A missing cat has astounded his owners after returning to his Buckinghamshire home after a whopping eight years. The cat, named Bigga, due to his rather ample size, was living with his owner, Lorna Fothergill for just two years before he did a disappearing act.

When Bigga went missing his concerned owner searched throughout the neighbourhood but after six months she concluded that her pet must have been catnapped, as there was a spate of the crimes at the time.

Incredibly eight years later Lorna received a call from the RSPCA telling her that they had found Bigga.

RSPCA Inspector Davidson, explained to the BBC the challenges of finding Bigga's owner, he said: "Searching for Bigga's owner took some real detective work, but it just shows the immense value of having your animals microchipped. It is a fantastic outcome and Bigga is a great cat with a lovely personality and temperament, we are so pleased he has found his way home."

It is thought that Bigga must have been living as a feral cat. His owner, Lorna said: "Originally he wasn't our cat, he just appeared one day, and he showed up and refused to leave. We put posters up, we informed local vets and the RSPCA, people came to see him but no-one left with him. He became part of the family. We had four other cats at the time."

Once Lorna had decided that she was going to keep the cat she had him insured and microchipped, without this poor old Bigga may never have been found, especially considering that Lorna had moved twice since Bigga first went missing.

Since his return, neither Bigga's owner, nor the RSPCA can figure out what he has been doing since he went missing. But from Bigga's appearance it is presumed that he went back to his old ways and lived as a stray. Currently he is being treated for the feline strain of AIDS which should help his condition so that he can enjoy a quiet life back at home.

 

 

It was an unusual find for the workers at the recycling centre in Scotland when one of the lorries turned up that had just been collecting in the Kirknewton area emptied it's load. A stunned tom cat fell out among the mattresses and fridges covered in dirt and dust and luckily unharmed.

The startled feline was identified as Alfie and was soon reunited with his worried owners. They said he didn't normally leave the house so were shocked to find him missing and are relieved to have him home again.

Alfie's owners Mr and Mrs Cranston had left a Mattress out that morning to be collected by the council and can only assume that Alfie jumped into the truck for a ride. After they were unable to find Alfie they had feared the worst. It wasn't until Mr Cranston spotted a photo of Alfie in the local paper that they started to piece together what had happened.

The SPCA, the Scottish animal charity who rescued Alfie, said: "It's so rewarding to be able to reunite Alfie with his owners, particularly after he's had such a frightening ordeal."

Alfie was lucky to be reunited with his family - showing, once again, the importance of having your pets microchipped, so if they do go missing the chances of having a happy ending are increased. This simple procedure takes minutes yet will mean that your contact details are stored in a database ensuring that you and your pet will be reunited, once they are found.

 

 

Pet owners have been warned to remain on their guard after the Yorkshire Evening Post has reported several air gun attacks on cats in Leeds.

Saskia Klauck, a vet who is a partner at Companion Care veterinary surgery in Pudsey, says she has treated four cats recently for gun shot wounds, and although none have so far died from their injuries, Saskia believes it is only a matter of time before a cat is seriously injured or even killed.

She said: "It started over the Easter holidays and I'm concerned because there is another school holiday coming up."

"Pet owners should be alert to the fact that someone is taking pot shots at their cats. There have even been reports of joggers being fired at.”
"It's a matter of getting the pellets out, but if they are in a very hard to reach area or they hit a vital organ that's when things get really serious and there can be complications.

"In the past I have had to amputate the legs of cats who have been shot by air rifles."

"We just want to make people aware."

The incidents have happened in a concentrated area, close to the railway line, particularly close to Duckett's Crossing.

In extreme circumstances operations to remove air gun pellets can take over four hours, causing considerable and understandable distress to the animal concerned - and for those owners who haven't taken out pet insurance, the procedure can cost over £1500.

 

 

A heartbroken woman has been left devastated after her 12-month old black and white tom cat, Boo was left with horrific injuries by a deadly trap.

