Lost dogs in 18th-century London

You might think that cosseted house pets are a modern phenomenon. It takes a certain level of affluence and leisure time to devote as much attention to them as we do, but a fun poston the history blog Wonders & Marvels reveals that even in grimier times, people were still preoccupied with their canine companions.

The post excerpts some of the nearly 500 advertisements for lost dogs that appeared in Central London newspapers between 1700 and 1800. Here’s a short one from the Public Advertiser, 1768: MORE>>

You can read more dog notices here.

Weird names all the rage at dog trials

Arriving at the championship sheep dog trials in Blenheim yesterday, I was met with calls of 'Dufus', 'Freak' and 'Thug'.

 "Charming," I thought, and carried on about my business. It wasn't until one competitor shouted, "Oi, Whanga" that I drew the line. Clearly, I misheard the stocky, rugged farmer-type, at least twice my size, and was soon regretting my instinctive retort, "you're the only whanga around here mate".

 As it turns out, competitors at the Tux South Island Championship dog trials have some bizarre names for their companions. How was I to know? My attempts to backtrack fell on deaf ears and quoting Shakespeare probably made matters worse.

 "What's in a name?" I said. "That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet."

 I think he thought I was coming on to him. MORE>>

Judge to pay $500 to walker injured by dog

Why did this go to court? Read on...

Judge Mary Beth Sharp yesterday (Wednesday) pleaded guilty in Auckland District Court to being in possession of a dog which startled a person causing injury, after Auckland Council withdrew a more serious charge of owning a dog that attacked a person, which she denied.

Margot Bryant was also going for a walk and the two were talking when George jumped up and injured Mrs Bryant's right forearm. "Day to day it wasn't easy," Mrs Byant said in court. "I'd hate it to happen to anyone else. I have two grandchildren, the love of my life. I'd hate it if anything happened to them," she said. The court was told the dog was on a leash and quickly restrained, and Sharp's lawyer, Michael Reed, QC, said it was accidental. "There was no intent. It wasn't even her dog." Sharp and her family had behaved "impeccably" towards the victim, offering financial assistance, even baking her a cake, Mr Reed said.  MORE>>

So why did this go to court if it seems that it was all dealt with . 

Dog trialling became a 60-year love affair

It is well over 60 years since Stella Wadsworth first got involved with sheep dog trials, but she still has a deep love for the sport and great respect for the shepherds and their dogs.

Originally from Blenheim, Mrs Wadsworth married into the farming lifestyle when she wed Wairau Valley farmer Melvyn Wadsworth in 1949.

For a "townie", adapting to farm life proved to be fun, and being married to an avid dog triallist she soon became involved as well.

"You soon get pulled in to help out. There were various things that needed to be done, but cooking was one of the most important," said Mrs Wadsworth. "We would be sure to give the triallists a good meal at midday; beef stew, vegetables, salad and steamed pudding made in old coppers."  MORE>>