FEATURES CHRISTMAS AND DOGS Christmas is coming, so here’s some tips on how to keep your dog happy during this festive season. • Foods that your dog can enjoy (in moderation); skinless turkey and chicken, sausage, ham, sweet potato, most green veg, parsnip, mashed swede and carrot (no butter added). • Foods that they can’t have; Christmas cake/pudding, mince pies, macadamia nuts, walnuts and stuffing (contains onions). • Do not leave chocolates laying around or hanging on the tree. Poisoning happens as dogs aren’t able to metabolise theobromine effectively. • Make sure any holly/berries, mistletoe and poinsettia are well out of reach. • Take care with tinsel and other decorations, such as glass baubles, as these can cause an obstruction or injury if swallowed. • Be careful that there are no trailing cables or tree lights, as they can shatter and cause injury or your dog can get tangled up in them. • Anchor the tree securely – especially if you have a puppy or rambunctious adolescent hooligan! You may like to pop a barrier around the tree to keep it safe, as well as the presents underneath it. • Keep lit candles away from your dog’s tail wag zone. • Keep an eye with dog-dog interactions, even the best of friends can get a little protective over new toys. • If you can’t actively supervise your dog, then just shut the door of the room that you don’t want them to go in. • Give your dog their own presents to open. Wrap them loosely in brown paper or cardboard, making sure that it’s just being ripped not swallowed. • Make sure your dog has their safe place to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle if they want to. If your dog does become overstimulated and over tired, then here’s some calming activities they can do; • Sniff out either some of their food or tiny goodies in the garden or suitable room. • Give a loaded Lickimat or Kong with either some of their wet food or some mashed banana or dog friendly peanut butter on/ in it. • Give your dog a brand new long lasting healthy or natural chew in their safe place. A whimzee, yaker, dehydrated fish stick, beef hide or trachea. •Hide some of your dog’s dry food in a snuffle mat or rolled up towel. Here’s wishing you and your dogs a very Happy Christmas! Julie Williams APDT IMDT South Wales Dog Training Academy
THE PROBUS CLUB OF PORTHCAWL We are now pleased to be able to report that following the suspension of meetings due to the Covid virus, we are now back to our regular Tuesday morning meetings held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at The Grove Golf Club, South Cornelly at 10.45am. At our last meeting held on the 5th October 2021, we were addressed by Mr. Dean Powell who spoke lucidly on the fascinating story of the incredible life of Dr. William Price, best known for the introduction of cremation to South Wales. Some of our speakers address us on more than one occasion because they are recalled by poplar request and speakers for the coming months include Rev. Clive Williams whose knowledge of classical composers is phenomenal and who illustrates his remarks on the piano, Roy Noble, the well-known broadcaster and entertainer and Trevor Fishlock who is also well known for his “on air” entertainment. Then at the beginning of next year, we have booked Rowena Williams to speak on John Thomas, a Harpist to Queen Victoria and other talented entertainers together with our friends, John Pearman and Debra John. For further information please contact our Secretary, Peter Downes, Telephone no. 01656 785505. David Morgan, Past President
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES Do you agree with this post from social media? “Saying Christmas is at risk due to supply problems leads me to believe that you do not know the reason for Christmas’. For Christians, Christmas is not about us, it is about Jesus Christ. If we lose sight of the momentous significance of His birth, life, death, resurrection and promise to return then the heart of Christmas is missing. Christmas becomes just another excuse for a party, which eventually leaves us feeling empty and unsatisfied in the deep places of our soul. Instead, if we remember and celebrate that ‘God so loved the world he sent his only Son so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have everlasting life’ then Christmas takes on a much deeper meaning. Christmas may be spoiled by our selfishness and wrong expectations, but it can’t be spoiled by supply problems. It’s not about the party it’s about the birthday boy. The birth of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in the history of the human race. Our Saviour has come. If you would like to know more about becoming a Christian, or about Christmas events at Gilgal Baptist Church please contact us at faith@gilgal.co.uk Christmas Blessings, Rev. Martin Gillard
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PORTHCAWL LIONS EARLY DEADLINE FOR JANUARY
Please note: due to the Christmas shutdown, the deadline date for the January 2022 issue is Friday 10th December.
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Join us in our Christmas photo competition, juniors and adults – ends 8th Dec. Santa’s Grotto is on Saturday 4th, 11th and 18 December, and Santa’s picture trail, is at the Boxing Day Morning Fun Run, Hi-tide and in the Happy New Year just join us! For friendship, fun, fundraising and local support: membership@ porthcawllions.com