The Tailchaser Times - Issue 7

r e s a h c l i a T Times

The

ISSUE 7

TOP 7 Influencers you should follow on Instagram

Dog friendly places to visit this summer Our ultimate guide for new puppy parents

Staf fies

Profile of a loveable breed

HALL OF FAME! We feature your precious furbabies

A day in the life of a Burns Project Manager

Receive pet food, vouchers, discounts, gifts, and nutritional advice to support your puppy's first year.

burnspet.co.uk

Hello!

Welcome to Issue 7 of The Tailchaser Times...

Inside the last issue, we ended our welcome letter by saying ‘we have no doubt 2020 will have even more to offer,’ and boy was this an understatement.

Little did we know at the time, but 2020 and 2021 would bring about a catastrophic change to the world because of an unprecedented global pandemic.

Over the last year, the world has slowed down and stopped, then started up again more times than we can count.

Businesses, including our own, have found times tough, with many having to hold tight, knuckle down, and wade through as best we can.

Inside this issue...

Page 6 The Staffie Page 8 A Day In The Life Page 12 Woodland Heroes Page 18 John Burns Chews The Fat Page 20 Dog Friendly Places to Visit

During the last year, despite the struggles of lockdown, we’ve managed to take some positive steps at Burns.

We’ve launched several Burns Pet Shops in various locations across West Wales, created a new line of treats, relaunched our wet food in more sustainable packaging, and fought the growing problem of doggy obesity by launching a special weight loss support group, called ‘Hounds Dropping Pounds.’

In this issue, you’ll find out about amazing dog friendly places to visit (page 20 – 22), get information from the nutrition team on doggy obesity (page 10 – 11) and find out

how The John Burns Foundation is helping kids plant more trees (page 12 – 13).

Perhaps now, we can start to see light at the end of the tunnel, and with everything beginning to go back to some normality, this edition of Tailchaser is a hopeful celebration of everything that’s yet to come.

Distribution Find our publication at independent pet shops and dog events up and down the country.

Alternatively, all of our issues are available digitally and if you ask nicely, we are happy to pop a copy in the post.

Submissions If you have a story worth sharing, email pitches to: marketing@burnspet.co.uk Follow us @BurnsPet @BurnsPet @BurnsPetFood burnspet.co.uk

BVMS MRCVS

Editor Laurie Canciani Graphic Design Alistair Corbett Tom Pinfield Contributors John Burns, Catrin Frame, Burns Nutrition Team, Mountain Rescue Search Dog Association, Dog Furiendly, Milo & Pi

Hall of Fame The very best thing about running a pet food company is being introduced to your superstar pets and learning about their unique qualities. That’s why in each issue we hand the floor over to your beloved pets, without whom we wouldn’t have a paw to stand on...

Mac Mac tried to help his human forget about work by dressing up as one of their colleagues!

Lela and Jaxson

Juce & Jem

Lela and Jaxson are rescue dogs from Serbia and Bosnia who had no cosy bed, cuddles or scratches growing up, but they now get lots from their Mum.

Juce and Jem have been their mum’s work colleagues and sole companions during 14 months of lockdown.

Lea Lea was rescued from Macedonia, but she’s now part of a family with a couple of rescue siblings. Her Mum, who she makes laugh a lot, says they rescued each other.

Dora Dora made such a positive impact on her hooman’s mental health, that she became a therapy dog and now visits hospitals, schools and colleges.

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Jack & Basel Jack and Basel are both rescue doggos who have helped their Mum get through lockdown.

Winston Winston won best in show at 9 years old and it was said at the time that he seemed to ‘float on a cushion of air.’ He’s proudly #PoweredByBurns

Smudge Smudge is a lockdown heroine who kept her hooman to a routine by demanding meals, tickles and even a BBQ!

Poppy & LouLou Poppy and LouLou are both rescue pets who love taking evening strolls and having adventures with their Mum, unless Poppy wants to catch up on her catnaps of course!

Susie Susie is twelve years old and looks fantastic for her age. She’s rarely able to go down the street with her Mum without people asking what she feeds her. Which of course, is Burns!

Use #PoweredByBurns on Instagram and Twitter to be featured on our social media channels.

burnspet.co.uk • 5

Staf fie The

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or ‘staffie,’ is a friendly, sociable and affectionate breed that makes a great family pet.

Despite their gentle and loving nature, they’ve garnered a negative reputation over the years and have even been dubbed ‘Britain’s most unwanted breed.’

The negativity surrounding this gentle dog can usually be attributed to irresponsible ownership and lack of experience. Unfortunately, they’ve traditionally been used as fighting and baiting dogs and many are still used in illegal dog fighting in the UK today.

A British short-haired terrier of medium size, this breed originated in Birmingham, in the Black Country of Staffordshire. With its thick neck, broad face and powerful jaws, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was bred for fighting and baiting in the mid-19th Century by James Hinks.

Despite their origins, when a staffie is raised in a loving, caring environment, they usually display none of the aggressiveness associated with their history. They are described by most as tough, muscular, robust, and courageous, but they’re also very sociable and affectionate towards people and are generally a good option for first time owners.

Despite their affectionate nature towards human beings, however, they don’t always do well with other dogs.

They have a dog-fighting heritage, which unfortunately predisposes them to not getting along with other canines. If they’re properly socialised with other puppies, they are more likely 6 • burnspet.co.uk

Laura, nutrition manager for Burns, rescued a staffie called Amber, and she says: “Living with Amber is never boring.

She is such a funny dog. You walk into a room and she’s just sat on the sofa like a human. She’s happiest when she’s warm and as soon as the sun comes out, all she wants to do is sunbathe.

In the winter you can find her by the fire or cuddled up next to me wrapped in a blanket. She loves people so much and everyone thinks they’re her favourite, although she would probably be just as friendly to a burglar!.”

to get along with other dogs, but you definitely shouldn’t count on it.

