Fox attacks beloved pet dog while owner makes dinner in Earley home

A tiny Chihuahua/Yorkie crossbred dog caught by a marauding fox in her own garden managed to escape being eaten alive.

The fox had its teeth gripped round little Morag's body as her owner Claire MacKenzie, 59, made dinner in her kitchen.

"There are foxes round here all the time so I'd checked there were none in the garden before letting her out," she said.

"I'd seen her dancing round the back door. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw a fox come from nowhere and grab hold of her.

"She managed to wriggle free, came in screaming and hid under the television.

"She was covered in puncture wounds from the fox's teeth and lost some of her fur. She was very shocked.

"I took her to the emergency vet and she didn't move for two weeks. It doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened. I was very stressed."

She urges owners of other small dogs to keep a careful eye on them when foxes may be about.

And she has asked residents around her area, Beech Lane, Earley, not to encourage foxes by leaving out food for them. She suggests it would also help if Wokingham Borough provided wheelie bins so household rubbish was not left out in bags for collection. 

Ducklings and cygnets have disappeared from nearby Maiden Erlegh nature reserve lake, she said. She suggested foxes, rats or larger birds may have been responsible.

The Wokingham Paper was told there are no cygnets this year because the female is away being treated for an injury.

Brave Morag's wounds later recovered well enough to beat dogs many times her size to gain second place at Hurst Show's terrier race earlier this summer. Morag, weighing just over a kilo, is famed for her speed: she has been fastest dog at Swallowfield Show.

Cllr Norman Jorgensen, Wokingham Borough council's executive member for Environment, Leisure and Libraries, and a member of the Public Protection Partnership board, said: "We were very sorry to hear of the unfortunate attack on a resident's dog, and understand that this is distressing both for the animal and the owner.

"The council does not have a remit to control the local fox population and there is no legal responsibility for councils to do so. But there is advice we can give.

"Make sure small dogs and puppies are inside at night, and take the right fox-proofing precautions for outside hutches, if that is where you keep guinea pigs or rabbits. Raise the hutches above ground level, and check for any signs where a fox may be trying to get access.

"We also suggest that if you witness your animal getting into a scrape with a fox, you should take your pet to the vet for a check up to make sure no parasites have transferred."

He added that the council had not recorded any complaints about foxes for the last two years.

"In relation to our rubbish collections, we will be staying with blue bags and do not have any plans to change this system to wheelie bins at this time," Cllr Jorgensen continued. "We know that it is not always convenient to put your rubbish out first thing, with many residents needing to place their rubbish for collection, outside at night.

"From April next year we will start collecting food waste, as well. We will provide containers which will keep the food waste safer. And it will also help reduce blue bags being attacked by animals.

"We do advise residents to present their blue bags in the following ways: on the top of their recycling boxes to avoid bags being ripped; contained in a dustbin that our crew will collect from; and if possible to present their rubbish and recycling by 6.30am on collection day."

Family's terror as pet dog is snatched by bird of prey

A FAMILY told of their terror when their pet dog Sally was attacked by a bird of prey as they walked by the side of the River Wharfe in Lower Grass Wood, Grassington.

The bird, believed to be a Harris hawk, pounced on the Jack Russell, digging its talon into her mouth, gouging her tongue and dragging her about 15 metres towards the river as her owner Anthony Woollacott desperately tried to rescue her.

His wife Rachel and children Bethany, 13, and Alexander, ten, watched in terror as their dad struggled to free the seven-year-old dog by pushing the huge bird - the Harris hawk can have a wingspan of up to four feet - with his foot.

 Even after the hawk released Sally, it continued to follow the terrified family until it eventually responded to its owner on the other side of the river.

"The bird came from nowhere. We didn't know what had hit us. It lifted Sally off the path and dragged her down the river bank," said Rachel of Harper Grove, Sutton.

"Sally was trying to fight back as hard as she could but I really thought we were going to lose her.

"We'd seen the owner across the river - he was wearing a glove - and had shouted for him to call the hawk off. He was whistling but it didn't seem to be interested.

"Anthony managed to get the bird off Sally but as we walked away it followed us. I was petrified and the children were crying."

Sally was taken to Ashlands vets in Cross Hills and only then did the family realise how badly injured she was.

She had a talon hole in her gum and serious injuries to her tongue where the hawk had struck She was having to take water by syringe and soft food, said Rachel, who now fears going back to the area.

"She has been left with serious injuries inside her mouth. The vet has said she is very lucky.

"We've done research on these huge birds and found that you do not need a licence. Attacks are becoming more common. I think walkers, especially those with small children and dogs, need to be aware of this danger."

Ashlands veterinary surgeon Sam Burnell, who treated Sally after the attack, said: “I have never before heard of an attack on a dog by a hawk in the 14 years I have been in practice, so it has to be rare. Sally had some serious injuries but we expect her to make a full recovery.”

