Southampton pet superstore launches doggy scholarship scheme

The scholarship scheme financially supports owners by paying for three hours of one-to-one training for adopted dogs and their caregivers.

Healthy Pet Store in Totton has welcomed its first four-legged scholar to the scheme, 18-month old Sky, who is a German Shepherd.

The pet retailer paired Sky and her owners, Russell and Ray, with a local behavioural trainer who has provided face to face lessons.

During the cost of living crisis, some owners have struggled to fulfil their responsibilities of dog guardianship which may include paying for dog training.

Managing Director of Healthy Pet Store Deborah Burrows said it is really important for adopted dogs showing early signs of behavioural issues to get the right help they and their caregivers need.

She added: “In the current climate, we understand that not everyone is in a position to be able to access the right support. That is why we have launched our scholarship scheme. We want to help adopted dogs be supported by the right behavioural approach in order to help them live happy and fulfilled lives.

“Adopted dogs sometimes have behavioural problems which pop up post adoption. This is through no fault of their own, and stems from things such as genetics, their past or illness. It's important they get support from a trainer or behaviourist skilled in positive reinforcement methods.

Sky’s owners Russell and Ray said: “The scholarship scheme has been absolutely fantastic. It has changed our lives. We really struggled with Sky’s behaviour post-adoption and being able to enrol her into these sessions has made her such a happier dog.

“We are so grateful to Deborah and the whole team at Healthy Pet Store. They paired us with an incredible local trainer who has listened to all of our worries and concerns.

“The sessions have been relaxed, fun and really tailored to what Sky needs. We are going to continue to pay for lessons now we have completed our sessions funded by Healthy Pet Store.” n Applications for the Healthy Pet Store scholarship scheme are now opencontact info@healthypetstore.co.uk for more information.

I was a bit confused earlier today as all the clocks in the house said it was earlier than it said it was on my dogmobile.

I had no idea which time to go for. Whether to take my break and chew my bone or start nagging Mistress for a walk.

Mistress said something about losing an hour and not really knowing what it looked like and how to find it I started looking for it under the settee.

Nothing there other than my squeaky pig who I had been trying to find for the last few days. I gave him a good lick to wash off my dried saliva.

Meanwhile Mistress was hurriedly putting her hair into what she calls a bun, changed into her day clothes and said she had overslept having forgotten to forward the time by an hour on her alarm clock.

Getting little sense from Mistress about this losing time business, in the end I asked ‘Rex’ (‘Siri’ equivalent for humans) on my phone asking why the clocks had just gone forward.

In a nutshell –lighter evenings for longer and more walks for me. Welcome British Summertime!

If you read my last column you will remember I was really unwell with my legs and arthritis but I am feeling a lot better now and able go out for gentle walks www.annereese.co.uk, hearing I was a bit under the weather sent me the loveliest Cosy Fleece Coat

I have ever had!!!! Here I am modelling it. It fits perfectly and I love the colour.

If you want a fleece like mine, take a look at beautifully handmade Coats, Collars and so much more. Their website is feast for the eyes and their prices are very reasonable for such quality products.

I’ve had a few winks from handsome dogs in the park while wearing my warm and on trend coat. But I only have eye for the gorgeous Border Collie Morris who sometimes walks in the same field as me with his owners so perhaps he will notice me now!

Time for my lunch now and probably a wee snooze. Catch you next month my lovely friends.