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Battersea star Bella dies aged 15
Missy and bella
Missy and Bella

Elderly star of Battersea's ITV show dies 50 weeks after being rehomed

A canine star of ITV's Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs has died aged 15, exactly 50 weeks after she was re-homed.

Last year, the Staffordshire bull terrier was taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home along with her nine-year-old daughter Missy after their owner became too ill to care for them.

The pair had such a close bond they could not bear to be parted and had to be rehomed together.

After appearing on the TV show in May last year, they found a new home in Scotland.

Sadly Bella was diagnosed with spondylitis, a painful condition that made it difficult for her to walk. Despite treatment, her condition got progressively worse and her owner Arlene had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to her.

In a heartfelt tribute to Bella, Arlene said: "I only wish I had Bella all her life. It makes me sad to not know how her life was before and I hope she was happy there.

"I know she was happy here with us and we were very happy to have her. She was such a nosey character, into everything and always at my feet, following me from room to room.

"Lately when I went out she would lie with her nose on my slippers waiting for me to come home. We will miss her sorely as she got right into our hearts from the minute we got her home, and will always stay there."

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and 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.  

Click here for more...
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.