Cute rabbit takes five to scrub behind his ears and groom himself in the sunshine

By OLIVIA WILLIAMS

The rabbit carefully cleaned his long ears in the sunshine at the Minsmere RSPB Reserve This rabbit looks as though he is enjoying preening himself in the summer sunshine. The animal, pictured at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, paid particular attention to his distinctive long ears as he gave his fur a spring clean.

Combing his fur with his paws, the rabbit took the time to groom himself from every angle

He spent a particularly long time checking over both sides of his ears Clearly determined to look his best, the well turned-out mammal spent a long time carefully checking the rest of his fur for any dirt. Rabbits keep themselves clean by washing regularly and grooming, using their teeth, tongue and claws.

Although very cute, this rabbit is a fully-grown adult as younger rabbits have very little fur when they are born They often groom each other as a social activity, but it looks as though this one had to do it on his own. As well as a way of looking smart, careful cleaning is a very important part of a rabbit's health. In the warmer months they are at risk from attack by maggots, which can eat into their flesh in a condition called fly strike.

Happy with the state of his ears, using his sharp teeth the rabbit moved on to clean the rest of his body

Pleased with a job well done, the rabbit settles back down for a well-deserved rest The risk is increased by dirty fur which attracts flies, so the rabbits have to take their grooming seriously. Minismere RSPB Reserve where this rabbit lives is most famous for its unusual birds, such as nightingales, bitterns and avocets, but is home to all sorts of wildlife. Rabbits in Britain mainly live in meadows and farmland but also occasionally in urban areas. source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2364103/Cute-rabbit-takes-scrub-ears-groom-sunshine.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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Cute as a button (mushroom): Tiny kitten who was attacked by a crow wears heart-melting crocheted costumes that - believe it or not - are aiding her recovery

By JAMES NYE

Button Mushroom: Wasabi-chan's mushroom cover was specially created by her rescuer's grandmother to allow her to be fed without stopping her feeding tube What could be cuter than a tiny, wee kitten dressed up as a button mushroom? Nothing of course - and when you realize that this adorable creature isn't just wearing the outfit for the 'awww' factor, but for her own good, it might just make you lose your cool. Wasabi-chan, the adorable Japanese rescue kitten, was attacked and seriously injured by a crow who fractured her jaw and ripped her tongue in two.

Awwwww: This is the photo that launched Wasabi-chan to internet fame after her rescuer posted it onto Twitter in Japan Taken in by her kind owner, who goes by the Twitter handle @jessiepon, Wasabi-chan's recovery was hampered by the fact that she wouldn't take to feeding through a tube. Thinking outside the box, her rescuer realized that sticking her in cute crocheted costumes would be a fun and sensible way to stop her removing the tube from her mouth.

Where It All Began: Found on June 2nd seriously injured after a crow attack - a kindly passerby picked Wasabi-chan up and took her to the vet - who told her that the kitten needed to be fed by a tube 'She was attacked by a crow,’ explained Reddit user DopeSk1llz. ‘Her top jaw was fractured, a hole in her throat, tongue was ripped, and part of gum was eaten. ‘The rescuer was feeding her with a tube which Wasabi-chan hates, thus created this crochet to hold her down while feeding.'

Not a Big Fan for Such a Small Kitten: Wasabi-chan did not like being fed in this manner much and her arms had to be held in place ‘She’s gaining lots of weights and is now looking adorable!’ Once the pictures of Wasabi-chan were picked up by social media in Japan, the cute ball of fluff snapped up almost 50,000 fans - all wanting to hear how her recovery was going. Updating Twitter and Instagram daily to update everyone as to her progress, @jessiepon has added to Wasabi-chan's wardrobe of outfits, all made by her grandmother.

This is one of the feeding tube solutions - holding the cutest kitten firmly in place

Improving: The crocheted costumes allowed feeding time to go unhindered and Wasabi-chan steadily increased in weight and health

Hungry: Wasabi-chan has now beefed up to the point where she doesn't need the tubes anymore

Now Wasabi-chan has moved off the feeding tube and is eating on her own and is a firm member of the household

Making Friends: The little kitten is now well enough to explore her surroundings and get to know her room-mates Describing the moment she found Wasabi-chan on June 2nd, @jessiepon described the harrowing scene. 'I heard a horrible cry of a kitten, getting attacked by crows in front of my house. I immediately rescued her and brought her to the vet. Crows have eaten inside of the kitten’s mouth, to the point she can’t drink milk on her own.' By the end of the month and a few cute costumes later, Wasabi-chan was well enough to eat by herself and join the family.

