Vanity Fur Magzine Spring 2023 by Zebra Design Services

Vanity Fur MAGAZINE

Land Rover Campers for Overland Adventures

The perfect adventure for the outdoor family with their four-legged friend

Dog Dental Month We talk to the experts for tips on how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy

BUGS!

Cheesdon Mill Loop

THE NEW SUPERFOOD We have six trial packs to give away from Mr Bug

A fabulous dog walk surrounded by history and beautiful scenery

PLUS Giveaways Rescue Stories Shopping Ideas Getaways Working Dogs AND MUCH MORE

DOGFEST

We take a look at the biggest dog festival in the UK and explore what makes it so popular

SPRING 2023 | £4.99

editor... Editor Diane Tremarco

Assistant Editor Gina Tremarco

Have you planned your holiday yet? We have some exceptional destinations for you, all in the UK. Leaving our dogs behind is not an option for everyone going on their jollies and so we explore some real dog friendly breaks. Page 38 looks at Norfolk and some cottages that rip up the rule book when welcoming dogs. The award winning East Rushton Cottages allows dogs on the furniture, it also allows them upstairs and has over 40 cottages to choose from. March is Dog Dental Month and we have some great advice from our own Rachel Bean RV MCFBA and our guest writer Anna Webb who is a regular on Jeremy Vine’s Radio 2 Show and has a weekly slot on Alan Titchmarsh’s radio show talking all things dog. There are some beautiful products for both you and your dog on page 30 and many more throughout the magazine. We look at six of the best treats on the market and let you know which one our mascot Poppy prefers. Does your dog have a favourite treat? Let us know as we would love to hear your opinion on that or anything else. Write to me personally: diane@vanityfurmagazine.co.uk With oodles more content, lots of givaways and beauiful dogs, I will leave you to peruse the pages at your leisure either digitally or in print. Look us up at DogFest Cheshire, we are there both days - all details start on page 6. Until next time.

CONTRIBUTORS Police Dog Files Steph Allinson Dog Walker Vannessa Jones Dog friendly breaks Claire Robinson Dog behaviouralist Patricia McGrady First Aider/Vet Rachel Bean RVN MCFBA muthapuppa Giuseppe Bloom-Mangione Dog Parkour Katherine Moseley Mazey and Mina Nicola Ferguson Broadcaster, nutrition and behaviour expert Anna Webb

Diane

FRONT COVER Photograph of Monty courtesy of Nigel Wallace nigelwallacephotography.co.uk

Zebra Design Services Ltd trading as Vanity Fur Magazine Registered in England and Wales Reg. No. 13219843 | hello@vanityfurmagazine.co.uk | 0151 558 1979 Instagram: @vanityfurmag | Facebook: Vanity Fur Magazine

contents...

6. DOGFEST CHESHIRE Join us at Tatton Park this year on June 17 & 18.

30. LOVELY THINGS Beautiful gifts for you and your dog.

14. DOG PARKOUR Katherine Mosely talks urban agility with your dog.

34. WASHING UP LIQUID IS KINDER THAN MOST DOG SHAMPOOS Gentle, natural dog shampoo bars from Berries and Leaves.

16. HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT ONE PAW PRINT AT A TIME Nicola from Pup Suds chats about her eco, vegan, natural, luxe doggie products. 20. AMAZING MAZEY An incredible gkuten detection dog.

35. CHARLEY CHAU Fabulous doggy beds by Charley Chau. 36. PEANUT BUTTER CAROB CUPS Safe, chocolate flavoured treats for you to make for your dog.

22. WHEN GINA MET MAZEY AND MINA Our assistant editor meets two special rottweilers.

38. DOG FRIENDLY AND SOME Totally dog friendly cottages in Norfolk. They’ve ripped up the rule book!

24. DON’T BUG ME, EAT ME! Sustainable dog treats from Mr Bug.

42. FIRST AID Rachel’s tips for a dog mouth emergency.

26. LIVING THE DREAM Police dog Otis retires to live with his handler Steph Allinson.

44. DOG DENTAL MONTH Anna Webb lends her support to Dog Dental Month.

47. SWEET PEGGY A rescue story; from Romania to her furever home.

62. YELLOW DOGS Your chance to win a bundle of accessories for your nervous dog.

48. DOG FRIENDLY UK BREAKS Take a unique road trip through Northumberland in a Land Rover Camper, with your dog.

64. RESCUING A PUPPY Patricia McGrady gives a great insight into caring for a rescued puppy.

53. POWERHOUSE SUPPLIMENT Your chance to win a month’s supply of ProDog Raw’s colostrum supplement.

68. DEVON DELIGHT The beautiful Anchor Cottage in Noss Mayo is the perfect getaway for you, your family and your dogs.

54. MUTHAPUPPA Giuseppe tells us about his latest plans for Muthapuppa.

72. PUPLICATIONS Four books featuring our four-legged, best friends.

56. WALKIES Ness and Peter take a walk around Cheesdon Mill Loop.

74. TREAT THEM WELL Six of the best tasty dog treats.

59. PAWTRAIT GALLERY Meet our reader’s beautiful pooches.

76. BOW WOW SKETCH Fabulous dog paintings and drawings by Sarah Gooder.

60. STREET STYLE Luxury dog collars and accessories by Doggy Boho.

6 DOGFEST AT TATTON PARK 17-18 JUNE 2023

DogFest in partnership with ManyPets is a series of action-packed festivals across the country for the most adorable, playful, loving and silly member of your family. Your dog. Everything is geared up for them and we encourage all of them to give new experiences a go. Whether that’s trying out new agility activities, taking part in one of our fun dog races or dog shows, meeting up with others of the same breed or taking part in The Big Dog Walk, strolling around the beautiful grounds of the stately home DogFest is always set in. Or maybe it’s to discover great new products for them, at some of our 150+ shopping stalls. We aim to create a welcoming and happy vibe throughout the day, leaving dogs and their owners smiling, stimulated and spent. Maybe even having learnt something new. That’s why we’re THE action-packed festival for dogs. Big Dog Walk In partnership with ManyPets Fancy meeting new people on a local dog walk? Big Dog Walk, sponsored by ManyPets pet insurance, gives you the chance to join thousands of others and their dogs on a 2km or 4km leisurely walk to explore the beautiful stately homes and gardens. If you have a young dog or noisy barker who gets a little anxious on walks or hasn’t had much socialisation, join us at 10am, our designated quiet walk time. There are limited numbers so it allows for a more gentle walk. Plus, you’ll be walking with other like-minded owners who will be respectful of your dogs needs. Designed for young dogs and dogs who love their walkies, but get worried in large crowds. Otherwise join us at 11am or 2pm for the ultimate Big Dog Walk. Fun Dog Show In partnership with ManyPets Celebrating the beauty of our four-legged friends, the funny things they do and the bond between owner and dog is our annual Fun Dog Show! Presented by The Ministry of Sound, this year’s spectacle will return with nine classes and an opportunity to win our coveted ‘Best in Show’ title. The Fun Dog Show will take place on both Saturday and Sunday and is open to everyone. Entry is £3 per class. Bookings will only be taken on the day. This is extremely popular so it’s advisable to head to the Fun Dog Show Ring as soon as you arrive at DogFest and book yourselves on to the classes which interest you. Breed Meet Ups In partnership with ManyPets If you like hanging out with dog pawrents just like you, sharing notes, stories and taking adorable pictures… you’ll LOVE the Breed Meet-Ups, hosted by ManyPets. Stop by and chat with your fellow pawrents whilst the four-legged family members play, make friends, and feel part of the pack. You may even meet

some local dog owners to set a play date with and start walking together after DogFest. Have-A-Go Activities Be a part of the action with our Have-A-Go activities! Proven to be hugely popular is the Haybale Race where you can discover how fast your dog is against another or see if they are an expert in canine aqua sports as they leap into the K9 Dog Diving pool. Our Have-a-Go area will be even bigger in 2023 with brand new free to take part activities including catch the flag, dog-stacle course and have-a-go ring, giving even more dogs the chance to join in with all the fun to be had. There’s no need to pre-book, just sniff out the activities as you make your way around the show. Hay Bale Racing In partnership with Book Your Pet Discover how fast your dog is against another or why not see if you can beat your own time as you take on a series of Hay Bale jumps. This is a great mental exercise for your dog and there’s no better way to build their confidence than to work together with you to make it across the finish line. Have-A-Go Ring Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Experts in activities such as hoopers, scentwork, gun dog training and wag and tone will be on hand to teach you the basics of each discipline so you and your dog can carry on having fun at home and learn to master new skills. Agility Take on our agility course, a chance to strengthen your unique bond with your dog as it involves you negotiating different obstacles through a set course. Our friendly team will be on hand to help novices learn how to approach each obstacle correctly and safely. Dog Diving A great activity for the water-loving canine! This activity is based on the aquatic dog sport of dock diving in which dogs jump from a deck (dock) into a large swimming pool. See if your dog can make the biggest distance whilst being encouraged by the cheers of the crowd. The K9 Aqua Sports team will be on hand to help and it’s a great way to strengthen the bond with your dog through play. This activity is very popular, so make sure you book your place early in the day to avoid disappointment. This activity comes at a small cost. Catch the flag Catch the flag is a sport where dogs chase a lure (a flag or toy) which is quickly pulled by a machine through the grass to replicate a small animal running, stimulating your dog’s natural prey instinct. It’s great for dogs that loves to chase or just have a ton of energy and great for practising your dog’s

9 recall as it’s in a safe-controlled environment. This activity comes at a small cost. Hoopers Hoopers is a low-impact sport suitable for all breeds and sizes. A great activity to strengthen the bond with your dog. Watch as your dog runs through ground level hoops and enjoys the thrill of agility, without the impact! Behaviour Zone Run by leading dog trainer and behaviourist Adem Fehmi, watch some interactive demos with Adem and special guests, learn new ways to train your dog in specific environments like the vets, cafes and public parks. Adem will also be looking at breed specific training, looking at the different types of dog in each breed and what their training needs are. It will be a safe space to come and ask for advice and learn ways on recognising different behaviours in a dog. Action Arena The Action Arena is the place to see fast-paced, canine demonstrations such as watching the world’s top teams in flyball and agility to adrenaline-pumping police displays. Whilst being thoroughly entertaining, these demonstrations are designed to show you the exceptional skills that have led these people and their canines to achieve such success and the mutual trust and bond that has been formed through expert training and technique. Performances are all included in the price of your admission ticket, run all day throughout the weekend. Talks & Demos Experts in canine behaviour, grooming and nutrition, will be on hand to pass on their knowledge and practical advice for keeping your dog’s happy and healthy all year round.

Our Talks and Demo area will offer a series of fascinating demonstrations and discussions allowing you to ask questions that will help you better understand and care for your canine companions. Celebrities and Experts Celebrity guest/s to be announced – watch this space but previous guests have included Michaela Strachan. Experts include: Chloe Fuller - Steph’s Packed Lunch resident pet expert Adem Fehmi - renowned dog behaviourist Kassie Woods - Surrey Dog Behaviorist Sandra & Storm - UK champion of Dog Disc Julie Harris - professional dog groomer - CEO of the Groomers Spotlight Others to be announced! Dogs School In partnership with Dogs Trust Head to the Dog School arena and book a 15-minute group training session with Dogs Trust. You’ll learn some top tips and new skills, including how to make your training fun and rewarding for you and your dog! Dog School aim to make sure their sessions are suitable for your pooch, so bring them along to meet the team first. They have four fun-filled topics, with sessions running throughout the day between 10:00 and 16:30. Loose Lead Walking Going out for walkies can be the most exciting part of your dog’s day. It’s easy to see why they might start pulling on their lead to get where they want to go faster. Learn the key steps of loose lead walking, and how to start your dog off on the right paw. Get a head start in teaching your pup to walk nicely here

Prices (Online advanced) Adult Child (Aged 5-16) Concession (Student & Senior) Child under 5 Dogs Family (multiples of 4, 5 & 6) Weekend Adult Weekend Child Weekend Concession Parking

£20 £13 £15 Free Free £58 | £72.50 | £87 £35 £21 £26 £8 per vehicle

Prices (on the door) £24 £17 £19 Free Free Not available Not available Not available Not available £8 per vehicle

12 Recall Most dogs love having a good run off their lead. But before you let your pooch loose, you need to be confident that they’ll always come back when you call; whatever’s going on around them. Come and learn Dog Schools’ top tips and find out why a great recall is essential when meeting other dogs. Get a head start in teaching your pup recall Settle and Enrichment Dogs are social, intelligent and active animals. So, it’s important to provide them with safe and suitable opportunities to exercise their bodies and minds, during every stage of life. This is where enrichment comes in – but what is it? Join the Dog School team to learn about enrichment and how it can give you a head-start in teaching your dog to settle. Get a head start with teaching your pup to settle How to train your dog not to jump up Most dogs jump up to get our attention. They’re likely to jump up at you when they’re excited to see you. But it could also be an attempt to communicate they’re worried about something. The action of jumping up can become a channel for excited or nervous energy that dogs repeat again and again. Learn some top tips to help your pooch keep their paws on the floor.

