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Queen Camilla "heartbroken" by death of rescue dog

<p>Queen Camilla, who is recovering from a chest infection, has had to make the tough decision of putting her beloved pet dog, Beth, down after she was diagnosed with an untreatable tumour. </p> <p>The news was revealed by Buckingham Palace in a message shared to social media, which read: "A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen's much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire".</p> <p>The 77-year-old royal is said to be "heartbroken" by the loss over the weekend. </p> <p>Beth was rescued by Camilla in 2011, and because she was a rescue, the animal charity was never sure of Beth's age. </p> <p>The royal later adopted another Jack Russell, Bluebell, soon after getting Beth, when she became patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2017, taking over from the late Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Recalling the moment she found Bluebell, the Queen previously told <em>BBC Radio 5 Live</em>: "Along I went to Battersea, and Beth appeared, and she had just been moved from pillar to post and dumped.</p> <p>"We thought it would be nice for her to have a friend. They found [Bluebell] two or three weeks later, wandering about in woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead. And they nursed her back to life and her hair grew again.</p> <p>"She's very sweet, but a tiny bit neurotic, shall we say.</p> <p>"The nice thing about dogs is you can sit them down, you could have a nice long conversation, you could be cross, you could be sad and they just sit looking at you, wagging their tail."</p> <p>The two dogs were often by her side at public events and were even featured in an official portrait alongside Camilla. </p> <p>Pictures of her two pups were also embroidered onto the Queen's Coronation gown. </p> <p>Camilla once said of her dogs: "I cannot imagine my life, my home or my sofas without them".</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram/ The Royal Family</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Strangers raise almost $50,000 for sick stray dog

<p>Cindy was so overweight she could barely move when Lana Chapman found her lying in the dirt outside a 7-Eleven.</p> <p>Chapman, an Australian living in Koh Samui, Thailand, immediately decided to take the dog in, and her kind act has inspired hundreds of people online. </p> <p>The Aussie woman has been helping local street dogs for years and was determined to give Cindy a better life. Weighing in at almost 45kgs when Chapman found her, she has helped the pup lose weight and tracked her progress online where she went viral. </p> <p>It was all going well until a few weeks ago Cindy stopped eating and had a lump on her neck. </p> <p>"Usually she runs around the house with excitement [but] it took her about two minutes before she started to eat. That was really out of the norm," Chapman told <em>9news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>After a few vet visits she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a common cancer in dogs.</p> <p>"We started chemo the same day," Chapman said.</p> <p>"It was awful as the vet didn't think she would live for four weeks, but we wanted to try anything we could to help her."</p> <p>Initial tests alone cost almost $2,500, and Cindy needed at least 19 weeks of chemotherapy to survive. </p> <p>With pet insurance not an option as most vets on the island did not accept insurance claims, Chapman relied on the help of strangers and started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/cindys-lymphoma-fight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> in Cindy's name, hoping to raise $10,000 to cover for the cost of her care. </p> <p>"$10,000 still wouldn't cover the costs but I thought it would really assist us," she said.</p> <p>To her surprise, strangers flocked to help raising almost $50,000 for Cindy in a matter of days, with the highest donation so far being $5,000. </p> <p>The fundraising page was also filled with messages of support, with one writing: "Cindy you are the sweetest girl! I am sending you all the love, you can do this."</p> <p>"Wishing you well with your treatment Cindy, hoping for a speedy recovery. Sending lots of love to your humans too x," added another.</p> <p>Chapman said she was blown away by people's generosity, and never imagined that so many strangers would be willing to help the stray pup. </p> <p>"People have been following her from the day she was rescued off the streets so they have a major soft spot for her," she said.</p> <p>"We definitely would have struggled to pay for this [without donations]."</p> <p>Chapman added that the donations received so far will cover all of Cindy's cancer treatment, and the left over cash will be used to help other street dogs on the island. </p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe/ Lana Chapman</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

World reacts as Donald Trump wins US election

<p>World leaders, celebrities and millions of Americans have shared their first reactions and messages of support - or messages of anger, upset and frustration - as Donald Trump claimed his victory in the US election. </p> <p>The Republican leader won both the electoral college vote and the popular vote, taking a hold of the majority of key swing states, as his victory just hours after the polls closed. </p> <p>The win will see Trump re-enter the White House in January as the 47th President, making him the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. </p> <p>Reactions to the unprecedented win flooded online spaces, with world leaders sending their congratulations. </p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the election of the US president marked an important moment for Australia and the Asia Pacific region, and vowed to work closely with the Trump administration.</p> <p>“Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends,” he said. “Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and — above all — enduring respect and affection between our peoples."</p> <p>“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.”</p> <p>Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended his congratulations to the Republican leader on behalf of the federal Coalition, describing the US as an “overwhelming force for good”.</p> <p>Unsurprisingly, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to speak to Trump, writing on X, “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!”</p> <p>“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship.”</p> <p>Elon Musk, petulant billionaire and owner of Twitter, also shared a series of memes on X, after he publicly endorsed Trump throughout his campaign. </p> <p>Among the posts is an image of Musk holding a bathroom sink photoshopped into the Oval Office with the caption "Let that sink in", a reference to how he marked his controversial takeover of X when it was still known as Twitter.</p> <p>Musk also shared a photo of a conversation he was having with Trump as votes were being counted.</p> <p>"The future is gonna be so [fire]," Musk said with American flag emojis.</p> <p>"The future is gonna be fantastic," he said in a follow up post with a photo of his recent SpaceX rocket test that Trump discussed at length, for some reason, in his declaration speech.</p> <p>Despite the messages of well wishes from world leaders, social media has been awash with messages of disbelief and anger since the victory was announced, with many American citizens anxious and scared about the next four years under Trump's controversial <a href="https://www.project2025.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Project 2025</a>, which will see mass deportations of immigrants, more tax cuts to the rich, harsher penalties for those seeking abortions or reproductive care, and unprecedented power in the hands of a President with authoritarian aspirations. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Brian Prahl/Shutterstock </em></p>

