Brits are more
likely to prioritise
their pet’s health
over their own,
with 48 per
cent paying
for a vet check,
while just one
in 10 invests in
a medical check
for themselves,
according to
a study by
Bluecrest Health
Screening.
DOG
DATAB
ulging Beagle Luigi has been
crowned PDSA pet slimmer of the
year after beating an array of podgy pets
to scoop victory.
The fi ve-year-old dog, whose weight
ballooned due to his penchant for Sunday
roasts, has shed a third of his bodyweight
— 8.7kg (1st 5lb) — in just six months.
Now tipping the scales at a healthy
20.4kg (3st 3lb), Luigi from Newport,
Gwent, originally weighed in at a whoppingS a d S t a f e
set for happy
ending
BIGGEST LOSER
LUIGI WINS TITLE
Talking dogs NEWS. CHAT. INTERVIEWS. PICTURES. COMPETITIONS.
8 Your Dog March 2020▼World
pupdatesA
dog, whose story captured the hearts of
a nation when he was found tied up in
a church with a tear-jerking note around his neck,
is set to be reunited with his owner.
The seven-year-old Staff ordshire Bull Terrier had
been left near the altar at Sacred Heart Church in
Blackpool, Lancashire, with a message explaining
that life had taken a really bad turn for his owner
and she had no home or money. “I love you and
I am so, so, so sorry,” read the note.
Called Cracker by staff who cared for him at the
Longview Animal Centre run by RSPCA Blackpool
& North Lancs branch, his real name was found to
be Rooney.“The outpouring of support for ‘Cracker’ and
the publicity his story has received resulted in
us fi nding his owner, Alison,” explained RSPCA
inspector Will Lamping.
Local charity Street Paws is now caring for
Rooney and supporting Alison until she is back on
her feet.
“Sadly, Rooney’s story is not uncommon,” said
Street Paws founder Michelle Southern. “People
who have no home are forced to give up their
pets as they have no other choice.
“Street Paws is committed to keeping people in
crisis and their pets together.”29.1kg (4st 8lb) — 39 per cent over his
ideal weight.
But after being warned by the charity’s
vets that her dog’s health was at risk, his
owner signed him up for PDSA’s Pet Fit Club,
a six-month diet and exercise competition,
tailored and overseen by vets and nurses.
Luigi’s owner, Perrie Eedy, 28, explained
that her dog’s huge appetite and love
of human treats was the reason why his
weight had spiralled out of control.
“Since overhauling Luigi’s diet and
exercise regime, the change we’ve seen
in him has been unbelievable — he’s
a diff erent dog now!” said Perrie, whose
prize is a year’s supply of dog food and
a pet-friendly holiday.
Runner-up in the competition was
Missi the Bulldog, who lost 24 per cent
of her bodyweight after cutting out
ice creams.Luigi after losing 30 per cent
of his entire bodyweight.Luigi’s bin-raiding ways
saw him balloon in size.‘Cracker’ captured the
hearts of the nation.●K9 offi cer Boomer is
hanging up his lead after
56 dog years working for
the National Park Service in
Sulphur, Oklahoma, USA.
The black Labrador, who
has been instrumental in
helping to detect illegal
drugs in Chickasaw National
Recreation Area, will help to
ease his successor, K9 Offi cer
Rex, into the role, before
enjoying his retirement and
spending more time with his
family, receiving belly rubs
and chasing squirrels.