tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-522787667879622732024-03-13T21:32:29.541-07:00The Pickle PostAn insight into the crazy life of Tabby Mama, The Pickles, and Phoenix. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-5049221915065395682021-07-09T04:30:00.003-07:002021-07-09T04:30:49.913-07:00The Puppy Chronicles - Preparing For Your New Arrival<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You’ve
done all the legwork, decided on a breed that is suitable for you,
found a good reputable breeder. Now you’ve met your new family
member and put a deposit down. Now is the time to start getting
excited.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
wait from meeting your new baby to actually bringing them home will
feel like an eternity. However enjoy this period of quietness as once
you bring that little bundle of fluff home everything will change.Use
this time to get everything ready, puppy proof your home, get all of
their essentials in ready. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
this is your first puppy you might be wondering exactly what you need
to buy and what you don’t really need. There are so many puppy
checklists around and to be honest some of it you really will not
need yet. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve
gone through the most popular puppy shopping lists and here is my
verdict from my own experiences. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>New
Puppy Checklist </b></u></span></span></div>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Food </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
best place to start is your breeder, ask them what food they are
currently feeding the puppies. Then get a bag of it in ready. </span></span></span>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When
I brought Phoenix home </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I had
overbought the food her breeder was using, I’d bought three bags of
15KG. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Once
she had been home a few days I noticed that whenever I fed her she
went absolutely hyper shortly after. I discussed it with a nurse at
our local veterinary practice (I lived there the first few months)
who advised I changed her food. Which I did. I put her onto Burns
Puppy Food and have never looked back. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So
to start off with just buy around a weeks supply of food and see how
your puppy is on it. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Treats</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These
will become your best buy! There are so many varieties to choose
from. I would recommend a good quality treat such as Burns training
treats, Lily’s Kitchen, Wagg. There are so many to choose from and
your puppy will have their own likes and dislikes. Once you find some
they really like you will want to use them for their training. To
start off with buy 2-3 packets of different treats and see how your
puppy likes them. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Food
and Water Bowls</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An
obvious one. Once again there are so many choices with bowls. It will
mostly depend on the breed of your puppy. If it is a very small breed
then you might be better off buying a rabbit bowl to start with.
Puppy sized bowls are usually a good size for most breeds. For a
water bowl you will want a slightly larger bowl. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Collar</b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
will again depend on the breed. Puppy collars are a great starting
point but make sure it is an adjustable one so you can ensure a good
fit. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Harness </b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If
you plan to use a harness for walks then buy this once your dog is
home and has had both vaccinations. You can then try on the harness
to ensure it fits correctly and comfortably. You won’t be able to
go for walks until puppy has had both vaccinations and they will have
grown in that time so best hold off on a harness. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Lead</b></span></span><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Buy
one before you bring your puppy home. Even though they cannot go for
walks until both vaccinations you will need one for the vet trips.
It’s also a good idea to use it around the home so they are used to
putting on their collar and lead. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Shampoo</b></span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nope
not yet! </span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chances
are you are not going to need to bathe your puppy at this early stage
so again you can hold off on this one. When you do buy one ensure it
is a puppy one as they have delicate skin so will need one specially
formulated for puppies. </span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Grooming Brush </b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not
really an essential but something that is good to have to hand. You
can then get your pup used to the idea of being brushed and groomed.
However your puppy will be more interested in trying to eat the
brush. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Bed</b></span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good
Luck! Puppy beds are so cute, whether puppy sleeps in it is another
story. Be prepared for it to be chewed to pieces, ripped, torn,
mullered. Oh and watch out for “The bed wrecking monster” a
mythical creature that sneaks in and wrecks puppies beds when they’re
not looking aka The puppy. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTFXFzOrpUd0tpevULKlXRCCe1pF0wF-bl2LbFxVCxXRSvz22x4i64ISL1I_4B4rkK1lnG6PVXxDMxZ3UHB5JZeKhG45H97MDjp7olzcYQRRxTbQJ8fiNk2iZuBHATiTUrl_D9dn29_g/s604/IMG_2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTFXFzOrpUd0tpevULKlXRCCe1pF0wF-bl2LbFxVCxXRSvz22x4i64ISL1I_4B4rkK1lnG6PVXxDMxZ3UHB5JZeKhG45H97MDjp7olzcYQRRxTbQJ8fiNk2iZuBHATiTUrl_D9dn29_g/s320/IMG_2599.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span></span>
<p></p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Poo
Bags </b></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not
really needed until you can go out but a good idea to have some to
hand for little accidents around the house. There will be a lot. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Pads </b></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buy
loads, and I mean loads. You will not believe how many of these you
will go through in a day. From the minute you bring your puppy home
encourage them to use the puppy pad as their toilet. If you see them
squatting place them on the puppy pad. A little trick puppies like to
‘circle’ before pooping. If you catch pup circling place them on
the puppy pad. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Puppies
can poop up to 8 or more times a day and you will want to change the
puppy pad soon after or puppy will eat their poop. Seriously buy
loads of these. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Pee
Post </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Absolutely
NOT essential. </span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Car
Safety Guard/Harness </b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Obviously
only if you have a car or the bus driver might give you funny looks.
It is always advised to fit a car guard/gate and safety
harness/seatbelt to your car for your puppy or dog to travel safely. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>ID
Tag </b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not
really an essential until you can go out. However they are required
by law for once you can go out. Ensure your pet’s name and your
phone number are on them just incase your puppy gets lost. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Puppy
Pen or Crate </b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
don’t really like crates myself. However a puppy playpen is
definitely recommended. Especially for those first few months. The
playpen was the best thing I ever got for Phoenix, I ended up buying
another one and making it huge so it took over the living room. The
only thing was she liked it a little too much and it took her years
to feel comfortable enough to give it up. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These
are also handy to keep incase of emergencies. After surgery etc when
they need to be kept quiet. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Toothbrush
and Toothpaste </b></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
is a good idea to get your puppy used to having their teeth brushed
from an early age. Ensure you have a soft bristled brush and puppy
suitable toothpaste. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Teething
Gel </b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
long as it is for puppies. Just like babies puppies will also be
teething. Usually at around five months old however it can be
earlier. Phoenix was nine weeks old when she started teething. It is
painful for them so having a teething gel will help them feel a lot
more comfortable. It’s a good idea to put some teething gel on a
chew toy. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Chew
Toys </b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Puppies
love to chew and will need plenty of different toys to chew on. Kong
do some fantastic durable toys, also a classic Kong filled with
treats or food can be a great chew toy. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulk0Rf185gnBsBby22mP2AHYzairRbEVrubeDHlTFhqEACgZmkH5MXAYGZT1V5LlfpjdUArYacSnAia4kw-v_fb8vbFlkPGBD5woU_X8A6-JlUQCCh2tWOMD41riTgDEKCd9nHhtewWs/s604/IMG_2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulk0Rf185gnBsBby22mP2AHYzairRbEVrubeDHlTFhqEACgZmkH5MXAYGZT1V5LlfpjdUArYacSnAia4kw-v_fb8vbFlkPGBD5woU_X8A6-JlUQCCh2tWOMD41riTgDEKCd9nHhtewWs/s320/IMG_2600.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<p></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Toys
</b></span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chew
toys, cuddly toys, tug toys, all good. Avoid balls for at least the
first year as puppies should not be jumping to catch a ball for the
first year as their joints and muscles are not yet strong enough for
that kind of exercise. Running and walking is good so toys you can
play fetch with are also a great addition. Favourite toys are also
great to use for training. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Healthcare
</b></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you already know what you will call your puppy then you can
pre-register them at your vets clinic. Most breeders will require you
to have had your puppy vet checked within 48-72 hours of being home. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At
the first appointment your vet will do the first vaccinations, give
your puppy a thorough health check and discuss flea and worming. Your
breeder will give you a record of their flea and worm treatments.
