Latest news with #canines
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: How dogs replaced children in Italy
ROME: Rome airport's newest luxury hotel is designed to be a calming oasis for its guests. Rooms – with underfloor cooling – are suffused with aromatic oils such as lavender, tea-tree and mint and each has a private lawn. The property offers arnica massages, a communal garden where guests can mingle and large screens for video calls with faraway loved ones. Yet weary human travellers will not find succour here. With a capacity for 40 overnight guests, Dog Relais is an airport hotel for canines, whose travelling owners – airline crew, business travellers or holidaymakers – need safe shelter for their pets while they are away. 'We look at providing dogs with the best experience possible in their owners' absence,' said Roberto Tortorella, who runs Dog Relais for the airport. 'Our four-legged guests must be able to express themselves freely, socialise, play and feel loved.' The hotel, which opened in July, is part of the nation's rapidly expanding pet service industry, catering to animals whose status has risen in tandem with Italy's plummeting annual births. With fewer children and grandchildren to fawn over, Italians are channelling more of their emotional energy – and cash – towards a growing cadre of pampered pets, with dogs the favourite. A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY Italy's official rates of pet ownership – about 40 per cent of households report having at least one pet – may still be well below those of the UK and the US, at 60 per cent and 66 per cent respectively. But Tortorella, who also runs a dog day-care in the centre of Rome, says that while Italians have always loved dogs, 'in the last 10 years, dogs or cats have really become treated as a member of the family. It's a new, pet-friendly culture. They do the same things for their dogs as you can do with a child.' From dog day-care with pick-up and drop-off shuttle services, to specialised pathology labs, to the organisation of solemn pet funerals, new enterprises are catering to the needs of the full pet life cycle. In 2022, Italians spent €6.8 billion (US$8 billion) on pet care, according to Nomisma, an Italian consultancy. While dogs were once fed table scraps, people are increasingly fussy over what they give them. 'They worry about what they eat, the quality,' Tortorella said. 'Now people cook for their pets.' In Rome, dogs have access to public places often off limits to animals in other parts of the world. In California, for example, it is illegal to take dogs – apart from service pets – into grocery stores or restaurants. Here, however, no one blinks an eye at seeing them in food shops, indoor restaurants or shopping malls. My local grocery even has two designated shopping trolleys for dogs to ride in. They have breached the corridors of power too. Senator Michaela Biancofiore recently won the right to bring her beloved 12-year-old dog, Puggy, to work, setting a precedent. 'I work here from morning to night and the dog can't be left alone all day,' Biancofiore told me in her senate office as Puggy lolled in the corner. 'A dog sitter won't give the same attention as her owner.' MORE LOYAL THAN HUMANS Not everyone is happy with pets' new prominence. The late Pope Francis repeatedly decried couples choosing to have more pets than children, which he said 'diminishes' humanity. But politicians are embracing the trend. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has begun allocating €250,000 a year for an 'animal bonus' to help elderly pet owners with limited incomes cover some of their veterinary expenses. Penalties for crimes against animals were recently stiffened. Guglielmo Giordano, founder of the fast-growing animal pathology laboratory MyLav, said pets' status has changed profoundly from mere animals to 'centres of affection'. That resonates with what I've seen. At my neighbourhood park, I've been moved by a man who carries his ageing dachshund in his arms, gently sets her down in the grass to waddle around, then carries her home again.