Staffies are low maintenance and very smart, which makes them quite easy to train, but they do need quite a bit of exercise and mental stimulation.

You can expect to walk a staffie for a minimum of an hour per day and ideally twice for 45 minutes each.

It’s also important to play games with them, give them a variety of toys and provide plenty of cognitive and sensory enrichment so they don’t become bored.

Staffies are very sociable and affectionate towards people and are generally a good option for first time owners.

Living with Amber is never boring.

She is such a funny dog. You walk into a room and she’s just sat on the sofa like a human.

6 Staffie Facts...

1

They are naturally loving, friendly and affectionate towards humans

2

3 4

They’re generally a good choice for a first time owner

6

They were traditionally bred for fighting and baiting

A staffie can live between 12 and 14 years and weigh up to 17kg

5

They’re smart and energetic, so they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation

Sergeant Stubby, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was the most decorated war dog of World War I and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat.

Loveable character, Amber.

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Burns Project Manager

Leon Burns 8 • burnspet.co.uk

What does a Burns Project Manager do?

My role is quite varied. I get to balance my time between different parts of the business, from retail to hospitality and even veterinary.

departments on the ground are facing.

Over the last year these challenges, as you can imagine, have been particularly difficult. I now spend a lot of my time trying to manage Covid responses to the constantly changing government recommendations.

My main responsibility is managing our noncore projects, which includes Parc-y-Bocs Farm Shop and Café in Kidwelly, a chain of Burns pet shops across West Wales, and our exciting new Pet Wellness Clinic, due to open in September.

What was it like growing up with John Burns as your dad?

What’s a typical day look like for you?

When I was young, it was great having a vet as your dad because there were always animals around, which was nice.

If I’m working from home, on a typical day I’ll start by getting the kids off to school, then I’ll come back and spend most of my day on the phone or computer. I respond to emails and calls, prepare for meetings with topics ranging from finance and sales to liaising with HR and contributing to strategic debates with my father and other senior management.

In the early days of Burns Pet Nutrition, when he was splitting his time between being a vet and growing the business, I remember he used to work a great deal, so we didn’t see that much of him. This is why it’s so great to have the opportunity to work together now.

Alternatively, if I travel down to HQ in Kidwelly, it’s an early start and a 90-minute drive before work, but it means I get to connect with colleagues and visit our numerous sites to interact with the staff and customers there. I try to get down to HQ a few days a week when needed.

Even though it’s a long drive, you obviously enjoy your trips to HQ. I do. When I get to go out and about, I spend a lot of my day liaising with the managers of each department, who do lot of the work on the ground. I help with support, advice and direction with new ideas, which I enjoy.

I think a key part of my role is to link the senior management to the challenges the

Even though the company has grown, he hasn’t really changed much. He’s a great grandad to my kids, but he does make a mess every time he’s over the house! He leaves a lot of crumbs and tea stains because he’s constantly making tea and grazing.

What was your earliest memory of Burns Pet Nutrition?

My earliest memories are of my mother cooking the prototype new recipes on the hob and testing them out on the pets of friends and family members.

The recipes were always very effective. I also remember the first delivery of the commercial pet food to the family home and having to lift the bags into the garage by hand! Despite being a surly teenager, I didn’t mind doing it, though my dad may disagree!

Did things change for you during lockdown?

I was on furlough for the first lockdown, so it was both relaxing and stressful. I had to help home-school 4 kids, which was a bit of a challenge! I think the biggest change came when I moved into this role as a Project Manager in BPN from my previous job working in The John Burns Foundation.

Even though there was a lot going on at the time, the opportunity to join the management team just felt right, and helping to contribute to the success of the business allows me to support the charity moving forward.

What’s the next exciting thing you’ll be managing for Burns?

The biggest project is our Pet Wellness Centre, which is due to be finished later this year.

It will reconnect with John’s past by establishing a veterinary clinic, which is really exciting. The clinic will be a one-stop wellness centre for pets, have a new retail centre and include a variety of pet health services.

What’s the best part about your job?

The variety of the job is great. I don’t have to worry about being bored because there’s always something happening across the portfolio of work that I cover. Seeing projects progress from an idea to a reality is something that gives me satisfaction, and since I started, we’ve established three new shops and each of them is building up a customer base and seeing some great success.

Although, it’s always a battle to compete with online shopping and grocery stores, who are our main competitors.

About Leon...

What do you like to do outside of work?

Do you prefer dogs or cats?

I am a busy dad with 4 young children so ferrying them around to various activities always keeps me busy. I also love doing sports; I used to play rugby to a decent standard, and since then, I’ve been doing triathlons, completing Iron Man Wales 3 times. This is very time consuming though, so I’ve been sticking to shorter triathlon events more recently. I do love adventure sports and travelling to remote places. I’m also a big fan of Welsh football and rugby!

If you weren’t a project manager for Burns what would you do?

Do you have any pets in the family?

Not in our immediate family, which often surprises people. This is mainly due to a very busy home life, but also my wife, Suzanne, has pretty severe allergies to pets, so most dogs and cats are out of bounds.

We do have regular visits from a Yorkshire terrier called George, who is over most weeks with my mother in law.

I’m definitely a dog person!

Mountain leader! Something I used to do before working for Burns as part of my former role in health promotion. Back then; I was often found climbing and trekking with groups of people, trying to help them be more active for health reasons.

years A family holiday to Majorca, a few

ago

What’s your favourite book, song and film?

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love Godfather I and II as a film, but I’ve also read the books! I’ve read Into Thin Air by John Krakauer, which was absolutely terrifying.

I speak Welsh, Spanish and even some French!

It’s about climbing Everest and how it can go badly wrong! One Song is very hard to pick, so I’ll go for Hen Wlad fy Nhadau. It’s always great to hear it sung with passion.

Who’s your Ideal dinner party guest, living or dead?

Jim Morrison of the Doors. That guy could party!

So it would definitely be an interesting night.

