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“What a legend”: Brave Aussie pensioner saves puppy from a snake

<p dir="ltr">An Aussie pensioner has gone the extra mile to save her terrified puppy from a carpet snake. </p> <p dir="ltr">Anne Murphy, a woman from NSW’s Lennox Head, captured the moment her 80-year-old mother went toe-to-toe with the slippery intruder who was terrorising her dog and shared the interaction on a Facebook page called Australian Country Memes. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to Anne, her mother bolted out the door one Monday evening when she heard her dog “screaming”, when she was confronted with the carpet snake. </p> <p dir="ltr">The non-venomous snake had wrapped around the small dog and bitten it on the chin, when the 80-year-old intervened. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman was “bitten three times” by the snake, before she “caught the snake so it could be taken out to the bush and hopefully not make its way back to her place”. </p> <p dir="ltr">She then took her puppy to the vet, and got home three hours after the incident first happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">The post has since received over 2,000 likes and hundreds comments, hailing the 80-year-old as a “legend“, “gutsy” and a “wonderful woman.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is a true blue here. My hat is off to you, amazing lady,” one person wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another added, “Way to go! That’s just what country people do. God love her, they don’t make them like that anymore.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Woman rejects $200k offer for her puppy

<p>A woman has divided social media viewers after she claiming that she declined a stranger's $200k ($303,000 AUD) offer for her Doberman pinscher puppy. </p> <p>In the viral video, which has since racked up over 970,000 views, Alexis Elliott said: “someone offered us $200k for our puppy, and I told my husband, ‘absolutely f**king not’.”</p> <p>“Would you guys sell your dogs for $200k? Like, that is my baby!" the LA-based woman asked her followers. </p> <p>Many couldn't believe that she declined the offer. </p> <p>“It’s a crime to not accept 200k,” one wrote. </p> <p>“In this economy? Yes,” another commented. </p> <p>“Would run upstairs so fast and pack his bag,” a third joked. </p> <p>While some people were eager enough to give up their own dogs for $200,000, others  agreed with Elliot and said that they would never give up their fur babies. </p> <p>“ABSOLUTELY NOT. The people saying yes should not have a dog tbh,” one viewer commented, adding: “That boy is my life.” </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 580px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7308537421770116395&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40itsalexiselliott%2Fvideo%2F7308537421770116395%3Flang%3Den&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2Ff7435052bbf14b62a0c22bb295962a0f_1701651485%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-useast5-i-0068-tx%2FoMfzRS5SbCDFYrMIAQZA7AAlb2PgflRLDERaED.image%3Fx-expires%3D1702508400%26x-signature%3Di2tT0G7gwHGCVFhMDi4EPSvcPUI%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>“A lot of you in these comments don’t deserve a dog,” another slammed. </p> <p>“Omg never. The thought of my dog being confused and feeling abandoned breaks my heart,” a third commented, while another user added that they wouldn't sell their dog even if they were offered one million dollars. </p> <p>One sceptic added: “Nobody offered you 200k for a dog, people with that kind of money are mostly financially smart. And you did not birth it." </p> <p>A few others came to Elliot's defence and said that it had happened to them in the past. </p> <p>“Someone offered me 100k for my dog. He was a pretty well-off athlete. Not everyone is smart with their money,” one commented. </p> <p>“I had a lady offer us $1M for our dog, and when we laughed she said, ‘No seriously, make me an offer, I’ll pay it’,” another claimed.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

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Iconic Dulux dog gives birth to adorable puppies

<p>The iconic Dulux dog has given birth to seven adorable Old English Sheepdog puppies. </p> <p>The heart-warming news was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by the global paint brand to celebrate International Dog Day. </p> <p>The pups can be seen running around on wobbly legs and playing with each other before resting on their mother, Olivia. </p> <p>Olivia, who lives in Lincolnshire in England, is the current the face of the Dulux ads, with the brand using Old English Sheepdogs in their advertisements for more than 60 years. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This International Dog Day, we're introducing the next generation of Dulux puppies.... Say hello to our fluffy friends 🐶 <a href="https://t.co/NApCnZUHT3">pic.twitter.com/NApCnZUHT3</a></p> <p>— Dulux UK | Colour &amp; Inspiration (@duluxuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/duluxuk/status/1695346808568861170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Olivia's pups may already have their future in showbiz sorted, with Dulux calling the six-week-old puppies "stars in their own right", hinting they may appear in ads as they get older. </p> <p>Dulux Creative Director and Colour Expert Marianne Shillingford said, “As proud sponsors of the Old English Sheepdog Rescue &amp; Welfare Fund, we’re delighted to be able to finally share the exciting news of the irresistible puppy additions to the Dulux family.”</p> <p>“The pups are stars in their own right, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of them in the years to come.”</p> <p>The beloved breed of dog has been synonymous with the Dulux brand since first appearing in a Dulux ad in 1961 when the director’s Old English Sheepdog, Dash, crashed one of the adverts. </p> <p>The camera and cast loved Dash so much that he made it into the ad after the final edit. </p> <p>After Dash, pup Digby took the reins - and was perhaps the most famous Dulux dog after picking up a Hollywood film credit. </p> <p>Between 1995 and 2002, the position was held by Mash, followed by Willow and, most recently, two Old English Sheepdogs, Madison and Olivia.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Dulux</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Russell Crowe opens up about tragic loss of puppy

