Latest news with #GermanShepherd
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Radio presenter Anton Savage on his dog Sandy: ‘Fetching? Let's just say he is a Golden Retriever who has yet to retrieve anything!'
Sandy is the spitting image of my last dog, Jack, who died about three years ago. Jack lived to be an old dog, but even though he had bad hips and bad elbows in his final years, he was stoic. In physical form, Jack was a Golden Retriever, alright, but in character that was only half of it; the other half of his mindset was something like that of a German Shepherd. He was always protecting his perimeter wherever we went, especially if we were off camping somewhere. Right to the end, Jack was still powering on as best he could. He was fierce noble. After he died, like with any dog you've been close to, you're left with the feeling that you don't want to be disloyal, so it was a year or so before I got Sandy. He is such an athletic dog. I live near St Anne's Park in Dublin and we go there a lot. I cycle, he runs. Golden Retrievers were bred as gun dogs. The invention of the rifle meant that game could be shot from further away. Using spaniels to retrieve was all very well, but after about 80 yards they were wrecked. Golden Retrievers were bigger, tougher and could run for longer. I know that when I run the legs off Sandy, he really loves it. It's like he thinks we're out in the wild and I'm saying: 'Go grab a duck!' I didn't have a dog as a kid but I always had a vaguely romantic notion that it would be nice to have one. It's not until you actually get a dog, though, that you realise the difference between romance and reality. I mean, the sheer amount of excrement in any given day from a dog the size of Sandy is an absolute revelation! And then there's the hair; it's everywhere. Even in the dishwasher. When I took it apart recently, I discovered that the insulation layer was no longer black — it was white, thanks to Sandy's hair! Never underestimate the level of responsibility involved in looking after a dog. Some people are born consistently reliable and responsible. For those of us who aren't, it's a bit of a wake-up call. Dogs have to be walked and fed, day in and day out, for the rest of their lives. And they need to be very well trained. I find it amazing, though, just how well dogs are able to read you; they can pick your mind. Sandy certainly looks like my old dog Jack, but he has different ways about him. Jack loved fetching — he'd have dug up a tree to get himself a stick. Sandy is an affectionate dog; just leaning against me is his version of a hug. And he has a small green dinosaur toy that he loves; if anything disturbs him, he picks it up and carries it around with him. But fetching? Well, let's just say that Sandy is a Golden Retriever who has yet to retrieve anything! As told to Roslyn Dee
USA Today
a day ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Watch military dog who protected Trump, Biden reunite with former handler
Watch military dog who protected Trump, Biden reunite with former handler Attila, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, received an early retirement after developing a series of health complications, including a cancerous tumor on his ear. A military dog tasked with protecting President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden during high-profile events was reunited with his former handler in a heartwarming reunion over the Memorial Day weekend. Attila, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, was reunited with Army Specialist Kameron Markert after retiring as an elite bomb-sniffing dog in the U.S. Armed Forces, concluding a career that spanned five years. The pair first met in 2021 and traveled the world together, "completing two dozen security missions, including assignments protecting Presidents Biden and Trump," American Humane Society (AHS), a nonprofit animal welfare organization, which assisted in the reunion, said in a news release. "Using Attila's extraordinary nose to detect potential threats, the team protected civilians, their fellow service members, and high-profile VIPs, including Presidents Biden and Trump," AHS said. Some of those missions included the 2023 United Nations General Assembly Summit, the 2024 NATO Summit, and the Inauguration of President Trump in January 2025. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Watch Attila reunite with Markert in an emotional reunion Retired bomb-sniffing dog reunites with handler on Memorial Day Retired bomb-sniffing dog Attila reunites with his handler, Kameron Markert, in Colorado Springs after five years of service together. Video footage shared by AHS shows the family, consisting of Markert, his wife, 5-year-old son, 7-month-old daughter and two pet dogs — Bear, a black German shepherd, and Mia, a Belgian Malinois — welcoming Attila with cuddles and kisses to his new forever home on May 26 in Colorado Springs. Attila developed health complications after being separated from owner When Kameron Markert got reassigned to a new base in Colorado Springs in March 2025, he and Attila were separated after being together for almost three and a half years. When Markert left Fort Meyer in Virginia, he recalled "leaving half of his heart behind." However, soon after Markert left, Attila, despite being relatively young, was forced into an early retirement due to a series of health complications, including a cancerous tumor on his rear that had to be removed, along with