Dog’s dinner of tree treats put it at risk
A GREEDY labrador is lucky to be alive after having more than 30 ribbons removed from his stomach.
Seven-year-old Marley needed two lots of emergency surgery after wolfing down 34 homemade Christmas tree decorations.
His owner, Rachael Bulmer, said: “I had been baking gingerbread decorations and left them in gift bags on the kitchen counter, ready to give as Christmas treats.
“I thought I’d left them safely out of reach but when I noticed some were gone, I instantly knew who had taken them.
“Marley’s no stranger to eating things he shouldn’t and usually they pass through.
“But this time, he started acting strangely and looked like he was going into shock.
“He was violently sick and brought up some of the ribbon.”
Ms Bulmer rushed Marley to the PDSA Pet Hospital in Bournemouth where he underwent three hours of surgery to remove the ribbons.
Vets also discovered the greedy dog had several bones lodged in his stomach.
Aoife Clancy, PDSA senior vet, said: “Marley’s chances of surviving the night were looking poor but thankfully, he pulled through.
“He needed round-the-clock care for four days before he could go home. Decorations and Christmas foods can be incredibly harmful to our pets. Mince pies, chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, sage and onion stuffing and Christmas cake can all be fatal.” Marley’s £2,00-plus treatment has been paid for by public donations. Ms Bulmer said: “There were so many times we thought that was it, but he’s getting better. That’s the best Christmas present I could ever want.”
HOLLYWOOD star Russell Crowe had a surprise yesterday when actress Nicole Kidman took a seat next to him on a festive flight home to Australia.
The long-term friends were reunited after they appeared as husband and wife in the movie Boy Erased.
Russell, 55, and Nicole, 52, found themselves on the same Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Sydney.
Gladiator star Russell marked the coincidence by posting a selfie of them together.
He tweeted: “Hey Qantas thanks for getting me home in time for Christmas out of the craziness that is LAX.
“And thanks for the pure gift of sitting me next to one of my favourite people in the universe.”
Batman Forever star Nicole also shared the photo. She said: “You never know who you’ll run into on your way home for Christmas. Thirty years of friendship.. and counting.” She has told how it was easy playing with him as a couple as they had a close bond.