<p>Russell Crowe has opened up about the grief he’s endured from the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/russell-crowe-loses-best-friend-in-tragic-accident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death of his beloved puppy</a> Louis the Papillion.</p> <p>In an appearance on the <em>Kyle &amp; Jackie O Show</em>, the actor introduced his new furry friend Ezekiel to the hosts, which was quickly met with the radio titans asking how he dealt with the loss of his other dog.</p> <p>"At first we were both like well he's irreplaceable, we can't get another puppy," Crowe said. "That was just a really difficult hole to fill.”</p> <p>"We put so much emotion into that little dog and then he died as tragically as he did," he continued.</p> <p>"The only way we could really stop that from being so harsh was to get another puppy.”</p> <p>Later in the interview, the star revealed that he had the dog flown over from South Australia to Sydney in a private jet.</p> <p>"I'm dealing with Britney whose level of grief was so deep that yeah I put her on a little jet and sent her to go see the dog, then she picked up the dog and came home," Crowe admitted of his girlfriend's pain.</p> <p>"I know it makes me look like a bit of a tosser but you know it's about 'what do I need to do right now to help Britney’."</p> <p>His tragic confession comes just two months after Louis the Papillion’s death.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram / TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Dog lovers rejoice after "greedy" serial puppy farmer handed life ban

<p dir="ltr">A serial puppy offender has faced sentencing over 17 charges of animal cruelty, with both a lifetime ban and thousands of dollars in fees included in her punishment. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 51-year-old woman from Bullsbrook, a northern suburb in Perth, had been breeding sick dogs in squalid conditions while charging their potential new owners thousands of dollars, and has now been banned from owning or breeding any more dogs for the rest of her life. </p> <p dir="ltr">For her cruel actions, the Perth Magistrates Court handed her a “10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, $25,000 in fines and an 18-month Intensive Supervision Order.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, the repeat offender - who has been in custody since April 14 after breaching the conditions of her bail - was also ordered to pay $24,279.11 in legal costs, as well as care and treatment costs totalling $18,241.01.</p> <p dir="ltr">The charges were in relation to 23 dogs who were seized from her property in June 2020 - with sought-after breeds including the likes of Maltese, shih-tzus, poodles, and cavalier King Charles spaniels among them.</p> <p dir="ltr">It wasn’t her first offence - instead her fourth - but her most recent was in 2014 when the RSPCA found 50 dogs at her former home, with 12 of the animals “hidden in a bunker three metres underground”. </p> <p dir="ltr">This time around, she had been trying to conceal her crimes. As the court heard in December, she has been moving the dogs between three different Bullbrook addresses in a bid to avoid detection.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was a display of “callous disregard or at least wilful blindness,” Magistrate Janie Gibbs said. </p> <p dir="ltr">RSPCA WA had launched their investigation into her after a member of the public reported their concerns - they had been trying to purchase a puppy through Gumtree, and had grown suspicious when they were informed they couldn’t visit the dog at home. </p> <p dir="ltr">From there, RSPCA WA seized 32 dogs from the woman’s property - of which there were four adult males, 19 adult females, and nine puppies - with the majority of them showing signs of being “underweight, unkempt, or unwell”, and nearly all of them suffering from “ear infections and/or dental disease and … matted, overgrown hair”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two did not survive, and five of them were pregnant, giving birth to 22 more puppies in the weeks to follow. All have been in the foster care of RSPCA WA while the case went on. </p> <p dir="ltr">As RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver explained, the woman responsible had been operating a profit-driven business, and had been placing her income well above the welfare of the dogs in her care.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This included using several locations to hide this operation from both authorities and potential puppy buyers,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All were popular breeds selling for thousands of dollars. These dogs were making her a fortune and she was treating them as nothing more than money-making machines, having litter after litter without proper care.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Please, if you want to get a dog, consider adoption from the RSPCA or another reputable rescue organisation first. If you do decide to buy a puppy, never buy online and never buy sight unseen. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Always meet your new puppy and its mum in the home where it’s being raised.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: RSPCA WA</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Breeder faces the consequences for “squalid” puppy farm

<p>A 60-year-old man from Western Australia has been dealt over $100,000 in penalties, an animal cruelty charge, and a 40 year animal ownership ban in the wake of RSPCA inspectors seizing 39 dogs from him. </p> <p>The horrific conditions in which the dogs were living were brought to their attention after a customer came by to purchase a dog from the man’s Bridgetown property in January 2022. He was asking for $5000 a puppy, despite the filth the dogs were being forced to live in - reportedly facing everything from infection to drinking from sewage pipes. </p> <p>In a post to RSPCA WA’s Facebook account, it was revealed that the man “has been given what amounts to a lifetime ban from breeding animals after RSPCA inspectors seized 39 labradoodles from his Bridgetown home in January.</p> <p>“The offender was banned from owning any animal for 40 years, with one notable exception; the Magistrate ruled he could have up to three sterilised dogs.</p> <p>The offender, who pleaded guilty to 28 charges of animal cruelty, has also been fined $112,000, $64,000 of which was suspended for two years.” </p> <p>It went on to outline the conditions the inspector had encountered, and that - importantly - the “The dogs continue to recover in the care of RSPCA WA.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRSPCAWA%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02kdjk1JMbPpBanhpEFJGKd2wB9sCzuhHi4EivkDEckADnUFNgJb24Wmdgt8MuLDaRl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="708" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Kylie Green, Inspector Manager for RSPCA WA, explained that the dogs were examined by a veterinarian after they were removed from the property, and discovered that they were suffering from a whole host of conditions - with everything from ear infections to matted fur, dental disease, and conjunctivitis. </p> <p>“A lot of the dogs and puppies were also suffering from significant psychological harm, as determined by a veterinary behaviourist,” she added. </p> <p>“Some of them just stood in their kennels for weeks after they first came here, staring at the wall and refusing to interact.</p> <p>“It’s a credit to our expert staff and network of dedicated foster carers that they’ve come as far as they have, but this is what people need to stop and consider when they are looking to buy a ‘cute’ puppy.”</p> <p>Kyle went on to stress the importance of evaluating the conditions any puppy is being raised in before buying, whether “you buy from an unregistered breeder, if you buy off the internet or social media”. As without “clean, safe conditions” and a “happy and healthy” mother, “there’s a chance you are supporting this kind of cruelty.” </p> <p><em>Images: RSPCA WA / Facebook</em></p>

