Pets Magazine October 2016

October, 2016

TOP PRODUCTS FOR YOU & YOUR PET! CELEBRITY ASTROLOGER RUSSELL GRANT

The Adorable Cavalier King VetCharles Spaniel

Pets Magazine

AND MUCH MORE INSIDE...

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.

Cuffleberry & Co We’re loving the new gourmet food for dogs by Cuffleberry & Co. Available in both tins and trays, meat, poultry, fish and game have been combined with fruit, vegetables and herbs to create a range of six tasty flavours including Pork and Ham with Apple, Celery and Herbs and Venison, Duck, Cranberry & Green Beans. www.cuffleberryandco.com

Pooch & Mutt Treats Dog treats from Pooch & Mutt get the paws up from our taste testers. They’re wheat and grain free and come in a range of flavours with added benefits such as calming properties. www.poochandmutt.com

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Dog Treat Boxes!

It’s a paws up for these lovely and carefully prepared dog treat hampers. They come in a range of styles including puppy starter and birthday boxes, and do not require a subscription to buy. They contain a range of high quality dog food, treats and toys. Delivery is free and £1 from every treat box sold goes to dog charities.

Priced from £20. www.puppyessentials.co.uk

Poppytastic Pet Products!

Here’s a range of wonderful pet accessories including this pretty dog lead & collar from The Royal British Legion. Not only will these products, which include dog bowls, accessories and pet beds, provide a splash of colour to your pet’s life, but by buying them you will also be showing your support for a very worthy cause, as all proceeds from sales will go direct to the charity. www.poppyshop.org.uk

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‘Goodbye Pet & See You in Heaven’ - By Bel Mooney A memoir of animals, love & loss Bel Mooney had been used to getting an enthusiastic response to her writing from her loyal fan base, but was astonished by the deluge of letters she received from the public after sharing her sorrow at the death of beloved dog, Bonnie. This proved the catalyst for an intensely personal and moving voyage of discovery. As Bel tried to cope and reflect on the enormous void left in her life by the loss of this little animal, she decided to look into just what makes our bonds with our pets so deep, and how people cope with and mourn these inevitable losses. Examining the psychological and ritual acts of mourning across cultures and through history, Bel seeks answers to many of the big questions that those mourning the death of a pet may ponder, such as: do animals have a soul?

Bel Mooney has spoken to experts and pet-owners far and wide to bring together this heartfelt and intensely moving book. Moving and uplifting, Goodbye Pet & See You in Heaven takes the reader through the difficult and sometimes unbelievable events that followed Bonnie’s death.

Out now. £12.99. Robson Press.

‘A Dog’s Life’ By Hannah Dale A Dog’s Life is a celebration of Britain’s best-loved companions, from the author of Flying the Nest and The Country Set. It is a charming and lighthearted study of fifty of our favourite breeds by award-winning illustrator Hannah Dale. Hannah, a dog lover herself, has spoken with countless dog owners as a part of her research for this book. The result is a collection of charming illustrations, each capturing the characteristics of the breed and accompanied by an insightful description.

Published November 10. £9.99. Batsford.

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

Animal friends are tempting you into an escapade that could result in a wide variety of consequences. While this seems like a great adventure, you could very easily end up lost, or worse yet, hurt. Use your practical common sense and excuse yourself from this group plan. You might feel left out but doing the right thing will bring its own reward.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

Normally, you're quiet and docile, but that won't be the case this month! All of the sudden, you're disobeying orders and following your own path. This comes as quite a surprise to your family. The reason you've become so rebellious is that you feel as though you're being taken for granted. Destroying personal property, making messes, and making lots of noise draw the attention you crave. Hopefully, your owner will understand and respond with compassion.

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GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

Having friends come to see your people almost always tickles you, but as the month wears on you'll notice a change in the rhythm and frequency of these pop ins. Though you may not like it at first, this turn toward quiet and inward reflection is quite beneficial to both you and your companion.

It's not possible or even healthy to be continually engaged in social interactions. Use this period to interact more closely with your housemate; you'll notice something you previously missed about them.

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It's a fine month in general, though there are a few days mid month during which you'll sense your patience is being tested. Your people may think you are a bit edgy, and they'll be right; happily, this passes shortly and you'll be back to your normal, helpful self again. Eating healthy meals and sleeping enough is especially important at any stressful periods. Take things easy and don't put any pressure on yourself to perform at peak level till you're feeling better.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd

You won’t have to wait long in your quest to earn points with your housemate as a chance to perform an unusual task comes along in the next few weeks. It's especially easy for you to gain acclaim for good behaviour and all your considerate gestures are noticed this month so when your friend goes shopping they're sure to come home with some special treats for you.