Take this with you and your vet will tell you when the next treatment
is due. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before
I brought Phoenix home I remember going to the pet shop and doing the
big puppy shop. I think we practically bought the shop. I remember
being at the checkout and unloading the trolley and my poor partner
at the time was just looking at the total going up and up in
disbelief. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
hindsight half of it we definitely didn’t need at the beginning.
However I was a new mummy getting excited for my new baby. The day we
brought her home I got all of her things out and arranged them nicely
for when she came home. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicttJ44gBen42qnTy0cd9qqriPdSqTWT_IN8k3t0eyXKKl1A8asDWhmFD-K-YB_TDBbWL1pHMH_gPfvNfsZRY-8xK7FGHtb7c6nqZ_iniVM2uA51DelHXvCrsBv-qcLPQWDZPtY6RVGwc/s604/IMG_2597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicttJ44gBen42qnTy0cd9qqriPdSqTWT_IN8k3t0eyXKKl1A8asDWhmFD-K-YB_TDBbWL1pHMH_gPfvNfsZRY-8xK7FGHtb7c6nqZ_iniVM2uA51DelHXvCrsBv-qcLPQWDZPtY6RVGwc/s320/IMG_2597.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_7vc9XVsLFSwHN-t1B7btGzwMCv0lWS9nuQKtlH1HkWgQzfoR1EAYy7w9IyVD2HLJX6P-ntXxCXIpttNe_SbP0BM-CvoM5Rlza6XFaoF7q4KXVNWl6uh5L8VnPX_FC3DYK12TderXKY/s604/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_7vc9XVsLFSwHN-t1B7btGzwMCv0lWS9nuQKtlH1HkWgQzfoR1EAYy7w9IyVD2HLJX6P-ntXxCXIpttNe_SbP0BM-CvoM5Rlza6XFaoF7q4KXVNWl6uh5L8VnPX_FC3DYK12TderXKY/s320/IMG_2598.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /> </span></span>
<p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 115% }</style></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-78466806530072935102021-06-17T09:43:00.001-07:002021-06-17T09:43:29.096-07:00Urgent Recall Of Cat Food <p> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It has been reported that a number of dry cat foods have been recalled due to a increasing number of cases of Pancytopenia. A serious illness which can be fatal if not treated urgently. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Here is the official recall link </span></p><p><a href="https://www.foldhill.co.uk/fold-hill-foods-ltd-is-recalling-a-number-of-products-it-manufactures-on-behalf-of-partner-brands/?fbclid=IwAR2dmeSmIOkDt_-y4FPnkAaf678lEQJzIGc1Tz4m7vmJ2fb7WY4luz-3oiA">https://www.foldhill.co.uk/fold-hill-foods-ltd-is-recalling-a-number-of-products-it-manufactures-on-behalf-of-partner-brands/?fbclid=IwAR2dmeSmIOkDt_-y4FPnkAaf678lEQJzIGc1Tz4m7vmJ2fb7WY4luz-3oiA</a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you currently feed your cat any of the listed products and have noticed them becoming unwell contact your vet urgently. If you have any concerns call your vet for advice. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You can return any of the listed products to the place of purchase for a full refund. </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-22960200258223224662021-06-04T04:50:00.003-07:002021-06-04T04:51:27.269-07:00Keeping Your Pets Cool in Hot Weather <p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>As
I sit here writing this I look out of the window and it is torrential
rain, it’s very mild but nothing compared to the last couple of
days. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>It’s
been a long and wet winter for sure so the appearance of the sun and
the accompanying hot weather is welcomed by many of us. For many pets
though it’s a not so welcome change. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>When
we have these sudden heatwaves our pets really notice it, of course
some pets absolutely love it and will sit out in the sun in the
garden. I remember Vixen my black cat would love the sun and would
lounge in it all day long. Until it got too hot. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>It
really is important to keep an eye on our pets through these warmer
spells of weather, and if like many they really do not enjoy it then
we need to make them as comfortable as possible. The following advice
is for hot weather and heat waves. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>Dogs
</b></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>I
know there is nothing nicer then being outside with your dog on a
glorious day, playing fetch, running around. Yet when we get these
heatwaves and periods of very hot weather chances are your dog will
really not want to be doing these things. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>It
is best to walk your dog early in the morning and late in the
evening. I usually take Phoenix out between 6-7am during hot weather,
if it is really hot then it has sometimes been 5am while the air is
still cool. I then walk her late in the evening, anytime from 9pm
onwards is usually good. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Do
not take your dog out in the midday sun, when the sun is at it’s
hottest your dog will not enjoy it. Remember they are wearing a fur
coat. Try putting your winter coat on and going out in the sun.
That’s how your dog is feeling when they are out in the heat. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>A
good rule of thumb is the pavement rule. Place your hand on the
pavement. If you cannot keep it there for more then five seconds then
it is too hot for your dog. Dogs pads easily burn on hot pavements
and the burns are very painful for them. Be especially mindful if
they walk through any water and then straight onto a hot pavement.
Avoid all metal manhole covers on roads and pavements. In the heat
they become boiling. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>When
you do take your dog out always carry cool water and offer it to your
dog. It’s best to just walk your dog in hot weather, they won’t
enjoy running around at all. Keep in the shade as much as possible. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>It’s
a good idea to also carry a cool wet flannel with you, which you can
then wipe over your dog to help keep them cool. Placing a flannel or
hand towel in the freezer is another good way to keep it cool and
then placing it on the floor for a dog to lie on or rub it over them.