Get a head start with teaching your dog not to jump up The Dog School expert coaches will be available to answer any questions you might have about dog training, Dog School, or anything else you fancy a chat about. They’d also absolutely love to meet your little pal too (please bring pictures if they can’t make it!). If your pooch can’t join you on the day, fear not, you can still come down and pick up some tips by watching some real-life training in action. Please note that all the Dog School arena sessions will be pre-booked on the day – just pop over and they’ll sign you up. This will also allow them to check these sessions are right for you and your dog. You should also bring some of your little pal’s favourite treats as a reward for what is sure to be a very productive, fun and dog-filled day. Not only will they have all of the above on show, but they’ll be right next to the Dogs Trust Village where there’ll be countless ways to learn more about the wonderful work they do, and to talk even more about all things dog. Food & Drink There will be a number of delicious concessions at DogFest serving a fantastic range of food and drink choices though you are welcome to bring along your own. There’ll also be a Kids Activities Area as well as Live Music for the complete festival experience.

Police dogs demonstration - be sure to look up PD Jax with Steph. Read their column on page 26

AL SPECI OFFER

We will be attending Cheshire DogFest at Tatton Park both Saturday 17 June and Sunday 18 June 2023 and

We would love to see you! Established in 2014, DogFest has been created by dog-lovers, especially for dog-lovers and organised by Touchpoint Live Media, growing each year to become the amazing dog festival we know and love today. Bring along the whole family, friends and your dogs for the pawfect day out. Your dogs can play with other dogs, your children with other children, whilst you sample the delights of DogFest. We guarantee it will be a wonderful day for all to remember.

AS A BRAND PARTNER, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER OUR READERS 20% OFF THE ONLINE TICKET PRICE USING THE CODE BELOW:

VANITYFUR20

www.dog-fest.co.uk

WE ALSO HAVE SOME TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY SO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR SOCIALS IN THE COMING MONTHS @vanityfurmagazine

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DOG PARKOUR (URBAN AGILITY) KATHERINE MOSELEY, A CERTIFIED DOG PARKOUR INSTRUCTOR WWW.PATHFINDERPUPS.CO.UK

Dog parkour is a fun, easy way for you to explore the world with your dog. Once you begin this amazingly, accessible dog sport, your daily walks will change forever.

Dog parkour or urban agility, is based around the same theory; a fun, physical activity where dogs learn to conquer obstacles on their walks by jumping over, balancing, climbing etc.

The lamp post you never noticed before; you are now asking your dog to go around and put their two front paws on. The street sign that was once only useful for navigating is now an opportunity to practice your ‘under’ element of parkour.

The basic elements of dog parkour are: • Under • Over • Round • Through • In • Two paws on • Four paws on • Back paws on • Balance

Even when you’re not with your dog, your parkour Eye (the ability to find parkour obstacles in everyday items), picks up a new wall you have not noticed before, perfect for practicing your dog’s balance on. What is dog parkour? Dog parkour is a physical discipline based on parkour, a human activity involving a person climbing, balancing, jumping, running around, under or over obstacles found outside.

Each of these behaviours are easy to teach but at the beginning of your parkour journey, it is important to start small. You have a lot to work on, learning the different behaviours, being able to accurately communicate with

your dog and how to support them. Risk assessing each obstacle is essential. It is so easy for a dog to misunderstand and try to do four paws instead of two, knock over the obstacle, hurting themselves and their confidence. By considering what your dog sees and may try to do, you can be better prepared for it. Once you understand the basics of dog parkour, you can tailor the behaviours to suit your needs. Your older dog may not be able to jump over very tall obstacles but could become an expert in the two paw’s behaviour. Perhaps your dog finds groups of other people and dogs stressful and traditional dog sports are not suitable. Parkour can adapt to that. Your dining room chair is as much a parkour obstacle as anything you find outside. Wherever you and your dog are safe, you can do dog parkour. Many dog parkour behaviours can (and should) be completed on lead. In conjunction with a well-fitted Y-front harness, your lead forms your dog’s safety net in case things don’t go to plan. All other equipment is found in the environment or home so is a very low-cost option. The risks of dog parkour put an emphasis on communication and helps you build a strong connection with your dog. Not only will you learn to ask your dog for a certain behaviour, but you will also learn how to listen to your dog. You will be able to tell when they are tired and unable to navigate obstacles, as opposed to being awkward or disobedient. There are other guidelines in dog parkour that safeguard your dog’s health and wellbeing, an important part of the sport’s ethos. Working with a certified dog parkour instructor will help ensure that you get started in the best possible way. Pathfinder Pups’ tag line, ‘guiding your journey with your dog’, was inspired by the individuality of parkour training. The focus isn’t on some pre-defined end goal, it’s about you, your dog, and how you get there. As winter thaws into spring, get out there and give parkour a go. Discover its true beauty which is built on a strong bond of trust between you and your dog. If you’d like help getting started on your parkour journey, Katherine@PathfinderPups.co.uk can provide support worldwide.

HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT ONE PAW PRINT AT A TIME NICOLA WORDSWORTH

So, you are trying to be more environmentally friendly! You use less plastic, recycle, and try to be less wasteful, but what about your dog? Do you still buy him lots of toys and grooming products? Have you ever wondered just how eco-friendly your dog really is? It’s a question I asked myself a few years ago when I moved to the coast and could see all the microplastics caught in the seaweed on the beach. It was shocking. And don’t get me started on the poo bags left by bins, halfchewed dog balls and toys, and the polystyrene fish and chip boxes. I’m no eco-warrior, but I thought my dog needed to join me in being a bit more ecofriendly, helping the planet, one paw print at a time! I started by ensuring I was using fully compostable poo bags, not just Earth-

Bertie

friendly bags. Then I looked into changing his toys; Bertie is a shredder; he will do anything to get to the squeaker inside or strip the surface of a tennis ball. I decided there would be no more plastic for him! Just recycled cotton toys or cardboard, no nasty plastic squeakers that go straight in the bin, no plastic cord or shredded fabric destined for landfill. I thought about his grooming products, the shampoos in big nasty plastic bottles that were neither natural nor long-lasting and didn’t leave his coat feeling glossy or shiny. Little did I know that it was to become my business and something I was passionate about.

I use shampoo bars on myself, a total convert, so I explored the market for my dog, and all I found were human soaps masquerading as dog shampoo bars! Then lockdown was enforced, and my day job went quiet, and so I started thinking about developing a shampoo bar for Bertie. One that left him moisturised and didn’t strip his coat as he’s a non-moulting dog. My daughter (a trained vet’s nurse) was with me for the first lockdown; together we started researching and experimenting with ingredients and testing them on ourselves. I launched the business in November 2020, a rare silver lining to Covid 19.

So, here’s a question: do you know what is in your dog grooming products? Are you sure? I mean, it might say on the label, but would you be surprised to hear that there are no regulations covering what goes in them or that the maker doesn’t have to list or disclose all of the ingredients? I found this out when I sent my new business products for testing; I was as shocked as you. I wouldn’t want to use anything without considering the contents, the packaging, the sustainability and the appropriateness for use on my dog. Same as I wouldn’t for me. I’m a member of the Pet Industry Federation, and there is no certification to prove my products are safe for dogs. Mad, isn’t it?

We cracked the holy grail of the doggie shampoo bar, which launched our company, and very soon, a further 4 bars followed, each with a specific purpose.

This is my next mission. You should always know exactly what is going onto (and into!) your dog; I want to create some noise and get this changed. I have started very gently questioning the situation. I list absolutely every tiny little thing that goes into our products, and yes, that does mean questions as to what and why it’s there, which is totally welcome and indeed encouraged!

Then came the game-changing conditioning Coat Oil, initially made for professionals but loved by all, with more balms following. The next item we added to the range was ‘tug toy’s made from recycled cotton t-shirt material. All of this was boosted by appearing in Vogue, The Sun, Forbes Magazine, The Mail, Total Grooming, Top Dog, Woman and Home, Ruffle Snuffle, BBC Radio, and various other media outlets.

Eco-centric products do not equate to underperforming products; our award-winning soaps and oils have to work for professionals and the everyday dog. Education of dog owners is key to moving to a more eco and

It’s been a rollercoaster, but myself, my daughter and our dogs, are loving it!

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! Pup Suds XL Tail Wagging Travel Bag prize Perfect for get-aways, contains our award winning and 5* best sellers: ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

1 mini Anti-Stink Anti-Fox Poo Travel Shampoo Bar 1 The Coat Oil conditioner (as used by Crufts winners!) 1 cotton waffle Travel Towel 1 Nose & Paw Balm 1 Tasty Training Treats in a tin

We have one fabulous bag to give away. You can enter via the Vanity Fur Magazine social media pages or on our website: www.vanityfurmagazine.co.uk/pupsuds UK shipping only

18 sustainable dog ownership. At Pup Suds, we source locally where possible, but also in the UK and Europe as it is really hard keeping it close to home and still maintain a profitable business. We support charities, businesses, and people locally, offering competition prizes; we give a percentage of our takings to a rescue charity, Tibetan Terrier Rescue UK. We attend local dog training classes to give talks about sustainable and ethical products for your dogs. We collaborate with many other small businesses to provide products for them (if our ethics are aligned). We champion other ethical start-ups, helping share the costs and knowledge. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there (forgive the pun!), but there’s plenty of business for us all if we work together ethically.

Our customers and retailers love us for many reasons: the products work, the ingredients are thoughtfully sourced and sustainable, and the packaging is recyclable, compostable, and reusable. They appreciate that the products are also incredibly long-lasting, with little or no waste. They are helping to improve the world by improving their own world and that of their dogs. And the future? Pup Suds will continue to invest in its ethical ethos to educate, improve our surrounding environment, and provide products that delight and deliver our promises to our customers. So where will you start your eco-dog journey? Let’s work together to ensure there will be lots more eco, soft, fluffy, moisturised, glossy, sweet-smelling dogs in the world. Let’s make that difference, one paw at a time.

WWW.PUPSUDS.CO.UK Nicola Wordsworth and Bertie at Minnis Bay

The iconic Dukes Place cross body bag. Now crafted in our new premium Heirloom jacquard. A signature woven material with a tiled pattern made up of Scottie dogs. The same multicompartment shape with slim, contrast leather trims and all your favourite Radley London features. - Crafted in Heirloom woven jacquard Slim leather trims - Detachable cross body strap - Two zipped compartments - Central compartment with magnetic fastening - Metal Radley London logo letters - Detachable Scottie dog key fob - Comes with a Radley London dust bag

16 20 ASSISTANCE DETECTION DOGS

AMAZING MAZEY NICOLA FERGUSON LIVES WITH MAZEY AND MINA, TWO ROTTWEILERS ON THE WIRRAL PENINSULA AND HAS TRAINED THEM BOTH TO BE ASSISTANCE DETECTION DOGS.