Family & Pets

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What your dog’s facial expressions really mean

<div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>This is what your dog’s body language really means</h3> <p>Whether they’re running and playing at the dog park or giving a warning growl, dogs seem like they’re pretty good at communicating with one another, but what do your dog’s facial expressions really mean? Over thousands of years of living with humans, dogs have developed a range of facial expressions, and they’ve become pretty good at communicating with us too.</p> <p>We have a way to go before dog-to-human interaction is fluent in both directions, but fortunately, there are experts out there who have dedicated their lives to figuring out dog body language and dog expressions. It turns out, there’s a big difference between how your dog talks to other dogs and how it talks to you. Some studies even show that dogs prefer happy human faces to angry ones, so maybe they really do know what we’re thinking!</p> <p>Making eye contact</p> <p>A perfect example of the dichotomy between dog-to-dog and dog-to-human facial expressions is eye contact. Between dogs, eye contact signals aggression, according to dog sitting site Wag. Between humans, eye contact is an integral part of communication. We reward eye contact from other humans as well as dogs. After humans domesticated them, dogs developed an array of facial expressions. They also acquired the ability to use their gaze to win approval from and show love for their humans.</p> <p>Breaking eye contact</p> <p>Understanding what your dog’s facial expressions really mean also involves knowing what it means when your pooch breaks eye contact. When dogs stare at each other, they’re engaging in a power struggle that won’t end until one or the other breaks the gaze – and a fight could break out. With humans, dogs are perfectly comfortable breaking eye contact, and in no way is it a prelude to trouble. Rather, it indicates a comfortable rapport between a dog and its person.</p> <p>Blinking or squinting during eye contact</p> <p>If a dog blinks while making eye contact with you, it may be contemplating what you’re thinking, according to veterinarian Danielle Bernal. This dog expression might show up if you’ve just given a command. The same is true of squinting during eye contact, says Michael Schoeff, the proprietor of Premier Pups. “I’d read it as a sign of appeasement,” he says. “And that’s a good thing. Your dog lives to appease his human.”</p> <p>Blinking or squinting in general</p> <p>You’ve probably wondered why your dog makes weird faces. It could be because something is wrong. Squinting and repetitive blinking can mean something entirely different when a dog is not looking into your eyes, Schoeff explains. Squinting can signal pain or illness, and rapid blinking can indicate stress or fear.</p> <p>Fun fact: When a dog opens its eyes wide at another dog, it can signal aggression.</p> <p>Eyebrow raising</p> <p>When your dog raises one eyebrow – or both – while making eye contact, it’s a sign of alertness and interest, says Schoeff. Here’s an opportunity for you to engage with your pup, maybe teach it a new trick. Do dogs mimic facial expressions? Try giving them the old eyebrow wiggle and see what happens!</p> <p>Avoiding eye contact</p> <p>A dog who avoids eye contact is likely having trust issues. “Dogs are aware that eye contact with humans signals trust and comfort,” Schoeff explains. A dog that avoids eye contact with humans is doing his best to avoid any kind of interaction, whether negative or positive. This can be common in rescue dogs, especially those who have had a tough life before finding their forever homes.</p> <p>Head Tilting </p> <p>That adorable head tilt? It’s exactly what it looks like, according to Schoeff: It means your dog is curious.</p> <p>Lowering its head</p> <p>When your dog lowers or bows its head while gazing up at you, it’s an act of submission, explains Schoeff. It’s not all that different from blinking or squinting during eye contact.</p> <p>Flattening its ears</p> <p>Watch it: This isn’t a good sign. If you see a dog pulling both ears tight against his head, it could be a sign of aggression or of fear. Alternatively, it could be a sign your dog has an ear infection, says Schoeff.</p> <p>Yawning </p> <p>Yes, a yawn could indicate tiredness, Bernal says. But it can also be associated with moments of stress, so look for context clues to figure out what your dog’s facial expressions really mean.</p> <p>Lip licking</p> <p>A dog that’s licking its lips can be communicating a desire to submit to its human, Bernal tells us. Or it could indicate anxiety or dehydration, depending on the context. If nothing anxiety-provoking is happening at the moment, consider it a positive form of doggie communication – and make sure your pal’s water bowl is full!</p> <p>Smiling or grinning</p> <p>Yes, dogs smile, although it doesn’t necessarily signify happiness, contentment or agreement. When a dog lifts its lips to show its canine teeth and incisors, it’s a sign of excitement, says Bernal. This makes sense when you consider that pups tend to smile while out on walks or romping with pals at the dog park. A grinning dog face could also be a sign of submissiveness, but that’s usually when a dog is signalling to other dogs, not humans.</p> <p>Nose wrinkling</p> <p>You don’t need a dog expressions’ chart or canine behavioural specialist to recognise when your dog’s smile is more of a snarl, says Bernal. When your dog pulls its lips up vertically to display its front teeth while also wrinkling its muzzle, it’s angry – especially when it raises its ears up and stares steadily. There’s a good chance a growl is coming, and you’ll need to de-escalate the situation.</p> <p>Grimacing</p> <p>In humans, we understand the difference between a smile and a grimace. The same applies to dogs. When your dog draws its lips back horizontally so that you can see all its teeth, it indicates discomfort or fear, Bernal explains. This becomes even more obvious when it’s accompanied by ear-flattening.</p> <p>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/what-your-dogs-facial-expressions-really-mean?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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How to bake your pup a birthday cake

