Pets Magazine November 2016

November, 2016

Meet TEDDY, the social media star!

YOUR PET’S STARS By Celeb Astrologer AND MUCH MORE RUSSELL GRANT INSIDE

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SOPHIE & NELL’S CHOICES Premium pet products, destinations & activities for you & your pet chosen by Sophie & Nell, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, assisted by Marie.

Perfect for protecting your pet!

A great combination of goodies and flea/tick & worming treatments in a monthly subscription box.

Prices vary according to size and species of pet with the cat box (pictured) at £9.99 while a medium dog box is priced at £11.99.

All of the Protect My Pet boxes are letterbox friendly to ensure you don't have to be at home to sign for their delivery. www.protect-mypet.com

A nutritious dry food for dogs Guru uses a little known, but traditional method of dog food production called ‘cold pressed’, which helps to maintain the nutrients lost in the production of other forms of fried dog food.

The brand was founded thanks to Lisa and Andrew Clarke’s love of dogs. Having cooked home meals for their dogs for 20 years they wanted to explore opportunities around nutritionally rich dog food, which doesn’t require the lengthy preparation time of home feeding.

www.gurupetfood.com

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Wag Bag! Here’s a lovely treat hamper from London-based dog day care centre The Wag Club (www.wag-club.co.uk). The company handpicks toys, treats and chews according to the size of the dog, and then sends The Wag Bag out as a monthly subscription. Subs are £28.99 a month and you can also buy a Wag Bag as a one-time purchase. www.wag-bag.com

Perfect for active pooches!

By a guest reviewer The concept behind the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is fantastic - a device which enables the dogs to enjoy ball play without the effort (and the soggy hands!). It is easy to set up and does throw the tennis ball a good distance. However, my Border Collies weren't too good at putting the ball back into the machine (their fault and not the product's) so it was not entirely without effort.

Also, the time delay between the ball being inserted and the 'throw' is quite long - the dogs are used to bringing something back and it being thrown again instantly and they did get bored waiting for what seemed like about half a minute. Nevertheless, an innovative product.

Priced at £129.99.

Pets Mag comment: We are told by PetSafe that the delay is a safety feature for the area where the ball is due to launch. www.petsafe.net/uk

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Great training tips for dog owners!

This definitive resource has everything you need to know about our canine companions, from training and grooming tips to understanding how your dog sees the world.

‘The Total Dog Manual’ has been written to help you find a dog to share your life and home with, and to help you have the best possible relationship with your dog throughout their life. Includes step-by-step training tips.

Priced at £18.95 and available from all good book shops.

An historic canine journey ‘A History of Britain in 100 Dogs’ tells the story of Britain through beautiful colour illustrations and captivating commentary about our faithful canine companions, including the individual stories of heroic and historically significant dogs, such as Pickles, who found the World Cup trophy in 1966, and Bruce, who went down with his Captain on the HMS Formidable in 1915.

We also meet the dogs of famous people from Queen Victoria’s dogs and Darwin’s fox terrier Polly to Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ adventurous Bothie.

Priced at £20.00 and available from all good book shops.

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Puppets through your letterbox!

Puppets By Post has over one million puppets in stock including finger puppets, marionettes, puppet books, hand puppets and lots of lovely cat and dog puppets. Have fun playing with the Black & White Cat, the Brown & White Full Bodied dog or King Charles Spaniel Glove Puppet.

Prices vary - please see website. www.puppetsbypost.com

Harris Tweed dog togs!

We absolutely love these beautiful dog collars, harnesses and other accessories from Scottish company Bowzos. We particularly love their extremely smart waistcoats, which are perfect for a smart occasion you might be attending with your pooch. Be prepared for admiring glances wherever you go with your dog! www.bowzos.co.uk

PS/ We’re always looking for premium products to review both for pets and people. Please get in touch with the boss at editor@petsmag.co.uk.

Love,

Sophie & Nell

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xxx

ARIES

CANCER

March 21st - April 20th

June 22nd - July 23rd

You are very attuned to the needs of your family. Sticking close to someone who is undergoing some emotional pain is a very good idea. Your presence will speed the healing process. You don't expect anything in return for your devotion. Just attending to a person's needs is reward enough. Of course, you wouldn't be averse to getting some extra treats in your food bowl. Fuzzy toys fill you with delight, too.

As celebrations are being planned your happy housemate means to make sure your home is in tiptop condition and launches a clean up of all areas. Very likely items you tucked away in strange places will be discovered and you'll be nudged to help make the house tidy for visitors! Household repairs will be worked on right away so, in some instances at least, you can help best by staying out of the way. As always, look to your companion for direction.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

TAURUS

Ah, things are just as you like them to be; there's plenty to do and your housemate is happy to have your help doing it all.