News

Pet owner fined $806 over simple mistake

<p>A poodle owner has been fined $806 over a 10-metre walk to the beach. </p> <p>John, who lives a few minutes away from Budd's Beach in Queensland, took his van down to the water's edge and walked roughly 10 metres across the shoreline with his dog Emma by his side. </p> <p>Little did he know that this common act would cost him $806 under new regulations that came into effect on July 31, where pet owners can get fined for not having a pet on a leash or not maintaining proper control of the leash while in public. </p> <p>"I thought that it was very unfair ...I was only traveling from my van to the water," John told <em>A Current Affair</em>. </p> <p>"I wasn't wandering along the footpath or in public areas or anywhere.</p> <p>"I was just passing, travelling from the car to the water... I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong."</p> <p>John was fined for “failure to exercise effective control of a non regulated dog in a public place”. </p> <p>There are signs further up Budd's Beach that state dogs must be on a leash at all times, and John said he does use a lead when he takes his pup out for a walk. </p> <p>The massive fines are a part of the Queensland government's crackdown on dog attacks, with fines of up to $112,910 for more serious dog attack offences as well as up to three years imprisonment.</p> <p>“Changes were made to the AMCDA due to a rise in complaints about aggressive dogs and dog attacks, and the large number of dog-attack victims admitted to hospital each year in Queensland,” the Queensland government said in a statement online.</p> <p>Another Queensland resident has also been fined under the same laws for having her dog's lead under her foot during a coffee break. </p> <p>“It’s wrong, we are trying to survive and it is another stress I didn’t need,” the resident said. </p> <p>“She was on a lead and collar and she was behaving properly."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

Legal

Investigation launched into deaths of two police dogs

<p>Detectives are investigating the deaths of two police dogs after they were found dead in a police vehicle in Sydney's south. </p> <p>Police dog Xtra and development dog Soldier had attended a development day with their handler in Lucas Heights.</p> <p>Authorities said the two German shepherds had been kept in air-conditioned pods in the police vehicle purpose-built for them. </p> <p>Their handler made the tragic discovery when they went to check on the dogs about 12.30pm on Thursday. </p> <p>“They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived,” NSW Police said in a statement.</p> <p>An investigation overseen by detectives from the Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services is now underway.</p> <p>Authorities did not reveal any information about how they died or whether there were problems with the vehicle. </p> <p>Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to the highly trained German shepherds, who were vital for officers serving the community. </p> <p>“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Webb said.</p> <p>“We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss would be felt deeply by the police officers. </p> <p>"Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them," he said.</p> <p>Xtra gained accreditation as a general-purpose dog in 2018 while Soldier only began service with the Dog Unit in February this year for training and development.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police Force</em></p>

Family & Pets

The science of happier dogs: 5 tips to help your canine friends live their best life

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>When you hear about “science focused on how dogs can live their best lives with us” it sounds like an imaginary job made up by a child. However, the field of <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/ourchangingworld?share=2ec8e0ad-5008-4b2d-ae2e-a288e2a77f50">animal welfare science is real</a> and influential.</p> <p>As our most popular animal companion and coworker, dogs are very deserving of scientific attention. In recent years we’ve learned more about <a href="https://theconversation.com/dogs-can-get-dementia-but-lots-of-walks-may-lower-the-risk-189297">how dogs are similar to people</a>, but also how they are distinctly themselves.</p> <p>We often think about how dogs help us – as companions, <a href="https://theconversation.com/meet-moss-the-detection-dog-helping-tassie-devils-find-love-142909">working as detectors</a>, and keeping us <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-owning-a-dog-good-for-your-health-238888">safe and healthy</a>. Dog-centric science helps us <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.666898/full">think about the world from a four-paw perspective</a> and apply this new knowledge so dogs can enjoy a good life.</p> <p>Here are five tips to keep the tails in your life wagging happily.</p> <h2>1. Let dogs sniff</h2> <p>Sniffing <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/animal-emotions/201902/allowing-dogs-sniff-helps-them-think-positively">makes dogs happier</a>. We tend to forget they live in a smell-based world because we’re so visual. Often taking the dog for a walk is our daily physical activity but we should remember it could be our dogs’ only time out of the home environment.</p> <p>Letting them have a really good sniff of that tree or post is full of satisfying information for them. It’s their nose’s equivalent of us standing at the top of a mountain and enjoying a rich, colour-soaked, sunset view.</p> <h2>2. Give dogs agency</h2> <p>Agency is a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1284869/full">hot topic in animal welfare science</a> right now. For people who lived through the frustration of strict lockdowns in the early years of COVID, it’s easy to remember how not being able to go where we wanted, or see who we wanted, when we wanted, impacted our mental health.</p> <p>We’ve now learned that <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1250251/full">giving animals choice and control</a> in their lives is important for their mental wellbeing too. We can help our dogs enjoy better welfare by creating more choices and offering them control to exercise their agency.</p> <p>This might be installing a doggy door so they can go outside or inside when they like. It could be letting them decide which sniffy path to take through your local park. Perhaps it’s choosing which three toys to play with that day from a larger collection that gets rotated around. Maybe it’s putting an old blanket down in a new location where you’ve noticed the sun hits the floor for them to relax on.</p> <p>Providing choices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.</p> <h2>3. Recognise all dogs are individuals</h2> <p>People commonly ascribe certain personality traits to certain dog breeds. But just like us, dogs have their own personalities <a href="https://scitechdaily.com/food-vs-toys-scientists-reveal-what-dogs-truly-prefer/">and preferences</a>. Not all dogs are going to like the same things and a new dog we live with may be completely different to the last one.</p> <p>One dog might like to go to the dog park and run around with other dogs at high speed for an hour, while another dog would much rather hang out with you chewing on something in the garden.</p> <p>We can see as much <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/your-dog-s-breed-doesn-t-determine-its-personality-study-suggests">behavioural variation within breeds as we do between them</a>. Being prepared to meet dogs where they are, as individuals, is important to their welfare.</p> <p>As well as noticing what dogs like to do as individuals, it’s important not to force dogs into situations they don’t enjoy. <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/behaviour/understanding">Pay attention to behaviour</a> that indicates dogs aren’t comfortable, such as looking away, licking their lips or yawning.</p> <h2>4. Respect dogs’ choice to opt out</h2> <p>Even in our homes, we can provide options if our dogs don’t want to share in every activity with us. Having a quiet place that dogs can retreat to is really important in enabling them to opt out if they want to.</p> <p>If you’re watching television loudly, it may be too much for <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/canine-corner/202407/how-good-is-a-dogs-hearing-compared-to-humans">their sensitive ears</a>. Ensure a door is open to another room so they can retreat. Some dogs might feel overwhelmed when visitors come over; giving them somewhere safe and quiet to go rather than forcing an interaction will help them cope.</p> <p>Dogs can be terrific role models for children when teaching empathy. We can demonstrate consent by letting dogs approach us for pats and depart when they want. Like seeing exotic animals perform in circuses, dressing up dogs for our own entertainment seems to have had its day. If you asked most dogs, they don’t want to wear costumes or be part of your Halloween adventures.</p> <h2>5. Opportunities for off-lead activity – safely.</h2> <p>When dogs are allowed to run off-lead, they use space differently. They tend to explore more widely and go faster than they do when walking with us on-lead. This offers them important and fun physical activity to keep them fit and healthy.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2AchEFiDwA8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Demonstrating how dogs walk differently when on- and off-lead.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>A recent exploration of <a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/we-checked-if-melbourne-really-is-a-dog-friendly-city">how liveable cities are for dogs</a> mapped all the designated areas for dogs to run off-leash. Doggy density ranged from one dog for every six people to one dog for every 30 people, depending on where you live.</p> <p>It also considered how access to these areas related to the annual registration fees for dogs in each government area compared, with surprising differences noted across greater Melbourne. We noted fees varied between A$37 and $84, and these didn’t relate to how many off-lead areas you could access.</p> <p>For dog-loving nations, such as Australia, helping our canine friends live their best life feels good. <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2018957756/our-changing-world-the-science-behind-dog-welfare">Science that comes from a four-paw perspective</a> can help us reconsider our everyday interactions with dogs and influence positive changes so we can live well, together.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236952/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, Research Fellow, Animal Welfare Science Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-happier-dogs-5-tips-to-help-your-canine-friends-live-their-best-life-236952">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

