Latest news with #FrenchBulldog
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I don't know what life is without him' – RTE star ‘devastated' after sudden death of ‘best friend'
RTE star Laura Fox has been left "devastated" by the loss of her "best friend". The 2FM host revealed today that her pet pooch, Thor, sadly passed away last week. Advertisement 4 Laura Fox's dog died last week Credit: Instagram 4 Laura has shared an emotional tribute for her late pet Credit: Instagram 4 Laura reminisced on the last five years spent with Thor Credit: Instagram Laura took to Instagram this afternoon to pay a gut-wrenching tribute to Thor. The Galway native shared some gorgeous snaps of herself and her French Bulldog throughout the five years that she owned him. She captioned her post: "I'm heartbroken to say we lost my Thor baby suddenly last week and we're absolutely devastated, I don't know what life is without him. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me Thor baby and I'm sorry that you were taken so soon. My best friend, love of my life. Advertisement read more on laura fox "Everything good that has happened to me has come with you and I don't believe for a second it was a coincidence. "Everyone who met you, loved you. But you only loved a select few and it was so special to be in your inner circle and not to be ignored by you." Laura reminisced on the fond memories and favourite moments she shared with Thor. She said: "Five years of talking to you, walking every inch of the Phoenix park with you, curled up on the couch just the two of us, getting my drivers licence just so I could bring you places, finding you the perfect teddy to suck on like a dodi. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity "You were the only person I wanted to see every single day and my heart ached being away from you even for a few hours but the love you gave me the second I walked through the door I'll never forget." Laura thanked her fellow colleagues and dear friends for their support through this difficult time. RTE presenter in tears as Laura Fox asks her to be her bridesmaid on air She said: "I just want to thank all of my Fittest Family family for being so great, finding out this news and having to film the next morning was the worst thing I've ever had to do but you didn't minimise the pain for a moment. "To all my 2FM family, thank you for getting me through today and to all the listeners thank you for your gorgeous messages. I'm not able to fully read them just yet but they haven't gone unnoticed. Advertisement "Thank you to my friends and family for being there and to everyone who has been part of Thors world. To Rob and Glenda who minded him and loved him as if he was your own. It warms my heart how loved he was." 'THE HURT IS SO MUCH' Laura gave a special shout out to her fiancé Brian Moran saying: "B Balls, I know he loved me more but you were absolutely a close second and it actually made me fall in love with you even more watching how great you looked after him always. "I'm so sad he won't be part of our wedding like we had planned." Laura revealed that she's taking a week off her 2FM radio show and is also taking a social media break to deal with her grief. Advertisement She finished off her emotional statement saying: "I'm happy we gave him such a great life and I know he knows he was loved and always will be but the hurt is so much right now. STAR'S SUPPORT "I love you the most Thor baby." Laura's friends and fans all raced to the comment section with their condolences and support. DWTS host Advertisement Influencer Ireland AM star Brooke Scullion added: "Ahhhhh Laura this is heartbreaking, sending love!" 4 Laura is taking a break from her radio show Credit: Brian McEvoy Advertisement
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
The five low-maintenance and easygoing dog breeds that are the perfect companion for busy pet owners
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FINDING a dog to suit your lifestyle can be tricky, especially if it's a busy household. There are plenty of adorable dog breeds that may steal your heart, but their exercise and training needs could make them unsuitable for you. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Certain breeds have been recommended for buys owners Credit: Getty So if you're looking for a pooch that's easy-going, the experts at pet insurance firm Many Pets have revealed the five breeds that fit the bill perfectly. No dog is totally low-maintenance as they all rely on their owner for food, activities, and healthcare. But some dogs are undoubtedly easier to care for than others. Opting for a manageable pup isn't just about minimising your responsibilities as a groomer and exercise provider. It's also about finding a companion who fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Here's the breeds that are ideal for those seeking low(er)-maintenance pups. Basset Hound 6 The experts at Many Pets describe the Basset Hound as the "laid-back lounger". As a breed, they are calm and easygoing, which makes them excellent companions for the listless and lackadaiscal. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they're generally content with short walks. And while their droopy ears and soulful eyes don't have much bearing on their low-maintenance status, they certainly add to their charm. Basset hounds are perfect for individuals and families who want a laid-back pet that enjoys affection without demanding too much activity. They're great with young children and fit well in homes without large gardens. I'm a vet & wouldn't own 5 dogs – watch out for a breed prone to pricy back problems & secretly-high-maintenance pooches French Bulldog 6 Known by Many Pets as the "sturdy sweetheart", French Bulldogs are compact, affectionate, and require minimal grooming. They enjoy short play sessions and are generally low-energy, making them perfect for busy families. This adorable breed is best for owners looking for a companion that doesn't need extensive exercise but is still playful and loving. They adapt well to apartment living and are good with children. Italian Greyhound 6 Italian Greyhounds are elegant and low-maintenance dogs who enjoy short bursts of play but are mostly content to relax indoors. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but also means they may need a cute jumper or coat to stay warm in the winter. They're perfect for anybody who wants a small, gentle dog that doesn't need much grooming or exercise. They fit well in quieter homes and are great for individuals or families who enjoy a calm environment. Pug 6 This small breed is very sociable and loves to be the centre of attention. Their short coat is easy to care for, and they don't require a lot of exercise. Known for their playful and affectionate nature, pugs make great companions. Pugs are ideal for families who want a loving and interactive pet that doesn't require extensive physical activity. Boston Terrier 6 This breed, nicknamed the tuxedo doggo due to its colouring, is known for its friendly demeanour. They're low-maintenance with short coats that require little grooming and only have moderate exercise needs. But it's their playful and affectionate nature that makes them great companions. They're also adaptable and easy-going, which makes them great if you're raising kids.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
AOC and fiancé Riley Roberts on high alert and tighten security at NYC home after death threats following Pro-Palestine fake blood attack
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's fiancé appeared on high alert outside their Queens, New York, home as he was seen with security personnel following the disturbing pro-Palestine vandalism attack on her campaign headquarters. Riley Roberts, the 35-year-old web developer fiancé of AOC, was seen Tuesday morning guiding security personnel around as they cased out the building for any vulnerable areas, exclusive photos show. The 35-year-old congresswoman has received multiple death threats in recent days according to AOC's campaign manager, and her team have called in security to beef up safety measures, a staffer revealed. Roberts was walking the couple's French Bulldog, Deco, while he was engaged in a serious conversation with a black-clad guard near their newly built Queens apartment complex. The visibly coordinated security check by AOC's red-haired fiancé came just hours after her Bronx campaign headquarters was defaced with red paint in a disturbing act of vandalism by pro-Palestinian activists. Roberts, in a baseball cap and dark glasses, was seen talking to the security man and gesturing to the couple's apartment, where they have lived since 2022. At more than $3,000 a month in rent, their apartment boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms and private balcony that overlooks over a bustling city street. The political star has been engaged to Roberts since he proposed during a vacation to Puerto Rico in April 2022. The pair met as undergraduate students at Boston University. While AOC has become one of the most high-profile Democrats in Congress, Roberts has shied away from the limelight. There have been few recent public sightings of the couple and no news of their nuptials has emerged since their engagement three years ago. In 2021, Roberts attended the Met Gala with his fiancée, who wore her infamous 'Tax the Rich' dress. Yesterday, AOC's hired muscle was seen with two casually dressed colleagues scouting the building and its underground parking garage, before the group snapped the front and side entrances to the building on their mobile phones. The burly bunch later spent time inside AOC's digs – which are guarded by multiple CCTV cameras – before examining the external keypad residents used to gain access to the building. The security man also took an intense interest in a reporter and photographer parked in a legal space on the public street, repeatedly photographing and filming them and their vehicles while walking the area and later cruising past in a blacked-out SUV. AOC – who has advocated to defund the police - was nowhere to be seen during the private security exercise. The progressive firebrand spent Sunday in Plattsburgh, the upstate New York district of high-profile Republican rep Elise Stefanik, holding a town hall attacking President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. Back in Queens, the security posse were tight-lipped about their business at AOC's apartment just hours after the outspoken progressive's campaign HQ was daubed in 'fake blood' by protesters. A chilling video spread online on Monday showing the congresswoman's Bronx offices splattered with 'fake blood' and a note attached to the front gate reading 'AOC Funds Genocide in Gaza.' The viral footage of the incident showed NYPD forensic officers investigating the scene and collecting evidence. An outfit named the Boogie Down Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the attack on her HQ, saying 'the Bronx is sick and tired of people like AOC and Ritchie Torres using us as a stepping stone for their own political careers'. In a statement, the group went on: 'The Bronx stands with the people of Palestine, and we denounce the hypocrisy of AOC who voted to fund Israel's ongoing genocide and starvation campaign in Gaza. F**K AOC!' In a post on X on Monday evening, AOC's campaign manager Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben said: 'Last night, our campaign office in the Bronx was vandalized and we are in the process of cleaning it up. 