It's been hard to settle into your There's little you enjoy as much normal routine as you feel as the feeling you get after you bumped around by changing and your friend turn an upset situations at home. It seems room into a showplace! It's also someone is moving out and true that attending to details is strange people have been afoot. a way for you to stay out of Arguments in the house have trouble; when there are no left you unsettled. It's all very specific tasks assigned to you, confusing. This will all settle you cleverly invent some your down soon and you'll establish housemate hadn't yet thought a somewhat different routine. of!

In the meantime, go with the flow!

April 21st - May 21st

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LEO July 24th - August 23rd

More outdoor activity is on the agenda, and that leads to more playtime with people and toys, and in general more opportunities for treats from the neighbours. Add to this pleasant weather conditions, and you'll think you've gone to heaven! With new foods coming from various sources, pay close attention to your diet.

A change in the menu may sound exciting, but your stomach may not agree!

VIRGO August 24th September 23rd

You're feeling particularly empowered this month, full of well coordinated positive energy.

Human friends who observe you note that you're quite graceful and they get a calming benefit from watching you move about so smoothly. Finding the point of balance is always on your mind, but rarely more than now, so it's no surprise that you're tempting fate by venturing out across a narrow board or perching on the centre spot of a recreational devise. Just don't get too carried away; you're not infallible!

to accept a change in leadership. Hopefully, your owner will sense your distress.

The more time your human

circles, pretend you're chasing something or being chased by some wild creature of the imagination; let your enthusiasm and inner actor shine through.

Later you can sit back and relax having had your fill of tickles and appreciative laughter.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd December 21st

companion spends with you, the easier this transition will be. You're a very sensitive creature who needs lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles to feel safe. A chance for adventure presents itself this month.

It's quite a lovely time as people and pets whose company you enjoy arrive to help you and your housemate celebrate the end of the year.

Before they come to call you'll find yourself having to make some adjustments at home as furniture or other household objects are moved into different positions. This is done to SCORPIO accommodate seasonal October 24th - November 22nd decorating, which you may or may not appreciate. At the very As long as children are least you can enjoy playing with involved, you feel free to LIBRA embarrass yourself in the hopes curly ribbons that find their September 24th way to the floor, can't you? of making them laugh; you're October 23rd good at dramatics and can excel You may not be able to grasp all at physical comedy when you of the changes that are going on put your mind to it. Roll over around you. It's especially hard on your back, run around in

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CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

What a great month for you; not only are you getting lots of the kind of attention you so rightly deserve, you're able to reconnect with friends you may not have seen in quite a while.

There's nothing like renewing acquaintances with people and pets you've been comfortable with for a long period of time; it feels like being 'at home'!

Because you're not thrown off when unexpected visitors drop by, you can help your housemates keep their cool in the face of these surprises

AQUARIUS

and friends will appreciate your Russell Grant’s Pet efforts.

Horoscope is sponsored by The Dog Treat Company, renowned for producing PISCES delicious and ethically February 20th sourced dog treats.

March 20th

By the middle of the month your psychic sense will be flooded with new input and once it's over it would not be too much of a surprise if all you wanted to do was sleep. Not that you won't be sleeping across some of the time you're receiving spiritual information, you will, but these sessions will be so full of images and visions, they won't exactly be restful.

Whatever you learn during this period will help you and your family in the time ahead.

January 21st February 19th

Fussy creature, you're feeling like yourself again and so now it's time to get cracking around the house. Revisit rooms that you haven't spent much time in lately. Put things in order near your food bowl. Organise your sleep space. Make a mental list of what could make your home cosier. The chores will help you feel secure and your owners

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Outdoor style STYLISH & WARM WINTER COAT! The Baleno range combines stylish design with superior technical performance, proven durability and outstanding quality for the countryside enthusiast.

With a heritage spanning more than 40 years Baleno is backed by a parent company renowned for its expertise in developing protective clothing to stand up to the most challenging environments.

The fabulous Paris coat (pictured) is perfect winter wear for the stylish lady dog walker.

It’s extremely warm with Thinsulate featherless insulation and comes in navy or champagne. Priced at £194.99.

