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The UK’s leading pet crematorium, CPC, based in Thriplow Heath, Cambridge has launched its new public website, www.cpccares.com, to allow pet owners access to a more comprehensive, easy-to-use resource that supports and guides them through all of the cremation options available.

CPC’s new website is divided into three distinct sections: saying goodbye, selecting a casket or urn, and remembering your pet. The site guides pet owners through each stage of the bereavement process including the process of cremation, available support and bespoke services for each individual during their time of need.

The CPC website offers a wide range of online resources and farewell options to pet owners. In preparation for the loss of a pet, owners can choose to create an Expression of Wishes document to instruct their veterinary practice of their requirements ahead of when the time comes to say goodbye.

Customers can also purchase memorial products online, from a wide range of caskets and urns, garden memorial plaques and stones, to tribute picture frames and personalised memorial candles, all chosen to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

As a way of remembering their pet, customers can create tributes online and e-sympathy cards as well as download a book of remembrance pack, read a poem from the website and find support through bereavement counsellors.

Duncan Francis, Director of CPC, said: “The website has been designed to work as a support system for pet owners, which will provide them with an extensive range of options and a bespoke cremation service to suit their individual needs. Customers will now have all our products and services readily available to them when their time of need arises.”

PetLondon is the UKs leading modelling agency for pets the pets needed range from dogs, cats horses, exoctic animals and more! The pets on this agency are often needed of advertisements, film tv and more. Your beauty could become a star overnight so why not sign him her up?

Any-one can join their pet to our agency. Your pet's profile will then be accessed by lots of agents, photographers and film directors who are looking for animals to use in various assignments. Your pet can expect to earn anywhere between £30-90/hour depending on the nature of the job. You can join your pet in just a few simple steps. There is a small one-off cost to cover our cost of creating your pets online portfolio. This portfolio will include all details about your pet and up to four photographs.

The cost of joining is only £19.99 for a yearly membership and £29.99 for a 3 year membership.

Your very own pet could become the next Cheryl Cole (pet version) so sign them up!

for more information visit the website: http://www.petlondonmodels.com/join.html

Leading animal welfare campaigners and behaviourists have joined forces over a new initiative designed to curb puppy farming and back yard breeding in the UK.

www.ethicalbreeding.com, brainchild of top pet behaviour specialist and star of BBC’s Dog Borstal, Debbie Connolly, will become the UK’s only website to showcase breeders who health test, rear their animals correctly and offer a lifetime back-up plan at the time of purchase.

Debbie, who runs SafePets UK, the highly-acclaimed training organisation dedicated to promoting responsible animal ownership, feels that poor breeding is the root cause of many serious dog problems: "Health problems account for a high proportion of temperament issues and greedy breeders, who don't do their job properly, bring misery and danger to dogs and owners alike. A breeder who refuses to health test is likely to be cutting corners elsewhere, and should be avoided at all cost."

Health testing, while run by the Kennel Club, is not compulsory and this allows many unscrupulous breeders to advertise their puppies without any questions being asked.

Debbie added: “This new site will change the landscape completely. From now on, buyers will have the confidence to select a dog from responsible breeders who put the welfare of their animals above everything else. In time, our approach should bring an end to the UK’s shameful puppy farming trade and replace it with a growing number of well bred, well-socialised animals who are far less likely to cause harm to those around them.”

The campaign has received backing from across the industry. TV Vet, Joe Inglis, said: “Supporting and promoting ethical breeding practices is vital for the health and wellbeing of our canine companion. Puppy farming is an abuse of our loyal canine companions who deserve to be brought up in healthy and loving environments, and I wholeheartedly support the ethical breeding campaign for encouraging all new dog owners to think about where their new pets are coming from.'

Vet Marc Abraham and Peter Purves have added their support via the new website.

Debbie Connolly has been lobbying MP's to try to get better legislation. Roger Baker, joint chair of Conservative Animal Welfare, has given his backing: "As Joint Chairman of Conservative Animal Welfare, I think it fair to say that this scheme shows vision and potentially has the ability to make a significant difference to the way in which we can improve the standards of puppy breeding in the UK."

With a string of high profile dog attacks hitting the headlines over the past year, Debbie Connolly feels people should be extremely cautious when researching and buying from a breeder: "The dogs that feature in these tragedies are not from responsible breeders. If you want a happy, healthy pet that is safe around children, buy from a reputable, registered breeder who takes every step to ensure their animals are well adjusted and healthy. There is no such thing as a bargain."

Maverick Television is scouring the nation for pets and animals with bizarre afflictions or behavioural problems! Our crack team of vets will take on anything, be it small and furry or large and exotic, so if you're a concerned pet owner then get in touch! If you've been too embarrassed to go to your vet or have failed to find success through previous consultations, we can help! "The series will feature the most weird and wonderful animals in the U.K. Nothing is too extreme: we want jaw dropping behavioural problems, medical marvels, births, deaths and breeding problems... anything goes!"

