Latest news with #Yorkies
Courier-Mail
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Royal butler's role in Depp-Heard Queensland dog smuggling revealed
Don't miss out on the headlines from Books. Followed categories will be added to My News. A celebrity fixer drawn into the infamous Australian antics of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was a former butler to the Queen who prides himself on his discretion, it has emerged. A new book documenting the Hollywood stars' tempestuous relationship reveals that British citizen Ben King, who worked as Depp's butler and house manager, began work at Buckingham Palace as a 20-year-old. He also worked for Nelson Mandela and Andrew Lloyd Webber before being hired as Depp's right-hand man, according to Hollywood Vampires: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard and the Celebrity Exploitation Machine. And King had a central role in the hullabaloo over the A-list couple's smuggled dogs. The comical scandal blew up – drawing in government ministers and making headlines around the world – after it came to light that Heard illegally brought their two teacup Yorkies, Pistol and Boo, into Australia in 2015. Back in California … Johnny Depp and Amber Heard at a film premiere in Westwood in November 2015, after their stay in Australia earlier in the year. 'Clean and elegant with impeccable manners' … Ben King testifies in Fairfax County Circuit Court in April 2022, after Johnny Depp sued his ex-wife Amber Heard for libel. Described in the book as clean and elegant with impeccable manners, King and the drug-addicted Depp seemed an improbable pairing, but the butler employed the same approach he took with the late Queen Elizabeth. 'Trust and discretion are the two things required for the job,' he told the book's authors, journalists Kelly Loudenberg and Makiko Wholey. Yet it seems discretion was sorely lacking when King took the dogs to Queensland grooming parlour, Happy Dogz, while Depp was living in the state and filming the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2015. STREAM FREE ON TUBI: DEPP/HEARD DOCUMENTARIES Requesting the salon trim back the dogs' hair and style their faces, King revealed to the staff that Pistol and Boo belonged to none other than Johnny Depp. Thrilled to be grooming two celebrity pets, the salon owner promptly posted the pictures of the dogs to Facebook, alerting Barnaby Joyce, then Minister of Agriculture. Doggy debacle … Boo and Pistol at the Gold Coast mansion rented by Depp from motorcycle champion Mick Doohan. Credit: Nine News In the doghouse … Amber Heard, accompanied by Johnny Depp, arrives at the Southport Magistrates Court in April 2016 to face two counts of breaching Australia's quarantine laws. She paid a fine but escaped conviction after pleading guilty and expressing remorse. While Joyce ordered the dogs be taken back to the US immediately or they'd be euthanised, King was frantic with fear that he'd lose his job, according to Hollywood Vampires. Depp reportedly told his butler not to worry and one of his team smuggled the Yorkies back to the US inside a hatbox placed on the actor's private jet. The fascinating relationship between the Hollywood stars and their entourage is laid bare in the book, which reveals how Depp demanded his team procure drugs for him and how they were left to clean up after he and Heard all but destroyed a rented Gold Coast mansion during a vicious argument. An extra hotel room was always rented in case a fight broke out between the couple and they needed to be sent to their own corners. Depp was already in an agitated state before Heard arrived Down Under to join him and texted his assistant Nathan Holmes asking for drugs. He said he'd been sober from booze for nine months but he was still taking ecstasy, according to the book. Ben King's former boss, Queen Elizabeth II. British music royalty Andrew Lloyd Webber. Holmes reportedly told his boss that 'the guy', a film crew member, could only carry two grams because if caught he faced two years in an Australia prison. Depp apparently exploded: 'Any ONE of ANY of you guys start to lecture me … I just do not want to hear it … No stupid bullshit about sappy bollocks.' It was Holmes and King who were faced with cleaning up after the couple's vicious row which led Depp to losing the top of his finger. The pair had to restore the damage to the house, estimated to be up to $300,000, without its owner, Aussie motorcycling champion Mick Doohan, learning about the drama. As part of the operation, King found a woman in the countryside to make a perfect copy of an antique lampshade on which Depp had painted 'Good Luck and Be Careful at the Top'. He also found someone to replace the chunk of marble that had come off the