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Tag: dog

  • I was offered the role of sleeping with a dog, but I rejected it – Nkechi Blessing on first movie role

    I was offered the role of sleeping with a dog, but I rejected it – Nkechi Blessing on first movie role

    Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has revealed that she was once asked to sleep with a dog as her role on a movie set.

    However, the actress said she rejected the role because she was new to the movie industry and did not want to start with such a role.

    “Despite being a newcomer, I was given a script to sleep with a dog. I rejected it because I can’t start off my career like that. Imagine my first ever movie, I am sleeping with a dog. It doesn’t make sense. It is going to be a tag because whatever you start with is what people would associate you with. I didn’t want to be renowned as someone who sleeps with dogs in movies.”

    “So, I rejected that script. But immediately I threw it down, so many girls grabbed it. I’m not sure any of them are in the limelight today,” she stated  in a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast.

    Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo shared how difficult it was for dark-skinned actors to get roles in the movie industry when she also started her career.

    Speaking in an interview on Joy Learning TV, she revealed that many producers preferred casting light-skinned actors, believing they looked better on screen.

    “Our time, what most of the producers were doing was, you have to be a half-cast. I think Jackie Appiah was the only person because she was a star already so they needed her.

    “Producers thought light-skinned actors looked better on TV. As a result, most of them preferred casting light-skinned individuals,” she said.

    Beverly also described how tough auditions were, as actors had very few chances to impress casting directors.

    “There was talent. It wasn’t about beauty or what you were wearing or anything. Everybody was ready to act. People were acting. We were really daring.

    “People can master lines in one minute because when you get that chance to audition for a role, it was your only chance and the queue behind you was so long that you don’t want to make a mistake. But the casting for producers made it difficult for us to get into the acting field,” she narrated.

    According to her, things only changed when movie storylines required diverse actors, forcing producers to work with dark-skinned talents.

    “It got to a time that they didn’t have a choice but to use us because, at that time, most of the stories that were out were about kingdoms, princesses, girls-girls, those stories. So girls-girls, you will need us. You can’t use just one person; you need everybody. So they knew that they had to work with us,” she explained.

    Nollywood actress Mojisola Adebanjo candidly admitted that her looks and allure have contributed to landing several acting roles.

    During an interview with Potpourri, she revealed that her appearance, along with her facial expressions and fashion sense, has frequently swayed casting choices in her favor throughout her career.

    “Yes, I believe my sex appeal and beauty have contributed to landing roles. I frequently receive compliments on my attractiveness, especially regarding my facial expressions, presentation, dress sense, authenticity, and voice.

    “For instance, in 2021, I was cast for a role because of a photo that showcased a specific look, which resonated with the casting team,” she explained.

    Adebanjo stressed that her versatility is her greatest strength as an actress.

    “I consider versatility to be my greatest strength. Being able to adapt to a variety of roles and genres allows me to showcase my talent and connect with diverse audiences. You can see this in my movie Farida’s Secret and my role in the YouTube series Oga Osas, among other projects.

    “Versatility is essential for bringing depth and authenticity to each character and making a lasting impact. Alongside versatility, a strong work ethic, resilience, and a commitment to refining my craft are vital for success in this industry,” she stated.

    Fondly referred to as Jisola by her friends, Adebanjo also emphasised on the impact of streaming platforms on Nollywood’s reach.

    “Netflix and other streaming platforms have significantly expanded the distribution of Nollywood films. They provide our industry with a global audience, allowing our content to be viewed by people beyond traditional Nigerian and African markets.

    “This exposure not only enhances the international visibility of Nollywood films but also fosters cross-cultural exchange and collaboration,” she added.

    A year ago, Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari shared insights about filming kissing scenes in numerous movie projects.

    During an appearance on TV3’s “The Afternoon Show’ with hosts Godwin Namboh and Anita Akua Akuffo, Buari clarified that these scenes are purely make-believe.

    Buari, who recently posted a trailer of an upcoming movie featuring Majid Michel, explained that the goal for actors is to make the scenes convincing to viewers.

    She emphasized that any perceived romance is merely part of the characters’ storylines, with no genuine emotions involved for the actors themselves.

    She said: “They are not real. It is make-believe. However, we are trying to convince people, so we were really kissing, but it is just that it is real for the characters, not for the actors. There are no feelings involved.”

    Nadia Buari explained that actors must keep their emotions separate from kissing scenes, especially since these scenes are often filmed multiple times with a large crew present on set.

    Despite her extensive experience with such scenes, Buari shared that she doesn’t have a preferred on-screen kissing partner.

    She also acknowledged that, for her, kissing scenes and character portrayal are among the most demanding parts of acting in films.

  • Dog saves owner’s 9-bedroom house from burning to crisp at Suhum

    Dog saves owner’s 9-bedroom house from burning to crisp at Suhum

    A dog played a pivotal role in saving a nine-bedroom house in Apedwa, Suhum Municipality, from being completely destroyed by fire.

    The incident unfolded on September 7, when a distress call was received by the Suhum Municipal Fire Station at 0406 hours. A rapid response team led by ADO II Ofori Kingsley arrived on the scene by 0418 hours.

