How Va'a Canoeing Is Giving Brazilian Women Battling Cancer a New Lease on Life

Breast cancer took a heavy toll on Anna Lucia Amorim. The 63-year-old from Rio de Janeiro found herself in a deep depression, often struggling just to get out of bed. But things began to shift when she discovered Va'a canoeing. Amorim joined Va’a Roses, a group made up of women aged 52 to 70 who have battled cancer or are undergoing treatment. They meet in Niteroi, a city that looks across Guanabara Bay towards Rio. The group practices twice a week, setting off from Charitas Beach at the crack of dawn. "Every time you put the paddle in the water, it’s like a new life," Amorim told The Associated Press. "When you are there, you forget everything." Va'a canoes come from the Pacific region and are gaining popularity around the globe. These canoes typically have outriggers and can be either single or double-hull. Niteroi has seen a boom in Polynesian canoeing, with clubs multiplying from five to about 40 over the last ten years. Isabel Swan, deputy mayor and Olympic bronze medalist in sailing, noted that this surge happened during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought socially distanced activities. The natural beauty of Guanabara Bay offers more than meets the eye despite its reputation for pollution. Members of Va’a Roses report seeing turtles, rays, and even dolphins during their outings. Flavia Bichara, a lawyer undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer at age 52, finds motivation in these encounters: “You wouldn’t think that Guanabara Bay has so much life,” she said. For many members like Estella Tourl, who was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, it's not just about being on the water but also about community. “We’re in nature; we exercise and we talk," Tourl shared. After training sessions, participants gather for coffee and conversation. Niteroi is preparing to host the Va’a long-distance world championship this August and is also bidding alongside Rio to host the 2031 Pan American Games.

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Kitten Saved from Wall by Firefighters Enjoys Heartwarming Reunion

kitten rescued from a 13ft (4m) wall cavity in Walsall has been reunited with the firefighters who spent seven hours freeing him. Little Red, named after the Red Watch crew that saved him on 31 July, was only a few days old when he fell into the narrow gap. West Midlands Fire Service said vets believed the outcome could have been far worse if he had been found any later. Now in the care of Stray Cats Rescue Team West Midlands, the kitten is recovering well. The shelter said public support had been overwhelming after it posted an appeal on Facebook, with donations pouring in. “Red is very grateful for the presents sent his way. He got surplus of everything so other kittens will benefit too,” the shelter said. During the reunion, the fire service said Little Red “was especially fond of curling up for a short nap in one of our firefighters’ helmets” and was “recovering better than anyone expected.” When he was first pulled from the wall, the shelter said Little Red was “extremely weak, floppy, pale and gasping for air.” He has since been gaining strength at Cavan Vets in Wolverhampton, drinking milk and exploring his surroundings. “This kitten here, he’s a really special one,” the shelter said. The rescue group, based in Albrighton, Shropshire, is now appealing for funds to help cover £4,000 in bills, saying it is “struggling beyond belief.” Little Red’s care is only part of the expense, with the shelter stressing it must raise money “case by case, bill by bill” to continue helping other cats.

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How Sunflowers Are Thriving Amid Climate Challenges: A Farm's Blossoming Success Story

In Lincolnshire, England, a vibrant sea of sunflowers is thriving, thanks to the hot and dry weather. Lucy Taylor, who manages Vine House Farm in Deeping St Nicholas near Spalding, says these conditions have been particularly beneficial for her sunflower crop this year. The farm produces about 1.5 million sunflowers annually, primarily for bird feed. Taylor is a fifth-generation farmer and has witnessed how "varied weather and politicians" impact farming. She emphasizes the need for farms to diversify to maintain economic stability. "It's been a very dry year here – dry and hot, especially in the early part of the summer – and that's really benefited our sunflower crop," she shared. However, she notes that previous years presented challenges with excessive rain. Vine House Farm cultivates various crops including wheat, barley, potatoes, and sugar beet. This strategy helps mitigate risks tied to unpredictable weather patterns. "I think every farm is going to have to diversify and become broader or specialise in what it does to make sure it's economically viable going forward," Taylor explained. The sunflower fields themselves have become an attraction for visitors looking for a day out on the farm. Taylor sees these sunflowers as a prime example of diversification efforts at work. "It's that broad spectrum that I think will help farmers going forward," she added. Harvesting typically occurs in October using combines; however, this year could see an earlier harvest by late September or early October. Because they are grown specifically for seed production rather than floral display, the sunflowers remain uncut longer than those cultivated solely for aesthetic purposes. "When you're cropping sunflowers for flowers, you want them to look the best for the customer, not in your field," Taylor said.