How to help your overweight dog

By Vicky Bassett Burns Nutritionist

If you suspect your dog is overweight, you’re not alone.

Dog obesity is quickly becoming a hot button issue that’s affecting more and more owners in the UK and around the world...

Sadly, nearly 60% of dogs in the UK are now overweight, and it seems that most owners have no idea. In fact, it’s becoming really hard for owners to know what a healthy dog actually looks like!

There is a simple test to see whether or not your dog is overweight. All you have to do is feel their ribs. Run your hand down one side of their body. If you’re having to push or prod through a layer of fat to feel their ribs, then your dog likely needs to go on a diet. If you’re unsure about the ideal weight for your pupper, always consult your vet.

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Just like humans, dogs gain weight when they eat more than they should and don’t exercise enough. Despite trends in lockdown walking, home workouts and attempts to get rid of that lockdown weight before normal life resumes, many of us have been taking less care of ourselves than we normally would.

Even though we’ve been spending more time with our pets, it seems we’ve also been losing track of their eating and exercise habits too.

If your dog is overweight, the number one rule is never to ignore it. A dog carrying too much weight can develop health issues such as arthritis, breathing problems, heart problems and diabetes.

Burns Pet Nutrition has a great support group for caring owners who need a little extra help for their extra chonky pets; Hounds Dropping Pounds.

A dog carrying too much weight can develop health issues such as arthritis, breathing problems, heart problems and diabetes.

To get them on the right path, small changes can make a big difference.

If your dog needs to lose a lot of weight in the healthiest way possible, it might be time to consider a food that has been specially created for doggy weight loss. Food such as The Weight Control range from Burns Pet Nutrition, for example, is a low calorie, high satisfaction, healthy weight loss management food which has been developed by veterinary surgeon John Burns to fill hungry dogs and aid weight loss.

As you can imagine, it’s also important to get your dog exercising as much as possible. Take a walk, climb the stairs or play fetch to get them moving. If your dog is too overweight to get very far, try taking a small walk around the garden, and once they can manage it, extend their walk by a little more each day.

Finally, dog obesity is becoming a huge problem, but a lot of us have no idea what to do about it. Why not find a support group where you can get

free help and advice? Luckily, Burns Pet Nutrition has a great support group for caring owners who need a little extra help for their extra chonky pets. The Hounds Dropping Pounds Facebook group is managed by a team of doggy nutritional experts, and aims to give you everything you need to help your dog be as happy and healthy as possible.

There could be a number of reasons for doggy weight gain, such as: • Over feeding • High fat foods or treats • High fat dog chews • Not enough exercise • Food high in protein

Check out @HoundsDropping Pounds on Facebook today.

Woodland Heroes In 2006 John Burns founded a charity with the aim of ‘making a difference to the lives of people and companion animals across the UK’.

Canolfan John Burns Centre is the home of the John Burns Foundation, where we deliver a wonderful range of programmes. Here we look at The Woodland Heroes Project...

Pupils from seven Carmarthenshire schools visited Canolfan John Burns Centre, in Kidwelly to take part in an exciting project to plant a new mixed native wildwood area.

The Woodland Heroes project, that has been designed by The John Burns Foundation and funded by Burns Pet Nutrition, saw pupils from Ysgol Llangadog, Ysgol Gwenllian, Ysgol Mynydd y Garreg, Ysgol Parc y Tywyn, Ysgol y Castell, Pembrey Primary School and Trimsaran Primary School learn about the many benefits of planting trees. Over 100 saplings were kindly donated by The Woodland Trust as part of their wider initiative to reach the UK government’s 2050 carbon neutral target.

Each group of pupils planted their own patch of wildwood trees on agricultural 12 • burnspet.co.uk

land at Canolfan John Burns Centre, with the goal of offsetting carbon emissions in the local community.

The Woodland Hero pupils learned about carbon dioxide and sustainability and acquired the skills to plant and care for trees.

They are now ambassadors for change and can take the lead on reducing the carbon footprint of their schools. The John Burns Foundation will donate two trees to be planted on the grounds of each school in the autumn.

Phase two of the Woodland Heroes project is planned for later in the year, where Woodland Hero students will get the chance to see the progress of their trees over time and pass on their new skills and knowledge to other members of their school community.

Each group of pupils planted their own patch of wildwood trees with the goal of offsetting carbon emissions in the local community.

Each school will continue to have Woodland Hero ambassadors for change, in the hope that more trees will be planted for the local community to enjoy in years to come.

John Burns, the founder of The John Burns Foundation said “It is crucial that young people understand and tackle the consequences of global warming, we want to encourage them to change their behaviour to respond to what is already a global emergency.

This programme is not only about planting trees, but also to plant seeds in the children’s mind about being responsible for our planet.”

The new woodland area at Canolfan John Burns Centre will benefit the community of Kidwelly and beyond for many years to come, from increasing

local biodiversity and improving air quality to providing an area for recreational activities and outdoor learning, enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of all those who visit.

Charity registration number 1165392

Telephone: 01554 890840 www.johnburnsfoundation.org

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7

Pet influencers you should be following on Instagram

By Catrin Frame

It’s safe to say that we’ve all done our fair bit of social media scrolling in this past year, so it’s important that we’re following accounts that put a smile on our faces.

To give you a daily boost of happiness, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite dog and cat influencers who are bound to add some cheer to your timeline.

@jiffpom

@thegoldenration4

Name: Jiff • Followers: 10.3m • Breed: Pomeranian

Names: Voodoo, Chief Brody, Venkman, Hopper and Guacamole (from left to right)

Is he a lion? Is he a teddy bear? It’s Jiff Pom!!

Followers: 98.5k • Breed: Golden Retrievers These 5 rescues are very well known for their love of devouring waffles and crunching on carrots! These beautiful goldens like to have fun by going swimming in the sea (particularly Hopper, who thoroughly enjoys barking at the pesky rocks underwater), snoozing together and playing tug of war!

