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Rescue dog gets emotional support pug
Pancake and Fraser are best of friends.

Pancake proved to be the perfect companion for timid Fraser

A large rescue dog once too scared to leave his kennel is brimming with new-found confidence thanks to a little pug called Pancake.

One-year-old Fraser found himself at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home after a change in circumstances. But his stocky build, cropped ears and docked tail meant that many prospective owners found him intimidating.

But Fraser was a very timid dog, too scared to leave his kennel, even for a short walk. That was until he met six-month-old pug Pancake, who had been adopted by Battersea’s canine behaviourist Elizabeth Kidd.

Battersea staff had tried everything they could to get Fraser to come out of his shell, so they decided to introduce him to another dog. With her confident nature and playful personality, Pancake proved to be the perfect companion.

“Although Pancake and Fraser didn’t appear to be the most likely pairing, it was heart-warming to see how well they got along,” said Elizabeth. “Little Pancake really taught Fraser how to be a brave dog and be more confident in himself.” 


Thanks to the help of Pancake, Fraser has gained so much confidence that he is now ready to find his forever home. Battersea said that he is looking for a family that has plenty of other dogs to keep him company, as this is something he truly benefits from.

“Fraser really thrived in his friendship with Pancake; helping him to come out of his shell,” Elizabeth continued. “Some nervous dogs in a kennel environment may find a friend beneficial. Where appropriate we pair less confident dogs up with those who are more resilient and cope well with new environments, like our kennels. 


“Alongside other tailored behavioural and training support, this can be an additional way to help them feel comfortable whilst with us.”

Image (C) Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.