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.

Shocking images show horrific burns on dog's face - warning to owners over toxic plant

Shocking images show horrific burns on dog's face - warning to owners over toxic plant

The four-year-old dog started developing the wounds after sniffing around a suspected giant hogweed plant, which can cause blindness, painful burns and blisters if it comes into contact with dogs or humans.

Why does my dog always stare at me?

Why does my dog always stare at me?

Your dog could be trying to tell you something (Picture: Getty).If your dog stares at you while they’re pooping, it could be because they feel vulnerable and are looking to you for reassurance.

Heartbreak as desperately ill elderly dog abandoned on his own on streets

Heartbreak as desperately ill elderly dog abandoned on his own on streets

The dog was put to sleep after vets advised it was the kindest thing to do (Image: SCOTTISH SPCA)“He was microchipped to an address in Falkirk but was reported missing from this address in June 2021.“The dog was in generally poor condition, and was suffering from a severely ulcerated eye.

As a blind guide dog user, I want social distancing to stay forever

As a blind guide dog user, I want social distancing to stay forever

Disabled people are once again being forgotten about (Picture: Grace Elizabeth Photography) It’s 10am and I’m walking down the street to catch my next train for work with my guide dog, Ida. Despite it still being early, I’ve already been shoulder-barged twice, and a member of the public has stepped into my personal space to stroke Ida, irrespective of her wearing a harness that clearly displays the words: ‘Please do not distract me, I’m a working guide dog’.

Cat owners to be obliged by law to have pets microchipped

Cat owners to be obliged by law to have pets microchipped

The government says it is already reviewing the dog microchipping rules and database systems to consider improvements, and that the new cat rules – which were welcomed by the RSPCA - will take effect once the review has been done.

Cat owners: have you experienced issues with pet illness related to cat food?

Cat owners: have you experienced issues with pet illness related to cat food?

We would like to hear from anyone who has experienced issues with these cat foods, or pet food more generally.Your responses are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions.If you’re having trouble using the form, click here.

Springtime Safety Tips

Springtime Safety Tips

Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts turn to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects.It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.

How to avoid accidentally buying a stolen dog

How to avoid accidentally buying a stolen dog

The RSPCA and Dogs Trust shared their tips for prospective pet owners (Picture: )For those looking to buy from a breeder, The Puppy Contract gives prospective dog owners all the relevant information they need to make an informed decision.

Tell us: how has your pet helped you through lockdown?

Tell us: how has your pet helped you through lockdown?

Our pets have always been a source of comfort : as companions, reasons to go out and exercise, a friendly face to come home to.If you’re having trouble using the form, click here.

Teen devastated after stranger finds missing puppy but ‘won’t give it back’

Teen devastated after stranger finds missing puppy but ‘won’t give it back’

Melissa Baylis, 17, claims a woman sent her a Facebook message calling her ‘irresponsible’ for letting nine-week-old dog Nelly go missing.The family had only owned Nelly for a week when she vanished (Picture: Instagram/Melissa Baylis)As seen by the Manchester Evening News, it read: ‘I believe you have lost your puppy.

Did you get a new pet during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK?

Did you get a new pet during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK?

We’d like to hear from people who got a new pet during the pandemic, and how it has impacted their experience of lockdown.We’d like to hear from people who got a new pet during lockdown.

Leopard mauls man who paid $150 for 'full contact' experience

Leopard mauls man who paid $150 for 'full contact' experience

A Florida man was mauled by a black leopard after he paid $150 for a "full contact" experience that left him with gruesome injuries, according to a report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

How has your dog helped you through lockdown?

How has your dog helped you through lockdown?

We’d like to hear from people about how their canine friends have helped them cope in lockdown, particularly if you live – or have been shielding – alone.Did you buy a new puppy or rescue a dog during this period?

10 Signs of Cancer in Dogs You Must Know

10 Signs of Cancer in Dogs You Must Know

Noticing any of these doesn’t necessarily mean your dog has cancer, but there’s a good chance of another health issue at a minimum, so you should contact your vet immediately if any are observed.

Two pet cats test positive for COVID-19

Two pet cats test positive for COVID-19

Two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for COVID-19, according to federal officials.In addition, people who test positive for COVID-19 should restrict contact with their pets and wear a face mask during necessary interactions.

Cats can infect each other with coronavirus, Chinese study finds

Cats can infect each other with coronavirus, Chinese study finds

The team, at Harbin Veterinary Research Institute in China, found that cats are highly susceptible to Covid-19 and appear to be able to transmit the virus through respiratory droplets to other cats.Experts said the findings were credible, but that they did not indicate cats were an important vector in spreading the disease between humans.

During coronavirus closures, what happens to animal shelters?

During coronavirus closures, what happens to animal shelters?

If adopting or fostering isn't something you can do, the organization recommends donating supplies to both animal shelters and other organizations like human food banks.Similar to HSUS' recommendations, Lacey suggests reaching out to your local shelters to see if they need help fostering or adopting animals.

Coronavirus UK: Can your pet give you coronavirus? Your dog and cat COVID-19 questions answered

Coronavirus UK: Can your pet give you coronavirus? Your dog and cat COVID-19 questions answered

People have been kitting their pets out in masks (which is not necessary) (Picture: REUTERS/Aly Song)‘That said, there are numerous strains of coronavirus that affect animals: canine coronavirus (CCV), which is highly contagious amongst dogs , and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is an illness that can manifest from coronavirus infection in cats.

A dog so badly treated he lost a leg is looking for a loving home

A dog so badly treated he lost a leg is looking for a loving home

Rocco’s leg was broken and had to be amputated (Picture: Jake McPherson / SWNS)Could you help Rocco trust people again and give him the love he deserves?But instead of taking the dog to a vet, Rocco’s owners left him to suffer and the RSPCA had to step in.