bar in the games room. New details … Hollywood Vampires will be published in Australia on August 12. Hollywood Vampires: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard and the Celebrity Exploitation Machine, by Kelly Loudenberg and Makiko Wholey, will be published in Australia by HarperCollins on August 12. Want to go further into the Depp/Heard story? Watch for free on Tubi: Documentary – Depp vs Heard: All the Line Docu-series – Surviving Amber Heard Dramatisation – Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial PLUS Star Couple's Night of Aussie Mayhem: Exclusive extract on Sunday. Originally published as Manager who looked after Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, their smuggled dogs and their trashed mansion was former royal man
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Too close for comfort: Residents encounter coyotes this summer
Coyotes have long been part of Niagara-on-the-Lake's landscape, but recent sightings have some residents on edge, saying the animals are venturing too close for comfort. Wandering through gardens, stalking pets, and lingering in tourist areas, coyotes are leaving some too afraid to walk their dogs or let pets outside. But the Humane Society of Greater Niagara says more sightings don't necessarily mean there are more coyotes — and the Ministry of Natural Resources says it hasn't received any recent reports from the area. The town says it has received one service request related to coyotes and directs all complaints to the humane society. Cortnie Welychka, senior manager of operations at the humane society, said the rise in sightings is likely due to growing public awareness, more homes near natural corridors like the Niagara Escarpment, and faster information-sharing through social media and 'neighbourhood networks.' 'Coyotes have always been present in Niagara,' she said. As agencies and the town aim to balance coexistence with safety, officials stress the importance of not feeding coyotes — intentionally or not — as this can cause them to lose their fear of people and become aggressive. Meanwhile, some residents are calling for stronger measures to keep coyotes out of urban areas and are urging people to stay educated on risks to prevent conflict. NOTL makes ideal habitat for coyotes, Welychka says Welychka said NOTL presents 'a unique environment for coyotes.' Its mix of residential neighbourhoods, farmland and tourist areas provides them with easy access to food, shelter and safety from natural predators, she said. And they're not picky eaters either. Coyotes will happily grab whatever curbside takeout is available. Unsecured garbage, compost, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit all make for an easy meal — the rodents they attract are just a bonus on the menu. Properties in town with thick brush, vineyards, and green spaces give coyotes the cover they need, creating cozy spots to den and quiet routes to slip through neighbourhoods. Welychka said they are smart and adaptable, hence why they can thrive in suburbs and urban areas. The town's steady stream of visitors doesn't help, she said — with more food scraps left behind and less caution around pets, coyotes are more likely to venture closer. Encounters leave residents feeling unsafe Old Town resident Sheryl Johnson said she will not take her three Yorkies, Mia, Portia and Pandora, for a walk — or let them into her backyard. One time, Johnson encountered a coywolf — a coyote-wolf hybrid — that stalked her while she was walking the two Yorkie-Havanese mixes she had at the time, Parker and Pennelope. 'I picked up both dogs and I ran,' she said. Johnson grew up on a Niagara farm and is used to seeing coyotes, but as more subdivisions go up, she said the animals are being pushed closer to town — human behaviour, including neighbours feeding them, is making the problem worse. 'They're even coming out in the daytime in a way they have never come out before,' she said. Some coyotes in the neighbourhood, including a mother and her two cubs, have started to appear almost tame, she said, a change she's noticed more in recent months. 'But they never can be tamed,' she said. 'They're wild animals. They have wild instincts for a reason. It's what keeps them alive.' 'It's not up to us.' Johnson most often sees coyotes on Ball, Delater, Ricardo and sometimes Front streets: Busy areas near hotels, beaches and tourist foot traffic. She even saw coyotes take down a deer at Parkway and Ricardo once. 'One of my first concerns was, kids are unpredictable. Kids will try to pet something that looks like a dog. How do they know any different?' she said, adding there are lots of children nearby. Last fall, a friend of Johnson was devastated after a coyote killed her chihuahua. 