Debb Swindells, Series Producer "Is your animal's condition having an effect on your daily life?" Those chosen will receive consultations and advice from our leading animal experts, so if you think your animal fits the bill and you want to appear with them on our show, please get in touch ASAP to discuss the case. If selected, your animal's condition will be treated by qualified professionals. Your involvement will raise awareness about your pet's condition, helping other animal owners to seek the treatment they need. If you'd like to talk to the team, call 0121 224 8314 or email: [email protected]

National charity Canine Partners, who has offices in West Sussex, Bedford, East Scotland, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucester, Hull, Isle of Wight, Southampton and West Scotland, is celebrating 20 years of training assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

The Charity was founded in 1990 by Anne Conway, assistance dogs enthusiast and dog welfare campaigner, and Liz Ormerod, a vet and animal-assisted therapy expert. They were joined by occupational therapist, Nicky Pendleton, who brought expertise in the field of disability, and Roger Jefcoate, who sponsored the training of the first three dogs in 1994. After several years spent working from various premises in Hampshire, in 2003 Canine Partners bought a polo yard and farm with outbuildings in Heyshott, near Midhurst, in West Sussex and set about converting it to specialist facilities. The training centre was officially opened in 2005 by the Charity’s Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

2009 saw the completion of the building work when one of the two former stable blocks was converted into fully accessible specially adapted accommodation for people with disabilities when they attend the two-week training courses; and the other into a kitchen/dining room designed especially for use by wheelchair users.

More than 1.2 million people in the UK use a wheelchair, and a significant number of those would benefit from a canine partner. The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency. The Charity aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities including members of HM Armed Forces.

These life transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological, psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem. A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.

In September 2009, Canine Partners chief executive Terry Knott retired after seven years of heading up the Charity and Andy Cook, director of operations, took over the helm. Andy had already moved the Charity on with regard to the dog side of Canine Partners’ work, increasing activity and quality, developing more puppy satellites around the UK and creating more life-changing partnerships each year. In taking over the chief executive role, Andy hopes to build on the Charity’s success to date, and has big plans for the next 20 years. “I aim to see Canine Partners grow and develop,” he says, “with the objective of reaching as many people with disabilities in the UK as possible. It is our intention that in the future, anyone with a physical disability who could benefit from a specially trained assistance dog, will have the opportunity of having their lives transformed by a canine partner. However, since we receive no government funding, we can only achieve this goal if the public continue to generously support us with donations and gifts in Wills.”

To date, the Charity has created more than 135 partnerships. Wendy Hilling and canine partner Edward graduated in May 2008. She says: “I love Edward more than I ever thought I could: with him I can fly. The help he gives me is a bonus, and his companionship and his loyalty are the best thing about having him. He is always there for me. I have reduced my painkillers since having him. If he thinks I am ok - I am ok. I love him more than life itself. I hold his lead – he holds my heart.”

About Canine Partners
Canine Partners is a registered charity that assists people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs, whose well-being is a key consideration.

More than 1.2 million people in the UK use a wheelchair, and a significant number of those would benefit from a canine partner. The dogs are carefully matched to the applicant’s needs and lifestyle, no matter how challenging. They are trained to help with everyday tasks such as opening and shutting doors, unloading the washing machine, picking up dropped items, pressing buttons and switches and getting help in an emergency. The Charity aims to train dogs to meet the needs of people with even the most complex disabilities including members of HM Armed Forces.

These life transforming dogs also provide practical, physiological, psychological and social benefits including increased independence and confidence as well as increased motivation and self-esteem. A canine partner also brings companionship, a sense of security and increases social interaction.

Canine Partners receives no government funding and relies solely on public donations and gifts in Wills.

National charity Canine Partners, who provides specially trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, is calling for outdoor enthusiasts to organise a bluebell walk during April or May. As Canine Partners celebrates its 20th anniversary, this campaign will help to raise vital funds for the ongoing work of the Charity.

In 2009 Canine Partners placed 40 dogs in the community to assist people with disabilities, each dog costing in excess of £9,000 to train. The Charity hopes to increase its support for over 100 applicants currently on the waiting list for a canine partner. Now in its 7th year, The Bluebell Walk Campaign has to date raised £85,000 for Canine Partners.

Malcolm Wells, head of community fundraising at Canine Partners, comments, ”Walks can be for any number of people, covering any distance or terrain. Dogs are welcome, but not a necessity and bluebells are optional! If you would like to help us set up a walk in your area, please get in touch.”

