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Labrador Who 'Can't Use Legs Properly' Finds Way To Join Dog Family's Walk

A pet owner has found a way for his Labrador, who has lost the use of his back legs, still to join the rest of his dogs on walks.

Humphrey the chocolate Labrador has been a part of James Ainscough's life from a very young age. "We got him as a puppy at 8 weeks old," Ainscough told Newsweek. "He was gifted to me by one of our neighbors."

For all of that time, Humphrey has grown up surrounded by other dogs. First, there was Billy, the yellow Labrador, and Remy, another chocolate Lab. Both have sadly passed in the years since, but Humphrey is not alone.

The dog now lives with Emmy, his daughter, who was one of a litter of puppies bred using Humphrey as a stud. There is also Percy, a yellow Labrador who came to Ainscough as a rescue after a friend got in touch about "two from the same litter who were fighting viciously" and asked Ainscough if he wanted to take one.

Despite these differences, Ainscough said the three dogs have always gotten on well, thanks in part to a shared love of swimming and eating.

Humphrey the Labrador rides in his cart. The beloved dog is not able to use his hind legs, but his owner has found a way to take him out on walks. Humphrey the Labrador rides in his cart. The beloved dog is not able to use his hind legs, but his owner has found a way to take him out on walks. MyLabraChildren

There can be notable benefits to owning more than one pup. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs suffering from anxiety could be calmed down through exercise with other canines.

Researchers from Tufts University in Massachusetts and the Center for Canine Behaviour Studies in Connecticut conducted tests with 1,308 dogs who had some form of anxious or fearful behavior. They found the dogs suffering from these types of disorder either improved or got better after engaging in sporting games like fetch with other canines.

It's a reminder of how important these interactions are for dogs. Sadly, recent developments saw Humphrey robbed of the ability to enjoy these kinds of activities with his canine family.

"Humphrey ruptured a disc in his spine," Ainscough said. Overnight, he all but lost the use of his hind legs. "He can't use his legs properly. He can't support his own weight," Humphrey's owner added. Since then, the dog has undergone four surgeries to try to fix the issue.

"There were complications after the first, second and third surgeries," Ainscough said. "Over six months, he had four back surgeries."

Humphrey's condition, coupled with the recovery required after each new operation all but robbed the dog of engaging in his favorite activities. However, Ainscough has found a way for Humphrey still to feel like a part of his canine family.

A few years back, Ainscough had been in a similar situation with Humphrey's brother, Remy, who also lost the ability to walk unaided. To combat this, the owner constructed what amounts to a canine bed on wheels, which he is able to pull alongside his other dogs on walks, dubbing it 'Remy's Ride.'

It might sound like a simple idea, but it has had a big impact, not least with social media's dog-loving community. Ainscough posted footage to TikTok under the handle @mylabrachildren of Humphrey using Remy's Ride on a walk with Emmy and Percy alongside a simple, yet powerful, caption: "never give up on your dog."

It was a message that chimed with many watching. "Riding like a king," one wrote, with a second adding: "My heart and soul smiled soo much seeing this." A third posted: "till the end together."

Ainscough said he has already seen a positive change in Humphrey as a result of Remy's Ride. "It helps him to feel included on the walks with others rather than on his own. It's good for him," he added.

Ainscough said that nobody knows what will happen to Humphrey and whether he will regain full use of his legs: "Humphrey is still healing. He's been through a lot. We're continuing with treadmill work and physio and just have to see what happens."

There may still come a day when Humphrey walks again, but, for now, he is just happy being out as part of the family again.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Can Chocolate Be A Health Food? What To Look For In Your Favorite Candy.

For many people, chocolate is love. It's the ultimate comfort food. It tastes good and makes us feel good.

But is it good for us? It can be, as long as you pick the right kind of chocolate.

That's because extra-dark natural chocolate is rich in flavonoids, substances from a category of chemicals known as polyphenols. Flavonoids are present in many plant products, including fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee. Flavonoids are full of antioxidants, which protect cells from the damaging free radicals that increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and other conditions.

But you won't get the same benefits if you eat too much of the wrong kind of chocolate. Many of our favorite chocolates, including those found in many red, heart-shaped boxes, are ultra-processed candy full of added sugar, milk and tropical oils, or even milk or white chocolate. Overdo it, and you may experience heartburn, stomach upset and, over time, weight gain.

"It depends on which chocolate you choose," said Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and biologist, professional chef, and author of "This is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods That Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD and More." "A candy bar is not the same as a square of extra-dark natural chocolate. Dark chocolate, in moderation, can be a healthy addition to the daily diet."

Start with cocoa

Flavonoids are found in cacao beans and cocoa: terms used interchangeably, but which actually are different. Cacao is the raw material — the beans — that comes from the tree, while the latter results from grinding the beans into a powder, then roasting, and combining with other ingredients, such as sugar, to make chocolate.