We couldn’t possibly create a list of top dog Instagram influencers without including the most followed pet on the planet. As he is often seen wearing t-shirts and walking on two paws, you might be fooled into thinking that Jiff is a little human!

The tiny pooch has been featured in Katy Perry’s Dark Horse music video in 2014 and Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark in 2016.

Jiff Pom is Hollywood’s smallest and fluffiest celeb!

@my_boy_belarus Name: Belarus • Followers: 371k • Breed: Nebelung Belarus has the power of melting hearts with a single glance.

His owner, Rachel, fell in love with him when she saw the wonky-eyed cat being advertised by a shelter in 2018.Belarus has an eye condition called Strabismus, which means that his eye muscles are a little off, creating a cross-eyed look. Remarkably, his co-ordination is very sharp and fierce despite his condition! He loves batting balls, playing with toys and knocking things off of counters.

Kelly Clarkson featured him as a special guest on her talk show!

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@maggiethewunderdog Name: Maggie Followers: 456k Breed: Unknown Maggie is an inspirational pup who survived a shooting, which sadly took her eyesight and her right ear. Originally fostered, Maggie’s dog mum fell in love and simply could not give her up!

After being rescued, Maggie has learned to love and trust people again.

She enjoys long walks, getting dressed up in fun costumes and cuddling up in her teddy blanket!

@lifewithmalamutes Names: Phil, Niko and Teddy • Followers: 513k Breed: Alaskan Malamute These three big friendly giants are incredibly silly and cuddly.

The squad love to go on muddy adventures together in their hometown of Manchester, but Phil hates the dreaded bath time that comes shortly after.

When they’re not on walkies, the malamute trio spend their time looking after their baby sister, Amelia, and giving piggy backs to their Maine Coon brother, Milo!

Who ever said dogs and cats couldn’t be the best of friends?

@tuckerbudzyn

@dontstopmeowing Names: Chase, Millie and Skye • Followers: 205k Breeds: Bengal X, Tortoiseshell and Rag Doll Their Tik Toks and Instagram Reels will have you howling!

The trio are best known for their comedy sketches with their cat pawrents, where they show the hilarious reality of being a cat family and dress up in amazing costumes.

Our personal favourite video shows Kareem, their cat dad, having a spa day with Chase – who looks like he is loving his life! The three rescue kitties are well trained and full of love. Any cat lover needs to be following this crazy bunch to brighten up your Instagram feed!

Name: Tucker • Followers: 2.9m • Breed: Golden Retriever Best known for his goofy videos on social media and being able to rock a blue checkered bow tie, it’s Tucker! His videos feature hilarious reaction videos, including food taste tests and pranks. This handsome pooch has a gorgeous, glossy and golden coat, and he’s even a member of the American Kennel Club!

His pawrent, Courtney Budzyn, has truly shared a lot of Tucker’s wonderful life with his fans, from being adopted and brought home, to getting married to his wife Journee. Yes, you read that right!

burnspet.co.uk • 15

The

ULTIMATE Puppy Checklist For new puppy parents A puppy can bring a lot of excitement and joy to our lives, and while rearing them is no small feat, it can be a really rewarding experience to see them grow and develop into loving adult dogs.

To make sure your new pup has everything they need for their first few weeks in their forever home, we’ve compiled the ultimate puppy checklist...

1

Food and Water Bowl

Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are a good choice.

Plastic bowls can be easily chewed, and chew marks can become a haven for bacteria to thrive.

2

Bed & Blankets

Your puppy is going to need somewhere to sleep, so invest in a comfy bed and blanket to help them settle in. Some owners find that a dog crate can also help to create a nice secure environment.

3 4 Harness

ID Tag Although microchipping is

compulsory in England and Wales, it is still the law that all dogs wear an ID tag in public.

This tag should have your name and contact details, so that you can easily be reunited if your little one wanders off.

Although you won’t be walking your new arrival straight away, you will still need to have an adjustable harness and lead ready for them. This will be a new concept for your puppy, so practicing wearing the harness and lead around the house will be essential before taking your first walk.

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5

Natural Calming Spray

Contact your local vet and ask about the natural calming sprays they have available. This is going to be a very stressful time for your new arrival and these sprays can have a nice calming effect.

Spray a little on their bedding and surrounding area as well as yourself.

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6

Puppy Training Pads Toilet training is key, and puppy training pads will be perfect to assist you with this. Place the pad in the toilet area and your puppy will be attracted to the pad by its in-built scent. This is a very hygienic solution to house training.

General Toys Dogs love toys! A good selection of toys, such as balls, ropes and squeaky toys, should be available for your puppy to provide plenty of stimulation and help keep boredom at bay.

8

Teething Toys There are lots of puppy toys on the market, so be sure to purchase ones suited to your puppy’s breed. Dog toys need to be non-toxic, durable and not too tough for your little one’s teeth.

If you have a nice cosy blanket ready, it may be best dropping this off with your new puppy a couple of days before you are due to collect them. This will allow the blanket time to pick up their Mum’s scent and provide comfort for them on their first night in their new home.

Kirstie Jones, Burns Nutrition Advisor

Free to join Join the Burns Puppy Club and receive award-winning food, advice from the experts and exclusive member gifts, and for a limited time only, it’s FREE to join.

Sign up online at burnspet.co.uk burnspet.co.uk • 17

Chews the Fat

We Brits are a nation of animal lovers - aren’t we?

Back in 2015, philosopher Julian Baggini wrote an article in The Independent newspaper* in which he pondered why Britain claims to be a nation of animal lovers. (Spoiler alert; he interviewed yours truly when he was researching the article.)

We dote on our pets, but we don’t seem too concerned about those other animals, the ones which are used to feed our pets. I am of course referring to the farm animals that go into the pet food.

The pet food industry is entirely reliant on human food production, certainly as far as animal based ingredients is concerned and the vast majority of pet owners, sad to say, don’t really care where, or how, their pet food is produced as long as it’s cheap and easily available.