    Upon arrival, the firefighters found that the blaze had already consumed the kitchen and had spread to two adjacent rooms. Thanks to the dog’s alert barking, which led to the early discovery of the fire, the homeowner, Mr. Godwill Attah, was able to call the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in time.

    The firefighters promptly de-energized the building and worked diligently to control the fire, managing to bring it under control by 0425 hours and extinguishing it completely by 0440 hours.

    While the fire caused significant damage to the kitchen and two bedrooms, the quick actions of both the homeowner and the firefighters helped salvage seven other rooms. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

    Mr. Attah expressed deep gratitude towards his dog, whose timely alert undoubtedly prevented a more catastrophic outcome. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

  • Funny Face ‘abuses’ his dog, netizens react

    Funny Face ‘abuses’ his dog, netizens react

    Ghanaian comedian Funny Face, born Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng, has been accused by some netizens of torturing his dog.

    In a video on Instagram, the comedian could be seen throwing his dog. The more he threw the dog, the higher the altitude.

    Although playing with dogs by throwing them in some societies can be okayed, some netizens expressed worry over how high the dog was thrown.

    “He’s going to hurt the dog…poor baby,” a user wrote. Another added, “Having a dog is actually good for his mental health but he should not be handling it like that.”

    Funny Face has recently debuted a new look, sparking a buzz on social media, with netizens showing displeasure over his new look.

    Fans, supporters, and critics alike are speculating whether this transformation is connected to his ongoing battle with depression, particularly after his public plea to see his children was repeatedly denied by his ex-partner, Vanessa.

    Funny Face has been publicly grappling with significant mental health challenges over the past few years.

    His struggle with depression has been well-documented, often playing out in the public eye through social media posts and interviews.

    Funny Face has openly discussed his mental health issues, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in Ghana.

  • Two-year-old whose buttocks and testicles were ripped off by dog shows signs of recovery after major plastic surgery

    Two-year-old whose buttocks and testicles were ripped off by dog shows signs of recovery after major plastic surgery

    In a shocking turn of events, a two-year-old toddler severely injured in a dog attack is now showing signs of recovery. The child, who lost his buttocks and testicles, was in critical condition at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    After a successful plastic surgery to cover the severe wounds, the toddler is now on the mend, giving his family a glimmer of hope.

    The vicious attack left the boy with life-threatening injuries. After weeks of intensive care, the toddler underwent his first plastic surgery to address the gaping wound on his anus. The surgery’s success has been a beacon of hope for the family.

    Eugene Addo, the boy’s father, expressed his gratitude: “I am grateful to everyone who came to my son’s aid.” The family’s struggle has inspired widespread support, with financial and moral assistance pouring in to help with medical expenses.

    The story has also caught the attention of the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman. She visited the hospital, promising to seek legal action to ensure justice. The Social Welfare Department is providing temporary accommodation for the family during the child’s recovery.

    Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman.

    Various organizations and individuals have shown support. Wendy Boatemaa Ofori, a nurse and co-founder of the Redeeming Hands Foundation, has been instrumental in raising funds for the child’s medical needs, including providing a wound vac machine essential for his recovery.

    Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman.

    With continued medical care and community support, the family remains hopeful that their brave toddler will make a full recovery.

  • Video: Man barks like a dog after being bitten

    Video: Man barks like a dog after being bitten

    A video circulating on various social media platforms captures a Ghanaian man confined to a hospital bed, evidently in a serious condition.

    In a surprising turn of events, the man, who was receiving oxygen, began barking like a dog while lying in his hospital bed.

    According to information gathered by Ghpage.com, the man was reportedly pursued by a menacing dog, leading to the unfortunate incident.

    Regrettably, the encounter with the dog resulted in the victim displaying canine behavior, now mimicking the barking of a dog.

    Watch video below:

  • 2-year-old in Accra maimed by ‘wild’ dog undergoes successful plastic surgery

    2-year-old in Accra maimed by ‘wild’ dog undergoes successful plastic surgery

    The two-year-old boy who was attacked by a dog in Accra has undergone successful surgery, according to Dr. Hope Glover Addy, a Pediatric Surgeon at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Dr. Addy explained that plastic surgery was performed at the anus, the affected area, and the stool was diverted to the abdomen to facilitate smooth passage.

    The boy was attacked by a mixed shepherd-breed dog, resulting in the loss of part of his anus, flesh around the area, and his private parts, leaving him in critical condition.

    Despite the success of the initial surgery, the toddler’s chances of survival will depend on the outcome of the final surgery, which is yet to be performed.

    He said: “The boy is injured, part of the anus and the skin around the place have been chopped off so, we have diverted the stool from the anus to the abdomen.

    “If the place clears up, we will remove the plastic surgery to see what we can do, whether to patch up the raw area, then after that we can think of subsequent surgeries… bringing another vault back to the anus.

    “If he does not get any overwhelming infection, the place will heal normally…and with the anus, there are some muscles that enable one to control the passage of stools. If we test again and we realise that the muscles are not working very well, it means the child may not be able to control the amount of stool that would come out of the anus so he will just be walking and the stool will just be coming out, unless we find other procedures to help him not to soil himself,” he explained.

    The paediatric surgeon said the injuries were severe, requiring intensive treatment, with significant financial burden on the parents.