<p dir="ltr">This recipe makes one dog cake and can be served as a full meal (based on a medium size dog 10-25 kg), however, we encourage sharing amongst other furry friends or cutting a slice as a treat only. </p> <h4 dir="ltr">Dog cake recipe</h4> <h4 dir="ltr">What you'll need</h4> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Chopping board</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Knife</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Cake stand</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bowls</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Spoon</p> </li> </ul> <h4 dir="ltr">Ingredients</h4> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">300 g Glow Raw Adult Australian Kangaroo dog food (or any preferred flavour)</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">4 salmon skin dog treats</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">9-12 mixed berries (mixture of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries)</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">10 strawberry yoghurt drops</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp melted coconut oil</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp pumpkin seeds</p> </li> </ul> <h4 dir="ltr">Method</h4> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d3b8966e-7fff-2340-4098-edebe3d7b817"></span></p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Create three 1cm thick patty slices out of the Glow Raw Adult dog food.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Melt the strawberry yoghurt drops.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place one patty slice on a cake stand.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Top with two crumbled salmon skin dog treats.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place second patty slice on top.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Top with another two crumbled salmon skin dog treats.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place third patty slice on top.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Drizzle the melted yoghurt drops over the top and sides of the cake.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Top with mixed berries.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Drizzle over melted coconut oil.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Sprinkle over pumpkin seeds.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Serve. Enjoy!</p> </li> </ol> <p><em>Image: Better Homes &amp; Gardens AU</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Could treating your pet like a child be bad for them?

<p dir="ltr">Animal behaviourists warn if you treat your pet like your child, you may be doing more harm than good. </p> <p dir="ltr">Dog behaviourist Faith Wild says close bonds with our pets have been exacerbated due to the time we spent with them during lockdowns. However, Ms Wild says pets are not children and have different needs that we need to recognise. </p> <p dir="ltr">"If we don't understand the needs of our animals and give them boundaries it can create a lot of confusion," she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"They don't understand what we want from them, or need from them, they can't learn to isolate by themselves." </p> <h2 dir="ltr">Owners need to 'make the rules'</h2> <p dir="ltr">Ms Wild says pet owners need to educate their dogs through understanding and trust, without ever being physical, and by speaking their language.</p> <p dir="ltr">"They will go to the person who commands respect," Ms Wild says.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You don't have to browbeat them or be nasty, but you do have to draw a line where the rules are.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Cavenett says having a dog is also beneficial for people experiencing loneliness after a break-up, a death, or when children have grown up and left home.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There's a lot of really good research around about [pets] giving protective factors against mental health," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"A lot of people do find that there is a lot of mood improvement in being around your pet, and there is some good research around how calming it can be just physically touching a pet." </p> <h2 dir="ltr">Be careful if your pet holds you back</h2> <p dir="ltr">Ms Cavenett warns that it can also be an issue for some people who use their pets as a reason to avoid living their lives because they are so attached to their animals.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I've certainly had clients who have struggled to separate from pets, who haven't wanted to leave the home because their animal might get distressed," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Cavenett said as a pet owner, you need to still be able to see people, feel comfortable leaving the house, and be able to maintain relationships with other people.</p> <p dir="ltr">There can be a tendency to project our own emotions and feelings onto our pets, she adds.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I know that some people will look at their dog in the morning and go, 'Oh, look at her self-esteem, it's just so low!'" Ms Cavenett said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5ee87a53-7fff-19ef-5863-6b65c172395b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">"While it is useful to have a pet, they cannot fulfil all of your social needs. If you are staying at home because of that - it can turn into a bit of a concern.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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The 10 best emotional support dogs