It’s a bright spring day, and I’m preparing to leave the house to go shopping with my dog Mazey. Best leather collar on - check. White teeth sparkling check. On fleek brows - check. Well, it is Merseyside; what do you expect from a self-respecting Rottweiler? Lastly, Assistance Dog Jacket snugly fitted - check. Mazey is no ordinary dog; she is my working Assistance Dog, performing a whole host of tasks for me, including light guiding, opening doors, switching on lights, reminding me it’s time to take my medication and, most importantly, medical alerts. Mazey, along with my other dog Mina, is trained in cortisol alert, and they are amongst the first dogs in the UK to perform gluten alerts.

was socially isolated and at one point, had not been able to leave the house in almost two years. Mazey has given me my freedom back and is my best friend as well as my working partner. I trained Mazey myself, since the waiting list for charity provided Assistance Dogs was many years long, and my medical conditions were too complex for any one charity to train a dog for me. Plus, I was a Rottweiler addict and could not see myself with any other breed. I had always enjoyed training dogs, so it seemed the only logical solution, and indeed there are now many charities that will help people train suitable pets as Assistance Dogs, as well as private dog trainers specialising in Assistance Dogs.

Even in these days of modern technology, a dog’s sense of smell is astounding and can still beat the very best of artificial noses. Gluten alert is one of the newer medical alerts Assistance Dogs in the UK can be trained for. It’s invaluable for those people like me who have a gluten intolerance or who suffer from coeliac disease, a condition which, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Mazey’s nose is so sensitive that she can sniff through plastic packaging to tell me if a foodstuff does or does not contain gluten, though most commonly, she checks food for cross-contamination when I’m eating out.

Training your own Assistance Dog is not an easy option, and not every pet dog is suitable for working in public, like my own dog Mina. She is confident and friendly but over excitable and would struggle to concentrate in busy public places, a little bit like me. Dogs are supposed to resemble their owners and vice versa, but I have not lucked out on Mina’s good looks. I love her just as much as Mazey, but I’m realistic about what she wants to do in life and where her talents lie. For example, Mina constantly insists that there has been some sort of terrible mistake and that she was quite clearly born to be a lap dog. My heart agrees with her, but my bladder not so much.

I trained Mazey for gluten alert during the lockdown when I was bored and looking for a new Assistance Dog training project. Only one dog had thus far been trained in Europe, with help from trainers in the US, but undeterred, I gave it a go on my own, succeeding in training both of my dogs. Gluten alert is unusual, as it requires the dog to give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer when offered an article to sniff, unlike other medical alerts where the dog lets the owner know when they detect a change in their owner’s blood chemistry, often via the smell of their breath. The dog gives an alert, which may be very subtle, such as laying its head against its owner’s leg or nudging them. This is Mazey’s stage one alert. If I ignore her, stage two is a loud bark, which I simply cannot ignore, and which can also act to alert other people that I may be having a medical problem.

Assistance Dog work can be both physically and mentally stressful for dogs, and it’s important that a dog is confident in temperament and is neutral, if not friendly, towards both people and other dogs. There are many fake Assistance Dogs around these days, which harms dogs like Mazey, who are viewed with suspicion due to her breed, when really it’s the super cute small dog carried in a shopping basket, wearing a lovingly hand-knitted jumper and obligatory bow tie, which is the greater bite risk. Mazey would be more inclined to lick someone to death.

In addition to gluten alert, Mazey and Mina both perform cortisol alert, waking me from nightmares and sleep paralysis, though only Mazey has been trained to perform cortisol alert in public. Mina has her tough Rottweiler image to maintain and keeps her paws crossed that there will be a reboot of The Omen. As part of her cortisol alert, Mazey is able to give me prior warning that I may be about to faint or to suffer from an episode of dissociation, which tends to manifest as sensory overload, meaning I suffer from tunnel vision, with noises distorted, a bit like when swimming underwater. This is a condition quite common for those of us on the autistic spectrum, and for me, it tends to happen when I become overwhelmed in busy places. When Mazey gives me an alert, more often than not, it’s in a crowded shop. I can then ask her to take me to the checkout if I think I can quickly pay for my goods and go, or if she is persistent and strong in her alert, I can ask her to take me to the exit of the shop, then ask her to locate a bench for me to sit down on if one is available. Before Mazey came to live with me, at the suggestion of my therapist, I

I owe Mazey so much and am extremely proud that she and Mina are amongst the UK’s first gluten alert dogs, a task I hope more and more Assistance Dogs will be trained to perform in future. Enjoy and love your dogs, and where appropriate, give them a big smoochy kiss from me.

FACT

FILE

Mazey

ROTTWEILER DOG FACTS •

Breed: Domestic

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Origin: Germany

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Characteristics: The are stocky, strong and highly intelligent.

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Weight: Female: 35–48 kg, Male: 50–60 kg

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Height: Female: 56–63 cm, Male: 61–69 cm

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Coat: They have a short double coat that’s straight and coarse

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Colours: Black, Tan, Mahogany

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Grooming: Rottweilers shed a lot so regular baths every 6-8 weeks and brushing at least twice a week is essential

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Temperament: They are fearless and confident, goodnatured, obedient and calm and extremely devoted.

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Good with children: They are a great family dog and make a great guard dog, however as with all breeds of dogs, we recommend you don’t leave them alone with children.

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Training: As a highly intelligent breed they love to learn and can be trained easily.

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Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years

Mazey and Nicola

Mina and Mazey

WHEN GINA MET MAZEY & MINA OUR ASSISTANT EDITOR COULDN’T WAIT TO SEE MAZEY IN ACTION AND WASN’T DISAPPOINTED! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would meet a Rottweiler in a supermarket, let alone one that can sniff out gluten in food packages. When we found out Nicola lived close by, I suggested we meet up so I could see her clever girl in action. My first thought was not to pet or fuss Mazey as she is a working dog. I needn’t have worried. The minute I said hello, she gave me the most fabulous welcome. She leaned into me and wanted to be stroked and fussed. Nicola explained just how friendly she was and that it didn’t distract Mazey from the incredible work she does. After just a couple of minutes in the supermarket, it was evident she felt the same about everyone, proudly accepting love and petting from all who ventured close. She truly is wonderful, a well behaved, highly trained pooch who became super focused when Nicola required her to do a task. Labelling in supermarkets makes our lives easier, especially if you are wheat intolerant or have Coeliac disease, like our editor Diane, however, this doesn’t detract from the amazing work Mazey does. She was able to alert Nicola to gluten when she was asked to sniff a packet of porridge oats through its plastic covering. Although oats do not contain gluten themselves, they can become contaminated in a factory which also processes cereals such as wheat, which does contain gluten. Plastic is porous, so Mazey had no problem picking up the sent, immediately

laying down and staring up at Nicola to indicate the item she chose was unsuitable. She is then awarded a treat for her good work. If there is no gluten in the oats and it is safe to eat, she simply sits. Mazey also performs cortisol alert, which is a slightly different indication from her gluten alert. Here, she nudges Nicola with her nose and lays her head flat against her leg. However, if Nicola doesn’t respond to her alert, she gives her a single bark just to make sure she is aware that a panic attack is imminent. I was so impressed to see Mazey in action, especially knowing that Nicola had trained her! Mazey knows all the aisles in the supermarket, whether it is one she has visited before or a strange one, using a combination of her incredible sense of smell and her eyesight. Nicola demonstrated by asking her to take us to the pet food. She immediately led us there without hesitation. Again, I couldn’t hide just how impressed I was with this incredible pooch and her trainer. I also got to meet Mina, who, although has been trained to sniff out gluten and cortisol, is rather more excitable than Mazey, so she isn’t able to fully concentrate on the job in hand when out in public. She is, however equally as gorgeous and intelligent and is currently in training for the sport of IGP due to her larger size and muscular frame. We hope one day to be able to tell you all about her.

24 WWW.MRBUG.CO.UK

DON’T BUG ME, EAT ME! DID YOU KNOW? MEALWORMS PROVIDE MORE CALCIUM THAN MILK, MORE B12 THAN SALMON, AND MORE IRON THAN SPINACH, IN ADDITION TO BEING JAM-PACKED WITH ALL 9 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS. FARMING INSECTS USES BETWEEN 50-90% LESS LAND PER KG OF PROTEIN AND 40-80% LESS ANIMAL FEED PER KG OF EDIBLE WEIGHT WHILST SIMULTANEOUSLY PRODUCING 1,000-2700 LESS GHGES (GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS). Mr Bug is an ambitious entovegan business venture taking shape in sunny Devon, a bold vision with invaluable government support (farming transformation fund) to breed plump, nutrient-dense mealworms in one of the most beautiful regions of Britain, initially prioritising the dog treat sector before targeting human-themed products (protein powder) longer term. Mealworms, for anyone not in the know, are the Rolls Royce of nutritious, edible grubs, not only providing an appealing nutty twang for your dog but a nutritious war chest of healthful goodness that would be the envy of any well-balanced treat. Now it would be churlish not to mention that other bug-themed dog foods and treats exist, but for the most part, these are made using black fly larvae, a staple of traditional animal feed and another ‘nutritional powerhouse’ of a grub. The problem is their bitter taste, which some might say is unpleasant. More importantly, they’re overflowing with unwelcome saturated fats! From a common-sense perspective, bug nutrition is unavoidable down the line as traditional farming can neither keep pace with humanrace expansion nor do so in an environmentally friendly manner. At this moment in time, 30% of all intensively farmed animals are bred specifically with dog bowl consumption in mind. Recent research showed that the environmental impact of total pet food equated to a land mass twice the size of the UK! One of the many pluses of Mr Bug is that it pro-actively champions the circular economy with its eager-to-please mealworms fed on Cornish bran, a hitherto useless by-product of local wheat milling, which is madness as it’s both a digestible and healthy mono-protein. The resulting frass (that’s mealworm poo to you & me) is a nutritious, all-natural fertiliser that supports subsequent wheat harvests. It’s a fortunate truth that thanks to the plethora of new dog foods that have joined the fray in recent years (BARF, organic, no added grain, superior gut health) that there’s more choice than ever for the inquisitive, dare we say finicky ‘pet parents’ who are not inspired by the old-school, conveyor belt dog meals on offer. Unfortunately, dog treats have not kept pace, which is odd considering that 1 in 3 dogs in the UK are morbidly obese. As with humans, there

is this deluded rationale that a snacking treat is an occasional/frequent reward that can be made of pretty much anything. Albeit these days, it’s perfectly plausible for a treat to not only taste amazing but be made of ‘real food’ and devoid of synthetic nasties, sugar, salt and lazy filler grains. In its current incarnation there are 4 Mr Bug Bite flavour options: The Fruity One - Made with apple, cranberries and honey. The Nutty One - Made with peanuts and turmeric. The Cheesy One - Made with beetroot and vegetarian cheese. The Veggie One – Made with sweet potato, parsnip & carrot. N.B. A doggy protein bar is a ‘priority’ innovation for Spring 23 Mr Bug is yet another one of those pandemic-born initiatives that is quickly snowballing into something so much bigger than perhaps was initially intended, a brand ridiculously (yet rightly) proud of its Devon rural roots. This business creates jobs (not vast but steadily growing numbers) in a part of our island that historically struggles to foster meaningful youth employment opportunities in a sustainable, eco-friendly sector. There have also been collaborations with nearby universities, providing them with meaningful high-tech problems for them to decipher and solve – e.g., the University of West England robotics department has created a network of sensors to help monitor CO2, heat and humidity in addition to ensuring that the all-important cleaning processes that are robotically monitored! In 2022, in its first 4 months of trading, Mr Bug secured a prestigious Gold Nourish award, an award historically confined to humanorientated products, an award that focuses specifically on nutritional integrity and ingredient quality! In 2023 Mr Bug will make its next big strides, taking part in Product Guru’s pet food huddle and, most importantly, exhibiting at Crufts and exporting to insect-savvy markets, including North America, Scandinavia, and the Far East. In 2021 10,000 metric tonnes of insect protein were created worldwide. Conservative estimates suggest that by 2030 this number will exceed 500,000 tonnes. Mr Bug treats are ideally suited to those dog-friendly pubs, hotels, delis, cafes and garden centres looking to go the extra yard!

