Latest news with #Lizzy
The Star
25-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Senior dogs Lizzy and Tia are living their golden years joyfully
One thing about loving pets is that we witness the ageing process at a rapid pace. One moment your beloved pet is a wriggling energetic puppy and the next day you spot grey hairs in that muzzle while your pet's greetings involve less jumping and more tail wagging. Olive Chan, a veterinary assistant who has also rescued animals for over 15 years, has two senior dogs: Lizzy, a 14-year-old mixed breed, and Hestia, a 12-year-old Pyrenean Mountain Dog. In human terms, both ladies are in their late 70s. 'When Lizzy was young, she was very keen on tricks and toys,' Chan remembers. 'Now that she's older, she has mellowed and slowed down. What I notice most is that her eyesight has deteriorated.' 'Lizzy is not blind but she has difficulty seeing. She startles sometimes if you touch her, so I now let her know I'm there by saying hello before I give her a hug.' Pyrenean Mountain Dogs originally worked in the mountains separating Spain and France, protecting sheep, goats and cows from attack by wolves and bears. They are therefore huge dogs, with an impressive presence. Their presence is so iconic that Louis XIV of France, the famous Sun King, brought them to court and called them Royal Dogs of France. Hestia has a royal heritage and like elderly indulged ladies, she can be difficult. 'Tia gets grumpy if you try to help her move,' Chan sighs. 'She's very independent but she's quite old now, and big dogs like her become stiff. Sometimes she needs help but she's not keep on us giving her a hand. She can get nippy sometimes too but it's very gentle. Also, I can see she doesn't mean it.' Keeping them happy Given the old lady was bred to fight bears, the fact that she doesn't hurt is testament to her gentle nature. But it does raise an important question: how do you keep older pets happy? 'They key is making walks and playtime fun but comfortable,' Chan says. 'When they were young, we had lots of walks. Today we have very few.' Tia's legs are weaker than Lizzy's, something that may be due to genetics. Mixed breeds like Lizzy tend to have fewer inherited or genetically related health issues. Also, large dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. A 2024 British study analysing Pyrenean Mountain Dogs reported that these dogs live around 10.9 years. At 12, Tia is therefore unusual; which may be due partly at least to the care that Chan lavishes on her. 'Tia doesn't like to walk much, and at her age I also worry about infection,' Chan reveals. 'She's indoors most of the day with us, and I massage her legs. I also give her a range of supplements that the vet recommended.' One of the most interesting and useful habits that supports the old girls is that Chan has worked very hard to create a senior dog-friendly home. 'They are trained to use human toilet space,' she reveals. 'They know which is their loo. This helps because it means we don't have to go outside in the heat of the day.' As such, the two ladies can go potty whenever they feel like it, and within just a few steps, which saves everyone a lot of trouble. 'If Lizzy turns fully blind, we will have to move the furniture and make sure it never moves,' Chan says. 'But we're not there yet. And when we have to do something new, we use the leash to give her a cue of where to go and follow.' Big dogs like Hestia are very senior at age 12. Enjoying life All the prep and thought is working well because the two old ladies enjoy life. 'Tia and Lizzy love playing,' Chan laughs. 'They're a bit stiff and they don't roll around like they did when they were little and limber but they still wrestle.' 'Tia rolls around and Lizzy jumps all over her, nipping her ears. They get all excited, panting with open mouths and lolling tongues – which is classic dog laughter. They roughhouse until Lizzy is sneezing with excitement. They may be old, but they laugh like pups.' What has changed quite a bit since their puppy days is their activity patterns. 'Tia is awake early and sits with me,' Chan says. 'But Lizzy sleeps till lunchtime. All their games and play now take place in the afternoons and evenings.' Lizzie has turned from vibrant brown to latte with age. Their fur is also changing. 'Lizzy's fur has gone a lot paler with age,' Chan observes. 'She's gone from vibrant brown to latte. Tia used to have a dark black splodge on her nose, but it has turned white. I didn't notice so much until I was looking at old photos – you can see her nose age!' Lizzy's fur is low maintenance but Tia has a thick coat meant to protect her in icy winters. 'She sheds at certain times of year, and then turns fluffy again,' Chan says. 'It requires a lot of combing.' Finally, there is diet. Like human old folks, dogs need to adjust their diets and the way they eat in their golden years. Older dogs typically need smaller meals and more frequently. Also, a good water source is vital to keep them hydrated. 'I cut down on fat and give them a lot of meat and veg,' Chan says. 'And Mum cooks treats like chicken soup, her special recipe for dogs.' No wonder Lizzy and Tia are smiling in their photos: an in-house bespoke toilet, massages, wrestling matches and all of that topped off with lovingly crafted soups and treats. In their golden years, Lizzy and Tia are definitely living their best life.