<p><strong>What is an emotional support dog?</strong></p> <p>Emotional support animals (ESA) provide comfort and attention and can be any species from the animal kingdom. We’re most familiar with dogs as being the primary animal to fill this role. When people care for their dog, whether feeding, grooming, or walking, it creates a sense of purpose and can distract attention away from the things causing anxiety and other mental health issues. And while dogs can’t offer advice, they are excellent listeners (or at least appear to be) – and that’s a tremendous help for those who want to talk it out without being judged.</p> <p><strong>Can emotional support dogs really make a difference?</strong></p> <p>Dog lovers inherently understand that dogs make people feel better. When we pet a dog, it brings a smile to our faces, our blood pressure goes down, and stress and anxiety fade into the background even during a chance encounter.</p> <p>Even so, it’s validating to know that some studies show companion dogs can decrease anxiety and depression and improve overall mental health. A 2018 review published in BMC Psychiatry included 17 studies that featured measurable evidence relating to the ups and downs of pet ownership, how people connect with pets, the multiple ways companion animals help mental health conditions, and the psychological impact of losing a companion animal. In a nutshell, the review found pets provide benefits to those with mental health conditions.</p> <p>A more recent study conducted at the University of Toledo showed people who adopted companion animals experienced reduce depression, anxiety and loneliness. Though more research is needed, so far, studies point to companion animals as being a beneficial partner in human health and well-being.</p> <p><strong>What makes a good emotional support breed?</strong></p> <p>“The most important aspect to consider is the connection between the dog and the owner,” says Angela Logsdon-Hoover, ABCDT, a certified dog trainer and canine behaviourist.</p> <p>In her experience, the person’s current dog is the best fit for the person who needs an ESA. “The dog already has a strong bond and the dog likely already naturally picks up on the owner’s stress response to triggers and can offer calm, comfort and security,” says Logsdon-Hoover. If a person doesn’t have a dog, the connection factor is equally important when looking for an emotional support dog. Additionally, the dog should already have good doggy manners at home, in public, and with other people and dogs. If not, you can learn together with basic obedience training.</p> <p>Ideally, emotional support dogs are tuned into their human and react accordingly to what their person says or does, whether that’s with a celebratory dance, cuddling on the couch, or crying when they’re having a tough time.</p> <p>With that in mind, our experts shared some of their favourites. Note that this is by no means an exclusive list. Any breed – or mixed breed for that matter, has the potential to be an excellent emotional support dog.</p> <p><strong>Cavalier King Charles Spaniel</strong></p> <p>Cavaliers were initially created to be companions dogs, so their genetics run deep as warm-hearted comforters. They are undeniably cute, well-mannered, and petite in size, making them <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/pets/13-best-apartment-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">great apartment dogs</a>. “For people who want the companionship of their emotional support dog in a metropolitan area, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a good pick for a canine friend,” says Stacy Chocznski Johnson, DVM. They love adults, children and animals and are “irresistible to pet on a city street,” says Dr Chocznki Johnson. They could act as an ice breaker and help socially awkward situations and reassure or console you when you’re back at home.</p> <p><strong>Labrador Retriver</strong></p> <p>As one of the most popular dog breeds, it’s no shocker the loveable Labrador retriever is also a top-notch emotional support dog. As temperament goes, they’re happy, laid-back, and nothing seems to bother them much. They are trustworthy, dependable and always there to lick your face – or your ice cream cone. “This breed is super food motivated,” says Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer. Because of this, it’s easy to train them and teach them helpful tasks, such as laying beside you, resting their head on you, or providing deep pressure therapy, which is used to help reduce anxiety. It can be brought about by hugging, weighted blankets, and yes, by brushing a dog or a dog laying across your body, Ellis explains.</p> <p><strong>Corgi</strong></p> <p>“Corgis are happy, playful, easygoing dogs, making them a great choice for an emotional support dog,” says Dr Chocznski Johnson. “Watching a Corgi play can bring entertainment and joy to anyone. Seeing them zip around with their short legs and rotund hind ends can easily bring a smile to your face.” And you can have your pick of two types of Corgis – the Cardigan Welsh Corgi or the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The Cardigan is slightly larger and has a fox-like bushy tail and the Pembroke, a docked tail. They do share similar temperaments – fun-loving, playful, clever and affectionate with a touch of boldness. After all, they are classified as herding dogs and have a strong instinct to protect their human.</p> <p><strong>The Great Pyreness</strong></p> <p>“If you find stress relief in repetitive motions like hair brushing, this is the perfect breed, as they require a significant amount of grooming for their thick luxurious coat,” says Dr Choczynski Johnson. And at around 45 kilograms, there’s going to be a lot of hair. (If you’re not keen on heavy shedding and brushing, consider one of these equally cute <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/25-dog-breeds-that-dont-shed-that-much" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dog breeds that don’t shed too much</a>.) The Great Pyrenees is also exceptionally calm and mellow, and they’re not particularly active, which makes them a good fit for someone who prefers a leisurely stroll over countless rounds of fetch.</p> <p><strong>Poodles</strong></p> <p>Of the three sizes of poodles, the standard poodle is the largest at around 22 to 27kg. If you’ve ever seen a poodle in the show ring, you may think they look too “foo-foo” and self-absorbed to be emotional support dogs. Not a chance – they are actually quite lovey-dovey, eager to please, and easy to be around you 24/7. When it comes to grooming, poodles have hair that grows like humans. “These non-shedding dogs are often goofy and have an uplifting personality, which will surely rub off and brighten your day. They’re also super smart and can usually read their pet parents,” says Ellis. With proper care and nutrition, they’ll be by your side for years to come because poodles are one of the <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/dog-breeds-that-live-longest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dog breeds that live the longest</a>.</p> <p><strong>Great Danes</strong></p> <p>The Great Dane makes quite an impression with its towering physique. That may be very appealing for someone who wants a four-legged bodyguard or a buffer zone when interacting with other people. The Great Dane is by no means unfriendly, but as a guard dog breed, their loyalty, protection and affection lie with you first. They tend to be aloof with people they don’t know, yet incredibly friendly with their human. “I love Great Danes, as they truly are gentle giants. Their affection and compassion is endless, and being so large a good snuggle can help with some deep pressure therapy,” says Ellis.</p> <p><strong>Maltese</strong></p> <p>If you’re looking for a silky white pint-size cuddle bug with big expressive eyes, the Maltese might be the emotional support dog for you. When they’re not cosying up on your lap, they are the life of the party, even if it’s just a party for the two of you. “The Maltese is a good choice for a single adult, as they tend to have a favourite person that they attach to,” says Dr Choczynski Johnson. They can’t give therapeutic advice, but they’ll comfort and soothe you with a lick or muzzle snuggle. As an emotional support animal, the Maltese is probably nearby most of the time.</p> <p><strong>Golden Retriever </strong></p> <p>The golden retriever’s number one skill set is loyalty, says Dr Choczynski Johnson. “Their classic cuddle involves a heart-melting heavy chin on the lap and an upward gaze. This form of bonding and emotional support, pair with unbridled enthusiasm when arriving home makes the golden retriever a great candidate,” she says. A routine of feeding, walking and grooming a dog provides stability. They are excited to see you, but like all dogs, also eager to stretch their legs and get some exercise – and after you take a pleasant stroll together and a few rounds of fetch, the golden will be content to hang out with you.</p> <p><strong>Yorkshire Terrier</strong></p> <p>In addition to being one of the cutest lap dogs, the Yorkie is a blue-chip candidate as an emotional support dog for many reasons. For starters, Yorkies are portable. They’re petite puptarts at just 2-3kg and 20cm tall – perfect for when you need a spunky and confident sidekick to help you navigate social situations that make you feel uneasy. At home, they’re playful, energetic and oh-so affectionate snugglers. Yorkies aren’t intimidating guard dogs by any means, but by nature, they are very protective of their human. As such, they are first-rate watchdogs and will alert you of anything suspicious with a hearty bark.</p> <p><strong>Mixed Breeds</strong></p> <p>There’s no getting around it. Mixed breed dogs are some of the cutest dogs on the planet and often the best of many breeds. In addition to being adorable, a mixed breed can check all your boxes, whether you want an active dog to get you out of the house or a <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/15-lazy-dog-breeds-that-are-expert-nappers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">champion napper</a> for cosy nights in. They all have the potential to be loyal and affectionate. Plus, mixed breeds tend to be the healthiest of many breeds because they come from a wider gene pool and are less prone to hereditary issues. <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/15-surprising-benefits-of-adopting-a-shelter-dog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adopting a dog from a shelter has surprising benefits for you too.</a> “Rescuing a dog can sometimes have even greater meaning emotionally, as many times, after some time has passed, it may feel like they actually rescued you,” says Ellis.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Not so innocent: Detail in cute puppy pic reveals Melissa Caddick’s huge profits

