NOVEMBER 2021, FREE
Hollywood Actress VICTORIA SUMMER & her beloved pooch
PLUS: Why dogs are so good for us, and more inside Vet
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DOGS: Why they’re so good for our health…
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Dr. Jessica May, lead vet at video vet service, FirstVet (https:// firstvet.com/uk) As any dog owner will attest, your pup can almost always lift your mood, make you laugh or even provide you with comfort. It may come as no surprise, then, that owning a dog has been proven to boost both your mental and physical health. Dogs are, by nature, loving creatures. They fast become members of the family and are loyal companions. Naturally, then, owning a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness. According to a Harris poll, 95 percent of pet owners think of their animal as a member of the family. So, for those that live alone or lack companionship, owning a dog can be a great way to feel more supported.
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Moreover, a study by the
can have tangible benefits for
University of Sydney found
our mental health. Interaction
that dogs can help to alleviate
with dogs can boost production
loneliness amongst their
of hormones such as oxytocin,
owners and reduce negative
serotonin and dopamine,
emotions. This companionship
which can reduce stress and
help to promote a sense of
slower heart rate, more
Liverpool, 87.3 percent of dog
wellbeing.
regular breathing and even a
owners exercise for 150
reduction in muscle tension.
minutes per week, compared
As well as reducing loneliness,
with 62.7 percent of those
dogs can help people who are
Perhaps the most obvious
without a dog.
dealing with anxiety. Dogs are
health impact of owning a dog
used in many types of therapy
is an increase in physical
Walking is a brilliant low-
and as emotional support
activity. For anyone who
impact activity. It has been
animals because they can have struggles with motivation to
proven to lower blood pressure
a calming effect on those they
exercise, a dog’s enthusiasm
and reduce cholesterol and
come into contact with.
for daily walks can be
triglyceride levels, leading to
Researchers at Purdue
infectious.
overall improvements in
University and the University
cardiovascular health. In fact,
of Pennsylvania looked into the Most adult dogs should be
dog owners are 31 percent less
physical effects of owning a
walked twice a day, come rain
likely to suffer a fatal heart
pet. Their results showed a
or shine, meaning that,
attack or stroke than non-dog
reduction in blood pressure,
according to the University of
owners.
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However, fitness fanatics
make good running partners.
Owning a dog is a lot of
should be careful not to over-
Smaller dogs are often very
responsibility, but it can be
exercise their dogs, especially
enthusiastic but will naturally
hugely rewarding, too. From
young animals. During
have less tolerance for
helping us hit our daily step
lockdown, many people have taken up running with their pets, but runners should make sure to look out for when their
Brachycephalic breeds with shorter noses, such as Pugs, are also more likely to struggle with exercise due to breathing difficulties
dog starts to tire. Just
target, to boosting our welfare by being a friendly and calming presence in the home, dogs can do a lot to keep their owners happy and healthy,
like us humans, dogs need to
exercise due to their energy
particularly during these
rest their muscles, too.
levels and shorter legs.
uncertain times.
The amount of exercise your
Brachycephalic breeds with
dog can tackle depends on
shorter noses, such as Pugs,
their size and build, as well as
are also more likely to struggle
their fitness. Larger dogs with
with exercise due to breathing
longer legs - like Hungarian
difficulties, so be wary not to
Vizslas, Pointers, Border
push these types of dogs to run
Collies, and Labradors - can
too far, especially in warmer weather.
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MY PET: ACTRESS VICTORIA SUMMER & BENTLEY
British Hollywood actress VICTORIA SUMMER, star of ‘Saving Mr Banks’, ‘Transformers' and ‘Game of Aces', has announced her engagement to Michelin star chef Fabrizio Vaccaro. We caught up with the English beauty to discuss the other love in her life, her extremely cute rescue Pomeranian pup Bentley.
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Berkshire-born Victoria Summer is in a
Pictures' Transformers: Age of Extinction (Mark
whirl of excitement after announcing her
Wahlberg/Stanley Tucci/Kelsey Grammer) and
engagement to her Italian born ancé Fabrizio Vaccaro. She met the Michelin
as the lead role of British nurse Eleanor in Game of Aces (Chris Klein/Werner Daehn).
star chef by chance, in a British co ee
Victoria has created a successful new website &
shop, when he was on the way back from a
TV show, which she is really excited about. The
holiday in Florida after his ight was
show shines the spotlight on up-and-coming
cancelled. He had been on the way to Italy
young talent and is called ‘Next Generation Role Model’ and interviews visionaries and
to visit his sick 94-year-old grandmother
influencers www.nextgenrolemodel.com. A few
when he made the unscheduled UK
years ago, she was also asked to be an
stopover – a trip that changed both their
ambassador for Teen Cancer America by Roger
lives forever. This led to a magical and unexpected turn, and after a few dates,
Daltrey which she continues to strongly support and raise money for. She also created a special afternoon tea event for them called ‘Tea With
decided to lockdown together in the
Victoria Summer’ that kicked off in Los Angeles
English countryside…
at the British Consulate.