VIRGO August 24th September 23rd

It will be difficult to find dark corners to snooze and nap the hours away as your human friend gets in a cleaning mode and is sweeping, dusting and shedding light in places that are often left in darkness. You could consider how you could be of help and if there are toys of yours that could be discarded to assist in the clean-up. Enjoy a neat and tidy place to settle after it's all done.

advance of a potential scolding you might attract, you can decide to behave so beautifully your housemates won't have

but you will feel recharged and re-energised.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd December 21st

any reason to have a falling out with you. In case you're not up to that, pile up all the plush pillows in the house to soften the blow!

SCORPIO

A good home, the comfort of food and someone to love, what more could any bundle of fur or feathers need or want! As the month begins the emphasis will be on filling your belly as your appetite is sharp and a hearty meal is all you're thinking about. Happily, your human companion senses your current state and provides savoury and delicious offerings to keep you content. Once satisfied, you'll find ways to show your appreciation in your own special way.

October 24th - November 22nd

LIBRA

Grey days have put you in a sleepy mood. But no problem for you because dreaming is Finding a gentle place gets to one of your favourite ways to be a challenge, especially as the pass the time. Snooze your time level of activity at home rises; if away and find yourself you're a clever cat or diligent surrounded by all your dearest dog you'll start preparing a pleasures. Enjoy the quiet and cushy spot for yourself right peaceful environment while away. Of course, working in you can, it won't last forever September 24th October 23rd

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CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

As much as you'd like to relax into the joy of being comfy and content at home, your month begins with an unexpected upset that puts you in flight

mode. It's difficult to imagine what kind of occurrence would spark such an idea; before anything untoward happens best come up with a few alternative reactions to an event you might consider escape worthy. Do all you can to keep the family calm and stick to routines you know will make those you live with cheerful.

PISCES February 20th March 20th

A fine chance for adventuring gets your month off to an exciting start and off you'll go seeing and doing new things.

But be on your guard, you've experienced or observed enough to know that different places have different customs and local residents don't always take kindly to having strangers AQUARIUS in their midst. Hold back a bit January 21st February 19th until you get a sense of the place, look toward your human friend for clues regarding how An unusual adventure gets your to behave so you'll both make month off to an exciting start an agreeable impression. and off you'll go to see and do new things. Take your time engaging people; you've experienced or observed enough to know that different places have different customs and residents of a place don't take kindly to having visitors set new rules of behaviour.

Hold back a bit until you get a sense of the place, look toward your human friend for clues regarding how to conduct yourself so you'll both make a good impression.

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Russell Grant’s Pet Horoscope is sponsored by The Dog Treat Company, renowned for producing delicious and ethically sourced dog treats.

MY Pet Our celebrity My Pet interviewee this month is KISS FM DJ Pandora.

Pandora has been involved in radio and acting since her teens.

Previously a presenter on Choice FM, she took over KISS FM’s morning show this summer. We meet Pandora and her fourlegged BFF. WHAT BREED IS HENRY & WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HIM?

DOES HENRY COME TO WORK WITH YOU?

Henry is a Staffie cross from Battersea Dogs Home, I got him five years ago as a puppy.

He was the only dog that ignored me when I came peering over the kennel, he had a kong filled with food and peanut butter and was so into it he completely ignored me at first and I wasn't having any of that! I chose him right there and then.

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I would love him to come to work with me, however I couldn't have him barking while the mic was live ... I don’t think my boss would like that! Ha ha I have almost brought him to the studios over Christmas before. This year, I will for sure!

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WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES HENRY MAKE TO YOUR LIFE?

so having miles upon miles of new fields and forests for him to run around in was brilliant. Only thing is beware of cows!

Henry quite simply IS MY LIFE! He makes me happy, gives me the best feeling in the world by greeting me at the door when I come home. He’s my best friend, he makes me laugh ( as I write this, he's staring at me like he knows I'm writing about him ) and the unconditional love is a bond that can never be broken.

