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The National
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Dugald Bruce Lockhart: 10 things that changed my life
One: Strontian (Western Highlands) DESPITE spending the first four years of my life in Fiji, my earliest memory is sitting in the hull of a rowing boat, fitted with an outboard motor, as we set off from the village of Strontian across the wind-whipped waters of Loch Sunart, terrified the boat would sink. Having made it to an island, picnicked, and not sunk, I was charged with newfound confidence for our return journey. Peering over the gunwale, staring into the low-lying sun, I repeatedly sang the chorus of Kumbaya, My Lord, marvelling at how the tune fitted the scenic backdrop. Thus was born my desire to impose narratives on the world about me; which, in turn, led to playing guitar, acting, and eventually, writing my first novel. It was also where I first tasted a lime-flavoured popsicle; which to a four-year-old, fresh from the Pacific Islands, was almost as weighty a game changer! (Image: PA/Alamy) Two: My first fishing rod A FOUR-FOOT-LONG, fibreglass fishing rod, that had been given to me by 'Dear'', my formidable great-grandmother, (real name, Mona), wife of J H Bruce Lockhart, former Scottish international cricket and rugby player. In a Highland burn, I caught my first trout, a whopper, at least five inches! This triggered a passion for fishing that continues to afflict me; casting my line over rivers far and wide, as well as providing the subject for my first short story – Salar The Salmon – which I wrote at the age of nine; about a salmon who struggles to find her way back to the stream where she was born. Even now, I'm unable to cross a bridge without stopping to check if I can spot that elusive, wavering shadow lying in the current below. And wondering how much it weighs. Three: February 22nd 1991 THE day I received a phone call at our home in London, to say I'd got in to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art – despite the fact I'd been drunk at my recall (thanks to a four-pint liquid lunch, to quell the nerves); that I'd given my Shakespeare monologue as Sean Connery (they stopped me after my first line), and had lied about all the other drama schools to which I'd applied. With no one else around to celebrate the news, I drank a glass of orange juice and explained to our pet African Grey parrot, Coco, how I was going to be a famous actor. Coco remained predictably implacable, looked me in the eye, then shat on the newspaper bedding at the bottom of his cage. My first of many critics. Four: My Yamaha acoustic guitar I BOUGHT it in Tokyo, while touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company. After an all-nighter in the district of Roppongi, a combination of hangover and jetlag caused a five-day bout of insomnia, resulting in a breakdown – along with the realisation I had to call off my engagement to my fiancée back home. Unable to think straight, let alone utter a sentence of Shakespearean verse, I was taken off the show to recover, only venturing from my 17th-floor hotel room to stumble across the square to the music store opposite, where I parted with the equivalent of £200 to buy the instrument. I continued to write songs for the remainder of that 12-month tour, and on, for the next 20 years; including one titled Wedding Train – which I now realise was an ode to my guitar – about the comfort of strumming her dependable six strings, and how she had carried me through my hour of need. Five: My pet lizard I HAD caught it in the wastelands outside our house in Cyprus in 1978. Hoping the creature might join the family, I gave him first a name, then set up home in our open-roofed inner courtyard, where there was a hole in the tiles. Using a rock to provide cover, I brought him flies and worms, and he soon became accustomed to his new dwelling. Then one day, I introduced him to some school friends. After much oohing and ahh-ing, we left him to his own devices – me quickly dropping the rock back into place, as we hurried out. When I returned to the courtyard that evening, I found him to be unusually still. He was lying at an angle that didn't make sense – his jaw, squashed and out of line. But still alive. In a panic, I took him outside and dropped him over the garden fence into the scrub below – lying to myself that he'd be better off fending for himself. My first encounter with true guilt; which, 50 years on, continues to haunt me. I hope one day to be able recall the poor creature's name. (Image: PA/Alamy) Six: The Diorama building in London THE soulless building in central London was where, as an out-of-work actor, I had to trek from my flat in Harlesden in order to take part in a group selection process for a corporate roleplay company based in Bristol. My spirits lightened when an extremely attractive brunette in a slim-fit suit passed me in the doorway, asking if she was in the right