Pets Magazine July 2016

JULY, 2016

YOUR PET’S STARS BY CELEBRITY ASTROLOGER

RUSSELL GRANT

SOPHIE’S CHOICES: TOP PRODUCT PICKS FOR YOU & YOUR PET

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AND MUCH MORE INSIDE...

SOPHIE’S CHOICES A premium selection of the best products, destinations & activities for you & your pet by Sophie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, assisted by Marie.

Dog-friendly destination: Old Swan & Minster Mill We love this extremely dog-friendly luxury Cotswolds hotel! It’s a place where you can dine with your dog, have room service delivered to your pampered pooch and enjoy long walks exploring the 65 acres of beautiful Cotswolds countryside where there are specifically designed walks for dogs, ranging between two and eight hours. There’s a dog bed, treats and a doggy bandana for your four-legged pal. After a long stroll with your dog, guests can head back to the hotel and warm themselves in front of the fire before sitting down to a sumptuous, locally sourced, dinner in the Swan Inn. Sophie particularly enjoyed the chopped sausage for breakfast and rice and beef dinners! Stays start from £245 per night, minimum two night stay.

The hotel also runs ‘canine country etiquette’ classes - please enquire for more details. www.oldswanandminstermill.com

PS! We adore Sophie’s beautiful pastel portrait above! It is by Amanda Stuart of Edie & Reggie. Thank you Amanda! x

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More Sophie’s Choices on P3!

Dog-friendly destination: Ox Pasture Hall Another great dog-friendly hotel set in wonderful Yorkshire Moors countryside with views of the sea in the distance.

Your dog is allowed in selected rooms including suites and in the bar area, which is also where breakfast is served.

It’s a brilliant base for touring the Yorkshire Moors and coastal areas including Scarborough and Robin Hoods Bay. www.oxpasturehallhotel.com

Dog-friendly ‘Glamping’ A new website has launched featuring a fantastic selection of dog-friendly ‘glamping’ or glamorous camping options for you and your pooch. It features glamping options the length and breadth of the UK from the Scottish Highlands to Devon and there are even a few options for the more adventurous in destinations including Tuscany and Portugal. www.canopyandstars.co.uk/glamping/

Beautiful Pet Art: Hannah Johnson The work of the brilliant pet artist Hannah Johnson is featured in our August edition but here’s a sneak peek of Sophie’s friend Millie the Lurcher. We think Hannah has captured Millie perfectly! http://hannahjohnsonpetportraits.com

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More Sophie’s Choices on P15-16 !

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How the ‘Healthy Pet Club’ helped Dolly & Dave also had the benefit of making Dolly is an eight year old further savings on her routine English Springer Spaniel, both treatment, check-ups and her and her brother Dave, also a vaccinations including Kennel Springer, belong to Lynda Dunn Cough. Dave was re-homed and her husband, Roger. They with Mr and Mrs Dunn when he have had Dolly since she was a was approximately 4 years old. puppy, but unfortunately in About 6 weeks after he joined 2011 she was diagnosed with the family, he started to show osteoarthritis. signs of not being well and he lost a quarter of his body Treating the condition involved weight. regular injections of Cartrophen along with Cosequin tablets, Luckily, Dave had been signed which would have cost the up to the Healthy Pet Club as Dunns’ a fortune had they not soon as he was adopted. This been members of the ‘Healthy was a good thing too as he was Pet Club’. eventually diagnosed by their The couple have not only saved money on Dolly’s injections and daily medication, but they have

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vet with whipworm and successfully treated.

Lynda explained: “We are now Pets Magazine

obviously very concerned about the risk of reinfection, and the peace of mind we gain from knowing that we are saving on regular flea and worming treatment and check-ups is priceless.

Unfortunately, he has also been diagnosed with osteoarthritis so our medications will be increasing as a result.

“Being a member of the Healthy Pet Club is so worthwhile, especially if you have a dog or cat with a chronic condition that needs regular medication.

“Knowing that we are saving on the various treatments and check-ups gives us peace of mind. I can’t even begin to estimate how much we have saved, but needless to say, it’s a lot!”

To find out more about the Healthy Pet Club, visit: www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk/

Are You Losing Sleep Over Your Cat?

Do you ever find yourself woken up during the night by a furry pawtap on your head, or worse, a shrill miaow either right in your face our outside your bedroom door? If so, you’re amongst a not-so privileged group of owners who are being kept awake at night by their cat.