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Meet The Tiny Island Kingdom With Just Three Residents And A King

Half a mile off the Cumbrian coast sits Piel Island, a 50-acre stretch of land with just three permanent residents, a crumbling medieval castle, and a pub run by its self-styled king. The only way on and off the island is via a 12-passenger open boat, operated by ferryman Steve Wilcock. For the past five years, Wilcock has shuttled visitors back and forth, calling it his “semi-retirement present.” He jokes about his approach to capacity: “I’m never the last ferry, if there’s 13 [passengers], I’ll take 12 and go back for the one.” From Piel, the view stretches from Yorkshire to the Lake District, with Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach rollercoaster visible on a clear day. “It’s the best office in the world. I can’t complain – but I always do,” laughs Aaron Sanderson, the island’s king. Sanderson was crowned three years ago at the age of 33, in a ceremony that involved a jug of beer poured over his head. The coronation came with his appointment as landlord of the Ship Inn, the island’s only pub. Before that, he worked at BAE building nuclear submarines. “From shipyard employee to king of an island – it’s definitely a step up,” he says. The king’s right-hand man is chef Paul Bibby, who runs the pub’s kitchen. For Bibby, the island’s charm is simple: “It’s just a beautiful, unique place.” He’s especially fond of the seal colony, about 550 strong, that lives off nearby Walney Island. “They come up and watch you when you’re out here… doing people-watching tours,” he jokes. Aside from the pub, Piel’s only buildings are old pilot houses and the remains of a 14th-century fort known as Piel Castle. Built in 1253 under King Stephen, the fort was meant to guard against an invasion by his cousin Empress Matilda from across the water. The island has its share of colourful history. In 1487, Lambert Simnel, a boy of humble origins claiming to be the rightful king, landed here with foreign troops in a bid to overthrow Henry VII. After being defeated on the mainland in one of the final battles of the Wars of the Roses, Simnel avoided execution and ended up working in the royal kitchens. His improbable tale inspired the tradition of Piel’s kingship, with Sanderson now the 24th recorded holder of the title. Today, the king presides over a rusty crown, a sword, and a 17th-century throne. Island lore dictates that anyone who sits on the throne must buy a round for the pub. As for actual royal authority, Sanderson is quick to downplay it. “I don’t even think I’m on their radar – I have no intention of overthrowing the throne anyway,” he laughs. “Unfortunately, I’m governed by the same laws as everybody else.” Sanderson is also one of just three people allowed to drive to the island, a trip only possible at low tide. “You have to know where you’re going, you have to have at least a four-wheel drive or a tractor – it’s quite dangerous,” says Bibby. Shipwrecks from failed crossings still dot the beach. Because Piel is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a marine conservation zone, driving follows a strict route to protect the environment. Walking takes about 20 minutes; driving under the restrictions can take 45. For the pub, though, the vehicle access is essential for supplies. Sanderson was chosen from dozens of applicants by the former Barrow Borough Council, now Westmorland and Furness Council, which owns the island. Landlords have lasted anywhere from a couple of years to two decades. Sanderson plans to stay at least 10 years before deciding his next move. For now, he says the job is challenging but worth it. “I think it’s probably one of the best beer gardens in the world.”

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This Record-Breaking Gooseberry Grew 10x Bigger Than Its Typical Size

In the small village of Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire, a local gardener has achieved an impressive feat. Graeme Watson broke the record for the largest gooseberry ever grown, with his fruit weighing 65.5 grams. The average gooseberry weighs about 3 to 6 grams, which makes Watson's achievement even more remarkable. The record was set at the Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show, an event that has been running for 225 years. Watson, who is also the chairman of the show, expressed his excitement over the new record. "I was hoping it might be close," he said, "but I was surprised when it was nicely over." Watson had previously held the record at 64.56 grams and managed to surpass his own accomplishment by nearly one gram. He admitted that he struggled to sleep before the event due to anticipation about his gooseberry's potential. Arthur Hall, another competitor, had a heavier gooseberry initially weighing 67 grams. However, it fell off its tree four days before the competition and lost weight as a result. This meant Watson edged out Hall’s entry by just three grains—approximately 0.19 grams—to claim victory. As stormy weather approached, Watson decided to pick his berries two days before the show to protect them from damage. "The show being Tuesday," he explained, "I daren’t leave them any closer to Monday." He credited sunny weather conditions for helping produce such a large fruit this year. Gooseberries that don't make it into competition are sold at the event for £3 per pound (453 grams). They sell out fast as spectators eagerly snap up these sweet treats within 45 minutes of availability. "When they’re as ripe as this they’re very very sweet," Watson shared about their taste during showtime compared to earlier in the year when they're tart and suitable only for pies or crumbles. The Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show continues its long-standing tradition with each passing year showcasing not just giant fruits but fierce friendly competition among growers like Graeme Watson and Arthur Hall who strive each season towards setting new records while delighting locals with their harvests.