Countless studies suggest that flavonoids — including flavonoid subtypes such as flavonols and flavan-3-ols — can lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes; improve mood; and lessen the symptoms of depression. Flavonoids also can help cognition, as well as counteract cognitive deficits that result from sleep deprivation. One study, the large placebo-controlled randomized COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) trial, found no difference in cardiovascular "events," such as heart attacks, but did show a reduction in heart-disease-related deaths.

Davide Grassi, associate professor of internal medicine at the University of L'Aquila in Sant'Omero, Italy, who has conducted numerous studies examining the health effects of cocoa, agreed. "Cocoa is not the same as the chocolate that we eat every day," he said. "Flavonoids are good for our blood vessels and overall health and may help reduce the risk of heart problems and other chronic diseases."

But it's important to distinguish natural cocoa, which comes from the cocoa bean in the rainforests, from processed chocolate, which is made by combining cocoa with sugar and other ingredients, he said.

Consider using plain cocoa powder in drinks or baking. "I use it to make energy balls," said Julia Zumpano, a dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic. "I mash it up with almond butter and dates, make them into balls, and refrigerate them. It's a great way to get cocoa powder with no saturated fat or added sugar. They're phenomenal."

How to pick the right chocolate

Dark chocolate often contains high amounts of cocoa, less sugar and more flavonoids, experts said. Very dark chocolate is the healthiest form of chocolate you can eat. It's usually lower in sugar than other forms of chocolate and doesn't contain milk or added fats.

"The darker the better," said Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "Milk chocolate has less dark chocolate, and white chocolate has no chocolate at all." (White chocolate typically is made of cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids and milk fat — but no solid cocoa.)

It's not clear how much daily chocolate someone would have to eat for health benefits, since research uses pure cocoa and not commercial chocolate. The latter is processed, which can destroy flavonoids, and contains additives.

"The amount of flavonoids in the COSMOS study would require 600 to 700 calories a day of dark chocolate, and more than 5,000 calories a day of milk chocolate," said JoAnn Manson, co-leader of COSMOS and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "You're talking about a large amount of calories, and not a guaranteed content of flavonoids."

Here's how to eat dark chocolate

Look for dark chocolate with a label promoting it as 70 percent or more cocoa. Some experts think higher — 80 percent or more — is even better, as more cocoa usually means less sugar. "If you've ever had 85 percent dark chocolate, there's a natural stopping point," said Zumpano. "Most people would struggle to eat a whole bar."

Keep in mind that labels won't tell you the concentration of flavonoids. The darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids it is likely to contain.

Consider eating at least one square of dark chocolate (about one ounce) every other day. Some experts recommend one to two squares daily.

Limit milk chocolate and white chocolate. "Think of white chocolate as white bread," said Cathy Deimeke, a registered dietitian and health education manager at UC Davis Health.

Pregnant women and young children may want to limit chocolate intake. Consumer Reports recently reported that its tests detected lead or cadmium in certain chocolate bars. Heavy metals are found in a variety of common foods including fish, vegetables and drinking water. The report also included chocolate brands that fell below thresholds for the metals.

If you're concerned about sustainability and labor practices in cacao harvesting and production, look for Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ certification on the label.

Don't forget the joy of chocolate

Chocolate should not be regarded as a "health" food in the same sense as fresh fruits and vegetables, but no one should feel the need to deprive themselves, experts said. "We definitely don't want to discourage anyone from eating chocolate because it provides people with joy and happiness," Manson said.

Rimm agreed. "It would be a shame to turn chocolate into medicine when there are other acute pleasures that occur from its consumption, whether it triggers great memories or just reminds someone of a connection," he said. The research is interesting, although more long-term studies of chocolate may be necessary, he said, adding: "It's a tough job, but I am happy to volunteer."

Moreover, they said, even the occasional lapse is okay, especially for love. Grassi, for example, mostly sticks to dark chocolate. "Nevertheless, on some occasions, I prefer to eat milk chocolate, should I be in love at the time," he said.

Do you have a question about healthy eating? Email EatingLab@washpost.Com and we may answer your question in a future column.

Are Chocolate Covered Strawberries Healthy?

Chocolate-covered strawberries are ripe strawberries dipped in melted chocolate (typically dark, milk, or white chocolate) and left to harden. They're a tasty combination of the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries and the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate.

With their heart-like shape and vibrant red color contrasting with glossy chocolate exterior, chocolate-covered strawberries are especially popular during special occasions like Valentine's Day, weddings, and other romantic events.

What's more, chocolate-covered strawberries offer nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Strawberries provide fiber, folate, and manganese, and are especially rich in vitamin C and good-for-your-health plant compounds like anthocyanidins and polyphenols. Dark chocolate, in particular, has a high concentration of polyphenols as well.

Ahead, we'll dive deeper into the health benefits and nutritional advantages of chocolate-covered strawberries and explore ways to enhance their health profile even further.

