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Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge continued their tour down under with an emotional trip to a children's hospice where, according to witnesses, the couple choked back tears while talking to the parents of sick and dying children.

The royals met with nine families who have children at the hospice and Kate spent lots of time with the kids reading, chatting and singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider."

"Kate and William were fighting back tears when we told them about [my son] Max," said hospice parent Amy McIntyre, whose infant is suffering from bacterial meningitis and may only have months to live. "They could totally see themselves in us, as both our sons were born around the same time.

"Kate stroked Max's leg and they were both very moved. They struggled to hold back tears — they were welling up."

PHOTOS: Will & Kate have a busy weekend in New Zealand >>

Kate later gave a heartfelt speech pledging to support care organizations in sharing best practices to provide the highest level of care for their patients.

"First-class delivery of children's palliative care is life-changing. When families are confronted with the shattering news that their children have a life-limiting condition, their world can fall apart. It is at those times that professional support is imperative," Kate told the crowd.

"I first saw this through East Anglia's Children's Hospices and have since been fortunate to see similar work in Malaysia, then last week at Rainbow Place in New Zealand, and now here today. William and I are strong believers in collaborative work.

"The sharing of best practice is transformational for organizations. The needs of families requiring children's palliative care across the world are varied. Circumstances and environment can differ, but the aim of those supporting them is the same: to offer the best and most loving care possible. I am delighted that Bear Cottage and EACH are planning to be part of a 'community of best practice.' The haven that you have created here is inspirational, and there is so much that you can share with each other as you continue to support and nurture those in your care."

Watch Kate's speech at Bear Cottage

VIDEO: Kate kicks Prince William's butt in yacht races >>

Kate looked fresh and cool in a white eyelet Roamer Day Dress by Australian designer Zimmermann for the visit, which was bookended by a trip to the Sidney Royal Easter Show and a stroll on Manly Beach.

Photo credit: Wenn.com

The day before, Will and Kate spent time in the Blue Mountains with families who lost everything in devastating bush fires last year.

"It’s an acknowledgement of what we went through to have William and Kate come to our part of the world and shine a light on what happened here," resident Jennie Hall told the Daily Mail.

"Over 200 houses went up in the space of 20 minutes. The temperatures were 1,600 degrees in the middle of it. I had molten aluminium left in my house. I lost everything — except I got my dogs out — so for the Duke and Duchess to come here and by doing that show to the world what we are still going through, that’s a big thing for us."

Kate wore a navy and white Patrice wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg and her trusty Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon wedges for the occasion.

Read more royal tour

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Photo credit: Playing House

Check out our favorite quotes from the pilot episode of Playing House and tune into USA Network on April 29 to watch the Playing House premiere.

Hilarious lines from the first episode

We previewed the first episode of Playing House — and we are hooked. Successful businesswoman Emma (Jessica St. Clair) takes a few days off to return to her hometown and visit Maggie (Lennon Parham), her pregnant best friend. At the baby shower, Maggie discovers that her husband, Bruce (Brad Morris), , is in love with MunichMuncher69, a German woman he met online—read into her online profile name what you will. Unable to leave her best friend in her time of need, Emma quits her prestigious job in China and plans to move in with Maggie to help her raise the baby.

Maggie on putting a baby crib together at 3 a.m.:
"I just want this baby girl to know that her mama's not afraid to pick up a drill and get down."

Maggie and Emma on their imminent reunion:
Maggie: "I'm gonna hug you so hard, it's gonna hurt."
Emma: "I'm gonna squeeze you so hard, that baby’s gonna come out of you."

Emma on the perks of Maggie's pregnancy:
"I will tell you what's huge, and that's these mammerjammers. They go all night. They're like the boobs of our dreams. May I feel them?"

Emma on an awkward encounter with her ex:
"I just tipped an invisible hat to the man I lost my virginity to, so you should drive me on home."