  • 2-year-old in Accra maimed as ‘wild’ dog bites off testicles, buttocks

    2-year-old in Accra maimed as ‘wild’ dog bites off testicles, buttocks

    A recent dog attack in Accra has left a 2-year-old baby in critical condition at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

    The news of the unfortunate incident, which is said to have occurred on a Monday, was shared by TV3’s Godwin Asediba.

    The toddler was attacked by the dog of his father’s employer while sleeping in a mosquito net in the compound of the house where his father works briefly after his mother stepped out to the washroom.

    The mother of the toddler, Sarah Aboagye, who recounted the event, noted that she was prompted to check up on her child after she heard him cry for some time.

    “I stepped out to use the washroom as my child slept. Shortly, I heard him cry. I thought it was because I had left his side. I came back only to see the dog attacking my baby in the mosquito net where we have been sleeping,” she tearfully narrated.

    The father of the baby, Eugene Addo, who cooks and cleans for his boss and also serves as a security man, noted that his boss brought his wife and baby from the Easter Region to Accra due to the long visits to his family.

    He also explained that his wife and baby sometimes sleep on the compound due to how hot his room can get.

    “My wife sleeps in the same room I have been provided to keep watch of the house as a security guard. Because of the heat, they sometimes sleep on the compound.”

    On the incident, he recounted saying, “I saw the dog struggling with my baby so I intervened and picked my child. So I went inside, then noticed things dripping, I thought he had pooped. But then I turned the baby and noticed that parts of his body had been ripped off.”

    Per reports, the owner of the dog has failed to fully accept responsibility of the unfortunate incident.

    A plastic surgeon at the hospital, Dr Glover Addy, who revealed the current state of the toddler, said: “Both testicles were not there.”

    “The anus was also torn off. All the skin around the anal area was all out,” he said, adding that “fortunately, the penis was not touched.”

    Now, the doctors are working to help the toddler through surgery but cannot tell if much can be done to secure the release of the baby’s bowel all by himself.

  • Okada rider nearly attacked by mob for knocking to death dog at Nungua 

    Okada rider nearly attacked by mob for knocking to death dog at Nungua 

    An Okada rider narrowly avoided a mob attack after inadvertently striking and killing a White man’s dog at the Nungua Coco Beach on Sunday morning (February 11, 2024).

    The incident unfolded as a group of motorcyclists gathered at the beach, a customary practice for showcasing their riding abilities. In the midst of their activities, one rider, traveling at high speed, collided with one of three dogs present, resulting in the animal’s immediate demise.

    Despite the gravity of the situation, the rider managed to evade the anger of the bystanders who had congregated, speculating on the potential repercussions had the victim been a beach goer instead.

    According to reports from EIB Network Journalist, Murtala Inusah, who was present at the scene, officers from the Nungua District Headquarters arrived to investigate the incident and retrieve the motorbike after the dog’s owner filed a report.

    Witnesses observed a woman, accompanying the distraught owner of the deceased dog, shedding tears uncontrollably as she mourned the loss of the pet. Eventually, the owner removed the dog’s body from the scene for burial.

  • Dog invades pitch, steals show during Mexican second-tier game

    In a Mexican second-tier match between Alebrijes de Oaxaca and Dorados de Sinaloa on Wednesday, a pitch-invading dog created quite a spectacle by snatching the ball and darting around the field.

    The dog sprinted onto the pitch and insisted on having the ball from Sinaloa goalkeeper Hernan Mendoza, who reluctantly relinquished it when the referee halted the game for stewards to intervene and guide the dog away.

    However, as a steward approached the dog with a leash, the furry intruder managed to firmly grip the football in its mouth and proceeded to make its way towards the center circle, skillfully avoiding the ground staff’s attempts to capture it.

    In a matter of seconds, the dog turned the 16,000-capacity stadium into its own arena, with “Ole’s” echoing in the stands as multiple ground staff members comically failed in their efforts to apprehend it.

    Even players joined the pursuit, but the agile dog retained possession for over a minute, skillfully evading several challenges. Eventually, one player managed to catch it, and the ground staff coaxed the dog off the field using a spare ball.

    “Our new best friend is fine and with us in Templo Alebrije after having debuted in @LigaMXExpansion,” Oaxaca said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    “Our new reinforcement went to undergo his medical tests to be officially loaned in the coming days,” they added.

  • Dog chews man’s international passport days before his wedding

    Dog chews man’s international passport days before his wedding

    A Golden Retriever puppy named Chickie, who is one year and a half old has chewed up a man’s passport just days before his wedding in Italy, putting the couple’s wedding in jeopardy.

    According to the New York Post, the man from South Boston, USA, Donato Frattaroli, disclosed that just days before their planned wedding on August 31, he and his fiance had visited city hall to fill out their marriage paperwork on Thursday.

    They eventually made it back to their house, only to discover that Chickie had destroyed several pages of Frattoroli’s passport.

    The groom-to-be said if he can not secure a passport before the flight, he will stay at home while his fiancé and their wedding guests go to Italy without him.

    If he still can not get a passport in time for the wedding, he said he will just meet the wedding party when they return to the US. The couple are scheduled to fly out to Italy on Friday, August 25.

