Lockdown inspires new era of dog names – including ‘Zoom’, ‘Boris’ and ‘Big Mac’
Dog owners have also started to name their new pooches after defining components of quarantine: Including technology, fast food and the Prime Minister...
Lockdown has given birth to a new wave of dog names in Britain – with pet owners taking inspiration from the most prevalent features and characters of quarantine.
According to personalised dog shop Yappy.com, there has been an astonishing 325% rise in the number of pets named ‘Boris’ over the past six months – although it’s unclear whether that news would please or disappoint our current Prime Minister.
Dog owners have also started to name their new pooches after defining components of quarantine: namely Technology and fast food.
The number of pooches named ‘Zoom’ has risen 75% in 2020, whereas we’re also beginning to see a lot more canines called ‘Big Mac’.
‘Nugget’ also ranked high.
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Yappy.com
The ‘Top 10 Lockdown-Inspired Dog Names’ were ranked in their percentage rise by Yappy.com, and the results were as follows:
Boris +325%
Zoom +75%
Big Mac +56%
Whopper +48%
Nugget +42%
Bubbles +35%
Rainbow +29%
Hope +25%
Costa +22%
Waffles +16%
A little further down the list were names like ‘Oreo’, ‘Cookie’ and ‘Guinness’.
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‘Dumpling’ also made it into the top twenty.
Yappy.com
Yappy.com’s Head of the pack John Smith says: “We saw a record number of new registrations to our personalised dog gift shop during lockdown and it’s apparent that the nation’s dog owners are being more creative than ever when naming their dogs, with current world events, TV shows and even favourite food and drink influencing their choices.
“Judging by the quirky names profiled on our online shop during lockdown, we predict there will be some really quirky names signed at the bottom of Christmas cards this year.”
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New pet registrations have soared since COVID-19 sent the country into quarantine in March – with many people desiring a companion during isolation.
A ‘puppy boom’ has also occurred as a result of lockdown, with the likes of local charity Dogs4Rescue aiming to open a second site to cater for demand.
News
Simon Rimmer shuts final Greater Manchester branch of beloved Greens restaurant
Daisy Jackson
Simon Rimmer’s much-loved Greens restaurant is no more, as the final branch announces its immediate closure.
The vegetarian restaurant launched in Didsbury way back in 1990, but confirmed its shock closure at the start of its year.
The newer Greens restaurant in Sale had remained open for business – until today.
In a statement share online, the restaurant said the business has become ‘untenable’.
The statement, which was shared with a simple broken heart emoji, added that the team have ‘done everything possible’ to stay afloat.
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
Emily Sergeant
Access to dating apps and websites is now blocked on-board trains travelling across the north, it has been revealed.
Northern says there’s “good reason” for taking this decision.
This is because the WiFi provided by the train operator on-board its services travelling across the north of England is delivered under the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content – including those associated with dating.
Websites and apps related to video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, and nudity are also blocked.
Northern has blocked access to dating apps and websites on-board its trains / Credit: Northern
The company says ‘Friendly WiFi’ – which it has been signed up to since 2017 – ensures its on-board internet service meets “minimum filtering standards” given the fact that children could be present around passengers at all times.
The decision to ban dating apps and websites comes after Northern also urged passengers to stop viewing content that’s “not suitable for work” on its trains and stations in Greater Manchester and beyond, and pleaded for them to “wait until you get home” instead.
Content that Northern considers ‘NSFW’ can range from inappropriate jokes and bad language, right through to offensive topics and explicit material.
The train operator has explained the “good reason” for its decision / Credit: Northern
Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, said access to “safe and reliable” internet is part of passengers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites and users will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear, particularly children, isn’t viewed on our trains,” Mr Rice explained.
“It’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
The Manc -
24th September 2020 