Does choosing a healthy dog treat bug you? Well now it can in a good way! Try Mr Bug Bug Bites for FREE in our fabulous competition. We have 6 Mr Grubby boxes to give away. You can enter via the Vanity Fur Magazine social media pages or on our website: www.vanityfurmagazine.co.uk/mrbug

! is th ll a in w ld u o c u o Y

26 CHESHIRE AND NORTH WALES DOG HANDLING SECTION

LIVING THE DREAM STEPH ALLINSON TAKES HER TWO BEST FRIENDS, PD JAX & OTIS, TO WORK WITH HER EVERYDAY

Time to put your paws up now, retirement has arrived. Police Dog Otis is my drugs, cash firearms and ammunition detection dog that I have told you all about previously. He is now eight years old, and he is a Golden Labrador. Otis came from Castleside Labradors when he was an eight-week-old pup and has been a police dog ever since. In July last year, I noticed he became lame after a good run; I have had him back and forth to the vets, and after some investigation work, Otis has been diagnosed with arthritis in his shoulders. A common complaint for his age and his

breed. After consultation with the vet and my supervisor, we have made the decision to retire Otis from front-line duties and give him the rest he deserves after a full seven-year Police dog career. He will be having cortisone injections under sedation in his shoulders to help him feel more comfortable and once completed, he will be retiring to a life of luxury, probably on the sofa next to the fire, if I can get him to leave his kennel which he loves. I have been lucky enough to have Otis in my life for two years now, and he has been a fabulous canine workmate. He was rehandled to me two years ago when his previous handler retired.

DRUG DETECTION DOG FACTS • • • • •

It takes roughly 8 weeks to train a dog to detect. The dogs think they are looking for their tennis ball. Training leads the dog to associate that toy with the smell of drugs. Our dogs are ball rewarded for each find. Gloucestershire Police force had a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, PD Stella, trained in detection work, a first for this breed.

PD Otis

28 So we have only had a relatively short career together, but a very busy and successful one. I consider myself to be so lucky to have been able to work him. Everybody loves Otis. On our last deployment, PD Otis uncovered a huge amount of compressed blocks of white powder believed to be cocaine from underneath a paving slab in a garden in Cheshire. It was undetectable to the human eye, but once Otis became interested in a paving slab, I knew I needed to think outside the box and help him get to the source. After walking over the slabs and finding a loose one, I picked it up for him, and his nose went straight to the source immediately. It’s very much a team effort to find drugs. Sometimes I have to move stuff around for him to allow him to work quicker and easier. The team were thrilled with this find, and the job is still under investigation. The true value is not known yet, but let’s just say it’s a lot of money and a huge amount of dangerous drugs off the street. Without that indication from Otis, I would never have known to lift paving slabs. Otis will be retiring and staying at home with my family and me; we want to give him the retirement he deserves. He has such a lovely nature and temperament, he is so friendly and loves to work, so I might consider volunteering to turn him into a therapy dog. I know he would be wonderful. Over the past two years, he has attended countless community events and school presentations, and he is good at community engagement. He is also very popular with schoolchildren.

The Police will most likely give me a new dog to replace Otis soon. I will really miss having him in my van and being with him all shift. I know he will adjust to being at home soon, but at the moment he is confused and sad when I leave without him. Rest assured though, after 3 or 4 minutes he is back to snoozing on the living room floor. When PD Otis officially retires, he will be presented with a certificate of service from our senior management - I can’t wait to buy him a colourful collar and lead and enjoy him as a pet. We tend to use Labradors, Spaniels and Sprockers for our detection dogs. We are training dogs up to go on a course in the summer to become digital media detection dogs as well as cadaver dogs and seminal detection dogs, something we haven’t done before at Cheshire. PD Jax is still doing great and as I write this, we have just finished searching the hard shoulder of the M56. Offenders had thrown stolen items out of their van window whilst being pursued by Police. No problem for PD Jax though, we retraced their steps and found the power tools used to commit four burglaries in the North Wales Police area. PD Jax and I will be at Dogfest this year, we will be doing a display for spectators and a meet and greet at the vehicles. I might even bring Otis in for the day. If you’re there visiting this year, come and say Hello.

PD Otis loving his retirement

Dog collar flower accessory - Gargrave Lilac £22 Jasper Dog Coat - Gargrave Lilac

www.hettie.co.uk

lovely things... 4 5

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1 Yellow Sausage Dog Lead £5 | george.com 2 Yellow Sausage Dog collar £3.50 | george.com 3 Beach Drying Mitts £24.95 | ruffandtumbledogcoats.com 4 Matalan Dog Food Tin with Scoop £16 | matalan.co.uk 5 The Design Collection: ‘Harbour’ Dog Drying Coat £61.95 ruffandtumbledogcoats.com 6 Antiqued Bronze Spaniel Plant Pot Feet £21.95 annabeljames.co.uk 7 Available in other dog breeds 8 Dozen Dapper Dogs £8.50 | hotelchocolat.com 9 KitchenCraft Maxwell & Williams Love Hearts Ceramic Mug, Oodles of Love £4.99 | kitchencraft.co.uk 10 Sophie Allport Home Grown Veggie Box Dog Toy £20 sophieallport.com 11 Georgie Paws - Jersey Collar £55 | georgiepaws.com 12 Dog Portrait Scatter Cushion – Dachshund £26 daro-cane.co.uk 13 Animal print waterproof jacket grey dog £40 | regatta. com 14 Vivian Velvet Pet Bed £69.30 | dunelm.com 15 Sophie Allport Bees Dog Toy £13 | sophieallport.com

Above: Sophie Allport Fetch Collection www.sophieallport.com

Right: Woof Leather Stamped Lead Woof Leather Stamped Collar Fetch Felt Fedora Dachshund Cashmere Jumper

www.sophieallport.com

34 30

WWW.BERRIESANDLEAVES.COM

WASHING UP LIQUID IS KINDER THAN MOST DOG SHAMPOOS Animal Shampoos and cosmetics is a complicated market with products for every grooming issue, from colour enhancement, extra shine, deodorizing, pest control, the list goes on! Sadly, there are 1000s of extremely toxic and harmful ingredients, so dangerous they are banned in human cosmetics but are allowed in animal cosmetics due to the lack of regulations. Trisha Heath, a professional dog groomer, has run her business for over 10 years. During that time, she has seen many skin issues caused by many different things. This led her to start studying canine dermatology. Trisha tells us, “I began adjusting my grooming to suit different skin types and the result was a happy dog with a healthy coat. I then started to study the compositions of shampoo and cosmetics and it was really depressing. It’s generally kinder to wash your pet in washing-up liquid than many animal shampoos. So, I began making my own shampoos for myself and then my pets, soon enough I had customers asking me to make them for their animals, and this led me to launch a brand called ‘Berries and Leaves’ that has five off-the-shelf shampoo bars for the five main skin types. I also make other cosmetics for common skin issues. All 100% natural, kind, gentle ingredients that will work with your animal’s skin type to restore a natural skin balance resulting in healthy skin and hair. Also, it’s very important that the grey water from washing your animal won’t harm the environment when it goes down the drain. I’m very proud to be the first dog groomer in the UK with the highest DAATA-ICDG qualification in dermatology and cosmetology. I’m so passionate about this and feel there’s not enough on the market aimed at naturally maintaining healthy skin and hair. I’d love to spread the word, with science leading the way, and encourage pet owners to double-check what they are putting on their animals and themselves. My shampoo bars are made with the minimal amount of ingredients. I don’t add anything for colour or perfume. No harsh chemicals, no silicones to give a smoothing feel and suffocate the skin, no parabens, no PEG, no DEA, no foaming agents for luxurious lather (which makes the product harder to wash out) and most importantly, no harsh surfactants.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

We have one personalised package to give away, as recommended by professional groomers around the UK consisting of: A skin mask, skin recovery balm and shampoo bar You can enter via the Vanity Fur Magazine social media pages or on our website: www.vanityfurmagazine.co.uk/berries UK shipping only, subject to availability

The ingredients chosen are all for that specific skin type, and they all clean, produce foam, smell nice and repair the skin just from the one mild surfactant, oils, butters, and leaves. I grow many of the ingredients in my garden, including roses, lavender, chamomile, calendula, yarrow and nettles. If I run out, or the more challenging ones to grow like the amla plant, I buy in from a small UK supplier that have organic food-grade products. Look at your own shampoo and see how many ingredients they contain. Most manufacturers want it to smell nice, feel luxurious, have a nice colour, last a very long time, clean effectively, rinse off effortlessly and produce lots of lather when using. All these things that ‘sell’ the shampoo mean more chemicals, more ingredients meaning more stabilizers, more preservatives, more chance of chemical change to the composition, more harm to the pet, owner and groomer, and more harm to the environment in production and grey water. Many pet shampoos have toxic and carcinogenic chemicals as they are effective and cheap. Your dog may be washed with these products once every few weeks, which really isn’t great, however for dog groomers who are unaware will have their hands in these chemicals 5-10 times a day!” Surfactants This is the cleaning part of the shampoo. A surfactant has amphiphilic molecules. This molecule is in two halves. In basic terms, one half collects grease the other collects water. This type of molecule helps lift grease while spreading water, making it possible to clean. This means all surfactants (especially in a raw state) are irritants; otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to clean. There are thousands of different surfactants. Many of them are more lipophilic (attracts grease) and give spectacular results in one wash but also strip away the top layer of skin, damaging the stratum corneum and completely removing the lipid layer along with the grease leaving the skin prone to bacterial infection. It is probably easier to list the good surfactants rather than the bad.

CHARLEY CHAU

WWW.CHARLEYCHAU.COM 1. Day Bed Mattress in Faroe - Sienna from £85 | 2. Deeply Dishy Luxury Dog Bed - Velour Contrast Leaf and Lime from £150 | 3. Anti-Microbial Memory Foam Dog Bed Mattress in Faroe- Nimbus Grey from £135 | 4. Oval Natural Rattan Bed with Faux Fur Blanket in Oatmeal. Basket only from £90 | 5. Crate Bumpers and Mattress in Faroe with Mini Bolster Pads in Lemongrass. Crate only from £144 | 6. Dog Snuggle Bed in Velour- Midnight from £100 | 7. Ducky Donut Dog Bed in Fern from £284 | 8. Dressed Rattan Dog Basket with Faroe Nimbus Grey mattress plus a Mini Bolster in Sienna. (Including mattress) from £295.20 | 9. The Bliss Bolster Bed in Fern Jade from £318

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PEANUT BUTTER CAROB CUPS Most of us adore chocolate, however it can be extremely harmful for your dog. Chocolate contains theobromine and small amounts of caffeine, which dogs metabolize slowly, allowing toxins to build up in their systems making them really unwell. Carob is made from the bean pods of a carob tree; it is a 100% natural product which has a similar taste to chocolate and totally safe for your dog. It even has health benefits as it is high in vitamin B12, iron, calcium and magnesium. Prep Time: 30 min plus chilling Makes 12 Ingredients: 200gms of carob chips 3 teaspoons coconut oil 65gms 100% natural, smooth peanut butter (without xylitol). 1 teaspoon honey, optional Equipment required: Silicon moulds or foil lined mini muffin cups. Method • Combine 100gms (half) of the carob chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 20 seconds, stir

the mixture and repeat until the carob has melted and the mixture is smooth, taking care not to burn. • Place a teaspoon of the carob mixture into silicone moulds or foil-lined mini muffin cups, gently coating the mould until the carob is halfway up. Freeze until set, which will only take a few minutes. • Combine the peanut butter with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and honey if using, in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 30 seconds; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Drop 2 teaspoons of peanut butter mixture over the carob covered moulds. Again, freeze until set. • Melt the remaining carob chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a microwavesafe bowl, melting as before. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the mixture over the set peanut butter mixture. Freeze until set. • Remove and store in refrigerator until ready to give your pooch. As with all treats, we recommend no more than 2 a day, alongside a well balanced diet, appropriate for their age and lifestyle. They are unsuitable for dogs with special dietary requirements

www.ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

Ruff Wash Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs £10 for 250ml Ruff Fresh Dog Freshener Spray £10 for 250ml

38 WWW.EASTRUSTONCOTTAGES.CO.UK

DOG-FRIENDLY AND SOME SUE ALLEN WANTED TO CREATE BEAUTIFULL HOLIDAY LETS THAT DIDN’T HAVE A SET OF RULES FOR YOUR DOG. 15 YEARS ON, SHE HAS OVER 40 PROPERTIES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOU AND YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND/S

I think most dog owners will have experienced the dread of booking a dogfriendly holiday at some point; will you get there to find a list of laminated list of rules for the dogs? No dogs on the furnishings, no dogs upstairs, dogs only on lead in the garden, and dogs that have to sleep in the kitchen (yes, really, that was a rule!). Then there’s the worry of if the garden will be enclosed because it doesn’t mention it on the website. Are there good places to walk locally? Are there any dog-friendly pubs?

to book a dog-friendly property, but there was often a limit of two dogs (Sue had three at the time), and always a charge per dog. And then, of course, that unwelcoming and restrictive list of rules! When Sue had the opportunity to convert a farm building next to her home, she decided to not only make it a dog-friendly holiday let but make it the ultimate dogfriendly holiday experience. And that’s how East Ruston Cottages started, by supplying something that she couldn’t really find anywhere else.