<p dir="ltr">A previously unnoticed detail in an innocent photograph has revealed the eye-watering amount accused fraudster Melissa Caddick was making from her alleged crimes per day.</p> <p dir="ltr">Caddick sent the photo of her pet dog posing in her home office to one of her victims, according to the podcast <em>Liar Liar: Melissa Caddick and the Missing Millions</em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1f31aa36-7fff-bb16-cf57-e370267c42d5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">After zooming in on the notepad on Caddick’s desk, it can be seen that “$46K per day” was written under the heading “Average Profits” between April 27 and May 27.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/smh-cadddick.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Zooming in on the photograph reveals the record sums Melissa Caddick was making. Image: The Sydney Morning Herald</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Kate McClymont, the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em> and <em>The Age</em> journalist who hosts the podcast, <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melissa-caddick-podcast-how-a-cute-dog-photo-provided-a-clue-to-her-staggering-profits/4474e72b-e7f2-4472-902a-fa3ee10029bd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told <em>Today</em></a><em> </em>that these kinds of discoveries showed how clues could be “hiding in plain sight”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The person that provided me with that photo is one of, not only Melissa’s victims, but she worked one day a week for Melissa,” McClymont said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So she is sitting there day after day seeing all of these things, but it wasn’t until after Melissa disappeared and the Herald broke the story saying she was running a Ponzi scheme, they didn’t realise they were all victims.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In May 2020 alone, Caddick made a whopping $1.426 million profit - and her case has since captured the nation’s attention.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her home in Sydney’s east was raided by federal police on behalf of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in November 2020, and it was suspected she had fleeced millions of dollars from her victims - mostly friends and family - to fund her lifestyle.</p> <p dir="ltr">Caddick then disappeared a day after the raid.</p> <p dir="ltr">Months later, the remains of her foot inside a running shoe washed up on a beach on the NSW South Coast.</p> <p dir="ltr">An inquest into her death will commence in September, and McClymont told <em>Today </em>it could dispel some mysteries surrounding how she died.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Already I have heard that some of her victims have been interviewed by the police to provide alibis,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The journalist added that a forensic pathologist would hopefully be able to determine if Caddick’s foot was cut off or had deteriorated in the ocean.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Until we hear from a forensic pathologist, that is still one of the big mysteries in this case.”</p> <p dir="ltr">To read the full story and hear the <em>Liar Liar</em> episode, click <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/how-a-puppy-picture-revealed-melissa-caddick-s-stunning-46-000-per-day-profit-20220429-p5ahbm.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f7014543-7fff-dec0-63fe-12c9612cc9a9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

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John Travolta's son adopts puppy from the Oscars ceremony

<p>Mac n Cheese, the adorable rescue pup who stole hearts worldwide during an Oscars tribute segment for actress Betty White, has been rescued by none other than John Travolta’s son, Ben.</p> <p>The adorable little man was cradled by actress Jamie Lee Curtis in the 'In Memoriam' segment on Monday's ceremony when she spoke lovingly about the late Golden Girl star's love for animals.</p> <p>In her speech, Curtis said White's fans can honour her legacy by adopting a rescue dog like Mac N Cheese.</p> <p>Curtis didn't have to tell the Travolta family twice, as their home was already open to the little pooch, who they rescued from Paw Works: a nonprofit rescue organisation in Thousand Oaks, California.</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/CbqosEVpIGj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CbqosEVpIGj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Travolta (@johntravolta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"Ben adopted this dog from last night's Oscar tribute to Betty White. Thank you @curtisleejamie &amp; @pawworks," the actor captioned a happy snap of 11-year-old Ben cuddling their new family member.</p> <p>Travolta and Curtis are long time friends.They starred alongside each other in the 1984 romantic comedy Perfect, and on Monday they reconnected backstage.</p> <p>"A MAGICAL ending to the story from last night," Curtis posted on Instagram as she shared Travolta's photo. "At the Oscars I reconnected with my friend, John Travolta. @johntravolta We starred together in the movie PERFECT back in 1984. I had already left the Dolby theater last night after honoring Betty White and was on my way home when someone texted me a photo of John holding little mac &amp; cheese in the green room before his presentation of the best actor Oscar."</p> <p>"I thought it was so beautiful to see him with her and then today I found out that he and his son, Ben have adopted beautiful little mac &amp; cheese and are taking her home today," Curtis concluded. "It is an emotional end and a perfect tribute to Betty White."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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The bid to stamp out puppy mills for good

