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Karl fires up on Sussan Ley over “ruthlessly personal” purge

<p>A major reshuffle of the Coalition’s frontbench has erupted into political controversy, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley facing accusations of conducting a “ruthlessly personal” purge in her first major test since taking the reins from Peter Dutton.</p> <p>In a fiery interview on the <em>Today</em> Show, host Karl Stefanovic grilled Ms Ley over her decision to dump high-profile Senator Jane Hume – architect of the Coalition’s controversial work-from-home policy – and Victorian MP Sarah Henderson from the shadow cabinet.</p> <p>“I am not saying this is a bad thing, but you are ruthlessly personal,” Stefanovic said.</p> <p>“That’s not my view, Karl,” Ms Ley replied, defending the overhaul as part of building a “fantastic team” focused on challenging the Labor government. “Our job is to take the fight up to Labor to be the strongest possible Opposition on behalf of the Australian people.”</p> <p>When asked if she simply didn’t like Senator Hume, Ms Ley deflected: “Jane is a fantastic colleague and contributor and will remain in exactly the role she has as senator for Victoria.”</p> <p>The exclusion of Senator Hume, alongside the demotions of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and other senior women, has fuelled discontent within the party, especially amid concerns over gender representation. Ms Ley insisted that 40% of her shadow ministry are women when the outer ministry is included, but the shadow cabinet now includes just eight women out of 27 – fewer than under Peter Dutton.</p> <p>The removal of Senator Price from the shadow cabinet, now relegated to the defence industry portfolio in the outer ministry, has also raised eyebrows. Ms Ley said Price was “excited” about the new role and emphasised the Coalition’s focus on national security under Angus Taylor, who has moved from Treasury to Defence.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Senate leader Michaelia Cash has taken on the powerful foreign affairs portfolio, squaring off against Labor’s Senator Penny Wong. Ted O’Brien has replaced Taylor as Treasury spokesman, while Senator James Paterson has been elevated to the finance and government services portfolio.</p> <p>Leadership hopeful Andrew Hastie also earned a promotion, stepping into the home affairs role after requesting a shift from Defence.</p> <p>But the reshuffle has created clear winners and losers, with former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack both axed from the front bench. Mr McCormack hinted at ongoing tensions in the Nationals over their separation from the Liberals, telling <em>Sky News</em> he had more to say on key issues like net zero.</p> <p>Asked if his demotion was due to past criticisms of party leadership, McCormack replied, “You would have to ask David Littleproud.”</p> <p>That leadership is now under fresh scrutiny. Nationals MP Colin Boyce has accused Mr Littleproud of misleading the party room over negotiations with Ms Ley, saying, “How can you support a bloke that misleads the partyroom? I’m calling him out.”</p> <p>Senator Matt Canavan, who recently challenged Mr Littleproud for leadership, also weighed in, warning the Liberals to stay out of National Party business.</p> <p>Back in Liberal ranks, Senator Hume’s dumping remains one of the most contentious decisions. While Ley allies insist there’s no bad blood, others suggest a falling out between the two women and suspicions over Hume’s factional allegiances played a role.</p> <p>“She’s just collateral damage,” one Liberal MP said, hinting that internal tensions and past disagreements – including Hume’s controversial remarks during the last election – contributed to her downfall.</p> <p>The reshuffle, intended to position the Coalition as a stronger force heading into the next election cycle, has instead exposed deep rifts within both the Liberal and National parties. Whether this bold shake-up will unify the Opposition or deepen divisions remains to be seen.</p> <p><em>Images: Today show</em> </p>

Missing mum of two found after 60 years

<p>In a stunning breakthrough to one of America's longest-running cold cases, a woman who disappeared more than 60 years ago has been found alive and well – living in another state and expressing “no regrets” for leaving her past behind.</p> <p>Audrey Backeberg was just 20 years old when she vanished on July 7, 1962, from her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, where she lived with her husband, Ronald Backeberg, and their two young children. Her sudden disappearance launched a decades-long search that ultimately went cold – until now.</p> <p>In a press release issued Thursday, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Ms Backeberg had been located alive following a renewed investigation into her case earlier this year.</p> <p>“Through diligent investigative work, which included a thorough re-evaluation of all case files and evidence, combined with reinterviewing witnesses and uncovering new insights, the Sheriff’s Office is now able to report that Audrey Backeberg is alive and well,” the department announced.</p> <p>The cold case was reassigned in March to Detective Isaac Hanson, who led the breakthrough investigation. His review included interviews with old witnesses, analysis of historical evidence, and a key lead involving a relative’s Ancestry.com profile.</p> <p>“That was pretty key,” Hanson told WISN, describing how the online genealogy database helped him trace public records that eventually led to a current address. Once the address was identified, Hanson contacted the local sheriff’s department in the area. “Ten minutes later, she called me,” he said.</p> <p>In a 45-minute phone conversation with Detective Hanson, Ms Backeberg confirmed her identity and shared that she left her family to escape what she described as an abusive and dangerous home environment.</p> <p>“She sounded happy. Confident in her decision. No regrets,” Hanson said.</p> <p>Just days before her disappearance in 1962, Ms Backeberg had filed a criminal complaint alleging that her husband had beaten her severely and threatened her life. Despite this, the couple remained in the home together, with their children.</p> <p>On the day she vanished, Audrey reportedly left to collect a paycheck from her job at a woollen mill – but never returned. Rumours and conflicting accounts emerged over the years, including claims from a 14-year-old babysitter who said she saw Ms Backeberg hitchhike to Madison and take a bus to Indiana. Later, the same individual, when re-interviewed as an adult, claimed Audrey may have ingested pills before departing and might have connected with local construction workers.</p> <p>For decades, her family believed Audrey would never willingly abandon her children. Her husband reportedly spent years chasing leads, but no trace of her was ever found – until now.</p> <p>While authorities have not disclosed the state where Ms Backeberg currently resides, Detective Hanson said she had been living safely and independently all these years.</p> <p>“She just moved on from things and led her life,” he said.</p> <p>Authorities have closed the case with the confirmation that Audrey Backeberg left of her own volition and was not in danger at any point during the six decades she was missing.</p> <p><em>Images: Wisconsin Police</em></p>