To download catalogue from the Baleno Lifestyle AW 2016/17 collection: http:// www.baleno.be/uploads/downloads/balenolifestyle-2016-2017.pdf

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING! A perfect complement to street terrain or muddy country walks, the Merrell Emery Ankle Boot is a smart, but practical ankle boot is ready for an adventure in the snow, on the hills and in the city. With PU coated leather upper and breathable mesh lining. Priced at £90.00. www.merrell.com/UK

TOASTY HANDS! Luxurious and classic, Heat Holders Leather Gloves are a must-have item for those who wish to look stylish while walking the dog. The gloves have a soft leather exterior and a plush, fur-like lining and will make your hands toasty warm in the colder months. For men and women, and priced at £24.99. www.heatholders.com

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David Cliff reviews...

I was pleased to review a short but interesting piece of work entitled ‘The Downing Street Cats" by Neal Sean/Maycon Productions 2016.

The Downing Street cats, it appears, are a collective involving Palmerston, the Home Office cat, Larry the Downing Street cat and Gladstone from Number 11.

Interestingly, Palmerston appears to be the self-appointed leader of the group. From recent celebrated spats between Larry and Palmerston in the national press, it would appear there may be a bit of a power struggle going on and that dynamic may not necessarily be the case, in reality!

These rescue cats however share common experiences. They are rapidly becoming a national asset and share considerable media attention, which is always better it seems, if the reporters have treats!

The book gives a cat's eye view of change in the corridors of power, in particular the poignant departure of David Cameron and the events leading up to that.

Whilst written as a children's book ostensibly, with wonderful illustrations, it is reminiscent in appeal, to the child's program "the Magic Roundabout" of yesteryear where more adults were interested than children ultimately given the political dynamics that underpin the narrative.

It shines an interesting light on a key issue for people and animals, namely those who are significant

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authors of our destiny.

In the context of people, it is often what politicians do and the impact of political policies upon our everyday lives. Who is in control, their ideologies and policies intimately touch everyone.

For our feline friends, it is pretty much the same, policy or leadership change produces changes in ownership, domestic stability and even feeding times can change when under new management. The Downing Street cats, as with civil servants, are not part of the ownership of any individual and therefore changes at the seat of power, can lead to uncertainty.

Equally, relationships with the outside world are not dissimilar for politicians or cats, with some allies and some detractors, amongst the press and others. it seems.

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The strength of this work is one of subtle allegory; cats, children and politicians of all ages should love it.

The Downing Street Cats is available from Amazon.

Cat lover David Cliff is MD of Gedanken, a company specialising in coachingbased support and personal development.

Q&A Larry the cat outside No. 10

We speak to NEIL SEAN, author of ‘The Downing Street Cats’, a children’s tale about the famous felines of Downing Street, Larry and Palmerston.

am stationed at Number 10 on many occasions for all big breaking new stories, It’s a cold normal street really which just happens to be the most famous street in the world.

What was the inspiration for ‘The Downing Street Cats’?

What people don’t realize is that when you’re a reporter outside a famous place - be it Buckingham Palace or 10 Downing Street - you Neil, tell us about your hang around a lot when not “ live on camera.” background? two things happened, I got to know Palmerston and Larry the Downing Street cats very well My background really started in variety and through that the staff and then ex-PM theatre as mum and dad were both artistes and David Cameron told me one day while we toured all over the country. There was speaking about them “I am surprised no one always a theatre cat around and basically you had written a book yet!” It was the lightbulb form a friendship with them while there, plus moment and after that I pondered what they we had endless cats as a child most notably were really thinking when on the steps of “Mario “who was a boy Tabby named after Number 10 with all the reporters and Mario Lanza …. I am currently a political and dignitaries around.

Royal reporter for a US TV channel as well as other areas in the world like Oz and Europe – I

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Can you sum up in a few sentences what your book is about?

looked at the cat’s perspective and thought well as long as they are catching mice then they are safe in their jobs, but are they?

It’s simply about the musings of Larry, Palmerston and Gladstone who all live and reside in Whitehall.

They secretly run the country as they have special powers but what will please adults also is you get some insight into what Downing Street cat Palmerston reporters think and glean when standing around in these events. It’s viewed through the cats’ eyes, which Is it claws at dawn between I hope people will find amusing and also fun.

You do wonder what secrets they could reveal if Palmerston and Larry? they could speak .. which was the moment I It’s not a case of claws out as such more of a realized that Palmerton and co can! case of Top Dog or Top Cat but as the series evolves I hope to show that animals and pets How did you carry out research for are far more fair then adults in life.

the book?

I have reported from Downing Street now for over 10 years, so you pick up a lot about the place and vibe of the people. The police crew are brilliant, as you would expect, but also the staff are welcoming and helpful plus there is an air of sadness like when Mr Cameron left. I

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They may fight but they soon make up and take on another adventure again which is always fun, Also their new boss, a certain Mrs May, is not so much of a cat lover and so we get to see what they think about that!