Maggie on Bruce's fetish:
Maggie: "Well, apparently there is a whole online group of women who specialize in putting things up their butts."
Emma: "And are they all German?"
Maggie: "Well, they aren't all German, but I think he prefers Germans. You know, because of their husky nature."

Bruce and Emma on adjusting to Chinese cuisine:
Bruce: "Be honest with me. Do those sauces take your butt by storm?"
Emma: "Can I just say they actually did take my butt by storm? I didn't have the words. I didn't have that phrase, but that's what was happening."

Emma to Maggie's brother Zach (played by Zach Woods) as he is decorating for the baby shower:
Emma: "If you hadn't sexually harassed me all through high school, I would assume you were a stone-cold gay man."
Zach: "I'm gonna take that as a compliment."

Maggie catches Bruce video-chatting with MunichMuncher69:
Maggie: "You have a boner! Right now! A big boner!"
Bruce: "If at best, it's a semi! I don't have a boner right now!"

Zach on bulking up
Zach: “I gained 15lbs since last we met.”
Emma: “Well it doesn’t show.”
Zach: “That’s because it’s all in my thighs.”
Emma: “That’s where a women gains weight, just FYI."
Zach: “Just FYI, that’s where I gain weight too”

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Photo credit: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com

Of all the people who have opened up about the alleged sex list written by Lindsay Lohan, LiLo herself has stayed quiet — until now.

7 Truths Oprah's new show taught us about Lindsay Lohan >>

The actress finally admitted the list is hers, but it was not something that was supposed to be for public consumption. Lohan finally opened up with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, and while she said the list was real, she stopped short of saying if it was indeed a list of "conquests."

"You know, I'm going to get serious for a second. That was actually my fifth step in [Alcoholics Anonymous] at Betty Ford," she told Cohen, according to the Huffington Post. "And someone, when I was moving during the OWN show, must have taken a photo of it. And so that's a really personal thing and it's really unfortunate. I talk about it on the last episode on the OWN show, so, to be continued."

The list includes some famous names, including Zac Efron, Joaquin Phoenix, Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine, Ashton Kutcher, Orlando Bloom, Ryan Phillippe and Benicio Del Toro.

The source who leaked the list had told In Touch that Lohan wrote the list while at a party with friends in Beverly Hills in January 2013. But it's also possible if someone from OWN was the one who leaked the list, they could be trying to cover up for the breach of trust.

"The fact that that happened was not only humiliating, but just mean," she said.

VIDEO: Oprah makes Lindsay Lohan cry >>

Oprah Winfrey thinks Lohan is doing just fine, though. She recently told David Letterman, "I think she's doing really OK. To have cameras following you around for every phase of your life, and you are trying to pull your life together, I think that's a really difficult thing. So, yeah, we're really pleased she's making some progress."

The actress will apparently discuss the list during the last episode of her docu-series on OWN.

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What is happening on the set of Glee? It sounds like two of the stars are feuding and it's a she said, she said situation.

According to TMZ, the cast and crew of the FOX show were upset that Lea Michele held up production because she stepped off the set to deal with a few personal issues. The delay took so long that Naya Rivera got angry and brought the matter to producers.

Lea Michele has only happy memories of Cory Monteith >>

That didn't sit well with Michele, who returned to the set to find out she had been snitched on by her costar. It only escalated the situation and the 27-year-old star reportedly stormed off the set.

On the flip side, Michele's sources told the gossip site that they didn't know about any complaints because she wasn't working with Rivera on Tuesday. They accuse Rivera of being tossed off the set and said she is rumored to be fired from the show. However, no one has been able to confirm that story.

VIDEO: Did Naya Rivera get a boob job? >>

Gossip Cop is telling a different tale that Rivera was having issues that day before filming even began. They say that Michele had nothing to do with any of her anger and the only time she left the set was to participate in a Twitter chat with several other cast members.