In recent months, the UK Government has brought in Brexit-related measures which set back even further the cause of animal welfare. The Agriculture Bill

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of October 2020 (“the Chlorinated chicken Bill”) opens the door to US imports of meat produced to a lower standard than the UK, such as chicken meat sprayed with chlorine to reduce bacterial contamination and hormone treated beef. In June 2021 the UK triumphantly announced a post-Brexit trade deal has been struck, which opens the door to cheap imported, hormone–fed meat from Australia with 16 times as much antibiotic usage in farm livestock as the UK. (High antibiotic use in farming points to increased incidence of disease, usually from poor animal husbandry.)

The RSPCA noted: “Australian farming involves a number of practices which are outlawed in the UK including keeping hens in battery cages, giving beef cattle growth hormones and a practice called mulesing where sheep have the skin around their bottoms cut off.

“As our sister charity, RSPCA Australia, has pointed out, standards there fall well short of those in the UK including in the beef sector which is at the heart of these trade negotiations. Australia does not mandate CCTV in slaughterhouses as we do in England, allows hot branding, permits cattle transportation times that are double that in the UK. In Australia an estimated one million cattle are reared in barren feedlots without shade.”

Does this mean that the UK operates high standards of care for farm animals?

Although there have been some improvements in standards in recent times (usually driven by European legislation), in some ways conditions are worse.

Farms are becoming fewer and larger with more animals reared intensively in overcrowded conditions which don’t allow normal behaviour patterns.** We can support improved farm animal welfare by joining Compassion in World Farming [CiWF]*** which is a charity which campaigns for better standards in farm animal welfare.

There is a current trend for high meat content in pet foods but I have never agreed with that. Burns foods contain lower meat content than many other brands. I’ve always maintained that pets don’t need high protein and fat diets and in fact they can be harmful. In human eating habits there is already a move towards reduction in meat eating. More people are becoming vegetarian or vegan; others are cutting meat consumption for health or environmental reasons.

“There is a current trend for high meat content in pet foods but I have never agreed with that.

Burns foods contain lower meat content than many other brands.”

Pet owners can do likewise for their pets.

That is one aspect of the humanisation of pets that I can agree with!

Can pet owners bring pressure to bear on human food producers to improve animal welfare standards? I don’t think we are big enough to make a difference. That really would be the tail wagging the dog. (Sorry). *https://www.independent.co.uk/property/house-andhome/pets/features/ethics-pet-food-why-are-we-are-soselective-how-we-show-animals-our-love-a115176.html ** Recommended reading: The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young ***CWIF Compassion in World Farming “Today we campaign peacefully to end all factory farming practices. We believe that the biggest cause of cruelty on the planet deserves a focused, specialised approach – so we are relentlessly focused on ending factory farming.”

burnspet.co.uk • 19

Top 10 dog friendly places to visit this summer

By Dog Furiendly Our tails are wagging for a summer of fun, when we can finally treat our canine companions to the sniff-worthy adventures they deserve...

Did you know that dogs are affected by the stresses of daily life? They might not have bills to pay or meetings to attend, but they feed off our feelings.

When we’re feeling stressed at home, they feel it too.

When we’re relaxed and happy out and about, they too will feel that happiness. A little leisure and some welldeserved fun will help them to destress, just as it would for us. Taking time out to create more special memories together will also help build that special bond.

Lucky for us, we’re spoilt for choice here in the UK, with an abundance of dog friendly places to enjoy together, from fun-filled attractions to delicious foodie destinations and dreamy places to rest those sleepy paws. So here’s 10 of our favourite dog friendly places for you to check out this summer.

Explore the Lake District via boat Windermere Lake Cruises - Lake District The Lake District has a picture-perfect panorama of beautiful rolling hills and glistening lakes. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular dog friendly holiday destinations for dog owners across the UK! While there is an abundance of picturesque trails around the lakes and mountain hikes in the lofty peaks to explore, one attraction stands out amongst them all.

The Lake Cruises! When you’re all tuckered out from exploring by foot, enjoy the views from a different perspective, with a leisurely boat trip together on Windermere Lake Cruises.

Meet new animals at a dog friendly zoo

Dogs are warmly welcomed on board, with fresh water and scratches from fellow dog-lovers. They’ll even get their own little ticket.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens - The Cotswolds The Cotswolds is a beautiful destination, filled with far reaching emerald views, pretty walking trails and quaint villages.

In the heart of this destination you’ll find the UK’s only dog friendly zoo, The Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens.

It’s not very often that you can say that your dog met a Rhino at the weekend, or have the opportunity to take a photo of your pooch next to a giraffe. Having the opportunity to meet other animals is an incredibly enriching experience with plenty of new smells for them to enjoy.

This incredible place has over 260 animal species to discover together, and over 160 acres of parkland to explore (on-lead of course).

When you’re ready to rest your sleepy paws, head to one of the Cotswolds’ delightful tangle of cosy thatched cottages or welcoming inns.

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Take Your Hound Underground Exploring Caves The National Showcaves – Swansea Once voted Britain’s Finest Natural Wonder, the National Showcaves Centre is an award-winning destination squirreled between the Brecon Beacons National Park and the pretty, seaside city of Swansea.

Hounds can venture deep underground into three exceptional caves, Dan yr Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave. They can also explore the dinosaur park and a museum. There are plenty of walks surrounding the centre, so you can really make a day of it!

Trek the Surrey Hills with dog-loving llamas Merry Harriers - Surrey

Spot dolphins and whales on a canine cruise

Nestled away in the quiet village of Hambledon, you can find the Merry Harriers.

A quirky country inn, complete with cosy accommodation, resident llamas and a deep love for our furry canines.

Dolphin Spotting - Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire is home to Britain’s only coastal National Park - making this an extra special place to visit with the pooch!