The Harris hawk is a popular bird for use in falconry because it is easy to train.

Grooming your pet can be a good bonding time

Bringing home a new pet over a holiday has its pros and cons, but supposing you are waking up to a puppy tomorrow, one of the first things you may have to tackle is keeping your little pet clean.

Dogs aren't capable of keeping themselves pristine the way cats do, so usually their human family gives a hand with grooming. However, if you're the type of person who thinks that a bath is a good start, be warned: this may not be a great idea.

Yin Tan, owner of Yin Mobile Pets Grooming Service in the Klang Valley, has been a pet groomer since 2014, and is certified by the Malaysian Kennel Association, Malaysian Groomers Association, and International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, USA.

"Having a bath can be frightening, and as pets will be nervous about being in a new environment with new people, you need to wait until they've settled down," Tan advises. "How long that takes, depends on the dog. A sign they trust you is when they come when you call, and let you hug them and pick them up without crying or barking.

"Also, talk to your vet. If your pet has just had a vaccination or flea treatment, you may need to wait. So get good advice."

While suds are out, a brushing session is a great idea, according to Max Kek, a groomer since 2003 and now owner of Do Do Pet, an ethical pet supply shop and groomer in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

"When you first brush your pet, he will wriggle and you may still be learning, so it won't be easy," he smiles. "You should try, though, because this is where you are building a relationship."

A short-haired dog is simple to maintain. Buy a soft bristle brush, and lean it gently against your pet's flank. Then brush, following the coat. Brush the lower back and flank, the move forward, do the chest, and finish with the tummy.

It's like being petted, so your dog should love it. However, pawpits and tummies are often ticklish.

Also, if your dog is shy, he may be afraid of lying on his back. This is because dogs feel very vulnerable when in that position. So take it slow and if your dog is nervous, stop, praise and leave it till next time. When every experience is positive, your pet will learn to relax and trust you.

For playful pups, expect to have the brush bitten and the session turn into a wrestling match. Be gentle!

Long-haired dogs are more complicated because feathery coats can be thick, layered and need special care.

"You can't use a human comb as they're not tough enough," Kek points out. "You need a doggy comb. Prices start around RM20."

Remember when you were a kid and you squealed when your mum combed the knots out of your hair? Long-haired dogs are prone to tangles and it hurts to have them combed out, too.

Groom your pet gently, starting at the flank, just like brushing a short-haired pet. If there are small tangles, hold the fur above the tangle with your fingers, to minimise tugging.

While you groom, talk nicely to your dog. Make it a loving session aimed at bonding, not a chore.

You should be combing a long-haired dog every day, but even then, the occasional knot is inevitable.

"You can't ignore knots because they pull on the skin, leaving it red and painful," Kek warns. "They have to be dealt with. Comb it out if you can. But if it's a bad tangle, you may need to cut it out. If you've never seen it being done, then go to the groomer and get a lesson."

After a week or two, when you and your dog have bonded and there's trust between you, you can start to think about bathing your pet. Short-haired dogs are easy as they dry fast. Just be certain to use a very mild shampoo that preserves the skin and natural oils.

As long-haired pets may have difficult coats, do consult a groomer first to see if you need special gear. You don't actually need to sign up for a bath; you can book a consultation where you get a lesson in what needs to be done.

"I'm always happy to teach," Tan says. "We all are, I think." And Kek agrees.

For that first bath, make sure you are working at a height you're comfortable with and have all your gear ready. You don't want to be searching for a towel with soaked pup in your arms!

"When you wash your pet, always start with the back of the body, and go slowly," Tan cautions. "Your furbaby may be frightened. Soap gently, and rinse carefully.

"The head is the most sensitive part of the dog, so whatever you do, don't start there. You don't want to get soap in their eyes or nose. In fact, if you want, leave the face, and just wipe afterwards with a damp cloth."

When you're done, stand back. Dogs with a fresh, clean coat tend to be frisky and ready for a game. So be prepared for zoomies, lots of barking and a happy face. If they've had your vaccinations, go to the park and play a bit of fetch.

Merry Christmas!

Meghan Markle has already charmed the Queen's corgis, Harry reveals

Meghan Markle has already charmed the Queen's notoriously unfriendly corgis, Prince Harry has revealed. He laughed as he described the moment he introduced Miss Markle to the Queen, saying the dogs took to her straight away.

"I've spent the last 33 years being barked at - this one walks in, absolutely nothing," he said. "Just wagging tails - and I was just like, argh."

Miss Markle added: "Just laying on my feet during tea. It was very sweet."

The 36-year-old American confirmed that one of her other great loves, her rescue dog, had moved to London with her.