There's even a third view of this story, but it sounds even shadier because it's a blind item on BlindGossip.com. It alleges a star hooked up with her costar's fiancé. Since it's coming on the heels of Rivera's broken engagement to Big Sean, many readers are suggesting the on-set feud is actually a love triangle between Michele, Rivera and the rapper.

Whatever the truth, it's proving that Glee is a hot or hot-headed set.

Don't be competitive

The Big Bang Theory proves friends don't have to be perfectly matched. Though the characters of Bernadette and Amy are rising stars in the scientific community and Penny is a struggling actor, they find common ground in many ways, allowing each woman to be her true self without worrying about who is one-upping the other (unlike their male counterparts, who are constantly competing in video games and for career recognition).

Find time for your BFF

Though relationships, careers and children can strain friendships — or simply create unavoidable space between two friends — always make time for your best buddies. Take the women of Sex and the City. No matter what, Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda always took the time to have a cosmo or meet for breakfast. Oh, and they looked fabulous doing so.

Stick together

Best friends always stick together — no matter what. Just ask Maggie Caruso and Emma Crawford, the best friends on Playing House. These two are so dedicated to each other, they are going to raise a baby together. How's that for devotion? And don't forget Cristina and Meredith on Grey's Anatomy. These two have seen some seriously dark days, from a plane crash to failed marriages, yet they remained close and were each other's rock in times of crisis.

Accept faults

Sometimes the most dysfunctional friendships can serve as inspiration to us all. Remember Jerry and George from Seinfeld? Though narrow-minded and selfish at times — many times, in fact — these two couldn't have been better friends, because they were always willing to accept and even embrace each other's faults — for better or for worse.

Love your BFF like family

What's the best bromance ever? J.D. and Turk from Scrubs certainly are in top contention, along with Chandler and Joey from Friends. These guys would do anything for each other, and make a case that your best friend is often just as important as your own family.

Make it last a lifetime

If we need any further proof that friendships can last a lifetime, look no further than the Golden Girls. Work on developing a strong relationship so that it lasts through thick and thin, especially when you need your BFF most. And if nothing else, cheesecake is always a good back-up.

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Debbie Gibson revealed something quite personal on her blog on Wednesday because of comments on her appearance from her recent Instagram pictures. The 43-year-old singer shared that she is suffering from Lyme disease.

She wrote, "At the start of 2013, I spent time both on the West and East Coast followed by travel overseas. I am not exactly sure when or where I picked it up, but, in the early spring, I began to show unusual symptoms. A lot of Lyme symptoms mimic symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Debbie Gibson & Tiffany duke it out '80s style >>

"The first symptoms came in the form of food sensitivities. I found I could not touch sugar, starch, caffeine, certain oils, etc., without having a severe reaction that felt like jolts of electricity running through my body," Gibson shared. "I felt like a live wire. Talk about 'Electric Youth!'"

Doctors couldn't pinpoint what was wrong with the musician and she admitted that she "got tested for everything under the sun." Her health issues became even more serious when "the weight kept falling off" and she sustained "numbness and tingling in my hands and feet, which is very disconcerting for a pianist and dancer to say the least."

Her gaunt appearance left her in a panic when she was asked to make a cameo in the Mega Shark series on Syfy. She rushed to her dermatologist to help improve her depleted look. The doctor suggested Botox, which Gibson promptly accepted.

However, the "Foolish Beat" singer wrote, "I completely forgot there is a word TOX in BOTOX. It is a POISON." The treatment "wreaked havoc on my physical and mental state."

Miley Cyrus can't stop crying at the hospital >>

Months went by and it wasn't until she was referred to specialist Dr. Joseph Sciabbarassi that her illness was correctly diagnosed.

"You could have knocked me over with a feather when I tested positive for Lyme. Western Blot and all the rest that followed… positive, positive, positive," she said.

The former teen star is on a regimen of antibiotics to wipe out the Lyme disease, but she does have a long road to recovery. Gibson is grateful for the correct diagnosis and putting on a few pounds.

"I am an advocate of being lean and healthy and toned. Not skeletal," said Gibson.

