I had to show you this great picture of my friend Loui. He lives quite close to me, and he recently visited one of the bigger pet shops in Enfield. Here he is, nosing the dog biscuits. This is something I can’t resist doing whenever I visit a shop or stall, I’m glad I’m not the only cheeky dog. If they don’t like us doing it, they should move the biscuits up higher.

The most dangerous threat to your computer security in a small business – where do you think it comes from? You may think that hackers attacking your firewalls are the most likely danger to your system. Would you be worried to know that, according to Unixreview.com, your authorised users are most likely to cause malicious damage? Insiders are responsible for three quarters of computer crime: if you let employees have free rein in your system you’re taking a big security gamble. Leading security solution provider, Symark software, is sure to have an Access Control package that will give you the protection you need. They know where the security weak points are located you can get a free month’s evaluation before you decide.

Mum was just checking out where she can take me to the beach in West Sussex and we found this code of practice for dogs on beaches. It all seems fairly sensible, but I am not sure I will ever get the hang of the second rule!

The Dog Owners Code of Practice for Beaches

• Do not allow your dog to foul a beach or adjacent area. If your dog fouls a beach remove the faeces.
• Train your dog to defecate at home before you walk him on a beach.
• Make sure your dog’s vaccination and worming are up to date. Dogs can more easily pick up infections when away from home.
• Check that your chosen caravan site, hotel, guest house, will accept your dog when you book your holiday.
• Some beaches have restrictions on dogs. Read and observe notices. The maps above indicate dog free zones between 1st May – 30th September
• When your dog is off its lead always ensure it is under control. Respect the rights of others – some of whom may not like dogs. When beaches are crowded it is particularly important you keep your dog on a lead.
• Never leave a dog in a car – even with an open window. Dogs can easily die from heat exhaustion.
• Never allow your dog to roam unsupervised. He could easily get lost, become a stray, and cause accidents.
• Remember small children can be easily frightened by even the friendliest of dogs.

When we were house hunting, we considered the garden as much as the interior of the house. After all the garden is a valuable piece of real estate and most of us spend time each day looking at it or using it. Creative and functional landscaping is a worthwhile investment, adding to the value and saleability of the home. Any hard landscaping needs to be designed for safety as well as beauty, for example if an elderly person uses the space, it should include non slip materials and avoid changes in level. So with all this to consider, check out SLDA’s Landscape Design service. They use a Three Stepping Stone formula to help you find the exact design for your lifestyle and personality.

An industrial chemical that led to the US recall of more than 100 brands of cat and dog food has turned up in a second pet food ingredient imported from China. The discovery expands the month-long cascade of recalls to include more brands and varieties of pet foods and treats tainted by the chemical.

“This has exposed that the safety standards for pet foods are not in place in any significant way and the kind of drumbeat, day after day, of recalls has shaken consumers’ confidence in the pet food industry’s adherence to food safety standards,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States.

The chemical, melamine, is believed to have contaminated rice protein concentrate used to make a variety of Natural Balance Pet Foods products for both dogs and cats, the Food and Drug Administration said. The FDA has there is no evidence so far to suggest any of the rice protein went to companies that make human food, said Michael Rogers, director of the agency’s division of field investigations. But the FDA, which is continuing to update its list of pet food recalls, has not yet accounted for all of the imported ingredients.

Previously, the chemical was found to contaminate wheat gluten used by at least six other pet food and treat manufacturers.

Both ingredients were imported from China, though by different companies and from different manufacturers.

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THE grandmother of Ellie Lawrenson, the five-year-old girl mauled to death by a pit bull terrier, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 12 April, charged with the unlawful killing of her granddaughter. Jacqueline Simpson is charged with manslaughter through gross negligence and possessing 3.95 grams of heroin. The 46-year-old was baby sitting Ellie Lawrenson at her home in St Helens, Merseyside, when the attack took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Her son, 23-year-old Kiel Simpson, appeared charged with possession of a banned dog under section one of the Dangerous Dog Act, the American pit bull terrier called Reuben, which killed his niece. Both have been remanded on bail until 25 April.