Family & Pets

"Of course it's Demi!" World's Most Beautiful Person named for 2025

<p>Demi Moore has been named <em>People</em> magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful Person for 2025, joining the ranks of past honourees like Cindy Crawford, Tom Cruise and Michelle Pfeiffer. At 62, the actress is not only making headlines for her timeless beauty but also for her candid reflections on body image, ageing and self-worth.</p> <p>In an exclusive interview accompanying the annual issue, Moore opened up about her evolving relationship with her body. “I think I've evolved into greater gentility toward myself,” she shared. Admitting that she once had a tendency to "punish" herself, the <em>Ghost</em> star revealed that she's now in a more accepting and appreciative place.</p> <p>“I have a greater appreciation for all that my body has been through that brought me to now,” she said. Though she still experiences moments of insecurity – “It doesn't mean that sometimes I look in the mirror and don't go, 'Oh God, I look old,' or 'Oh, my face is falling' – I do” – Moore said that acceptance has become a key theme in her life.</p> <p>Moore’s resurgence in the spotlight has been bolstered by her acclaimed performance in the 2024 thriller <em>The Substance</em>, alongside Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. The film, which delves into the pressures of ageing in the entertainment industry, drew strong reviews and generated significant Oscar buzz.</p> <p>While she ultimately lost the Academy Award for Best Actress to Mikey Madison, Moore took home her first Golden Globe for the role. In her emotional acceptance speech, she urged the audience to reevaluate how they measure self-worth. “Know the value of your worth,” she said, “by putting down the measuring stick,” drawing cheers from the crowd.</p> <p>With a celebrated career spanning decades, Demi Moore’s new title is not just a recognition of beauty – it’s a tribute to reinvention and the power of self-acceptance.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

Prince William shares deeply personal message over fallen war hero

<p>Prince William has shared a deeply personal message in remembrance of John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, who passed away on St Patrick's Day at the age of 105.</p> <p>The Prince of Wales, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot himself, took to social media on Tuesday to express his condolences and gratitude for Hemingway’s service.</p> <p>"I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of 'The Few'," the 42-year-old royal wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them."</p> <p>Hemingway, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1919, joined the RAF as a teenager and became one of the young airmen who defended Britain during the pivotal 1940 Battle of Britain. These pilots, immortalised as "The Few" following a famous speech by then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played a crucial role in thwarting the German air offensive during World War II.</p> <p>Churchill’s words – "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" – have since become a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Hemingway and his fellow pilots.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was sad to hear about the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway this morning, the last of “The Few”. We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them. W</p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1901914010863202506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Hemingway, acknowledging his extraordinary courage and contribution to securing the nation's freedom.</p> <p>"Very sad to hear of the passing of Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last known Battle of Britain pilot," Starmer wrote on X. "His courage, and that of all RAF pilots, helped end WWII and secure our freedom. We will never forget their bravery and service. Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway."</p> <p>King Charles has yet to make a public statement, but RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton honoured Hemingway’s remarkable legacy, remembering him as "an amazing character" who carried the spirit of camaraderie and bravery throughout his life.</p> <p>"Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London," the RAF said in a statement announcing his passing.</p> <p>Hemingway’s passing marks the end of an era, but his service and sacrifice will live on in history. As the last of 'The Few', he leaves behind a legacy of courage that will continue to inspire generations to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram \ Royal Airforce</em></p>

Caring

"Miraculous rescue": Renter saves stray dog trapped underground

<p>An American renter was minding his own business at his rental home in Longview, Texas when he heard faint barking. </p> <p>The man, who chose to remain anonymous, initially thought the barking was coming from outside, but soon realised that it was coming from below his floorboards. </p> <p>Animal control officer Bobby Jumper was called to the scene and "was very shocked" to find a dog trapped at the bottom of an almost four-metre-deep well underneath the house.</p> <p>The renter did not know there was a well under the house. </p> <p>"I've been doing this for over seven years and that's the first time I've ran into something like this," the animal control officer told the <em>Washington Post.</em></p> <p>Jumper immediately called in back up from the local fire brigade, who built a makeshift sling to pull the stray dog out from safety. </p> <p>"It took multiple people and a lot of different tools and equipment," he said. </p> <p>The rescue took three hours and the team did consider ripping up the floorboards, but managed to find a way into the house without damaging it. </p> <p>Rescuers said the stray pup, a Basset hound mix, had been trapped for days without food or water, but luckily came out unscathed. </p> <p>The pup was taken to the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Centre and given the name Timmy, after the character known to fall down the well on the TV show Lassie. </p> <p>Timmy has since been adopted by a loving family, with the adoption centre sharing the "rescue story of a lifetime" on Facebook. </p> <p>"We witnessed a heartwarming tale of bravery and kindness that we just had to share," they wrote.</p> <p>"Thanks to the quick thinking and heroic efforts of our local firefighters and animal control team, the dog was safely brought to the surface, shaken but unharmed!"</p> <p>"Thank you to everyone who played a part in this miraculous rescue," the post continued.</p> <p>"It's a true reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals and how a community comes together in times of need!"</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Faithful dog's heartbreaking act after owner's death

<p>Heartbreaking images have captured the moment a faithful dog refusing to leave its owner's side after he drowned on a beach in Brazil. </p> <p>The unidentified 40-year-old victim's body was found by residents around 8am on Saturday in Balneário Camboriú. The man was homeless and known for collecting recyclables in the area. </p> <p>Photos from the police investigation showed the pup lying next to his owner's body on the beach, despite it being covered. </p> <p>The footage went viral and captured the hearts of Allan Tatsch and his wife Lauriane Garghetti, who decided to adopt the pup and named him Scooby. </p> <p>"Welcoming Scooby with open arms," Tatsch wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the couple and the pup. </p> <p>"He is just a survivor in this world, being faithful to his guardian until his last moments."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgSPKYOf_K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgSPKYOf_K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by O Município (@omunicipiobrusque)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple already had two dogs of their own at home, and live in Brusque, just 45 km away from Balneário Camboriú.</p> <p>In an interview with local news outlet, <em>G1 </em>the couple revealed that Scooby had settled into his new home without any issues.</p> <p>"He already seemed to know the place. He was very well received by the other two dogs I have, who are also from shelters that we adopted," Tatsch said. </p> <p>"And he didn't want to leave my wife and I at any time," he added.</p> <p>"He stayed inside the house, snuggled on the couch and spent the night."</p> <p>The couple even set up an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skoobofiel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> account for Scooby, sharing updates including Scooby learning new tricks, getting pets and exploring his new neighbourhood. </p> <p>"They are the ones who teach us so much about humanity… more than humans themselves," Garghetti captioned one of the videos. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

