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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.