renal and kidney diseases, AHS said. "Like many German shepherds, Attila also developed hip dysplasia," AHS said, adding Markert had rallied for Attila's disposition "to help ensure his continued health and safety." When the time for Attila's retirement came, Markert eagerly stepped in with the hope of giving Attila the comfortable retirement he deserved. However, transporting the animal over 1,500 miles from Virginia to Colorado posed a major logistical challenge, especially since the family had just covered a 27-hour cross-country drive with two young children for their move. From Virginia to Colorado Markert, who was aware of AHS' military program and knew of other handlers who had successfully reunited with their retired military dogs through the program, reached out to the organization for assistance. An AHS expert then "personally picked up Attila from Fort Carson and escorted him on a flight to Colorado, where the canine veteran enjoyed his own seat in the cabin of the airplane—all at no cost to the Markerts," the news release said. AHS said it will also fund Attila's veterinary care for the rest of his life, as part of the program. Markert also shared that while Attila "has always been exceptionally gentle and tender with his 7-month-old daughter," the German shepherd is "more playful and affectionate" with his son. 'My wife is already 'mama' to him, he is so gentle with our kids, and he loves to play with our other dogs. He fits right into our family," Markert said. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Pet abandonment crisis in India worsens in monsoon, rescuers highlight need for responsible adoption and care
1 2 Pune: Animal welfare groups in the city have highlighted a sharp rise in pet abandonment cases as the monsoon sets in. Activists explained that damp conditions lead to a higher risk of illnesses — like tick fever, skin and gastrointestinal infections — making it more difficult and expensive for people to care for their pets. Faced with rising costs and limited resources, some make the inexcusable choice to abandon the animal. Earlier this year, a video of a German Shepherd abandoned in a Delhi market, waiting for eight hours for her family, was widely shared online. Her story, heartbreaking but not rare, spotlighted a growing crisis. Since the 2020 Covid lockdown, which saw an impulsive surge in pet adoptions, India has faced a steady uptick in abandonment cases. Excuses cited for the heartless choice include housing disputes, financial strain, or lack of pet-friendly infrastructure around. Many simply underestimate the long-term nature of this responsibility. Cute puppies grow into strong, demanding dogs, some with behavioural or health challenges. When owners can't or won't invest in training or care, pets are dumped at overflowing shelters. Puneeta Khanna, Pune district unit head for People for Animals (PFA), said the problem is exacerbated by unregulated breeders. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Dodge Ram 1500 Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo "Illegal breeders are in it for a quick buck. No genetic testing is done. As dogs grow up, they develop health problems like cancer, diabetes, organ failure, etc. Treatment and care are costly and difficult. Abandonment is chosen." Khanna further blames vaccine reluctance. "There's a DHPPiL 9-in-1 vaccine that costs around Rs700–1,000. People purchase expensive foreign breeds and splurge on fancy accessories and other stuff to show off on social media but won't spend on basic healthcare. These dogs end up in shelters, often for life, because no one wants to adopt an ill pet," she said. The emotional toll on abandoned animals is significant. Last year, a pitbull abandoned on Mahim Beach in Mumbai went on a biting spree, likely triggered by stress and confusion. "Abandonment wreaks havoc on a dog's psyche. They go through cycles of anxiety, wariness, and eventually, cautious trust—only if they're lucky. We often have to fundraise for treatment from our own pockets," said Richa Singh Chowdhury, founder of Bowsome Senior Dog India Foundation in Ahmedabad, who rescues abandoned aging and ill pet dogs from across India, provides treatment, and then tries to find new homes for them. She pointed out that even adopted rescue dogs are sometimes "returned". "Even after being told what care is required, people bring them back after months or even years." Dog trainer and counsellor Shalaka Mundada, who began advising pet parents in 2010 after three dogs were dumped at her hostel, stresses the need for informed decisions. "You're signing up for a 12 to 15-year commitment. Breed, lifestyle, job schedules, personality, all of it matters when choosing a pet," she emphasised. Despite laws under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that label abandonment as cruelty, enforcement is weak. Meet Ashar, cruelty response legal advisor at PETA India, said that the law focuses more on safeguarding people than punishing animal cruelty. "For instance, an abandoned dog in its disoriented and stressed state could attack people or knock someone down by running into them. Pets raised in households cannot survive on the streets, so when abandoned if the dog meets with an accident and loses a limb, only then does it tend to attract BNS section 325. " Solutions exist but require systemic change, said volunteers. Until then, shelters and rescuers continue to shoulder the burden—emotionally, logistically, and financially.