You and your pooch will have plenty of fun together here, whether you’re choosing to stay overnight in one of the cosy Shepherd Huts or pop in for a delicious meal and doggy dinner.

Enjoy dog friendly boat trips from Thousand Islands, Falcon Boats or the Voyages of Discovery, with opportunities for birdwatching, dolphin spotting and occasionally, the sight of a passing whale.

Llama treks take place every day from the inn, where you can explore the Surrey Hills with an experienced guide. The Llamas are wellaccustomed to doggy guests and some walks even include a picnic with a spread of classic British treats.

Dogs are welcome on board free of charge and together you’ll enjoy a professionally guided wildlife boat tour, with plenty of surrounding beauty.

Once you’re done, you can continue exploring the 186 miles of coastal walks on foot. There’s so much to sniff with dog friendly pubs dotted along the coast too.

Drool Over A Doggy Cocktail Menu Smith & Whistle - London If there’s one thing that perks us up in the Summer, it’s grabbing a cocktail in one of the UK’s many dog friendly cocktail bars. But, what makes this even sweeter, is when your dog can join you for a tasty treat too. The Smith & Whistle in London have done just that, creating London’s very first permanent drinks list for canine consumption. You can treat your pooch to a range of ‘Dogtails’ including Bubbly Bow Wow or a Poochie Colada.

While your dog is tucking into a bowl of flavour, you can enjoy a fine selection of craft beers, hand-selected wines and expertly crafted cocktails.

This bar is also opposite Green Park which means you can both burn off your bevvies together with a stroll in the park.

Meet the seals

Picture credit

@the4leggedfoodies

Cornish Seal Sanctuary - Cornwall Cornwall is well-known for its sparkling golden sands and turquoise waters, but the fun doesn’t stop at the coastal path. It’s jam-packed with trendy bistros, cafes, bakeries and so much more, but one place gets our seal of approval.

The Seal Sanctuary is home to rescued Seals, penguins, otters and sea lions too.

Seals share many characteristics with our canine companions, and they are often called the dogs of the sea world. So your pooch can say a big hello to their marine cousins during their visit!

We’re spoilt for choice here in the UK, with an abundance of dog friendly places to enjoy Article continues on the next page burnspet.co.uk • 21

Rest your sleepy paws in a dog friendly hobbit hole Hobbit Hideaway - Moray Looking for a quirky staycation to enjoy with your furry hobbit? Then look no further than this delightful Hobbit Hideaway in Moray, Scotland. Together you can enjoy the magic of middle earth within a peaceful valley at the foot of Ben Rinnes mountain in Moray. From here, those staying can get outside and enjoy walking or cycle trails among beautiful wildlife.

From the moment you step through the wooden door, it will feel as though you are stepping into a storybook.

Nope, it won’t be Mr Baggins or Frodo to greet you, but a wonderful eco-home lovingly made using locally sourced, renewable and recycled materials, including hand-crafted furniture!

This place was designed for total relaxation. The electricity is sourced from 100% renewable energy, the water is sourced from natural springs and you can even pick your own fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables, when in season.

There is free Wi-Fi available and it can accommodate up to 6 people. Oh and did we mention dogs go free?

Taking time out to create more special memories together will also help build that special bond Sleep in a dog friendly treehouse West Lexham Treehouses - Norfolk If there’s one dream we all shared as children – it’s to have our very own treehouse. Well, move over Bart Simpson, because now our dreams have finally come true.

Indulge in some doggy afternoon tea in London Egerton House Hotel - London This hotel is well-loved amongst London dog owners as the go-to spot to pamper your pup.

These luxury treehouses are nestled within an enchanted forest in rural Norfolk. Each cabin is beautifully presented and nestled between the trees with 21 acres of woodland, meadows, ancient trees, lakes and formal gardens to explore.

There are 7 tree-houses in total, each with their own character and charm. They sleep between two to six people, and when you’re not whiling away the hours listening to bird song in the cabin, you can also enjoy wild swimming, a heated pool, and toasty campfires.

Picture credit

@west_lexham

Overnight it’s the dream dog friendly hotel, complete with a concierge service for your pooch.

During the day, dogs can tuck into their very own Afternoon Tea with a dedicated doggy menu of beef or chicken meatloaf accompanied by doggy biscuits, ice-cream and pawsecco.

They even have a special ‘dog-tini’ cocktail which is served with canine canapés.

After an afternoon of indulgence, your pooch will even get a chew toy to take home! It’s a real treat, complete with water bowls and place mats!

Picture credit

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@HunkyHank and @LottiBotti101

dogfuriendly.com

FINDING DOG FRIENDLY PLACES IS A WALKIES IN THE PARK...

Find dog friendly places on the go with Dog Furiendly’s FREE app. Visit dogfuriendly.com/app

Pancreatitis in pets How to spot and stop it

By Emily Boardman Burns Nutritionist As nutritional advisors for Burns, we often hear of common problems in dogs like upset stomachs, ear infections, itchy skin and allergies, but pet pancreatitis is probably unfamiliar.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ with two major roles. It produces hormones such as insulin and it is essential for producing and storing the enzymes needed to digest food. This condition can range from mild and chronic to severe with a sudden onset.

What causes pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is often a result of a diet that is too high in fat. It can also be caused by a dog having a large intake of fat all at once. Unsurprisingly, we get quite a few calls about the condition after Christmas when dogs have had a lot of fatty table scraps! Some risk factors include obesity, which goes hand in hand with a diet too high in fat, as well as age, with older dogs being more at risk of developing the disease.

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What should I look out for?

The warning signs of pancreatitis may not be obvious at first and can be mistaken for something less serious, so it’s important owners are aware of what to look out for. The most common symptoms are low appetite, reduced energy, vomiting and diarrhoea. Dogs that are uncomfortable and in pain may also adopt a type of stretch called the ‘prayer position,’ where their rear end is high in the air while the front legs and head are lowered to the floor.

How do you treat pancreatitis?

