Because aside from providing unconditional companionship and love to us humans, dogs can help to fight crime too.
Sniffer dogs are trained to detect explosives, drugs and blood. And they are able to do this even when certain scents are masked by other smells.

A sniffer dog’s sense of smell is 2000 times more sensitive than that of humans. This was displayed once, when a sniffer dog alerted police to a lady who had tried to smuggle drugs into a prison, by hiding them in her bra and smearing them with coffee pepper and Vicks Vapo-rub. The dog couldn’t be fooled by this lady.

Whenever I hear facts like this, it always makes me question; how on earth would we survive without our trusty dogs?

a

Dogs fighting crime

But even when we are in the most deserted areas of the countryside, there are certain dangers to be aware of.

In the past month, three dog walkers have been trampled to death by cows. This usually occurs when dogs have been let off their leads. If the cows feel there is a threat to their calves, they will do anything to protect them. And this is what has led to the unfortunate deaths.

Advice from farmers is to just think of yourself and not the dog. Even if the dog is on the lead when cows begin to charge, the advice is to let them go.

Some farmers are calling for a law change to make it compulsory to keep dogs on leads in the countryside.
But whatever the outcome of these sad deaths, extra care must be taken when walking our dogs.

a

The dangers of dog walking

And Bobby lived up to his name yesterday as he arrived in France.

No sooner had his four paws hit the French soil than he was up to no good.

Bobby arrived safely after a 12 hour drive and after a good sniff about the house, he decided to have a look around the front garden and give it his seal of approval.

But he disappeared under the car only to return a completely different dog. He was black.

Bobby was covered from head to tail in black oil; you could barely make out that he was supposed to be white!

What an excellent start to the holiday – pinning down the dog in the kitchen sink.

What a mucky pup.

a

What a mucky pup

My dog Bobby is always off on his travels – jet setting all over the world! He has been micro chipped, injected and he has his own doggy passport. So last night, he went off to France for a few weeks.

It’s a long drive to get there, taking about 12 hours altogether, but Bobby is a seasoned pro when it comes to long journeys and he actually really enjoys them.

If you want your dog to be a good traveller, it’s best to get them used to it when they are still a puppy. If you take them on regular trips in the car, they will become

Bobby loves travelling in the car

Always keep them in the back of the car. If they attempt to jump onto the front seat, tell them to get into the back immediately. That way, they will begin to learn that the front is not for them.

Of course you will need to stop regularly in order to let them stretch their legs and go to the toilet. It is also important to let them have a drink and maybe something to eat each time you stop too. You don’t want them to become dehydrated. There are even doggy travel bowls available which can be folded up after use, to ensure that your dog travels lightly.

The most important thing to do is to keep your dog comfortable throughout the journey. And if they are trained correctly, your dog will soon become your favourite travel companion.

a

Travelling with your dog

And as if proof were needed, Taiyuan Zoo in northern China has confirmed this.

On June 25th, the zoo was surprised to discover the birth of two red pandas. But sadly the mother abandoned the cubs. This led to a frantic search by zoo staff for a surrogate mother to feed the newborns.

Eventually a small white dog, belonging to a farmer in a nearby suburb, was chosen. The dog was already lactating and is extremely good natured according to the zoo staff. She immediately accepted the cubs and began feeding them.

Since being adopted by the mongrel, the cubs have doubled in size to 20cm. And with the red panda being an endangered species, the little white dog has really saved the day!

a

Super dog to the rescue!

It’s at times like these that you really begin to wonder what it would be like to live like a dog. All your time would be spent playing in the garden, eating, chasing those pesky cats and napping. Wouldn’t it?

Well now, there’s chance to find out, with a Pets Eye View Camera. This clever little gadget allows you to see life as your dog sees it. The digital collar camera fits around your pet’s neck and films every bit of mischief that they get up to.

I dread to think what the results would be if my dog, Bobby, wore one. But at least we would find out just how he manages to escape from the garden every day.

Bobby, planning his escape route

a

It’s a dog’s life

Being a dog lover, I have always been fascinated by guide dogs and the work that they do. And this morning, once again, I was so impressed and humbled by how vital these animals are to the blind and partially sighted.

The lady I saw was making her way through a city centre during rush hour. She was crossing an extremely busy road. But she knew she could trust her furry friend to keep her safe. And that is precisely why us dog lovers are so fond of our pets.

These dogs are highly trained and sensitive and they really know what they are looking out for. It’s amazing that they are so focussed on their job and they never get distracted. In fact, most office workers could probably learn a thing or two from them!

a

A loyal friend

These words seem to echo around every office in the country. In fact, us humans are slightly obsessed by diets and exercise plans.

But we’re not suffering alone, because pet obesity in the UK is a growing problem according to a survey by PDSA.

According to the survey, ‘tubby’ pets are now seen as normal, and many owners even think that their chubby dogs are more cute and cuddly than their healthier counterparts.

But, just like humans, pets who are overweight will suffer from health issues and they may have their life expectancy cut short.

It’s worth checking with the vet what your dog’s ideal weight is. If you find out that they are slightly overweight, then get advice on the best diet for your dog.

And definitely don’t wait until Monday.

a

Puppy fat

There’s no better feeling than jetting off on holiday.

But then, you turn round only to see your pooch looking up at you with that expression on his face. He knows.

And that pang of guilt is enough to take the shine off your holiday feeling completely.

But this is a problem of the past for American pet owners, because here, Pet Airways has just been launched.

Pet Airways is an airline aimed solely at animals, from budgies to cats and dogs.

During the flight, pets are taken on in-flight toilet trips and they even enjoy pre-boarding walkies. It sounds as if they are treated to a better service than their owners!

The airline means that pets are no longer crammed into the cargo hold with the luggage. It also means no more sorry expressions and no more feelings of guilt.

Just remember to pack that doggy passport!

a

Jet set ‘pawsengers’

We’re not talking on the scale of Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross, but it is a controversial subject nonetheless.

I’m talking dogs in clothes.

Some people hate them, but I think they can be great fun.

There are so many amusing outfits available from completely pointless cowboy outfits to the more practical rain macs.

My dog Bobby, is the proud owner of quite a few ensembles and accessories. And he looks adorable in all of them, particularly his dinner jacket and top hat.

I don’t think dogs should be continuously dressed up and used as toys (Paris Hilton style), but the odd dressing up session can be fun, so long as the dog is comfortable with it.

Just make sure that your dog doesn’t become a complete fashionista. It could end up costing you a fortune.

a

On the dogwalk