'In the past few days, we also have received multiple threats on the Congresswoman's life, and we are treating this seriously with our security partners to make sure she, our staff and volunteers are safe.' The disturbing attack came after AOC voted against an amendment proposed by MAGA republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene to slash funding to Israel's Iron Dome air defense systems by $500million. AOC, a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, was criticized by some of her fellow progressive for her stance on the defense spending bill. But she hit back in a series of social media posts. During the weekend, she posted on X: 'Marjorie Taylor Greene's amendment does nothing to cut off offensive aid to Israel nor end the flow of US munitions being used in Gaza. 'Of course I voted against it. 'What it does do is cut off defensive Iron Dome capacities while allowing the actual bombs killing Palestinians to continue. 'I have long stated that I do not believe that adding to the death count of innocent victims to this war is constructive to its end. 'That is a simple and clear difference of opinion that has long been established. 'I remain focused on cutting the flow of US munitions that are being used to perpetuate the genocide in Gaza.' In another X post addressing the criticism on Monday, she included screenshots of her voting against the spending bill, adding: 'If you're saying I voted for military funding, you are lying. Receipts attached. 'Drag me for my positions all you want, but lying about them doesn't make you part of the 'left.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Bay Swag Turned His Pain Into a Debut That's Both Fun and Vulnerable
Management firm 11AM NYC's midtown Manhattan offices are abuzz on a Wednesday afternoon. Plaques for hit releases by A$AP Ferg and Lil TJay adorn the walls, and employees are moving about, hoping to help Queens rapper Bay Swag earn one of his own for his upcoming debut album, Damaged Thoughts (out July 25 on United Masters with a documentary to follow). The office's air conditioner is on the fritz during my visit, which means the office is baking on this 86-degree day. But Bay Swag and his four-person team are keeping it cool inside the main conference room. He greets me gregariously; I've met young artists who haven't yet assumed the social responsibilities of being a star, but Bay isn't one of them. He has a natural alacrity, and he's also been around the music industry since he was nine, when trips to the Queens strip club Starlets weren't out of the question. More from Rolling Stone Lizzo on Her Surprise Rap Mixtape: 'I Feel Like a Brand-New Bitch' Everything We Really Know About Cardi B's 'Am I the Drama?' Loyle Carner on How Fatherhood and Guitars Opened Up His Musical World 'I was scared, bro,' he jokes of his first time at Starlets. 'My uncle had me in there. I'm like, 'No, I'm gonna get in trouble with my mom!' I'm nine years old, it's girls shakin' ass everywhere.' His manager Derben Chrisphonte comedically interjects, 'I was there,' adding that he's 15 years older than Bay, who's 'always been around' him and older peers. 'We had a dog and a kid in the club. A French Bulldog,' the manager marvels. 'I never hung out with kids my age,' Bay adds. 'I was always with my big cousins.' That's not entirely true; he tells me about middle-school years spent enjoying the competition and camaraderie of playing organized basketball, football, soccer, and baseball with fellow kids in the Little Neck section of Queens. But in time, his adolescence was shaped by private jet rides with Diddy's son Christian 'King' Combs, whose CYN collective Bay Swag joined in 2015. He also frequently met stars at the warehouse for renowned New York clothing brand SlowBucks, where his uncle Windsor 'Slow' Lubin hosted 'literally every rapper, every actor, every whoever' who came through New York. Another key figure in his early life was his father, Lloyd 'Bay Lloyd' McKenzie. Bay Swag tells me fondly about grabbing Chinese food with his father, and playfully singing the intro to Jay-Z's 'Song Cry' while riding through the city. Bay Lloyd is a party promoter from Queens who's worked with A Tribe Called Quest: He's in the 1993 video for 'Electric Relaxation' as a waiter, and he has a production credit on 'Busta's Lament' from the group's 1998 album The Love Movement. He also toured with Tribe and Swizz Beats, forging industry connections for both himself and his son. Passingly, Bay reveals that his dad 'made' radio DJs play his early songs on the radio; anybody who can pull that off carries a lot of respect. Bay Swag tells me that New York rap icons like Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Jadakiss, as well as Philly rapper Meek Mill, essentially watched him grow up and are still just a phone call away. He strikingly resembles his father, and it's worth wondering how much of Bay Lloyd those artists see in Bay Swag. In 2017, Lloyd was convicted for allegedly ordering the 2012 murder of law student Brandon Woodward. Reports framed the murder as a $161,000 drug deal gone bad. The McKenzie family believes he was wrongfully convicted. As their petition on puts it, 'LLoyd McKenzie is presently [serving] time on a 85 years sentence for a crime he DID NOT COMMIT NOR HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF.' On 2017's 'Saucin,' Bay Swag raps, 'Daddy got locked 'cause my daddy was trappin'/They tried to say he killed a nigga in Manhattan/Jury believed the nigga that was rattin'/I'ma get you out, Pops, swear I ain't cappin'.' Currently-incarcerated Chicago rapper Lil Durk jumped on the remix and rapped about his own father's incarceration. Bay Swag says 'Saucin' was his graduation from a lithe-voiced teenager exploring his craft into a young adult with a defined creative approach. He started rapping at 13, when his father had him record over reference tracks he had procured. But after his father's incarceration, Bay Swag had to make his own songs, crafting verses in his head (a practice he continues to this day). That development has led to Damaged Thoughts, a project he says is as much about introspection as it is about fun songs like 'Caicos' and 'Matte Black Master.' 'My thoughts were damaged a lot from just growing up seeing the things I've seen,' he says. 'Just having to deal with so much hate and envy.' Snacking on his second fun-size bag of Welch's fruit snacks, he explains more what he means by that. He tells me about how a heartbreak frayed his perception of romance: 'I might think a girl is doing something [devious], and she might not be. I have a lot of girl friends. I see what they do, so I'm like, 'Damn, is my girl doing this?'' The late Philly artist PnB Rock was a friend, and Bay Swag laments that in 2022 he was killed while simply eating a meal at an L.A. Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. 'That fucked me up,' he says. 'Being an artist is the most dangerous shit in the world. You gotta post where you're going to be… Shit crazy, bro.' The album's title track is the most personal, as he raps about his mom's cancer diagnosis (he tells us that she's since 'beat it') and rhymes, 'Sometimes I be lost in my thoughts with my friends/But it's not my fault, 'cause I don't talk about my problems' over a heartfelt vocal sample. The line is true to life, he admits, telling me, 'Music is therapy. I don't talk with people [about hard times], so I just rap about it.' The result is a holistic project that marks him as an artist willing to dig deep. There's a scene in the upcoming Spike Lee film Highest II Lowest where Denzel Washington, playing a record executive, demands that a posturing artist shed his swagger and be vulnerable. The moment speaks to the throng of rappers who are quick to rap about violence or be braggadocious but won't always admit the trauma that such bravado conceals. Damaged Thoughts shows Swag never needed that memo. When I ask him how he manages to have the fun he has on the album while going through some of the turmoil he rhymes about, he smiles and says, 'I don't know,' while shaking his head. 'A day at a time,' Maria Gracia, a senior marketing director at his label, adds. He's wearing a white hockey jersey and designer jeans, though he might be changing for the video shoot in Teaneck, New Jersey, that he's headed to after our holistic interview. Swaying back and forth in his roller chair, he makes consistent eye contact, and after expressing himself sometimes asks, 'You get what I'm tryna say?' in a way that doesn't feel like a knee-jerk punctuation, but a genuine desire to have a two-way conversation. Even without his lineage, Bay probably would have won over many of the artists in his vast network. Damaged Thoughts boasts appearances from 42 Dugg, Sheff G, Meek Mill, Quavo, Kyle Ricch, and Young Thug. Bay Swag recorded 'Lil Jasmine' with the latter artist before the YSL indictment, and says they have since recorded another song alongside Ty Dolla $ign. He counts Thug as a friend who once offered to pay for his father's lawyer. And, of course Bay, Swag gets slizzy alongside Cash Cobain on the smooth 'Don't Care No More' and bouncy 'Caicos,' which has a similar island vibe to Cash's bubbling 'Feeeeeeeeel' single. When I ask Bay Swag about the first rap song he fell in love with, he mentions Nas and AZ's 'How Ya Livin',' saying he loved their back-and-forth rhymes and enjoys emulating that format alongside Cash. Many were first introduced to Bay Swag's music when he featured on Cash's 'Fisherrr,' a silky track that helped set off last summer. Bay Swag says he thinks people love the sexy drill movement because people 'feel good' listening to it, and it's danceable without being violent. As I wrote in 2022, it's an offshoot of drill where listeners can have fun shimmying and mimicking the slithery cadences without worrying about lyrics dissing dead people or other borderline themes. Bay Swag is a notable figure in that shift, entrenching his name in the fabric of New York culture in the same way his father did years ago. He shows me a promotional clip for the album where he notes, 'If [my father] would've never went through that, went to jail, had life in prison, I would've never had that hustle. I would've never had that drive. That made me become the man of the house, at a young age too.' New York City, like so much of America, is plagued by the justice system's systematic thrusting of parents from homes, sparking changes of fortune that only sometimes lead to triumphs like Bay Swag's. Hopefully, we can reach a world where more artists can find their greatness without having to prove their resilience amid tumult. But in this one, Bay Swag is yet another example that it's possible. Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