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Do you have cats / pets yourself?

Are you a full-time author now?

Not full time as the TV career keeps me very I would love to have a pet but sadly doing the busy but I enjoy writing. It’s my third book now work I do for various channels including the US – My last was called ‘Live from the London is hard because you can’t keep asking people to Palladium’ , which was a collection of my look after them can you? My brother though interviews with the many stars who played the has two cats and lots of ‘visitors’, “cats that famous theatre. The book opened quite a few always seem to know where an extra bowl of doors as people tend to put you in one box but milk is.” Mum has a cat, not hers, but he visits the success of the book meant I was offered all daily for milk and choc ices no less. He won’t kinds of work so to all those out there thinking stay, won’t come in the house, but is very about doing something .. just don’t it and don’t demanding. He is, we think, called Felix but he let bullies, trolls or negative people put you won’t let you get that close to check. off ...ever.

Any plans for new books in the pipeline?

What has the initial reception for the book been?

The initial reception for the book has been brilliant. We know we have a Royal fan in a certain Princess …. I am also a Royal reporter, so yes I was cheeky and sent a copy over which has been well received. We know them to be a pet-loving family though thanks to Lupo the Cocker Spaniel.

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My next book is virtually finished now called ‘I Met Marilyn’.

It’s an interesting book which basically started when I looked back at old cassette tapes of myself as a young boy interviewing the likes of Laurence Oliver, Bing Crosby and then more up to date on TV with Mickey Rooney, Tony Curtis and the like who all give a unique and rare insight into the troubled actress .. But what is great is that the versions of stories finally tell the truth about this still global icon.

But I love writing Palmerston and co as they really are like firm friend’s now!

The Downing Street Cats is available from Amazon.

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Television presenter TESS DALY talks about the devastating loss of her Golden Retriever Sam to Lungworm...

Click this link to watch the video or click the video below.

LARS ANDERSEN, MD of Arty Lobster On 3D Pet Sculptures Click this link to watch the video or click the video below.

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my pet This month, we meet budding canine social media star Teddy the Maltese who has a growing Instagram following of 53,000. Teddy lives in Ipswich in Suffolk with his family including his mummy Kerri Westaway.

KERRI, WHAT BREED IS TEDDY & WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HIM?

DOES TEDDY COME TO WORK WITH YOU?

Teddy is a Maltese and I chose him because I had always wanted a Maltese and when I saw his little face it was love at first sight - I had to have him!

Teddy has been to work with me but he doesn't really like all the different noises and smells. He prefers to stay at home with his doggy and kitty brother and sisters including Bailey the Ragdoll cat, Tia the Tabby cat, Pixie the black cat, Beamer the Lhasa Apso X, Poppy and Pebbles the Morkies.

Teddy is three years old and we have had him since he was eight weeks.

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WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES TEDDY MAKE TO YOUR LIFE? Teddy completes our family and is always happy to see me, I look forward to coming home to him. He has also built up a large following on Instagram @maltese_puppy_teddy which means I need to post a daily picture. He is very affectionate and loves everyone he meets, he is like my little shadow at times.

cafes there. Teddy has been in restaurants with us on holiday in the New Forest as they seem to have more pet friendly ones. He doesn't usually go to any around Ipswich unless it's a pub garden.

DOES TEDDY HAVE ANY SPECIAL TRICKS? DO YOU DO PET FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS?

Teddy loves to please and will sit still for ages whilst having his picture taken, he loves dressing We have taken Teddy on holiday up in clothes and is extremely with us in the UK but he has never photogenic. Teddy has promoted been abroad yet. I aim to apply several products for companies for a passport for him so he can through his Instagram account travel with me abroad. Our including The Body Shop UK. favourite place to take Teddy is Teddy’s favourite things in the the New Forest, we usually stay world are walkies, his pet in a cottage that allows pets. brothers and sisters (dogs and Teddy loves all the great places to cats), treats and food, his walk and the ponies. He is also favourite toy is his bunny who he allowed in most of the shops and

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has had since he was a tiny puppy, and his human family.

Teddy loves attention and cuddles.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT REGARDING ANIMAL WELFARE? I feel very strongly about all aspects of animal welfare, I hate dog fighting, puppy farms, animal cruelty or neglect. I donate money to Battersea Dogs Home monthly. We currently have 7 pets and I would gladly have more if I could.

Follow Teddy on his Instagram page: www.instagram.com/ maltese_puppy_teddy.