Picture of Health: But will she ever look as cute as when she was dressed as a button mushroom? source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2360017/Cute-button-Tiny-kitten-injured-crow-wears-heart-melting-crocheted-costumes-believe-aiding-recovery.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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English student starts new 'pugs in balaclava' trend by knitting headwear for dogs

Jessica Furtado set up company after knitting hat for her adopted pug Hats are designed to look like characters including an alien and Batman There is also a range of bow ties, French berets and neck warmers By JAMES RUSH

Bat-pug: Some of the balaclavas are also designed to make the pugs look like superheroes, such as this Batman hat Entrepreneur Jessica Furtado has set tails wagging after launching her own fashion line for pug dogs. The 22-year-old's hand knitted hats and costumes have been designed for those wishing to dress the dogs up as characters such as a ladybird, an alien, an aviator, Batman and even Minnie Mouse. The English student has also launched a range of stylish knitted bow ties, French berets and neck warmers.

Pug fashion: Jessica Furtado has created a range of balaclavas for pugs, such as this tiger hat Dog-mad Ms Furtado, from Massachusetts, US, was inspired to launch her canine couture after knitting her adopted pug called James Dean a hat to keep him warm through cold winters. The Snuggly Pug Alien hat was such a hit with fellow pug owners she founded her company All You Need is Pug while still studying for her university degree. She now sells the hats for between £11 and £20.

and 'Betty Bow' hat Ms Furtado said: 'During the winter our clothing provides warmth and comfort especially for pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers and other breeds whose bodies are low to the ground. 'Pugs in particular are sensitive to extreme heat and extreme cold so they require their owners to be aware of the weather and to take precautions.

Dog-mad: Jessica Furtado launched the fashon range for dogs after knitting her adopted pug, James Dean, a hat to keep him warm through cold winters 'Pet owners have also used our hats to protect dogs with chronic ear infections from feeling pain in the cold. 'Frigid conditions can aggravate dogs whose ears are already raw from rash or infection, so the hats act as a shield to keep the cold from stinging. 'All You Need is Pug items are handmade from quality acrylic yarns, so they are warm and washable without being itchy. 'I don't think that only humans should have the privilege of masquerading each day in clothing.

Elephant hat: Ms Lynne said 'pugs in particular are sensitive to extreme heat and extreme cold so they require their owners to be aware of the weather and to take precautions' 'Our clothing says something about each of us. 'Many of my items are inspired by animals, acting as costumes that can transform your pet from a dog into a wild fox or a little piglet. 'Other hats are inspired by history and fashion, such as the iconic aviator helmet or the cabbie cap which resembles old fashioned "newsboy" hats. 'In my experience, most dogs enjoy dressing up now and then whether it is because they feel comfortable or because they notice the doting attention that they receive from humans when they wear clothing.'

Flying high: This pug is ready to take to the skies in his aviator hat source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2348957/English-student-Jessica-Furtado-starts-new-pugs-balaclava-trend-knitting-headwear-dogs.html My Facebook My Google+ Contact me

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Who you calling pug ugly? Meet the ruff contenders battling it out at the world's ugliest dog competition

By PAUL MILLIGAN

Chupee is one of the contenders for the crown of World's Ugliest Dog

Mangy mutts from around the globe will gather this week at the only beauty pageant they might ever stand a chance of winning - the world's ugliest dog contest.
The annual show in California, welcomes all dogs from pugs to terriers, sausage dogs and chihuahuas in an attempt to discover the worst-looking canine on Earth.
Now in its 25th year, the contest - which has even spawned a book - sees dogs judged in four main categories - first impressions, unique features, personality, and audience reaction.

This strange looking mutt, called Icky, could well be walking away with the coveted prize

The aesthetically-challenged winner will not only be able to boast they're the polar opposite of the champion at Crufts, but will also take home a trophy, $1500 and a meal at a local restaurant prepared by a top chef.
Among the contenders this year are Creature with a huge under bite, Icky with sporadic wiry fur and Boolah who appears to have an uncontrollable tongue.

Could Boolah's uncontrollable tongue sway the judges to pick up the top prize?

The dogs are marked on four categories: first impressions, unique features, personality, and audience reaction

Isaboo will be hoping to win the title, now in its 25th year of competition

Event producer, Vicki DeArmon, 54, said: 'I've been producing the world's ugliest dog contest for seven years now - it's been a wild ride.
'The contest has grown from a small hometown fair event to one in which the entire world is engaged.
'The announcement of the winner each year ricochets around the world with that dog's photo being shared from China to Bolivia to France.