27-year-old, Danielle, found him covered in blood in a neighbour's garden, and his injuries were so severe a vet told her they had to put her beloved cat to sleep.

Danielle said: "Boo never stayed out for long so when he didn't come home I was worried so went looking for him.

"I found Boo in a friend's garden nearby, he was absolutely covered in blood.

"One of his front legs was missing and the other was completely crushed - I thought he had been mauled by a dog or a fox and was trying to make his way home.

"But the vet said she had only ever seen such injuries once before and that they had been caused after a cat had been caught in a trap and pulled its own legs off to escape."

Understandably, Danielle is fearful that this will happen to other pets in the area, and has put out a stark warning to owners to be on their guard.

"I only hope that this never happens to another cat," she said.

"If Boo hadn't pulled his legs off he would have died in the trap and probably thrown into a dustbin by whichever callous person put it down.

"I hope this story alerts other people and saves them from having to endure what I felt when I found Boo in such a state and in such pain."

Danielle is offering a reward for information to help identify those responsible. Contact her at daniellebentley366@hotmail.com

 

 

Last week we were all talking about the proposed changes by the government to make pet insurance compulsory for all dog owners. This move was part of a consultation over the threat of dangerous dogs in England and Wales.

Only a little more than a week later government ministers have made a 'U-turn' on their suggested plans. Reports indicate that some ministers argued that the insurance would not cover breeds which are deemed dangerous, therefore the insurance would, mostly, only be targeting responsible pet owners. 

Four breeds of dog were banned from ownership in the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. These were the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro. The act also empowered police to deal with dogs, of any breed, that were seen as being 'out of control' in a public place.

Over 100 people a week are attacked by dogs and admitted to hospital.

Hilary Benn told the BBC: "We can rule out compulsory insurance for all dogs. The idea of compulsory insurance was something raised with us because of the horrific injuries some very dangerous dogs can cause. It was therefore included in the government consultation document. But we would still be interested in the views on whether third-party insurance could be a requirement of a dog control notice (i.e. if a dog is causing a problem).

"We don't want to penalise the vast majority of responsible dog owners because they're just as concerned as everybody else about the small minority who mistreat dogs, get them involved in dog fighting or use dogs as weapons.

"We've got to make sure that the public are protected and we're taking public concern seriously by asking how can we sensibly review the law that we've currently got."

For many pet owners, pet insurance gives them a peace of mind if the worst should ever happen. Pet Protect's cover offers third-party liability up to the sum of £2 million.

If your dog falls ill, you can make sure they get the treatment they deserve, without the worry of crippling vets bills. Pet Protect offer pet insurance with protection for up to £6,000 each and every year. You also receive monetary compensation if your pet goes missing or gets taken. Pet Protect is a one-stop shop for keeping you, and your pet, healthy and happy.  

 

 

The news that the Home Secretary has announced plans to crack down on the amount of dangerous dogs on our streets has been taking up the headlines across the UK this week. As a dog owner, I'm wholly sympathetic with the whole affair. I'm aware that many people may be concerned about the cost and being imposed on by the government, especially as Pet Insurance is a very personal choice, however there are also policies that will allow you to make these decisions easier.

The proposed measures and Dog Control Notices - dubbed "Dogbos" - have come about after a number of high-profile cases involving children being viciously attacked and killed by dogs - often in their own home. Coupled with these attacks is the issue of dogs used within gang warfare, with dogs being bred to cause harm to others.

But what do these new measures entail? Well, it would mean that it would become a crime for a dog to be "dangerously out of control", even when within a private home. Currently it is only an offence in a public place.

It would also allow the police and local councils to force owners to take responsibility for their pets, enforcing them to be muzzled, put on a leash or neutered. Owners could also be forced to get their dogs microchipped, along with having to take out insurance to protect themselves if their dog attacks a member of the public.

The Home Secretary, Alan Johnson said: "Britain is a nation of animal lovers, but people have a fundamental right to feel safe on the streets and in their homes.