Is owning a dog good for your health?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tania-signal-2209329">Tania Signal</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>Australia loves dogs. We have one of the <a href="https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-many-pets-are-there-in-australia/#ftn1">highest rates of pet ownership</a> in the world, and one in two households has <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AMAU008-Pet-Ownership22-Report_v1.6_WEB.pdf">at least one dog</a>.</p> <p>But are they good for our health?</p> <p>Mental health is the <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AMAU008-Pet-Ownership22-Report_v1.6_WEB.pdf">second-most common reason</a> cited for getting a dog, after companionship. And many of us <a href="https://www.scratchpetfood.com.au/australian-dog-survey/">say</a> we “feel healthier” for having a dog – and let them sleep in our bedroom.</p> <p>Here’s what it means for our physical and mental health to share our homes (and doonas) with our canine companions.</p> <h2>Are there physical health benefits to having a dog?</h2> <p>Having a dog is linked to lower risk of death over the long term. In 2019, a <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554">systematic review</a> gathered evidence published over 70 years, involving nearly four million individual medical cases. It found people who owned a dog had a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who did not own a dog.</p> <p>Dog ownership was linked to increased physical activity. This lowered blood pressure and helped reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.</p> <p>The review found for those with previous heart-related medical issues (such as heart attack), living with a dog reduced their subsequent risk of dying by 35%, compared to people with the same history but no dog.</p> <p>Another recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-41254-6">UK study</a> found adult dog owners were almost four times as likely to meet daily physical activity targets as non-owners. Children in households with a dog were also more active and engaged in more unstructured play, compared to children whose family didn’t have a dog.</p> <p>Exposure to dirt and microbes carried in from outdoors may also <a href="https://healthland.time.com/2012/07/09/study-why-dogs-and-cats-make-babies-healthier/">strengthen immune systems</a> and lead to less use of antibiotics in young children who grow up with dogs.</p> <h2>Health risks</h2> <p>However, dogs can also pose risks to our physical health. One of the most common health issues for pet owners is <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/other-allergy/pet-allergy#:%7E:text=Allergies%20to%20pets%20and%20other%20animals%20are%20a,hard%20to%20work%20out%20what%20is%20causing%20symptoms">allergies</a>.</p> <p>Dogs’ saliva, urine and <a href="https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/pet-dander">dander</a> (the skin cells they shed) can trigger allergic reactions resulting in a <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cat-and-dog-allergy#:%7E:text=Pet%20allergies%20occur%20when%20your%20immune">range of symptoms</a>, from itchy eyes and runny nose to breathing difficulties.</p> <p>A recent <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9352935/">meta-analysis</a> pooled data from nearly two million children. Findings suggested early exposure to dogs may increase the risk of developing asthma (although not quite as much as having a cat does). The child’s age, how much contact they have with the dog and their individual risk all play a part.</p> <p>Slips, trips and falls are another risk – <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20226954/#:%7E:text=Injury%20rates%20were%20highest%20among,for%20injuries%20to%20the%20extremities.">more people</a> fall over due to dogs than cats.</p> <p>Having a dog can also expose you to <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dog-cat-bat-and-human-bites#:%7E:text=Dog%20bites.%20Most%20dog%20bites%20are%20caused">bites and scratches</a> which may become infected and pose a risk for those with compromised immune systems. And they can introduce zoonotic diseases into your home, including <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319273/#:%7E:text=Viral%20infections%20such%20as%20rabies,staphylococcus%20aureus%20are%20the%20most">ring worm</a> and <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/campylobacter">Campylobacter</a>, a disease that causes diarrhoea.</p> <p>For those <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-with-dogs#risks-and-side-effects">sharing the bed</a> there is an elevated the risk of allergies and picking up ringworm. It may result in lost sleep, as dogs move around at night.</p> <p>On the other hand some owners report feeling more secure while <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-with-dogs#tips">co-sleeping with their dogs</a>, with the emotional benefit outweighing the possibility of sleep disturbance or waking up with flea bites.</p> <p>Proper veterinary care and hygiene practices are essential to minimise these risks.</p> <h2>What about mental health?</h2> <p>Many people know the benefits of having a dog are not only physical.</p> <p>As companions, dogs can provide significant emotional support helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and <a href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2023/lending-a-paw-for-defence-veterans-clear-evidence-that-assistance-dogs-help-improve-mental-health/">post-traumatic stress</a>. Their presence may offer comfort and a sense of purpose to individuals facing mental health challenges.</p> <p>Loneliness is a <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/social-isolation-and-loneliness">significant</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-12/loneliness-australia-federal-government-urged-to-do-more/103441076">growing</a> public health issue in Australia.</p> <p>In the dog park and your neighbourhood, dogs can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122085">make it easier</a> to strike up conversations with strangers and make new friends. These social interactions can help build a sense of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-64079-4">community belonging</a> and reduce feelings of <a href="https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-benefits-of-companion-animals-to-human-health/#social-benefits">social isolation</a>.</p> <p>For <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07334648231214425">older adults</a>, dog walking can be a valuable loneliness intervention that encourages social interaction with neighbours, while also combating declining physical activity.</p> <p>However, if you’re experiencing chronic loneliness, it may be hard to engage <a href="https://brill.com/view/journals/soan/22/5/article-p459_2.xml">with other people</a> during walks. <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7770-5#Sec19">An Australian study</a> found simply getting a dog was linked to decreased loneliness. People reported an improved mood – possibly due to the benefits of strengthening bonds with their dog.</p> <h2>What are the drawbacks?</h2> <p>While dogs can bring immense joy and numerous health benefits, there are also downsides and challenges. The responsibility of caring for a dog, especially one with behavioural issues or health problems, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9372/1/1/7">can be overwhelming</a> and create financial stress.</p> <p>Dogs have shorter lifespans than humans, and the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heartstrings/202211/why-do-we-grieve-losing-a-pet-so-deeply">loss of a beloved companion</a> can lead to depression or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.</p> <p>Lifestyle compatibility and <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/350">housing conditions</a> also play a significant role in whether having a dog is a good fit.</p> <p>The so-called <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/animals-and-us/202109/are-pets-good-us-we-think-they-are">pet effect</a> suggests that pets, often dogs, improve human physical and mental health in all situations and for all people. The reality is more nuanced. For some, having a pet may be more stressful than beneficial.</p> <p>Importantly, the animals that share our homes are not just “tools” for human health. Owners and dogs can mutually benefit when the welfare and wellbeing of both are maintained.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238888/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tania-signal-2209329">Tania Signal</a>, Professor of Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-owning-a-dog-good-for-your-health-238888">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