If he wins, Reggie will win a trophy and a meal at a local restaurant prepared by a top chef

'We usually have between 20 and 30 dogs and we're on target for that again this year.
'In fact, 50 per cent of our contestants this year are first time participants and very often, the winner is a new dog. So one of those may well be our winner.
'The winning dog will get world fame and recognition, hitting the talk show circuit and appearing at local dog events.
'Many go on to become doggy ambassadors in their hometowns for the rescue dog movement as many of our contestants are rescue dogs who are now living in their forever homes and are much loved.'

The owners of Creature will surely win the prize for the most apt name of a dog

Maybe Scamp will be the winner of the $1500 prize money

source: dailymail
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The rise of 'tattoos' for dogs: Extreme grooming trend sees New York's most pampered pups sport crystal butterflies and roses

By SADIE WHITELOCKS

Dog grooming trend: Violet, a French Bulldog, has a flower glitter tattoo on her hip to match her painted nails - her owner said that friends and work colleagues 'enjoyed' the pet's bedazzled appearance

A new dog grooming trend that sees canines branded with temporary crystal tattoos is taking the U.S. by storm.
Jorge Bendersky, a New York-based 'pet stylist' whose client list has included Sean 'Diddy' Combs
and Ralph Lauren, told DNAinfo.com that he has been inundated with bookings since launching the inking service this spring.

Step-by-step: Mr Bendersky marks out the tattoo design (left) before applying glitter and rhinestone pieces

The designs, which cost $100 each and last a few weeks, are typically applied to the animal's hip or tailbone, with roses, butterflies, hearts and anchors among the most popular requests.
Fallon O'Brien, 33, who lives in Manhattan's Upper East Side decided to get a butterfly 'tattooed' on her seven-year-old Chihuahua named Fletch.
She said it was a way of making him 'stand out' without spending hundreds of dollars on fancy outfits, which are also too hot for him to wear in the summer months.

Finished look: Mr Bendersky says that he has been inundated with bookings since launching the inking service this spring - many owners see it as a way of making their pooch 'stand out'

'Sometimes, my dog and I dress in the same color if we're going to a red carpet event. During the summer, it's just too hot to have him wearing outfits like that,' she explained.
'It was something I could do to make my dog stand out that wasn't that expensive. The tattoo is a good option.'

Tool box: Mr Bendersky uses canine-safe products to apply the colorful tattoos

source: read more at dailymail

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We knew there was a dog in there somewhere: Womble is shorn of his 2lb 'fleece' after years of neglect

By PAUL HARRIS

Groomed: Womble the Lhasa Apso after having 2lb of excess fur removed by Dogs Trust staff

Dumped in a park, he looked like a cross between some tumbleweed and the contents of a barber shop’s bin.
But the shocking shaggy dog story of Womble the Lhasa Apso had a happy ending yesterday – after he was rescued and given a smart new haircut.
The three-year-old dog was found abandoned and seriously neglected, with fur so overgrown and matted he could barely walk or see.

Abandoned: Womble was found in a park in Leeds by a concerned member of the public

Only his tongue was visible beneath the tangle, thick with dirt and debris and containing rubbish ranging from a strip of Velcro to a sticky chocolate sweet – which led his rescuers to name him after the litter-collecting Wombles of Wimbledon Common. Staff at the Dogs Trust rehoming charity, which took in Womble, believe he had not been groomed for more than a year.
Emma Cooper, assistant manager of the organisation’s Leeds centre, said: ‘He was struggling to walk, he could hardly see and with the fur weighing as much as a bag of sugar, he was in some discomfort and under intense strain.’

Care: The dog was taken in by the local Dogs Trust and given a thorough grooming

It took two hours to shave off more than 2lb of fur, equivalent to about an eighth of Womble’s body weight. The discarded fur formed a bundle almost as big as him when placed beside him.
A concerned member of the public found three-year-old Womble in a park in Leeds and took him in to the local Dogs Trust.

Quizzical: Womble looks at the pile of shorn fur, which appears to be nearly as big as he is

When staff examined the unfortunate dog, they found pieces of Velcro and a chocolate sweet stuck in his fur.
Assistant manager Emma Cooper said Womble's 2lb burden of hair put immense strain on his body, and estimated that it had been a year since he was last groomed.
'Womble was brought to us by a member of the public just over a week ago and was a very immobile dog,' she said.