"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible, but there is no doubt that some people breed and keep dogs for the sole purpose of intimidating others, in a sense using dogs as a weapon.

"It is this sort of behaviour that we will not tolerate; it is this sort of behaviour that we are determined to stop."

The RSPCA has spoken out saying that the laws surrounding dog ownership needed to be reviewed.

The charity's Government Relations Manager, Claire Robinson, told the BBC: "There is a real need for updated legislation that enables enforcers to tackle the problem effectively and prevent serious incidents from occurring rather than waiting till after a tragedy or penalising certain dogs just because of their breed or type."

But the Conservative party are unsure that the new plans are going to help the situation:

"All we've really had for the past decade under this government is a series of speeches and headline-grabbing announcements about the things they were going to do to tackle problems like dangerous dog offences," said Chris Grayling, the party's home affairs spokesman.

"But in the end nothing has ever happened. If Labour are re-elected in May all we'll get is the same tired-out old approach and none of the changes the country really needs."

I do hope that the issue of dangerous dogs on our street is indeed addressed and more effective measures are put in place. I, as I'm sure you do too, remember only too clearly the spate of horrific dog attacks on children over the years. One of the most recent was the attack on four-year-old, John Paul Massey, from Liverpool, who was savaged by the family's pitbull terrier, last November, resulting in his death.

Some have questioned the new proposed rules, and I do sympathise with dog owners who feel that the new measures infringe their civil liberties, along with adding another expense of having their dog chipped and taking out insurance. But the main issue is about being responsible and protecting children and others from irresponsible pet owners and their animals.

There is also a lot to be said for the pet insurance and microchipping… they both fundamentally give pet owners peace of mind. Currently, I think, pet insurance is viewed in the same way private health insurance is – another cost that is not essential. But if you think about the costs involved in one trip to the vets or in a compensation claim, if your dog did injury someone, then the price of insurance becomes a small one and the return is a lot greater than the cost.

When I had my first Labrador, Jazz, I didn't take out insurance, I didn't feel it was necessary. But when she passed away and I got Toffee, my current pet Lab, I knew, even when she was a puppy, that she was lively and liked to have a tussle in the park, so for me taking out pet insurance was a must.

Some have also argued that the new measures are penalising responsible owners, by making them take out insurance, while the irresponsible owners flout the rule. But I would say that this is simply not the case, not only do the responsible pet owners have the peace of mind gained by insurance, but the more people get onboard, the more effective these new measures will become. It will enable the legal process to take effect – by identifying irresponsible pet owners, who are not adhering to the law, and take action against them.

Pet insurance is a personal choice and that is why I recommend Pet Protect for their extensive range of services and great customer care, enabling them to come up with a plan that best suits you. Pet Protect can also provide information for customers regarding pet microchipping - they are the one of the world's largest microchip providers in the world, meaning they can provide expertise for customers. They also supply microchips to vets at a cost effective rate, as a result, consumers can rest assured that this technology is available at a price they can afford.

One thing is for sure, the government's latest plans have stirred up a lot of new discussion surrounding pet ownership - and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this hot topic, so please get in touch and join in the debate.


Best wishes,

Catrina

 

 

One little mutt has had the adventure of a lifetime when he was recently found stranded at sea, on a piece of floating ice, off the coast of Gdynia, Poland.

The soggy doggy was spotted by the crew of a research boat, 15 miles at sea from the coast of Poland. The lifesaving scientists tried to haul the dog aboard but he kept slipping dangerously underwater. His rescuers were afraid they may have lost the freezing animal, who has been nicknamed, 'Baltic'.

Natalia Drgas, one of the crew members, told reporters that she thought the worst when they were trying to save him: "It was a tough struggle. He kept slipping into the water and crawling back on to the ice. He even vanished under the ship - we all thought it must be the end. But then he emerged again on the safety of an ice sheet."
Once the crew managed to get the freezing dog on to the boat, he was wrapped in towels and massaged to get him warm.