  • 13 attacked by a dog with rabies at Gomoa Dominase

    13 attacked by a dog with rabies at Gomoa Dominase

    Thirteen individuals in Gomoa Dominase, Central Region, are currently undergoing treatment for suspected rabies following bites from a stray dog.

    Residents say the stray dog began biting its victims on Monday, June 19, 2023.

    As of Tuesday, June 20, thirteen people have been bitten by the dog.

    Some victims who spoke to the media said the dog is not familiar to the community and expressed shock at the way it has been biting residents of Dominase.

    “I was heading to my uncle’s shop when the dog bit me from behind. I sustained minor injuries and it’s painful. I hear the dog has bitten over thirteen people in the Gomoa Dominase community. When it bit me, I was rushed to the clinic and given some injection by the doctors,” Paulina Annor a victim told the media.

    According to the Assemblyman for the area, the dog is being hunted by local residents.

    All thirteen victims who were attacked have been treated and discharged from the Potsin Polyclinic.

    The Gomoa East Health Directorate said that if the dog is found, samples will be taken to the lab to prevent an outbreak.

    “Within the community, we have identified more cases, over thirteen dog bites within this community. Cases that have been reported within Gomoa Potsin, Gomoa Buduatta and Gomoa Dominase have been given the needed anti-rabies vaccines and discharged. But residents and traditional authorities have begun a search for the particular dog that has been doing this and ensure that samples will be taken for sampling. The DCE and Police have been informed accordingly,” Felix Agyamang Adipare the District Health Director said.

  • Meet Pearl, the world’s shortest dog

    Meet Pearl, the world’s shortest dog

    Pearl is no ordinary handbag dog. She’s so tiny, her owner can just slip her into her pocket.

    The two-year-old chihuahua, who measures around the same length as a dollar bill, has been named the world’s shortest dog by Guinness World Records.

    Born in Florida on September 1 2020, Pearl is shorter than a Popsicle stick at just 3.59 inches tall. She is 5 inches long – around the same as a dollar bill – and weighs a tiny 1.22 pounds, a huge gain on the less than one ounce that she weighed at birth.

    Pearl is related to previous record holder Miracle Milly, who measured 3.8 inches tall. She died in 2020, before Pearl was born. Pearl’s mother is one of Milly’s identical sisters, according to Guinness World Records.

    Her owner Vanesa Semler, who was also the owner of Miracle Milly, told Guinness World Records: “We’re blessed to have her. And to have this unique opportunity to break our own record and share with the world this amazing news.”

    Pearl was recently unveiled on “Lo Show Dei Record,” Guinness’ TV talent show in Italy.

    Appearing alongside her at the studio in Milan, Semler said Pearl was “a bit of a diva,” though she seemed calm and unfazed in front of the live studio audience.

    Semler is the owner of three other dogs, all of whom are of “normal” size, she said.

    Describing her pet as “small like a ball” and slightly taller than a teacup, Semler said Pearl is accustomed to a high quality diet of chicken and salmon.

    She also loves “dressing up nice,” according to Semler. “We have lots of fun together,” she said, adding that her adult dog is still a “child at heart.”

    Pearl is smaller than every day objects such as this remote control.

    Pearl is smaller than every day objects such as this remote control.Guinness World Records

    Pearl’s record was confirmed after she was measured at the Crystal Creek Animal Hospital in Orlando, Florida, where she was born.

    According to Guinness’ official guidelines, each measurement was taken from the base of the front leg foot up to the top of the ridge between her shoulder blades in a straight vertical line.

    The smallest ever dog, a dwarf Yorkshire terrier, stood at just 2.8 inches tall and measured just 3.75 inches long, from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. Owned by UK-based Arthur Marples, the tiny terrier died in 1945, before its second birthday.

  • KNUST medical students perform caesarean section on dogs

    KNUST medical students perform caesarean section on dogs

    Medical students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology‘s (KNUST) Department of Veterinary Medicine have successfully performed a caesarean section on a dog.

    A video of the operation, which was shared by the Voice of KNUST, showed the students, who were seven in number, conducting the caesarean section.

    One of the students, who was leading the operation, could be seen making an incision on the belly of the pregnant dog.

    After the incisions, the student can be seen pulling out the parts of the dog which had the puppies.

    At least three puppies were taken out after which the incision was closed.

    The female dog, after the operation, could be seen laying comfortably on a movable stretcher.

    Watch a video of the operation below:

  • Check out the age of the oldest Dog in the world

    Check out the age of the oldest Dog in the world

    A 30-year-old dog who lives in Portugal has been named as the world’s oldest by Guinness World Records.

    Bobi, born on 11 May, 1992 is not just the oldest dog living – he’s the oldest dog ever.

    He is 30 years and 268 days old as of today – and was certified the new record holder just two weeks after Spike, a chihuahua from Ohio in the US, was awarded the title.

    Bobi is a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, which is a breed of livestock guardian dog with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

    His birth date was confirmed by the Portuguese government’s pet database and by the National Union of Veterinarians, Guinness World Records said.

    The previous oldest dog ever was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey – at 29 years and five months.

    Bobi has lived his entire life with the Costa family in the rural village of Conqueiros, in Leiria, Portugal.