'All (the owners) heard was a little tiny rustling of the leaves and then a small whimper,' said Johnson, emphasizing how quickly and quietly an attack can happen. Resident Barbara Worthy said she's seen coyotes around for years, but never this many. Their growing presence has left her feeling like she's living in 'watchful cautiousness,' she said. 'I can't go out walking down the street at night anymore outside my house,' she said, calling the issue 'an inevitable problem of nature and urbanites.' Worthy once had a close encounter in Old Town when a coyote came around the corner and up her driveway, just as she was getting into her car. She quickly scooped up her dog, Louie — a 10-year-old, six-pound white multi-poo and beloved museum mascot — and got him inside. Though she didn't feel in danger, the moment was 'a bit nerve-wracking,' she said. Last week, she spotted five coyotes playing in the street, right outside her front door, around 1 a.m. 'My dog was barking his head off,' said Worthy. 'It's not like they're just walking down the street. They're walking the scene — going in and out of gardens,' she added. Marah Minor, the town's communications co-ordinator, said that while the town does not intervene in routine sightings, it may step in if a coyote poses a public safety risk, working with the humane society and provincial wildlife authorities to assess the situation. Feeding coyotes increases risks Purposefully or not, feeding wildlife is 'one of the greatest risks when it comes to coyote habituation,' said Welychka. And not only is it dangerous, but Welychka said it's prohibited under NOTL bylaws and enforceable with fines. Mike Fenn, spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources, said attractants like pet food left outside, excess bird or squirrel feed, and food scraps should be removed, as they can teach coyotes to associate humans with easy meals. 'They are also opportunistic feeders,' said Fenn. Over time, this can condition them to 'become aggressive and dependent on humans for food,' he said, leading them to return more often and lose their caution around people. 'Once coyotes lose their fear of humans, the risk of conflict rises,' said Welychka. Johnson said this dependency isn't good for coyotes either — it disrupts their natural behaviour. Coyotes not naturally dangerous, experts say Welychka said one of the biggest misconceptions about coyotes is that they are 'inherently dangerous to people.' 'In reality, coyotes are naturally shy and try to avoid human contact,' she said. Native to Niagara and having adapted to life near people, coyotes are not normally aggressive toward humans. It's actually rare, said Welychka, often tied to being fed or getting too comfortable around humans. 'Lethal control measures are often misguided,' said Welychka. 'Removing coyotes typically creates a territorial vacancy, prompting new coyotes to move in and sometimes causing an increase in reproduction rates.' Johnson said even when bred with domestic animals, coyotes remain wild. On a farm near where Johnson grew up, a coyote bred with a dog. The family tried to keep one of the pups, but Johnson said it couldn't be domesticated and was turned over to a conservation area for safety reasons. Co-existence involves careful measures and 'hazing' To get coyotes to keep a distance, Welychka said to make some noise. 'It's important for residents to act assertively during an encounter, never turning their back or running,' she said. Clapping, yelling, banging pots or blasting an air horn can scare them off, and waving your arms, flapping a garbage bag, opening umbrellas or spraying water helps send the message too, Welychka said. In the past, residents were seen carrying large sticks and baseball bats to stay safe. 'Hazing should be practiced consistently,' she said. Welychka advised pet owners to take extra precautions, especially when protecting small pets that can look like prey to coyotes. Never leave dogs or cats unattended outside, she said, 'particularly during early morning and evening hours when coyotes are most active.' People should also walk dogs on short — not retractable — leashes, keep cats indoors, bring pet food inside after feeding, clean up outdoor food sources like compost or bird seed, and consider motion lights, fencing, and other deterrents to help keep properties safer, she said. The ministry's advice is straightforward: 'If you encounter an aggressive coyote, remain calm, use a flashlight, make a lot of noise, avoid turning your back, and never approach it. Once at a safe distance, contact 911,' said Fenn. Worthy said the goal is for people and coyotes to be able to co-exist:'We don't want to eradicate these wonderful animals.' 'They have their right to be here too,' she added. 