such solace than a dog? Our hearts were stirred to discover therapy dogs had travelled from all over the USA to give doggy hugs to first responders, injured victims and family members.
These dogs are members of the K9 Comfort Dogs program, a charity that specially trains pups to be a calming presence for people who are grieving or recovering from a trauma. Cuddling a dog can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress, and their unconditional love helps people feel relaxed enough to start talking about their grief, often bringing smiles. This story was a glimmer of hope in the midst of such tragedy. Comfort dogs, we salute you!
2. Alabama Rot: Vets issue health warning
Vets and animal health officials are asking dog owners to be especially vigilant following several UK cases of Alabama Rot in the last month. The disease exhibits itself as skin sores on dogs’ limbs, which may look like a swelling, irritated skin, or even an open ulcer. The exact cause of this disease is still unknown.
If your dog has these symptoms, you should see your vet as soon as possible.
For more information, read our roundup of the facts surrounding this nasty disease.
3. Doggy meals on wheels
Street food is all the rage, so we think dogs should get a slice of the action. Dog loving foodies Dawn and Fred from Seattle started their canine food truck The Barkery after early successes selling their treats to owners whose dogs they were walking. All the recipes, which include delicacies such as Beefy Carrot Bagels and chicken hearts are apparently relished by their local doggy patrons, even if not greatly appealing to the human palate. Barkery treats are painstakingly prepped at home (Dawn gets up at 4am) and then the new treats are taste-tested by her three dogs. Lucky so-and-so’s!
4. Football crazy, football mad
Now to our sporting desk, this hot-pawed-pup’s skills are making England goalie Joe Hart sweat, amidst rumours Roy Hodgson might be reconsidering his line up for his team’s next Euro 2016 fixture against Slovakia. Back in 2015, Purin the Beagle smashed the world record for the most number of balls caught by a dog in under a minute. If Hodgson is looking for a goalie who can keep a clean sheet, Purin’s his gal!