    He was born with three siblings in an outbuilding where the family stored wood, but they already had a lot of animals and had to put the puppies down, and Bobi escaped, said Leonel Costa, now 38.

    Mr Costa said some of the biggest contributing factors for Bobi’s longevity is the “calm, peaceful environment” he lives in, “far from the cities”, and his diet. Bobi has always eaten “what we ate,” he said, adding he has never been chained up or on a leash.

    He said Bobi’s mother, Gira, lived to the age of 18, and another one of their dogs, Chicote, lived to be 22.

    “Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world. Bobi represents those generations,” he added.

    Due to his age, Bobi’s eyesight has worsened and he is less adventurous these days, preferring to relax by the fire.

    “From being condemned at birth to now being the oldest

  • My ex broke my heart and my dog healed it

    My ex broke my heart and my dog healed it

    I wasn’t ready. No one is ever ready. But my live-in boyfriend at the time kept sending me the links from Petfinder.

    The pictures were all adorable. They all needed a home. They all stared back with eyes that said “please adopt and love me.”

    The more I stared at these images, the more I began to consider them. I thought, hey, if we can do this together, share the cost, hire a dog walker, and forgo the house training thing with an adult dog, how hard could this be?

    The adoption agencies were tough. The initial paperwork aimed at weeding out the weak with questions like “what percentage of your annual income will you spend on dog food?”

    The people in charge of the adoption groups were crazy; crazy to the point where the mailbox at the “interview” house was shaped like a Boston terrier. I have no idea how, but we made it through.

    We had a brief introduction to the actual dog candidate (who was amazingly adorable), but the final meeting was more paperwork, ending with the awkward question: “If the nature of the relationship changes, who will be the primary owner of the dog?”

    At the time, we thought a custody conversation about the dog was funny.

    But of course, we had to answer. My maternal instinct said “me.” My lack of faith in my partner to properly care for this dog also said: “me.” I could tell my boyfriend felt the same way. My name went down in pen.

    And, tellingly, I was the only one home when our new dog arrived (my partner was conveniently on a business trip).

    It was painful. The dog ran around the house nervously, circling over and over. When it was time for the dog’s foster parent to leave and officially turn over the reins to me, he ran after him and cried by the door.

    And then, to my horror, my new dog ran upstairs to the only carpeted area and took a huge dump.

    A few months and a breakup later, that signature took on new meaning as my now ex-boyfriend moved out, leaving the dog and me without looking back. Needless to say, I was a huge mess.

    My ex broke my heart. But in those early days of heartbreak, the dog never left my side. He followed me around religiously. He growled at anyone who came near me. This was out of character.

    In those months when we were all still together, the dog clearly took to my ex, staying up late with him watching TV, trailing him wherever he went. But something changed when he left — the dog seemed to know I was the one who was sticking around, and he slept a little closer than before at night.

    We eventually moved away. The whole drive north, I remember the dog patiently sleeping on the floor of the car while I explained to him what was happening, why we were leaving, how things were going to be great in our new city, and how he would love the parks.

    I took him to get his new tags and got the vet to give him anti-anxiety medication so he wouldn’t freak out in our new apartment and get us kicked out.

    I felt like a good dog owner. But when we arrived it started to sink in: This dog is mine and mine alone. I need to train him not to bark, how to behave off-leash at the dog park, and how to walk by my side instead of pulling me the whole way.

    When I started dating someone new, it became obvious that I needed to do something about the dog sleeping on the bed. Somehow having someone in my life again highlighted that this dog really did need some training. I was self-conscious and wanted to demonstrate how in control and responsible I was.

    The dog wasn’t a huge help during this transition: He was reluctant. He was jealous. He guarded me fiercely. He was only slightly interested in the $250 dog bed that was more stylish than my own.

    I took the initiative and signed up for a class at the SPCA. Shockingly, we excelled. The basis for training was food, which I’ve learned is the way to this dog’s heart.

    Food has also been a huge threat. In our time together, my dog has had his stomach pumped and cut open. He has swallowed a plastic ball and nearly choked to death.

    Each one of these episodes was extremely traumatic and reiterated just how attached I had become. Just how painful his suffering was to me. Just how responsible I felt for saving him.

    Now, almost three years after that fateful drop-off, I can officially say I love this dog like I never thought I would.

    Walking him no longer seems like a chore and sometimes is my favorite time of day. I am still fascinated that his tail wags uncontrollably every single time I utter the words “wanna go for a walk” and that he leaps off his leash with equal excitement every day at the park. I love that he kisses some, but not too much, and not every time I ask.

    I love that he has finally warmed up to my boyfriend, but still climbs between us on the couch. I still smile at his signature pout when he watches me get ready to go out.

    The list goes on: He behaves in taxis. He barks every time someone knocks on a door — on TV. He sleeps on the dining room table so he can look out the window. He unrolls the toilet paper and drags it into the living room when I leave him at home for too long.

    He wags his tail every night when I walk in. He follows me from room to room without stopping, every single time I get up and move. When my alarm goes off in the morning he groans. He can sleep until 11 without having to go out.

    He doesn’t run away when he is off-leash. He makes me smile and laugh at times when I might not have. He is naive and innocent and devious and funny.