There is a message in all of this for the singer.

She summed up, "I want to urge you all… NEVER JUDGE… ANYONE! You never know what someone is going through…Keep rockin' through whatever adversity is presenting it self. We all face challenges. Let it flow on through. It has no power over you!"

Here's to continued good health on your road to recovery, Debbie!

Ann and Leslie – Parks and Recreation

Ann and Leslie, portrayed by Rashida Jones and Amy Poehler, were in probably the most committed friendship on television. So maybe Leslie Knope went a little overboard with the gifts, compliments and love for her bestie Ann Perkins, but Ann had a huge amount of love for Leslie, too. Plus, together they created a national holiday around Valentine’s Day to celebrate their gal pals called (what else?) Galentine’s Day.

Now that Ann has moved away from the town’s setting of Pawnee, Indiana, Leslie is having a hard time replacing the “beautiful tropical fish” that is Ann, but that hasn’t stopped her from trying. The search is still very much on.

Emma and Maggie – Playing House

Playing House doesn’t premiere until April 29, but we already have the impression that it’s totally our jam. After all, the show’s stars, Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair, are already huge in the Los Angeles improv scene. Plus, they’re sort of “in real life” besties, too.

The duo had an NBC series in 2012, Best Friends Forever, which was cancelled after just two months, but now they’re moving to USA with a totally fresh concept. Playing House details the lives of Maggie Caruso (Parham) and Emma Crawford (St. Clair), both struggling with serious relationship problems, but they’re always there to confide in each other. It’s safe to say we’re totally stoked about this one.

Troy and Abed – Community

Oh, Troy and Abed. One is a film-obsessed weirdo and the other is a lovable idiot. It’s a match made in heaven. As part of the main cast of Community, Troy and Abed form an unusual friendship that involves such antics as the “Dreamatorium,” a pillow vs. blanket fort war and, of course, their non-televised morning wake-up program, “Troy and Abed in the Morning.”

Now that Troy (Donald Glover) has left the show, there’s a huge void in Abed’s heart. And we have to admit, there’s one in ours, too.

Abbi and Illana – Broad City

One of the newest girl-ationships to hit TV is that of Abbi and Illana on Broad City. Produced by Amy Poehler, you know the story of these 20-something girls making their way in New York City is bound to be hilarious.

Illana is completely in love with Abbi in a totally-not-sexual (but kind of strangely sexual?) way. Abbi relies on Illana to get her through the tough times (and they’re almost always tough times.) Together the girls get into the most bizarre hi-jinks, along with comedian friends like the hilarious Hannibal Buress and cameos from Poehler. The show proves that girls can be just as crass and sexually desperate as the boys, but in the most hysterical way.

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Photo credit: WGN America

Haunted sets and tragedy-prone production schedules aren't new issues. Plenty of movies or television shows have been "haunted" by mysterious happenings. It seems like the more eerie the subject matter, the more likely it is that the cast and crew will run into supernatural difficulties while filming. The set of WGN's bewitching new show Salem isn't immune to those mysterious accidents.

Seriously sexy stories from Salem: Historical fiction takes on witches and witchcraft >>

When SheKnows caught up with one of the stars of Salem, Iddo Goldberg, his arm was in a cast. It was so distracting, it was the first thing we inquired about.

"We were shooting last week and I fell off a horse-drawn carriage. In a really uncool way, apparently," Goldberg shared. "I haven't seen it, but..."

"He was committed," his co-star Elise Eberle affirmed.

You'd think the powers that be would go easy on Goldberg and Eberle, who play two of the show's most interesting outcasts. In one of the first scenes of the pilot, you'll see Goldberg's character, Isaac, stand in the stocks in the middle of town, on trial for something the Puritans believed worthy of being shunned. Meanwhile, Eberle's character, Mercy, is mysteriously possessed by an unnamed and unseen witch who lives among the townspeople in Salem.