From sunscreen to essential oils, why some personal care products could be harmful to your health

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/asit-kumar-mishra-1458839">Asit Kumar Mishra</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-college-cork-1321">University College Cork</a></em></p> <p>Each time you apply sunscreen to your face, you may inhale somewhere between <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/11/5944">10 to 30 milligrams of ethanol</a>, the type of alcohol used in alcoholic drinks. While the ethanol in sunscreen may not give you a buzz, it could make you think about what other chemicals you might be exposed to from personal care products.</p> <p>Products that are applied to the face, like sunscreen, can increase the inhalation of some chemicals by ten times or more than you would inhale from your <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816489/">home air in the entire day</a>.</p> <p>The levels of ethanol in cosmetics and skincare products may be reasonably safe – although it can still dry out the skin, causing pain, redness and swelling, and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ethanol-properties-uses-and-incident-management/ethanol-general-information">irritate the eyes</a>, causing tears, burning and stinging – but personal care products such as shampoos, skin creams, deodorants, cosmetics and perfumes contain fragrances and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be inhaled, absorbed through skin or ingested and some are more toxic than others.</p> <p>Unfortunately, manufacturers of personal care products <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-015-0327-6">do not have to disclose</a> every fragrance compound used. This is concerning when you consider the potential effects of toxic compounds that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816489/">have been detected</a> in the air from personal care products. For example, hair-smoothing products have released formaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can cause <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597627/">a range of symptoms</a> from dermatitis to low sperm count. Some perfumes and deodorants have generated monoterpenes, chemicals which <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8912113/#sec1-molecules-27-01716">can prove toxic</a> for some users.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cfloNXKeyX8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Some of the VOCs found in personal care products <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36976159/">may trigger</a> skin irritation, headaches – and difficulty breathing, which can develop into an asthma attack in some users. The highest or peak concentration of these VOCs are likely to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22406137/">occur within ten minutes</a> of application. But these concentrations may take up to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816489/">two hours to decrease to background levels</a>, depending on your home’s ventilation.</p> <h2>Natural doesn’t mean risk free</h2> <p>But even if the levels of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20659630/">VOCs in personal care products</a> are kept <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22406137/">within safe limits</a>, they can still cause discomfort and a variety of health issues, including irritation of the eyes and airways, migraines and asthmatic reactions, in those who’re <a href="https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-020-00311-y">fragrance sensitive</a>. In the UK, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-018-00655-8">27% of the population</a> self reports as fragrance sensitive.</p> <p>It makes sense then that some people attempt to avoid potentially toxic synthetic chemicals in cosmetics by opting for “natural” or “clean” personal care products. But, <a href="https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-020-00311-y">natural does not mean safer</a>.</p> <p>For instance, essential oils are often used in “natural” personal care products as fragrance. Essential oils, though, are a source of terpenes, some of which can be <a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/essential-oils-harmful-or-helpful">toxic if absorbed, inhaled or swallowed</a>.</p> <p>Indoor concentration of terpenes are often at levels where you can smell them but not high enough to cause <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28126407/">eye or respiratory tract irritation</a>. However, the terpenes from essential oils can react with other chemicals, such as ozone from outdoor air, producing <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32162221/">byproducts like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22250748/">allergens</a>.</p> <h2>Beauty salon safety</h2> <p>Beauty salons can be particularly risky environments for exposure to VOCs. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/7/4176">Studies have found</a> contaminants such as formaldehyde, ammonia and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/toluene-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/toluene-toxicological-overview">toluene</a>, a potentially harmful ingredient used in many personal care products, at high levels in salons, putting staff who work there at the highest risk.</p> <p>Formaldehyde levels in some salons have reached <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31321727/">above safety limits</a>. <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/methyl-methacrylate#tabs-2">Methyl methacrylate</a>, which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and potential <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3072694/">respiratory issues</a> has been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30276513/">detected in the air of nail salons</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydRklqO01fE?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>These contaminants are not necessarily limited to the places in a salon <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23765035/">where a certain product is being used</a>. Beauty salons with poor ventilation are likely to expose workers and customers to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494285/">much higher levels of contaminants</a>. Some of the components of personal care products are known, harmful contaminants and carcinogens.</p> <p>Regulations specifically related to ventilation in environments where large volumes of these products are used do reduce exposures. For instance, studies show that after ventilation regulations came into effect in Boston, US in 2011, the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622145/">air quality inside nail salons improved</a>.</p> <p>When visiting your nail salon or hair stylist, check with them about their ventilation system and other steps they are taking to reduce exposure to VOCs.</p> <p>To limit exposure to potential VOCs at home when using personal care products, try to open windows and use extractor fans in wet rooms. Be especially careful when applying products to the face or when using a high temperature application – <a href="https://occup-med.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12995-018-0213-x">high temperatures can increase emissions</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248273/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/asit-kumar-mishra-1458839"><em>Asit Kumar Mishra</em></a><em>, Research Fellow in School of Public of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-college-cork-1321">University College Cork</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-sunscreen-to-essential-oils-why-some-personal-care-products-could-be-harmful-to-your-health-248273">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Barry Humphries' personal collection fetches millions at auction

