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Pugs and kisses! New London cafe takes the pug world by storm

<p>London has welcomed its very first pug-themed cafe, right in time for Christmas.</p> <p>Adorably dubbed "CuppaPug", seven rescued pugs have been dressed up in an array of cute outfits by the cafe owners, giving customers and super pug fans the chance to spend hours with the beautiful and chunky pups.</p> <p>If that wasn’t enticing enough, you can play with the puggies and give them plenty of cuddles while they’re dressed like Santa and his helpers.</p> <p>The cafe's motto is "pugs' welfare first, café second" and is home to seven resident pugs in descending age. Gaston is the oldest at six years of age, followed by, Bruce, Bowser, Beau, Gizmo, Bebe and finally Baloo – who is just six months old at the time of writing.</p> <p>Co-owner of the cafe, Aaron says that: "Pugmas is so special to us here at CuppaPug!</p> <p>“For Matt and I, "Pugmas" is about bringing festive joy and pugs to people really needing a strong dose of Christmas fun.</p> <p>“We are Christmas-themed with a pink Christmas Santa, pink Christmas trees, lights and decorations and, of course, the pugs in their little Santa outfits.</p> <p>"People walk back from work with a miserable face but once they see the pugs playing, it makes them stop in their tracks and smile, usually taking a heap of photos too. A lot of kids who visit tell us it's the best day of their lives!</p> <p>"The pugs are so well behaved with children and parents often bring children who've had bad experiences with dogs to try to overcome it. Reactions from customers are overwhelmingly positive; we really are a joyous place!"</p> <p>CuppaPug are looking to introduce PugLates, and cocktails will also be available on the menu soon.</p> <p>10% of their entry fee goes towards rescuing and rehoming pugs, and they have pugs brought in who need adopting, partnering with The National Pug Protection Trust, who provide customers with information and advice.</p> <p>Customers often boast how therapeutic the experience is, especially when the pugs are having quiet time in their beds or on people's laps – but equally, there can be lots of chaotic fun when playing or training with the animals!</p> <p>For more information, head to <a href="https://www.cuppapug.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.cuppapug.com/</a></p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Picking the perfect pug

<p dir="ltr">If you’re after a stocky little lifelong friend who loves to cuddle, sleep and play – then you’ve found your match with a pug! But if you need more convincing, consider these three all-important factors:</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>1. Their unique look</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The cuteness factor when searching for your family pet is probably the first thing you’re looking for, among health status and overall affordability.</p> <p dir="ltr">These quirky little angels are often quite small and compact, making them perfect for an apartment or smaller home. The pug is quite an expressive dog, complete with their signature face wrinkles and an inquisitive nature. If you want to stand out at the dog park, a pug is the dog for you!</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong> 2. Their friendly and easy-going nature</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Pugs are extremely clingy and love to cuddle all day long. They are affectionate and have the excellent ability of being emotionally intuitive. They are the type of dogs who are fiercely loyal and love nothing more than to just to be with you. If you fancy a pet for company, then look no further. </p> <p dir="ltr">Pugs are overall friendly, they love to socialise (with humans and other dogs alike!) and due to the natural shape of their mouths, are less likely to aggressively bite. For this reason, they are great with children. They are also quite intelligent, making house training and setting a good routine all that bit easier for the family.  </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. They are relatively low maintenance</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Being short-haired dogs, pugs are easy to keep clean and are a pleasure when it comes to a bath. While they do shed more than your average pet, it’s nothing a good quality vacuum cleaner can’t handle!</p> <p dir="ltr"> While your pug is a puppy, you will find they are the perfect companion for those longer walks, and as they age and get into a good routine, they will require less exercise. However, due to their ferocious appetites, it is in their best interest to keep those steps up and keep that cardio health in check.  </p> <p dir="ltr">These loveable little guys can be prone to breathing problems, so it is recommended to do your research and purchase through a breeder who specialises in brachycephalic dogs’ health.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a1043e72-7fff-69f2-bed2-4ea613821315"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Good luck, happy pugging and enjoy these photos of a very cute pug!</p>