place. The building took on a greater shine, when it transpired she and I were both familiar with Southwold and that we both knew a certain actor – with whom she had read to stroke patients, and with whom I had toured the world for 10 years. A month later, I emailed him to ask about the status of a certain Penny, whom I'd met at Diorama. He replied that she was 'unattached', and would I like her number? Staring at a family photograph of myself, Penny, Mackenzie and Cassidy, posing in the grounds of a hotel in Gran Canaria, this spring, I recall that it had been raining the day of the interview, and that I'd hesitated in the hallway of my flat, wondering if I could really be bothered to schlepp across town in the pissing rain, for a job I was unlikely to get, and which I didn't really want in the first place. Seven: My children TO splash with them, one on each arm, in a tiny paddling pool in the garden, lost in their joy and wonder, and gap-toothed grins. Watching them grow, hearing them laugh. Sharing their daily tragedies. To know you are not only perpetuating the circle of life, but that your navel-gazing days are over. And that you are finally at one with unconditional love. Eight: Propeller Theatre Company WHEN in the autumn of 1998, I joined Edward Hall's all-male Shakespeare company, I had no idea that this would begin 15 years of international touring with a group of actors that would become tantamount to a second family. True, each 10-to-12-month tour was as akin to a 12-month stag do, as it was to spreading the joy of Shakespeare's plays; and yet, it was with Propeller that I truly learnt the craft of storytelling, and how performing is really more of a sport than any kind of mysterious art form. From climbing the pyramids in Mexico City at dawn, to performing The Comedy Of Errors in Sri Lanka, watched by a group of wild monkeys that had climbed in through the windows, it was also my own Homeric journey of self-discovery, and the birth of lifelong friendships. Halcyon days, I shall never forget. Nine: Across The Universe WHENEVER I hear John Lennon's masterpiece, I am transported back to my parent's house in Greenwich, where I sat on the drawing room floor, in diffused sunlight, listening to the song unfold for the first time. I smell chocolates, pipe smoke, old books, coffee and toast; the musty aroma of our dog, Poggy, curled up in his basket, tucked away in the corner by the piano; the muffled chatter of the BBC's World Service from the kitchen, and the cloying scent of linseed oil from my newly acquired Gray-Nicolls cricket bat leaning against the wall behind the front door. Everlasting peace, frozen in three minutes and 47 seconds. (Image:) 10: Passing my driving test MY first attempt (in Dundee, while a student at St Andrews University) went rather well, I thought. Having pulled up by the side of the road, the examiner asked me how many lessons I'd taken. Understanding him to be thoroughly impressed, I proudly confessed I'd only had five. He smiled and informed me I'd be taking a few more. My second attempt ended up with the same result. (What you don't do, if a suitcase comes off your roof rack, is wait for a pause in the traffic then run out and grab it). The day I finally passed, I'd wrenched my back and had sat stiffly in the driver's seat with a brace on my neck, stinking of Deep Heat, barely able to look left or right, let alone turn to face my nonplussed examiner. How she let me sit next to her, let alone pass me, I have no idea. But I'm eternally grateful. How my life would have unfolded without the freedom of wheels, I can't imagine. Second Skin, a thriller set in the Greek Islands by Dugald Bruce Lockhart is published by Muswell Press
Mint
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Mint
Why birds make great pets
Gift this article If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. 'Birds are smart, social, and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. 'They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt very well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs, and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging." If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. 'Birds are smart, social, and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. 'They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt very well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs, and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging." For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. 'India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. 'This includes birds like Indian ringneck parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mynas, and munias." Instead, pet parents should opt for birds of foreign origin, which are legally permitted and widely bred in India. Popular examples include budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grey parrots, macaws, canaries, and certain finches. For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. 