The Mamma Mia star has been a fan of animal therapy ever since she acquired her beloved dog Finn, the lolloping brown nine-year-old Australian shepherd who helped her deal with the ­anxiety that came with being a young actress living away from home in Hollywood.

FROM flying in warplanes and surviving POW camps in the Second World War to discovering ancient works of art, saving lives and collecting money for charity, a new book containing extraordinary tails proves once and for all that dogs really are man’s best friend.

The Charles Cross Police Team said on Twitter: “Another dog left in the sun, another window smashed! The dog appeared to be very happy to be released from the hot car (Image: CHARLES CROSS POLICE TEAM).

4th of July: Dogs are likely to be scared by Independence Day fireworks (Image: GETTY) 4th of July 2019: Americans celebrate Independence Day with a pomp (Image: GETTY)The study reads: “Owners most commonly reported fearful responses to fireworks in their dogs.

Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan condemned the sick festival, which sees thousands of dogs cruelly killed and eaten every year.

Chinese animal activists found 62 dogs in a backstreet slaughterhouse in Yulin (Image: HSI) The terrified pooches were dehydrated, malnourished and some showed signs of sickness (Image: HSI) It comes in the run-up to the annual dog meat festival, which kicks off on Friday (Image: HSI)Many are strays picked up from the streets but others are stolen pets.

It took several months for Coco to get back to full active health (Image: Vets4Pets)“Coco’s case just goes to show how easy it can be for dogs to contract the lungworm parasite and how important preventative treatments are,” Stephen continues.

Revealing the news of Grumpy's death, the cat’s owners said: "Some days are grumpier than others..."Despite care from top professionals, as well as from her very loving family, Grumpy encountered complications from a recent urinary tract infection that unfortunately became too tough for her to overcome.

Odin the K9 police dog was hit by 200 porcupine quills (Image: Coos County Sheriff's Office)Heroic Odin was on the trail of a human suspect when he came face to backside with one nature’s most dangerous creatures.

Its existence only came to light when Ohio University researchers, Dr Nancy Stevens and Dr Matthew Borths, studied specimens that had been placed in a drawer at the National Museums of Kenya several decades ago.

A PET CAT has been left struggling on three legs after being shot at close range by an air gun thug. As Monty recovers from his ordeal, animal welfare campaigners are calling for tougher air weapon controls to stop the indiscriminate shooting of pets and wildlife.

Matilda the dumped cat looks like famous Bagpuss character (Image: RSPCA)The Persian tabby that bears a striking resemblance to the saggy-clothed television character who delighted generations of children was only saved by sharp-eyed dustmen. Jo Elmes, from RSPCA Putney, said: “As soon as we saw poor Matilda she reminded us of the much-loved childhood character Bagpuss.

A MIRACLE saw a pet survived being trapped in a near-freezing swimming pool for six hours because of its desperate doggy-paddle and the brilliance of emergency vets.

Finally, having developed confidence in other rescued bears at the Animals Asia sanctuary in Tam Dao, Vietnam, Mai has been filmed walking on grass for the first time since she was captured from the wild as a cub and left to pine away on one of the country’s bile farms.

VETS made a “surprise” find when they operated on a seriously ill dog feared to be suffering from cancer – they discovered the mischievous pet had swallowed a Kinder Surprise egg.

Sparrowhawk was fastened to bottle by cable tie (Image: SSPCA)Shocking images of the bird of prey with its leg bloodied by the black plastic fastener biting into its flesh have been released by wildlife welfare campaigners as they investigate whether this was an incredible accident or a callous act of cruelty.

Earlier this week, British animal welfare charities reported how they had seen a surge of “wolf look-a-like” breeds such as huskies, akitas and malamuts coming into their rescue centres because of the Game of Thrones phenomenon.

Suspecting Luna had swallowed lily pollen, the quick-thinking owner knew her pet needed expensive emergency treatment. Veterinary care assistant at PDSA Jemma Hughes explains: “Lilies have become quite popular in Easter bouquets, but all parts of the plant, including the flower and leaves are toxic to cats.

Hockney the puppy was dumped in box without food, water or a blanket to keep warm (Image: Dogs Trust)"We were so shocked when we first saw him as he was in a terrible state.

Hockney looks as pretty as picture after being rescued (Image: Dogs Trust) The tiny terrier was only five weeks old and weighed less than a bag of sugar when he was cruelly abandoned with no food, water or blanket to keep warm.