CBC
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CBC
#TheMoment a N.S. business owner made a pool just for dogs
Shawna O'Handley recounts the moment her new dog swimming facility attracted the attention of canines and their owners in St. Croix, N.S.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video: Golden Retriever Doesn't Know How to React Every Time a Sprinkler Pops Up
Dogs have an appetite for discovery that the world can't keep up with. Our furbabies stumble upon little wonders all day long, which instantly fill them with joy. All it takes is a walk around the neighborhood to find a new friend or plaything, because life is a never-ending adventure when you love to sniff around. In one such Instagram video, a Golden Retriever learns about a sprinkler. However, she doesn't know how to react every time one pops up. Your dog might have the most quirky reaction to something completely ordinary to you, and that's okay and nothing to worry about. For instance, this Golden Retriever was totally clueless after seeing the sprinkler pop up from the ground and even tried to interact with the same in a hilarious video. The Instagram Reel featured the furbaby named Gamja making unusual discoveries while on her daily walks around the neighborhood. Since canines are naturally curious beings, she gives in to her urge to explore. The compilation video showed the Golden Retriever getting bamboozled seeing the sprinkler pop up from the ground. In the first throwback clip, Gamja was only a little puppy when she came across the device during one of her morning adventures. She looked cautious, but that would change as she grew up. The post then showed her trying to sniff it before heckling the sprinkler with her paws and even barking at it to intimidate the inanimate object. In some snippets, it almost seemed like she was trying to interact with the water-spraying gadget. Finally comfortable around the sprinkler, the Golden Retriever was completely baffled when it went back in at the end of the video. The caption captured Gamja's reaction, 'so many Wows,' revealing that sprinklers have never failed to amuse her. In an additional comment, the dog owner explained that she used to be 'cautious about it when she was a puppy,' but has become 'more curious' now. Fellow Golden Retriever account, @daisythegoldiee, further shared their joy on how easy it is to amuse pups. The post Video: Golden Retriever Doesn't Know How to React Every Time a Sprinkler Pops Up appeared first on DogTime.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Aldi is selling a summer essential for all dog owners – it's only £6.99 & will keep your pooch cool in the heat
IF your pooch struggles in the heat, there's a fun way you can keep them cool this summer. With Aldi's budget buy, your dog will stay comfortable and entertained in the hot weather. If your pet likes to splash in ponds or enjoys taking a bath, this Specialbuy may be worth investing in. According to manufacturers, it "gives your four legged friends a fun way to cool off this summer". The Collapsible Pet Pool is currently available for just £6.99 from Aldi. It features heat sealed edges to prevent sharpness and is easily washable, making it ideal for all canines. The pool is available from the Aldi middle aisle until Thursday, 12 June. It has a capacity of 20 gallons, measuring 80 centimetres by 20 centimetres. The pool comes with accessories, including a repair kit, a PP water watcher tag, and a manual. It is available in three versions, a tropical pattern, a striped pattern, and an all-blue style. But your pets will have to take turns as the maximum capacity is just one pooch at a time. The animal experts at the USPCA broke down the importance of keeping your pets cool and comfortable during the summer. The clever way you can ensure your paddling pool is kept warm "Dogs can develop heat stroke quickly and can be fatal," they explained. "It is vital that owners ensure their dog has access to water and cool shaded areas to rest at all times. "It's also important you monitor your dog throughout the day to check changes in their behaviour." They recommended making use of paddling pools to ensure your pooch doesn't overheat. "Paddling pools aren't just for children. On a hot day your dog will appreciate a pool to dip his or her paws into," the pros said. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off. Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.' "This is an effective way of cooling them down rapidly as dogs absorb and release heat through their paws. They advised using cool water but not freezing water, regardless of how hot the weather. "Some dogs may need a little more encouragement than others," the experts added. They also recommended ensuring your pup has cool, chilled water throughout the day. You can also make use of cooling mats, spray bottles, and cool towels to cool down your dogs.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Golden Retriever Lands Job As 'Fishing Guide' and Totally Nails the Role
Is there anything that Golden Retrievers can't do? These gorgeous, remarkably intelligent dogs almost never fail to impress. And the Golden Retriever in this video, who shows that he is a grade A "fishing guide," is no exception. From catching fish, to steering the boat, jumping off a cliff, and even taking on a scorpion - there's nothing this "fishing guide" can't do. Not to mention that when this good boy's cheeks flap in the wind as the boat cruises along, it's pretty much as adorable as can be!Obviously, this particular Golden Retriever is an exceptionally talented dog. He can drive and park a boat for crying out loud. Is there anything this guy can't do? As this other video shows, not only is this amazing golden retriever highly competent out on the water, but he is also easily the "coolest guy out in the parking lot." Before they even hit the water, it's obvious that this canine is the real deal. Just look at the way he comes face-to-face with that duck or how he catches so many fish with ease. And once the ride gets rough and bumpy out on the water, this handsome dog is not fazed at all, taking each and every bump in stride as he lays back and relaxes on the backseat, just chilling and enjoying the boat ride. There are good boys, good dogs, and then there are dogs that are professional good boys, just like this guy. He should really be the star of his own commercial or movie. He doesn't always catch fish, but when he does, he prefers to catch them in the open water, because he's the most interesting dog in the world! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Golden Retriever Lands Job As 'Fishing Guide' and Totally Nails the Role first appeared on PetHelpful on May 21, 2025