'India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. 'This includes birds like Indian ringneck parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mynas, and munias." Instead, pet parents should opt for birds of foreign origin, which are legally permitted and widely bred in India. Popular examples include budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grey parrots, macaws, canaries, and certain finches. However, legality isn't enough, ethics matter too. Dr Narvekar says to source birds from reputable, registered breeders who can provide documentation proving the bird's foreign origin. Once you've welcomed your bird home, creating the right environment becomes key. 'A cage should never be a prison—it should be a safe, enriching base that allows the bird to move comfortably," says Dr Narvekar. As a rule of thumb, the cage should be large enough for the bird to fully stretch and flap its wings without touching the sides. Daily cleaning of the cage and feeding bowls is essential to prevent infections. Also Read | How to keep your pet safe from disease in the monsoon Equally important is time outside the cage. 'Birds need to fly. Even small species like budgies and cockatiels require regular supervised time in a safe, bird-proofed room," she adds. This means shutting windows, turning off ceiling fans, and keeping toxic fumes—like those from non-stick pans, incense, or aerosol sprays—far away. Toys, foraging opportunities and mirrors can provide important mental stimulation. Dr Narvekar says that in most pet birds, routine vaccines and deworming aren't commonly administered, but exceptions do exist. 'More importantly, regular health check-ups with an avian vet are advisable to gauge if vaccines are needed and to catch any issues early." A balanced diet is critical, says Dr Narvekar. High-quality commercial pellets should form the base, with seeds given only in moderation. A mix of fresh fruits and vegetables adds much-needed nutrients and variety. 'Never feed birds avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, or anything salty or fried. And fruit seeds should be avoided, as many are toxic." While their physical care is relatively straightforward, Dr Narvekar says that a bird's emotional well-being is just as important. 'Birds are highly intelligent and deeply social creatures. Some form lifelong bonds with their human caregivers, and yes, they do grieve if separated from a companion or neglected." A consistent routine, gentle handling, and regular interaction go a long way in helping birds feel safe and loved. Also Read | Pet Matters: How to breed your dog at home safely New bird parents should also be aware of common illnesses . Psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a bacterial infection that can even spread to humans if not handled correctly. 'Look out for signs like lethargy, breathing issues, and green droppings—and always quarantine new birds before introducing them to existing ones," says Dr Narvekar. Another issue to watch for is yeast infections, which often arise from damp cages or mouldy food. These can cause laboured breathing, weakness, and watery stools and require prompt veterinary attention. When prescribed antibiotics, they need them in far higher doses than dogs and cats. Giving medication like paracetamol can cause severe kidney disease. Hence, a pet bird must be treated by a veterinarian specialised in avian medicine. Birds may not wag their tails or curl up in your lap, but they do form bonds and respond to affection in a way that's hard to describe—until you've experienced it. Nameeta Nadkarni is a veterinary soft tissue surgeon and pet blogger from Mumbai. Also Read | Pets enrich the lives of the elderly Topics You May Be Interested In
Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
My cat has white fur… should I be worried about sunburn?
Scroll down to Sean's advice to a dog owner who can't control their lunging pup PAWS & CLAWS My cat has white fur… should I be worried about sunburn? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Should I be concerned that my cat can get sunburn? Q: MY two-year-old cat Truffles has white fur. Should I be worried about sunburn? Paul Hayward, Plymstock, Devon Sean says: Yes, white or pale dogs and cats can be particularly prone to sunburn, especially around the eyes, nose and tips of the ears. For cats especially, the ear tips can be prone to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. This is caused by exposure to UV rays. So use pet-safe, high-factor sun cream on these exposed areas in sunny weather. Truffles may not like this at first, but just use a very thin layer and distract her afterwards with games or treats to make sure she doesn't immediately groom it off. You can also reduce risk by keeping pale pets indoors during the day INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy Q: I AM worried about leaving my dog in a kennel for