Going on holiday with your dog should be a joy! Exploring new places, creating new memories, and watching them explore. That’s where East Ruston Cottages can help you relax. The founder, Sue Allen, had the same fears and frustrations as we’ve all had at some point, she wanted

She started to think about all the concerns she had when booking a holiday let, things like; is there a secure outside area, solid floors which were easy to clean so people didn’t have to worry about muddy paw prints on carpets, sofas which dogs could share with their humans and most

40 importantly she wanted to be totally flexible with dog numbers and not charge anything at all for dogs.

you book, you can order pizza-making kits, brownies, afternoon teas, fish platters, a massage and more for your stay.

That was 15 years ago. Sue now manages 40 properties in and around the Norfolk Coast. She has stuck with her ethos about having very flexible limits on dog numbers. All of the cottages welcome at least three, and many properties welcome unlimited dogs and still at no extra cost. And dog friendly does not mean dog-eared! The properties range from grand converted barns to cosy lodges, all with their individual personalities, so there’s a style to suit every person and dog.

If you decide to book one of the cottages, there’s a fantastic thriving Facebook group where you can ask about the best dog-friendly places, walks and tide times so you can plan your beach trip. So many guests share their experiences and photos, so even if you haven’t been yet, you can get a feel for what to expect.

Beyond the fact that East Ruston Cottages doesn’t charge for dogs or have a huge list of rules when you arrive – what else makes them so different? Sue knows the cottages like the back of her hand, so she can offer bespoke advice to guests; if you have a terrier who digs, hounds who can jump over five feet, a reactive dog who is anxious about seeing other dogs or people or a noise nervous rescue dog, then she can recommend the cottages that will suit you best. And there is more! The cottages have a stock of dog crates of all sizes, so you don’t have to pack them. Dog buggies are available too and you can get your raw food delivered from a local company. The humans benefit too. When

Norfolk might not be an immediate thought as somewhere to staycation with your dogs. You might be surprised though. There are over 90 miles of beaches on the Norfolk coast, which means that even in peak season, you will always be able to find a quiet stretch to walk. And if you manage to get fatigued by the glorious sandy beaches, then you still have the beautiful Norfolk Broads, woodlands and countryside to explore. It might be a surprise to know that much of the countryside doesn’t have any farm animals grazing, making them safe for walks with your pooch. Over the last four years, Sue and the cottages have won the Dog-Friendly Magazine awards for self-catering, and it says a lot that East Ruston Cottages has had guests who visit three or more times in a year but also keep coming back year, after year, after year.

42 WWW.RACHELBEAN.CO.UK

FIRST AID RACHEL BEAN RVN MCFBA FIRST AIDER/VET March is Dog Dental Month, an awareness month which shines a light on all the things that we can do to keep our dog’s teeth healthy and clean. Looking after your dog’s teeth at home can save money on trips to the vet later

down the line and save you and your pet a lot of pain and heartache. So, in honour of Dog Dental Month, here are my top tips for what to do in a mouth emergency and what you can do to quickly and safely react.

RACHEL’S TIPS FOR A DOG MOUTH EMERGENCY What to do if a dog licks something sharp: First, always keep ice cubes in the freezer, so if this happens, simply grab an ice cube, put it in the dog’s mouth. Put a towel over the dog’s head to help them relax and get them to a vet quickly. Putting ice on the cut straight away helps to stem the bleeding, which gives you time to seek professional assistance from the vet. What to do if a dog breaks a tooth: A broken tooth is not a life-threatening emergency, but it’s important that you know what to do if you spot a dog that has a freshly chipped gnasher. A broken tooth could cause sores in the dog’s mouth, or an exposed nerve could cause pain or discomfort, so it is important to get a broken tooth checked out as soon as possible. To help a dog you think is experiencing tooth pain, there are a range of numbing sprays and mouthwashes that help in the short term. But the only real solution is to address the underlying cause of the dental problem.

What to do if a dog’s tooth falls out: If a dog has an accident and knocks out a tooth, try and find the lost tooth. To care for a distressed dog, place a towel over their head, and keep calm. Then take the dog to the vet. If you have been able to retain the tooth, is it possible that it will be able to be put back in place. What to do if your dog has swollen gums: If you notice when you brush your dog’s teeth that there is blood on the brush, it could be a sign that your pet has gingivitis or stomatitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth, and stomatitis is its more painful cousin, which could lead to your dog not wanting to eat their food, due to discomfort. If you suspect that your dog has any of these conditions, or notice any behavioural changes contact your vet as a full dental assessment will be required, to prevent these conditions occurring. A good at home dental practice, supplements such as Collar-Gen and feeding natural foods help.

44 WWW.ANNAWEBB.CO.UK

DOG DENTAL MONTH ANNA WEBB- BROADCASTER, NUTRITION AND BEHAVIOUR EXPERT Anna Webb has dedicated her life to the canine cause and to teaching people how to get the best out of their dog’s health, nutrition, behaviour and wellness.

In 2020 Anna launched the A Dog’s Life podcast, which received award nominations in its first year, and all her subscribers are dog-focused consumers.

Growing up Anna’s father was the secretary of the Shropshire branch of the RSPCA, and this inspiration led her to study with the College of Integrated Veterinary Studies (CIVT) and gain membership of the IAAT (International Association of Animal Therapists) and the RFVS (Raw Feeding Vet Society).

She is the go-to expert on all things canine for many news outlets and has a regular column in My Weekly magazine in which she is not afraid to speak her mind on dog welfare issues.

Anna is the co-host of The Barking Hour, one of the most popular slots on BBC Radio London, airing for the past 12 years and still running every Sunday from 3pm until 4pm.

Anna is well-known for appearing as the resident dog expert in a weekly slot on the long-running Alan Titchmarsh Show. Anna is also a regular guest on BBC Radio Two’s Jeremy Vine Show, contributing to the national debate on animal issues.

45 A trio of natural pet care providers have combined forces to make March Dog Dental Month. For the month of March, doggy dental will be at the forefront of the agenda in a drive to inform pet owners that simple and affordable changes to their pet’s routine could save thousands of pounds in vets bills. The initiative is spearheaded by supplements brand Pawable (pawable. co.uk), leading raw food manufacturers Paleo Ridge (paleoridge.co.uk), and healthy cleaning and pet care products provider Ingenious Probiotics (ingenious-probiotics.com) The companies have combined forces to offer practical dental care tips for your dog, which can help you save money, as well as ensure that their teeth are kept in tip top condition. Anna Webb is happy to lend her support to the initiative. A special edition of the podcast will focus on Dog Dental Month and highlight the inexpensive things we can all do to better care for our pets. Anna tells us, “It’s a month to celebrate your dog’s teeth! Shockingly 80% of dogs at only two years of age show some signs of dental disease. Many factors can contribute to a dog’s oral health, including diet, cleaning, and appropriate chews. Some breeds are more prone, like Toy breeds and Flat Faced breeds. As the No:1 cause of trips to the vet, working preventatively is not only prudent, it might not be as difficult as you think and will save costly vet bills that are often not covered by insurance. The good news is that, in most cases, periodontal disease is reversible. Just as in humans, dental disease is serious and can, in extreme cases, cause severe inflammation in the body, which can affect vital organs and compromise the immune system. Working preventatively begins with a healthy species-appropriate diet (like Paleo Ridge) and appropriate supplementation through a dog’s life stages. Combining an awareness of environmental stressors that can compromise the immune system, including diet, cleaning products in the home, air pollution, and the water our dog’s drink. Adding appropriate enrichment lifestyle support like raw bones, probiotic dental care and natural chews, that help clean the teeth but also help dogs relax and settle.” Dale Nash of Pawable, which offers the UK’s first collagen supplement for dogs, said: “We are so excited about teaming up with Ingenious Probiotics and Paleo Ridge for Dog Dental Month. Everything that our three brands do is about natural care for your pet, and healthy teeth is at the heart of that.” Esther Logue of raw feeding food brand Paleo Ridge said: “This Dog Dental Month is the perfect time to learn some exciting things about your dog. Your dog is amazing, and we are looking forward to sharing all sorts of fun tips, advice and stories on our social media pages throughout.” Joe Flanagan of Ingenious Probiotics added, “Simple changes to your dog’s routine really do make all the difference, and at a time when everyone is tightening their belts, it could save you a lot of money too. There are plenty of things we can all do at home cheaply and effectively to ensure that our dogs’ teeth stay healthy and avoid costly visits to the vet.”

Anna Webb with Binks and Pru

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! We have three months supply of Collar-gen to give away. You can enter via the Vanity Fur Magazine social media pages or on our website: www.vanityfurmagazine.co.uk/collargen

www.nylabone.co.uk

ROMANIAN RESCUE

SWEET PEGGY

Peggy and her sister Beauty were abandoned at a train station in their native Romania. The sisters were just 4 months old when they were dumped: nothing is known about her parents, her owners, or why she was dumped - more than likely, they were unwanted puppies or removed from their previous location as a nuisance.

volunteer-run with Sam and Laura and the team doing the appeals, updates, admin and organising home inspections. They also keep Happy Bus groups up to date on travelling dogs and cats, encouraging sponsors etc. As with their Romanian branch, they all do an incredible job organising, caring for and ensuring the animals go to loving homes.

They were rescued by Stefania from New Moon Rescue Romania, one of several selfless volunteers who foster these poor dogs with financial support from donations, sponsors and adoption fees.

When asked about her character, Helen’s face lights up as she tells us, “She’s very confident, a little bit stubborn when she’s got an interesting scent, but very, very loving. She still has to learn manners with other dogs, as boxing does not always go down well, of course! But she is gaining play skills every day, and I am so proud of her progress in such a short time. She knows how to sit, give a paw, lay down, touch and jump up - barking at innocent passers-by is another story, but we’ll get there! We’re almost done with our first training course, and she is coming along in leaps and bounds. I am looking at agility options too, but knowing I’ve got to run along with her might put that out of our reach at the minute!