    I realize there are people who don’t understand, and who think loving a dog is a cop-out. I listen to my parents sigh when I talk about paying for a dog walker. I hear the undertones of their comments implying not-so-subtly that this type of concern and obligation should only be displayed towards people, namely children.

    But as it is with all things in life, you can’t anticipate who will walk in and who will walk out, and what impact the coming and going will have on you.

    I do know that I am thankful for this little creature and that his gifts to me are many and constant. How can this not be love?

    Source: Your Tango

  • My ex broke my heart and my dog healed it

    My ex broke my heart and my dog healed it

    I wasn’t ready. No one is ever ready. But my live-in boyfriend at the time kept sending me the links from Petfinder.

    The pictures were all adorable. They all needed a home. They all stared back with eyes that said “please adopt and love me.”

    The more I stared at these images, the more I began to consider them. I thought, hey, if we can do this together, share the cost, hire a dog walker, and forgo the house training thing with an adult dog, how hard could this be?

    The adoption agencies were tough. The initial paperwork aimed at weeding out the weak with questions like “what percentage of your annual income will you spend on dog food?”

    The people in charge of the adoption groups were crazy; crazy to the point where the mailbox at the “interview” house was shaped like a Boston terrier. I have no idea how, but we made it through.

    We had a brief introduction to the actual dog candidate (who was amazingly adorable), but the final meeting was more paperwork, ending with the awkward question: “If the nature of the relationship changes, who will be the primary owner of the dog?”

    At the time, we thought a custody conversation about the dog was funny.

    But of course, we had to answer. My maternal instinct said “me.” My lack of faith in my partner to properly care for this dog also said: “me.” I could tell my boyfriend felt the same way. My name went down in pen.

    And, tellingly, I was the only one home when our new dog arrived (my partner was conveniently on a business trip).

    It was painful. The dog ran around the house nervously, circling over and over. When it was time for the dog’s foster parent to leave and officially turn over the reins to me, he ran after him and cried by the door.

    And then, to my horror, my new dog ran upstairs to the only carpeted area and took a huge dump.

    A few months and a breakup later, that signature took on new meaning as my now ex-boyfriend moved out, leaving the dog and me without looking back. Needless to say, I was a huge mess.

    My ex broke my heart. But in those early days of heartbreak, the dog never left my side. He followed me around religiously. He growled at anyone who came near me. This was out of character.

    In those months when we were all still together, the dog clearly took to my ex, staying up late with him watching TV, trailing him wherever he went. But something changed when he left — the dog seemed to know I was the one who was sticking around, and he slept a little closer than before at night.

    We eventually moved away. The whole drive north, I remember the dog patiently sleeping on the floor of the car while I explained to him what was happening, why we were leaving, how things were going to be great in our new city, and how he would love the parks.

    I took him to get his new tags and got the vet to give him anti-anxiety medication so he wouldn’t freak out in our new apartment and get us kicked out.

    I felt like a good dog owner. But when we arrived it started to sink in: This dog is mine and mine alone. I need to train him not to bark, how to behave off-leash at the dog park, and how to walk by my side instead of pulling me the whole way.

    When I started dating someone new, it became obvious that I needed to do something about the dog sleeping on the bed. Somehow having someone in my life again highlighted that this dog really did need some training. I was self-conscious and wanted to demonstrate how in control and responsible I was.

    The dog wasn’t a huge help during this transition: He was reluctant. He was jealous. He guarded me fiercely. He was only slightly interested in the $250 dog bed that was more stylish than my own.

    I took the initiative and signed up for a class at the SPCA. Shockingly, we excelled. The basis for training was food, which I’ve learned is the way to this dog’s heart.

    Food has also been a huge threat. In our time together, my dog has had his stomach pumped and cut open. He has swallowed a plastic ball and nearly choked to death.

    Each one of these episodes was extremely traumatic and reiterated just how attached I had become. Just how painful his suffering was to me. Just how responsible I felt for saving him.

    Now, almost three years after that fateful drop-off, I can officially say I love this dog like I never thought I would.

    Walking him no longer seems like a chore and sometimes is my favorite time of day. I am still fascinated that his tail wags uncontrollably every single time I utter the words “wanna go for a walk” and that he leaps off his leash with equal excitement every day at the park. I love that he kisses some, but not too much, and not every time I ask.

    I love that he has finally warmed up to my boyfriend, but still climbs between us on the couch. I still smile at his signature pout when he watches me get ready to go out.

    The list goes on: He behaves in taxis. He barks every time someone knocks on a door — on TV. He sleeps on the dining room table so he can look out the window. He unrolls the toilet paper and drags it into the living room when I leave him at home for too long.

    He wags his tail every night when I walk in. He follows me from room to room without stopping, every single time I get up and move. When my alarm goes off in the morning he groans. He can sleep until 11 without having to go out.

    He doesn’t run away when he is off-leash. He makes me smile and laugh at times when I might not have. He is naive and innocent and devious and funny.

    I realize there are people who don’t understand, and who think loving a dog is a cop-out. I listen to my parents sigh when I talk about paying for a dog walker. I hear the undertones of their comments implying not-so-subtly that this type of concern and obligation should only be displayed towards people, namely children.