It has been reported that firemen had earlier attempted to rescue the dog, when they saw him floating along a river, but they had been unable to pull him from the water.
There has since been an appeal to reunite Baltic with his owners. So far, four people have claimed he's theirs, but Baltic has been unresponsive to them all. So, it seems the search continues for the owners of this very lucky pup.

Image by mdrewe

 

 

A search dog, who has saved countless lives in Afghanistan, is being commended with the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Treo, an eight-year-old Labrador, sniffed out a series of hidden roadside bombs, including an underground 'daisy chain' of explosives that had been wired together in Helmand province.

The clever dog, who is now retired, was sent from the North Luffenham barracks, in Rutland along with his handler, Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. The pair will be presented with the medal by Princess Alexandra of Kent, at a special ceremony due to take place on the 24th February, at the Imperial War Museum, in London.

Animal charity, the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) created the medal and it is recognised as the highest award for an animal's devotion to duty during military conflict.

The PDSA's director general, Jan McLoughlin, told the Daily Telegraph: "The medal is recognised throughout the world and it is the highest award any animal can receive for bravery in the line of duty. Treo is, without doubt, a worthy recipient and we look forward to honouring him."

Since the award was introduced in 1943, by PDSA founder, Maria Dickin, a total of 62 animals have been commended for their bravery. The list is made up of: 26 dogs, 32 World War II pigeons, three horses and one cat.

^{Image: PA}

 

 

A recording breaking Daschund has died at the grand old age of twenty or, an incredible 147, in dog years. Otto, a little dog with a lot of life experience, was suffering from stomach cancer when he was put down by vets. He is due to be cremated in the next couple of days.

Otto was officially crowned the oldest dog in the world by the Guinness Book of Records last October. He also enjoyed five minutes of fame when he trotted on to the Paul O'Grady Show to be presented with his very own certificate, to commemorate the occasion.

Otto's owners, Paul and Lynn Jones, from Shropshire are devastated at the loss of their beloved pet. Lynn told Sky News: "I have cried all morning. I feel like I have lost my right arm and I know I sound like a wuss, but he was like the son I never had, my baby boy.

"I am glad that he isn't suffering any more but we wanted him forever."

 

 

It would seem that cats aren't the only ones with nine lives. A springer spaniel recently landed on her feet, so to speak, when she plunged 300ft (90m) into the sea.

The, three-year-old, dog found herself in trouble after getting a little carried away while chasing a seagull by the cliff edge.  Miraculously, she survived the fall, by landing in the sea, avoiding the rocks and sand. Poppy, then doggy-paddled' towards the shore and was rescued by the local lifeboat team. 

Lia Marwick and partner, Stephen Winslade, were walking Poppy on behalf of Lias brother, when the accident happened, they told the BBC: "She is really well-trained and well-behaved, but I think she was running so quickly, there was no chance of her stopping."

Incredibly, other from a partially collapsed lung and shock, she quickly recovered from her ordeal.

Poppy's owners, Kelly Ixer and Ben Marwick, later revealed that they were 'indebted to the lifeboat team' following her rescue. A very happy ending for a truly lucky pup. 

 

 

Last week was extremely busy for me and the team at Pet Protect, as the government announced their proposals to clamp down on dangerous dog attacks. The proposed measures will mean that all dog owners will have to have 3rd party cover and their pets must be microchipped.

I made some television appearances sharing my opinion and advice on the subject and I have been getting lots of feedback about the proposals. Whilst some dog owners feel they are being made to pay for irresponsible owners, most see the many benefits of having pet insurance, and the majority of pet owners are willing to stand up and be counted to prevent further tragedies occurring from dangerous dog attacks.

But what do you think? Keep sending me your opinions, email, Facebook, or, Tweet me.

If you are concerned, or have any questions about the proposed legislation then the friendly team at Pet Protect will be able to help with any of your questions and provide you with quick quotes. You can contact them by phone on 0800 044 6236 and there is a whole host of information on the Pet Protect website.

