In the line of duty

Nathan Cirillo, a reservist with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was killed last Wednesday while standing guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.  His dogs await his return.  RIP Nathan.

 

 

The tick from the continent

“A species of blood-sucking tick native to continental Europe has become established in the UK, scientists say.”
This was the headline on the BBC News website yesterday.
Oh dear, oh dear.
The researchers from the University of Bristol who led the study think a changing climate and "increased global movement of people and companion animals" have assisted the spread of ticks.
As a resident of continental Europe I plead not guilty of importing such a creature on insular Britain nor should UK dogs returning from a visit to the continent feel the same. The continent! This foreign, distant land!
How is this possible? The Pets Travel Scheme specifies that your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before you check-in with an approved transport company for the journey that brings your dog. Maybe the medication is no longer efficient.
Belle was one of the first dogs to come over under the scheme in the year 2000.  She first came across with us on 4th July 2000.
I can assure you that Defra have some fearsome Pets Travel Scheme staff at Dover. We have been stopped many times. On one occasion we were nearly sent back to Calais on a technicality but in the end reason and common sense prevailed.

Poor innocent dogs

Islamic terrorists tried to down a US cargo plane using exploding Bulldogs, it emerged yesterday.
Two animals, stuffed with bombs and detonators, were found by US officers at Baghdad airport. The bombs had been primed to explode during the aircraft's flight to LA.
But the dogs were never loaded on board as they had been killed by the lethal substances inside them.
The discovery, kept secret for two years, was revealed in France, days after explosives were found inside printer cartridges last week on a cargo plane from Yemen.