World’s longest treasure hunt ends as Golden Owl finally unearthed in France

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">After more than three decades of mystery and intrigue, the world’s longest-running treasure hunt has come to a thrilling conclusion with the discovery of the elusive Golden Owl. Valued at approximately $240,000, the treasure had captivated the imaginations of thousands since it was first buried in France in the early 1990s.</span></p> <p>The hunt began with the publication of the now-famous book, <em>On the Trail of the Golden Owl</em>, written by communications expert Régis Hauser under the pseudonym “Max Valentin” and illustrated by artist Michel Becker. The 1993 book challenged readers to solve a series of intricate riddles and clues, which, when deciphered, would reveal the owl’s secret location.</p> <p>Despite years of painstaking attempts to crack the mystery, the Golden Owl remained hidden for decades, surviving even its creator. Hauser passed away in 2009, leaving the prize still buried. Michel Becker, who took over the management of the hunt, delivered the long-awaited news on October 3 via an online announcement that sparked a frenzy among treasure hunters: “A potential winning solution is currently being verified.”</p> <p>Two hours later, he confirmed: “Don’t go digging! We confirm that the Golden Owl countermark was unearthed last night.”</p> <p>The treasure hunt’s <a href="https://goldenowlhunt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official website was also updated with the announcement</a>, bringing an end to a search that has been both thrilling and, for some, overwhelming.</p> <p><strong>The obsession and madness behind the search</strong></p> <p>For over 30 years, the Golden Owl hunt transcended being just a hobby for many treasure hunters and became an all-consuming obsession. While some enjoyed it as a leisurely pursuit, others were driven to extreme lengths – financially, emotionally and mentally. The search for the owl has been linked to personal crises, including financial ruin and broken marriages. At least one individual reportedly ended up in an asylum due to their fixation on solving the hunt’s riddles.</p> <p>The toll wasn’t limited to individuals. Searchers caused considerable disruption across France, digging unauthorised holes in public and private lands. In one eastern French village, the local mayor was forced to plead with hunters to stop digging around its chapel, while in other cases, searchers brought power tools to banks and even considered destroying structures in the hopes of unearthing the treasure.</p> <p><strong>The Golden Owl’s elusive clues</strong></p> <p><em>On the Trail of the Golden Owl</em> contained a complex series of 11 riddles, each paired with a painting by Becker. The riddles, combined with maps, colours and hidden details, challenged readers to work out the owl’s hidden location.</p> <p>Before his death, Hauser revealed three crucial elements to solving the puzzle:</p> <p>The use of maps: Hunters needed to work with maps to narrow down the search area and use a specific map to pinpoint the final zone.</p> <p>A “mega trick”: This was the key to using the sequence of riddles to locate the final area where the owl was hidden.</p> <p>A final hidden riddle: Once in the final zone, hunters had to uncover one last riddle to lead them to the exact spot of the treasure.</p> <p><strong>Joyous celebration among treasure hunters</strong></p> <p>The treasure-hunting community was overjoyed when the news broke, with many expressing their disbelief and excitement. “Finally – liberated!” exclaimed one fan on the hunt’s Discord forum. Another added, “I didn’t think I’d live to see the day.”</p> <p>As of now, the exact location of the owl’s discovery and the identity of the finder remain undisclosed. However, Becker hinted at the complexity involved in concluding this monumental hunt. “Tons of emotions to manage for all those who are responsible for managing the end of this episode and complex logistics to put in place,” he said in a statement on October 6.</p> <p>For now, the Golden Owl, a treasure that has held a generation of sleuths in its grasp, has been unearthed. Yet, the fascination with its story will undoubtedly linger for years to come.</p> <p><em>Images/Illustrations: Michel Becker</em></p>

International Travel

"Welcome to the world": Sophie Delezio shares first photos with baby boy

<p>Sophie Delezio has announced the birth of her and fiancé Joseph Salerno’s first child on Friday. </p> <p>"Welcome to the world, Frankie," she announced on Instagram, with a blue heart emoji and a black and white photograph of her newborn son holding her finger. </p> <p>"Our hearts are so full."</p> <p>A few days later she thanked fans for their support and well wishes and shared a few snaps of her holding baby Frankie. </p> <p>“Thank you all for the kind words and well wishes!” she captioned another a black-and-white photo of her snuggling with her newborn son.</p> <p>“We’re soaking in every moment with out little one and feeling like we’re on cloud nine.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_2PrNXzAhw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_2PrNXzAhw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sophie Delezio (@soph.delezio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The new mum also offered a peek into Frankie's bedroom on her Instagram stories, with a wooden crib, animal atlas artwork and a personalised blanket. </p> <p>“I can’t believe he’s finally here, and this room is now being used!” she captioned the nursery photo.</p> <p>“It’s been such a wonderful journey watching it come together throughout my pregnancy."</p> <p>Delezio and Salerno, who live in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, started dating during covid in 2021. Salerno proposed two years later on Valentine's day. </p> <p>Delezio, who came to national attention after two horrific accidents as a child, announced that she was pregnant on her 23rd birthday. </p> <p>Her journey has since been closely followed by Australians, with one of her followers saying: “I’ve followed your story since you were a tiny little girl and this had made me so happy today! Congratulations! Enjoy every second!” </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

"World's biggest" amber nugget worth over $1 million used as doorstop for decades