Both girls were underweight and needed some TLC, but overall they were in good health. They were immediately labelled as loving souls with lots of energy; they loved people despite their start in life. When Helen spotted Peggy’s picture, she knew she had to adopt her; she was in love, and she couldn’t resist her beautiful amber eyes, gorgeous dappled paws and curious eyebrows. Helen was approved as a sponsor soon after and told us, “I wanted to help whilst she was still in Romania, so I sent funds for her upkeep, any vet treatments or jabs required. I was so lucky that she was healthy and happy. It was literally just a waiting game to bring her back. It was a bit of an adventure getting her home to Liverpool, though, as there were many, many, many hours by van and car, all overseen by another incredible charity Happy Bus, but Peggy handled it like a champ.” We asked Helen how it was waiting to meet Peggy in Calais, and she explained, “The journey home was relatively quick; the waiting in Calais for them to arrive was long and tiring! It was about 40 hours from setting out until we got home on very little sleep. I wish we’d slept a little longer in the UK, and I wish we had brought a tent and airbed! We had to try to find somewhere on the Calais beachfront in the lovely but very hot weather to rest. I had not prepared for such a long wait, but it was unavoidable, no one’s fault, and I wasn’t going anywhere! The original ETA was 12 noon, but it was midnight by the time they arrived! As a group (there were 8 dogs en route), we were all tired but happy together, looking forward to our new role as pawrents! We keep in touch, sharing the amazing progress our dogs are making. Everyone is at different stages due to their age or previous life experience in Romania, but all are now in loving homes with caring owners. Beauty was on the same Happy Bus as Peggy and was adopted by a lovely man in Chester. We plan to meet up this year.” The New Moon Rescue also have a branch in the UK which again is

We also ask Helen if she knows what breed Peggy is, “It wasn’t known what she’s made of, breed wise, but I suspected from her mini-wolf face and curled tail a hint of Romanian Shepherd, maybe some terrier, the way she sniffs and digs and sniffs some more! But we had guesses of Corgi, Dachshund, Collie, Patterdale, Jack Russell - all sorts! The Doggy DNA test through Wisdom turned up 21 different breeds! The biggest was Chihuahua and Segugio Italiano, followed by Alaskan Husky, which she taps into when she howls for sure! There is some Shepherd in there, but German rather than Romanian. She is a pedigree mongrel and totally perfect. I’ve been very lucky with Peggy; she’s taken to being a kept puppy very quickly. I know this is not always the case for rescued street dogs, but every dog deserves a chance at a happy life where they are cared for, fed and kept warm and safe. It breaks my heart every time I see more and more rescues appearing on the Romanian, Bulgarian, Greek and other rescue charities’ pages. I know no one loves their dogs quite like the British; if only there were an easier way to encourage rescue, care, consideration, planning, adoption over abandonment, spaying and neutering as needed - anything to help prevent more rescues ending up terrified on the streets.” We couldn’t agree more with Helen’s views on European animal rights, but with more people like Helen willing to adopt, we can at least help some abandoned, mistreated dogs receive the love and care they deserve.

48 WEEKENDCANDY.COM

DOG FRIENDLY UK BREAKS HIT THE ROAD FOR A UNIQUE ADVENTURE THIS SPRING EXPLORING EPIC NORTHUMBERLAND WITH OVERLAND ADVENTURES.

Northumberland is a popular destination for dog lovers, thanks to the pet-friendly rugged coastlines, remote rolling hills, and pooch-welcoming pubs. But it’s a big county so where do you start? And where do you end? We recommend a whistle-stop weekend following The NLAND250 route – with a little wild camping adventure thrown in. The NLAND250 is a fully mapped-out epic road trip that takes you to the heart of Northumberland’s majestic landscapes (through Tweedmouth in the North, Kielder in the West, Allenheads in the South, and much of Northumberland’s rugged coast).

You can, of course, explore the route on foot or on a bicycle but, for a truly unique experience with your four-legged friend, climb behind the wheel of one of Overland Adventure’s iconic Land Rover Campers and set up camp under the stars. Two iconic Land Rover Defenders, fully equipped with rooftop tents An adventure with Overland Adventures is effortless. Hire your Land Rover Defender 100 XS from the team and it comes equipped with either one or two Howling Moon rooftop camping safari-style tents, foam mattresses, awning, sleeping bags, duvets and ladders to ensure a comfy, warm bed is never more than a rung or two away. And whilst you’re sleeping on

the roof, your pet snoozes comfortably in the doggie hammock on the backseat of the Defender. The rooftop tents and awning are the best quality you can get, made to withstand the toughest weather and keep you snug under the stars no matter what the outside world is doing. Best of all, they take only minutes to set up – Overland Adventures will even send you how-to-videos and links to make sure you’re more than ready before the off. All the camping equipment you need – perfect for first-time adventurers You don’t have to be a seasoned explorer to enjoy an epic Northumberland weekend with Overland Adventures. On the contrary. You get copious camping equipment alongside your rooftop home – all tried and tested over and over again by the team. Chairs, table, fridge/freezer, Fire Pit/BBQ, toilet and even hot water – enabling you to pitch up anywhere (if you’re wild camping, just make sure you know the rules). Of course, if you need dog-friendly campsite suggestions, the team will be only too happy to point you in the right direction. The real magic of an Overland Adventure is the live-without-limits independence it affords you. It’s not a matter of handing over the keys and leaving you to it. The Overland Adventure team have over 30 years’ experience in adventuring in the Great Outdoors – with dogs of their own - and will give you all the knowledge, route guidance and technical savvy you need to enjoy a Northumberland trip making memories with your dog for a lifetime. Book Your Northumberland Adventure Weekend: Overland Adventures, Whalton, NE61 3XD Sleeps 2 – 5 adults Dogs welcome (hire the Dog Travel Pack for £40 which includes: adjustable in-car dog harness, dog bed, dog bowls, dog treats, biodegradable poop bags, biodegradable paw wipes, ground Peg for tethering when necessary) www.overland-adventures.co.uk

WWW.PRODOGRAW.COM

POWERHOUSE SUPPLIMENT ProDog Raw are leading creators of raw dog food, treats, and supplements. In October 2022, they released their pioneering colostrum supplement for dogs. Dog owners can source this colostrum supplement for their beloved pet, a product which promises to have a powerful impact on dogs’ overall well-being and make a colossal difference to their natural defences. Colostrum is a powdered form of cow’s milk which is rich in minerals, prebiotics, and immunoglobulins. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients which complement any diet, supporting effective immune system function and a healthy gut environment. Meanwhile, colostrum can be used as a topical application to support skin health and is known to be extremely helpful for dogs with allergies. ProDog Raw’s colostrum supplement for dogs is ethically sourced and boasts an array of benefits, including: ◼ Powerful immune function support. ◼ Supports mobility and flexibility by helping to repair tissue damage. ◼ Contributes to a balanced inflammatory response. ◼ Contains Lactoferrin - proven antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic. ◼ Helps to reduce yeast. ◼ Aids a healthy gut environment ◼ Optimises digestion. ◼ Natural, nutritional reinforcement designed to complement any diet. ◼ Can be used in combination with other supplements. ◼ Supports skin health when used as a topical application. All dogs can benefit from taking this fundamental canine health fuel; ProDog

DISCOUNT FOR OUR READERS WHEN USING THE CODE: VANFUR20

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! We have one tin of Colstrum to give away. You can enter via the Vanity Fur Magazine social media pages or on our website: www. vanityfurmagazine.co.uk/prodog

Raw’s colostrum supplement serves as a natural enrichment for ultimate well-being. Customers should see maximum results when dogs take this formula daily. According to ProDog Raw’s experts, including leading vet Dr Nick Thompson and canine nutrition consultant Alison Frost, colostrum is especially helpful for puppies, dogs with digestive complaints, allergies and skin issues, and dogs recovering from illness, injury, or operation. Colostrum, surprisingly, has very little lactose content and is therefore suitable for most dogs who are lactose intolerant. Discussing the launch of ProDog Raw’s colostrum supplement and why it’s a much-needed product, CEO Heidi Maskelyne says: “Colostrum is widely recognised as a source of nourishment for babies that comes from the mother’s milk during the first days of birth. However, few appreciate that it’s invaluable for dogs too. Colostrum can be fed as a supplement for dogs of any age. It really is a vitamin and mineral powerhouse. We were, therefore, determined to bring a product like this to the market. I am delighted that dog owners can now reap the benefits for themselves, reinforcing their dog’s health at an affordable price.” Meanwhile, canine nutrition consultant Alison Frost adds: “I’m excited that we have such an amazing supplement to add to our portfolio. There are so many dogs that suffer from allergies and immune system problems and colostrum can really help benefit these dogs. There are over 1,000 clinical studies which show the numerous benefits of colostrum, and many examine and demonstrate its role in preventing and relieving allergy symptoms - it really is that good.”

54 WWW.MUTHAPUPPA.COM

MUTHAPUPPA IN HIS REGULAR QUARTERLY COLUMN, GIUSEPPE SHARES WHAT MUTHAPUPPA HAS PLANNED FOR 2023.

“If you’ve been following the muthapuppa story so far, welcome back. For those of you who are new here, muthapuppa is on a mission to rescue dogs.

world, but you’d also be helping dog rescue and rehoming centres. They are overrun now more than ever and could really do with your help.

We’re going to open our own dog rescue and rehoming centre, but instead of relying on donations to fund this, we’ve launched www. muthapuppa.com an online shop where you can get everything for your pup delivered right to the door. Every time you shop with muthapuppa, you help support our mission to rescue as many dogs as we can.

Check out our ‘Rescue’ section at muthapuppa.com for a list of amazing UK dog shelters; Blue Cross, All Dogs Matter and Battersea Dogs, to name a few.

Spring is here, the weather is perking up, and we’ll all be able to potter and frolic outside very soon. I know exactly what you’re thinking; what a perfect time to adopt or foster a dog! Not only would you bring a bundle of joy into your

When I started muthapuppa, I had no idea that I’d be doing so during one of the harshest economic climates ever. It’s tough for small businesses like ours right now, but many smart people have said that ‘great businesses are born out of a recession’. So based on this logic, we are moving full steam ahead with our plans. Here are a few things we have planned for 2023. A big focus for this year is expanding the

55 range of products we offer; we want you to be able to buy all your favourite dog-related items at the very best prices. If we’re going to build a business big enough to power our dog rescue efforts, this must be top priority. We’re always open to suggestions, so feel free to message us if you’d like us to stock a particular product or brand for your pooch. I also want to meet more of you this year, so we’ll be holding more pop-up shops, events and meet-ups, starting at the end of spring. I’ve managed to keep myself out of the limelight so far (I have a face for radio), but that changes this year. We’ll be embracing social media and taking the opportunity to share more about our dog rescue efforts. Fortunately, a local social media whizz has kindly offered to give us a helping hand with

Bear and Alfred

www.muthapuppa.com

this. So, if you haven’t already, feel free to follow at @muthapuppa on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. For Facebook, it’s @muthapuppadotcom Finally, we’ll be ramping up our activism and lobbying, particularly around the breeding of dogs for the pharmaceutical industry. Did you know that there’s a company based in Cambridge that breeds Beagles for the pharmaceutical testing industry?! You do now! Check out www.thecampbeagle.com to learn more and find out how you can help stop this.” To shop, donate and subscribe and so we can keep you up to date, visit www. muthapuppa.com. Over to you.

Walkies!

CHEESDON MILL LOOP - DOG WALK WITH VANNESSA JONES AND PETER (BLACK LABRADOR) Grade – Easy Distance – 3.2 KM Time – 3.5 hour Terrain – Moderate Parking – On the Road opposite the Owd Betts’ Pub (OL12 7TY) This walk is stunning and full of surprises from start to finish, littered throughout with the ruins of Victorian-era mills. To start, you need to find the gap in the wall and head down the wooden steps onto the moorland. The path naturally forks. Take the path to the right and head down into the beautiful valley. On your left, you will have a small stream. Continue to head down until you come across the magnificent ruins of the old Cheesedon Lumb Mill. The Mill was built in 1786 and used over the years as a textile mill. It was the first of around 20 mills that would eventually populate the valley. Whilst all that remains are the ruins, it provides a fantastic photo opportunity and if your dog is like Peter, a great opportunity for a swim. Proceed down into the ruins and follow the path keeping the stream on your left-hand side. Continue along this route until you see the waterfall and further along the ruins of another Mill. If it has recently been raining beware of the mud. Walking boots are advised on this walk. Soon the walk will start taking you up the valley, and the path veers right. Continue along until you get to the gate. Pass through and turn left to head down Croston Close Road. At this point, I had Peter back on the lead. Follow the road along, and at the crossroads, bear left, and you will be rewarded with the fantastic Buckhurst Lodgeside Cafe on your left-hand side. This was a fantastic spot to grab a coffee and a delicious homemade cake as well as a water and treat pitstop for Peter. Once you’re fuelled up again, its time to head back onto the road past the Cafe. Continue along as the road as it bends to the right, it’s worth noting there is a private house along here so please take care not to walk on the driveway and keep to the path. Look out for the style on your right-hand side and head over it. You will find yourself in the fields alongside the stream again. Follow the path keeping the stream to your left-hand side once again. There is plenty to look at and explore off the paths around here, so if you have the time, it’s well worth it. Along this particular path, you will come across a small gap in the wall on your right, walk through this and it will eventually take you up to the summit and greet you with beautiful views of the mill ponds and beyond. Follow the old mill road along this path. A Chimney tower from an old cotton Mill is visible peering through the trees, and eventually, you will come to the junction. Continue along to the left. It is a steep walk up, and the path was muddy, so please take care. At the top, you will enter a farmer’s field. Again, at this point, I put Peter back on his lead as there were cattle in the field. continued on page 58

57 CHEESDON MILL LOOP

The Owd Betts Pub and car park

Ashworth Moor Reservoir

Buckhurst Lodgeside Cafe

Footpath A680 - Edenfield Road Water

58 continued from page 56 Follow the farm track and take in your surroundings, the views from behind are simply stunning. The various farm buildings and houses have some interesting vintage buses and fire engines, but please stick to the path as this is private property. Follow the path until you hit Ashworth road, and turn left towards the reservoir until you come to a gate. Walk through the gate and follow the footpath along. You will see the huge slope of the reservoir bank.