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC releasing unmissable period drama hailed as 'greatest movie ever'
The BBC will be dropping the acclaimed movie soon The BBC is set to deliver a Regency drama that's certain to leave viewers weak at the knees, reports Surrey Live. Audiences have lavished praise on the period piece, with one eager fan sharing their Rotten Tomatoes review: "Seen this in a movie theater elevates it to another level. "The top of the top in the romance/drama/comedy genre, and one of the best movies of all times [sic]." Another elated watcher wrote a glowing second review: "I would have to say, personally, this is the greatest movie I have ever watched. "The story was so compelling, the characters like no other." Further praise came from a third delighted viewer who admitted: "I love every single minute of this movie." Joe Wright's cinematically gorgeous 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice is slated for arrival on BBC iPlayer this month, just in time for its 20th anniversary celebrations and synchronising with what would have been Jane Austen's 250th birthday. This cinematic rendition sparked debate among die-hard Pride and Prejudice aficionados, especially as it followed a decade after the BBC's much-cherished 1995 series featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as the definitive Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Firth's embodiment of Mr Darcy transcended the pages when he later mirrored the iconic role in Bridget Jones's Diary, amassing an even wider fanbase and solidifying his portrayal as the ultimate Mr Darcy for many. However, Matthew Macfadyen stepping into the prestigious shoes of Austen's beloved hero for the 2005 film did stir some dissent among admirers, especially as the actor was known then for his work on Spooks. However, his performance alongside Pirates of the Caribbean and Bend It Like Beckham star Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth Bennet, managed to win over even the most doubtful critics. Wright's Hollywood rendition boasted stunning cinematography, featuring expansive shots of the English countryside, including a memorable scene of Lizzy perched on a cliff in the Peak District. Complementing the striking visuals was the enchanting score by Italian composer Dario Marianelli. For those unfamiliar with Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice follows the spirited Lizzy and her sisters as they navigate societal expectations to secure their futures through marriage. Despite their mother Mrs Bennet's, portrayed by Brenda Blethyn of Vera fame, frantic attempts at matchmaking, several of the Bennet sisters do find a match. Amidst all this, Lizzy defies convention by seeking a marriage based on love rather than wealth. Her initial awkward interaction with Mr Darcy sets them both on a transformative journey that challenges their preconceived notions and changes them irrevocably. Pride and Prejudice boasted an impressive cast including Rosamund Pike, the late Donald Sutherland, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Jena Malone, Tom Hollander and Rupert Friend. The film is certainly worth revisiting before Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which will feature Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy and Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet. Netflix has assured that the upcoming series will be a true-to-source, classic adaptation of the novel, with Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love, handling the scriptwriting. Filming for Netflix's Pride and Prejudice is set to take place in the UK this year.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lili Reinhart and Lizzy McAlpine Get Real About Mental Health Struggles
The hard work of destigmatizing mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, and OCD can occasionally fall in the hands of public figures who choose to be upfront about their own experiences. And in 2025, actor Lili Reinhart and musician Lizzy McAlpine are leading that charge. At Hearst Magazines' second annual Women's Health lab in New York City, the artists sat down with Cosmopolitan's editor-in-chief Willa Bennett to explain why they are committed to keeping their fans aware it's not all happy thoughts all the time, even as famous faces. 'I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 12, so I've been living with this for half my life,' Lili said. 'Although I don't look at this as part of my identity, it's a part of my story. So when I started doing interviews, it felt organic to talk about my experience with my mental health. Not that there weren't other people in the industry talking about their mental health, but I was 19 at the time on this big show, and I think people were surprised I could have the capacity to feel depression. So I was constantly encouraged to keep talking about it.' Lizzy said while she is forthcoming about her struggles, setting up boundaries online has also been a protective measure for maintaining her own mental wellness. 'I used to post a lot more on social media, and I was open with my life. It kind of got to a point where I felt like people felt they had a say in what I was doing, and that was affecting me. So I've really scaled back the amount I share because I need to make sure my mental health stays sane.' Lili adheres to similar boundary-setting practices: 'There's a weird balance between wanting to be open about your mental health but also understanding how badly social media can affect your mental health. I try to be open and honest about when I'm in a rut.' Both Lizzy and Lili detailed how they see their artistic work as a release. Lizzy—who is starring in the Tony-nominated musical Floyd Collins—said the experience is 'healing [her] inner child' and she finds working on her own music to be therapeutic. 