Need more witches in your life? Try Hollywood's finest >>

The outcasts aren't the only players falling victim to unfortunate circumstances. Rumor has it that the cast and crew have been plagued with other injuries. The super-sweet Tamzin Merchant, who plays the oh-so-intriguing and enigmatic Anne Hale, also had a run-in with some bad luck earlier on in production.

"I was the first one!" Merchant shared. "I took a fall and I went over my ankle and sprained it really badly. And I had to wear a moon boot for a week."

Yikes. We're sure Merchant still looked like the picture of perfection, even in the moon boot.

From the sound of it, Xander Berkeley, who plays Anne's father, Magistrate Hale, is one of the very few people to escape the series of accidents.

"So far so good," Berkeley said. He's been jetting home as often as possible, though, so it's possible the spirits just hadn't caught up with him yet. Merchant seemed to think it was only a matter of time, though.

"So far," she reiterated teasingly.

Do you believe in haunting spirits, curses or evil witches? No matter where you stand on the supernatural spectrum, Salem is destined to leave you with goosebumps. After working through such haunting and terrifying situations on the show, it's easy to see why many of the cast and crew are spooked by the on-set accidents. To join in on the eerie fun, check out the trailer below, then make sure to watch the premiere of Salem at 10/9c on WGN.

For more TV news and reviews, sign up for our newsletter >>

Photo Credit: WENN

Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys is getting the big-screen treatment, and Clint Eastwood is at the helm. Coming to theaters this June, the film tells the story of The Four Seasons, one of the best-selling musical groups of all time.

This coming-of-age story about the performers highlights the code of honor they each developed growing up in New Jersey, their home state. It’s not all singing and dancing, though, as the young crooners are seen struggling with gambling debts, Mafia threats, prison records and family disasters.

Broadway-inspired baby names >>

Bob Gaudio, one of the original Four Seasons, developed the stage musical, and it’s his personal insight into the group that allows audiences such an intimate look at the personal struggles the band faced on its rise to fame.

As seen in the trailer, the show features numerous hit songs by the quartet that will have audiences tapping their toes along with the band. Clint Eastwood makes some interesting directorial choices as well, utilizing direct address and bucking Hollywood casting trends by keeping the original Broadway star, John Lloyd Young, in the Frankie Valli role.

Additional cast members include Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito, Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio, Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi, and Christopher Walken as mob boss Angelo “Gyp” DeCarlo.

VIDEO: Every Christopher Walken dance move in one supercut >>

Some might be surprised to see Clint Eastwood at the helm of a musical, but if the trailer is any indication, this 84-year-old icon of American cinema seems to have no problem managing the large-scale pretense a musical of this caliber entails.

Jersey Boys hits theaters June 20.

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Tragedy struck Mount Everest overnight when an avalanche took the lives of at least 12 people. Actress Sophia Bush was personally affected by the avalanche and showed her thankfulness for the safety of someone she loves.

INTERVIEW: Sophia Bush has an important message for girls >>

Bush's boyfriend Dan Fredinburg was apparently on the mountain when the avalanche hit, but Bush reported he was safe.

For all concerned, @danfredinburg & team are safe at Camp 1 on #Everest after the avalanche. Please keep the Sherpas in your prayers.

— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) April 18, 2014

Fredinburg is a program manager at Google and had been posting photos of his trip on Instagram. On Thursday, he posted a photo along with the caption "Day 25: Super hero shot in front of the beautiful icefall. We went in it and came back out more energized than ever. #everestawesome #khumbuicefall."

Bush also Instagrammed a photo of inspirational words for the day, for being thankful her boyfriend is safe.

Fredinburg and Bush confirmed their relationship a year ago when Bush posted a photo of the couple on Instagram.

"I wouldn't have been the same without this man by my side," Bush posted on Instagram after the Do Something Awards. "Thank you, Dan, for loving my passion and my fight. Thank you for being the spark to my match."