DOGWALKER

(If you feel fit, you can head up the slope as there is a path along the top). Follow this path until you hit another gate, and you will see that you are now heading towards Edenfield road and the familiar wooden steps you walked down at the start. The Owd Betts, a dog friendly pub, and had a roaring fire going making it the perfect spot to celebrate finishing this wonderful walk-through history.

07486999028 Vannessajones@hotmail.com Fully insured dog walker covering Ellesmere Port and Neston.

pawtrait gallery... Basil -

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Boho Rococo Martingale Collar £27.00 - £31.00 Turquoise Swiss Velvet Dress Lead £22.00 - £30.00

61 Piper Peacock House Collar £22.00 - £24.00 Piper Peacock Dress Lead £28.00 - £32.00 Old Gold Swiss Velvet House Collar £20.00 - £28.00 Tangerine Swiss Suede Tassel £8.00 - £14.00

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WWW.YELLOWDOGS.CO.UK

YELLOW DOGS! Believe it or not, not every dog wants attention, some dogs are in training, some dogs have health issues or are recovering from surgery, some dogs are rescues being rehabilitated or have suffered a bad experience, nervous dogs, or older, fragile dogs that find the world a scary place, through no fault of their own. These are the dogs Yellow Dog Charity want to help with this important campaign and instantly recognisable branding. The charity are sharing this message across our dog loving nation so that all dogs and owners can enjoy their walks, the shy, the old, the injured, the timid – they deserve the joy of walks too by being aware that if you see a dog with his smart yellow bandana, jacket or lead on, you give them space. Yellow Dog is an international campaign creating awareness for the dogs

that need space, launched in 2012 in Sweden by Eva Oliversson, a certified dog trainer and dog behaviourist. Yellow Dog hope that both adults and children alike will learn that it is always respectful and important to ask before approaching or stroking a dog, this then becomes a good lifelong habit, that works well for both animals and humans. As the issue is not about aggressive dogs, any and all aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle but that the charity are a tool to help with training or socialising dogs and responsible dog owners. Dave and Alison are the UK ambassadors for Yellow dog having had Yellow Dogs, themselves. They passionately believe in the Yellow Dog campaign and what it can achieve for these dogs and their owner’s quality of life by educating everyone in the UK, that Yellow Dogs need space.

SOME OF THE REASONS WHY A DOG MAY NEED SPACE

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WE HAVE ONE PRIZE BUNDLE TO GIVE AWAY CONSISTING OF:

Yellow Dog UK “I NEED SPACE” dog vest, a choice of 5 sizes. Yellow Dog UK Biothane waterproof and wipe clean 5m dog lead. Yellow Dog UK “I NEED SPACE” 4ft dog lead. Yellow Dog UK “I NEED SPACE” double-handle 5ft dog lead. Yellow Dog UK “I NEED SPACE” lead cover. 5 x Ribbons.

You can enter for free via the Vanity Fur Magazine social media pages or on our website: www.vanityfurmagazine.co.uk/yellow

64 WWW.BEMOREDOG.CO.UK

RESCUING A PUPPY PATRICIA MCGRADY IS THE OWNER AND FOUNDER OF BE MORE DOG ESSEX. SHE IS CERTIFIED WITH THE CIDBT, A KIDS AROUND DOGS PROFESSIONAL, AND MEMBER OF THE CFBA. PATRICIA IS ALSO VANITY FUR MAGAZINE’S DOG BEHAVIOURALIST. If you are thinking of getting a puppy, then rescuing is a wonderful thing to do. Our rescue centres are overwhelmed at the moment. I believe this is partly due to the lockdown and those who have returned to work and can no longer look after their dogs. Taking in a rescue is a great way of helping these centres and giving a puppy a chance of the wonderful life they deserve. Whether you are taking in a young pup at 8 weeks or an older dog of 6 months, here are some tips to help get you off to a great start with your new addition to the family. The first few days for any dog being rehomed can be scary and overwhelming. Focusing on bonding and showing the

puppy that it is safe is the most important thing you can do at this stage. Feeling secure and their welfare overrides everything when it comes to dogs. This is especially true for young pups. There is no need to rush ahead with socialising. Obviously, if they are very young and undergoing vaccinations, they will not be able to venture outside until they have immunity. If your puppy is older and has had its vaccinations, it is still worth spending some quiet time to create a loving bond, helping the puppy feel safe and getting to know one another before venturing out into the big wide world. When a puppy is born, the mother will provide warmth, company, food,

66 nurturing, cleaning, grooming and tending to the youngster. She will be with them constantly; she will rarely leave them. We can think about emulating this behaviour, and it is especially important for puppies that have been through the rescue process because they may have had instability in their lives, so providing this foundation is really crucial.

the puppy? How wary or suspicious is the puppy? How does it react to the objects in your home, such as the hoover and the stairs, or the noises outside? How timid or confident is the puppy? These observations will really help you understand at what pace you should be exposing them to different things as they grow older.

Stay at home with your dog for the first few days to keep them feeling secure. This may mean taking some time off work, but who wouldn’t want to be at home with the puppy instead of at work!? Hand feeding is a lovely way to bond. By letting the puppy lick the food from your hand, it will be smelling your skin and seeing you as their source of food. Ditch the bowl for the first few days.

There is no ‘one rule fits all’. Some dogs cope fantastically well in new surroundings and seem to take to new experiences really well, with plenty of confidence and curiosity. Others are naturally more cautious and should not be rushed into things. We must always go at the dog’s pace and not ours. It really pays to honour the dog’s character to avoid unnecessary stress. Observing body language and looking for the movement and direction of the puppy are key here. Does it run and hide, pull back, have its weight on its back legs, seek comfort from you, or does it orientate forwards straight away, without hesitation?

Think about keeping the space the puppy has access to relatively small to begin with, then gradually start opening up areas of the house. This is to mimic the behaviour of the den area where the pups will naturally spend all their time before gradually exploring the environment. For young puppies, sleeping in the same space with them will help them transition away from the security of the rest of the litter. It is traumatic for puppies to be taken away from their mother. In the wild they would be together for many months, so helping them feel safe and providing that company in those initial days is essential to keep their stress levels as low as possible. Sleeping next to your pup on the sofa or having their bed next to yours will really help them in those first few days or weeks. Your breathing, the energy from your heart, and the presence of you being there will provide so much comfort and really help them become accustomed to their new surroundings. You can think about transitioning sleeping areas later when they are sleeping throughout the night. At this early stage, it is possible to get an idea of the character of your puppy by observing and looking for its responses to situations. How curious is

These subtle signs really give an insight into how a puppy feels. If you don’t feel confident in reading their body language, seek the advice of an experienced professional to help you understand how your dog is feeling. Your dog will develop a steady, healthy outlook if its individual needs are met during this critical learning period. ‘Quality over quantity’ is a mantra I often use when working with clients and their dogs. It is much better to do things safely and gradually than rush ahead and have a potentially major setback on your journey together. Further reading. The recently published book ‘How to Raise a Puppy’ by Turid Rugass is an excellent source of information on this subject. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of getting a new puppy.

68 WWW.HOLIDAYCOTTAGESNOSSMAYO.CO.UK

DEVON DELIGHT ANCHOR COTTAGE, SET WITHIN A 19TH-CENTURY WATERFRONT MALTHOUSE, HAS BEEN LOVINGLY RESTORED, OFFERING LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION FOR YOU & YOUR DOG

Noss Mayo is a beautiful, secluded village situated on the southern bank of the Yealm Estuary, with the rolling Devon hills in the background. Across the water is the larger village of Newton and Noss. Both can be reached by ferry, which operates between 10 am and 4 pm during the summer months. With its population of 500 and a 20-minute drive from Plymouth, it is the perfect spot for you, your family and of course, your dogs. Easily accessible by road, they have two private parking spaces; with all the available facilities, there is no need to overpack. However, if you wish to bring your own equipment, there is plenty of room in the garage. Anchor Cottage, set within a 19th-century waterfront Malthouse, has been lovingly restored, offering luxurious accommodation and outstanding facilities, including super-fast broadband. There are four bedrooms in total, three doubles, each with a king-size bed and sumptuous bedding. They all boast views over the Yealm Estuary. The master bedroom has a balcony where you can relax with a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy the tranquil water. There are two more doubles, one on the ground floor for easy access. The fourth is a twin bedroom, ideal for children.

The stylish, well-equipped kitchen, including a fridge freezer and dishwasher, leads into an open plan living area, with a dining table that seats eight, as well as comfortable seating. They have a laundry and heating for the colder months and a barbeque and accessories in the garage. Well behaved dogs are more than welcome. They offer dog beds, bowls and treats for your visiting pups, including a guidebook with lots of amazing dog walks. There are many wonderful walks on the Southwest Coast Path, with miles of dog-friendly beaches to explore with your pooch. Anchor Cottage recommends Revelstoke Drive, which is a fabulous 5-mile circular route from the cottage along the coast. Water sports are prevalent in the area, with kayaking (you will find two kayaks in the garage at Anchor Cottage, along with life jackets), SUP (standup paddleboarding) and surfing all available nearby. The owners are more than happy to help you with hiring equipment, booking lessons or finding the best spot for participating in these water sports. There is even a yachting club in Yealm for the more adventurous!

Looking out from Celler Beach to the sea

Mabel on the steps in Ferry Wood

ANCHOR COTTAGE, 7 MALTHOUSE, BRIDGEND, NOSS MAYO PL8 1DX

71 It is also the perfect spot for wild swimming, with hidden coves, caves to explore and a secluded waterfall, something for the whole family, including your beloved pooch. There are two tennis courts in the village, which can be booked in advance and don’t worry if you haven’t brought your own, they have racquets and balls, yes, you’ve guessed, in their well-stocked garage! Back at Anchor cottage, there are plenty of indoor pursuits to help you relax after a hectic day out. They have a smart tv, where you can log into your favourite streaming service, a DVD player as well as an X-Box and Sonos to keep you entertained. If you are trying to stay away from tech, they have a great selection of board games to play with the family too. The owners want you to have the best experience whilst staying at Anchor Cottage. If you are looking for catering for a special occasion or just for an indulgent meal, they can organise a chef who will cook you the most amazing dinner, using the freshest ingredients, catering for all budgets. They will even clean up after themselves!