'I have to write songs or I'll be depressed all the time. Without music, I don't know where I would be.' As for Lili, she finds acting to be a helpful gateway, offering her a sense of ease in being emotional on set. 'Sometimes a camera in my face gives me permission in a weird way. I know that whatever emotion I'm presenting on film will be captured, and people will maybe be able to see themselves in it. So it's almost permission to let myself feel to the fullest extent.' When Willa asked about the advice they'd offer their younger selves, Lizzy said she'd focus on the strength of sitting with emotions. 'It's okay to feel everything you're feeling. I feel like for a while, and still sometimes, if I'm having a feeling I don't want to have, I'm like, 'Okay, need to push that away.' But if you don't let it move through you then it will never go away completely. I wish someone had told me that.' Lili fully agreed. 'I viewed depression as a dragon that needed to be defeated rather than something I needed to learn to have compassion for. I've always been on a quest to feel better—to try medication and therapy and Reiki and all these different energetic healing works—and it's not for this end goal of 'I need to be this to be happy.' It's sort of like 'how can I manage this and how can I live with this thing that's a part of me and my existence?'' 'If I [went] towards it with compassion and empathy, maybe it would have made my younger self a little bit more accepting when I was 12, 13, and not really understanding why I felt the way I felt.' You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Lili Reinhart and Lizzy McAlpine Get Real About Mental Health
The hard work of destigmatizing mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, and OCD can occasionally fall in the hands of public figures who choose to be upfront about their own experiences. And in 2025, actor Lili Reinhart and musician Lizzy McAlpine are leading that charge. At Hearst Magazines' second annual Women's Health lab in New York City, the artists sat down with Cosmopolitan's editor-in-chief Willa Bennett to explain why they are committed to keeping their fans aware it's not all happy thoughts all the time, even as famous faces. 'I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 12, so I've been living with this for half my life,' Lili said. 'Although I don't look at this as part of my identity, it's a part of my story. So when I started doing interviews, it felt organic to talk about my experience with my mental health. Not that there weren't other people in the industry talking about their mental health, but I was 19 at the time on this big show, and I think people were surprised I could have the capacity to feel depression. So I was constantly encouraged to keep talking about it.' Lizzy said while she is forthcoming about her struggles, setting up boundaries online has also been a protective measure for maintaining her own mental wellness. 'I used to post a lot more on social media, and I was open with my life. It kind of got to a point where I felt like people felt they had a say in what I was doing, and that was affecting me. So I've really scaled back the amount I share because I need to make sure my mental health stays sane.' Lili adheres to similar boundary-setting practices: 'There's a weird balance between wanting to be open about your mental health but also understanding how badly social media can affect your mental health. I try to be open and honest about when I'm in a rut.' Both Lizzy and Lili detailed how they see their artistic work as a release. Lizzy—who is starring in the Tony-nominated musical Floyd Collins—said the experience is 'healing [her] inner child' and she finds working on her own music to be therapeutic. 'I have to write songs or I'll be depressed all the time. Without music, I don't know where I would be.' As for Lili, she finds acting to be a helpful gateway, offering her a sense of ease in being emotional on set. 'Sometimes a camera in my face gives me permission in a weird way. I know that whatever emotion I'm presenting on film will be captured, and people will maybe be able to see themselves in it. So it's almost permission to let myself feel to the fullest extent.' When Willa asked about the advice they'd offer their younger selves, Lizzy said she'd focus on the strength of sitting with emotions. 'It's okay to feel everything you're feeling. I feel like for a while, and still sometimes, if I'm having a feeling I don't want to have, I'm like, 'Okay, need to push that away.' But if you don't let it move through you then it will never go away completely. I wish someone had told me that.' Lili fully agreed. 'I viewed depression as a dragon that needed to be defeated rather than something I needed to learn to have compassion for. I've always been on a quest to feel better—to try medication and therapy and Reiki and all these different energetic healing works—and it's not for this end goal of 'I need to be this to be happy.' It's sort of like 'how can I manage this and how can I live with this thing that's a part of me and my existence?'' 'If I [went] towards it with compassion and empathy, maybe it would have made my younger self a little bit more accepting when I was 12, 13, and not really understanding why I felt the way I felt.'