    But as it is with all things in life, you can’t anticipate who will walk in and who will walk out, and what impact the coming and going will have on you.

    I do know that I am thankful for this little creature and that his gifts to me are many and constant. How can this not be love?

    Source: Your Tango

  • Viral video: Dog jumps in excitement after seeing its meal, internet in splits

    Dogs are fun creatures. They can brighten up anyone’s gloomy day with their sweet gestures. Whether it’s their delicious meals or a tasty snack throughout the day, dogs get very excited about food. At the first hint of food, they bark, jump, lick their lips, and wag their tails.

    In a similar incident, a dog was seen jumping excitedly as a woman was seen pouring his food in a dog plate.

    It gets funnier because the dog keeps on jumping, which makes the woman smile.

    A few seconds later another dog arrives and sits patiently for food. The person recording the video shows the stark contrast between the two dogs. The dog, who is jumping, doesn’t stop even for a bit.

    The video was shared on Twitter by user Buitengebieden on Twitter on November 27 and since then has amassed three million views and over a lakh likes.

    Watch the video here:

    One user commented, “My dogs are so spoiled they don’t get excited at all over dry food. They literally look at me then look at their bowl and look back at me completely insulted then walk away.”

    “My mood when pay day is here,” said another user.

    “Look at the excitement. Lol Such a cutie,” said a third person.

    Post a comment “I love when dogs do that. The thing is: when my dog does that to get something, I always take more time to give her, because I love seeing her jumping this way,” commented someone else.

     

    Source: ndtv.com

  • Oldest living dog on Earth is 22-years-old

    The Guinness Book of Records has named an Elderly dog, who is 22 years old, as the oldest living dog in the world.

    Although the dog’s owner Alex Wolf of Colorado, USA, adopted him from a rescue shelter in 2002, more than 20 years ago, he was actually born on September 24, 2000, two years earlier.

    Alex, who is now 40 years old, claims to have met him while attending a California university.

    22 year old dog named oldest living dog on Earth (photos)

    Speaking to Today, Alex said; ‘He’s been there every step of the way. ‘I’m so glad we got him. He’s the best.

    ‘If we were having a later night, he would stay up, and if I was sleeping in, he would sleep in. He was one of the guys.’

    Asked what he thought was the secret to his longevity, he said: ‘I give him all the credit. He’s gotten a lot of love, and I think he’s just a strong dog. He’s been there every step of the way. I’m so glad we got him. He’s the best.’

    Alex had intended to have a larger dog than 7kg Gino when he originally went to the animal shelter to get a puppy.

    However, once he met the dog, he realized he was the one and never turned around.

    He said: ‘I’ve taken great care of him over the years and he is still in relatively very good shape…and really cute still which is surprising considering his age!’

    Despite his accomplishment, Gino wasn’t the oldest dog ever recorded.

    Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to be 29 years old before being euthanized in 1939, holds the record for the longest lifespan.

    A medium-sized dog typically lives 10 to 13 years.

  • Dog dragged along road behind mobility scooter in Birmingham is seized by police

    Video shows the animal trying to regain its footing as the people recording urge the woman to pull over.

    A dog has been seized by police after it was filmed being dragged along a road behind a mobility scooter.

    Video posted on social media showed the animal sliding on its stomach and struggling to stand while its lead was connected to the vehicle.

    At one point, the footage shows it hitting the kerb as the woman driving is challenged by onlookers who warn her “the dog’s gonna die” – but she appears oblivious and reluctant to stop.

    The video is believed to have been recorded in the Erdington area of Birmingham.

    West Midlands Police said the dog was located on Wednesday night in Stockland Green and was being cared for by the RSPCA.

    A spokesman for the animal charity said it was being checked by a vet and that “inquiries are ongoing”.

    Source: Skynews.com 

     

     

  • Every dog must be vaccinated for Ghana to achieve immunity by 2030

    Every dog must be vaccinated once every one or two years to help Ghana achieve immunity by 2030.

    The critical proportion of all dogs that ought to be vaccinated is 70 per cent in order to break the dog-to-dog transmission of rabies.

    Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, disclosed these ahead of this year’s World Rabies Day celebration at a press briefing in Accra yesterday.

    He said mass vaccination of dogs should be preceded by evidence-based research of the dog ecology, population numbers and transmission in Ghana.

    “After this, adequate planning in strategy and logistics informed by policy is needed. All these must be done as quickly as necessary, considering the exigencies of the times. Community engagement and participation is key in assuring success of set targets in mass dog vaccination,” he stated

    Dr Bekoe said this year’s celebration would be held on the theme “One Health, Zero Deaths” to coincide with a recent record of cases of human rabies in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, saying  “the one health approach is an intersectoral collaboration between institutions concerned with human health, animal health and environment health.”

    “Rabies is considered a proxy for One Health because it has the human, animal and environmental components. This year, we want to remind ourselves of the One Health strategies and approaches, the systems, institutions and other resources we will fall on, and what our objectives ought to be from now till the next celebration” he stated.

    He said from May 21 to 25, 2018, relevant stakeholders met to develop  the current Ghana Rabies Control and Prevention Action Plan (2018-2030) whose goal was to use the ‘One Health Approach’ to control rabies in Ghana.