<p>An elderly woman in Romania has unknowingly used one of the largest known amber nuggets in the world - worth over €1 million ($1.6 million) - as her doorstop for decades. </p> <p>The woman found the stone in the bed of a stream in Colti, a village in the southeast Romania, and used it as her doorstop for years without realising its value. </p> <p>Members of her family also reported that thieves had once broken into her home, but only stole a few pieces of gold jewelry, missing the seemingly insignificant rock. </p> <p>“In their frantic search for valuables, they overlooked the real treasure that was there before their eyes,” they said.</p> <p>It wasn't until after the woman died in 1991 that a relative who inherited her home suspected the doorstop might be more than meets the eye - and he was right. </p> <p>When he sold the amber to the Romanian state, experts at the Museum of History in Krakow, Poland appraised the rock and found that the amber is likely between around 38 and 70 million years old.</p> <p>“Its discovery represents a great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level,” Daniel Costache, director of the Provincial Museum of Buzau, told local news outlet <em>El Pais</em>.</p> <p>The expert also claimed that the amber is one of the largest pieces in the world and the largest of its kind weighing a hefty 3.5-kilograms.</p> <p>It has now been classified as a national treasure of Romania, and can be found in the Provincial Museum of Buzau, where it has been since 2022. </p> <p>Romania is one of the countries with significant deposits of amber, with Buzau County being one of the areas where you can find these beautiful stones in abundance. </p> <p>The protected area also contains the old Stramba amber mine, which was very productive during the first half of the 21st century, before it was shut down by the communist regime as it was considered unprofitable. </p> <p><em>Image: Buzău County Museum</em></p> <p> </p>

Home & Garden

"Best country in the world" crowned for the third year in a row

<p>The best countries in the world have been ranked according to a new survey, with Switzerland taking out the top spot for the third year in a row. </p> <p>According to new data released by <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/rankings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US News & World's report</a> in its annual Best Countries rankings, the small European nation has been dubbed the "best country in the world" for 2024. </p> <p>Among the top 25 list, 15 European countries nabbed spots, east and southeast Asia claimed four spots, and the Middle East took two spots, with North America and Oceania taking two spots each. </p> <p>The ranking was made based on the views of 17,000 people, who assessed how well each nation ranked on categories including power, openness for business and cultural influence. </p> <p>At the top of the ranking was Switzerland, which has been at the top of the table nearly every year since 2017, with the report saying the country was "bolstered by notable performances in three of the heaviest-weighted subrankings: quality of life, entrepreneurship and social purpose."</p> <p>Japan claimed second spot on the list for the first time, climbing four spots from last year's ranking, for its high rankings in the entrepreneurship and movers categories. </p> <p>Australia came in fifth place this year (down from fourth in 2023), ranking high in quality of life and social purpose, while New Zealand came in ninth place (down from eighth in 2023).</p> <p>Check out the top 25 best countries list below. </p> <p>1. Switzerland</p> <p>2. Japan </p> <p>3. United Stated of America</p> <p>4. Canada</p> <p>5. Australia</p> <p>6. Sweden</p> <p>7. Germany </p> <p>8. United Kingdom</p> <p>9. New Zealand </p> <p>10. Denmark </p> <p>11. Norway</p> <p>12. France </p> <p>13. The Netherlands</p> <p>14. Singapore</p> <p>15. Italy </p> <p>16. China</p> <p>17. United Arab Emirates </p> <p>18. South Korea</p> <p>19. Spain</p> <p>20. Finland</p> <p>21. Austria</p> <p>22. Iceland </p> <p>23. Belgium </p> <p>24. Ireland </p> <p>25. Qatar</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Robbie Williams and wife share heartbreaking family update

<p>Robbie Williams and wife Ayda have been left heartbroken following the death on their beloved dogs, Poupette and Walle. </p> <p>The British pop star, 50, took to Instagram on Friday to share the devastating news, saying that the two dogs died together in their sleep. </p> <p>In a heartfelt tribute to Instagram, his wife Ayda shared that Poupette had been with her for nearly two decades. </p> <p>“Today, our dogs Poupette & Walle left this planet to start an adventure in an infinite galaxy far, far away," she began.</p> <p>“They died together in bed, listening to ‘Dancing Queen’, surrounded by tremendous love.</p> <p>“For those of you who don’t know about Poupette and Walle, here’s some backstory …</p> <p>“Poupette’s been with me 18 years. From the day we met, she was my soulmate. I was a single girl, and all of a sudden, with Poupette, I was a single mum.</p> <p>“Everyone that knows me, called Poupette ‘my shadow’ … because wherever I’d go, she was right behind me.</p> <p>“It’s weird how you can share so much with a being that can’t communicate back in the same language.</p> <p>“But, that’s the beauty of unconditional love … it needs no words.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_hicKtx3R5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_hicKtx3R5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ayda Field Williams (@aydafieldwilliams)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She explained that when she started dating Robbie, he fell in love with Poupette "instantly" and took her on as his own dog. </p> <p>“Rob, at the time, had 3 big dogs & I assumed he’d baulk at the idea of having to take a tiny, white, fluffy dog on the streets, shouting ‘Poupette’ with a Northern English accent," she said.</p> <p>“But, Rob immediately fell in love with her and all of a sudden, the big tattooed, popstar … became a small-fluffy-dog kinda guy.”</p> <p>The couple decided to get Walle a year later, and “from that day forward, on 4th of July, we officially became a blended family.”</p> <p>Their dogs even played a big role on their wedding day in 2010, with Poupette as Ayda's maid of honour, and Walle as Robbie's best man. </p> <p>“Through the years, Poupette & Walle have been there for the birth of all 4 children, multiple tours, countries, & all the ups & downs that life has thrown our way the past 14 years since we said, ‘I do’.”</p> <p>“As time has gone on, we have had to say our sad goodbyes to each of those bridesmaids & groomsmen … Miraculously, Poupette & Walle have held on.</p> <p>“Recently, Rob and I renewed our marriage vows. There’s a lot of things we’re facing now (more on that another time) and we wanted to celebrate what was good in our lives; family & love.</p> <p>“Just as 14 years ago … Poupette was my maid of honor & Walle was Rob’s man.”</p> <p>The star admitted that she would be taking the next few days to grieve over her "fur bestie" and how she loves them "with all her heart." </p> <p>Many fans shared their condolences for the couple, with one writing: “Oh that is so sad, they will be truly missed! Sending you all the biggest hugs!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Romance fraud doesn’t only happen online – it can turn into real-world deception

