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Heroic terrier saves owner’s life
Battersea
Iain, Jane and Dexter.

Raised alarm after owner suffered anaphylactic shock  
 
A six-year-old terrier has gone from rescue dog to superdog after helping to save his new owner’s life.

Dexter the Patterdale Terrier was rehomed to Jane and Iain in Barnehurst, Kent, after spending almost at month at Battersea Brands Hatch.

While out running one morning, Iain was stung by a bee, which resulted in him going into anaphylactic shock and collapsing. This severe allergic reaction is very serious and can often prove fatal.

Luckily, Dexter was with Iain at the time and was able to draw attention to his owner's plight by barking and running frantically back and forth until another dog walker found them.

The dog walker called for an ambulance and, following some time in hospital, Iain has thankfully made a full recovery.

Iain Rowland said: “Jane and I are so proud of Dexter and we have a lot to thank him for. He played a critical part in raising the alarm by finding help and stayed by my side until the ambulance turned up.

"He has more than demonstrated his loyalty to us and we are so glad we decided to come to Battersea Brands Hatch to rehome another rescue dog, Dexter is now the third dog that we have rehomed from Battersea since 1995. Our Dexter says that every home should have a dog, as they may just save your life!”
 
Michelle Bevan, rehoming and welfare manager of Battersea Brands Hatch, said: “We were absolutely delighted to hear Dexter’s story after getting to know him whilst he was in our care and we were relieved to hear that Iain has made a full recovery.
 
“We rehome around 400 dogs every year and love to hear how they are settling into their new homes but were especially pleased to hear about Dexter’s brave behaviour. This is an amazing example of what rescue dogs can be like and we would urge people to consider coming to our centre to give the rest of our courageous canines the second chance in life they all deserve.” 

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
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With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.