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new No. 1 movie is a comedy-drama with Mark Wahlberg — and it's inspired by a moving true story
Comedy is probably the genre I've delved into the least, but when I'm in the mood for something humorous and heartfelt (with a healthy dose of emotion), 'Instant Family' always circles back onto my list. It just landed on Netflix U.S. and has already claimed the No. 1 spot from 'Nonnas,' which feels like a sign to give it another watch. I didn't catch 'Instant Family' in theaters when it was released in 2018; I actually stumbled upon it randomly on TV one day. This comedy-drama quickly got my attention, and I've rewatched it a few times since. "Instant Family" is a genuinely heartwarming story about a couple (played by Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne) who adopt three siblings out of foster care, and what follows is a series of funny, emotional, and hard-hitting events that show the reality of adoption. If you're looking for a solid comedy to stream, 'Instant Family' is a clear winner now that it's sitting at No. 1 on Netflix. Here's why this dramedy deserves a spot on your watchlist. 'Instant Family' follows married couple Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie Wagner (Rose Byrne), who decide to become foster parents after feeling something is missing in their lives. Initially unsure of what to expect, they attend an adoption fair and unexpectedly connect with Lizzy (Isabela Merced), a tough, independent 15-year-old girl. Soon, they learn that Lizzy comes with two younger siblings: shy, accident-prone Juan (Gustavo Escobar) and fiery little Lita (Julianna Gamiz). Despite the challenges, Pete and Ellie choose to foster all three children, plunging headfirst into a chaotic new life. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As the Wagners adjust to their sudden roles as parents, they face a whirlwind of tantrums, emotional outbursts, and unexpected moments of joy. Lizzy struggles with trust and loyalty, especially as she holds onto hope of reunification with their biological mother, who has a troubled past. Pete and Ellie begin to question whether they're cut out for this life, but over time, the bonds between them and the children begin to deepen. 'Instant Family' isn't breaking any new ground as far as family comedies go. Its premise about a married couple deciding to adopt three siblings from foster care follows a pretty familiar trajectory: chaos ensues, lessons are learned, hearts are warmed. But there's a reason this movie has stuck with me ever since I first saw it on TV, and why it's now sitting at No. 1 on Netflix. It's not just a feel-good movie but a genuinely emotional ride that earns its sentiment without feeling forced. The humor lands because it's grounded in the chaos of real family life, and the emotional weight hits because it's rooted in something true. 'Instant Family' is actually based on director Sean Anders' real-life experience adopting from foster care, and that honesty shines through. The movie doesn't shy away from the messiness of adoption or the fear that comes with suddenly becoming responsible for not one, but three kids, two of whom are dealing with serious emotional trauma. Wahlberg and Byrne make a surprisingly compelling duo, leaning into the comedy without undercutting the movie's more serious moments. Merced, as the oldest sibling, is especially great, giving the movie its emotional backbone without ever feeling too Hollywood about it. What makes 'Instant Family' so rewatchable (especially since I don't often watch comedies) is how deftly it balances funny moments with scenes that hit far deeper than expected. I found this especially true during a dinner scene, where the newly adopted siblings completely unravel the evening. Lizzy pushes back with sarcasm, Juan spills a dish while trying to be helpful, and Lita throws a full-blown tantrum over ketchup. The chaos is played for laughs, sure, and it's something you'd expect from children testing their boundaries. But underneath the humor is a clear undercurrent of tension, frustration, and the very real fear that the family won't click straight away. While you can see where 'Instant Family' is going from the start, the journey still feels fresh because it's told with so much heart. You don't need to take my word for it either. This comedy-drama has a solid rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes from over 150 reviews, with audiences giving it 83%, meaning both parties agree. The site's critics consensus reads: 'Instant Family may not quite capture the complexity of real-life adoption, but fittingly for the unconditional bond it honors, this flawed yet well-intentioned dramedy is ultimately worth the investment.' This is a take I very much agree with. Most of all, it's the cast that makes it such an enjoyable watch, and the sadder moments carry meaning even when the humor takes over. If you haven't heard of 'Instant Family' or, like me, are due for a rewatch, now's the perfect time. It genuinely surprised me with how emotional and charming it turned out to be, and the cast's chemistry alone makes it one of the most rewatchable (and fun) comedies I've seen. Whether you're watching solo or with loved ones, it's a comforting yet sincere reminder of what makes a family. It doesn't sugarcoat the hard parts, but that's exactly what makes it resonate. In a sea of comedies that play it safe, 'Instant Family' dares to get a little messy, even if it doesn't always explore the nuanced reality of adopting children. Now that it's streaming on Netflix, 'Instant Family' is more than worth adding to your next movie night lineup. However, if you're not feeling it yet, see what else got added to Netflix in May 2025. Stream "Instant Family" on Netflix.