7 unique dog breeds without tails
Did you know that some dog breeds are naturally born without tails or have such tiny ones they're barely noticeable? While tail wagging is often seen as a universal dog trait, certain tailless dog breeds defy the norm, either due to natural genetic mutations or selective breeding over generations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These unique dogs are not only adorable but also intriguing from a biological and historical perspective. Whether it's a working dog that doesn't need a tail for balance or a compact companion bred for apartment living, these dogs prove that tails aren't everything. Let's explore the most popular dog breeds without tails. 7 dog breeds without tails you should know about Australian stumpy tail cattle dog This unique breed was developed in Australia specifically for herding cattle across rough terrain. Unlike its close cousin, the Australian Cattle Dog, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is naturally born without a tail or with a very short one. It's not just a cosmetic trait. This tailless dog breed was bred for agility and endurance in demanding farm environments. Known for its intelligence, loyalty, and high energy levels, this dog thrives in rural settings and requires regular physical activity. If you're looking for a hardworking and tailless dog breed, this one is a rugged and reliable companion. French bulldog The French Bulldog is one of the most popular small dog breeds without tails. These compact and affectionate dogs often have short, stubby tails due to years of selective breeding. In some cases, they are born with tiny, almost invisible tails. Despite their tailless look, they're full of personality. Frenchies are especially loved for their playful nature, minimal grooming needs, and suitability for apartment living. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They don't require much exercise and tend to form strong bonds with their families. If you're searching for a naturally tailless dog breed that fits perfectly in urban spaces, the French Bulldog is a top choice. Boston Terrier Boston Terriers are a classic example of a small dog breed with a naturally short tail. Their tails are typically corkscrew-shaped or very close to the body, making them barely noticeable at first glance. Unlike some breeds, this tail length is completely natural and not the result of docking. Boston Terriers are affectionate, intelligent, and well-suited for families and city dwellers alike. Their friendly temperament and playful personality make them a favourite companion dog. If you're looking for a naturally tailless dog breed that's compact, charming, and great with kids, the Boston Terrier fits the bill perfectly. Pembroke Welsh Corgi The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most recognisable dog breeds without tails. While the closely related Cardigan Corgi has a long, bushy tail, Pembrokes are often born with a naturally short tail or no tail at all. This trait is a result of selective breeding and not docking in most cases. Known as the beloved breed of Queen Elizabeth II, these royal companions are full of charm, intelligence, and surprising athleticism. Despite their short legs, Pembroke Corgis are agile, energetic, and thrive in both active households and apartment settings. Their playful and loyal nature makes them ideal family pets. English Bulldog The English Bulldog is a well-known tailless dog breed that naturally sports a short, twisted tail. Unlike breeds that require docking, the Bulldog's tail is entirely genetic and part of its signature look. Their thick-set build and wrinkled face might give them a tough appearance, but these dogs are famously gentle and affectionate. English Bulldogs are incredibly loyal and have a calm, laid-back temperament that makes them perfect for relaxed households. Their minimal exercise needs and steady nature make them excellent companions, especially in urban settings. That distinctive short tail only adds to their unmistakable charm and character. Brittany Spaniel The Brittany Spaniel, often simply called the Brittany, is a versatile hunting dog that sometimes comes with a natural tailless trait. While some are born with no tail at all, others may have extremely short, bobbed tails that require no docking. This variation is purely natural and linked to their genetics. Originally bred in France for bird hunting, Brittanys are known for their high energy, intelligence, and eagerness to please. They thrive in active households, especially with owners who enjoy hiking, running, or outdoor sports. If you want a tailless dog breed that's athletic and friendly, the Brittany Spaniel is a top contender. Schipperke The Schipperke is a small but spirited Belgian dog breed often born completely tailless. Nicknamed 'little black devils' for their boundless energy and bold personality, Schipperkes are known for being highly alert, loyal, and protective. Their tailless look is a natural genetic trait, not the result of docking, and is part of their distinctive appearance alongside their fox-like face and jet-black coat. Despite their compact size, these dogs have a big-dog attitude and make excellent watchdogs. Ideal for experienced dog owners, the Schipperke is a naturally tailless dog breed that combines charm, agility, and fearless devotion in one small package. Also read |