DO YOU DO PET FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS? Yes, It's so important to take your dog on a few holidays with you, whether it's a seaside break or a stay in the country in a nice cottage. I've taken Henry to the Cotswolds, the Lake District and to Southend-on-Sea. Getting a nice cottage in the Cotswolds was the best holiday with Henry. This place was amazing right in the middle of the Cotswolds with a large lake running through it. It was called the Swan Hotel. This was right up Henry’s street as he’s is a massive walker/runner,

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He's brilliant in pubs. He just gets excited when there are big crowds. I always say it's best to get your dog used to being round people in public places so they know to stay calm and not be an absolute nightmare ( which Henry was at first!)

DOES HENRY HAVE ANY SPECIAL TRICKS? My favourite thing he's started doing is crawling on the carpet. He knows it gets me every time; he literally drags himself across the room!!

WHAT ARE HENRY’S FAVOURITE THINGS IN THE WORLD? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT Tennis balls! They are his REGARDING ANIMAL ultimate treat... The thing he will WELFARE? do anything for, he loves playing fetch with about three balls on the This country needs to change it's go. Second will be his laws regarding animal welfare. unbreakable tug toy and third There needs to be a much harder any tasty stinky dog treat! sentencing when it comes to DO YOU TAKE THE HENRY WITH YOU TO PUBS & RESTAURANTS? I don't take Henry to enough restaurants and cafes as I should.

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animal abuse and there is breed prejudice in the system that needs to be changed.

Catch Pandora on KISS FM.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!

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In the first of our ‘We love...’ our pets series, Pets Magazine’s MARIE CARTER on why she has a soft spot for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels....

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are special. I’ve got two of them, Nell and Sophie, and would love more. Perhaps all four colour variations – Ruby, Blenheim, Tricolour and Black and Tan – but I have got to be practical, unfortunately!

As with chocolate you can’t just have the one Cavalier, but I really don’t want to tell too many people what perfect little dogs these are, as, sadly, they are the victims of their own success.

Cavaliers can have their heath problems that have arisen as a results of extensive inbreeding from too small a gene pool.

In spite of this, I wouldn’t choose any other dog breed. Why? Well, for starters Cavaliers are fabulous family pets and excellent ‘comfort’ dogs. In the 17th-century, the Toy Spaniel was called a ‘comforte’ dog that kept the feet of nobles warm in draughty castles and also diverted fleas from master or mistress to dog!

Sophie and Nell have very different characters but, like all Cavaliers, they love people and are very eager to please. Both dogs adore their food rather too much and can easily be trained with suitably tasty treats – in small morsels, of course!

Nell and Sophie have very different backgrounds. I adopted Sophie, a Ruby, as a feisty pup of eight weeks and she attended puppy classes and has received lots of love and affection over the years. For the past two years, Sophie, who is eight, has been a regular ‘contributor’ to Pets Magazine as our Chief Reviewer and Taste Tester. She even has her own column called ‘Sophie’s (now, ‘& Nell’s’!) Choices’ and it is a job she loves! She loves giving kisses, walks, snoozing and food! As well as her ‘Mr Tiger’ toy.

Two months ago, my partner and I adopted Nell, who is 10 and a Blenheim Cavalier, from Dogs Trust. Nell came to the rescue centre from an Irish puppy farm where she was forced to have litter after litter in the name of profit. It breaks my heart to think about what she’s been through.

Our vet said she’d had multiple litters, severe ear infections, most of her teeth had been removed and her muscles were hardly developed due to a complete lack of exercise over the years. Her pads, in contrast to Sophie’s who has enjoyed many long walks in her eight years, are puppy soft.

Pets Magazine I call her my ‘grown up puppy’, also because her spirit is very puppy-like.

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Nellie is the most loving, gentle, trusting and peopleorientated little dog I have ever met. She has been with us for a couple of months now, and has settled in wonderfully. She has bonded closely to me but can be left at home with Sophie for a few hours without issue.

We initially had a handful of ‘little accidents’ in the house, but these have vanished with a little gentle retraining. Nellie is abundant with her Sophie & Nell licks and nuzzles and also loves her walks, suspect, visited more fun and and is inquisitive about her new interesting places that she has world. With Sophie, she has I in her entire decade. She’s been on countryside walks, run along beaches, and even had the wind her ears in a convertible. Nell loves rolling in the garden and she loves to smile. By the way, dogs do smile! And she has an enormous zest for life. We hope to be able to give Nell several more years of the best life can offer.

Sophie as a pup

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I love Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are, in my humblest of opinions, the best Pets Magazine

dogs in the world. Active, people loving, intelligent and endearing little characters, I don’t think I will be ever be without at least one of these amazing little dogs.