</span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Whilst
at home always ensure fresh cool water is available for your dog. If
your dog enjoys the sun then they can enjoy it in the garden as they
will then move to a cooler spot if they become too hot. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>A
great way to enjoy the hot weather is to get your dog a paddling
pool. Many dogs absolutely love playing in them and it is a great way
to have some fun. Phoenix also has her own parasol which I move around the garden to provide shade for her. </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVRJoyl7NAsNz_BPLCg9zzsSC5sx3_N8mr6kZ_9PlEp53vRpTyyw3Qvn5X1AsROrM4_fRYAhL406p6AchbBMwvRKESHKv7bifYpW26nv0IkSGg2FIzL1zeslJwvomy2RdLEmQlQ6rgtU/s2048/IMG_2904.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVRJoyl7NAsNz_BPLCg9zzsSC5sx3_N8mr6kZ_9PlEp53vRpTyyw3Qvn5X1AsROrM4_fRYAhL406p6AchbBMwvRKESHKv7bifYpW26nv0IkSGg2FIzL1zeslJwvomy2RdLEmQlQ6rgtU/s320/IMG_2904.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Hose
pipes can be dangerous for dogs. The hose itself becomes hot so when
you first turn the tap on the water will come out very hot,
potentially scalding your dog. Try not to let them drink much water
from the hose, a little drink is fine but too much can cause
problems. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Phoenix
tends to stay indoors during very hot weather as she really doesn’t
enjoy it. Inside she has fans on her. I got a really good one last
year which circulates cool air instead of hot air. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Cool
mats and pads are also a fantastic investment for both cats and dogs.
These are non-toxic gel filled mats which stay cool and lower your
dogs body temperature. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>To
help your dog cool off offer them watermelon. It is completely safe
for them to eat and the added water will help keep them hydrated. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Lastly
but most definitely not least please do not keep your dog in the car
on a hot day, even for just five or ten minutes. Cars become very
hot, very quickly. Your dog will soon suffer from heat stroke. If you
pop to the shop etc, leave your dog at home, not in the car. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>Signs
of heatstroke in dogs </b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Each
year so many dogs are admitted into veterinary hospitals with heat
stroke. More often then not it is occurring just after a walk when
they have been running around. Any dog can get heatstroke but by
taking as many precautions as you can you can completely minimise the
risk. </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>Symptoms
Of Heat Stroke </b></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><ul><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Severe
Panting </span></span></span>
</p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Difficulty
breathing</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Severe
Salivating</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Vomiting</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Diarrhoea</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Raised
temperature</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Blood
in urine</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Nose
bleeds</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Collapse,
fainting, coma </span></span></span>
</p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Very
red tongue and gums </span></span></span>
</p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Lethargic
behaviour</span></span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>restlessness</span></span></span></p>
</li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>If
you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog on a hot day
contact your vet immediately for advice. If heat stroke is suspected
then prompt treatment and admission into hospital is vital for saving
your dogs life. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><b> </b></span></span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>Cats</b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Just
like dogs cats also struggle in the hot weather. Some may love it,
some hate it. You may notice your cat not being as active in hot
weather. This is normal, they do not feel like playing. </span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>When
outside cats will enjoy sunbathing as they can then move to a cooler
spot when they feel too hot. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Regardless
of whether your cat enjoys or hates the hot weather there are steps
you can take to help them feel more comfortable. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Keep
all water bowls accessible and cool. You can add ice cubes to the
water to help keep it cool.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Cats
also benefit from the cool mats I mentioned earlier on in this post. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>If
you have stone or tiled flooring you will probably notice your cat
making use of the floor space. If you have neither just adding one
simple floor tile to your carpet or wood floor will provide a cool
spot for your cat to cool off. </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw2QISvUYX6psscHLSAFpACLkb_5BQ5Nwk9Gmcuw6emCW5Zb4WmUduAJaxkEpEALuWxJ1yISrRya5BGS4Smcp9nv93sG6lWPrFYoJm9_gWYzrJdOp57xIfx5YJAwMyGsxZ3HEe2VcZ4U/s1600/84f74db1-998f-4b83-977b-f303ad4a7675.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw2QISvUYX6psscHLSAFpACLkb_5BQ5Nwk9Gmcuw6emCW5Zb4WmUduAJaxkEpEALuWxJ1yISrRya5BGS4Smcp9nv93sG6lWPrFYoJm9_gWYzrJdOp57xIfx5YJAwMyGsxZ3HEe2VcZ4U/s320/84f74db1-998f-4b83-977b-f303ad4a7675.JPG" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>With
my cats I find wiping them down with a cool slightly damp cloth will
help keep them cool. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>You
can also place a hand towel in the freezer to keep it cool then place
it on the floor for your cat to lie on. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>One
little trick that worked well for one of mine was a frozen bottle of
water with a tea towel wrapped around it. The coolness provided a
nice cool pillow or fun play toy whilst keeping them cool. </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>With all of this in mind you can make the hot summer months and enjoyable time for you and your pets. </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span> <b>Mentionned products </b></span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Fan - Tower fan £44.99 <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2906102?clickPR=plp:3:3" target="_blank">Argos<b> </b></a><b> </b>Or £50.00<a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-tower-fan-30-inch-white-black/p4918532" target="_blank">John Lewis</a> (I have both and they are great) </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Cool Mats for cats & dogs - <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pecute-Cooling-120x75cm-Durable-Non-Toxic/dp/B06XKCDWQL/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1EBFRJMMWHTMD&dchild=1&keywords=pecute+cool+mat&qid=1622806902&sprefix=pecute+coo%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-5" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or <a href="https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/scruffs-self-cooling-dog-mat" target="_blank">Pets At Home </a> (Again I have both in different sizes) </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Phoenix's Paddling Pool - <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4575902?clickPR=plp:18:33" target="_blank">Argos</a> </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Travel water bottle for dogs <a href="https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pets-at-home-travel-water-bottle-500ml" target="_blank">Pets At Home </a> </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>Phoenix's Parasol <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/1423882?clickSR=slp:term:parasol:4:26:1" target="_blank">Argos</a> </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>I'm not being paid to promote these products just recommending what I personally use for my pets. </b><br /></span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 115% }</style></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-10567521210186773342021-05-18T07:41:00.002-07:002021-05-18T07:42:53.304-07:00Tantrums Of A Tabby Muma<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span>It’s
Saturday night, It’s late. I’m absolutely hooked on Line of Duty,
been watching it all day. I half wonder if I could squeeze in another
episode before bed? Nope not going to happen, I can barely keep my
eyes open as it is. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>On
the sofa beside me are both cats who have both been surprisingly good
and quiet all night. A perfect Saturday night in. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>I
get myself ready for bed, give the cats their suppers (necessity or I
will only get two hours sleep) I go into the bedroom, pick up the fur
magic brush to quickly brush down the bed before I crawl into it for
the night, looking forward to snuggling in my new duvet and new
bedding. I switch on the lamp……….</span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>F**K,
F**K, F**K</span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Waiting
for me in the middle of the bed is a big pile of puke, as I scan
round I find another pile and oh fuck a duck how the hell is it all
up the wall too. </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>CYMMI
when I get my hands on you cat” I shout. </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>I
know it was Cymmi, this is his trademark, too lazy to get up and off
of whatever he is sleeping on. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>You
f**king, b**t**d, where are you” </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>I’m
furious at him, not only for doing it on all the new bedding, but he
clearly did it hours ago as it’s all dried in. Neither him or
Starla bothered to tell me. </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>He
knows, as when I walk into the living room he runs, I chase him. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Come
here you little twat” I’m still shouting at him. “You are
banned, banned from the bedroom cat for good you hear me” </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>As
I return to my messy fate I begin cleaning up the lovely piles,
wiping down the wall. To which half of the paint came with it. Strip
the bedding, rinse it out in the shower, attempt to rinse out the
“washable” duvet. Which is now acting like a sponge soaking in
every bit of water. </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>I dig
out the spare duvet and chuck another clean duvet cover on it. This
whole process has taken the best part of an hour. </span></span></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Finally,
finally I’m ready to climb into bed. The cats are both banned so
are spending the night in the living room. I’m not heartless I did
put extra fleecy throws in there for them. Let Phoenix out for
another wee. It’s raining out, she comes in, straight on the bed.