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Meet The Pint-Sized Entrepreneur Running A Successful Ice Cream Business

At Scooper’s Dairy Bar in Brudenell, Prince Edward Island, the sight of a petite 11-year-old behind the counter might raise eyebrows. But for Roya Cooper, running her own ice cream shop is just another day on summer break. She's not just playing store; she's managing inventory, scooping delightful sundaes and keeping her finances straight. Roya didn't just stumble into this business. She put up some savings and secured a loan from the Community Business Development Corporation to get things rolling. "I thought ice cream was really cool," she says with a grin. "I liked eating it, and I wanted to start a business." It’s not her first venture either; at six years old, she was already selling handmade French books to tourists for five dollars each. Her entrepreneurial spirit seems to be inherited from her parents, who operate multiple businesses in the area, including Brudenell Riding Stables right next door. "We're super proud," says her father, Carson Cooper. Her mother, Ambyr, adds that Roya's dedication is impressive: "It’s a way harder job than you think it is." The work isn't easy for Roya. Scooping ice cream takes effort, and managing employees older than herself can be challenging. Recently, one of her staff members left because there was too much cleaning involved. "Some are like, 'I don’t really need to do this because I don’t need to listen to you,' but others actually respect me," Roya explains. For now, she's holding down the fort seven days a week until school starts or she finds new help. Most customers leave satisfied with their treats. One patron even shared their favorite: "I love the ice cream. And the chocolate, of course." Even when faced with picky customers who demand bigger scoops or want things redone, Roya says she takes it in stride. She continues innovating with creations like nacho ice cream, a big scoop topped with sprinkles, sauce, and waffle chips, although her personal favorite remains peanut butter fudge crunch. After hours spent at the dairy bar, Roya doesn’t rest on her laurels. She goes home and crafts earrings shaped like mini ice-cream cones, which she sells from a small stand outside the shop, another source of income for this budding entrepreneur. Roya dreams of serving many more sundaes as she grows older and hopes that her business will grow alongside her ambitions.

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Unexpected Catch: Angler Reels in 700-Year-Old Sword Instead of Fish

A fisherman in Poland was hoping for a bite and pulled up a medieval sword instead. The Capital Conservator of Monuments in Warsaw announced the find, calling it a rare glimpse into warfare in the Middle Ages. In a Facebook post, the office said the angler hooked the weapon in the Vistula River. “It was supposed to be this big a fish – but it turned out to be this big a sword!” the post read. “As you can see, the Vistula hides some real treasures.” The fisherman handed the sword to local authorities, who passed it to specialists for conservation and study. “A sword this old, found in what is now Warsaw, is unique.” Early descriptions are already telling a story. The weapon has survived almost to its full length, with a spherical pommel and a cross mark on the grip identified in initial inspections. Conservators will stabilize the corroded metal before researchers move on to closer analysis. Anna Magdalena Łań, a chief specialist with the city of Warsaw, told Fox News Digital that the team is still working through the details. “The sword is dated to the 13th or 14th century, which is the time when Warsaw was founded,” Łań said in an email translated from Polish. “A more precise date may be determined thanks to the cross mark, which is the ‘signature’ of the blacksmith who made it,” she added. “Research is ongoing.” Łań said the sword measures a little over 79 centimetres from tip to hilt. “I don’t know the weight, but the sword is quite light because [of a] very large extent of corrosion,” she said. That corrosion is expected for an object that likely spent centuries in a riverbed, yet the form seems intact enough to help scholars pin down style, origin and use. What the river cannot reveal is context. “The sword was found in a river, meaning it was discovered without context – that is, without other artifacts that could tell us more about it,” Łań said. With no associated finds, archaeologists cannot say if the sword was lost in battle, dropped in transit, or discarded. Łań also noted that depositing swords in water was not a Christian-era practice in 13th-century Poland, which makes a ritual explanation unlikely. Even without a clear backstory, the piece is drawing attention as a Warsaw-area rarity. The period dating links it to the city’s formative centuries, when fortified settlements along the Vistula were growing into a regional centre. If researchers can match the grip’s cross mark to a known maker, it could narrow the origin to a workshop or region and refine the date. The find also joins a run of eye-catching discoveries in Poland. In Gdańsk, archaeologists recently uncovered a medieval knight’s tomb beneath a former ice cream parlour. Earlier this year, two pedestrians stumbled on a 2,500-year-old dagger along the Baltic coast. Each discovery adds a puzzle piece, from everyday objects to elite burials, to a picture of life and conflict across the region’s long history. For now, the Vistula sword is in the lab, where conservators will clean, document and stabilize it so it can be safely handled and studied. If all goes well, the team expects to share more once the corrosion is mapped and the maker’s mark is fully recorded. Until then, the fisherman’s haul stands as a simple reminder of what rivers keep and sometimes give back.