This article was adapted from an article published at the campaigning website Cavaliers Are Special.

Get in touch!

Please get in touch via editor@petsmag.co.uk if you would like to tell us why you love your pet!

David Cliff reviews...

Some GPS tracking systems are quite sophisticated and demanding and those of us who do not want our cat monitored by centre point, find there is often a bewildering area of tech around that is effectively a sledge hammer to a peanut.

The Tabcat Cat Tracker... puts an end to that as a simple to use piece of technology that allows you to track your cat in a radius of up to 400 feet.

A small hand set allows you to code up to four “tabs” (two supplied with the unit others are purchasable an addition), which go into convenient little soft pouches that attach to a cats’ collar or harness. These units, about the size of a two pence coin and a little thicker, are light and unobtrusive and easily code to the handset. Press a button, on the handset and the coded tag starts to transmit back to the handset unit which is represented by a series of lights that increase in number and with an accompanying tone that increases in intensity as you are getting closer to your cat.

The system is easy, user friendly and requires a minimum of technical skills to apply. In built up areas, the tracking ability of

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tabcat is reduced below the 400 feet indicated, but it is still pretty

At £69.99 it’s a very valuable unit for tracking cats and indeed other items, let’s add your mobile phone put under the settee by a child to the list, for example.

As with any unit, this is not a substitute for appropriate diligence in your life, but given that cats are such unpredictable creatures and keys often have a mind of their own, it is a bit of peace of mind and Lola wearing her Tabcat convenience all rolled into one. good for finding your cat within a fair size radius of where you are at A further sophistication of Tabcat unless there are major physical blocks. Being black, my cat Lola is is that the unit once activated, starts to emit a beep from the tags difficult to see in undergrowth, and so often when she is wondering around the garden, she is hard to find. Not so with Tabcat.

Unfortunately it has taken all the fun out of hide and seek for Lola!

On a more serious note, when we travel with Lola, we have tested Tabcat and have found it a great reassurance as a backup should she wander. Tabcat’s batteries last about a 1-2 years according to the manufacturers, although in reality, I would strongly suggest from past experience from earlier genres of this unit, you should carry a set of spares especially if you are either a heavy user or leave the unit with extreme periods of dormancy.

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that are attached to your cat. This could be a training signal, to invite them to come home and the company’s website gives hints and tips on how to achieve this.

Tabcat, small price to pay for a bit of mind and real convenience, whilst I am normally quite sceptical on things techwise, I am actually quite a fan of this one.

Tabcat, priced £69.99, is available now from www.mytabcat.com.

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

WWW.ARTYLOBSTER.COM Vet

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Ask The Vet Hermann Heyl, Clinical Director at The Vet Waltham Forest, writes: Lungworm, which is spread by slugs and snails, can cause difficulty breathing, weight loss and can even be fatal.

Frogs can also carry the lungworm larvae, presenting a risk to dogs.

dogs being brought in for treatment.

“What can I do to protect my dog from lungworm?”

One such dog a Terrier cross contracted the potentially fatal parasite, which dogs become infected with after eating slugs and snails. Luckily she survived, but the infection caused internal bleeding.

The Bayer ‘Be Lungworm Aware’ campaign aims to raise Foxes can become infected with awareness of the parasite, and Symptoms of lungworm lungworm, and have been infection to look out for include how lungworm can be implicated in the increase of prevented. The campaign raises the parasite across the country. bleeding around eyes or nose, awareness to dog owners that In a new study by University of red spots on gums and the quarterly treatment coughing.

Bristol scientists found that applications cannot prevent 18.3% of the UK fox lungworm, monthly population is affected by Do you have a question administration is needed. lungworm – up from 7.3% in for The Vet? Email your 2008.

The Vet (www.thevet.co.uk) questions to: is a revolutionary new type The same study indicates that editor@petsmag.co.uk. of veterinary clinic. while eight years ago, cases Currently with six practices were concentrated in the South We strongly urge dog owners to give their pets the monthly flea in the UK (Bristol, Morden, of England and Wales, the Nottingham, Waltham Forest, treatment Advocate, which parasite has increasingly been Liverpool, Southampton), it found in Central and Northern protects against the potentially offers a walk-in no fatal parasite. In this case, areas of the UK. During the appointment service for same period, prevalence of the prevention really is better than consultations. parasite has more than doubled a cure. in the South East to 50.8%.

The Vet has seen a steadily increasing number of affected

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