<p dir="ltr">A bill to ban intensive puppy farming in NSW hits fierce opposition from the state’s peak body for dog breeders, who insist the rules are “heavy-handed” and would hurt responsible breeders. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Companion Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms) Bill in 2021, a signature policy of Animal Justice Party upper house member Emma Hurst, would limit breeders of cats and dogs to a maximum of 10 breeding females, consistent with Victorian legislation.</p> <p dir="ltr">The bill, which is being co-sponsored by independent MP Alex Greenwich in the lower house, would also limit female cats and dogs to two litters, cap the age of male dogs used for breeding at six years old, and require a ratio of one staff member to every five animals.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Puppy farms” or “puppy mills” refers to the intensive factory farming of dogs for the pet trade industry, often in huge sheds on rural properties. </p> <p dir="ltr">The problem has increased during the pandemic. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has confirmed many intensive breeders moved across the border to NSW after Victoria passed legislation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve got these massive, large-scale puppy farms right here in NSW - somebody could have hundreds of female dogs and force them to pump out litter after litter for their entire lives,” Ms Hurst said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The pandemic puppy buying has really exploded the issue of puppy farms where people are able to make a huge amount of money because a lot of these dogs are selling for thousands of dollars each.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Hurst said the dogs often had behavioural issues from poor socialisation and health problems from in-breeding. </p> <p dir="ltr">Dogs NSW president Lyn Brand said the legislation would affect good breeders, while not reducing underground puppy farming.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re happy to cooperate with eradicating puppy farms - they’re abhorrent,” Ms Brand said. “But they’re untraceable because a lot of the people who are puppy farming don’t microchip all their puppies, and they’re meeting people in car parks to hand over the puppies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She said the limit of 10 breeding females would include animals that are not used for breeding but kept for shows - they would be disqualified from shows if desexed - and puppies that are older than 12 months. She also said limiting the number of litters could reduce genetic diversity in purebred dogs.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dogs NSW recently started a petition on Change.org, warning the bill could “prevent normal families from getting their family pet from a reputable, responsible breeder”. Ms Hurst’s response, accusing Dogs NSW of providing “false and misleading information”, was sent to everyone who signed the petition and is posted underneath.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Hurst has also had a petition in support of the bill on her website for several months and there are nearly 43,000 signatures so far.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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10 ways to celebrate the cutest day of the year

<h4>1) Throw a National Puppy Day Party</h4> <p>Get some of your friends and their fur babies together and celebrate man’s best friend with cake, balloons, and lots of puppy time. You can easily have a party in the park or for those who are more Covid conscious, a get together over Zoom. Get the puppies to dress up for bonus adorable points.</p> <h4>2) Puppy Photoshoot</h4> <p>Have a photographer or even just a friend, set up a full on photoshoot of your puppy. Include some fun props or a backdrop. You’ll love looking at these photos and remember how small they were as a baby.</p> <h4>3) Get a Lookalike of Your Puppy</h4> <p>Bummed that you can’t bring your dog everywhere you go? Now you can! Create a custom plushie of your puppy and you can bring them everywhere!</p> <h4>4) Teach Them a Trick</h4> <p>Can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Not true! Take time to help your furry friend learn a new skill or trick. Even if they are horrible at it, it is a great way to spend some fun time together.</p> <h4>6) Safeguard Your BFF</h4> <p>There is nothing scarier than losing your pet. Make sure that your pup has a microchip and I.D. tag so they can be easily located if lost.</p> <h4>5) Make Delicious Homemade Dog Treats</h4> <p>Everyone loves some home-baked treats, especially your puppy!</p> <h4>7) Get A New Toy To Celebrate Your Pup</h4> <p>There is nothing better than watching your dog tear into a new toy! They love being showered with gifts and attention. Get your puppy a fun new toy or game to play with today.</p> <h4>8) Donate</h4> <p>Money, food, and toys are all great ideas of things you can take to your local shelter.</p> <h4>9) Volunteer</h4> <p>Don’t have a dog yourself? Volunteer some time at a shelter to give you your recommended daily dose of dog cuteness! We can’t promise you won’t end up adopting one while you’re there though!</p> <h4>10) Adopt Your Own Fur Baby</h4> <p>is a huge commitment, but one of the best ones you can make in your life. Head to your local shelter and adopt an animal. You’ll change a life and gain a new best friend forever.</p>

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Prince William and Kate's new puppy reveal