the summer holidays. Apart from his normal food, what other things can I do to make this a smooth experience? It's the first time our Lurcher Brandy will be apart from us. Sandy Evans, Swansea Sean says: Familiar bedding and toys that smell of home will help. A pheromone collar might be good, too. But kennels will always be a bit of a change and sometimes a worry for our dogs during our holidays. I've recently signed up to a pet- sitting service, where you can list your pet and holiday dates for someone checked and registered to come and look after your home and pet. It was a great solution for the pet owner, pets and pet-sitter alike. The dogs I looked after were far happier in their own home than in kennels. It's called Trusted Housesitters (I'm not on commission!). But it might be worth looking into if you are very worried how Brandy might cope apart from you in unfamiliar surroundings. Q: I WANT to teach my African Grey parrot Teddy some tricks. He's really bright. Where do you advise that I start? Jacob Ford, Skegness, Lincs Sean says: The sky's the limit here. Studies have shown African Grey parrots can perform similar mental tasks to toddlers and small children. The one disservice we do when keeping them as pets is not recognising their social needs, and keeping them alone with none of their own kind for company. If you aren't willing to get another, then stimulate Teddy's mind as much as possible through interaction with you. Start by watching YouTube videos on the subject, and you and Teddy will learn all kinds of cool tricks. Q: MY dog Monkey lunges at other canines. A behaviourist told me to get a collar that has little spikes to break the habit but I'm not sure about that. What's your view? It is persistent but I don't want to cause him discomfort. That said, he's a big dog and I'm worried that if he frightens someone there could be a complaint. Ella Smith, Guildford, Surrey Sean says: My recommendation is that you find a better behaviourist. I doubt they are accredited, with that outdated advice. A qualified animal behaviourist is worth their weight in gold and generally can get far better results allowing Monkey to express his emotions, not be punished for doing so, but alleviating the underlying cause too. The trio of techniques for tackling this issue are habituation, response substitution and counter conditioning. The three main accreditations for animal behaviourists: The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC); the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) and Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CCAB). Star of the week YOU'VE heard of Peppa, but now Pluto the pig is hoping to become a global superstar and be crowned the tiniest pet boar in the world. At just 38cm tall, the dinky Juliana pig is one of the pets at Kew Little Pigs Farm in Amersham, Bucks, where staff believe he is the tiniest adult boar ever recorded. 4 Pluto the pig is hoping to become a global superstar Credit: Supplied His application is currently awaiting verification by Guinness World Records. 'He's tiny but mighty,' said owner Olivia Mikhail. 'He loves a cuddle, sits happily on your lap and has even done film work and starred in a London vodka company's ad campaign. 'We think he's the full package!' See more of him at WIN £80 dog bed FROM playful pups to wise old woofers, every dog deserves their own cosy retreat. Big Bertha Original is offering one reader the chance to win an XL cord dog bed worth £99.90. And two readers can each bag a large dog bed worth £79.90. With the spacious designs, your pet can stretch, roll and snore to their heart's content. For a chance to win, send an email (stating your preference) to sundaypets@ by July 20. See T&Cs apply. Dog in hot car? Its never worth risk NEARLY half of dog owners would leave their pet in a car on a warm day, according to an RSPCA survey. Yet doing so could put their pets' lives at risk. 4 Leaving your dog in a hot car risks their lives Credit: Getty Carrie Stones, campaign manager at the animal charity, said: 'Worryingly, RSPCA polling suggests only 58 per cent would not leave their dog inside a car on a warm day, suggesting almost half may choose to. 'Underestimating the temperatures a vehicle can reach, even when the weather doesn't seem that warm or if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows down, can be fatal for our beloved dogs. It's never worth the risk.' Dalma Szucs, head of trust and safety at said: 'One of the most common, and most dangerous, misconceptions is that it's safe to leave a dog in the car for just a few minutes. Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to over 40C within ten minutes. 'Heatstroke in dogs can escalate quickly and is often fatal if not treated promptly.' The RSPCA says if you see a dog in a hot car, don't be afraid to dial 999. Carrie added: 'This is the best and quickest way to get help, as the RSPCA has no powers of entry and we'd need to ask the police.'
