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Abandoned puppies reunited with their mother
The rescue centre has launched a fundraiser to support the puppies' care.

The puppies were found in a shoebox outside a council office.

Seven puppies found abandoned in a shoebox have been reunited with their mother, in what the RSPCA is calling a ‘miracle’.

The two-week-old puppies were discovered in a shoebox outside of the Braintree District Council office, and were taken to RSPCA’s Danaher Animal Home.

Believed to be terrier crosses, the puppies were too young to be raised away from their mother, and so rescue centre manager Sam Garvey took care of them. She took them home with her, where she hand reared them.

Ms Garvey fed them every few hours, and the puppies soon began to build some strength.

Following a social media competition, the puppies were named after Friends characters: Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, Joey and Gunther.

Less than two weeks later, a crossbreed dog was brought into the centre that had been abandoned nearby. She was dirty, thin, and had matted fur.

The team were amazed to find that this abandoned dog was the mother of the seven puppies. They named her Samantha, after the rescue centre manager who fostered her offspring.

Although they tried to reintroduce Samantha to her puppies, unfortunately she did not form the bond that they were expecting.

Samantha has since been re-homed, and is settling in quickly to her new family.

The puppies are still too young to be re-homed, and are continuing to be cared for by the rescue centre. Danaher Animal Home has launched a fundraiser, Pound for a Pup, to help with the costs of caring for the puppies.

Ms Garvey said: “The puppies continue to grow and are becoming cheeky, playful dogs in our care. They’re not ready for rehoming yet and we’ll put their profiles on our website as soon as they’re up for adoption.

“We’re so incredibly happy that all of the puppies are doing really well and have survived this crucial time where they should have been with their mum. We are appealing to anybody that can to donate a pound for a pup to help us, help them.”

To donate, visit the Pound for a Pup fundraising page.

Image © RSPCA

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.