In other news, the world's largest dog show, Crufts, finished yesterday (14th March). It was a wonderful success and I have been tuning in to watch some of the shows on More4. I also found the Crufts website to be particularly useful this year. There were lots of great live feeds and regular updates of the latest news so that all us doggie lovers out there, who didn't make it to the NEC, could keep abreast of what was happening. One particular spectacle was the 'dogs on dry land' show, a doggy, version of synchronised swimming... it really was something else.

The prestigious Best in Show category was entered by an incredible 22,000 dogs across 187 breeds... but only one could win and that was, Hungarian Vizsla, Yogi.

Have a look at the winner in action:


This year some friends of mine went to the four day event. They told me wonderful stories of the diversity of what was on offer and the special dogs that were involved. They commented on how happy both the dogs and the owners looked when they were taking part in the challenges, and said that Crufts, despite what people may think, isn't about pampered, pedigree pooches, but about celebrating dogs, their extraordinary abilities and the special relationship they have with people.

Crufts is a dog lovers haven, with dog therapists on hand, previews of new products - water especially created for dogs was one of the most popular this year, a series of Q and A sessions with top canine experts and a long list of other shows, talks and events, all helped to make Crufts a tail-wagging place to be. I'll definitely be looking to make a trip next year.

If you attended this year's event I would love for you to send me your stories, experiences and photos, it would be great to hear all about it.

Best wishes,
Catrina

 

 

Now that we are finally starting to see some lovely warm weather throughout the UK, it's the perfect time to take advantage of all the fantastic walks around the UK.
While visiting friends this weekend near Preston in Lancashire we had the pleasure of being able take in the scenery at Cuerden Valley Park along with our dogs Toffee and Bertie, who from the looks of things enjoyed the afternoon more than us as it is pretty much doggy heaven.

The Park has everything from amazing woodlands to a river perfect for a spot of doggy paddling as well as a vast meadow fantastic for a game of fetch. We started our walk from the car park by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust Barn following the paths through the spectacular woodlands where we caught a glimpse of the beautiful valley below and gorgeous grazing pastures above, as we came down past the lake to the meadow we and other dog walkers enjoyed a game of fetch followed by some paddling and while the dogs paddled we had a go at making our way across the river via the stepping stones.

This walk is a really nice easy walk only taking between thirty minutes and an hour yet a stunning walk and thoroughly enjoyed by both us and the dogs. A must for anyone who lives locally or visiting the area. For more info visit the website www.cuerdenvalleypark.org.uk.

There are a whole host of wonderful walks all across the UK and I would love to hear from you about your favourite strolls with your canine pals.

For those of you needing inspiration I've found this great website, Dog Walks UK, providing you with routes, reviews and events for you to take part in.

Keep up to date with all the latest goings on from me and don't forget to get in touch and share with me your pet tales, I love hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Catrina and Toffee

 

 

Our pets mean the world to us, so it's unthinkable that we might not be in a position to help them should they become ill. Research has shown that medical care for animals that are injured or fall ill can run into thousands of pounds, leaving some owners with the heartbreaking decision to have their beloved pet put to sleep - although this alone can cost well over £100. Pet insurance from Pet Protect can help to alleviate some of this stress, with the small monthly payments promising to cover the cost of most accidents or illness.

I read a heartbreaking story last week about a dog who had suffered from some of the worst neglect ever seen by the vets who were forced to put the dog to sleep to stop its suffering.

Dog wardens from St Helens Council were called out last Thursday by a deeply distressed member of the public who had taken a stray into her garden.

The dog was suffering from one of the biggest tumours local vets had ever seen and was unable to sit or lie down due to the size of the tumour, with vets confirming that it would have taken many months to grow. The state of the dog's claws also suggested that he had not walked on a hard surface for up to two years, further amplifying the distress the dog suffered.

