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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.