Can you live on $1.50 a day? Sophia Bush and Ben Affleck are >>

Fredinburg has been capturing his trip through Instagram. See some more shots here:

Photo credit: WENN.com

Alex O'Loughlin has been officially taken off the singles market by the beautiful Malia Jones. Word broke Friday afternoon the Hawaii Five-0 actor has married, though few details about the secret nuptials have yet been made public.

Check out the hottie of the day: Alex O'Loughlin >>

Reps for O'Loughlin confirmed the happy news to multiple sources, adding that he and Jones exchanged vows in Hawaii. Of course, the tropical island is not only where the Australian-born star takes on the role of LCDR Steve McGarrett but also where their family resides.

While the hunky star is the father of three, his new wife has only given birth to the youngest of his children. Details are sparse, but it seems O'Loughlin first became a father to son Saxon with a girlfriend, with whom he later split. His second son, Spike, was also born during a dating relationship that didn't last.

Jones, seen above with the actor in early 2012, gave birth to their son Lion in October of that same year.

Alex O'Loughlin decreed guilty of a bad celebrity baby name pick >>

While nearly everyone is thrilled to hear of O'Loughlin's wedding and throngs wish to congratulate him, there is a certain subset of fans who are a wee bit heartbroken today.

As one keen observer explained it to her Twitter followers Friday afternoon, "Alex O'Loughlin is married, oh oh, I think the #H50 ladies are crying that their man is officially off the market."

Envy aside, congratulatory wishes and hopes for a happily ever after go out to the newlywed couple from us!

Are you surprised to hear Alex O'Loughlin has married for the first time?

Photo credit: Michael Wright/WENN.com

When last we saw the gang from Once Upon a Time, Hook was having terrible time of it thanks to Zelena's dastardly plan. Up until this point in the season, just exactly what Hook had been up to during the missing year was mostly a mystery. But thanks to the Wicked Witch (aka Zelena), it was discovered that everyone's favorite pirate went on an adventure to get back his dearly beloved ship, the Jolly Roger.

Once Upon a Time sneak peek: What did Hook do for a year? >>

Ariel visited Hook as he was celebrating with his mates after a successful caper. It turned out that Prince Eric had been taken captive by the Dread Pirate Roberts and... oops, wrong pirate. Actually, Eric was being held by Blackbeard on Hook's old ship. So Hook and Ariel went to get him back, but Hook let his desire to be a pirate get the better of him, and he killed Blackbeard before they could find out where Eric was.

Wracked by guilt back in Storybrooke, Hook finally admitted the truth to Ariel, only to discover that she was in fact the Wicked Witch in disguise. As if that weren't bad enough, she got him to admit that his true love was Emma and then put a curse on his lips (those beautiful lips) that would take away Emma's powers, should he ever kiss her. Talk about wicked.

Once Upon a Time adds another Wicked villain >>

In the April 20 episode, titled "Bleeding Through," Regina will enlist the help of someone very special to try and defeat Zelena. Check out the official synopsis from ABC:

After Zelena steals Regina's heart, Regina casts a spell so that she can speak across the realms to her dead mother, Cora, to discover the truth about why she abandoned Zelena, and Belle stumbles across what Zelena's ultimate end game is. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was, young Cora is duped by a man claiming to be a prince and finds herself alone and pregnant. But a chance meeting with a real prince could lead Cora to the royal life she's always craved, but she must keep her pregnancy a secret or risk losing everything.

From the synopsis, we know that a lot will be learned about Cora's story. From the preview video, it seems that the truth about Cora might come from a very unique source.

One thing that's not mentioned in the synopsis or the video is what exactly is happening in some of the photos from the episode. In the first photo, we see Zelena and Rumple sitting down to have a nice meal together.

Photo credits: ABC

Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas tie the knot >>

In the next photo, the nice dinner has ended and Zelena is again threatening Rumple with the blade. Can't she make up her mind?

In the next photo, things have turned sweet again as Rumple seems to be placing a caring hand on Zelena's face.