Muddy paw prints everywhere. As I finally pull the duvet back I spot
something on the bed, it’s small, slimy and oh crap its moving.
That’s it Phoenix has brought a tiny slug in with her. Slug removed
all the while treading on bloody cat litter that’s just appeared
and I am ready to at last climb into my muddy, wet dog smelling, slug
ridden bed. </span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span></span><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>Oh
the joys of fur babies. Of course both cats were also on the bed.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span>The
next day both the duvet and bedding were properly washed and
survived. Cymmi of course was not ill, had he been ill I would never
have told him off, it was just a furball causing him to vomit. </span></span></span></span>
</p><p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 115% }</style></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-58938111442390441712021-04-21T06:09:00.004-07:002021-04-21T06:10:34.529-07:00The Puppy Chronicles - Finding A Reputable Breeder <p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">You’ve
weighed up all the pro’s and cons and decided you are going to add
a puppy to your family. Great choice, now is the hard part, finding
your right puppy. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Puppy
farming is a huge problem at the moment. With demand rising,
especially for certain breeds, puppy farming is becoming more of an
issue. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Puppy
farming is when an unlicensed breeder breeds dogs for profit, with no
consideration to the mother or potential puppies welfare. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
dogs used for breeding in puppy farms are just that, puppy machines.
The females are bred after each litter, usually on their very next
season. They are kept in horrendous conditions, more often then not
tiny unsanitary cages, covered in their own excrement, forced to
breed, then left to birth alone without any veterinary care. In cases
where the birth goes wrong, both the mother and pups are left to die.
</span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Any
surviving puppies are quickly removed from their mother and put into
their own unsanitary conditions. With no healthcare many will have
been born in a very poor state. They have no human interaction and if
they survive will have behavioural issues later on. The mother is
then used again to reproduce another litter. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Inbreeding is a common issue and puppies will be born with genetic
health conditions. These can range from deadly infections such as
Parvovirus to musculoskeletal deformities. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
puppies are then sold at high price to anyone who wants them.
Unsuspecting puppy parents then end up buying a puppy who will soon
be in need of urgent veterinary care as they would never have been
health checked, flead, or wormed. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
only way you can guarantee you are in the safest hands and can be
confident you are buying a healthy puppy, who has been raised and
treated correctly is to use a Kennel Club Accredited breeder. (Link
at the bottom) </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">KC
reg breeders are licensed dog breeders who have been registered by
the Kennel Club. Of course a few bad apples do sneak through the
registration process. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Any
notable breeder will be proud of their achievements, they will show
their previous litters and most now use social media. By checking out
their pages you can see how often they breed each dog, how successful
their previous litters have been and most people remain in contact
with their breeder so you will see updates. Signs like this show you
you are using a credible breeder. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Many
breeders will have waiting lists. If they have no puppies available
they will give you an estimated time frame for their next expected
litter. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If
possible get in touch with people who already have used that breeder.
If people receive a positive experience from a breeder they likely
want to share that experience. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Once
you have decided on a breed, draw up a shortlist of potential
breeders and do your research on them. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">When
you find someone you like initiate contact. You should then be
invited to meet the puppies. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">When
you go to meet the puppies ensure the mother is with them. If there
are just puppies with no parents walk away. By meeting the puppies
mother you will get an idea of her temperament, how well she has been
cared for. The puppies should be lively and look happy depending on
their age. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Good
breeders will ask you lot’s of questions. Don’t be put off, they
are checking to see if there puppies are going to responsible people.
Take this opportunity to ask the breeder any questions you have. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The
breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions, will tell you
about the puppies and the mother. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If
you find your puppy you will be expected to put down a deposit. You
then pay the remainder when you collect your puppy. You will be shown
copies of the Kennel club registration, a pedigree (family tree) of
your puppy. Some breeders even include this in your puppy pack. If
not you can always ask to see it.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Before
you bring your puppy home it will have been vet checked and you will
receive a health certificate of this visit. You will have copies of
all of the worming and flea treatment dates and dates the next
treatment is due. Sometimes your puppy will already of had its first
vaccinations, however some vets prefer to do a full course so if your
puppy is not vaccinated but has all other health documents do not be
alarmed. You can always start vaccinations when you bring your puppy
home. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If
when you visit something doesn’t seem right then do not feel
pressured into putting down any deposits. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>My
Experience:</b></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">Once we had decided on a Labrador
puppy we set out to find potential breeders. We searched extensively
online and came up with a shortlist of three KC reg breeders. The
first one we got in touch with we didn’t like the sound of. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">The second one we made contact with
invited us to meet the puppies. We went the very next day. When we
arrived the puppies were all sleeping together with their Mother.
They were 5 weeks old and as soon as we walked in they all woke up.
The mother came up to us and sniffed us out. I’m sure she was
checking we was worthy of her babies. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">We were shown the two remaining
puppies available to reserve as the rest were already reserved.</span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8dEYnl4TMZ8DgDHtyD335mF9IJ-hX_qVAcEfvpePMQy8De-zerzNSdv-xl7g9Toxkfj72SvOCHcw7R8aa-DjWo7dqG7-ERha-lw1JeK_o8CDLXpEDCxouMxdtiFmX1Temn9cmLk9reA/s604/376700_279775828728727_100000889360322_866099_1453951094_n.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8dEYnl4TMZ8DgDHtyD335mF9IJ-hX_qVAcEfvpePMQy8De-zerzNSdv-xl7g9Toxkfj72SvOCHcw7R8aa-DjWo7dqG7-ERha-lw1JeK_o8CDLXpEDCxouMxdtiFmX1Temn9cmLk9reA/s320/376700_279775828728727_100000889360322_866099_1453951094_n.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">When I picked up the first puppy she
was lovely, but she didn’t feel like my puppy. I then picked up the
other one, the tiny tail was wagging, she licked my face and wanted
cuddles. I knew she had chosen me. The breeder asked us lot’s of
questions on our previous dogs, what breed they were, how they died
etc. She then asked us about our home and lifestyle. We was happy to
hear she was interested and we were confident we had found a
reputable breeder. The mother and puppies were all in the breeders
home and also present was the puppies auntie. </span>
<p></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">We got such a good feeling from this
breeder and her dogs that we were happy we had made the right choice.