Kaz Martin and Mabel

They can arrange a therapist for massages and beauty treatments, all done at Anchor cottage; the peaceful surroundings will help you relax and recharge. Or why not try yoga again in the comfort of the cottage? Nothing is too much trouble for their guests. You really can have the most indulgent, tranquil stay. The are three local pubs, all of which welcome dogs, as is the same for most of Devon. The Ship Inn and The Swan are located in Noss Mayo, and The Dolphin is in nearby Newton Ferrers. All three can be reached by Kayaking and swimming as well as by foot or car and offer delicious fresh seafood and a wide range of local ales. A thirty-minute drive away is the historic town of Totnes, packed with independent and unique shops offering handmade crafts, local food and much more. With more dog-friendly eateries and pubs for the whole family to enjoy. Anchor Cottage offers you and your dog a perfect getaway, with amazing walks, beautiful scenery, some of the best coastal walks and beaches; the perfect place for your family to take time away from your busy lifestyles; and best of all you can enjoy this quality time with your dogs too.

PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE AND READ A BOOK!

PUPLICATIONS

Incredible Kratu is the true inspirational story of an unlikely pair, an autistic woman with ADHD and a dog born to guard. She rescued him at a few weeks old, but it was Kratu who rescued her, helping her to heal, becoming her best friend and allowing much needed change to happen. Tess Eagle Swan had run away from home aged sixteen and, by her late twenties, had already survived violence and drug addiction. Her life had been traumatic and troubled. Tess was diagnosed at 54 with Autism, a welcome relief having given and lost so much of herself in her undiagnosed former life through drugs, violence and abuse of many kinds; finally, she understood herself. She was different and that was okay. She hadn’t understood people, which had nearly cost her, her life on many occasions. Rescuing several dogs with a friend in Romania led her to a scruffy, little grey puppy in a dangerous camp in Transylvania. His name was Kratu. Their lives changed forever that day. She had no idea how much caring for Kratu would transform her life. The more she mastered how to look after him, the more he gave back. She learnt to accept herself. Scars of the past were fading. Together their bond deepened and grew. They became inseparable. They worked hard and trained hard. Not without its challenges as Kratu had his own

thoughts on how things should be done. His inspired ‘freestyle agility run’ brought him worldwide fame after appearing at Crufts for ‘Woodgreen Pets Charity’ rescue dog team. He was the peoples champion of Crufts. When Ozzy Man Reviews posted ‘The Goodest Boy Ever’ it went viral, with 1.4 million views! Tess found with Kratu, for the first time in her life, someone who understood her, didn’t judge her and accepted her diversity with unconditional love. Learning together, connecting and developing this intense animal/ human bond, he took her on adventures that brought her the missing self-confidence and self-esteem that she had battled with her whole life. He became her teacher, guide and mentor. It is a story about conflict and trauma, injury and recovery, psychological wounds and spiritual restoration. But far more than that, it is a story about the love between a woman and her dog, and how, together, they healed each other’s souls, found strength in each other, overcame fears and challenges against all odds. It inspires, it’s the refusal to accept limits on love, ability and hope against overwhelming odds. It goes from happy, funny and moving, to sadness and pain. A deeply moving, true life portrait of a unique inspirational remarkable dog and his relationship with his autistic adopter Tess.

Bobby & Bubba’s Small Adventures is a delightful, illustrated book written to be shared with and enjoyed by families together – from babies to toddlers, to independent readers. Written by former MP Anthony Coombs, father to Alexander, and grandfather to British bulldog brothers Bobby & Bubba, the book is packed with short stories that can be read cover to cover or dipped into for story-times and bedtimes! Partly inspired by real-life events, Anthony swapped speech writing for children’s

stories, having been hit by the idea during one of their daily walks with the charismatic duo. Each charming chapter is a story in its own right, following the British Bulldogs on their hilarious adventures, meeting new people, getting up to mischief, and enjoying life. They each end with a gentle ‘moral of the story’ or ‘wise words of wisdom’, which are designed to encourage conversation among families.

In a pet dog you have your own personal trainer, your most loyal companion, your friendliest welcome, your uncritical friend. Yes, there are the muddy paws, the walks in the rain, the wet fur and the chewed footwear ... but let’s look at the big picture! In a tribute to Man’s Best Friend, Anna Levin’s delightful short poem is a homage to our pet dogs, each line illustrated with a moving photograph of someone’s

mutt: funny, heart-wrenching, loving, exasperating and paying back their owners a hundred times over. Anna Levin is a journalist and author with a special interest in people’s connections with the natural world. A former Section Editor with BBC Wildlife Magazine, she has worked for a range of publications and environmental organisations and is caption-writer for Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

Have you ever thought about giving up work to escape into the wide, blue yonder? Jackie and Mark Lambert did just that. They rented out their house and took off in a caravan with ‘The Fab Four’ - their four Cavapoos (Cavalier/ Poodle cross) Kai, Rosie, Ruby, and Lani. With windsurf boards strapped to their roof, they struck south for Spain and Portugal, but decided to turn left… According to The Spectator, Romania is “Europe’s most overlooked holiday destination.”

According to everyone else, it was somewhere where they would be robbed, scammed, kidnapped by gypsies, eaten by bears or attacked by wild dogs and wolves – if they managed to avoid the floods and riots. Based on Jackie’s travel blog, www.worldwidewalkies. com Dogs ‘n’ Dracula is the true story of their third year on wheels with Kismet and ‘Big Blue’ – their trusty tow vehicle (and toy box) – a Hyundai iLoad panel van.

EDITO R’ CHOI S CE

Tried and tested on Poppy, the editor’s dog. Poppy has pancreatitis and needs a low fat diet. She has no reaction to these treats - she loves them.

INGREDIENTS

Wheat, Chicken Meal, Glycerine, Minerals, Rice Flour (4%), Turkey Meal (4%), Gelatine, Whey Powder, Vegetable Oil.

NUTRITION

Moisture 20%, Crude Fibre 1.1%, Protein 20%, Crude Ash 7.5%, Fat Content 4% £1.29 from petsathome.com

Treat them

Please note: Treats should only be given once or twice a day.

INGREDIENTS

Oats, Pea, Glycerine, Chickpeas, Sweet Potato, Apple, Rapeseed Oil, Seaweed, Linseed, 0.1% Slippery Elm

NUTRITION

Protein 11%, Fat 8%, Crude Fibre 7%, Inorganic Matter 2%, Calories 304 Kcal/100g £2.48 from scrumbles.co.uk

75 INGREDIENTS

60% Freshly Prepared Beef, Potato, Pea Protein, Glycerin (derived from Vegetable Oil), Minerals, Flaxseeds, Blueberries, Spinach (0.1%), Cinnamon (0.01%)

NUTRITION

Crude Protein: 21%, Crude Fat: 13% Crude Fibres: 2%, Crude Ash: 6.5%, Moisture 20% £2.25 from lilyskitchen.co.uk

well! INGREDIENTS

Oat Flour, Vegetable Glycerine, Rye Flour, Dried Carob (8%), Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, Quinoa (1%), Chamomile (1%), Minerals.

NUTRITION

Crude Protein - 6.67%, Crude Oils - 10.51%, Crude Fibre - 4.47%, Inorganic Matter 1.47%, Moisture - 18% £2.99 from becopets.com

INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS

Chickpea Flour, Salmon (18%), Sweet Potato, Vegetable Glycerine, Rapeseed Oil, Fresh Banana (1%), Fresh Blueberries (1%), Dried Apple, Spinach, Dried Cranberry

NUTRITION

Crude Protein 20.1%, Crude Oils & Fats 11.6%, Crude Fibre 2%, Crude Ash 5.2%, Moisture 18%, £2.90 from denzels.co.uk

Sweet Potato Flour, Pea Flour, (Purple Sweet Potato Flour 5%, Dried Blueberry 0.6%,)(Dried Apple 0.6%,Dried Spinach 0.6%) (Dried Banana 0.6%, Real Peanut Butter (does not contain xylitol) 0.6%,) Coconut Oil 1.5% Vegetable Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Dried Brewers Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Additives: Titanium dioxide (0.1%) Potassium Sorbate,

NUTRITION

Analysis Moisture( max 15%) Crude ash(max 5%) Crude fibre (max 5%) Crude protein (min 3.5%) Crude fat (min 1%) £4.00 from petnatura.co.uk

76 WWW.BOWWOWSKETCH.CO.UK

BOW WOW SKETCH SARAH GOODER IS AN ARTIST LIVING AND WORKING IN YORKSHIRE WITH HER HUSBAND, THEIR TWO BOYS, ITALIAN SPINONE COCO AND LURCHER ALBI.

Sarah has been painting and drawing full time for the past five years. Known best for her drawings and paintings of dogs, Sarah has exhibited at Chester Arts Fair, Childwickbury Arts Fair and various galleries around the UK including Bankside Gallery, London, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Carlisle and the Biscuit Factory Newcastle. Sarah works primarily in watercolour and ink. She is self-taught, having rediscovered drawing when she studied

for an Architecture degree as a mature student. Working quickly allows a spontaneous, energetic and immediate response to the subject, preserving that initial sketch, those first marks that begin to define the subject. Sarah also likes to work with multiple, careful layers, that gradually build up tone and texture and really establish a connection with the subject, after many days of observation and painting.

78 Sarah happily takes commissions and in addition to UK customers has clients in the US, Italy , Australia and other places around the world. To commission Sarah, get in touch via her website or social media and she’ll be delighted to book you into her diary. Sarah also sells cards and prints of her work online through her etsy shop. ARTIST STATEMENT: Dogs hold a huge fascination for me as a subject to paint. I get lost in the patterns of their coats, the landscapes of colour and form. Watercolour allows me to find the patterns and textures, layering and blending colours and shapes over each other. Each dog has a unique character and it feels a privilege when these animals choose to place their trust in us and offer their friendship. This is what I aim to capture, that connection between two different species and how they convey this to us.

COCO

Coco is an Italian Spinone, just turning six years old and our first dog. We spent a long time trying to decide on the right breed for us, and then the Italian Spinone breed in detail. We met a local litter and promptly fell in love before making the final decision. The breed is likely to have been present in Italy for hundreds of years and possibly a mix of coarse-coated Italian setters with white mastiffs, French griffons, and other dogs. They’re

A watercolour of Sarah’s dog Coco

daft, smart, sometimes stubborn and very loving dogs with such a human expression in their eyes. Coco will steal butter at any given chance and is at her most obedient when any kind of food is involved. Coco’s first love, a Bedlington Whippet called Buddy, is the first dog I drew and the reason I started bowwowsketch.

ALBI Albi is a lurcher, just over one year old now. We think he’s probably a mix of mostly greyhound and whippet, but being a lurcher there are probably all kinds of other breeds in there. He was found abandoned at around two months old, absolute skin and bone in the countryside nearby and taken to a vets close to us. I was walking Coco one day and met one of the vets taking him out. I was smitten instantly (Coco was mildly disgusted). Without

A watercolour of Sarah’s dog Albi which has been accepted into the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours Open Exhibition.

thinking about it (or checking with my husband), I immediately said we’d take him. A month later he joined the family. Coco was throughly put out for a few weeks when he arrived but he’s settled in and they get on really well. He loves curling up pretzel style, running insanely fast through the local woods and playing with his best friend Fred.

Award Winning On Location Dog Photography by Nigel Wallace, as featured on BBC and ITV Would you love images like these of your dog?

If yes contact me on T: 07720 834868 E: wallacenigel@ymail.co.uk nigelwallacephotography.co.uk

Vanity Fur Magzine Spring 2023

Articles inside

ALBI

COCO

BOW WOW SKETCH

PUPLICATIONS

DEVON DELIGHT

RESCUING A PUPPY

YELLOW DOGS!

Walkies!

MUTHAPUPPA

POWERHOUSE SUPPLIMENT

DOG FRIENDLY UK BREAKS

SWEET PEGGY

DOG DENTAL MONTH

RACHEL’S TIPS FOR A DOG MOUTH EMERGENCY

DOG-FRIENDLY AND SOME

PEANUT BUTTER CAROB CUPS

WASHING UP LIQUID IS KINDER THAN MOST DOG SHAMPOOS

LIVING THE DREAM

DON’T BUG ME, EAT ME!

WHEN GINA MET MAZEY & MINA

ROTTWEILER DOG FACTS

AMAZING MAZEY

HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT ONE PAW PRINT AT A TIME

DOG PARKOUR (URBAN AGILITY)

We would love to see you!

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