'But we don't need them to be urbanized like this.' Johnson said the town's approach seems 'problematic' to her. 'The town said they couldn't do anything until the coyotes became a nuisance. So it's like, what, they have to bite somebody before the town can do anything?' she said. Johnson said the town should post signs to warn residents and visitors where coyotes are most active — and enforce property standards in those areas. It should also explore how to relocate coyotes to safer, non-urban areas. 'I don't want to cause (coyotes) harm,' she said. 'I also don't think they should be where we have all the tourists.' Coyotes aren't pets and shouldn't be treated like them, said Johnson — food sources need to be limited and wildlife kept out of urban areas, much like how bears are managed. Johnson said educating residents on risks and prevention is key. With so many tourists, dogs and small children, 'in Old Town, it's just too dangerous,' she said. 'I find it very disconcerting.' Minor said the town's approach focuses on public education, with tips, reporting guidance, and safety info available on its website at . paigeseburn@ Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Woman Gets Puppy, Thinks It's Black Yorkshire Terrier—Then Comes the Shock
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Yorkshire terrier's dramatic fur change over the course of a few years has in equal parts stunned and amused viewers online, after catching even her owner off guard. The canine's owner took to TikTok under @patriciaivyvo on June 17, to highlight the stark contrast in her adorable terrier's looks. The footage showed the dog first as a puppy nestled in her owner's arms with a distinctive dark brown-and-black coat. The video then cut to the present day, revealing the same Yorkshire terrier lounging in bed, now nearly unrecognizable with a light, blond coat. The post has been viewed more than 647,000 times and liked by almost 100,000 users to date, prompting comments from pet owners who have had similar experiences. Dr. Liza Cahn, an Embrace Pet Insurance contributor, told Newsweek that dog coats can sometimes change, even as drastically as the transformation shown in the video. "A dog's coat color is caused by a complex interplay of genetics, though it can also be affected by factors such as aging, diet, overall health, and environmental exposure," Cahn said. "While most dogs maintain their adult color throughout life, there are a few interesting examples of how genetics can contribute to color change. "Color fading, also known as progressive graying, and this dominant gene causes puppies born with dark coats to gradually lighten in color over their first few years of life, going from black or brown to silver, café-au-lait, or beige," Cahn added. She said that this progressive lightening affects the hair itself, with the dog's skin, nose, and eye rims typically remaining dark. "Another distinct genetic example associated with faded coat color is known as color dilution," Cahn said. "Unlike progressive graying, dilution affects the coat color from birth, essentially watering down the pigment to appear gray or fawn. "Color dilution impacts all pigment, so these dogs will also have lighter coloring on their nose, paw pads, and eyes," Cahn added. An overlaid text on the video read: "Nobody prepares you for the color change," while a caption below added: "I had no idea that Yorkies could change colors like that once they've grown out their puppy hair, and to think I almost named her boba." For many viewers, the transformation was not just a novelty—it was relatable. In the comments section, TikTok users flooded the post with their own stories of pet glow-ups, expressing surprise, affection, some tips, and even mild regret at not knowing what to expect. "You still have two more color changes to go prepare," one viewer said. "And they change color once you give them a cut," another added. "So don't cut them too early." "Mine was the beige-blue color, and she got blonder and blonder over years, it's the cutest thing ever," a third viewer shared. "Nobody warned me either my baby was chocolate brown now he's the color of your baby," one comment read. As Cahn said, the change in a Yorkshire Terrier's coat color is not unusual. The American Kennel Club said that Yorkie puppies are typically born with black-and-tan coats. As they mature—usually between 9 weeks and 1 year—the black fur often fades to show lighter hairs. This transformation is influenced by the dog's genetics, which is also what is responsible for many Yorkshire terriers turning silver as they grow older. Newsweek reached out to @patriciaivyvo for more information via TikTok. Stock image: A blonde Yorkshire terrier sits on a towel in front of a woman. Stock image: A blonde Yorkshire terrier sits on a towel in front of a woman. Getty Images Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- The Citizen
