Manchester-based rescue centre Dogs 4 Rescue has issued a heartbreaking plea for people to get their dogs vaccinated after the tragic death of one of their pack.
The kennel-free shelter shared yesterday that Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sophie has passed away with parvovirus after a stay in the emergency vets.
Parvo is a relatively common virus in dogs in the UK, but pets can be protected from it with vaccinations.
Dogs 4 Rescue has urged people to keep up with boosters and jabs, warning of mounting pressure on vets after lockdown.
Sophie the staffie died with parvovirus. Credit: Dogs 4 Rescue
They say that the puppy boom during lockdown may be partly responsible for rising cases of Parvo.
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Sophie wasn’t able to have her vaccination until she had finished her course of medication, and the shelter believe she may never have had a vaccination.
The charitable organisation added that ‘beautiful’ Sophie had an ‘old body and weak immune system’ which left her unable to fight off the deadly virus and an infection.
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The staffie’s name had been changed once she came into Dogs 4 Rescue’s care to give her a fresh start.
She had been in the care of a special foster family.
They said that the death of the ‘wonderful little dog’ has left them all ‘beyond devastated’, especially the volunteer who was fostering her.
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You can find out more about Dogs 4 Rescue and make a donation at dogs4rescue.co.uk.
Dogs 4 Rescue’s full statement
We are heartbroken to tell you about the loss of beautiful Sophie at 3am yesterday morning.
Rescued from the pound only a few weeks ago she had been in the emergency vets since Wednesday trying to fight infection.
She had parvovirus and her old body and weak immune system was unable to cope with this, the most brutal of infections.
Sadly Sophie came to the pound with chronic skin problems from neglect and was unable to be vaccinated until she had finished her course of steroids.
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She had had such a bad background her name had been changed to give her a fresh start.
Her age, and the likelihood she has never had any vaccinations, along with the steroids put her at increased risk.
But post lockdown and because of the puppy boom there has been a huge rise in parvovirus in the UK – stretching vets to their limits.
Devastatingly Sophie was in special foster with our lovely Jess who is beyond devastated, as are we.
Jess not long ago lost her gorgeous old Maz a staffie rescued from us and she knew as soon as she saw Sophie’s first photo she was the special one that could help heal her heart.
We send her all our love and thanks for giving Sophie love and care like she had never known. She was such a wonderful little dog, so happy with her new life.
Losing Sophie has hit us all hard, but we must carry on with our resolve to rescue as many of the unwanted staffies as we can. And to love them as much as we loved Sophie.
Please everyone get your dogs vaccinated and keep up with their boosters. It is not just puppies who need the protection.
Breeders and those who support them cause so many problems and Sophie was one of the vulnerable caught up in it all.
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Thanks to the lovely vets at Animal Trust Bolton who took such good care of her and tried everything and for keeping us up to date. We will love you forever Sophie.
Featured image: Dogs 4 Rescue
Manchester
Manchester United are offering fans the chance to play at Old Trafford as part of a dream competition
Danny Jones
Manchester United fans are being offered the chance to live out their childhood dreams and play at Old Trafford as part of an exciting new competition by the club.
For anyone who has grown up a Red, the idea of playing under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams is a fantasy most can only ever fantasise about – even being a ball boy or a mascot would suffice for some – but Man United are taking things even further.
Teaming up with hotel partners, Marriott Bonvoy, not only is the club prepared to give supporters the opportunity to walk out onto that pitch and play a real game of footy, but they’re also hoping to give those fortunate enough to win the ultimate stay in Manchester city centre.
Fancy playing in red, watching the match at the weekend, enjoying a lavish hotel room and much more?
As part of this limited-time-only competition, United are giving away the perfect hospitality package in collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel group’s loyalty programme which specialises in helping members redeem points towards extra perks like activities, spending and free stays at luxury resorts.
So, not only will the 10 lucky winners get to part in the exclusive ‘Play on the Pitch’ event, but they will also receive a pair of tickets to watch the Manchester United vs Aston Villa game on 25 May 2025 and (get this) a FOUR-night stay for two at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
It doesn’t stop there either…
As well as round-trip flights for those flying into Manchester from abroad and full train coverage for anyone travelling into the city, those selected will also be treated to a group dinner with a Man United legend and no, we can’t tell you who it is: that would spoil the surprise!
Come on, that’s a pretty incredible deal, right?
We’ve been met a few Reds past and present in our time.Your kit is waiting for you…It’s the shared dream of millions all over the world to play at Old Trafford (Credit: The Manc Group)
As if all this wasn’t enough, if selected, you will also receive a variety of personalised gifts from the club and Marriot Bonvoy to remember the experience – not that you’ll be forgetting it any time soon.
To have a chance at winning this unreal competition, all you need to do is simply complete the entry form HERE before 23:59 on the closing date, which is 31 March, 2025.
Entry is currently open (18+ only), so don’t waste any more time if you want to win the opportunity of a lifetime. You can find the full terms and conditions online but, other than that, we just really hope you score a proper screamer right in front of the Stretford End.
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant unveils big refurb
Thomas Melia
Much-loved Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five has just unveiled a beautiful refurbishment at one of its Manchester sites, along with a new menu of fresh, handmade pasta.
Gone is the famous yellow colour palette of this Italian eatery as they swap in a sophisticated and regal turquoise blue at their Liverpool Road restaurant.
This establishment is known for its impressive shop-window pasta making stations where you can see your food prepared live in-store and while walking past outside the venue.
They’re continuing their foodie legacy serving carby creations, like a flaming cheese wheel pasta where staff blowtorch the cheese to ensure it’s as melty as possible.
One of the biggest menu highlights at Italiana Fifty-Five is the cappellacci, which comes in two equally gorgeous forms and much like its English translation, emulates tiny hats.
These cute little plates come in two delicious stuffed pairings – the burrata, combined with a tangy tomato and beef filling, and a salmon with cream sauce and fresh lemon for a match made in heaven.
Beloved Manchester Italian restaurant Italiana Fifty-Five unveils big refurb. Credit: The Manc GroupInside Italiana Fifty-Five as it unveils a new look on Liverpool Road. Credit: The Manc Group
How can you think of anything more ideal than a table full of hearty and home-comforting meals than one that also features an array of beautiful sides?
Usual delights like the burrata on a bed of rocket, tomato and finished off with a balsamic vinegar glaze area great addition to your already faultless food.
Cheesy garlic pizza bread is quintessential when dining in an Italian restaurant, and Italiana 55’s lovely flavour-packed favourite is a go-to when ordering here.
The Liverpool Road restaurant also has a tonnata pizza which uses toppings that are an exact ingredient breakdown of the Mediterranean sauce, which it shares its name with.
In photos: Italiana Fifty-Five has undergone a refurb. Credit: The Manc Group
What better way to wolf down some incredible Italian feasts than with some perfectly paired alcoholic offerings like the classic Aperol spritz, trusted espresso martinis and a selection of fine wines.
Their menu is staying as tasty as ever with their delicious pizzas and pastas, with the new fresh pasta menu available at their restaurants on Liverpool Road and in Didsbury.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd February 2022 