<p>A collection of Barry Humphries' personal items has fetched $9 million at a London auction. </p> <p>Just one pair of Barry Humphries’ Dame Edna Everage glasses sold for more than 25 times their pre-sale high estimate, with the yellow-lacquered Possum spectacles fetching a whopping £37,800 ($75,185 AUD).</p> <p>His personal collection totalled £4,627,224 ($9.2 million AUD) at auction, including buyer’s premium, according to Christie’s auction house, which welcomed bidders from 41 countries to the sale.</p> <p>The top price of the sale was lot 42, Charles Conder’s painting Sand dunes, Ambleteuse, which sold for £239,400 ($476,170 AUD).</p> <p>Among the star’s costumes up for sale was a scarlet chiffon evening gown, worn by Humphries as Dame Edna when he surprised the then Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall in the royal box at the Royal Variety Show in 2013, which sold for £21,420, or $42,604 AUD.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotlightSaturday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotlightSaturday</a> Christie’s is delighted to present six lots in Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection sale being sold to benefit the Royal Variety Charity (Registered Charity No.206451) on 13 February. Explore more here: <a href="https://t.co/fwfXGUOe9k">https://t.co/fwfXGUOe9k</a> <a href="https://t.co/fFsl6Gh7gC">pic.twitter.com/fFsl6Gh7gC</a></p> <p>— Christie's (@ChristiesInc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristiesInc/status/1888196325801676946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>“These fantastic results are a testament to Barry’s unique vision and lifelong passion for collecting,” said Benedict Winter, head of sale, private and iconic collections, Christie’s London.</p> <p>“Extraordinary prices were achieved for Symbolist art, works on paper, books and of course Dame Edna’s ‘face furniture’ and dresses."</p> <p>“Christie’s is incredibly proud to have offered this iconic collection at auction, with the results paying a fitting tribute to Barry Humphries and his remarkable legacy.”</p> <p>The Australian star, who was known for his satirical characters including the high camp of Dame Edna and the offensive cultural attache Sir Les Patterson, died in April 2023 at the age of 89.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <div id="div-gpt-inline-02-inner" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;" data-google-query-id="CKbj15KqyYsDFQQLigMdumYUIw"></div>

Money & Banking

More details shared in search for missing young mother

<p>As the desperate search for Tayla Spies, a young mum who has been <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/desperate-search-for-missing-young-mother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">missing in western Queensland</a> for almost two weeks continues, police have released CCTV footage in hopes of helping locate her.</p> <p>The 29-year-old mum was last seen leaving a hotel in Dalby about 8am on Sunday February 2.</p> <p>“We have grave concerns about the health and safety of Tayla,” Detective Chief Inspector Garry Watts told the <em>ABC</em>.</p> <p>“She had a birthday just recently, she didn’t make any contact with family, which is really out of character.”</p> <p>Tayla turned 29 just six days after she went missing. </p> <p>CCTV footage showed her carrying a large bag into her her white Toyota HiLux, before she travelled towards Surat, a small town in the state's south west. </p> <p>Her vehicle, with the plate number 559 GJ7 and a distinctive black bumper bar and blacked-out wheels, was seen at the intersection of Burrowes Street and Cordelia Street in Surat at 11.10am.</p> <p>Tayla was last seen wearing a fluorescent pink long sleeve shirt and light-coloured shorts, according to police.</p> <p>However, in a social media update, her sister Rebecca said she might now be wearing different clothes. </p> <p>“She did end up changing into a white shirt with purple writing on it and a Mimco shoulder bag in the afternoon on Sunday,” she wrote.</p> <p>Her family have also appealed to the public for any information on the missing mum. </p> <p>“Please, if anyone has seen Tayla or her car, report it asap! We just want to know she’s okay and safe!”</p> <p>Police are urging anyone who was travelling between Dalby, Surat and surrounding areas, between the hours of 10.30am and 12.30pm on Sunday February 2, to check their dashcam footage. </p> <p><em>Image: Queensland Police Service/ Yahoo</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

"Absolutely horrendous": Mother recalls the moment her daughter was attacked by a dog

<p>A distraught mother has recalled the terrifying moment her four-year-old daughter was mauled at a popular beach. </p> <p>Natalie was on holiday in Western Australia at a beach in Quindalup in the state’s south with her four children when the brutal attack occurred.</p> <p>Recalling the moment to the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-15/girl-survives-savage-rottweiler-dog-attack-dunsborough/104813116" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>, Natalie said her daughter Lucia was playing with her siblings in knee-deep water when the dog raced towards her, before lunging and taking hold of the little girl’s neck and shoulder.</p> <p>Once latched on, the animal dunked and dragged Lucia underwater and refused to let go. </p> <p>“I ran into the water to try to pull Lucia off,” Natalie told the public broadcaster.</p> <p>“However, the power and the strength of a dog of this breed and size, you’re powerless to do anything.”</p> <p>Natalie said by the time they unlocked the animal’s jaw and released Lucia, she was “bleeding heavily” and “listless”, adding, “Her neck, shoulder and back had big puncture wounds. She wasn’t even crying.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE3W9knBB8F/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE3W9knBB8F/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ABC Perth (@abcperth)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“The ordeal was absolutely horrendous in every way,” she said, adding in an interview with <em><a title="7news.com.au" href="https://7news.com.au/news/mother-shares-dog-beach-warning-after-daughter-mauled-by-rottweiler-at-wa-beach-c-17392886" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="mother-shares-dog-beach-warning-after-daughter-mauled-by-rottweiler-at-wa-beach-c-17392886" data-tgev-label="news" data-tgev-metric="ev">7News</a></em> that the attack was “unprovoked” and “out-of-the-blue”.</p> <p>“He was very big, very strong. There was no way that we could control what was unfolding … your instinct as a mother is to remove your child from that situation, but you couldn’t,” she said.</p> <p>“He wasn’t stopping, he just kept biting her.”</p> <p>A bystander was quick to rush to the child's side and offer help, and while Natalie's eldest child called 000 and informed her mother that an ambulance as at least 30 minutes away, the mother decided to drive her daughter to the hospital herself. </p> <p>Soon after arriving, Lucia was flown to Perth Children’s Hospital and is now on the road to recovery after undergoing several surgeries. </p> <p>“It’s horrible to see your child to go through that. She’s this tiny, innocent little thing, and otherwise so happy,” Natalie said.</p> <p>“It was extremely traumatic, and I don’t want anyone else to go through that.”</p> <p>“She cannot be around our family pet now. She doesn’t want to go to the beach or be around dogs anymore,” Natalie told<a title="www.abc.net.au" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-15/girl-survives-savage-rottweiler-dog-attack-dunsborough/104813116"> the <em>ABC</em>.</a></p> <p>“That beach is where most of our family holiday memories are. It should be a safe place. It’s going to be a bit of a road to turn it back into that, from a place of fear.”</p> <p>According to local council, the City of Busselton, the attack happened on a beach where dogs are permitted off-lead. The rottweiler has now been “euthanised, and an investigation is currently underway.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News </em></p>