She said Guy, a five-year-old labrador-shepherd cross, had arrived in the UK from their former home in Toronto several weeks ago.

Her other dog, Bogart, a six-year-old beagle, had remained in Canada with close friends.

"I have two dogs that I've had for quite a long time, both my rescue pups," she said.

"And one is now staying with very close friends and my other, little Guy, is - yes he's in the UK, he's been here for a while. I think he's doing just fine."

Miss Markle has described the dogs as "my boys," and said they “mean the absolute world" to her. They have made repeated appearances on her Instagram account, where she advocates adopting dogs in need of a home with the hashdag #adoptdontshop.

It was American comedian and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres who convinced the actress to adopt Bogart - her first pet - after she bumped into her in a shelter.

"She turns around and comes and taps on the window glass and she yells 'Take the dog!' And so I brought him home. Because Ellen told me to," she has said.

It has been claimed that Miss Markle declared Kensington Palace as her place of residence in early summer when she signed the "Notice 3" form, which is the Customs paperwork for the dogs.

Pets have to to be micro-chipped, given a rabies vaccination and a blood test 30 days later to secure a move to the UK.

Choi Siwon Reportedly Attacked By His Own Pet Dog When He Was On Military Leave

Recently, the accident that the pet dog of Super Junior's Siwon causing death to a neighboring woman has been gathering much attention from public and media.

Due to the shocking accident, the singer was even asked to drop out of his new drama titled Revolutionary Love. It is reported that the heartthrob also decided to sit out from Super Junior's recent fan event, which took place on October 23 and 24 in Japan.

On October 24, according to a local outlet, one of Choi's colleagues revealed that the idol was even bitten by his own pet when he was on his military leave. He said: “Choi Siwon went on leave and when he returned, he had a band-aid on his nose. He said his dog had bitten him.”

During his military service, the Super Junior member was usually the host of police ambassador's concerts. However due to his facial injury caused by his dog, the idol was not able to participate the event for a month. After that, he had to make an apology to other colleagues for affecting the event's schedule. Moreover, during that time, Choi's position in performances was also changed from the center to the edge of the stage.

Are Dogs Probiotic?

Archaeological records suggest we've been close with our pets for some time: About 10,000 years ago we started to co-habitate with cats drawn to the well-fed rodents scurrying around our farms. In ancient Egypt millions of pet dogs were buried in elaborate tombs adorned with expensive gifts and inscriptions. As a result, we've likely been swapping cuddles and microbial critters with domesticated animals for many generations.

Today those pets are clearly still at home in our homes. And plenty of headlines tout that beyond snuggles and companionship our four-legged friends offer other benefits—like improved mental and physical health.

But not so fast. A rash of recent research presents a more muddled picture of what pets bring into our lives—from microbe swaps that can alter our gut environment to emotional well-being. Just consider the family dog: Fresh from a romp through the woods or an inquisitive sniff of a butt or two, he will impart a nip, nuzzle or slobbery smooch—perhaps transferring legion microbes with each encounter. Current science suggests that might be a good thing—but only for some of us.

First, let's talk allergies. Numerous works tell us that having a dog appears to reduce rates of pet allergies if first exposure takes place very early in life. Many microbiome researchers believe those exposures to pets' microbial milieu during infancy—in the form of pet dander—may specifically train the immune system to deal with pets and other allergens. (The theory goes: without those early exposures to certain bugs and infectious agents the natural development of the immune system is essentially stunted.) But as one May 2017 study of thousands of kids and adults concludes, the timing of such exposures appears to be key: When first pet exposures occur as a teen or young adult, risk of pet allergy actually appears to increase.

There's more bad news: Pets can also cause other problems. Lizards and turtles can carry salmonella. Parrots can carry the causative agent of psittacosis—which causes severe pneumonia in humans. And evidence has accrued that many of our furry friends can carry serious infectious agents including "superbug" MRSA, giardia, and other pathogens and parasites.

Even our modern understanding about the mental health benefits from pet ownership continues to evolve. For many decades there was widespread acceptance about the mental health benefits of unwinding with a pet. But that picture was complicated by a 2010 study of nearly 40,000 people in Sweden that found pet owners were physically healthier than those without pets yet they suffered from more mental health problems than their sans-pet peers. Now the science remains unsettled about who may benefit from pet ownership or even why such relationships could help.

We do know pets help us get outside to play or walk them, which increases physical activity. Some of these positive effects may be mediated by microbiome changes in response to decreased cortisol levels, but scientists are still looking for definitive answers, says Rob Knight, who studies these questions at the University of California, San Diego.

What about other physical health benefits? Several research groups are looking into that now. In one ongoing study Knight and collaborators have asked 17 lucky senior citizens to agree to be randomized to receive a dog or not. Then they (and the dogs) submit to months of regular health checkups and share their poop with researchers who map out its microbial makeup. Knight's group plans to have some results from this study in the next year.