In the next photo, everything has gone bonkers. Why on earth is Rumple kissing Zelena? Does she have that much control over him, or is he somehow beginning to have feelings for her?

In the next photo, we see young Cora with baby Zelena.

In the next photo, we see Belle visiting Hook and Emma. How is Hook holding up with his secret?

In the last photo, it looks like Hook is definitely stressing out over something.

• Gentle
• Calm
• Happy
• Devoted lapdog
• Great for apartment living

Overview

Originally bred as a woodcock hunter, the English Toy Spaniel was loved by royalty as a constant companion and foot and lap warmer. Very similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the two are often confused with each other and bred together as well. A preferred lap dog, he's a good companion that gets along well with school-aged children and other animals. Not prone to barking, he does need regular grooming and a push for regular exercise.

Breed standards

Is this breed right for you?

Although the English Toy Spaniel enjoys engaging in play and walks, it is necessary that he lives indoors with his family. Good with school-aged children, the breed is completely content sitting on his owner's lap all day. In need of regular companionship, he will need to be with a family that is home and available to him constantly.

A dream day in the life of the English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel will be in no rush to wake up in the morning. Perfectly happy staying in bed with his family members, he will follow you to breakfast once you finally move from your comfort zone. Fill up his bowl to allow him to leisurely eat for the remainder of the day. Engage in a bit of play with his favorite toys, take him for a short walk and end the day with your English Toy Spaniel on your lap.

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Meet the breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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• Smart
• Affectionate
• Energetic
• Trainable
• Family dog

Overview

Also known as the Havana Silk Dog, the Havanese originates from the Mediterranean where they were traded to Cuban women. Given to the wealthy, they became loyal lapdogs and companions. An eager and intelligent breed, the Havanese is easily trained and devoted to his family members. Good with children and other animals, the dog does well with apartment life as he enjoys burning his energy indoors.

Breed standards

Is this breed right for you?

Sweet and loving, this loyal watchdog makes the perfect companion for singles or families with children. Getting along with other pets, especially other Havanese, the breed is very social and enjoys constant companionship with his family members. Curious, he's likely to check things, and is easily trained. Great for apartment living, he does enjoy playing indoors but will need a good amount of regular exercise. Requiring regular grooming, he does best with a family that can give his coat much-needed attention. With good brushing, he is unlikely to shed. A good watchdog, he'll greet every guest that walks through your door.

A dream day in the life of a Havanese

It is likely that your Havanese will wake up long before you to check the perimeter of your home. Ensuring that everyone is safe, he'll patiently wait for his human pack to wake up before joining them for breakfast. After a well-balanced meal, the Havanese will follow the members of the family, occasionally engaging in a bit of play. Once he has his daily walk, he'll be happy to spend the remainder of the day indoors with the people he loves most.

Other breeds you might like

Meet the breed: Japanese Chin
Meet the breed: Bichon Frise
Meet the breed: Maltese

• Intelligent
• Gentle
• Friendly
• High endurance
• Working dog

Overview

As the name implies, the Siberian Husky is native to Siberia. Bred as a watchdog meant to herd reindeer and pull sleighs, the dog was later traded to Alaska. A breed that has a lot of stamina and enjoys working, the Siberian Husky is made to endure the coldest of weather conditions. Used in the 408-mile All Alaska Sweepstakes, the dog later gained popularity during a diphtheria breakout, pulling sleds filled with medicine to the sick. Besides performing well in sled-pulling, the Siberian Husky enjoys racing and carting.

Breed standards

Is this breed right for you?

Sweet by nature and friendly to all people, the Siberian Husky isn't much of a watchdog, but he is a gentle soul. Requiring cool weather due to his winter coat, it's best that he does not live in warm climates. Shedding only twice a year, the Siberian Husky makes for a good inside dog. He requires a good amount of physical activity and does best with a larger fenced-in yard. Doing best with specialized training, he requires a master that is firm with him. Needing a lot of attention and socialization, a lonely Siberian Husky is known to howl and become destructive. Avoid any such issues by partaking in physical activity prior to leaving him alone. Excelling with other Siberian Huskies around, he can learn to enjoy other breeds if he is raised with them.