Travel Trouble

"My favourite person": NRL star announces engagement

<p>Penrith Panthers star Liam Martin has shared the exciting news of his engagement to his partner Chelsea Leary. </p> <p>The 27-year-old NRL player took to Instagram to reveal the news, sharing pictures of himself and his new fiancée smiling and showing off her diamond ring while at a secluded beach.</p> <p>"My favourite person 🤍," Martin captioned his post, receiving messages of congratulations from his fellow sports stars and fans.</p> <p>"Yes Martini," NRL star and Sydney Roosters player Angus Crichton commented, while fellow Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary added: "Congrats guys <3."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDOwtcbT1G3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDOwtcbT1G3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Liam Martin (@marto_97)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first went public with their relationship in 2019 when they attended the Merv Cartwright Medal together, sharing photos of them dressed up for the event. </p> <p>"Merv Cartwright Medal with his stunner," Martin wrote at the time.</p> <p>The sports star, who hails from Temora in NSW, and made his NRL debut back in 2019.</p> <p>He also plays for the Australian national rugby league team, the Kangaroos and has played for NSW in the State of Origin.</p> <p>After making his debut in the NRL for the Panthers, he wrote in one Instagram post, "Such a surreal moment it was making my NRL debut on Saturday night."</p> <p>"Incredibly proud to be panther no. 584 and couldn't think of a better bunch of blokes to play alongside. Certainly not the result we wanted but want to say a massive thank you to all the fans, family and friends for the messages."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

Remains of missing couple found 44 years later

<p>US police believe they have located the remains of Charles and Catherine Romer, a couple who went missing more than four decades ago. </p> <p>Human remains were found submerged in a Georgia pond, inside a Lincoln Continental, a vehicle similar to the one that belonged to the New York couple who disappeared in 1980. </p> <p>“The vehicle is similar to the description of a vehicle that Charles and Catherine Romer were believed to be driving when reported missing in April 1980,” police said.</p> <p>A human bone was found in the submerged vehicle that was located in a pond between the Royal Inn Hotel and Interstate 95, police said.</p> <p>The car was found by a sonar team from Florida, and is being drained to determine if there are additional remains. </p> <p>The Glynn County Police department is collaborating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. </p> <p>Retired oil executive Charles Romer, 73, and his wife Catherine, 75, vanished while travelling home from Miami Beach, Florida in 1980. </p> <p>At the time, police expressed concerns about potential foul play as Catherine was wearing about $81,000 worth of jewellery.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

Rebel Wilson reveals personal tragedy

<p>Rebel Wilson has been struck with personal tragedy, just days after celebrating Thanksgiving with her growing family. </p> <p>On Saturday, the actress took to Instagram to share that her beloved grandfather has died aged 97. </p> <p>"RIP Poppy – 97 years young. The best grandpa!" she wrote on her Instagram story over the weeked, alongside a photo of herself with her beloved Poppy. </p> <p>It comes just days after the <em>Pitch Perfect</em> star shared a glimpse at her family Thanksgiving with wife Ramona and two-year-old daughter Royce in an Instagram post. </p> <p> "Happy Thanksgiving everyone 🥰 so grateful and lucky to have such an awesome family! Love you all so much 😘," she wrote. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC7WYi4ycVn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC7WYi4ycVn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In one photo, Rebel and Ramona cuddled up aboard a yacht, while another image showed the actress happily helping her daughter walk along a picturesque beach. </p> <p>In another playful photo, Rebel posed with family and friends in front of a stunning view. </p> <p>The post also included a photo of Wilson and Royce during their <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/first-look-at-rebel-wilson-s-italian-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lavish wedding</a> in September.</p> <p>It's been a busy year for the actress, who not only got married this year, but celebrated her daughter's second birthday with a trip to Disneyland, California. </p> <p>"Can't believe our little Royce Lillian is already 2! We took her to Disneyland, her first ride was DUMBO, when she saw the big castle she just said 'cool!'," Wilson shared at the time. </p> <p>She also released her memoir, <em>Rebel Rising</em>, and debuted the first film she directed, <em>The Deb</em>, at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in September.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Queen Camilla "heartbroken" by death of rescue dog

<p>Queen Camilla, who is recovering from a chest infection, has had to make the tough decision of putting her beloved pet dog, Beth, down after she was diagnosed with an untreatable tumour. </p> <p>The news was revealed by Buckingham Palace in a message shared to social media, which read: "A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen's much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire".</p> <p>The 77-year-old royal is said to be "heartbroken" by the loss over the weekend. </p> <p>Beth was rescued by Camilla in 2011, and because she was a rescue, the animal charity was never sure of Beth's age. </p> <p>The royal later adopted another Jack Russell, Bluebell, soon after getting Beth, when she became patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2017, taking over from the late Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCg830XISLD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Recalling the moment she found Bluebell, the Queen previously told <em>BBC Radio 5 Live</em>: "Along I went to Battersea, and Beth appeared, and she had just been moved from pillar to post and dumped.</p> <p>"We thought it would be nice for her to have a friend. They found [Bluebell] two or three weeks later, wandering about in woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead. And they nursed her back to life and her hair grew again.</p> <p>"She's very sweet, but a tiny bit neurotic, shall we say.</p> <p>"The nice thing about dogs is you can sit them down, you could have a nice long conversation, you could be cross, you could be sad and they just sit looking at you, wagging their tail."</p> <p>The two dogs were often by her side at public events and were even featured in an official portrait alongside Camilla. </p> <p>Pictures of her two pups were also embroidered onto the Queen's Coronation gown. </p> <p>Camilla once said of her dogs: "I cannot imagine my life, my home or my sofas without them".</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram/ The Royal Family</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Strangers raise almost $50,000 for sick stray dog