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cassandra-cross-122865">Cassandra Cross</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>We often think of fraudsters as people on the opposite side of the world. They will manipulate and exploit victims through words on a computer screen, or loving messages through the phone. But romance fraud can also happen in person, with the fraudster sleeping in the bed beside you.</p> <p>This was the circumstance Australian writer Stephanie Wood found herself in. It’s also the basis for the new <a href="https://www.paramountanz.com.au/news/fake-breaks-subscription-and-streaming-records-on-paramount/">television series Fake</a>, currently screening on Paramount+. A dramatisation of Wood’s powerful memoir by the same name, the series outlines the many lies and betrayals of an intimate relationship.</p> <p>It’s a brutal insight into the world of deception which characterises romance fraud.</p> <h2>When love hurts</h2> <p>Romance fraud (or romance scams) is what it sounds like – offenders use the guise of a relationship to gain a financial reward. In most cases, it’s through the direct transfer of money from the victim, but it can also be through using personal credentials to commit identity crimes.</p> <p>From the outside, it’s hard to understand how romance fraud is so effective. However, <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/233966/">research has documented</a> the range of grooming techniques, social engineering tactics and methods of psychological abuse deployed by offenders. Offenders know exactly what to do and say to gain the compliance of their victim.</p> <hr /> <hr /> <p>Offenders target a person’s vulnerability and work hard to build strong levels of trust. There are endless calls, texts and emails that create a bond. Then follows the inevitable “crisis”, whereby the offender needs money urgently for a health emergency, criminal justice situation, business need or even a <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/romance-baiting-scams-on-the-rise">cryptocurrency investment</a> opportunity.</p> <p>For many, this can result in ongoing payments and substantial losses. Over <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/publications/serial-publications/targeting-scams-reports-on-scams-activity/targeting-scams-report-of-the-accc-on-scams-activity-2023">A$200 million</a> was reported lost by Australians to this fraud type in 2023, but this is likely a gross underestimation of actual figures. It also doesn’t capture the many <a href="https://www.aic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-05/29-1314-FinalReport.pdf">non-financial harms</a>, including physical and emotional declines in wellbeing.</p> <p>When the relationship finally ends, it’s too late. The money is gone, the extent of the deception is laid bare, and recovery from the heartache and loss is a constant battle.</p> <p>There is a well-documented “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1748895815603773">double hit</a>” of victimisation, with individuals needing to grieve the relationship as well as any financial losses.</p> <h2>Seeing is not believing</h2> <p>There are countless incidents of romance fraud where the offender and victim never meet: the deception takes place entirely online. But it’s important to know fraudsters also operate in person.</p> <p>Wood’s memoir details an extraordinary level of lies and dishonesty presented to her throughout her relationship. Stories that laid the groundwork for later fabrications. Stories that were deliberate and calculated in how they were used to gain her trust, and later used against her.</p> <p>The motivations of these real-world deceivers are not always straightforward. Often it’s about money, but not always. For Wood, not being asked for money allayed potential suspicions, but it didn’t reduce her feelings of loss and emotional devastation upon discovering the extent of the lies.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_1Akqhjy6M?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Wood is by no means alone in her experience. Marketing executive Tracy Hall endured a similarly sophisticated and all-encompassing level of deceit in her relationship with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jun/20/conman-hamish-mclaren-jailed-for-up-to-16-years-after-swindling-76m-from-victims">convicted conman Hamish McLaren</a> (known to her as Max Tavita).</p> <p>In her book, <a href="https://tracyhall.com.au/the-last-victim">The Last Victim</a>, Hall recounts snippets of their daily lives over a 16-month period, with McLaren portraying himself as a successful professional in finance. His mail was addressed to Max Tavita and his phone conversations were with real people. Yet his whole identity and the world he represented to Hall was a complete fabrication.</p> <p>The experiences of Wood and Hall highlight the sheer depth of elaborate deception that can be perpetrated in an intimate relationship. Critically, it highlights romance fraud isn’t relegated to an online environment.</p> <h2>How can we prevent romance fraud?</h2> <p>There is an overwhelming amount of <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/83702/">shame and stigma</a> associated with romance fraud. The dynamics of these deceptive relationships are misunderstood, and this perpetuates negative stereotypes and a discourse of victim blaming, even from friends and family.</p> <p>In hindsight, the warning signs might seem obvious, but fraudsters tend to effectively disguise these in real time and deploy deliberate tactics to overcome any suspicion.</p> <p>We must all create a culture that empowers victims to come forward to raise awareness. This isn’t intended to create fear or anxiety, but to normalise the threat fraud poses, and to allow for difficult conversations if it happens. Ongoing silence from victims only favours the offender.</p> <h2>How to protect yourself from romance fraud</h2> <p>It’s inevitable we’ll continue to swipe right in our efforts to find love. But keep a healthy level of scepticism and an open dialogue with family and friends in any quest for a new relationship.</p> <p>Don’t be afraid to conduct your own searches of people, places and situations presented to you in a relationship. There is a memorable moment in Fake where the protagonist refutes her friend’s offer of assistance, saying “this is a love story not an investigation”. Sadly, sometimes an investigation is necessary.</p> <p>No matter what the circumstance or the person, think carefully before sending any money. Only give what you are willing to lose.</p> <p>Deception comes in many forms. We must recognise it for what it is, and the impact it has on victims. But we must also not give into those who lie, and let them define who we are or dictate our ability to trust.</p> <p><em>If you or someone you know has been a victim of romance fraud, you can report it to <a href="https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report">ReportCyber</a>. For support, contact <a href="https://www.idcare.org/">iDcare</a>. For prevention advice, consult <a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/">Scamwatch</a>.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237653/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cassandra-cross-122865"><em>Cassandra Cross</em></a><em>, Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching) Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/romance-fraud-doesnt-only-happen-online-it-can-turn-into-real-world-deception-237653">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Legal

