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Learning from homeless cats
  Amy Paddock with Cookie

Charity and college partnership set to benefit all

In a collaboration with pet charity Blue Cross, South Staffordshire College is providing care for homeless cats and kittens, until they are rehomed.

The college has provided specially made "cat chalets" and is allowing those students studying Animal Care and Management to look after the cats, whilst gaining valuable experience.

"I'm really enjoying looking after cats for Blue Cross," said student Amy Paddock. "Practical experience is really important for my course and so I'm learning at the same time.

"It makes it extra special to be helping a charity and to know that for many of these cats there simply isn't anywhere else for them to go, so they really do need our help."
 
Michelle Smith, Blue Cross regional foster manager, added that the new partnership will give homeless cats in the area the best chance of finding a new home, while enabling students to gain useful first-hand experience of looking after animals.

"Blue Cross rehoming centres across the UK are full of cats and kittens desperate for new homes and our catteries are often full to capacity," she commented, "so it really is a win-win partnership for all of us – including the cats!”

Image courtesy of South Staffordshire College

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.