CLARE HEMINGTON, owner of Clare’s Cat Care, investigates...

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A cat’s natural body rhythms make it more active at dawn and dusk and during the hours of darkness, more often than not, the very time when we humans are tucked up in bed. Whilst some cats adjust to a sleep/wake cycle that more closely matches our own, others don’t and it’s the owners of these nocturnal nuisances who find themselves walking around like zombies during the day!

Expert: Accredited cat behaviorist Clare Hemington who runs Clare’s Cat Care, pictured with Billy and Jimmy.

This was the case for Julia who approached me for help regarding her cat Dodger’s dodgy night time habits.

Dodger, a three year old Burmese, had always been a vocal cat who liked to prowl, especially during the evening and overnight. However, during the previous eighteen months this behaviour had gradually increased to the point where the disruption to Julia’s sleep was becoming so severe that it had started to negatively affect her relationship with her once beloved cat.

was a manifestation of this frustration.

In this case Julia was unwittingly the maker of her own misfortune, because by responding either consistently or intermittently to Dodger’s demands for attention, she was inadvertently rewarding the very behaviour she was seeking to stop, thereby giving him carte blanche to repeat it, night after night...

impairment of their cognitive function. You should therefore always discuss any changes in your cat’s behaviour with your vet first.

When I visited Dodger he had already been given a clean bill of health so I was able to go ahead and make recommendations to try and resolve the behaviour.

Firstly it was important to change Dodger’s body rhythm Before we look at how we by altering his routine. We did addressed this from a this by dividing his daily food behavioural perspective, it’s ration into four small meals. important to always make sure For his penultimate meal I that any harsh night time asked Julia to reduce the vocalization doesn’t have a amount of food given to him to From Dodger’s perspective, as ensure he was hungry for his an indoor cat it is likely that he physical cause. This is final meal. This was to be given was frustrated in his inability to particularly relevant when we consider our ‘senior’ cats where to him as late as possible and exercise when his body was at such behaviour could be the would consist of a food he its most receptive, and the result of an age related particularly enjoyed. harsh repetitive vocalization

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The second strategy involved excluding Dodger from Julia’s bedroom at night and providing him with an alternative, attractive bedtime environment downstairs.

In this area Dodger the cat he was to be provided with all his essential resources available within sight. The central focus was to be a heated pad placed on the sofa, covered with Julia’s dressing gown.

Other stimulating resources such as toys, cardboard boxes and a multi-level scratching post were also to be made available in the new area to keep Dodger amused during the night, should he feel particularly active.

I was happy to hear from Julia only a few days later reporting that the changes were already having a positive effect. I held my breath, hoping any excessive vocalisation she that this would continue and heard at night. I advised her after three weeks received that the behaviour could get another update. Dodger was no worse before it stopped as longer vocalising at night, was Dodger became frustrated that his calling was no longer linked relaxed, calm and a generally more chilled cat. Julia had her to human contact, but there should be sufficient interest in old Dodger back along with a full quota of sleep each night! his night time area to satisfy him. Any reinforcement of the behaviour by human contact Clare Hemington is an (or even banging on the floor or accredited cat behaviourist and runs her own Practice in shouting), especially if it was provided intermittently, would Kent for owners whose cats are showing changes in their make the problem extremely behaviour such as house I ask Julia was to apply a new difficult to resolve. I also soiling, aggression towards night time routine. At 10pm suggested that Julia might like other cats and/ or people, when she went to bed she was over-grooming or generalised to buy some earplugs! to give Dodger his final meal of anxiety. She has been working in the field of cat behaviour for the day in his night time area.

In the morning when Julia was over seven years, and is a She would switch on the heated ready, she was to open the door member of the COAPE pad, switch off the lights and to the night time area, greet Association of Pet close the door.

Behaviourists and Trainers. and feed Dodger then turn off The third and final change was for Julia to consistently ignore

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the heated pad.

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www.clarescatcare.co.uk.

WWW.ARTYLOBSTER.COM Vet

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ARIES

CANCER

March 21st - April 20th

June 22nd - July 23rd

You'll start this month having been through a few twists and turns, both physically and emotionally. As these occur just remember that few negative events ever unfold without some good coming of it. Your people think it may be time for you to get a check up, a haircut or some other adjustment. Whatever appointment is made for you, go along with the program and turn off the TV, quiet the be on your best behaviour; once chatter and ignore news. it's completed you can relax into the familiarity of your normal day to day life.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

When the month starts with the moon in your element as it does now, it adds an extra layer of emotional energy and elicits more intensely felt responses from you. Because you're so involved with your human family, you could brood over real or imagined slights you've experienced; at the other end of the spectrum, you could have more acute reactions to pleasant events or moments that are deeply touching as well. It's important you get enough rest now and make time for nurturing.

