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Friends for Life winners announced
Owen and Haatchi
Companionship between dog and owner celebrated

Seven-year-old Owen Howkins and his three-legged Anatolian shepherd, Haatchi, have been announced winners of the Crufts Friends for Life competition.

The award celebrates the pair's bravery, support and companionship to one another, and recognises that one-year-old Haatchi has truly earned his title as man's best friend.

As a small puppy, Haatchi was tied to a railway line and hit by a train. Both his tail and one of his back legs were amputated as a result.

A month later, he found a new home with Owen, who suffers from a rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel syndrome. This condition causes his muscles to constantly tense.

Owen was always shy and withdrawn, but when Haatchi came along, he was given a new lease of life. He was encouraged to meet a dog that needed regular medical attention just like him.

After being awarded the trophy at the recent Crufts event, Owen said: "I am glad that Haatchi is in my life because he makes me smile all the time and is my best friend."

Owen was also given a cheque for £1,500 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which he has chosen to donate to the Naomi House children's hospice.

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, commented: "We congratulate Owen and Haatchi on winning this award. They are truly deserving winners and their story is so incredibly moving.

"Each and every one of the finalists today have helped to change and save lives, and can teach us all a lesson about loyalty, companionship and bravery."

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk