What happens in America invariably makes its way to the UK, sooner or later.  So watch out for DOGTV - which is an eight hour block of cable television designed to keep your dog amused while you are out.  It even includes music that was specially written for dogs!  At the  moment it is only available in San Diego but if popular, it will probably be rolled out right across the United States.

Also proving popular in the States - and which I am sure will catch on here very quickly - is a free Skype account in the dog's name.   The machine at home automatically picks up when the owner dials in - which means when you are at work and missing your dog you can ask him how he's getting on!  But be warned: it could be very confusing for some dogs to "see" their owner when they can't smell them.