TAURUS

This month, your job will be to promote harmony and happiness in your household.

Oh, for a good night's sleep or a You can achieve this through long and lazy afternoon nap; playful antics, cheerful unfortunately these elude you behaviour, and enthusiastic at the moment. You're keenly displays of affection. Your attuned to a changing owner may need a little emotional climate and this encouragement to go out and makes you edgy. Those you live get exercise. Be the catalyst for with have picked up on a local this activity. If you're confined disturbance and you're likely indoors, don't stay in one spot. absorbing their discomfort.

Be on the move. Maybe your When visitors with lots on their human companion will take a mind come over to chat, the page from your book. situation only seems to escalate; better for everyone to April 21st - May 21st

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LEO July 24th - August 23rd

It's not surprising you're a bit out of sorts, when other animal friends and buddies are trying to edge into your territory and your human’s feeling cranky, but do try to control your temper. Though you're going through a challenging period, you'll get a spot of relief midmonth when a charming visitor arrives and eases tensions all around. Take in all the hugs and good feeling you get then!

VIRGO August 24th September 23rd

This month brings its share of complications and just when you feel you're getting in sync with the pulse of things, changes are made.

You'll do well in early July in terms of being able to enjoy agreeable play with human and animal friends, but by the end of the month, aim to settle down and go off by yourself for a spell. In due course things get back to normal and you'll understand what's been going on.

LIBRA September 24th October 23rd

Day after day you ooze with charm and likability, with those who send loving vibes your way, you're completely welcoming. Currently you're in a position to receive lots of affection from those you live with, but beware of one visitor who wants to take you traveling! They're not thinking entirely clearly, so this individual is advised to tone down their reckless tendencies; let them know you're delighted to be with them, but they really must try to be more sensible!

a misadventure. Difficulty arises when one player in this escapade tries to subdue the others or intimidate with a show of force.

Harmony can't be restored until a human ally sees that this threatening energy is masking deep wounds. It will take patience, tenderness and lots of love to bring these hostile elements around, but it can be done.

AQUARIUS January 21st February 19th

Is your psychic sense sharpening; are you picking up so many signals SAGITTARIUS you can hardly cope? Poor dear! If November 23rd the answer to that question is yes, December 21st by the end of the month your Exciting flavours and colours fill already sensitive self will surely be your world now; this is something of on overload! But there is a fun side a transition period in which you can to being a walking antenna; you get wrap up unfinished business while the inside track on secrets your wagging your tail over the housemates think they can keep possibilities that come with the from you! One of these involves the approach of a new season. If there's hiding place of presents that are someone in your home circle you've being tucked away for an upcoming been annoyed with, it's time to drop holiday. Hmm! it! Look for the good and you'll find it. Licks and kisses show everyone how lovable you are and your PISCES February 20th - March affection will be recognised with 20th love in return.

CAPRICORN December 22nd January 20th

Lovely surprises and treats await SCORPIO this month, while some items that October 24th will be presented have good November 22nd nutritional value, others do not, so be wise as well as indulging. After Trouble brews when a crew of not so the fact you can think about friendly rivals appears in your exercising or starting on a regimen neighbourhood and tempts you into to address your housemate's

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concerns over your steadily increasing silhouette. Perhaps the two of you can get into a healthy routine working as a team.

Spending time together will help strengthen that special bond you share.

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You have been a wonderfully behaved pet of late, but that's not why you get the unusual treat you're about to receive. It's just because you're a valued member of the family that it was decided to take you along on an exciting excursion.

Whether you go by car, train or other conveyance, you'll have the time of your life exploring new territories and sniffing out new mysteries in places where no one else suspected a mystery existed!

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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Remembering All Creatures GREAT & Small...

National day: Pet Remembrance Day took place on Tuesday July 5

ON TUESDAY JULY 5 thousands of people across the UK and overseas remembered beloved departed dogs, cats and other pets on the second national Pet Remembrance Day.

hundreds shared photos of their pets (see gallery photos).

