Episode 12 - pink dogs, ugly dogs, faithful dogs and more

The Dog News Show

Before we get down to the serious business of the news featured in episode 12 of The Dog News Show, if you're intrigued by Debbie's photo of her cat with a look-alike piglet, simply click here to assuage your curiosity. Cute isn't it? However the colouring of Emma Watson's dog - or is it actually Emma's friend's dog? - has raised some eyebrows rather than smiles recently after the dog was dyed pink. So is it a harmless whim or does it compromise the dog's dignity? - Debbie and Julie discuss.
Having spent the last week in Scotland, Julie has the sad story of a lady who was walking her dog near Aberdeen when a thunder storm struck. Lightning hit the woman, giving her mild burns, while her dog was killed. There are many questions about this event - how did the lightning travel to the dog, and why was the woman not affected? What lessons can be learned here about keeping our dog's safe?
Debbie focuses attention on the story of Mugly, an eight year old Chinese Crested dog who traveled from her home in Cambridgeshire to California to compete in a famous dog show and win. But is the title of Ugliest Dog in the World one you'd want your dog to win? Is ugly a word that should even be applied to dogs - or any animal? And why does the title so often go to the same breed?
Meanwhile in Scotland there is the tale of the NHS Chairman who left his twelve year old dog home alone for several days, so that when the Scottish RSPCA rescued her, not only had she been without food and water, but her fur was matted and she has soiled and wet herself and her bedding. Michael Keggans was fined £900 and banned from keeping animals for 5 years, but initially kept his job. However as pressure mounted on him and whether his position as an animal abuser in a caring profession was tenable, he resigned.
It seems the spectre of a hoodie with a status dog is never far away with more stories hitting the headlines every day. In one of the latest incidents, a police officer was bitten as he arrested a dog's owner who was in his car at the time. Debbie explores how this case may have interesting repercussions and could set a legal precedent for dangerous dogs legislation.
And Schmaltz Corner sends listeners away with a smile on their face (or could that be a grimace after Julie's attempt at a Scottish accent?) with the true life canine hero Misty, the Border Terrier who stayed by her owners side after he collapsed near a fast flowing burn. Maybe Misty is continuing the Scottish tradition of loyal dogs of which Greyfriars Bobby is a famous example? You can read Greyfriars Bobby's story here.