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Rescue Akita sniffs out abandoned dog
Foxy

Battersea's longest-stay resident is the heroine of the hour

A one-year-old Akita from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home became a canine heroine after sniffing out an abandoned great Dane cross just hours from death.

Battersea's secret superhero, Foxy, was on her daily walk when she barked to alert her handler to the severely emaciated dog, which had been abandoned in a ditch near the Old Windsor centre.

The nine-month-old great Dane cross was quickly taken to Battersea's clinic for emergency medical attention. She weighed just 16kg, less than half her recommended weight.

Nursing her back to health, staff named the abandoned dog Faith, watching her weight climb to a fighting fit 23kg in a month.

Just 30 days after she was discovered an inch from death, Faith was rehomed and is now enjoying life with her new owner, Annie Gravett from Battle in East Sussex.

Kaye Mughal, centre manager at Old Windsor, said: "Faith was one of the thinnest dogs we’ve ever seen at Battersea and it was definitely touch and go for a while. It’s amazing to think that if Foxy hadn’t found her hidden in the ditch she may still be there now. Instead, Faith is enjoying her new life with a loving family where she rightfully belongs."

Saviour Foxy, on the other hand, is Battersea's longest-stay resident, having been at the Old Windsor centre since February when her owners were moving home and could not take her with them.

Staff at Battersea say the young heroine has shown high intelligence and already has good training in place to help her develop into a loyal and rewarding companion for the right owner.

Kaye added: "We really hope Foxy can have the same happy ending [as Faith] because she deserves it so much, especially as she's been in kennels for almost half her life and has now saved another dog's life."

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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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.