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Rare "Bakewell Blues" are Making a Comeback: The Unexpected Revival of Britain's Nearly Extinct Cows

Emma and Andrew Warren, farmers from Beetham Farm near Chard in Somerset, have stumbled upon a remarkable find. They are now the proud owners of two Albion cows, Maude and Margo. This breed was once thought to be extinct after a foot and mouth disease outbreak decimated their numbers in the 1960s. Emma Warren recounted her surprise upon learning about the rarity of her new bovine companions. "I had no idea they were that rare," she said. The breeding population for Albions is staggeringly low with only about 300 remaining across the UK. The Albion cow's origins trace back to Derbyshire near Bakewell in 1916, according to the Albion Cattle Society. Originally called "Bakewell Blues" due to their slightly blueish mottled appearance, they were renamed Blue Albion in 1921. Susannah Mannerings from the Albion Cattle Society highlighted the challenges faced by this breed over the years. "It was a bad time," she said, referring to past events like the agricultural depression and World War II that impacted farming severely. The 1960s outbreak of foot and mouth disease further endangered them. Despite these setbacks, some determined farmers managed to keep the breed alive, albeit quietly. The Warrens' acquisition has brought renewed attention to these rare cows. In an interesting twist of fate, Emma Warren shared that her father served on HMS Albion before it was decommissioned. A footplate from this Royal Navy ship now occupies a place of honor at their home’s entrance, linking their family history with their newfound agricultural venture. Maude and Margo are not just rare; they represent hope for increasing Albion numbers as both have calves already and Maude might be expecting again soon.

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How A Band Director Turned Heartbreak Into Harmony Through Music And Community