</span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">We put down a deposit and was given a
receipt. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">For the next few weeks our breeder
stayed in touch, giving us updates on how the puppies were doing as
well as the mother. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">When the puppies were 8 weeks old we
was invited back to collect her. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">When we went to collect her we signed
a puppy contract, paid the remaining fee and was given the healthcare
certificates and records of worming and flea treatments. As part of
our contract we had to get our own vet to give her a health check
within 48hrs of her going home. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span face="Arial, sans-serif">We was given a sample of food that the
puppies had been eating and was told to get in touch if we had any
questions. </span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRdONoIMWC7Z4hfk1QfzzY3mfVkYa2rDpKJEhGClWDkQ-4PudG2fqiZz293lQciUM4rjr57VnmjllLvoSMQUpk0cS7Kps49Zs6_xIpSu3i6JbFIxTPR6Kxa7eddOxI5pZJAMBY7v1Pzk/s2048/PB162979.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRdONoIMWC7Z4hfk1QfzzY3mfVkYa2rDpKJEhGClWDkQ-4PudG2fqiZz293lQciUM4rjr57VnmjllLvoSMQUpk0cS7Kps49Zs6_xIpSu3i6JbFIxTPR6Kxa7eddOxI5pZJAMBY7v1Pzk/s320/PB162979.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Phoenix was a fit and healthy puppy
and we have never encountered any issues with her at all.</span><p></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> To find a reputable KC registered breeder and any available litters follow this link </span><a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/find-a-puppy/" target="_blank"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/find-a-puppy/ </span></a>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 115% }</style></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-6478086121075319592021-03-24T08:58:00.001-07:002021-03-24T08:58:19.990-07:00The Puppy Chronicles - Deciding to Get A Dog<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After
a year of lockdown, and with the warmer summer months approaching it
is a time when many people are considering adding a dog to their
family. The school summer holidays are always a peak time for puppy
breeders and rescue centres. Unfortunately after the holidays are
over and the children have grown bored many of these dogs then find
themselves in shelters or even worse abandoned. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
is also very often the case that people buy puppies without doing
their research and either end up with a sick puppy or one that they
have no idea how much work it entails to care for a puppy. Now let me
point out I am not labelling everyone here, a majority of people get
dogs for the right reasons. Unfortunately you do get some selfish
people who buy them as a quick fix for their children over summer who
then cannot be bothered with the upkeep. A sad story and one that
many many rescue centres all over the world will confirm. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
that in mind over the next few weeks I will be adding articles on
guides for getting a new puppy or dog as well as training tips and
tricks, common health complaints to watch out for and nutritional
needs. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you are considering either adopting a dog or purchasing a puppy then
you need to think carefully about your own home and circumstances
first. There are hundreds of breeds of dogs, some need much more
exercise then others, some don’t need as much. First look at your
home and ask yourself these questions: </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<ul><li>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do
you have enough space to accommodate a dog?</span></span></p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is
the breed you are considering suitable for your home? </span></span>
</p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are
there any hazards eg stairs with no banisters, steep drops etc </span></span>
</p>
</li><li>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do
you have glass furniture? Sharp edges, large windows that are easily
mistaken as open doors. </span></span>
</p>
</li></ul>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
need to think about the size of the dog you are considering, and how
big it could possibly grow. Look around and see if your home has
enough space for a dog to get around easily, places to sleep etc.
Remember many dogs also run around indoors so consider the
possibility of things getting knocked over. Glass topped furniture
especially. Whilst thinking about your furniture, would you be happy
having to cover your sofa’s with throws, would your dog be allowed
on the sofas? </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Personally
in my home nowhere is off bounds for any of my fur babies, they can
go wherever they like and sleep wherever they like. They all have
their own beds but choose to sleep on my bed or the sofas. So
everyday I vacuum to stay on top of the moulted fur. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you are considering a dog or puppy accept the fact that they can and
will make a mess.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dogs
can be kept in flats as well as houses, if you are in a flat then a
dog can still be very happy as long as they get enough toilet breaks
and walks. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you have a garden ensure it is safe for a dog. Check there are no
holes in fences, or loose fence panels. This would cause you to fail
a home check with a rescue centre. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
you have thought about the practicality of your home, think about how
much time you can dedicate to your dog. Dogs must be walked at least
once a day, some dogs more then once. How long are you usually out of
the house each day? Is someone home throughout the day. If you are
out most of the day and nobody will be at home then you’ll need to
consider hiring a dog walker or dog sitter who can check in on your
dog throughout the day. Many dogs suffer with separation anxiety and
if left alone for too long can become destructive. If you are
considering getting a puppy then it is best if someone is home for
most of the day as they will require extra attention and training. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
is also important to consider the financial commitment to getting a
dog or puppy. There are a lot of costs involved that you need to
consider carefully. Veterinary costs, insurance, dog walking, food.
It all soon starts to add up. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
best advice I can offer anyone considering either adopting a dog or
puppy is to definitely take everything I’ve mentioned into
consideration then do your research. If you are considering a puppy
then research different breeds to find a few that will match your
home and lifestyle. Think of breeds that you like and then look at
their exercise requirements, how big they may get and whether they
would suit you and your family and home. If you are considering
adopting a dog from a rescue centre then they will sit down with you
and discuss in detail your current lifestyle, home and family life
and match you to dogs that match your situation. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s
worth considering that there are some dogs in rehoming shelters that
have specific requirements. There are older dogs who may suit someone
who is not very active and may only require one walk a day. There are
dogs with ongoing medical conditions which should never put you off
adopting them. Many conditions are very easily managed these days and
if you have a good vet your dog will live a long and full life. There
really are so many possibilities. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One
thing I would like to add is that there are an awful lot of
Staffordshire bull terriers in rehoming shelters. Due to bad press
many people are reluctant to rehome them. There is no such thing as a
bad dog, it is the owners who are bad. Any breed of dog can become
aggressive if not raised properly. I see so many people refusing to
rehome a staffie and there really is no need to be so concerned. I
have met many absolutely lovely staffies. I do not believe in writing
off a certain breed just because of a bit of bad press. So if you are
matched to a staffie don’t panic, it has been matched to you as you
match his or her requirements. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Talk
to other dog owners and find out about their own experiences, talk to
staff at your local veterinary practice. Get as much information as
you can to be able to make an informed decision. If you do your
research you will not end up with just a dog. You will end up with a
new family member who suits you perfectly. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My
Experience </b></span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before
I welcomed Phoenix into my family I had done plenty of research. At
the time I was with my former partner and as we both worked in the
music industry found we was not at home a lot of the time. Adding a
dog to our family was something we wanted to do together when we had
the time to focus on the dog. We had been considering it for well
over a year. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcFIMxtB0C0XAxw2MTnB47b67o7deb0p6qwkPwF4c_5rs2W8gbI2pXQTVJpuO-TARGwKTKOQqladTp-oVp0lfaA7sJSovG-CI-nFKpUZ4ywa-cgS3zbEE5VPNbt-qzHGgMfGPhui00R8/s1086/IMG_1089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcFIMxtB0C0XAxw2MTnB47b67o7deb0p6qwkPwF4c_5rs2W8gbI2pXQTVJpuO-TARGwKTKOQqladTp-oVp0lfaA7sJSovG-CI-nFKpUZ4ywa-cgS3zbEE5VPNbt-qzHGgMfGPhui00R8/s320/IMG_1089.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
am someone who will always recommend adopting any pet from a rescue
home. Everyday there are hundreds of dogs looking for their new
family. I did a lot of research on a number of rescue organisations
and looked at their policies. In the end I decided we would buy a
puppy purely because we already had two cats who had never been
around dogs. Whilst some dogs are tested with cats at the rehoming
centres there was no guarantee that they would get on as they could
not meet beforehand. If you already have a dog they require your
current dog to meet your prospective new dog prior to any adoption
taking place. With that in mind I made the decision that it would be
best for both of my cats (Sox & Vixen) if we got a puppy. That
could then grow up around the cats and learn how to act around cats.
For us this was the best plan and one I never regretted. </span></span>
<p></p><p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Afterwards
I spent a lot of time researching different dog breeds. We considered
many; Poodles, Collies, Cockers. Then finally settled on Labrador. I
had previously had a gun dog before so knew a bit about the breed
group. I researched Labradors extensively, or so I thought. I had
been under the impression that all Labrador’s were the same. It was
only when Phoenix was a little bit older and still had so much energy
that I researched her pedigree family tree and found she was a field
Labrador. Also known as a working Labrador or American Labrador. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Later
on I will share how we came to find Phoenix. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next
week I will be talking purely puppies in my guide to choosing the
right breed and breeder for you. </span></span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
part of this series I would love for you to get involved, if you have
any questions in regards to getting a dog or puppy or any behaviour,
feeding or training questions please use the contact form or reach
out to me on Instagram. Answers will appear at the end of each blog
post in this series. </span></span>
</p><p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 115% }</style></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-47163108539361884802021-03-13T12:08:00.000-08:002021-03-13T12:08:28.138-08:00Trials and Tribulations of a cat mum, or dog Mum <p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">People with children often say to me</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">You don’t have children you couldn’t possibly understand the struggles of parenthood. Sleepless nights, tantrums, being covered in sick, not going to the loo alone” </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">That’s where you are wrong, I do understand the struggles you face daily. To be honest our lives aren’t entirely that different, rather similar in fact.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I cannot remember the last time I slept through the night, between being woken up by one of them needing cuddles after a nightmare, or taking up so much of the bed that there is no room for me. Waking up only to find I’ve been puked on, or pooped on, or on one very unfortunate night when someone had a bad case of the runs and instead of using the litter tray that was just a few steps away decided to jump up and do the lot right in the middle of the bed. To then have to clean up the puke or poo, change the bedsheets in the early hours, dealing with any other incidents they’ve had throughout the night. Only to be woken up at 5:30am or if they’re being generous 6am</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">demanding to be fed, for me to ignore them. When they then proceed to jump on me, bite me, claw at me, attack my feet from the side of the bed, knock the lamp off the bedside table, pull the wallpaper off? Oh and yes this routine happens every morning. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Once I am up, awake and fed the little darlings they then have the cheek to go back and sleep, on my bed. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There have been many a many a night where I have been up all night caring for one of my sick babies. </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The night Phoenix was rushed into the hospital at midnight then into surgery at 3am for a three hour operation. That was the longest night of my life sitting in that waiting room unsure if she would make it through the surgery. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The next night when she was back at home I spent the night laying on the sofa watching her sleep, just incase her sutures ruptured or she stopped breathing (something which happened previously after a surgery) I didn’t sleep properly until 10 days later when the stitches were removed. I spent two weeks sleeping on the sofa, well dozing as I was so worried I had to keep checking on her. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Or the night when Sox was really ill and suffered a seizure in the night and I had to stay up with her just incase she went into another one.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ironically something I still have to do whenever Starla has a seizure. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">On two occasions I have been laying on the bed comforting two cats dying, one thankfully went so peacefully but one was a sudden deterioration that was absolutely traumatising.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">How many times I make a nice cup of tea or coffee, and then have to clean poo, feed someone or go and retrieve a “lost” toy that apparently MUST be found right this minute. It’s been under the sofa all week but no they decide this is the crucial moment. I then return to a cold cup of tea or coffee, or even worse return to find someone has already finished it for me.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOshHE93zdHKQalij33R9NfR2DvwpOwYIKlqS8Wh4ToPOAj-tmbOFGc2KfIXFsl5egOAerqXnI-TyEIJOASqFc_HIGNjWIpi7oFuoSHf9zWHZMpB9-MBc3XKfbR-d7KfIyc5W5_1T8gU/s2048/IMG_6095+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOshHE93zdHKQalij33R9NfR2DvwpOwYIKlqS8Wh4ToPOAj-tmbOFGc2KfIXFsl5egOAerqXnI-TyEIJOASqFc_HIGNjWIpi7oFuoSHf9zWHZMpB9-MBc3XKfbR-d7KfIyc5W5_1T8gU/s320/IMG_6095+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">More times then not my living room floor resembles a kindergarten. Toys absolutely everywhere. Balls waiting for me to trip over them, catnip mice that I swear are starting to look too realistic for my liking. I tread on damn toys all the time, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">or even worse a piece of what I call b**t**d f*k***g cat litter. I </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">trip over everything, even the cats themselves sometimes. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Quite often there’s usually a discarded body been left for me to discover. Always when I very least expect it, like just after I’ve walked through a dark room to open the curtains, finding a lifeless spider in amongst the threads on the rug. Or even more disturbing attached to my foot. </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Doing anything remotely simple takes forever, even typing this article has taken over 6 hours as I’ve been disturbed by food time, playtime, deliveries, zoom meetings. Whenever I do try to do something I always have to get up at least once. If I go to the loo someone always follows, if I have a bath I’ve sometimes got all 3 of them in there with me causing all manner of mischief.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Counter in twice daily walks with Phoenix, cleaning the house, cooking, feeding and doing my own work I really do not get much time to do anything else.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I may not have human children (not through lack of trying) but I have three children. A 9 year old and two almost 5 year old twins.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUotERORqpz9Cfmp_R_t6FPMWq8liyjKkYCxiiXewewOFJJxxhK9bYZ4CfpW6DZhY6_JeZgDdT95gieJWu-sR7ImZo5HrJBcfaWLSQ4OvbdNUByKHcL_kVmiyWvQOtfcCSN20BwqeVX-Y/s1823/IMG_5818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1823" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUotERORqpz9Cfmp_R_t6FPMWq8liyjKkYCxiiXewewOFJJxxhK9bYZ4CfpW6DZhY6_JeZgDdT95gieJWu-sR7ImZo5HrJBcfaWLSQ4OvbdNUByKHcL_kVmiyWvQOtfcCSN20BwqeVX-Y/s320/IMG_5818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pet Mums are still Mums, we still care the same and often do the same things as mums of children. Every Mum is a Mum first and foremost. It doesn’t matter if your babies are human or furry we still do the same job. We still have to do our best, they still depend on us and we try to do it the best we can. Mums are Mums.