Let's take a look at the potential health benefits of chocolate-covered strawberries starting with strawberries, the star ingredient. Strawberries Strawberries provide an array of nutrients and are well known for their abundance of vitamin C. Vitamin C supports the immune system and acts like an antioxidant, protecting the body's cells from free radical damage. It also aids in collagen production for wound healing and enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods. Like many berries, strawberries are also high in manganese, a mineral involved in energy production and protecting the cells from damage. It's also needed for bone, immune, and reproductive health and blood clotting. Among fruits, strawberries are one of the richest sources of folate, a B vitamin required for cell division and DNA synthesis. Folate also helps prevent certain birth defects, particularly neural tube defects, making it an essential nutrient during pregnancy. Berries, as a group, boast high antioxidant activity, aiding in reducing inflammation within the body. Inflammation is the body's natural response to harmful stimuli, such as injury, irritants, or infection. It involves activating the immune system to protect the body. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, persisting over an extended period, it can contribute to the development of various diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. In clinical studies, regular strawberry consumption has been shown to potentially offer cardiovascular benefits by improving blood vessel function, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and atherogenic (causing atherogenesis or formation of plaque in arteries) lipid particles. Strawberry consumption has also been shown to improve some aspects of cognition in healthy older adults. Additionally, eating more plant foods like strawberries can help you meet the recommended intake for fiber, a nutrient many Americans don't get enough of. Research indicates that consuming sufficient fiber can regulate bowel movements, promote fullness for extended periods which can aid in weight management, and lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Chocolate The potential health benefits of chocolate are attributed to its basic ingredient, cocoa beans. Cocoa beans are renowned for their abundance of polyphenols, boasting higher levels of these beneficial compounds with antioxidant properties than many other foods. Food manufacturers minimize the bitterness in cocoa beans, caused by polyphenols, by adding ingredients like sugar into cocoa products. However, this reduces the polyphenols. So dark chocolate, with its high cocoa and low sugar content, contains more antioxidants and is the type of chocolate associated with more health benefits. Cocoa in general is rich in minerals like copper, iron, and magnesium. Dark chocolate specifically contains more iron than milk chocolate. Iron is required to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs and throughout the body. Iron is also needed to make some hormones. In clinical trials, dark chocolate consumption has been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar and LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels in people living with diabetes. Research also suggests that dark chocolate may be effective in reducing blood pressure in individuals with normal and high blood pressure. In a study involving young, healthy adults, eating 20 grams (g) of high-cocoa chocolate (90%) daily for 30 days improved vascular (blood vessel) function by reducing central brachial artery (blood vessel in the arm) pressure and improving vascular relaxation. A study in middle-aged adults demonstrated that dark chocolate may reduce physical and mental fatigue, leading to improved quality of life and brain health. In the absence of specific nutrition data for chocolate-covered strawberries from the U.S. Department of Health, we've provided nutrition information for strawberries and dark chocolate individually. The listed nutrition information is for a 1-cup serving (144 grams or g) of whole strawberries: Calories: 46.1 Protein: 0.965 g Fat: 0.432 g Carbohydrates: 11.1 g Fiber: 2.88 g (10% of the Daily Value or DV) Vitamin C: 84.7 milligrams or mg (94% of the DV) Manganese: 0.556 mg (24% of the DV) Folate: 34.6 micrograms (9% of the DV) The following nutrition information is for a 1-ounce serving (28.35 g) of 70 to 85% dark chocolate: Calories: 170 Protein: 2.21 g Total fat: 12.1 g Saturated fat: 6.95 g Carbohydrates: 13 g Sugar: 6.8 g Fiber: 3.09 g (11% of the DV) Copper: 0.502 mg (56% of the DV) Iron: 3.37 mg (19% of the DV) Magnesium: 64.6 mg (15% of the DV) Zinc: 0.938 mg (8.5% of the DV) Chocolate-covered strawberries, while delicious, come with some nutritional downsides. Chocolate, regardless of the type, is a calorie-dense food containing significant amounts of sugar and fat, particularly saturated fat—the type of fat we aim to limit in our diets due to its association with increased risk of heart disease. The combination of chocolate and strawberries adds additional sugar and calories to the mix, potentially contributing to weight gain and other health issues if consumed excessively. Consider them a special indulgence. Moderation is crucial when enjoying chocolate-covered strawberries or any treats. Incorporating treats into a balanced diet is essential for overall health and well-being. Making chocolate-covered strawberries at home is the best way to boost their health profile because you control the ingredients you add. Choose dark chocolate with higher cocoa and lower sugar content. Instead of sugary toppings like sprinkles, consider experimenting with nutritious alternatives to enhance their flavor and nutritional value. For variation, try coating strawberries in crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios for added crunch, healthy fat, and protein. You can also roll the chocolate-covered strawberries in chia seeds for extra fiber and texture. Another option is to dip strawberries in vanilla Greek yogurt for a creamy white texture and a calcium boost. Pop them in the freezer to allow the yogurt to harden. You can also drizzle frozen yogurt-covered strawberries with melted dark chocolate. Chocolate-covered strawberries provide a great blend of flavors and textures. Beyond their tasty flavor, these treats offer health benefits derived from their nutritious components. While store-bought options often contain added sugars and fats, making them at home allows you to select healthier ingredients to pair with strawberries, such as dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and healthier coatings like nuts or yogurt.

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