    The plan he said highlighted prevention and control of rabies, data collection and analysis, laboratory diagnosis, dog population management, information, education and communication, intersectoral collaboration and legislation.

    Dr Bekoe pleaded with all relevant stakeholders to collaborate to drive progress towards “Zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.”

    Dr Patrick Abakeh, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer said human vaccines were expensive and that it was currently estimated to cost USD$4,087,970 annually.

    For him, every exposed person who received a PEP vaccine, 50 dogs could have been vaccinated at the same cost, adding that in the hierarchy of importance of control of rabies , vaccinating dogs came first, followed by vaccinating exposed humans.

    Dr Abakeh called for the resource of the Veterinary Service Directorate (VSD) to be able to deal with zoonotic diseases as Ghana, together with other countries in the sub region, were endemic to rabies which is a Neglected Tropical Zoonosis.

    Dr Guyo Guracha , a representative from World Health Organisation, said his outfit regularly updated and disseminated technical guidance on rabies, for example  epidemiology, surveillance, diagnostics, vaccines, safe and cost-effective immunisation , control and prevention strategies for human and animal rabies, operational programme implementation and palliative care for human rabies patients.

    Benjamin M.Adjei, Assistant Food and Agriculture Organisation Representative of the United Nations, added that Rabies had a significant impact on lives and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and that the poor and marginalised communities were most heavily impacted as they often could not afford treatment or transport for care.

  • Sylvester Stallone covers up tattoo of his wife with ink of late dog, ‘Rocky’ Castmate, butkus

    The Rocky actor, 76, Sylvester Stallone recently added a tribute to his late dog butkus, who appeared in the movie and its sequel, on his bicep, covering a previous tattoo of his wife Jennifer Flavin‘s face.

    “Mr. Stallone intended to refresh the tattoo image of his wife Jennifer; however, the results were unsatisfactory and, unfortunately, unfixable,” Stallone’s publicist Michelle Bega told the Daily Mail after the outlet posted photos showing the actor’s tattoo coverup.

    She continued, “Mr. Stallone loves his family. The Stallones are presently filming a reality show together which will debut on Paramount+.”

    Stallone and Flavin celebrated their 25th anniversary in May, and marked the milestone occasion with respective Instagram tributes to each other.

    “Happy 25th anniversary to my amazing wife,” Stallone, 75, captioned a photo carousel of the pair. “There is not enough words to describe what this incredibly selfless dedicated, patient, woman has meant to our lives and I only wish they could be another 25! Thank you sweetheart!”

    In a post she has since deleted, Flavin, 53, wrote alongside her own snapshot collection, “Happy 25th wedding anniversary to us!  Thank you for always keeping me laughing, loving and protecting our beautiful family!”

    She concluded, “Our marriage keeps getting better every year! I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together!”

    Stallone’s new tattoo features a profile shot of the bullmastiff who died in 1981 from a heart attack, according to multiple outlets.

    Stallone has long professed his love for the canine, and in 2017, he posted a picture of his younger self and a puppy-dog Butkus on Instagram.

    At the time when the photo was taken in 1971, Stallone said he and the dog were “both thin, hungry and living in a flophouse above a subway stop.”

    In the post, he revealed he at one point had to sell the dog for $40 because he couldn’t afford to buy food.

    “After the screenplay for Rocky sold, and I could buy and buy him back, but the new owner knew I was desperate, and charged me $15,000 … He was worth every penny!” Stallone wrote.

    Source: People.com

  • 1,200 dogs vaccinated on rabies day

    One thousand two hundred (1,200) dogs in the Sunyani West District of the Bono Region have been vaccinated against rabies in commemoration of World Rabies Day.

    Speaking at an event to mark the Day, District Chief Executive (DCE) Martin Obeng said the Sunyani West District had planned earlier to vaccinate 1,500 dogs to mark the Day but was able to vaccinate only 1,200.

    If you want to successfully manage a female artist, you have to sleep with her Bulldog

    According to experts, rabies is a fatal disease of warm blooded animals and is transmissible to human beings through the bite of an infested dog. About 99 per cent of all rabies cases are as a result of bites from infected dogs, killing about 50,000 people annually on the average.

    Addressing dogs and cat owners as well as schoolchildren on the need to immunise dogs against the disease, the Chairman of Rabies in West Africa Ghana (an organisation that seeks to eliminate rabies by 2030), Richard Suu-Ire, advised dog owners to take good care of their pets by vaccinating them for five consecutive years to help reduce about 70 per cent of death of human beings as a result of dog bites.

    Dr. Suu-Ire said about 59,000 people died annually from the disease as a result of dog bites. He described the disease as dangerous hence the need to educate the public to help eradicate it by 2030.

    Sniffer dogs deployed at KIA in new GRA search exercise

    He said children between the ages of one and 15 years were at risk of rabies because “they allow the dogs to scratch them with their claws, bite or lick their wounds”.

    The Country Director of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr. Garba Naina Ahmed, said because the disease is dangerous and killing many people in the agric-sector, the FAO was collaborating with sister organisations to eliminate the disease by 2030 hence the theme: “Educate to Eliminate”, which is aimed at highlighting the dangers associated with the disease.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com