St Helens Council said their wardens are appealing for information which will help trace the dog's owners, who will face prosecution from the RSPCA if they are found. They have now taken custody of the dog's body, which had no tag or micro-chip, and have urged members of the public to contact the Council's Contact Centre immediately if they lose a dog or find a stray.

It's impossible to say whether the owners were simply unable to fund the cost of surgery - with tumour removal costing nearly £1000 - but one thing is for sure, a low cost monthly payment for pet insurance could have eliminated any suffering.

St Helens Council Contact Centre can be reached on 01744 456789. Ensure your pet is covered by pet insurance so that you will always be able to afford to give your pet the medical treatment it deserves.

 

 

Dear Catrina,
I've read a lot in the news recently about dogs overheating during the summer months. Are you able to recommend some precautions I can take to keep my one-year old chocolate Labrador, Millie, cool as the temperature heats up?

Astrid, Collingham

Hello Astrid,

You are right to be concerned about this. The summer months can be a very dangerous time for all pets - especially as most of them don't have access to air conditioning; it can get incredibly hot in those fur coats!

Left in the heat, your pet can suffer from dehydration, sunburn and overheating, which could prove fatal in a very short space of time. Dogs in particular are much less efficient at cooling themselves than people, so they are highly susceptible to overheating. A dog's normal body temperature is 100-102F (around 38C), and they have sweat glands on their nose and pads of their paws. They pant and drink water to cool down, so always have fresh, cool water available for your dog. I add a few ice cubes to my pooch's water bowl, which helps to instantly cool him down. If you keep your dog outside, make sure you provide a shaded area - a sturdy kennel is best - and never, ever leave your dog in the car for any length of time.

Classic signs your dog has become overheated are rapid, frantic panting, vomiting and staggering around. If you recognise one or more of these symptoms it's vital to act as quickly as possible. Cool your dog down slowly with a towel soaked in cold water wrapped around his body, and plenty of cold water is essential. Take your dog to the vets immediately, calling in advance of arriving to let them know you are on your way.
I hope you and Millie have a cool and enjoyable summer together,

Best wishes,

Catrina and the Pet Protect Team

 

 

Over the weekend I heard some news that really shocked me. A recent review has found that guide dogs for the blind are being attacked by other dogs at the disturbing rate of three a month.

It goes without saying that the attacks have a significant emotional impact on both dog and owner; owners were distressed and unable to see how badly their dog was injured.  Astoundingly in eight cases out of 100, the owner of the aggressor dog left the scene without any explanation, and sadly in only six cases did the owner receive an apology.

In 20 percent of attacks, either the owner or a member of the public was injured, with scratches, bruises or more serious injuries caused by bites to the hand, ankle and head.
Worryingly, of the 100 attacks reviewed 41 guide dogs and eight owners or members of the public suffered injuries severe enough to require veterinary or medical attention.

Most of the attacks happened in daylight, in the morning or early afternoon. Two thirds occurred when the dogs were in harness, leading their blind owners.

Almost half the canine aggressors were bull breeds - bull dogs, mastiffs, pit bull and Staffordshire bull terriers, revealing the dangerous nature of these dogs if not trained appropriately. Most guide dogs are Labradors, Golden Retrievers or Retriever crossbreeds, which have gentle, amiable temperaments. Half of the guide dogs were so badly affected by the attack that their performance or behaviour deteriorated, two had to be withdrawn from service; upsetting for both owner and dog.

The authors of the report, published in the journal Veterinary Record, revealed that there are 4,500 working guide dogs in the UK which cost £50,000 to train and maintain over their lifetime; the vicious attacks have serious implications: "A person in critical need of a guide dog may be without one for a period of time while waiting for a suitable replacement to be trained. This will impact on their quality of life and mobility."

I believe that these attacks could be prevented if owners of domestic dogs, particularly bull breeds, were required to attend training classes. By making this a requirement, future attacks on these gentle dogs could be prevented, and owners would no doubt take far more responsibility for their dog's actions.

Best wishes,

Catrina