The Lassie complex: why are we so obsessed with dogs saving human lives?

The Lassie complex: why are we so obsessed with dogs saving human lives?

Most recently, it was when a woman who was attacked by a cougar while out hiking in California was saved by her “amazing and loyal ” Belgian malinois, Eva. The story made headlines around the world, but drill down a little and you’ll discover that the dog, which weighs around 25kg, hit the cougar but was very quickly outclassed by the giant cat.

Stressed pit bull in shelter for a year relaxes in princess tent

Stressed pit bull in shelter for a year relaxes in princess tent

Courtesy of I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal HavenStarsky enjoyed his special place for about a week until he discovered that tent poles make excellent chew toys.Starsky is one of more than 100 dogs cared for by staff and volunteers at the nonprofit I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven in Michigan.

Watch this talented cocker spaniel play tennis with his owner

Watch this talented cocker spaniel play tennis with his owner

Emily discovered his hidden talent (Picture: Kennedy News/@trickspaniel)Now the best buddies play tennis multiple times a day.In action (Picture: Kennedy News/@trickspaniel)Their tennis video on Instagram has now been viewed more than 19,800 times and received more than 1,300 likes – and Emily says people constantly message her for dog-training tips.

I saved cash by quitting a student room to become a petsitter

I saved cash by quitting a student room to become a petsitter

In exchange for pet care, sitters get free accommodation and occasionally a fridge of food or spending money at the owner’s discretion.You can sit for cats and dogs, reptiles such as bearded dragons, or even horses or sheep for the more country-inclined sitter.

Unloved pup becomes Police sniffer dog helping out at crime scenes

Unloved pup becomes Police sniffer dog helping out at crime scenes

Bella was just a 20-week-old pup when she was found living in the back of a van (Picture: Triangle News)RSPCA Kent Chief Inspector Nick Wheelhouse said: ‘We were called to an address by Police and discovered three dogs living in the back of a van in completely inappropriate conditions.

Aldi’s sell-out pet sofa beds are finally back

Aldi’s sell-out pet sofa beds are finally back

Aldi ’s pet beds were sell-outs for that very reason back when they first launched , offering chic lounging options for discerning dogs and cats – and now they’re back.Designed to look like modern furniture in mini sizes, the range includes a scalloped chair and a longer sofa bed, both in velvet.

California dog reunited with family 12 years after going missing

California dog reunited with family 12 years after going missing

On Friday, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office uploaded a video to that described the unbelievable reunion.After Levin scanned the dog, he discovered that her name was Zoey and she was previously reported missing from Lafayette, Calif.Zoey will have a playmate as Michelle also has another 13-year-old dog.

HORRORS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY: Defenceless dogs are shot to make and electricity

HORRORS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY: Defenceless dogs are shot to make and electricity

Dale, 60, who is backing the Daily Express Green Britain Needs You campaign, said: "Millions of Brits will be shocked and disgusted to discover how hunts are treating their dogs, and will be horrified to find out their lights might be puppy-powered.".

How do you train a dog to disc dog sport?

How do you train a dog to disc dog sport?

In 2011, the Hyperflite Skyhoundz series is going to be expanded to incorporate the brilliant week-long World Championship which will include the World Canine Disc Championship in five sections (Open, Sports, Free Pairs, MicroDog, and Youth) moreover because the Xtreme Distance World.

The 11 Most Popular Doggy Sports

The 11 Most Popular Doggy Sports

Discovered in the early 1970’s, this sport became popular when a 19-year old student performed with his disc-catching dog named Ashley Whippet entertaining the crowds at a baseball game.3-How to Train Your Dog in Agility Sports ?

Explained: How the retriever got its golden coat

Explained: How the retriever got its golden coat

Rather dogs needed mutations in two areas of the ASIP gene to get different yellow coat patterns.Lighter coats would have helped dogs living during glaciation periods millions of years ago (Getty)Co-author Dr Chris Kaelin at the Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama said: ‘We were initially surprised to discover that white wolves and yellow dogs have an almost identical ASIP DNA configuration.

How To Protect Animals From Heat: Simple tips to protect your pets from heatwave

How To Protect Animals From Heat: Simple tips to protect your pets from heatwave

The excessive humidity and high temperatures provide extreme discomfort to dogs, cats and other pets, especially during the months of April, May and June.This time period can be very burdensome for pets, especially dogs who are unable to cool down by panting since the humidity is high.

Pet owner shocked to discover her dog is a wolf - and needs to keep it secret

Pet owner shocked to discover her dog is a wolf - and needs to keep it secret

MEGHAN was always being told how wolf-like her dog Bodhi looked.His owner, Meghan, was often told how wolf-like Bodhi looked so she bought a DNA test.

Man jailed for slashing his dog’s throat and leaving it to bleed to death

Man jailed for slashing his dog’s throat and leaving it to bleed to death

The dog’s lifeless body was discovered under a tyre in the garden (Picture: RSPCA)A man who slashed his dog’s neck and left it to bleed to death has been jailed for 26 weeks.

Dogs really do love their owners and new research proves it

Dogs really do love their owners and new research proves it

We do love our dogs (Picture: Getty)Canine Cottages also tracked the owners’ heart rates to see how much this compares with that of their pet, and discovered their heart rate increased by 10% on average when they saw their dog after being away from them for a period of time.

Man let his dog starve to death then hid his body in car boot

Man let his dog starve to death then hid his body in car boot

Lee Roger Aylott’s dog Suzie (pictured) was also discovered in a poor condition (Picture: Media Wales)A man has been banned from keeping animals for life after he let his dog starve to death and hid his body in the boot of his car.

Body of ‘healthy’ dog found dead inside parcel sack left in park

Body of ‘healthy’ dog found dead inside parcel sack left in park

RSPCA Inspector Victoria Reid was called to Tinsley Meadows Park in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on August 1 following the discovery of the dog beside a bin.

Dog ‘laid her life on line’ to chase off machete-wielding burglars

Dog ‘laid her life on line’ to chase off machete-wielding burglars

Fearless Macey, right, laid her life on the line after burglars slashed at Bruce, left, during an attack on their family home (Picture: Kennedy News & Media)Dad-of-four Paul, 36, was woken by the commotion and jumped out of bed to discover his dog on the driveway.

Adventure cat loves nothing better than hiking with his canine chums

Adventure cat loves nothing better than hiking with his canine chums

Arlo the Maine Coon tabby cross loves to venture across the Dales (Picture: Mercury Press & Media/@) Always with his dog best friends by her side (Picture: Mercury Press & Media/@) What a little adventurer (Picture: Mercury Press & Media/@)Owners Crissy Lister and Marc Shaw first discovered Arlo’s love for the outdoors when they took him on a walk with their three dogs last year.

Rock out your dancing shoes, a sausage dog disco is coming to London

Rock out your dancing shoes, a sausage dog disco is coming to London

It’s disco, baby (Picture: Dachshund Cafe)If you’re a fellow dog lover, then by now you’re probably familiar with Pug Café – the company that hosts pop-ups of the greatest kind: with dogs.

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