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Can your pet do Math? Science says some animals might be quietly crunching numbers
Math might seem like a strictly human domain, but scientists have long suspected that animals possess a primitive ability to recognize and compare numbers. The term for this is numerosity—the capacity to identify and distinguish quantities without actual counting. As per a report from VICE, according to Georgia State University psychologist Michael Beran, this cognitive skill shows up across species as diverse as frogs, spiders, birds, and primates. Why would nature hand animals a math toolkit? For survival, of course. Beran explains that understanding basic quantities helps animals make smarter decisions—like how many predators to avoid, how much food to chase, or even when to retreat from conflict. Animal Math in Action You might expect apes or dolphins to flex some numerical logic. But the real shockers are bees, frogs, and spiders. Golden orb weaver spiders track how many insects fall into their web. Honeybees count landmarks mid-flight to navigate. Túngara frogs, in a bizarre twist of biological one-upmanship, add extra syllables to their mating calls, essentially flexing their quantity sense to impress potential mates. In one of 2024's most talked-about studies, researchers discovered that carrion crows could caw out precise numbers—up to four—when prompted. That makes them the first known birds to 'count aloud,' a milestone in animal cognition research . You Might Also Like: Are AI-generated pet dramas the new viral money-makers? Creators' earnings will surprise you iStock While Tungata frogs are capable of counting given their unique mating call ritual, Golden orb weaver spiders track how many insects fall into their web. (Representational images: iStock) How They Do It? This isn't traditional math with symbols and equations. Most animals rely on an inborn tool called the Approximate Number System (ANS). Giorgio Vallortigara, a neuroscience professor at the University of Trento, explains that even newborn chicks show signs of this innate ability. ANS operates on ratios, not precise numbers. Animals are better at distinguishing large differences—like two versus five—than close quantities like eleven versus thirteen. This mental shortcut follows a rule known as Weber's Law, which governs how our brain perceives relative differences more easily than absolute ones. The Few That Actually Count While most animals estimate, a rare few break the mold. Irene Pepperberg's iconic African Grey parrot, Alex, could not only identify numbers but perform simple addition with jelly beans. That level of numeric comprehension remains uncommon but not unheard of. In controlled lab experiments, even unexpected species like pigeons, stingrays, cichlids, and honeybees have shown they can solve basic arithmetic when trained using visual symbols. Some researchers believe multiplication may also be possible in such scenarios, although the evidence is still emerging. You Might Also Like: Peak Bangalore moment? Auto driver travels with his pet dog, and the internet is loving it. Limits to the Logic Still, don't expect your dog to do calculus. Beran cautions that when numerical tasks get too complex or abstract, 'the case is much, much weaker.' These abilities operate within limits, but even within those bounds, they're striking. So, Is Your Pet Secretly a Mathematician? While your cat isn't solving algebra under the sofa, it might be using a primitive number sense to decide whether it got fewer treats than your dog. And the next time a pigeon beats you to a parking space, just remember—it may have calculated its odds faster than you did. In short, math isn't just for humans. And nature? It's been doing mental math long before we invented chalkboards.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Hartbeespoort father rescues daughter as fire guts home, 8 pets perish
The home of Francois le Grange and his daughter, Carla, in Jean Botha Avenue, Meerhof, Hartbeespoort, went up in flames around 03:00 yesterday. 'I woke up to my daughter screaming. She lives on the top floor. When I ran up the steps to the door connecting the two units, I encountered flames. I screamed at her to get out on the balcony and ran around the house,' a traumatised Le Grange told Kormorant. Carla climbed over the balcony and held onto the railing. Le Grange managed to reach her legs and pull her down. 'I ran back to the front door on the top floor to try and get to the three dogs, five cats and the African Grey that were with her. However, I could not get in. Everything was engulfed in flames.' Neighbours rushed to help the family, and Necsa Fire, Hartbeespoort Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and Madibeng Fire were soon on the scene. Despite firefighters' efforts, the top floor of the house was completely destroyed. 'I was looking for the animals this morning. I found the German Shepherd's carcass, but there was nothing left of the two Yorkies and four cats. All that was left in the bird cage was a small heap of ashes.' Two of Le Grange's dogs, which were with him in the ground-floor unit, escaped the fire. 'It seems one of the cats also managed to get out and was seen running around by people on the scene.' The cat has since been found. Le Grange's wife passed away four months ago, and he was living with his daughter in the house. 'We don't know what caused the fire. It started in Carla's unit. I doubt whether it will be possible to save any part of the house. Even the nose of the car in the garage melted from the heat. I am waiting for the assessors. I would like to know how the fire started,' said Le Grange. 'I want to thank everyone who came to our rescue – both neighbours and the firemen who did a wonderful job. My daughter is safe, I am safe, and I am thankful for that.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
