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Man braves icy lake to save pet dog |
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 A man risked his life on New Year's Day to save his dog from drowning in an icy lake by jumping in after him.
Marc Greenhalgh shocked passers by when he waded into the sub-zero water of a lake in Alkrington Woods, Greater Manchester.
His black cocker spaniel ran onto the lake, parts of which had been frozen, to chase ducks but he became trapped in water at the centre.
Jarvis the dog was struggling to keep his head above water and was close to drowning when Marc jumped in.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "It was absolutely freezing - I couldn't tell you how cold it was."
Marc said his mum reprimanded him when he returned home, telling him to never again risk his life for "a daft dog".
These heroics emphasise just how pet mad people in Britain are becoming.
The store manager of Pets at Home in Southampton recently told the Daily Echo that people spend a fortune on gifts for their animals, particularly at Christmastime.
Animal Friends Pet Insurance are specialist pet insurers who have been insuring Dogs and Cats in the UK since 1999, we are your first choice for Ethical Insurance |
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Charity sparks pet-theft ring speculation |
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 News that at least two dogs a week are stolen in London has prompted speculation that criminal gangs are operating a pet-theft ring.
The charity DogsLost claimed that the rate of dog thefts in the area has risen dramatically over recent months.
Founder Jayne Hayes explained that gangs sell pedigree dogs in pubs where no questions are asked.
She told the Evening Standard: "The most popular type to steal is Staffordshire bull terriers because they are seen as a status symbol."
This comes after burglars stole two miniature pinschers worth £650 each from their home in Essex on Boxing Day.
One of the dogs, Enzo, was found four days after the burglary covered in scratches.
It is believed the thieves did not keep him because he had been neutered and is therefore useless for breeding.
Meanwhile, a car thief in Manchester unwittingly stole a black Labrador last week when he made off with its owner's Honda Civic.
The thief was unaware that Max was in the back seat.
Animal Friends Pet Insurance are specialist pet insurers who have been insuring Dogs and Cats in the UK since 1999, we are your first choice for Ethical Insurance |
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Owners urged to seek veterinary advice for ill pets |
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 Pet owners should be reminded to always seek veterinary advice when their animal's welfare appears to be suffering, an RSPCA officer has claimed.
Commenting on the cruelty case involving Joy Battison and the starvation of her dog Hobo, Inspector Claire Ryder of the animal charity said it helps no one to allow pets to suffer.
Battison, 59, of Northants, was yesterday banned from keeping animals for 25 years after a court heard that she neglected the German Shepherd-cross until he was no more than a bag of bones.
Hobo was found suffering from mange and malnutrition, and weighing just 40 lbs - nearly 20 lbs below what vets consider a healthy weight.
Inspector Ryder told the Sun: "Hobo suffered terribly, he was in an unbelievable condition."
Ali Taylor of the RSPCA recently told the Surrey Comet that buying pet insurance could be a prudent move for owners amid the credit crunch as it provides peace of mind when it comes to seeking veterinary treatment.
Animal Friends Pet Insurance are specialist pet insurers who have been insuring Dogs and Cats in the UK since 1999, we are your first choice for Ethical Insurance |
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Internet memorial garden for departed pets praised |
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 The RSPCA has praised the use of an internet memorial garden by owners who have lost their pets.
Spokeswoman for the animal charity Judith Haw told the Midlands Sunday Mercury that the website Gonetoosoon.com, which allows pet owners to write tributes, poems and pictures of their departed pets, is "really nice".
She said: "[It] shows how strongly people feel about their pets... for some, they can be their only true friend."
One mourner on the site, Sarah Treweeks of Birmingham, wrote how she lost her 15-year-old dog Mollie.
She described her pet as a dear friend and faithful companion.
"I miss her more than words can say," she wrote.
Britain is fast becoming a nation of pet lovers.
With Christmastime just over, pet shops all around the country reported a rise in custom as owners made last-minute dashes to fill their pooch and felines' stockings.
Toby Brereton, store manager of Pets at Home in Southampton, told the Daily Echo that pets are treated no differently to any human family member.
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Animal fostering charity appeals for volunteers |
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 A Scottish animal charity has appealed for volunteers to support its foster service for pets whose owners are temporarily unable to care for them.
Pet Fostering Service Scotland volunteer Kitty Henderson, who has worked with the charity for nine years, explained the importance of the service for pet owners in times of need.
Ms Henderson, 61, of Stonehaven, told the Aberdeen Press and Journal that volunteers are often asked to look after pets when their owners have to go into hospital.
She said: "Some people just won't go into hospital if they know their pet is going to be alone."
Ms Henderson, who has cared for around 30 pets during her service to the charity, explained how she once looked after a dog for 11 months while his owners were homeless.
Meanwhile, would-be pet owners in Manchester are being given the chance to foster a cat or a dog before they decide to adopt it.
Manchester Evening News reported that a dogs home in the city is allowing people considering taking on a pet permanently to look after one on a trial basis before committing to a decision.
Animal Friends Pet Insurance are specialist pet insurers who have been insuring Dogs and Cats in the UK since 1999, we are your first choice for Ethical Insurance |
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