The day also generated major support across social media, including from celebrities such as Peter Egan and Morgan Fairchild alongside Big Brother Pet Remembrance Day was and Strictly Come Dancing launched last year on July 5 by celebs. Using the hashtag 3D pet sculpture specialists Arty #PetRemembranceDay, several Lobster and Pets Magazine to hundred people shared their provide a national day for people stories in a national outpouring to remember pets people had of grief over pet loss. loved and lost.

Pet Remembrance Day supported The Oldies Club, A Twitter and Facebook which re-homes dogs aged seven competition to win a 3D and over, as its charity of choice memorial of a beloved pet this year. attracted many poignant stories of pet loss and grief, and Marie Carter, Editor of Pets Magazine, said: “I am delighted

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at the success of national Pet Remembrance Day this year. It is both heartwarming and very poignant to hear all the stories of real and genuine grief at the loss of a beloved pet.

“There is still a real need for relatives, friends and employers to take into account the real, and often overwhelming, sense of loss upon the death of a pet.”

Lars Andersen, Managing Director of Arty Lobster, said: “Pets are increasingly regarded as members of our family, and basically we do not remember them as we should. Pet Remembrance Day fills a real gap for people to do just that.”

Wall of Remembrance Some of the beloved pets remembered this year on national Pet Remembrance Day...

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SOPHIE’S CHOICES More premium pet products, destinations & activities for you & your pet chosen by Sophie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, assisted by Marie.

Pet Chalk Art We’re totally loving these gorgeous bespoke ‘chalkboard’ designs based on a Q&A of your pet’s likes, special qualities and character. There are a range of backgrounds to choose from including the vintage version show here.

The chalkboards are supplied as high resolution jpegs for easy printing and framing or for use online, e.g. on social media profiles.

They are priced at only £10.00 each. http://edieandreggie.wix.com/petaccessories

Vonnybee Pollen for Pets Pets can suffer from allergies too and beekeeper Yvonne Matthews created Vonnybee as a solution.

Vonnybee, Yvonne’s company, produces all-natural health and well-being products that are sourced from bees, and help combat health issues in both animals and humans. Sophie has most definitely benefited from taking this supplement daily. http://vonnybee.com

Tails Dog Food Loving tails.com, a new company that delivers tailormade food blended to each individual dog’s nutritional and dietary needs.

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John Paul Pet John Paul Pet has been created by the cofounder of Paul Mitchell Luxury Hair Care John Paul Dejoria. The brand features a wide range of lovely shampoos, conditioners and wet wipes for your pet (suitable for dogs & cats.) They are PH balanced and the company’s strapline is something we love: they are tested on humans first! The shampoo & conditioner makes Sophie’s hair silky soft. http://johnpaulpet.com

DAVID CLIFF Reviews: Buckingham by John Schroeder Published by Matador at £10.99, ISBN 978 – 1– 78642 – 411 – 8.

Buckingham is a charming story about the therapeutic and other connections between cats and humans. The key protagonist, Angela acquires a mixture of cats under a variety of circumstances that perform a whole range of therapeutic services to people in need, be they elderly in residential care or children with special challenges. Domestic cats are never regarded in groups as associated with the term pride, but it sprang to mind when I saw Buckingham's role as very much the leader of the pack, elder states person, lover and standard setter for the conduct of other cats.

Talking more about the book's plot, will be to give it away. The truth is the book features three discrete dialogues, those between cats, those between humans and the crossover that occurs in the middle. We all know animals can communicate with us. This book takes that to a new level. My initial thoughts about anthropomorphism in the dialogue between the cats, and the very advanced behaviour towards humans, made me start the book with feelings of implausibility, however as it developed, I realise the author was trying to encapsulate the magnificent potential that exists between human and cat interaction and the surprises that our feline friends inevitably come up with in our lives almost on a daily basis. From initial scepticism half a dozen chapters had me thoroughly enjoying the plot, ignoring the somewhat larger-than-life coincidences occurred as people and cats kept turning up and appreciating the book for what it really is, celebration of our relationship with our feline friends that is both heart-warming and full of real issues. Issues of cats being summarily separated, the relationships that exist between them, the conditions upon which they live together in groups and how ultimately we must both say goodbye to twolegged and four-legged companions alike.

Buckingham is a very easy read, full of charm with a positive outlook to both humans and felines culminating in an ending that has the feel-good factor about it. I put the book down really feeling that Disney would make a great film around it. It's the Archers meets Garfield. For somebody who loves cats, do order them a copy.

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