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Top of the Dogs
Pete the Lurcher with his Master's degree

Battersea rescue dog gains Master’s degree

Pete, a four-year old-lurcher awaiting a new home, has become Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s first highly educated dog after being awarded a Master’s Degree.

The clever canine has been at the home for 133 days after arriving as a stray and was awarded a Master’s in Business (MBA) as part of an episode of BBC Newsnight, which was investigating a university offering postgraduate qualifications in exchange for money.

Staff at the world-famous animal charity are very proud of Pete and hope that his exemplary learning credentials will help him find a home.

He has had plenty of time to study his business books as he recovered from a major operation on his front leg.

The gentle-natured lurcher has been recuperating with lots of care from the charity’s clinic team and they are now eager to show people what a great pet he would make.

Although Pete can be worried by other dogs he has a lovely nature, and, with the right owners, he can start to relax.

Rob Young, head of dog rehoming, says: “To have a dog with a Master’s degree in our midst is certainly a first for Battersea and we’re proud as punch of Pete and his astounding intellect!”

“Like a number of dogs in our care, Pete has been at Battersea for over three times the average stay and is really deserving of a loving new family that will enjoy having a scholar in the family. Pete’s ready to pack his degree and books and show his new owners how clever he is.”

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & 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.