Family & Pets

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How Noodle the pug decides the daily outlook for millions of people

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is it a bones day or a no bones day?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One small pug knows the answer, and is using his knowledge to help millions of people on TikTok dictate what kind of day they will have. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Noodle, who is a 13-year-old rescue dog belonging to Jonathan Graziano, wakes up each morning and has his morning routine filmed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jonathan, who is a social media manager in New York City, sits Noodle upright so he can see if Noodle stands up on his own. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If Noodle can stand up, then it's a “bones day”, but if he flops back over in his bed, it's a “no bones day”. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jonathan says that if it’s a bones day, you should get up and make the most of your day and do the thing you’ve been putting off. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If it’s a no bones day, Noodle’s prophecy is the perfect opportunity to implement self-care and take a day off from any strenuous activities. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With over four million followers on TikTok and each “daily reading” racking up millions of views, Noodle has quickly become an online sensation. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I had absolutely no idea this would become the barometer in which the nation foretold how their day was going to go,” Jonathan said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many followers have reached out to Jonathan to let him know how they have lived their lives according to Noodle, such as proposing to a girlfriend or asking for a raise at work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“People have told me it’s a reason they buy lottery tickets and they’ve won a ton of money,” Graziano said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Neil Dagnall, a reader in applied cognitive psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University in England, Noodle’s readings are providing people with a sense of routine. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said, “Life is full of uncertainty and Noodle’s actions provide a form of guidance and reassurance to some people.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: TikTok @jongraz</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Family’s shock as pet pug tests positive for COVID-19

<p>A family enrolled in a study at Duke University were shocked to learn that their pet pug Winston tested positive for the virus that causes coronavirus.</p> <p>Dr Chris Woods, the lead investigator of the Molecular and Epidemiological Study of Suspected Infection (MESSI) confirmed in a statement to CBS News that Winston was infected.</p> <p>"To our knowledge, this is the first instance in which the virus has been detected in a dog. Little additional information is known at this time as we work to learn more about the exposure."</p> <p>WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina first reported the development in the U.S and said that the pug is part of a family in Chapel Hill.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">A pug named Winston living in North Carolina is believed to be the first dog in the U.S. to test positive for coronavirus. <a href="https://t.co/OQ6QtUaOL9">https://t.co/OQ6QtUaOL9</a> <a href="https://t.co/bSKQ0N46Ry">pic.twitter.com/bSKQ0N46Ry</a></p> — CBS News (@CBSNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSNews/status/1255198852459761668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>The father, mother and son were enrolled in the study and tested positive for the virus, but another family dog and a cat didn’t test positive.</p> <p>The mother said that Winston was having mild symptoms.</p> <p>Son Ben McLean explained to CBS News that more pets could have it, but there’s not much testing available.</p> <p>"There may be more animals that have coronavirus, there just isn't any testing. Obviously those tests should be going to people rather than pets, but because we were part of a research study, we found out about Winston."</p> <p>"However," he added, "people should not worry about their pets getting sick and dying from this disease, there remains little evidence that it is very harmful to them."</p> <p><em>Hero image credits: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://10daily.com.au/news/a200428fldyg/pet-pug-named-winston-and-his-human-family-test-positive-for-coronavirus-20200428" target="_blank">CBS / 10daily</a></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Egg, the missing pug puppy, has died

<p>Australians were gripped by the story of Egg, a 14-week-old pug puppy, who had been <a href="/news/news/2017/02/armed-thieves-steal-pug-dog-as-owner-walked-him/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">reportedly stolen</span></strong></a> at knife-point by three men in Sydney's Olympic Park two weeks ago. Now, the sad truth has come out.</p> <p>NSW Police announced yesterday that the dog had not in fact been stolen, but rather had died at his owner’s home after choking on a treat and his body “disposed of”.</p> <p>Egg’s 29-year-old owner, who, at the time, alleged he had been confronted by three armed men of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance and robbed at gun-point of his wallet, backpack and puppy, has been charged with making a false report to the police.</p> <p>It comes after almost two weeks of search and investigation into the robbery. The man will front Burwood Local Court on April 6.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/02/armed-thieves-steal-pug-dog-as-owner-walked-him/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Armed thieves steal pug dog as owner walked him</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/02/grand-hackett-breaks-silence-after-arrest/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Grant Hackett breaks silence after dramatic arrest</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2017/02/waitress-drags-goanna-from-restaurant/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Waitress drags huge goanna from Aussie restaurant</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Pug and cat hike the Spanish Camino together