<p>Cindy was so overweight she could barely move when Lana Chapman found her lying in the dirt outside a 7-Eleven.</p> <p>Chapman, an Australian living in Koh Samui, Thailand, immediately decided to take the dog in, and her kind act has inspired hundreds of people online. </p> <p>The Aussie woman has been helping local street dogs for years and was determined to give Cindy a better life. Weighing in at almost 45kgs when Chapman found her, she has helped the pup lose weight and tracked her progress online where she went viral. </p> <p>It was all going well until a few weeks ago Cindy stopped eating and had a lump on her neck. </p> <p>"Usually she runs around the house with excitement [but] it took her about two minutes before she started to eat. That was really out of the norm," Chapman told <em>9news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>After a few vet visits she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a common cancer in dogs.</p> <p>"We started chemo the same day," Chapman said.</p> <p>"It was awful as the vet didn't think she would live for four weeks, but we wanted to try anything we could to help her."</p> <p>Initial tests alone cost almost $2,500, and Cindy needed at least 19 weeks of chemotherapy to survive. </p> <p>With pet insurance not an option as most vets on the island did not accept insurance claims, Chapman relied on the help of strangers and started a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/cindys-lymphoma-fight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> in Cindy's name, hoping to raise $10,000 to cover for the cost of her care. </p> <p>"$10,000 still wouldn't cover the costs but I thought it would really assist us," she said.</p> <p>To her surprise, strangers flocked to help raising almost $50,000 for Cindy in a matter of days, with the highest donation so far being $5,000. </p> <p>The fundraising page was also filled with messages of support, with one writing: "Cindy you are the sweetest girl! I am sending you all the love, you can do this."</p> <p>"Wishing you well with your treatment Cindy, hoping for a speedy recovery. Sending lots of love to your humans too x," added another.</p> <p>Chapman said she was blown away by people's generosity, and never imagined that so many strangers would be willing to help the stray pup. </p> <p>"People have been following her from the day she was rescued off the streets so they have a major soft spot for her," she said.</p> <p>"We definitely would have struggled to pay for this [without donations]."</p> <p>Chapman added that the donations received so far will cover all of Cindy's cancer treatment, and the left over cash will be used to help other street dogs on the island. </p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe/ Lana Chapman</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

Pet owner fined $806 over simple mistake

<p>A poodle owner has been fined $806 over a 10-metre walk to the beach. </p> <p>John, who lives a few minutes away from Budd's Beach in Queensland, took his van down to the water's edge and walked roughly 10 metres across the shoreline with his dog Emma by his side. </p> <p>Little did he know that this common act would cost him $806 under new regulations that came into effect on July 31, where pet owners can get fined for not having a pet on a leash or not maintaining proper control of the leash while in public. </p> <p>"I thought that it was very unfair ...I was only traveling from my van to the water," John told <em>A Current Affair</em>. </p> <p>"I wasn't wandering along the footpath or in public areas or anywhere.</p> <p>"I was just passing, travelling from the car to the water... I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong."</p> <p>John was fined for “failure to exercise effective control of a non regulated dog in a public place”. </p> <p>There are signs further up Budd's Beach that state dogs must be on a leash at all times, and John said he does use a lead when he takes his pup out for a walk. </p> <p>The massive fines are a part of the Queensland government's crackdown on dog attacks, with fines of up to $112,910 for more serious dog attack offences as well as up to three years imprisonment.</p> <p>“Changes were made to the AMCDA due to a rise in complaints about aggressive dogs and dog attacks, and the large number of dog-attack victims admitted to hospital each year in Queensland,” the Queensland government said in a statement online.</p> <p>Another Queensland resident has also been fined under the same laws for having her dog's lead under her foot during a coffee break. </p> <p>“It’s wrong, we are trying to survive and it is another stress I didn’t need,” the resident said. </p> <p>“She was on a lead and collar and she was behaving properly."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

Legal

Investigation launched into deaths of two police dogs

<p>Detectives are investigating the deaths of two police dogs after they were found dead in a police vehicle in Sydney's south. </p> <p>Police dog Xtra and development dog Soldier had attended a development day with their handler in Lucas Heights.</p> <p>Authorities said the two German shepherds had been kept in air-conditioned pods in the police vehicle purpose-built for them. </p> <p>Their handler made the tragic discovery when they went to check on the dogs about 12.30pm on Thursday. </p> <p>“They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived,” NSW Police said in a statement.</p> <p>An investigation overseen by detectives from the Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services is now underway.</p> <p>Authorities did not reveal any information about how they died or whether there were problems with the vehicle. </p> <p>Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to the highly trained German shepherds, who were vital for officers serving the community. </p> <p>“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Webb said.</p> <p>“We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss would be felt deeply by the police officers. </p> <p>"Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them," he said.</p> <p>Xtra gained accreditation as a general-purpose dog in 2018 while Soldier only began service with the Dog Unit in February this year for training and development.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police Force</em></p>

Family & Pets

Desperate search after Aussie man swept out to sea while saving swimmer

<p>A desperate search is underway for an Australian man who got swept out to sea while saving a tourist from drowning on a Bali beach. </p> <p>Craig Laidley, 56, was walking along Balian Beach about 4.15pm on Wednesday when he heard 29-year-old Micro Stalla calling out for help.</p> <p>The Perth man rushed into the water to save the German tourist, but unfortunately Laidley never made it back to shore after being swept out to sea by an "extreme" wave. </p> <p>Laidley, who reportedly lives in Bali, was last seen “drifting back out to the ocean”.</p> <p>He was reported missing to police about three hours later, and they immediately launched a search, with with Denpasar Search and Rescue Office head Nyoman Sidakarya confirming the search is still ongoing. </p> <p>“[On Wednesday] night our team tried to search for victims using land searches and today the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office dispatched 10 people with land and sea SRU divisions,” Sidakarya said. </p> <p>“Information from the team at the location is that the wave conditions are extreme," he added. </p> <p>Rescue teams used rubber boats to search for Laidley within a 10km radius of where he was last seen and also scoured the coastline on foot.</p> <p>Police have also conducted interviews with witnesses as part of their ongoing search. </p> <p>One witness said that there were no warning signs around the beach, despite the dangers. </p> <p>“Incidents like this happen often here,” he told the ABC.</p> <p>“About four months ago, a foreigner went missing. He was found dead 4 hours later. In the last five years, there have been five incidents like this.”</p> <p>Laidley's family have appealed to the public to help find him. </p> <p>“Hello, our family is seeking assistance from the public in Bali,” Craig’s nephew posted on Facebook.</p> <p>“Craig was last seen helping a male that was reportedly drowning in the ocean between Tebing Balian rocks near Balian Beach.</p> <p>“He was then seen drifting back out to the ocean after saving this man’s life.”</p> <p>The search is set to continue on Friday morning. </p> <p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian reported missing in Indonesia.</p> <p><em><strong>Editors Update: </strong></em></p> <p>Craig Laidley’s body has been found on the beach on Friday morning by searchers. His two brothers, Bruce and Glenn, arrived in Bali overnight to join the search. </p> <p>His family are still coming to terms with the loss, but have told <em>7News </em>that they are proud of his heroic rescue and glad that his brothers were there to bring him home.</p> <p><em>Images: Denpasar Search and Rescue Agency/ Facebook</em></p>