After a new school year starts, you never know what is coming next. The Robbinsdale Cooper High School band in Minnesota learned that the hard way. “One of my earliest memories of my father is being on his shoulders while he walked through his marching band,” said Cooper band director Markus Hahn. In October, Markus’ parents, Richard and Jeanette Hahn, were driving to a funeral when they died in a collision with a dump truck. Before retiring, Jeanette taught middle school choir in St. Francis. Richard spent nearly 30 years as the band director at Forest Lake High School. “They were his best friends,” said Jennifer Hahn, Markus’ wife. “He called his dad every day on the way home from work to talk about what they were playing, ways to inspire kids.” The Hahns did more than talk. “My dad never missed a concert,” Markus said. They were there for every performance as he earned his music degree at the University of Minnesota. When Markus chose the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for his master’s, his father kept showing up. “He flew down to UNLV for every concert,” Markus said. The support did not stop when he started teaching. “When I had my first job at Triton High School in southern Minnesota, my parents drove the hour-and-a-half, and the hour-and-a-half back, for every concert,” Markus said. Jennifer summed them up simply. “They always showed up.” They kept showing up after Markus took over the Cooper band. Richard and Jeanette became familiar faces at concerts and Friday night football. The running family joke became a line Markus still repeats. “The football team performs before and after the band,” he said. Students knew them well enough to nickname Richard “Papa Hahn.” “The best relationship - father-son relationship - I’ve ever seen,” said junior D. J. Cannon. “He would talk about him in band,” added senior Gabe Cummings. After the crash, colleagues in the Robbinsdale School District covered Markus’ classes so he could grieve. Students wanted to help too. They pinned on gold ribbons for Richard and Jeanette, who loved the University of Minnesota. “The football players, even they were wearing gold stickers on their helmets," junior Kendall Carscadden said. Then they did something more personal. “They showed up to the wake,” Markus said. “I remember looking over there and seeing just a line of my students starting to walk through the door." For many, it was the first time seeing their teacher in that setting. “A lot of tears, a lot of tears by everybody,” Kendall recalled. “He was shocked,” Jennifer said. Band, for Markus, is family history as well as a job. Twice his father directed Forest Lake at the Tournament of Roses Parade. Markus joined him on the second trip in 1992. “I was six years old,” Markus said. “He made a bed for me in the aisle of the bus.” His grandfather was also a band director. “I’m the third Mr. Hahn,” he said, holding the nameplate from his grandpa’s office at Minot State Teachers College in North Dakota. Now a fourth generation is learning the beat. Markus shared a video of his three-year-old daughter, Shelby, pretending to conduct, a trick from her grandma Jeanette. “I would love for her to develop the same musical appreciation my parents instilled in me,” Markus said. Spring brought a familiar routine back to the band room, warmups, tuning, last checks before the final concert of the year. Markus thanked his students for carrying him through the worst months of his life. He told them, “I told dad in September that I just got a great group of three bands, I really mean that.” On stage, the bands played to family and friends in the Cooper auditorium. Shelby sat on Jennifer’s lap, keeping time with her feet. If life were different, her grandparents would have been next to her. “I definitely believe they’re smiling down,” Markus said before the concert. The finale would have suited them. Cooper closed with “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the same piece Richard used to end every concert he conducted. Markus lifted his father’s baton and brought the first entrance in. The crowd stood at the end with a long ovation. He turned to his students. “Nice job, everybody,” he said with a big smile. The loss is still fresh. The habit of showing up is even stronger. Students wore ribbons, stood in line at the wake, and showed up again for rehearsal and performance. Colleagues covered classes. A community did what Richard and Jeanette modeled for decades, they showed up. The family is making sure the Hahns keep doing that for other young musicians. Markus and his sister, Laurie Ganser, have created scholarships in their parents’ names for students pursuing music degrees at the University of Minnesota. The Richard and Jeanette Hahn scholarships will help the next generation step onto the same stages the Hahns never missed. School years end, and concerts end too. The good ones stay with you. In a season that started with a devastating phone call, Markus closed the year holding his dad’s baton and looking at students who had his back. The notes faded, the applause rose, and the band director who used to call his father on the drive home could at least say what his dad always said after a strong night of music. “Nice job, everybody.”

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How One Brain Injury Survivor Is Changing Lives with 22,000 Bike Helmets for Kids

In Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Kids are often seen on bikes weaving around traffic cones in a YMCA parking lot. A police sergeant calls out instructions. At a folding table nearby, Mike Heikes lines up blue helmets and starts fitting them one by one. “I’ve been doing it most of my adult life,” he says. For two hours, the slender man with the gentle manner hands out helmets for free. He has done this at bike rodeos and school visits for years, a mission that began with a crash that nearly killed him. “My brain injury happened when I was 18,” he says. The year was 1982, a week before he was due to start college on a scholarship. “Yep, not a care in the world,” he says. Then came a night of celebrating, too many drinks, and a curve taken too fast. The Mustang driven by a friend spun and rolled. “I was thrown through a closed window and landed on the highway,” Heikes says. “There was a trail of blood about 20 feet where I slid.” At the hospital, his condition was so dire that a clinician handed his mother a bag of his shaved hair. “She was supposed to give it to the funeral home,” he says, “and they were going to put it back on my head to make me look presentable.” He lived. The memory loss and planning problems that followed still shape his days. His home is peppered with reminders. “Use up canned meat,” reads one Post-it. Another says, “Take a loaf of bread out.” He laughs and shows his palm. “My favorite place to write notes is on my hand,” he says, revealing the inked reminder, he tells the visitors. “Otherwise, I’ll forget.” The crash also gave him a purpose. Unable to drive, Heikes took up cycling. Seeing children ride without helmets bothered him enough to act. “If you live through a brain injury, you don’t want to see anyone else have a brain injury,” he says. “I started in 1999, and I’ve given over 22,000 away,” he says of the helmets stacked in his garage. He buys them in bulk. “They cost $10 a piece,” he says, pulling another from a box. Semis have delivered to his driveway. He keeps the money flowing with donation jars at local businesses and grants from service clubs. When the math does not work, he shrugs. “That’s what home equity loans are for,” he says. At the YMCA rodeo, he adjusts chin straps and coaches kids to tug the buckles tight. He pauses to explain why he does this. “I hurt my brain in a car accident, but it could happen on a bike just the same,” he tells one boy. Organisers see the same quiet resolve. “He’s one of our local treasures,” says Patrick Hollister, who helps run the event. Last year, a headline announced that Heikes was retiring from helmet giving. That did not last. “I need speech therapy,” he jokes as he hands out another. “I have a hard time saying ‘no.’” He grins, picks up a pen, and writes a single word on his palm. “RETIRE.” He might mean it next year. People who know him are not betting on it. For now, he keeps showing up with boxes of bright lids and a story he shares without pity. A survivor who needs notes to keep his day on track, he remembers a road, a window, and a trail of blood. He also remembers what a helmet can prevent. On an early spring afternoon, that is enough to fill a table and send another group of kids riding out safer than they arrived.