Early intervention and monitoring are key to preventing further complications. For the first 24 hours, your vet may recommend no food or water to rest the pancreas.

They will provide pain relief and possibly some medication to treat vomiting and prevent dehydration.

Giving your dog intravenous fluids is also common practice.

Your vet will work to determine what caused the issue in the first place and suggest changes you can make to combat the problem.

Do they need a special diet?

A low fat, highly digestible diet is recommended for dogs that have had pancreatitis. The good news is that Burns foods, both wet and dry, are low in fat and highly digestible. In fact, some of our diets have less fat than the specialist foods your vet may recommend. Small frequent meals spread throughout the day may be tolerated better by your dog than one or two larger meals.

If your dog has lost weight due to pancreatitis, it isn’t advisable to try and ‘feed them up’ after they’ve been ill, as too much food can overwork the pancreas. If your dog is very thin it is important that you speak to your vet or one of the Burns nutritional advisors for help.

If you would like personalised advice from a Nutritional Advisor, give the Burns Nutrition Helpline a call on freephone 0800 083 66 96 (UK) • 1800 836 696 (RoI)

Grab life by the

tennis balls We all know that dogs love a good walk, but even they can get bored following the same tired path day after day. Dogs can be really adventurous, and just like their beloved humans, they love nothing more than to experience new sights, smells, places and people. Why not grab life by the tennis balls and experience something new together?

The UK is full of nature reserves, dog friendly cafes, beaches, wild gardens and monuments that are just waiting to be expawed.

Learn to paddle board Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP, is an incredibly easy water sport to learn.

People of all ages and levels of fitness are capable of learning to paddle board, and with some training, dogs are too.

Of course, it’s always best to make sure both you and your dog are comfortable swimming and sitting on a paddle board first.

Ride the rails in the capital Take up a CaniSport Why walk when you can run?

Canisports are dog powered sports whereby an owner completes a race while being tethered to their dog by a harness, running belt and bungee rope.

It either involves cross country running, which is referred to as canicross, or other variations with a bike or a scooter.

Take up photography Let’s face it, our dogs are the most gorgeous things on the planet. We know it, but does the rest of the world know it? Taking up photography will not only allow you to share beautiful pictures of your furry bestie with the world, but it’s a great way to spend time together too.

For dogs and owners who want to avoid walking, why not ride the rails instead?

Transport for London is officially the world’s most dog-friendly subway.

However, make sure you read up on the rules of pet safe travel before you leave home.

Eat a doggy ice cream or enjoy a Puppuccino Having adventures can be hard work, and there’s no better way to take a break than to stop for ice cream or a delicious Puppuccino. Special doggo ice cream can be found in a variety of places throughout the UK, while the Puppuccino is one of the most popular secret menu items from Starbucks.

Get a doggo massage Do some sight-seeing While walking the same route can be boring, visiting a new city or discovering a new natural wonder can be a great adventure for both you and your dog.

Why not treat your doggo to a canine massage to leave them relaxed, calm and ready for another fun-filled day?

You can either choose from one of the many specialist canine massage and wellbeing centres throughout the UK, or you can give your dog a gentle massage at home.

Always ask the experts and do your research before taking on any new sports, visiting an unknown location or trying new foods with your dog. burnspet.co.uk • 25

Green is the new black The company that makes sustainable, artisan beds and accessories for your dog...

Milo & Pi is a company with a difference. They produce eco-friendly, artisan dog beds, travel mats and accessories that are as good for your doggy companion and home as they are for the environment. The beautiful and often bespoke products are handmade by real artisan designers, using natural sustainable resources that are mostly sourced in the West Country.

Founder, Carolyn Daw explains the ethos behind developing a sustainable dog brand: “Dogs have always been part of our family and historically we spent a lot of time trying to source washable and beautiful bedding for them. We waded through a sea of plastic, polyester batting, hollowfibre and memory foam

products that proved difficult to launder, became really smelly and were impossible to recycle or dispose of responsibly.”

Inspired and willing to make a difference, Carolyn embarked on a journey to source beautiful, sustainable dog products that last.

Milo & Pi launched in 2019 and the range currently includes bespoke dog beds, mattresses, travel mats, Maasai hand beadwork dog collars and dog toys.

“I’ve found some amazing crafts people and suppliers on the way, who have pride in the products they produce and have design and sustainability at their core” Carolyn adds; “I launched Milo & Pi with a range of natural fibre

dog mattresses made from sheep’s wool, recycled denim cotton, coir and natural latex which give edge-to-edge orthopaedic support and comfort. They are breathable (which helps prevents odours) and the natural fibres work together to regulate body temperature.

We also supply cabinet made wooden bed surrounds, including a source of naturally fallen Cornish Oak and Beech that has been air dried for many years.”

Inspired and willing to make a difference, Carolyn embarked on a journey to source beautiful, sustainable dog products that last.

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I wanted to give dog owners sustainable, eco-friendly product alternatives that last.

Carolyn’s products speak for themselves. The beautiful design and superior craftsmanship is just as impressive as the longevity and practicality of each item. The result of her efforts is a more sustainable approach to dog beds and accessories, which is perhaps more important now than ever before.

“I wanted to give dog owners sustainable, eco-friendly product

alternatives that last”, explains Carolyn.

“I want to keep our products out of landfill. I want them to be repaired, upcycled and eventually fully recycled.

Every product in our homes has a manufacturing carbon footprint and it will eventually end up as waste.

As consumers, our ‘fast fashion’ addiction (the design, manufacture, and marketing of high volumes of low-quality inexpensive clothing and textiles) has doubled in the last 15 years. Buying sustainable is no doubt more expensive in the outset, but not necessarily so over the life cycle of the product, or in terms of the cost to the environment. For instance, the polyester batting used to stuff most dog beds (and products made from recycled plastic) will take between 20 and 200 years to decompose in landfill.”