New York Post
2 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Viral photo of dogs on public transit sparks debate: ‘People need to respect public spaces'
A photo of two dogs sitting on passenger seats on a Sydney light rail service has ignited a heated debate online, with many labelling the act as 'entitled.' The image, posted to Reddit, shows two small dogs seated next to their owners, who are holding onto their leashes. Advertisement 'Typical entitled dog owners flouting public transport rules,' the original poster wrote. The comment section quickly filled with Sydneysiders divided over both the etiquette and legality of the situation. One remarked, 'Great, now those dogs have their dirty butts rubbing all over the seats. Gross.' Another added: 'I love dogs and have a German Shepherd myself, but I would never do this nor want to see any other dog on public transport chairs'. Advertisement 'As a dog owner myself, this p**ses me off so much. I absolutely hate it when other dog owners flout the rules,' a third said. 3 A photo circulating of two dogs sitting on passenger seats on a train car in Sydney, Australia, has sparked an online debate. Credit: Reddit Some also pointed out the potential health risks. 'I generally am pro-dog in any debate, but the reality is that pet dander allergy is one of the most common allergies. You can make people sick by putting these pups on seats,' wrote one user. Advertisement Others just saw it as a blatant disregard for shared spaces. 'I love dogs, but I wouldn't do this. People need to respect public spaces,' one person commented, while others described the move as 'nasty', 'clueless', and 'useless.' Concerns were also raised for people with illnesses, disabilities or a fear of dogs. 3 The image was posted to Reddit, showing the two dogs sitting next to their owners as the original poster wrote, 'Typical entitled dog owners flouting public transport rules.' Advertisement 'I don't want to take my disabled and/or immunocompromised clients on public transport for something like this to happen to them,' wrote one woman. 'It's so avoidable, it's dumb.' However, some supported the idea of dogs on public transport, arguing that Sydney lags behind other global cities, especially across Europe and the Americas, where dogs are commonly allowed. 'In Europe, dogs are everywhere: trains, restaurants, etc.,' said one commenter. 'Too many rules in this country,' another added. 3 The comment section was divided over whether the owners were in the right or the wrong in regards to having their dogs sit on the passenger seats. Credit: Reddit 'For such an outdoorsy city, it's insane how snobby people and establishments are regarding dogs,' wrote a third. Others argued that strict public transport rules disadvantage pet owners who don't own a car. Advertisement With 40 percent of Sydney households owning one or more dogs, the city has one of the highest dog ownership rates around the world. Others pointed out that they have seen worse behavior from people on public transport. 'I've seen humans behaving worse in the seats. I'm not for it, but people disgust me more than dogs, to be honest,' said one. 'If only we limited some of the other animals allowed on public transport,' another joked. Advertisement According to Transport for NSW, only assistance animals with valid accreditation are permitted on all public transport in New South Wales. For other pets, including dogs, the regulations are much stricter. Pets may be allowed to travel on buses, ferries, light rail, and in taxis if they are confined in a box, basket, or other container, but are not permitted at all on Metros and trains. Advertisement Permission is still required from staff or the driver, who may refuse the animal if the service is reaching capacity, or if the animal appears unclean, vicious, or likely to annoy, threaten, or inconvenience other customers. According to the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017, the fine for breaching these rules is $550.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
Defense to begin calling witnesses in Karen Read retrial. Follow live updates.
Defense to begin presenting its case — 8:44 a.m. .cls-1{clip-path:url(#clippath);}.cls-2,.cls-3{fill:none;}.cls-2,.cls-3,.cls-4{stroke-width:0px;}.cls-5{clip-path:url(#clippath-1);}.cls-3{clip-rule:evenodd;} Link copied By Travis Andersen, Globe Staff Testimony resumes Friday in Karen Read's murder retrial, with her defense team slated to begin presenting its case in Norfolk Superior Court. Prosecutors rested their case Thursday. Read, 45, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges for allegedly backing her SUV in a drunken rage into her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, early on Jan. 29, 2022, after dropping him off outside a home on Fairview Road in Canton following a night of bar-hopping. Advertisement Her lawyers say she was framed and that O'Keefe entered the house, owned at the time by a fellow Boston police officer, where he was fatally beaten and possibly mauled by a German Shepherd before his body was planted on the front lawn. Read's first trial ended with a hung jury in July and she remains free on bail.