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Shanghai's Newest Fitness Craze: A Gym Just for Dogs

Dogs on treadmills are not a common sight in Shanghai. That might change soon. A canine fitness centre called Gogogym has gone viral after posting clips of dogs jogging on treadmills, and it is about to open its doors. Built by Singapore-based Heal Petcare, Gogogym bills itself as a wellness space designed for dogs. The facility includes a fitness zone, a spa and rehabilitation area, a massage room, and a retail section. It is set to open in late June, and staff say trial operations are already under way. The pitch is simple, keep pets active and prevent illness with regular exercise. Professional trainers will be on site to assess each dog and create personalised workout plans. A March job listing showed the team hiring certified pet fitness coaches and therapists, with a preference for candidates experienced in canine rehabilitation or veterinary care. Gogogym has also been building a community before launch. On April 19, it rolled out a dog fitness model contest on social media. The top three winners received three-month passes, and the top 10 got early access to classes. Staff say membership pricing is still being finalised, but people who take part in pre-opening events will receive complimentary gym passes. Pet owners have embraced the idea. Jren, who has a two-year-old corgi, said she brings her dog to improve posture, bone health, and burn off energy. “My dog was nervous at first, but ended up loving the treadmill. I was thrilled,” said Jren. Another prospective member, Zhang Baixiang, says he plans to buy a five-year membership when the gym officially opens. The reaction online has been lively. “Now dogs can eat hotpot, got to gyms, and even get married. This shows how far animal welfare has come,” one netizen said. Another added a request many cat owners will recognise. “When will there be a gym for cats? Mine is getting way too chubby,” said another. Experts say the concept fits a broader shift toward preventive care. A pet rehabilitation therapist, surnamed Yang, in Hubei province told the Post that slow treadmill walks, swimming, and hurdle jumps are ideal exercises for most dogs. For puppies, Yang advises sessions of 15 to 30 minutes, and warns that over-exercising, especially with large breeds, can harm bone development. “The right kind of exercise depends on a pet’s age, size, breed, and health,” he added. China now counts more than 120 million pets, and spending is tilting from basic care to wellness and fitness. According to the White Paper on the Pet Industry, pet market spending topped 300 billion yuan, about US$42 billion, in 2024. Gogogym is trying to tap into that demand with a mix of training, recovery, and retail under one roof. The treadmill videos have done their job, pulling attention to a facility that looks as much like a human gym as a kennel. Inside, staff say owners will be able to book assessments, get tailored plans, and choose from classes that match a dog’s age, size, and medical needs. Whether this becomes a fixture across Chinese cities will depend on price, outcomes, and repeat visits. For now, early adopters are already treating it like a new routine. Jren’s corgi now trots happily on a moving belt. Zhang is ready to sign long term. And the comment sections keep filling with people imagining a version for cats. The doors open later this month. Until then, the treadmills keep turning for trial runs, and the videos keep spreading. If the reception carries over offline, Shanghai’s dogs will soon be swimming laps, hitting step counts, and finishing sessions with a massage, all under the eye of a coach who knows their plan by heart.

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