The current climate crisis and impact of single-use plastics on our environment is a growing concern for our society. Dog owners are realising that it’s now more important than ever to ditch plastic, reuse and recycle, and purchase good quality products that are built to last. Milo & Pi’s artisan dog beds are a much-needed break away from their cheaper, impractical and less environmentally friendly counterparts.

“The natural fibres can be completely recycled from our dog beds, the wool and coir for instance can be used as compost on the garden. We are trying to buy organic wherever possible. Our

Five ways to live more sustainably from Milo & Pi: • Buy less, buy better • Support local business & local producers • Reduce, reuse and refuse plastic products • Buy organic • Mend, upcycle, recycle

sheep’s wool is local, simply because it’s about valuing the farming system that produces these amazing natural textiles that we are using. We aren’t perfect by any means, not yet, but I hope to continue on this journey until we are.”

There are six different dog bed designs and five different woods to choose from.

Plus, a choice of beautiful washable covers, 100% organic cotton weaved in England. The result is truly bespoke to a customer’s home.

For more information about these bespoke dog beds, visit www.miloandpi.uk Check out @miloandpi on social media or send an email to woof@miloandpi.uk

How mountain search and rescue teams found their way during lockdown It’s no secret that our lives have been impacted significantly over the last year.

For the heroic men, women, and dogs who are part of our mountain search and rescue teams, the pandemic has brought with it its own unique challenges.

We catch up with three team members to find out how they adapted to pandemic life...

Martin Bell Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs Association Martin Bell works with rescue dog Isla, and has been part of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs Association for 6 years. We asked him what some of his biggest challenges were during the lockdown.

‘Due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic, any official training had to be halted. For me and Isla this meant continuing obedience type work, from basic commands to more complicated skills such as directional work at a distance.

Isla has become quite adept at finding articles of clothing left out on the hill and local pathways. These would be ‘dropped’ on the morning walk and found later in the day, or even the next day.’

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Did you have to implement new procedures during the pandemic?

‘Procedures had to be tightened, mainly in the area of infection control measures. This has just meant following the guidelines with regard to face coverings, hand sanitiser and distancing where appropriate.

Traveling to incidents with social distancing requirements has meant fewer personnel in team vehicles and thorough cleaning regimes in place

for any vehicle or equipment used on a job. Much investment has gone into equipment for this purpose.’

Do you think the dogs knew something different was going on?

The dogs pick up on any subtle changes in lifestyle and attitudes of their handlers and human contacts. In this regard, yes Isla has probably picked up some changes, but unlikely anything specific.

The change in her training regime was probably most noticeable.

What was the biggest issue for you during lockdown?

Was there a particular memorable rescue case for you during the pandemic?

One such case occurred in September 2020 where 8 dog teams and members of the local MRT searched woodland and field systems for a person through the night. It concluded positively with the missing person appearing back home the next morning in generally good health.

The extra precautions in place to keep me and my helpers safe was the smallest issue. I think the biggest issue is that millions of Londoners have discovered that London has green spaces and our previously empty training grounds are now very busy. This made our training harder, especially for the young dogs that have to compete with a lot of distraction at a critical time in their training.

Jim Gilbert

How do you keep Buddy’s training current?

London Lowland Search and Rescue Jim Gilbert is the K9 lead and trainer for LONSAR. His team are tasked by the local police to search for vulnerable and high risk missing persons. Jim joined LONSAE in November 2019 and certified his English Springer Spaniel, Buddy in June 2018 as a live find air scenting dog. Buddy is the only certified missing persons dog covering the London Metropolitan Police area.

I have a ‘duty of care’ to keep Buddy up to the standard required and constant training is necessary even with an experienced dog. You have to keep their skills and motivation sharp. With that goal in mind, we have formed a small training bubble of dedicated LONSAR members to keep our dog’s training levels current.

Were there any problems with the new training procedures?

I was very lucky to have one of my most respected team members living close

I have a ‘duty of care’ to keep Buddy up to the standard required and constant training is necessary even with an experienced dog.

by, so we were able to train a few times a week. While this may seem ideal, we were actually in danger of teaching our dogs to only search for people they are familiar with. As soon as further restrictions were lifted, this was the first thing that we had to rectify. Luckily, our dogs are more intelligent than us and they easily transferred their search skills into finding unknown people.

Article continues on the next page

David Warden Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England David Warden has been part of the same Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England team for the last 25 years. His dog, Wynn, is a five year old border collie.

What has lockdown meant for you personally?

‘Lockdown has meant leaving the house on fewer occasions, so personally my garden has benefitted. Luckily, suitable land is easily accessible for us, so exercising the dogs hasn’t really been affected. Although training has been reduced from two sessions per week to one.

Were the dogs able to adapt to the situation?

Dogs are creatures of habit and they are certainly aware when something

Whether or not there will be some permanent restrictions imposed by the authorities remains to be seen, but we’re optimistic that we will be able to adapt.

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changes in their routine. However, they do quickly adapt to a new routine and carry on. Changes in behaviour are evident if they are not getting the physical and mental stimulation that comes from working, so if this is reduced, another activity needs to be increased to compensate.

Has COVID changed anything permanently for search and rescue teams?

Some of us have been around long enough to remember the foot and mouth epidemic about 20 years ago, which created similar restrictions.

One result of that was that the number of dogs available for callouts was reduced due to training and assessment limitations.

This time, we are ready for it, and plans are already in place to clear the backlog of assessments as soon as the easing of restrictions permits.

Whether or not there will be some permanent restrictions imposed by the authorities remains to be seen, but we’re optimistic that we will be able to adapt.

NEW IM PROV ED

T R E AT R A N G E

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Expert nutrition team freephone: 0800 083 6696 (UK) 1800 83 66 96 (ROI) Or Webchat: burnspet.co.uk

@burnspet

@burnspetfood

BASED UP ON A SIMPLE, HOMEMADE RECIPE THAT USES ORGANIC INGREDIENTS.