Tourists reveal the world’s best “non-mainstream” cities

<p dir="ltr">While many eager travellers head to a nation’s capital city when travelling abroad, others prefer to steer off the beaten track for a more authentic experience. </p> <p dir="ltr">A group of keen tourists discussed their favourite “non-mainstream” cities in a popular travel thread on Reddit, with eight destinations around the world coming out on top. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Turin, Italy</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Most travellers that head to Italy tend to stick to the main tourist-driven cities of Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, according to one traveller, the city of Turin (also known as Torino) is “one of the best cities in the country and it gets ignored by most tourists.”</p> <p dir="ltr">One person wrote, “Great architecture, very walkable, fantastic museums, delicious regional dishes and stunning Alpine backdrop.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another agreed, adding, “Torino is really great. [It] feels different to any other Italian city. [It's] also totally uncrowded even during peak season.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Oulu, Finland</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Aside from the Finnish capital of Helsinki in the far south of the country, some travellers prefer to venture up north into colder climates away from the bustling city. </p> <p dir="ltr">One hotspot is the city of Oulu, which offers a more relaxed pace of life despite its harsh weather. </p> <p dir="ltr">One traveller wrote, “I really enjoyed Oulu in Finland. So much space between buildings, green trees everywhere, a nice beach to relax on and watch the sunset, [and] beautiful parks.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“To me, it looked like the ideal city to live in. I was there in July. I think winters can be harsh.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Ouray, Colorado, USA</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Situated in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Ouray is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of America', with many travellers in awe of its beauty. </p> <p dir="ltr">One person simply wrote, “Ouray is stunningly beautiful!” sharing their love for the quaint city. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Nuremberg, Germany</strong> </p> <p dir="ltr">Germany’s most visited cities are usually Berlin and Munich, but Nuremberg also offers a unique glimpse into Germany’s history and culture. </p> <p dir="ltr">One traveller described the city as “amazing” while another said they “absolutely loved the place”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another claimed that Nuremberg was “so beautiful, magical and fun” during wintertime that it “ruined Christmas for the rest of my life”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Townsville, Australia</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">When you think of coastal Aussie getaways, many think of Noosa or the Gold Coast as the best places to visit. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, others encouraged travellers to head to the “super-underrated” Townsville in northeastern Queensland instead.</p> <p dir="ltr">One traveller remarked that it has “great bars and restaurants”, adding, “It was a good base to get around the place. I found the locals friendly, [it] wasn't overrun with tourists like Cairns. My wife and I both thought it was a super-underrated place and we'll be back.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Khiva, Uzbekistan </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The city of Khiva, locally pronounced 'Heevah', is more than 2,500 years old and is a keen holiday destination for history buffs. </p> <p dir="ltr">One traveller wrote of the charming city, “The old city inside the walls is so well preserved that it's like entering another time. Early morning and after dark, when the tourist market has closed, and the buses have left, makes for a magical experience. I've been to a lot of places in the world but will never forget the magic of that place.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Salta, Argentina</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Located in the north of the country, Salta is “definitely not on the mainstream path”, but worth the journey.</p> <p dir="ltr">One tourist wrote, “The city itself isn't the most exciting but it's safe, the food is incredible, and it's the gateway to some of the most beautiful natural areas I've seen in my life.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Kastoria, Greece</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Located in northern Greece in the region of Western Macedonia, Kastoria sits on the shore of Lake Orestiada and is surrounded by limestone mountains. </p> <p dir="ltr">One traveller fell in love with the Greek destination, writing, “This is the definition of a hidden gem. It's deep in northern Greece and on a peninsula jutting into the middle of a lake, so it's just this incredibly serene and picturesque setting. There's history on every street corner, too.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

Readers response: If you could spend your retirement anywhere in the world, where would you go?

<p>When it comes to retirement, many people decide to spend their golden years travelling the globe. </p> <p>Alternatively, others prefer to stay closer to come to spend valuable quality time with their closest friends and family. </p> <p>We asked our readers where they would spend their retirement if they could choose anywhere in the world, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Tracee Williams Mason</strong> - A cruise ship.</p> <p><strong>Kay Little-Ohmsen</strong> - Right where I am. Sunshine Coast and have been for 48 years.</p> <p><strong>Cheryl Barrett</strong> - On the Greek island of Naxos.</p> <p><strong>Bruce Hopkins</strong> - Travelling around the world.</p> <p><strong>Bob Holl</strong> - Cruising the Whitsunday Islands. </p> <p><strong>Steve Tracy</strong> - Back to Japan where I spent the 25 happiest years of my life.</p> <p><strong>Terry Dolman</strong> - Where I live in South Australia for half the year, Vietnam for the other half. </p> <p><strong>Bev Martin</strong> - Florida.</p> <p><strong>Sandra Tiplady Schellings</strong> - At the beach!</p> <p><strong>Sonia Davis</strong> - Darwin. </p> <p><strong>Sally O'Neill</strong> - European cruise and cruising around the Greek Isles.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

World's second largest diamond unearthed

<p>A massive diamond, believed to be the second largest in the world, has been unearthed in Botswana according to a mining company. </p> <p>The huge stone is thought to be the biggest found since the 3106-carat Cullinan Diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905.</p> <p>Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. announced that the "exceptional" gem, at 2492-carats, was found intact in its Karowe mine.</p> <p>The company celebrated the find as "one of the largest rough diamonds ever unearthed," calling the discovery "remarkable". </p> <p>William Lamb, president and CEO of Lucara, said in the release: "We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2492 carat diamond."</p> <p>Prior to the latest announcement, the second largest discovery was thought to be the Lesedi La Rona, a 1109-carat stone also found by Lucara at the Karowe mine in 2015.</p> <p>The diamond was sold to luxury jeweller Graff for $53 million USD two years later.</p> <p>Lucara's spokeswoman said the company had found six of the top 10 diamonds ever discovered.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Lucara Diamond Corp</em></p>

Money & Banking

Who let the wrong dog out? Dad's hilarious doggy daycare blunder

<p>Leigh Terrell entrusted her dad to pick her dog up from daycare.</p> <p>Little did she know that the pup he had with him was not hers, and now the moment she realised her dog had been left behind at the daycare has gone viral. </p> <p>"This is what happens when you let a man pick up your dog from daycare," she captioned the post shared on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@leigh.terrell/photo/7403459903190289695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>. </p> <p>She shared a series of text messages between her and her dad, after he sent her a picture of the dog he collected, to which she replied: "Let me see his face haha that doesn't look like him."</p> <p>She then jokingly sent a follow up text saying: "make sure you got the right dog," with no idea that he actually collected the wrong dog. </p> <p>Her dad then sent another photo of the dog, now facing him, and wrote: "His collar [is] on," and that was the moment it clicked for Terrell. </p> <p> "That's not my dog dad. That is not Archie, you need to go back and switch him out," she replied. </p> <p>It appeared that both dad and the daycare had mixed up the two dogs who looked pretty similar. </p> <p>The father then replied with a photo of Archie, to which Terrell replied: "Alright that's my dog thanks."</p> <p>The video has racked up over 4 million views, and many were amused at the dad's blunder. </p> <p>"The way the first dog is looking out the window for his real dad, too," one user wrote.</p> <p>Another joked: "I'm imagining the first dog thinking 'my name is NOT Archie' as your dad tries to get his attention for a pic lmao."</p> <p>"The way your dad didn't reply, I bet he was panicking and thinking he did not just dognap someone's baby," another wrote. </p> <p>"That dog knew he wasn't supposed to be there" another joked.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