Caring

The science of happier dogs: 5 tips to help your canine friends live their best life

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>When you hear about “science focused on how dogs can live their best lives with us” it sounds like an imaginary job made up by a child. However, the field of <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/ourchangingworld?share=2ec8e0ad-5008-4b2d-ae2e-a288e2a77f50">animal welfare science is real</a> and influential.</p> <p>As our most popular animal companion and coworker, dogs are very deserving of scientific attention. In recent years we’ve learned more about <a href="https://theconversation.com/dogs-can-get-dementia-but-lots-of-walks-may-lower-the-risk-189297">how dogs are similar to people</a>, but also how they are distinctly themselves.</p> <p>We often think about how dogs help us – as companions, <a href="https://theconversation.com/meet-moss-the-detection-dog-helping-tassie-devils-find-love-142909">working as detectors</a>, and keeping us <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-owning-a-dog-good-for-your-health-238888">safe and healthy</a>. Dog-centric science helps us <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.666898/full">think about the world from a four-paw perspective</a> and apply this new knowledge so dogs can enjoy a good life.</p> <p>Here are five tips to keep the tails in your life wagging happily.</p> <h2>1. Let dogs sniff</h2> <p>Sniffing <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/animal-emotions/201902/allowing-dogs-sniff-helps-them-think-positively">makes dogs happier</a>. We tend to forget they live in a smell-based world because we’re so visual. Often taking the dog for a walk is our daily physical activity but we should remember it could be our dogs’ only time out of the home environment.</p> <p>Letting them have a really good sniff of that tree or post is full of satisfying information for them. It’s their nose’s equivalent of us standing at the top of a mountain and enjoying a rich, colour-soaked, sunset view.</p> <h2>2. Give dogs agency</h2> <p>Agency is a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1284869/full">hot topic in animal welfare science</a> right now. For people who lived through the frustration of strict lockdowns in the early years of COVID, it’s easy to remember how not being able to go where we wanted, or see who we wanted, when we wanted, impacted our mental health.</p> <p>We’ve now learned that <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1250251/full">giving animals choice and control</a> in their lives is important for their mental wellbeing too. We can help our dogs enjoy better welfare by creating more choices and offering them control to exercise their agency.</p> <p>This might be installing a doggy door so they can go outside or inside when they like. It could be letting them decide which sniffy path to take through your local park. Perhaps it’s choosing which three toys to play with that day from a larger collection that gets rotated around. Maybe it’s putting an old blanket down in a new location where you’ve noticed the sun hits the floor for them to relax on.</p> <p>Providing choices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.</p> <h2>3. Recognise all dogs are individuals</h2> <p>People commonly ascribe certain personality traits to certain dog breeds. But just like us, dogs have their own personalities <a href="https://scitechdaily.com/food-vs-toys-scientists-reveal-what-dogs-truly-prefer/">and preferences</a>. Not all dogs are going to like the same things and a new dog we live with may be completely different to the last one.</p> <p>One dog might like to go to the dog park and run around with other dogs at high speed for an hour, while another dog would much rather hang out with you chewing on something in the garden.</p> <p>We can see as much <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/your-dog-s-breed-doesn-t-determine-its-personality-study-suggests">behavioural variation within breeds as we do between them</a>. Being prepared to meet dogs where they are, as individuals, is important to their welfare.</p> <p>As well as noticing what dogs like to do as individuals, it’s important not to force dogs into situations they don’t enjoy. <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/behaviour/understanding">Pay attention to behaviour</a> that indicates dogs aren’t comfortable, such as looking away, licking their lips or yawning.</p> <h2>4. Respect dogs’ choice to opt out</h2> <p>Even in our homes, we can provide options if our dogs don’t want to share in every activity with us. Having a quiet place that dogs can retreat to is really important in enabling them to opt out if they want to.</p> <p>If you’re watching television loudly, it may be too much for <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/canine-corner/202407/how-good-is-a-dogs-hearing-compared-to-humans">their sensitive ears</a>. Ensure a door is open to another room so they can retreat. Some dogs might feel overwhelmed when visitors come over; giving them somewhere safe and quiet to go rather than forcing an interaction will help them cope.</p> <p>Dogs can be terrific role models for children when teaching empathy. We can demonstrate consent by letting dogs approach us for pats and depart when they want. Like seeing exotic animals perform in circuses, dressing up dogs for our own entertainment seems to have had its day. If you asked most dogs, they don’t want to wear costumes or be part of your Halloween adventures.</p> <h2>5. Opportunities for off-lead activity – safely.</h2> <p>When dogs are allowed to run off-lead, they use space differently. They tend to explore more widely and go faster than they do when walking with us on-lead. This offers them important and fun physical activity to keep them fit and healthy.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2AchEFiDwA8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Demonstrating how dogs walk differently when on- and off-lead.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>A recent exploration of <a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/we-checked-if-melbourne-really-is-a-dog-friendly-city">how liveable cities are for dogs</a> mapped all the designated areas for dogs to run off-leash. Doggy density ranged from one dog for every six people to one dog for every 30 people, depending on where you live.</p> <p>It also considered how access to these areas related to the annual registration fees for dogs in each government area compared, with surprising differences noted across greater Melbourne. We noted fees varied between A$37 and $84, and these didn’t relate to how many off-lead areas you could access.</p> <p>For dog-loving nations, such as Australia, helping our canine friends live their best life feels good. <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2018957756/our-changing-world-the-science-behind-dog-welfare">Science that comes from a four-paw perspective</a> can help us reconsider our everyday interactions with dogs and influence positive changes so we can live well, together.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/236952/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, Research Fellow, Animal Welfare Science Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-happier-dogs-5-tips-to-help-your-canine-friends-live-their-best-life-236952">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Family & Pets

