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Pet owner’s tribute to dog goes viral
Jennifer left boxes of tennis balls along her late dog's favourite walk. (Stock photo)
Tennis balls for local dogs left along Loki’s favourite walk

A pet owner’s tribute to her late dog has gone viral, after she left boxes of tennis balls for local dogs along their favourite walk.

When Staffordshire bull terrier cross Loki (not pictured) died last month, his owner Jennifer McKnight left the toys on Kelvin Walkway in Glasgow, alongside posters urging owners to cherish their time with their dogs.

Photos of the tribute were shared on Twitter by actor Colin McCredie and have since gone viral.

Jennifer’s flatmate originally adopted Loki in 2007, from the Scottish SPCA’s rescue and rehoming centre in Cardonald, BBC News reports. But when her friend went to visit her sister in New Zealand, Jennifer and Loki formed a strong bond and became inseparable.

He was diagnosed with canine lymphoma last December and euthanised at home on 11 July.

Ms McKnight told BBC News: “He was just wonderful. I know everyone thinks they have got the best dog in the world but he really was an absolutely special wee soul. He was just gentle, sweet, good with children and good with other dogs. I took him everywhere with me.”

She added: “I feel a little bit as if I have lost my shadow. He was always there, always with me, always following me around.”

Jennifer said she wanted to do something positive in his honour. She also acknowledged that, as well as losing her dog, she has lost the links she formed with other dog owners and their pets.

“Leaving that memorial was a way of having a final connection with them, maybe saying goodbye to them as well.”

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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.