World famous gay penguin dies

<p>One half of the world famous gay penguin couple at Sydney's SEA LIFE Aquarium has died. </p> <p>In 2018, Gentoo penguin Sphen made international headlines when he coupled up with another male gentoo penguin, Magic.</p> <p>Shortly after meeting, the two male penguins began making a nest together out of pebbles ahead of breeding season, so the aquarium staff gave them a foster egg to care for.</p> <p>Sphen and Magic raised two foster chicks, Sphengic (Lara) in 2018 and Clancy in 2020, and are among the most strongly bonded gentoo penguin pairs at the aquarium.</p> <p>The penguins have inspired books, documentaries, new studies in the NSW syllabus and even featured on a float at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade. </p> <p>Earlier in August, Sphen passed away at the age of 12, which is considered a long life for a gentoo penguin. </p> <p>In order to help process the loss, the aquarium staff took Magic to see his partner's body to help with the understanding that Sphen would not be returning.</p> <p>He immediately started singing, which was reciprocated by the colony.</p> <p>"The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic's story," SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium's general manager, Richard Dilly, said in a statement.</p> <p>"Sphen and Magic's love story captivated the world and it's been an honour to welcome local and international fans, some of which travelled long distances to see them in real life."</p> <p>"The team's focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen."</p> <p><em>Image credits: SEA LIFE Aquarium Sydney </em></p>

Relationships

Heartbreaking final message as world's oldest woman passes away

<p>Maria Branyas Morera, the world's oldest woman, has died aged 117. </p> <p>The centurion, who has lived through two world wars and a global pandemic, passed away “peacefully and without pain”, according to her family members who announced her tragic passing on X, formerly Twitter. </p> <p>“Maria Branyas has left us.</p> <p>“She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain.</p> <p>“We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”</p> <p>In a heartbreaking final message shared to X on Tuesday, Morera shared that she felt "weak" and that the "time is near". </p> <p>“The time is near. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me," she wrote. </p> <p>“Wherever I go, I will be happy.”</p> <p>Morera became the world's oldest living person after French nun Lucile Randon passed away aged 118 in January last year. </p> <p>Before her death, Morera agreed to undergo scientific testing by researchers who collected samples of her saliva, blood and urine, in hopes to gain insight into the secrets to a long life. </p> <p>They will compare them with those of her 80-year-old daughter and hope that by studying her genes they may develop drugs which could combat diseases associated with ageing. </p> <p>Morera is survived by her two daughters, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. </p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au/ Guinness Book of Records</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Your legacy. Their future. Will you be the difference in an uncertain world?

<p>Connection. Safety. Friendship. Family. When you <a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/donate-funds/bequest/pass-it-on/will-planning-checklist-social/?utm_medium=digital&utm_source=edm&utm_campaign=bequests&utm_content=over60s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leave a gift in your Will for Australian Red Cross</a>, there’s no end to the difference you can make.</p> <p>Just ask Elsie. At 95 years old, Elsie has been transformed by weekly visits from Fiona, her Red Cross volunteer. For Fiona, her visits to see 95-year-old nursing home resident Elsie quickly turned into a family affair. </p> <p>"My children, Tom and Meg, have become very attached to her and vice versa. They're like, 'Are you going to see Elsie, can we come too?' They see how lovely it is to be kind to someone like Elsie," says Fiona. "Elsie tells me, 'You're my special family.'"</p> <p>Fiona's dog, Mia, is even a regular visitor at the Tasmanian nursing home. "Mia's like a celebrity. All the residents love her."</p> <p>The family marks all the big milestones with Elsie, like Christmas Day when they brought her home for a special morning tea. "When she turned 95 in December, we took her to a café. She said that was the best birthday she'd had for a long time."</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/08/RedCross_01.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Elsie celebrating her birthday with Fiona's children, Tom and Meg. </em></p> <p>It is very much a two-way friendship, says Fiona. "I wasn't expecting it to be like that. I thought it was going to be more me doing lots of things for Elsie. But she gives back a lot."</p> <p>Like when Fiona's daughter, Meg, didn't pass her driver's license test. "Meg was quite upset. Elsie goes to her, 'That's why they invented pencils with rubbers at the end. They are there for you to rub out your mistakes, and then you can have another go.' </p> <p>"She's wise. She gives them little bits of advice and words of wisdom, and they listen to what she says … I can't believe she's 95 years old. Her mind is so unbelievably sharp."</p> <p>Fiona says that, lately, Elsie has not been as mobile as she was, and so they often spend their time together at the nursing home. "We find a nice spot and have a cuppa … She likes telling stories about her life. She talks a lot about her husband, her upbringing, people she's met.</p> <p>"Often, I'll bring her some magazines, or she will have asked me to get some stamps. And my kids have been great with her with technology, how to do this and how to do that. </p> <p>"We chat with other residents as well. Even though Elsie's our person, there are other people we've got to know. She introduces us as 'This is my family.'" </p> <p>Fiona says the first time they met, she and Elsie discovered they had much in common. They both grew up in the same country town and had travelled around Australia managing hotels.</p> <p>They care a lot about each other, she says. "I think it's given her more of a will to live. That sounds pretty deep, but I know how much she looks forward to seeing us; it's giving her more purpose in life.</p> <p>"Elsie always says, 'You make me feel so happy. I love seeing you, it's such a highlight.' I say it back to her because it's the same for me, 'I get so much joy out of seeing you.'"</p> <p>Fiona says she hopes her story inspires other people to volunteer, too.</p> <p>Your generosity, captured in your Will, can help fund programs like our Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and foster social connections like Elsie and Fiona’s. The program supports more than 1000 participants across the country with the majority between the ages of 78 and 89.</p> <p>Everybody deserves the warmth of kindness and friendship, and your Will can help Australian Red Cross share that with people for generations to come.</p> <p><a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/donate-funds/bequest/pass-it-on/will-planning-checklist-social/?utm_medium=digital&utm_source=edm&utm_campaign=bequests&utm_content=over60s" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/08/RedCross_02_wQRCode.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="638" /></a></p> <p>If you would like a free <a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/donate-funds/bequest/pass-it-on/will-planning-checklist-social/?utm_medium=digital&utm_source=edm&utm_campaign=bequests&utm_content=over60s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Will Planning Checklist</a>, or more information, our <a href="mailto:litran@redcross.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gifts in Wills Specialist</a> would love to help.</p> <p>You <a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="mailto:litran@redcross.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get in touch here</a><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> or call 1800 733 276.</span></p> <p><em>All images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Australian Red Cross.</em></p>

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Romance fraud doesn’t only happen online – it can turn into real-world deception

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Readers response: If you could spend your retirement anywhere in the world, where would you go?

World's second largest diamond unearthed

Who let the wrong dog out? Dad's hilarious doggy daycare blunder

World famous gay penguin dies

Heartbreaking final message as world's oldest woman passes away

Your legacy. Their future. Will you be the difference in an uncertain world?

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