Meanwhile other research groups are also looking for connections between pet ownership and obesity—exploring if certain microbial swaps might help or hurt the midlines of pets and people. Current evidence actually suggests heavier people have heavier pets—a puzzling phenomenon, which some scientists believe could be due to microbial swaps that go in the person-to-pooch direction. It may sound far-fetched but there are some early hints that "fat" microbe transfers are possible: Studies in the past few years do suggest we can make mice fatter or thinner by transferring microbes from fatter or thinner people to them.

Personally, though, right now I'm not counting on any big benefits from pet ownership except looking into those adorable puppy eyes. For me, that's enough.

Pet dogs are the new must-have accessory at the smarter office

After a half-hour walk to work each morning, Joy likes to grab a drink and head to her desk … where she promptly curls up underneath it and has a nap.

Joy is an eight-month-old golden retriever and she goes to the office with her owner, Carol DuPuis. These days, especially at tech companies, you're as likely to find a dog in the office as you are a pot plant or watercooler. For startups particularly, allowing dogs is an easy, cheap way of attracting and retaining millennials, on top of the free snacks, pinball machines and gym membership.

The Google code of conduct states "affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture". At Amazon, around 2,000 employees have registered their pets at its headquarters in Seattle so they can take them in – reception desks are stocked with biscuits, some water fountains are set at dog height, and there's an off-leash park – also open to the public – where staff can exercise their pets.

DuPuis is a partnerships manager at ReachNow, a US car-sharing app. "My favourite part about bringing Joy into the office is the joy she brings to my colleagues – pun intended. It's tough not to love the puppy energy, it just feels so nice," she said. Joy spends part of her day sleeping, but she also joins DuPuis for meetings and likes to sniff around for bits of peanut butter pretzel that have fallen on the floor.

Gemma Huckle, head of content and culture at London brands agency Rooster Punk, knows all about the pleasure dogs can bring. Her French bulldog, Amelie, has changed the mood in the office since her arrival two years ago.

Huckle said: "She's made it feel like a home from home: the atmosphere is warmer and more sociable. If someone's feeling a bit down in the dumps or stressed out, they usually come and see the dog. Just five minutes pampering or playing with her seems to perk everyone up. Having the dog is also great for our physical health, as it gives everyone an excuse to get out of the office and get some air."

Amelie was crowned StartPup 2016 after Rooster Punk shot a video of her in the office and entered her in the world's first competition to find the best dog belonging to a startup. Huckle recommends having dogs at work. "It helps staff bond and I think it reinforces positive work behaviours – people seem to be more friendly and approachable."

Around 8% of US and UK employers allow dogs at work. A 2016 survey by Banfield pet hospital found that 82% of employees feel a greater sense of loyalty to pet-friendly companies, 88% think pets at work improve morale and 86% say they reduce stress.

Laura Wolf, global content manager at digital creative agency Possible, based in Seattle, said her chihuahua-dachshund mix, Boomer, is a "real morale booster". She also helps break the ice with new colleagues. "You get to know people through your dog, people stop to cuddle her. She'll sit on my lap during meetings; sleep next to my desk while I'm working; visit colleagues she knows who'll give her a treat."

Being able to take dogs to work was a major perk, Wolf said. "Younger people are getting married way later and choosing to have a pet instead of a child early on. Doggy daycare is expensive and it's great to have that flexibility of being able to take your dog around with you.

"It's beneficial to the company as well. The likelihood of people having to leave to get home to their dog or come in late because they're walking their dog is much less."

Companies have rules to ensure workplaces are safe, especially for staff or clients with allergies. At Possible, for example, dogs must be vaccinated, they can't be aggressive or run around off-leash, and they are asked not to return if they foul the office more than three times.

In the UK, dogs have long been going into offices in the pet sector, such as Pets at Home, Mars Petcare and the charity Blue Cross, and they are becoming welcome at other types of businesses too, for example model agency Next Management and online retailer Firebox.

In the US firms such as Ben & Jerry's and Build-a-Bear Workshop allow dogs, and the idea is spreading to the public sector. The department of the interior is to trial take-your-dog-to-work days, the first federal government office to do so. Dogs are also becoming more common in places such as dental surgeries, boutiques and hair salons.

Dentist Cameron Garrett and his wife Debra, a hygienist, take their elderly rescue dog, Karma, to their practice in Corte Madera, California. Debra said: "Some of our patients are dental-phobic and say that having Karma on their lap makes all the difference – and many more just like dogs.

"Karma keeps me calm too and makes my day feel that much nicer. I'm dental-phobic myself. I needed a filling recently and bought Karma with me and it does help. I know from both sides of the chair."