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Dogs Trust launches memorial walk for grieving dog owners
The memorial walk will take attendees through Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire.
Eighty-nine per cent of adults said losing a pet was like losing family.

Dogs Trust is to host its first ‘Walk for Our Old Friends’ (WOOF) event this October, to support those who are grieving the loss of a dog.

It follows a survey from the charity which revealed that 89 per cent of UK adults felt losing a pet to be like losing a family member.

Despite these feelings, approximately half of respondents said that they had experienced barriers in expressing their grief. Twenty-two per cent believed that others would not understand their feelings, while 13 per cent could not find the words to open up about how they felt.

Many also felt that their grief would not be understood, with 22 per cent saying others wouldn’t understand their feelings and 12 per cent feeling embarrassed by their levels of distress.

Although 74 per cent said they could turn to close family to share their feelings of grief, only 13 per cent felt they could discuss it with employers and colleagues.

Dogs Trust’s WOOF event hopes to bring together those who have experienced the loss of a dog for a remembrance event. It hopes that attendees will feel comfortable sharing memories of their pet to come to terms with their loss.

A 3.5km walk will take place on Sunday, 6 October 2024 between 4pm-7pm, at Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire. The walk will take attendees through the forest, where there will be opportunities for remembrance and celebration.

The charity will also supply resources for those experiencing loss, as well as those on-site who are supporting them.

Samantha Davis, legacy and in-memory manager at Dogs Trust, said: “The loss of a pet dog can be as devastating as losing a family member. Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, offering unconditional love and companionship, and when they pass away, the grief can be profound and, sadly for some, isolating.

“It's really important that owners who experience the loss of their canine companions can open up and share their feelings with friends and family. Many will find solace in knowing they are not alone."  

More details about the WOOF event and online resources can be found here.

Image © Dogs Trust

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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.