Playful: Womble is now back on top form after handlers helped him get over his harrowing ordeal

source: read more at dailymail

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It looks like someone's in the dog house! Three-month-old Jack Russell gets a ticking off from his mother for harassing his grandma

By JAMES RUSH

Ticking off: Jackie the three-month-old Jack Russell is 'told off' by its mother

This young Jack Russell got a jolly good barking at when his lively antics went a step too far.
The three-month-old puppy, appropriately called Jackie, was pinned up against the wall by his seven-year-old mother Morha after he became a bit too boisterous.
His mother decided to step in to deal out the rough justice after Jackie had been harassing his ten-year-old grandmother Mowa.

Rough justice: Jackie was given the stern telling-off after his mother became fed up of his boisterous behaviour

Wildlife photographer Jack Perks captured the action while walking with a friend and their pets on holiday in Halwill, Devon.
The telling-off didn't last too long however as they started to play together before carrying on with their walk.
He said: 'The dogs were making the most of the sun and the little one was bothering its grandmother.

Sorry mum! Jackie appears a little sheepish after his telling off

'When Jackie's playful nature got a bit boisterous, his mother stepped in and seemed to tell him off by pressing him against the wall.
'But it was all in good fun as they had a play with each other before trotting on.'
The pictures offer a revealing insight into the relationship dynamics between dogs and their parents.

Abashed: With his head bowed, Jackie walks off with his mother after she told him off for being boisterous

In the dog house: Jackie the 3-month old Jack Russell puppy faces his grandmother Mowa (left) and his mother Morha (right)

Mother and son: Morha and Jackie quickly made up after the telling off and were soon carrying on with their walk

source: read more at dailymail

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Now THAT'S brotherly love! Loyal Milo becomes guide dog for blind sibling Eddie after he loses sight

By LEON WATSON

Loyal chums: Eddie (left) and Milo out and about in Cardiff together

A blind labrador's faithful friend has taken on the role of his guide-dog.
Crossbreed terrier Milo, six, acts as seven-year-old Eddie's eyes to play and bring him back to proud owner Angie Baker-Stedham when they're out and about.
He can even be seen pulling Eddie along by a lead.

Joined at the hip: Seven-year-old Eddie and Milo snuggled up to each other while having a nap

Ms Baker-Stedham, 45, says the heartwarming pair from Cardiff are joined at the hip.
She said: 'Before Eddie went blind they both used to chase after dog toys, but now Eddie relies on Milo to help him play and they love going into the woods.
'Milo has always got his eye on Eddie and even sits on Eddie's back when he lies down. I first noticed that Eddie was going blind last year when he started to walk into wheelie bins and walls.

Walkies: Proud owner Angie Baker-Stedham says the heartwarming pair from Cardiff are joined at the hip

Ruff time: Milo (left) was diagnosed with immune mediated haemolytic anaemia and had to undergo a blood transfusion

'It happened so quickly which is sad because before they used to play together so easily. Now Milo helps me to fetch Eddy when I call for him. He leads Eddie all the way back to me.'
Milo took on the role of his assistance dog with no training.
Ms Baker-Stedham said: 'Milo really cares for Eddie, he always licks his face, they sleep in the same room and spend all their time together. Without Milo, Eddie would be lost.

Faithful friend: Milo took on the role of his assistance dog with no training

'Milo even wears bells on his collar so that Eddie can follow him around. If Eddie wanders off, Milo will go and look for him and bring him back to me.
'It's a wonderful relationship and improves Eddie's quality of life, as his blindness is incurable.'
However, things took a turn for the worse when Milo was diagnosed with immune mediated haemolytic anaemia and had to undergo a blood transfusion.

Best buddies: Crossbreed terrier Milo, six, can be seen pulling him along by a lead where they're out and about

Ms Baker-Stedham says Milo has helped her to create a family environment in her home for dozens of children

Ms Baker-Stedham said that while his brother was at PDSA hospital, Eddie struggled to cope.
She said: 'We didn't realise how much Eddie depends on Milo to get around the house, he was walking into doors and furniture and I had to constantly call him while we were out on walks so he knew where I was and which way I was going.'
Ms Baker-Stedham has three or her own children and has fostered an incredible 61 children over the past nine years.
She says Milo has helped her to create a family environment in her home for dozens of children.
Milo is now back home living a healthy life again and guiding Eddie once more.

source: dailymail

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