Victoria has appeared opposite Tom Hanks as
Victoria is planning to stay in Europe for the
the iconic 'Julie Andrews' in Walt Disney's
time being as she is due to fly to Spain next
ff
fi
fl
Saving Mr Banks, in Paramount
month to film a supporting role in period drama Bentley is a pure bred Pomeranian. I chose him ‘Glow & Darkness’, alongside two Bond girls
because I wanted a rescue and I saw his puppy
Denise Richards and Jane Seymour. Outside of
picture on a rescue website and fell in love with
work her passions are hiking and yoga, she
him immediately! He was on ‘hold’ and I sent
enjoys a plant-based diet, and has a huge
several emails before I was able to eventually
passion for rescuing animals. She is also a fan of visit him and I drove an hour outside LA to meet fast cars and enjoys racing as a hobby. Her
him. My persistence paid off! He’s the best dog
favourite sport is basketball; you can often catch ever. her at the Clippers games.
How long have you had Bentley?
We caught up with Victoria to talk about her
I have had Bentley since he was four months
adorable rescue Pomeranian pup Bentley!
and he is seven years old now. He’s a family member and our love and connection continues
So, Victoria, what made you adopt Bentley? He’s
very cute!
to strengthen over the years.
in California, has his very own European Pet
Absolutely! He’s attended many auditions in Los
Passport.
Angeles and London and he loves people and
Do you take Bentley with you to restaurants and
enjoys interacting.
pubs?
Yes. Bentley is very well behaved and I’m glad I
What di erence does Bentley make to your life? got him excellent training when is was 6 months Through Bentley I’ve learnt to communicate and old at a place called Zoom Room in Los Angeles. He’s very smart, a understand all animals so much better. To
Bentley does the moonwalk!
have a deeply connected relationship
I kid you not.
with a dog, as a
great listener, incredibly calm and a joy to take anywhere. We especially love to visit
companion and best friend has brought me so much joy. I’m always so excited to see him. He
English pubs and he particularly loves to say
means the world to me.
hello to other dogs.
Do you take take doggie-friendly holidays with
What are Bentley’s favourite things in the world?
your pup?
Bentley loves cuddles and a good scratch under
Yes! Bentley has been all over California where he was born; Las Vegas, Florida, New York, London and Italy so far... he loves experiencing the smells of new countries and enjoys warm climates.
his front right leg. Generally he loves people and he enjoys bringing happiness to anyone he meets.
Does Bentley have any tricks or special character traits?
What are the best holidays you’ve taken with
Bentley does the moonwalk. I kid you not... he
him?
plops himself down, splays he legs and pushes
New York with Bentley was really special. We stayed in a super sweet boutique hotel in Midtown Manhatten and I remember walking in
himself backwards.
How is pet welfare important to you?
Central Park with him and taking pictures
Adopt don’t shop! There are so many amazing
thinking it was a dream come true. He’s the
animals that need rescuing and providing a
ff
perfect dog to travel with and despite being born loving home to a pet in need is very rewarding indeed.
Does Bentley come to work with you?
Cancerstricken Honey’s Remarkable Recovery
Brave Cavachon Honey was given just 18 months to live after being diagnosed with a brain tumour but more than two years later she is now living a life of sun, sea and sand on the idyllic holiday island of Bermuda thanks to innovative cancer treatment by leading Surrey vets. Honey, a 10-year old Cavalier King first shrinking dramatically before
She was referred to the renowned
Charles Spaniel Poodle Cross has
disappearing completely.
Linnaeus animal hospital North
astonished her owner and
It’s an amazing story of survival
Downs Specialist Referrals
specialist vets with a dramatic and which began in May 2018, when
(NDSR), near Bletchingley, in
remarkable recovery from cancer,
Honey first displayed worrying
Surrey, after her condition
with the life-threatening tumour
signs something serious could be
worsened, including suffering a
wrong.
spate of epileptic seizures in quick
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succession. NDSR’s neurology specialist Francesca de Strobel, who led the initial investigations, explained: “Honey’s owners were
Grave situation:
extremely
Honey’s large
worried due to the
tumour was clearly
sudden
visible on her rst
and
MRI scan
alarming
development of these epileptic
“We were told the tumour could
Honey was immediately
seizures.
only be treated as palliative and
transferred to the specialist
that Honey’s life expectancy would oncology service at NDSR, which “I was immediately concerned
not be any more than a year to 18
is part of UK-wide
about the possible
Linnaeus, where she
presence of a brain
began oral
We were told Honey’s life expectancy would not be any more than a year to 18 months…
lesion, so we performed an MRI scan and took some cells from the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord for further analysis.
treatment, which she received once a month to begin with. NDSR clinical director and oncology specialist
months. We were not expecting that news. After all, she was only
chemotherapy
Gerry Polton said: “Honey
“The tests revealed Honey actually seven-and-a-half. had a tumour and the cells from
tolerated the medicine very well.
the fluid indicated it was a cancer
“Honey is the first dog I have ever
we couldn’t be certain whether
called lymphoma.”
had and she is such a kind and
this was due to the chemotherapy
gentle little thing, we wanted to
working or due to the anti-seizure
The news was a huge blow to
give her the best opportunity to
medication she had also started.