<p>Luigi and Bandito love the great outdoors. As you can see in the gallery above, these best friends regularly embark on great adventures and have been to places some of us can only dream about.</p> <p>The cat and dog duo have even been to Camino de Santiago, the 800km pilgrimage route in Spain.</p> <p>Their adventures began when owners Sebastian and Finn bought a doggy stroller so the fluffy friends could accompany them on their travels.</p> <p>"We took a few weeks to get them used to it and set up the tent in our old front room - they genuinely loved it," Sebastian, from England, told the Mail Online.</p> <p>The family of four has travelled all around Spain and undertook the massive Camino trail last year.</p> <p>One-year-old Luigi, the cat, was the laziest of them all and often used the stroller as a safe haven, enjoying the scenery from his comfortably seat.</p> <p>"We knew we would turn back if it became stressful or unfair on them, they are the main priority all the way - as well as walking about 20km a day of course," Sebastian said.</p> <p>The intrepid pug and cat continue to see the world and even have more than 30,000 followers on Instagram.</p> <p>Pet owners considering taking their furry friends on holiday shouldn't overestimate their pet's abilities, the couple advise.</p> <p>"We have had to be vigilant at all times. Inner cities are not ideal places, but fortunately we are in the countryside the vast majority [of time]. Because of this we can really enjoy our time together like climbing trees with the cat and running around with the pug."</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook / Pug and Cat</em></p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong><em>No matter where you’re travelling to, making sure you know how to access your cash while away – and in the most affordable way – is very important. Easy to use and with countless benefits, the Over60 Cash Passport allows you to securely access your cash in the same way you use an ATM or credit card­. <a href="https://oversixty.cashpassport.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">To apply for a card today, click here.</span></a></em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/the-truth-about-pets-and-chocolate/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The truth about pets and chocolate</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/photos-of-beaming-pups/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>14 photos of beaming pups to brighten your day</em></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/why-pets-give-you-the-side-eye/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Why pets give you the side eye</strong></span></em></a></p>

International Travel

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5-star hotel “hires” pug as concierge

<p>Truly exceptional staff members are enough to ensure return customers in the hospitality industry. Especially when those staff members show a unique “breed” of customer service.</p> <p>Meet Parker, the one-eyed rescue pug that has just been “hired” as the new concierge of an upmarket hotel.</p> <p>Walter Brindall, the general manager of The Park Hyatt on Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, rescued Parker from animal welfare group PAWS. The five-year-old pooch was rescued in Tennessee, suffering from an irreparably damaged eye, painful skin tags, rotting teeth and a urinary tract infection. The poor bub!</p> <p>Now, Parker is enjoying a new life as a working pug. Her duties include sleeping behind the front desk, following staff to meetings, riding the elevators and even escorting guests to their rooms.</p> <p>Brindell said she was the perfect dog for the hotel because she was friendly without being overly excitable.</p> <p>“She’s a very quiet, reserved pup, and she loves everybody,” Brindell told the Chicago Tribune.</p> <p>Parker does serve a very important purpose in the hotel however, bringing joy to guests and staff members alike. Decked out in a Burberry bandana that puts everyone else’s work uniform to shame, Parker is happy to pose for many a picture. </p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see a few of the precious snaps.</p> <p>Does your pet have an important “job”? Let us know in the comments below. </p> <p><strong>Related link:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/funny-cat-commercials/">The funniest cat commercials ever</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2014/09/9-foods-you-should-never-feed-your-pet/">9 foods you should NEVER feed your pet</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><em><span><span><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/30-common-plants-that-are-harmful-to-pets/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>30 common plants that are harmful to pets</strong></span><br /></a></span></span></em></p> <div class="share-links"> <div class="addthis_native_toolbox" data-url="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/06/amputee-penguin-gets-new-prosthetic-foot/" data-title="Amputee penguin gets new prosthetic foot | OverSixty" data-description="A penguin named Bagpipes, who's currently under the care of the International Antarctic Centre, has recently been fitted with a 3-D printed prosthetic foot."> <div id="atstbx2" class="at-share-tbx-element addthis_default_style addthis_20x20_style addthis-smartlayers addthis-animated at4-show"> <div></div> <a class="addthis_button_pinterest_pinit at300b"></a></div> </div> </div>