A dream day in the life of a Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky loves to wake up at the crack of dawn ready for action. Bred to work, he's ready to pull sleighs and tromp in the snow for hours on end. Needing only a moderate amount of food, he'll continue engaging in play or running with his master until the day has ended. Visiting with neighbors and anyone who comes to the house, the Siberian Husky enjoys socialization. Ending his day cuddled at the foot of the bed, he'll be happy to have spent his day with his master.

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• Outdoorsman
• Loyal
• Fast
• Hunter
• Companion

Overview

Bred to hunt rocky terrains, the American Foxhound is a natural hunter and outdoorsman. Relying on scent, American Foxhounds live for the hunt. George Washington is referred to as the father of the American Foxhound, breeding the dogs which are one of the few American native breeds.

Breed standards

Is this breed right for you?

Not meant for apartment living, American Foxhounds need a home with a lot of land to roam. A loyal dog for families, this breed will need to be exercised regularly with walks, runs or hunts. Best for hunters or people with active lifestyles, this breed can be very protective of his human kind. Meant to work in packs, American Foxhounds pair easily with other pups but not any other animal.

A dream day in the life of an American Foxhound

Starting his day off with an early morning hunt, the American Foxhound loves to stay busy. With little downtime in the home, he would love to accompany his owner for a day on the farm or on the trails. Stopping for little rest, this pup wants to hunt, run and listen to all of the commands that his pack leader — you — throw at him.

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Meet the breed: Black and Tan Coonhound
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• Loving
• Loyal
• Cat-like
• Agile
• Smart

Overview

Despite his name, the Japanese Chin originates from China. Bred for the sole purpose of becoming a companion dog, the breed was originally referred to as the Japanese Spaniel. Eventually moving to Japan and other parts of Europe, the dog was given as a royal and meaningful gift. Playful and intelligent, the Japanese Chin is a good fit for any person or family.

Breed standards

Is this breed right for you?

Very friendly, the Japanese Chin fits in well with any family. Due to his delicate nature, it is best that children are taught how to handle the small breed. Good with other animals, he's an indoor dog that can live well in an apartment. Needing only moderate exercise, he'll be content with short walks around the neighborhood. The Japanese Chin is easily trained, enjoys playtime and is best kept out of the heat for a prolonged period of time. His luxurious coat will need to be groomed twice a week and it's best to socialize and train him to know that you are master to avoid any potential behavioral problems.

A dream day in the life of a Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin will ideally wake up in the bed of his master. Following the family wherever they may go, he may stop for a trick or two while awaiting his meal. After a bit of TV time with his master, the dog will enjoy a quick stroll around the neighborhood. Upon returning home, he'll be happy to hang out with the little ones of the house until bedtime, where he'll contentedly snuggle up to his humans.

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Serving ice cream cupcakes is a wonderful idea when there are kids around. They're perfect for children's parties and always a hit with adults too. The best part is that they don't even require much effort to prepare. This is one of my go-to desserts when I am short on time and ideas.

Easy individual ice cream cakes recipe

Yields 6

Ingredients:

• Store-bought chocolate cake, about 1/2-inch thick
• 6 scoops chocolate ice cream (or any flavor)
• 6 thick cupcake liners
• 1-3 meringue cookies (depending on the size), crumbled
• Fresh mint leaves
• Assorted sprinkles

Directions:

1. Using the bottom part of the cupcake liner as a guide, cut out 6 discs in the chocolate cake. Set aside. (If you are making the dessert ahead of time, prepare this part first, and then scoop the ice cream only when ready to serve.)
2. Place the chocolate cake in the cupcake liner, and then top with a scoop of ice cream.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled meringue and sprinkles on top. Garnish with mint leaves.
4. Serve immediately.

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