A report recently published in The Lancet has shown that children who are routinely exposed to car fumes are more likely to develop asthma and respiratory problems.  The development of their lungs will be adverseley affected.    This is science proving what we already know, traffic fumes are bad for you.

So, what about our dogs?  We see them being walked along the side of busy roads every day.   It might be the only way to the park or the shops or the nearest open space.  Wait a minute, isn't this even worse?  Dogs are just at the height of car and lorry exhausts.   That must present an even greater hazard.  Our poor pets are having to breathe in these dangerous fumes because we have them on a lead.   They've no option but to come with us.  I guess that left to their own devices they wouldn't go anywhere near car fumes which must smell horrible to the complex canine scenting system.
 

You've taken your dog out  for a long run, you know he's 'dog' tired and ready for a long siesta- but what does he do?   Settle down without a murmur?    It's pretty aggravating when blankets and beanies go flying and your dog starts 'digging' the covers up and circling round and round.   Some canine characters won't sleep until they've sorted their bed out.  It wasn't so bad in the days dogs lived in a hay barn.   But in the kitchen or living room it can be real messy.  So why do dogs do this?   

These are long dormant doggy thousand year old instincts rising to the surface.   Did he have cushions and vet beds when he was a wild dog?   No way.  His bed was one he made for himself in the long grasses of the plains and forests.  Trampling the grass round and round made a soft nest and told any snakes or small predators that it was time to scoot.   While he circled, they wriggled and rustled out of the way, leaving our dog to rest in safety.   Although there aren't usually any adders or pythons in his corner of the kitchen, it's still his instinct to do this.  It's a doggy thing and makes him feel safe and satisfied.   I guess he'd really prefer a bed he could muss up without being scolded.

We see a lot of cats in the sanctuary, who look old although they're still quite young.   They're often brought in because someone has passed away or gone into hospital or the people are moving house and can't take the cat with them - or as frequently is the case, their is a new partner who doesn't like cats.  Yes, you can imagine what I'm thinking but I have to stop myself saying it.....   Anyway, I look at this poor unhealthy, tight skinned, emaciated ancient looking cat (or dog) and ask about diet.   Oh no bother at all, he just eats biscuits and a bit of canned food now and again.   Aaaargh!   This is just no good at all.   A young cat might survive alright on a factory manufactured diet but as time goes on the unnatural manufactured food takes its toll on the elderly digestive system and the old stager looks a wreck.