International Travel

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Firefighters saved a runaway pug from traffic

<p>A Victorian pug has his local firefighters to thank for saving his life.</p> <p>On Monday afternoon the rebellious dog, Angus, was spotted by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) running around Burnbank Street in Ballarat.</p> <p>The team lured the dog into their car and brought him back to the station with them.</p> <p>"[Angus was taken] back to the district office where he was mobbed by countless district staff for pats and tummy rubs but alas no bagpipes," the CFA said in a recent statement.</p> <p>The local ranger scanned the run-away’s microchip, which led to Angus’ reunion with his worried owners.</p> <p>"Angus had a great ride in the operations car,” the CFA said.</p> <p>“He didn't choose the pug life the pug life chose him.”</p> <p><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7945/6671760-3x2-700x467_500x334.jpg" alt="6671760-3x 2-700x 467" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Photo source: CFA</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/08/crossing-guard-retires/">Much-loved primary school “lollipop man” retires after 15 years</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/08/taylor-tweets-permission-theatre-company/">Taylor Swift lets seniors in Aussie theatre production dance to Shake It Off</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/08/teacher-wins-millionaire-hot-seat/">Teacher spends $20,000 Millionaire Hot Seat winnings on shoes for students</a></span></em></strong></p>

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Meet the most unlikely best friends: Fugly the pug and KFC the chick

<p>It’s a friendship that’s the making of a Disney film. Fugly the pug and KFC the chick just won’t leave each other’s sides.</p><p>The fluffy yellow bird and the brown-haired puppy have struck up an unlikely friendship after their respective owners held a little playdate when they were a few weeks old.</p><p>“As soon as they were let loose, KFC would follow Fugly everywhere,” said Tim Ho, Fugly’s owner, who lives in the Philippines.</p><p>“We didn't need to encourage them to interact, every time Fugly slept or sat down, KFC would crawl underneath his tummy, his favourite resting place.”</p><p><img width="634" height="475" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/24/10/26F0E3DE00000578-0-image-a-2_1427192502733.jpg" alt="Cute: Fugly the pug protectively places his paws around KFC as the two relax together in the Phillipines" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-22cbcdde74d998ce"></p><p><img width="634" height="475" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/24/10/26F0E3E600000578-0-image-a-3_1427192621076.jpg" alt="Friends: KFC seems to look inquisitively at Fugly. The chick can be spotted following the pug around" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-2788160503af1b34"></p><p><img width="634" height="475" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/24/10/26F0E3F600000578-0-image-a-4_1427192637187.jpg" alt="Cosy: Fugly playfully rests his head on top of KFC the chick, with the two comforable in each other's space" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-5b022c0552168a83"></p><p><img width="634" height="475" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/24/10/26F0E4AC00000578-0-image-a-10_1427193009396.jpg" alt="Protective: Fugly protectively covers KFC with his head while the chick looks on" class="blkBorder img-share" id="i-88da14813345a3c3"></p><p><em>Image credits: Caters News Agency&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Related links:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><a href="/news/news/2015/03/facial-expressions-for-cats/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Man draws some hilarious new facial expressions on his cat</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="/news/news/2015/03/queensland-police-new-puppies/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Meet Queensland Police’s newest canine recruits</strong></em></span></a></p><p><a href="/news/news/2015/03/36-kilo-wombat-is-the-oldest/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>This 36 kilo wombat is the oldest (and heaviest) in captivity</strong></em></span></a></p>

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