<p>James Middletown has shared an adorable snap featuring Prince William and Kate’s new puppy.</p> <p>The Duchess of Cambridge's younger brother gifted the royals their new furry friend, which came from a litter birthed by his own dog Luna.</p> <p>James shared the sweet pictures from when his dog Luna gave birth to a litter of six cocker spaniels in 2020. One of the six pups photographed was Kate and Prince William's, whom they received before their dog Lupo died in November 2020.</p> <p>The photos were posted alongside a caption in which James spoke about welcoming a dog into the family.</p> <p>It is believed that the royals' new pet, whose name is not publicly known, is a black puppy – the same colour as Lupo.</p> <p>In 2012, the year before Prince George's birth, James gifted Kate with Lupo, who is the brother of Luna – the mother of the duo's current pet.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/Royal-dogs.jpg" alt="" width="778" height="429" /></p> <p>James, a dog lover and owner of six canines, touched on helping his sister welcome their new dog.</p> <p>"Over the years I've helped many friends, family and followers come to the right decision on adding a four-legged addition to the family," he wrote.</p> <p>In a related post, he reflected on his childhood with Kate saying, "I was 11 when we got our first family dog, Tilly, and I remember all of the feelings of excitement and nervousness like it was yesterday!"</p> <p>While not many details have been released about the Duke and Duchess' new dog, they did reveal that she's a girl during a January visit to a community hospital where they met a cockapoo puppy named Alfie.</p> <p>While holding Alfie, Kate joked, "Our dog is going to be very upset. She's going to be like, 'Where have you been?'"</p> <p><em>Images: Getty &amp; Instagram</em></p>

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Special Forces veteran delivers heartfelt plea over stolen puppy

<p>Special Forces veteran Luke Evans has launched an emotional appeal after his seven-week old puppy was stolen from his doggy daycare farm on Monday morning</p><p>The father-of-three set up the farm on NSW's Central Coast three years ago with the help of his wife following 11 years of service in the navy to help him cope with his PTSD. </p><p>The farm offers daycare for pets and also works to rehabilitate and find forever homes for rescue dogs. </p><p>The dogs, who were all secret inside at the time of the theft, began barking around 4am to alert the couple that something was wrong. </p><p>The navy veteran got up to check out the commotion, but didn't find out of the ordinary. </p><p>It wasn't the next morning that Luke realised one of their beautiful blue-eyed Australian Shepherd-husky cross litter pups was missing. </p><p>The puppy was taken from a seperate room where the litter was being kept away from the larger dogs during the night. </p><p></p><p>"This little male pup that has been taken is just 7 weeks old, incredibly cute, two bright blue eyes and perfect Blue Merle and White markings," the family wrote online.</p><p>"The little one is microchipped and the number has been reported as stolen."</p><p>"We sincerely hope that someone might make the right decision to hand him in somewhere. Or perhaps someone might recognise him and let the police know."</p><p>"We are heartbroken. Numb. Terribly deflated. So many emotions right now. Disappointed. Disbelief. Concerned. Upset. Angry. Lost," the post read. </p><p>The 37-year-old navy veteran suspects the thief had been watching his daycare's YouTube channel, where he shares updates on his animals and an insight into their life on the farm, in order to plan the daring heist.</p><p>Following the theft, the farm has been set up with extra security measures including multiple cameras and alarms to keep their animals safe.</p><p><em>Image credits: Facebook - Doggy Daycare Farm Trips </em></p>

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Restaurant in strife for accepting puppy pics instead of vaccination proof 

<p>A restaurant in Canada was ordered to temporarily cease its indoor dining services after it was discovered that customers were being allowed a seat after presenting cute dog photos instead of proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or negative test results, health officials said.</p><p>Alberta Health Services issued the closure order Friday after it investigated complaints about the Granary Kitchen in Red Deer.</p><p>Two investigators posing as customers visited the restaurant at different times after providing photos and personal identification to restaurant staff, the agency said in the order.</p><p>“In both instances, facility staff used a tablet to make it appear as if they were scanning a QR code, when in fact the staff member was presented with a photograph of a dog,” the agency said.</p><p>“The staff member then proceeded to ask the test shopper for personal identification and offered dine-in services.”<br />The restaurant was ordered to close its indoor dining area and submit a written COVID-19 compliance plan that follows the province’s indoor dining rules.</p><p>In a Facebook post Friday, the restaurant called the incident “an unfortunate circumstance at our front door which involved one of our underage hostesses”.</p><p>“We are taking the weekend to retrain and regroup,” the restaurant said.</p><p>“We look forward to serving you again as soon as we are ready to reopen.</p><p>"In closing we would like to remind everyone of the tremendous pressure being placed on front staff, and please remember to be kind.”</p><p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Adorable puppy melts hearts of William and Kate

<p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p>Prince William and Kate Middleton were seen smiling, laughing and joking as they visited Lancashire on Thursday. This was their second joint engagement over the course of a few days.</p> <p>Despite their royal status, it was therapy dog Alfie who stole the show and melted their hearts.</p> <p>The apricot cockapoo was funded through hospital charity ELHT&amp;me using a grant from NHS Charities Together, which the Duke and Duchess are Royal Patrons of.</p> <p>The couple visited Clitheroe Community Hospital, where they met with NHS staff and patients to learn about the challenges faced by rural health providers and to understand how NHS Charities Together is supporting the mental health of the frontline workforce.</p> <p>So far, the charity has helped fund a staff well-being room as well as two therapy dogs — six-year-old Jasper and Alfie, who is brand new to the team.</p> <p>They also visited Church on the Street, a charity run by Pastor Mick Fleming. The organisation was set up in 2019 to help the homeless and people living in poverty in Burnley and the surrounding areas. Speaking to a number of volunteers and staff, the couple heard about their motivations for working with Church on the Street.</p> <p>Charity owner Pastor Mick is now in discussions with local authorities, external support agencies and the NHS with the aim of providing further support for people who are struggling with their mental health.</p>

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