Honey’s owner Julie Tomkins,
survive - and thank goodness we
who admitted: “To say we were
did!”
“The only way we could tell the
devastated is an understatement.
She didn’t have any more fits but
treatment was working was to repeat the MRI scan. This was
fi
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“None of us could believe the news that the tumour had gone…”
done in December 2018 and,
somewhat speechless when we last he should be proud to be
incredibly, the tumour had shrunk had her scanned.
associated with, just as we are.”
by around 80 per cent.
“None of us could believe the news
“Honey continued her treatment
that the tumour had gone. Honey
with a gradually increasing
is now 10 years old and loving her
interval between doses and was
new life
scanned again in December 2019.
here in Bermuda,
“Again, the results were
walking on
remarkable. The tumour had
the pink
resolved – all that remained was a
beaches and
thin crescent of scar tissue.
sometimes dipping her
“Honey will finally finish receiving paws in the chemotherapy at the end of this
warm sea.
year and it is amazing to see her looking so well more than two
“We are so
years after her initial
grateful to
presentation.”
Gerry for his expertise
Delighted owner Julie Tomkins,
and
originally from Surrey but who has kindness now emigrated, along with Honey, and believe to Bermuda, added: “We all think
Honey is a
Honey’s response has been
true success
incredible and even Gerry was
story which
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Tony Knight, an internationally-acclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, on why you shouldn’t get your
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male dog neutered…
“Dogs ask us questions every day to see who they can trust...”
Speaking as a male, I admit that I have a soft spot (well, two really) for my own “equipment; men will wince in empathy should they hear a story about some poor chap whose “poor chap” was involved in some kind of painful accident. dog trainer (and not species) that I came many years ago that is cracked up to be. However, it is still often the rst course of action when dealing with aggression in male dogs.
run after anyone? My own old fellow, Kez (I am
for health reasons or to avoid unwanted puppies is de nitely recommended in the rst case (and begrudgingly in the second, although intelligent
Too many vets propose this procedure as the cure-all (which comes at a price of course). I have met many aggressive female dogs in all
fi
ff
fi
my years as a Dog Listener –
(and de nitely not removed).
to be....”
castration is not all it
Maybe their legs so they can’t
all it is cracked up
to the conclusion
ff
body that should be treated
“Castration is not
as a male of the
what should we cut o them?
Don’t get me wrong, castration referring to my dog here) was
That said, it is as a
fi
fi
Tony Knight, an internationallyacclaimed Dog Listener and trainer, on why you shouldn’t get your male dog neutered…
control from dog owners is preferable). When it comes to dealing with aggressive behaviour though, there is a
an entire male and the most chilled out individual you could have hoped to meet. A very large part (I promise you I am not making these puns on purpose!) of the reason
for his calm demeanour was the way I interacted with him to show him that he could relax and trust me with the big decisions. Dogs ask us questions every day to see who they can trust, so when Kez asked, I made sure to give him
completely di erent part of the the right answer.
Kez asked, I made sure to give
drop, leaving them prone to
him the right answer. That way, feeling vulnerable.
concentrate on the other end of the body. Using the way they
I avoided him
think is the key to
taking on the role
success. Calm and
himself, which
positive
could have led to
communication in
bigger problems.
their language shows them that
In nearly every case
you are capable of
of dog aggression,
looking after
there is a big dose
everyone, allowing
of panic added. This does not come from
Female dogs can be aggressive too...
any appendage; If you have ever had to go to
mind that it is responsible for
work or look after your
the safety of its family in a
children while feeling unwell, I
world that it does not
am willing to bet that you may
understand. That panic can lead to reactions that can understandably
“Many vets now realise that castration for
be seen as aggressive. Once again, we know
aggression problems
that there are females that can also have these aggressive tendencies,
clearly does not work.”
but there is not an equivalent, arbitrary, medical procedure for them. What can make the situation worse for a male that has been given the chop is that they may still have the responsibility of looking after everyone, only now they are constantly feeling out of sorts. The levels of
ff
testosterone take a massive
responsibility and relax.
rather the belief in a dog’s
fi
them to relinquish
have been more easily irritated… On so many occasions, I have been asked to work with highly strung dogs that have previously been castrated, only for their behaviour to remain unchanged or even worsen. My approach to solving dog aggression is to
Thankfully, not every veterinarian is still stuck in the old-fashioned practice of slicing o a mutt’s nuts. There are plenty of professionals out there who have realised that castration for aggression problems clearly does not work. They also know that there are ways to help solve this problem that do not require drugs, force, pain or surgery. When it comes to helping your dog to be happy and calm, I guess the ball is in your court… To nd out more, visit: www.tonyknightdoglistener.