Dogs poisoned in Faerie Glen, CPF urges pet safety protocols
The Garsfontein CPF is calling on residents in the east of Pretoria to keep their pets safe. The policing forum also urged pet owners to enrol their furry friends in obedience training to help prevent them from accepting food from strangers. The call comes after a dog was recently killed, while another is in critical condition. The two Yorkies had allegedly been poisoned in an incident on Panbult Street in Faerie Glen on Monday night. Garsfontein CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said two small dogs were poisoned. 'One of the dogs unfortunately died, the other is being treated at the vet,' Ruyter said. He said after the CPF spoke to the owner, at this stage, no definitive modus operandi or time of when the poison/bait was placed in the front garden can be determined. Ruyter said the thieves normally poison dogs at yards or properties that have motorbikes to gain entry and steal. 'They usually put the poison on steak or other bits of meat they know the dogs will eat.' He said residents need to familiarise themselves with life-saving measures they can take to protect their pets if poisoned. What to do if you suspect your dog has been poisoned: – Act immediately, time is critical. – Do not wait for symptoms to worsen (vomiting, excessive drooling, trembling, diarrhoea, weakness or seizures). – Rush your dog to the nearest vet or emergency animal clinic as fast as possible. – If safe to do so, take a sample or photo of any suspicious food or bait found on your property, but do not handle it with your bare hands. – Inform your vet of what was possibly ingested and provide context. – Report the incident to your local CPF, SAPS, and security provider, ASAP. Safety advice for residents: – Inspect your property daily, especially gardens, entrances, and gates, for anything unusual. – Install or check street-facing security cameras and motion lights, which deter criminals. – Share footage if you notice suspicious behaviour, people loitering, bending near gates, throwing objects over fences, etc. – Don't leave food or treats outside, it can mask or attract poison bait. – Talk to your neighbours, especially if you have had disagreements. Many past cases in Pretoria east have been traced back to neighbours' disputes or retaliatory actions, not necessarily recurring threats. -While most perpetrators do not return, do not let your guard down. Maintain vigilance and report anything suspicious immediately. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Hartbeespoort father rescues daughter as fire guts home, 8 pets perish
The home of Francois le Grange and his daughter, Carla, in Jean Botha Avenue, Meerhof, Hartbeespoort, went up in flames around 03:00 yesterday. 'I woke up to my daughter screaming. She lives on the top floor. When I ran up the steps to the door connecting the two units, I encountered flames. I screamed at her to get out on the balcony and ran around the house,' a traumatised Le Grange told Kormorant. Carla climbed over the balcony and held onto the railing. Le Grange managed to reach her legs and pull her down. 'I ran back to the front door on the top floor to try and get to the three dogs, five cats and the African Grey that were with her. However, I could not get in. Everything was engulfed in flames.' Neighbours rushed to help the family, and Necsa Fire, Hartbeespoort Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and Madibeng Fire were soon on the scene. Despite firefighters' efforts, the top floor of the house was completely destroyed. 'I was looking for the animals this morning. I found the German Shepherd's carcass, but there was nothing left of the two Yorkies and four cats. All that was left in the bird cage was a small heap of ashes.' Two of Le Grange's dogs, which were with him in the ground-floor unit, escaped the fire. 'It seems one of the cats also managed to get out and was seen running around by people on the scene.' The cat has since been found. Le Grange's wife passed away four months ago, and he was living with his daughter in the house. 'We don't know what caused the fire. It started in Carla's unit. I doubt whether it will be possible to save any part of the house. Even the nose of the car in the garage melted from the heat. I am waiting for the assessors. I would like to know how the fire started,' said Le Grange. 'I want to thank everyone who came to our rescue – both neighbours and the firemen who did a wonderful job. My daughter is safe, I am safe, and I am thankful for that.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