All Walk Organisers will be sent a free information pack containing details on how to make the walk a great success, as well as sponsorship forms, posters, pens. Canine Partners is also happy to help publicise local walks to ensure the highest level of participation.

Do visit our website www.caninepartners.org.uk or call Jean Palmer on 01730 716014 for further information on organising a Bluebell Walk or identifying a walk near you.

Liverpool, England - New research from scientists in Liverpool has revealed the relationship between agility and vision in mammals. The study, published today in the Journal of Anatomy, sampled 51 species to compare the relationship between agility and vision between frontal eyed species, such as cats, to lateral-eyed mammals such as rabbits, to establish if the positioning of the eyes resulted in limitations to speed and agility.

“Footballers do it, cheetahs do it, and even sedentary academics can do it. We all have the ability to visually track an object whilst on the move and you don't give a second thought to the effort involved,” explained co-author Dr Nathan Jeffery from the University of Liverpool. “As you walk or run your head swings up and down, tilts from side to side and rotates. Three semicircular canals of fluid found on each side of the skull sense these movements, one for each direction. These then send signals via the brain to three pairs of muscles that move the eyeball in the opposite direction and ensure that you can keep your eye on the ball, gazelle or the beer in your hand.”

This process, known as the vestibulo-ocular reflex, is affected by the directions sensed by the canals and the pull directions of the eye muscles. In mammals, the eyes can be on the side of the head, as with rabbits, or at the front of the head like in cats, however the position of the canals is basically the same. In some mammals the brain must do extra calculations to adjust the signal from the canals to match the different pull directions of the eye muscles.

“In our study we wanted to find out if these extra calculations placed any limitations on how fast an animal could move,” said co-author Phillip Cox. “We asked if there could be a point whereby, if an animal moves too quickly it could result in the brain being unable to adjust the signals from canal to muscle planes, which in turn would result in blurred vision.” The work was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

The team used MRI scanners to analyse the arrangement of canals and eye muscles in 51 species of mammal including giraffes, camels and zebra, tree shrews, bats and sloths. Astonishingly, the team found that the position of canals and eye muscles had no effect on the ability to see clearly at speed. In theory, a Sloth could travel as fast as a Cheetah without blurring its vision.

The team also found evidence suggesting that the role of the extraocular muscles switches with changes of eye position. For instance, muscles that make up-down compensatory movements in frontal-eyed species appear aligned for torsional movements in lateral-eyed species. Before this, scientists had assumed that major rewiring of the connections was essential to adapt the reflex to changes of eye position.

“Switching between muscles offers an economical way of adapting the vestibulo-ocular reflex to changes of eye position without major rewiring of the connections or changes of canal orientations,” concluded Dr Jeffery. “The mammalian brain can apparently cope with the extra demands placed on it whether the eyes are at the front, side or almost at the back of the head.”

Puppy farming, bad breeding practices and canine welfare in general have been recent topics of discussion and with Crufts just around the corner the media spotlight will be falling in this direction once again.

Julie Sharrocks, owner of website MyPetYourPet which is dedicated to keeping animal owners and breeders in touch, is seizing the moment to appeal to dog lovers everywhere to come together to do their part for canine welfare in a grass-roots campaign.

Over the course of the next few months MyPetYourPet.net is asking UK dog owners to register their pets, both living and deceased, with the site so that a comprehensive picture of the health, nature and behavioural characteristics of our nation’s dogs can constructed.

The websites founder Julie Sharrocks explains:

“Whilst the Government, the Kennel Club and canine charities all have major roles to play in achieving healthy dogs so do the public in general. If, as conscientious dog owners, we come together then we can amass an unprecedented wealth of information which will un-mask bad breeders and prevent purchasers from buying puppies and dogs that are not right for their family circumstances, dogs that will eventually end up on the streets, or in rescue homes or put down. We are a nation of dog lovers so why leave it to the authorities to stamp out bad breeding and mistreatment when we can have a massive impact on canine welfare ourselves”.

MyPetYourPet.net is quick, simple and entirely free to use. When an owner registers their pets a unique search facility slots them into a canine family tree. All dogs registered with the site are automatically linked to all of their registered relatives – their parents, offspring, siblings, half-siblings and more distant relatives backwards and forwards ad infinitum along a bloodline.

As part of the registration process owners are asked to provide, amongst other information, details about the nature and temperament of their pet and about any major illnesses or health problems their pet has or has had in the past. A wealth of medical and behavioural data will be available to all interested parties and this level of transparency will, by its very nature, weed out unscrupulous breeders. Potential purchasers will be able to use the anecdotal, family experience based information to choose dogs and puppies which are right for them and will very easily be able to see which breeders produce litters with problems and which do not, the move towards breeders with impeccable track records will be consumer lead.