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><p></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This weekend is Mothering Sunday here in the UK so this article is dedicated to all Mums out there reading this. You are all amazing. </span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-73331848824626393162021-03-04T07:01:00.003-08:002021-03-04T07:02:47.426-08:00March Recommendations - Moulting Season <p><span style="font-family: arial;">Each month I will be featuring products that we personally use and can therefor recommend. As it is March and we are coming into spring it seemed fitting that this months reviews should be focussed on moulting and shedding. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With three cats in total and a Labrador, keeping shedded fur at bay is a constant battle. During the shedding season I vacuum every single day, sometimes even twice a day if the shedding is particularly heavy. For my vacuum I use a Vax Power Nano which I got in 2018, I can't link it on here as it doesn't currently seem to be available online. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Here are our top picks to help you keep fur at bay</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u><b>Fur Magic </b></u></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlnY9HQc-BopJmBGPjyr-DgdNK44rdBI33htToMSY4BloFWuIGl4eHBHkecZBxWi2HgTmyo9FDw5tObNMlDvl0qD5hQAfknXmRRP148mmXdq8RFwnX_pEhxQLa9sk2vXdYe0i-MPPUFA/s2048/IMG_2267.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlnY9HQc-BopJmBGPjyr-DgdNK44rdBI33htToMSY4BloFWuIGl4eHBHkecZBxWi2HgTmyo9FDw5tObNMlDvl0qD5hQAfknXmRRP148mmXdq8RFwnX_pEhxQLa9sk2vXdYe0i-MPPUFA/w276-h207/IMG_2267.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I bought the fur magic in 2019 after coming across it on Amazon when looking for something else. I read a few reviews and thought it would be worth trying. When I received it I tried it instantly on my fabric sofa and it really does do a great job of collecting shedded fur. The brush sits in the holder and when you want to use it you just pull it out and brush the surface i.e sofa, bed etc. Once there is enough fur on the brush pop it back into the holder and pull it up and it is clean ready to be used again. I use this every night mostly on the bed, as both of my cats sleep on the bed during the day, my boy sheds constantly through the year so there is always a layer of white fur on my bed. This brush does such a good job cleaning it up. It doesn't leave any residue or blue fluff behind and has no smell. The collected fur sits at the bottom of the holder and when it's full you just empty it into the bin. I do put the brush in a few times to get more fur to the bottom. Two years later I am still using this and am finding it really effective at picking up shedded fur. It works on cat and dog fur. </span><p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fur-Magic-Remover-Self-Cleaning-Double-sided/dp/B0787CQDS6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=fur+magic&qid=1614866979&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fur Magic is currently selling on Amazon for £12.99 get yours Here </span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Pet Room Dematting Dog brush </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY4-AzW7zgD-Z2Uw3oaa8pxb0KPHSVg2FnZrWDLqWNT9bvC3Ap-ah8m0CLiwZFQENjybbpexSBU85a_G7zPEIdd_MjASvhE-webLh3Gjk9Xr1VYravDwuXcqmDoZIm0yU8td7XXlIjk0/s450/61D3S7yPGRL._AC_SS450_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY4-AzW7zgD-Z2Uw3oaa8pxb0KPHSVg2FnZrWDLqWNT9bvC3Ap-ah8m0CLiwZFQENjybbpexSBU85a_G7zPEIdd_MjASvhE-webLh3Gjk9Xr1VYravDwuXcqmDoZIm0yU8td7XXlIjk0/s320/61D3S7yPGRL._AC_SS450_.jpg" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When Phoenix sheds, she really sheds. I often find a layer of yellow fur all over the place. My sofa has an extra layer, the rugs are getting a slightly yellow tinge to them. Just by stroking her I get a handful of yellow fur. Being a Labrador she has a really thick multi layer coat so shedding is quite a messy time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I got this brush last summer just intime for her summer moult and thought I'd try it. I have been through many different combs over the years. Some I have found to be too sharp for her or she hasn't liked the feel of them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I will admit this is actually the only brush I use on her now. It has two sides to it which are great for getting the top coat and undercoat moult. Each time I brush her with this I get so much fur off of her I think I could quite possibly build a whole new dog out of it. It's great for getting into the deeper layers of her coat and afterwards she looks fantastic and smart. It isn't at all sharp to use on her and this is the first brush she doesn't mind me using on her. I think she rather enjoys being brushed now, whereas before I had to chase her around. I used this brush on her last week and it looked like I'd been shearing a sheep in my garden. Another handy tip, if you gather all the fur you've brushed off together, tie it loosely and place it in a tree or shrub the birds use it to line their nests. One groomed dog and many happy little birdies. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B089DF3LVP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Pet Room comb is currently seeling on Amazon for £12.59 get yours here</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u><b>Homedics Desktop Air Purifier</b></u></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImGnQbdxD0sh72Jo2KIy9zp3hyphenhyphenNih9D3oUBsF5K7z_4KolxRKjrVJSTempc5WJVaJNjhbsHvpsGGMFALCH3G8y0sYW_MuT6nmS8F6T02Mtbbi6KyyOy1KpCfJtohwH1Zcy4flewaajWo/s2048/IMG_2268.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImGnQbdxD0sh72Jo2KIy9zp3hyphenhyphenNih9D3oUBsF5K7z_4KolxRKjrVJSTempc5WJVaJNjhbsHvpsGGMFALCH3G8y0sYW_MuT6nmS8F6T02Mtbbi6KyyOy1KpCfJtohwH1Zcy4flewaajWo/s320/IMG_2268.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This air purifier was recommended to me last year by a friend. I had never really considered buying one before and to be honest I wasn't entirely sure what they did. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Basically they clean the air of any pollutants including pollen, dust, pet dander and even germs. Perfect for a pandemic. I am asthmatic and have found since buying this that I do cough a lot less. I don't use it everyday but when I do use it you do notice the difference in the air quality. It has a removeable hepa filter which you can clean out and empty. I have found it catches a lot of flying fur and lint so can also be used to keep fur at bay. It has three speed settings 1 being the quietest and 3 the loudest. It also has a 4,8 and 12 hour timer setting meaning it will switch off automatically after the set time if you choose to use the setting. It also has an ioniser which is <u>not</u> good for pets but you can turn that off. One of the reasons why I bought this particular one as you can deactivate the ioniser meaning you can then safely use it around your pets. The carbon filter also gets rid of any unpleasant smells in the air. It is a little on the expensive side to buy, I did purchase it when it was on offer for £79 last summer and haven't regretted it. So it's always worth checking for offers before you buy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8631859?clickSR=slp:term:homedics:23:27:1" target="_blank">Homedics Desktop Air Purifier Is currently selling on Argos for £99 Get yours here </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Note: These products are my own personal opinion and are products I use myself, I receive no revenue for featuring these products on my blog. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-28854120852880804562021-02-23T13:30:00.001-08:002021-02-23T13:30:24.080-08:00To Share The Bed Or Not Share The Bed? <p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">That
really is the question. A question I found myself faced with on a
recent Instagram message I received. The message from a new puppy Mum
on whether I would recommend bed sharing? </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Last
night I thought of that question again as I found myself hanging out
of the edge of the bed, just a corner of the duvet for myself. Daring
not to attempt to rollover and hit the floor with a bump. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bed
sharing was always something I avoided. Back when the only fur baby I
had was Sox it was a definite no. She had her own bed to sleep in and
downstairs was a perfectly good sofa, another bed, a slightly
battered cardboard box with a pillow in. She didn’t need to sleep
with me. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">She
tried, she tried, and she tried again. Most nights as soon as I’d
turn the lamp off I’d hear the sound of collar bells coming up the
stairs, door opens, little footsteps then a thump on the bed. Closely
followed by </span>
</p><p>“<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nope”
</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Then putting her in her own bed that was beside mine. She would try this a
few times and then give up. Yet every morning I’d wake up with her
sprawled across the bottom of the bed. I decided I was fighting a
loosing battle. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Once
I allowed her to sleep on the bed she did it less and less, it became
something she only did when she was frightened or unwell. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
Vixen came along all bed rules were forgotten as she loved to
snuggle. Vixen preferred to sleep on the pillows though, something I
still never let them get away with. The bed is one thing but the
pillows are off limits. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
I adopted the Pickles it soon became apparent they also preferred the
idea of bed sharing. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Phoenix
was never a cuddly puppy, she hated being held, wouldn’t sit on the
sofa for cuddles and to be on the bed was probably the furthest thing
from her mind. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
Phoenix had her scare in autumn 2019 which resulted in her needing
emergency surgery at 3am all of that changed. As soon as she came
home she wanted cuddles and she has been a clingy cuddle monster
since. After her surgery I spent two weeks sleeping on the sofa with
her on the floor. As soon as her stitches came out when I went to bed
that night she jumped on my bed with me. Now whenever Phoenix is with
me she sleeps on the bed, usually right in the middle. As well as
both cats. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
she splits her time it’s not overly often I have phoenix on the
bed. Starla usually prefers to sleep in the living room. Unless she
gets cold, or it’s windy. So most nights it’s just me and Cymmi. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
all honesty I wouldn’t have it any other way. None of them actually
get in the bed, they just sleep on top. Some nights I find myself
cuddled up with Cymmi, cuddling him like a teddybear and I think back
to the start he had in life and what he’s been through. It warms my
heart that he feels safe enough with me to feel able to enjoy
cuddles. When Phoenix is taking up the entire bed, kicking me in the
back? I think back to the night she had her surgery and I would have
given anything to be cuddled up with her instead of waiting in a cold
waiting room. </span>
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
for when all three of them are on the bed with me, well I have been
told we resemble a pack of Lions. </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicck4nJV35nfar8CnDZK3JWhvzszZ4VIthCCRanO9c9WZWrI1K5oSfst6VkKj2UTFlP05APx-RoDg6ONqhiha9hlkegSJ0s1UzfbQ_M_xucz7VlifYyTvg-dsyzoWo2TKvhTA3iDqBW88/s2048/IMG_1135+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicck4nJV35nfar8CnDZK3JWhvzszZ4VIthCCRanO9c9WZWrI1K5oSfst6VkKj2UTFlP05APx-RoDg6ONqhiha9hlkegSJ0s1UzfbQ_M_xucz7VlifYyTvg-dsyzoWo2TKvhTA3iDqBW88/s320/IMG_1135+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> I
love sharing with my furry family, and I wouldn’t have it any other
way. So I have to change and wash my bedding a little more often then
most. I like clean bedding, plus the bed gets a good brushing down
before bed each night. So hygiene and fur really isn’t a problem.
Even better when you invest in a good quality throw that they can lay
on instead of your bed sheets. </span>
<p></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
yes I would recommend it if it is something both you and your pet
will enjoy. Although I will admit there is an exception to the rule,
if I am expecting company in the bed then it is a no pets allowed. </span>
</p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 115% }</style></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278766787962273.post-90908419337487820542021-02-16T04:00:00.005-08:002021-02-16T04:44:09.046-08:00Much A Poo About Nothing <p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Picture
the scene, a chilly autumnal evening, leaves are falling from the
trees, the sun is just about setting and inside the Pickle Palace
Phoenix is sitting in front of me giving me the </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s
time for my walk” look. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“<span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">You
want to go for a walk?” I say, </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Phoenix
responds in that oh so cute puppy way with the lift of the ears and a
head tilt. It’s just so cute I cannot resist it. If you have dogs
you know the look oh too well. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">We
both get ready coats on, harness on, lead on and phone and keys in
the pocket. All set. </span></span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">The
walk carried on much as it always does with nothing eventful
occurring. Of an evening we just do a small walk as she has a run in
the morning. We was having a lovely little stroll chatting away as we
always do. When she stops and assumes the position. </span></span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">I
feel in my pocket and to my horror I DO NOT HAVE A POO BAG!!!!! In
slight panic I check every pocket in my jeans and coat. It’s
unusual for me not to have one SOMEWHERE. Much as I search there was
no poo bag. Then it dawns on me that I washed all of my jeans that
afternoon and the pair I’m wearing was one of them. I had emptied
all of my jeans of poo bags earlier that day. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">The
amount of times I take Phoenix out loaded up with hundreds of the
bloody things and she doesn’t do one, or the fifty that fall out of
my pocket in the shops whilst searching for my wallet. Tonight not
one, not one little poo bag and I’m now standing faced with the
jumbo frankfurter of all poos and not one bag. All I have to hand is
a tissue. </span></span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Through
some miracle I managed to wrap the poo in a little package in the
tissue, then proceed to walk home carrying this little white
makeshift bag of poo, whilst dealing with a pulling dog. </span></span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">What
is usually a short walk seemed to take forever, walking home dealing
with the constant sniffing, pulling and tidling all the while praying
that the tissue doesn’t give way and poo spills out all over the
place. Or even worse I could bump into the guy that I quite fancy
from around here somewhere. No I’m just not even going to imagine
bumping into him now as poo is spilling out of a tissue no. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">I
have never been so relieved to make it home as I was that evening, to
finally chuck the poo ridden tissue into the bin and carry on with
the evening. Phoenix of course found the whole situation comical. </span></span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">This
is what you are likely to find in this blog, posts and articles just
like this one. Little stories from our daily lives, food and product
recommendations, training tips and tricks. Truth be told I have no
idea what the next post will be but one thing I can be sure of is I
will tell it exactly how it is, poo and all. Ok so not every post
will contain poo stories (I hope) </span></span></span>
</p><p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.25cm; line-height: 115% }</style></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0