Best of Breed: The Cheeky Chihuahua

By Rachel Baker Rachel is the proud owner of chihuahuas Romeo and Paco.

She tells us what life is like with this small in size but big in personality breed.

There is nothing more fun than seeing a couple of hyperactive Chihuahuas sprinting around your living room or garden at 100mph!

But they are hard work, they want to be the boss, they can be grumpy, irritable, naughty, cheeky, funny, loving, loyal, intelligent and the most wonderful pet you could ever wish for.

Rachel with Romeo the chihuahua

They are year old addictive – you ‘Chihuahuas are addictive - you can’t and can’t stop at Romeo stop at one....they are the most one and if beautiful, kind and trustworthy dogs’ was six you’re prepared months. to put in the hard work, you will have the most A recipe for disaster people said, but beautiful, kind and trustworthy friend they get on brilliantly. Romeo was for life. Just make sure you ignore the incredibly accepting and Paco settled fashionable media stereotypes of a in quickly. fluffy, little quiet dog that likes to be dressed up, never needs to wee or They have completely different poop and is quite happily carried personalities which makes a happy around in a handbag! and chaotic home. Romeo isn’t a I have two Chihuahuas, Romeo has just turned one and I bought him from the breeder when he was nine weeks old. It is said that you don’t choose a puppy, but that the puppy chooses you and my little Romeo stole my heart from the first second I met him.

My other Chihuahua, Paco came to live with us when he was already a

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cuddler, he’s independent, feisty and always into mischief – he likes to receive affection through play.

I can be dozing on the sofa in the evening and all of a sudden, he’ll jump up on his hind legs and his little head will poke up with a sock in his mouth which means it’s play time. He Pets Magazine

is totally loyal to me, but still loves the attention he gets from my friends.

When he’s tired he will have a little knap across my neck or snuggle up on my lap with a real urgency and promptly fall asleep. But his personality is spritely and always on the go!

Paco is a big Chihuahua and a total lap dog; even though he’s the biggest and the oldest, he’s the baby. He’s a lot more streetwise when we’re out but he needs ‘big boy cuddles’ regularly.

Chihuahuas have a reputation of being stubborn and difficult to train, but in my experience they love to please as they crave praise and attention. Romeo learned to use puppy pads quickly with lots of over the top praise, cuddles and rewards, however it did take him longer to

learn how to, “sit”. He and I both knew that he knew it, but he’s an arrogant little chap and didn’t see why he should have to sit on demand!

When Paco came to me at a year, he didn’t seem to know “sit”. But as he’ll do anything for a cuddle, he soon picked it up and now likes to sit in front of people randomly, looking them eagerly in the eye waiting to be told he’s a good boy.

It’s a dog’s life: Paco and Romeo Romeo became much less of a baby when Paco came to live with us. At six months Romeo refused to eat unless I hand fed him – but after watching

Paco’s first meal, he’s eaten off his own plate ever since.

I was very fortunate to be able to adopt Paco. Romeo is such a character that I hoped if another Chihuahua came to live with us, I

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may not need to crawl along the floor, pushing a ball along with my nose at 11 o’clock at night! However as Paco takes himself off up to bed at about 9pm, I’m still left entertaining hyperactive Romeo.

The wonderful thing about adopting a dog is learning about their personality.

Paco loves to dance, and must have enjoyed music in his previous home.

When a dance song comes on the radio, he jumps up on his hind legs and leaps about to the music and I join in whilst Romeo watches looking confused.

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Paco also grooms Romeo which is the cutest thing ever, as I love to watch them bonding without being involved.

Chihuahuas need regular exercise and stimulation and I’m a great believer that a tired dog is a good dog. Mine enjoy being out in all weather, especially chasing leaves in autumn. They both love summer but neither of them like the driving rain they dig their little claws into the ground and refuse to move so I have to carry them home, one under each arm.

Chihuahuas are wonderful dogs and don’t need to be restricted by having limitations imposed on them. Of course, take into consideration that they are smaller, but anything a big dog can do, Chihuahuas can do in miniature!

Meet Mocha from Melbourne!

We couldn’t resist giving the final smile to Mocha the Chihuahua/Peke Cross photographed by the amazing Pan of The Pawsome www.thepawsome.co - Pan tells stories of dogs found in parks and streets around Melbourne, Australia - to see more visit Pan’s website or follow him on Instagram!

His owner says: “Mocha is a 6-month-old Chihuahua X Pekingese puppy. He was the quietest in the shop and was so cute and fluffy when we first saw him. He wakes up very early every morning.”

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