Is owning a dog good for your health?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tania-signal-2209329">Tania Signal</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p>Australia loves dogs. We have one of the <a href="https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-many-pets-are-there-in-australia/#ftn1">highest rates of pet ownership</a> in the world, and one in two households has <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AMAU008-Pet-Ownership22-Report_v1.6_WEB.pdf">at least one dog</a>.</p> <p>But are they good for our health?</p> <p>Mental health is the <a href="https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AMAU008-Pet-Ownership22-Report_v1.6_WEB.pdf">second-most common reason</a> cited for getting a dog, after companionship. And many of us <a href="https://www.scratchpetfood.com.au/australian-dog-survey/">say</a> we “feel healthier” for having a dog – and let them sleep in our bedroom.</p> <p>Here’s what it means for our physical and mental health to share our homes (and doonas) with our canine companions.</p> <h2>Are there physical health benefits to having a dog?</h2> <p>Having a dog is linked to lower risk of death over the long term. In 2019, a <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.119.005554">systematic review</a> gathered evidence published over 70 years, involving nearly four million individual medical cases. It found people who owned a dog had a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who did not own a dog.</p> <p>Dog ownership was linked to increased physical activity. This lowered blood pressure and helped reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.</p> <p>The review found for those with previous heart-related medical issues (such as heart attack), living with a dog reduced their subsequent risk of dying by 35%, compared to people with the same history but no dog.</p> <p>Another recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-41254-6">UK study</a> found adult dog owners were almost four times as likely to meet daily physical activity targets as non-owners. Children in households with a dog were also more active and engaged in more unstructured play, compared to children whose family didn’t have a dog.</p> <p>Exposure to dirt and microbes carried in from outdoors may also <a href="https://healthland.time.com/2012/07/09/study-why-dogs-and-cats-make-babies-healthier/">strengthen immune systems</a> and lead to less use of antibiotics in young children who grow up with dogs.</p> <h2>Health risks</h2> <p>However, dogs can also pose risks to our physical health. One of the most common health issues for pet owners is <a href="https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/other-allergy/pet-allergy#:%7E:text=Allergies%20to%20pets%20and%20other%20animals%20are%20a,hard%20to%20work%20out%20what%20is%20causing%20symptoms">allergies</a>.</p> <p>Dogs’ saliva, urine and <a href="https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/pet-dander">dander</a> (the skin cells they shed) can trigger allergic reactions resulting in a <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cat-and-dog-allergy#:%7E:text=Pet%20allergies%20occur%20when%20your%20immune">range of symptoms</a>, from itchy eyes and runny nose to breathing difficulties.</p> <p>A recent <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9352935/">meta-analysis</a> pooled data from nearly two million children. Findings suggested early exposure to dogs may increase the risk of developing asthma (although not quite as much as having a cat does). The child’s age, how much contact they have with the dog and their individual risk all play a part.</p> <p>Slips, trips and falls are another risk – <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20226954/#:%7E:text=Injury%20rates%20were%20highest%20among,for%20injuries%20to%20the%20extremities.">more people</a> fall over due to dogs than cats.</p> <p>Having a dog can also expose you to <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dog-cat-bat-and-human-bites#:%7E:text=Dog%20bites.%20Most%20dog%20bites%20are%20caused">bites and scratches</a> which may become infected and pose a risk for those with compromised immune systems. And they can introduce zoonotic diseases into your home, including <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319273/#:%7E:text=Viral%20infections%20such%20as%20rabies,staphylococcus%20aureus%20are%20the%20most">ring worm</a> and <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/campylobacter">Campylobacter</a>, a disease that causes diarrhoea.</p> <p>For those <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-with-dogs#risks-and-side-effects">sharing the bed</a> there is an elevated the risk of allergies and picking up ringworm. It may result in lost sleep, as dogs move around at night.</p> <p>On the other hand some owners report feeling more secure while <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-with-dogs#tips">co-sleeping with their dogs</a>, with the emotional benefit outweighing the possibility of sleep disturbance or waking up with flea bites.</p> <p>Proper veterinary care and hygiene practices are essential to minimise these risks.</p> <h2>What about mental health?</h2> <p>Many people know the benefits of having a dog are not only physical.</p> <p>As companions, dogs can provide significant emotional support helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and <a href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2023/lending-a-paw-for-defence-veterans-clear-evidence-that-assistance-dogs-help-improve-mental-health/">post-traumatic stress</a>. Their presence may offer comfort and a sense of purpose to individuals facing mental health challenges.</p> <p>Loneliness is a <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/social-isolation-and-loneliness">significant</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-12/loneliness-australia-federal-government-urged-to-do-more/103441076">growing</a> public health issue in Australia.</p> <p>In the dog park and your neighbourhood, dogs can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122085">make it easier</a> to strike up conversations with strangers and make new friends. These social interactions can help build a sense of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-64079-4">community belonging</a> and reduce feelings of <a href="https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-benefits-of-companion-animals-to-human-health/#social-benefits">social isolation</a>.</p> <p>For <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07334648231214425">older adults</a>, dog walking can be a valuable loneliness intervention that encourages social interaction with neighbours, while also combating declining physical activity.</p> <p>However, if you’re experiencing chronic loneliness, it may be hard to engage <a href="https://brill.com/view/journals/soan/22/5/article-p459_2.xml">with other people</a> during walks. <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7770-5#Sec19">An Australian study</a> found simply getting a dog was linked to decreased loneliness. People reported an improved mood – possibly due to the benefits of strengthening bonds with their dog.</p> <h2>What are the drawbacks?</h2> <p>While dogs can bring immense joy and numerous health benefits, there are also downsides and challenges. The responsibility of caring for a dog, especially one with behavioural issues or health problems, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9372/1/1/7">can be overwhelming</a> and create financial stress.</p> <p>Dogs have shorter lifespans than humans, and the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heartstrings/202211/why-do-we-grieve-losing-a-pet-so-deeply">loss of a beloved companion</a> can lead to depression or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.</p> <p>Lifestyle compatibility and <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/350">housing conditions</a> also play a significant role in whether having a dog is a good fit.</p> <p>The so-called <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/animals-and-us/202109/are-pets-good-us-we-think-they-are">pet effect</a> suggests that pets, often dogs, improve human physical and mental health in all situations and for all people. The reality is more nuanced. For some, having a pet may be more stressful than beneficial.</p> <p>Importantly, the animals that share our homes are not just “tools” for human health. Owners and dogs can mutually benefit when the welfare and wellbeing of both are maintained.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238888/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/tania-signal-2209329">Tania Signal</a>, Professor of Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-owning-a-dog-good-for-your-health-238888">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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