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Hero Flo – the incredible multitasking dog!
A guide and hearing dog and also the street's burglar detector too!
Flo, a Labraor cross golden retriever, is a very special dog with two official jobs – she has been trained to act as both a guide dog and a hearing dog for Kate Fenwick, who is both deaf and blind. Now it seems that she also has third unofficial role too…

In addition to making people aware of Kate’s dual sensory loss, Flo’s hearing dog training has given her a very important role in the community. Kate explains: “We have had a spate of burglaries in our area recently.  On the evening of the first one, Flo alerted me in the middle of the night, but I thought she just wanted to go out.  However, I found out the next day that there had been a burglary two streets away and the police had caught the person hiding in my shed.  

“A few days after that, Flo alerted me twice in the night – once at midnight and then at 4.45am. Again the police told me that a house close to me was broken into at midnight, and the police had attended at 4.45am! So Flo was spot on.  Now the police have asked me to dial 999 if Flo alerts me in the night, and have told me that having Flo has made me much safer than the other residents in the street.”

Kate feels very lucky to have her canine partner: “Flo has made an enormous difference to my life.  I feel so much more confident both in the house and outdoors.  She helps me not only by guiding me and alerting me to sounds, but also by changing the way people at large respond to me.”

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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.