Petsmag spring 2014

www.petsmag.co.uk

Become an expat with your pet

Petsies are new selfies!

Are dog owners from Mars?

Confessions of a cat convert...

SPRING 2014 Page 1

CONTENTS Dog owners are from Mars .................................................................... 5 Confessions of a ‘cat convert’ ............................................................ 7-8 Pet food Q&A ......................................................................................... 9 ‘Petsies‘ are new selfies ....................................................................... 10 Happy ending for Lucky ................................................................. 12-13 Becoming an expat with your pet .................................................. 15-16 Pet product selection ........................................................................... 17 Teacup pups ..........................................................................................19

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Welcome to Pets Magazine!

Welcome to the spring edition of Pets magazine.

In this issue, we look at what your pet preferences can reveal about the real you. We join the great dog food debate in our interview with Smaranda Jim, a leading pet nutritionist.

We also delve deep into the wonderful world of the ‘petsie’ and how where celebs lead, we usually follow. Our ‘confessions of a cat convert’ takes to the road with leading therapist David Cliff and his pet cat, Lola.

Thinking of emigrating with your pet? We get the low-down from someone who’s made the leap.

Luxury products for you and your pet can also be found on pages 17-18.

There’s much, much more inside!

If you would like to contribute to future issues, please email editor@petsmag.co.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Marie Carter Editor

Clockwise from left: Cats not allowed (p7-8), Lovely dog tags (p18), the low down on pet food (9), dogs are from Mars (p5), Millie Mackintosh & pug share a ‘petsie’ (p10-11.)

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Dog owners are from Mars, Cat owners are from Venus...

Dog owners are hard-working and sociable while cat lovers are messy and lazy, according to new research Are you a cat a dog person is a question that is asked regularly. It seems that the answer could reveal more about you than you intended.

Research has found that not only are dogs the most popular animal of choice to have in the home - dog owners are hardworking early risers, and most likely to be married.

Meanwhile cat owners are shy, single and messy, and people who own rabbits are more likely to be creative, laid back scatterbrains.Â

Dogs v cats - but what if you’re both a cat and dog person?

Each participant was asked Rabbit owners were the to describe themselves in most likely to describe three words. themselves as creative (56 per cent) while a third said Elsewhere, rabbit and dog Over half of dog owners they were laid back, and 16 owners said they were early described themselves as per cent admitted to being risers, while cat lovers hardworking, a third said scatterbrains. claimed to be night owls. they were outgoing and The poll was conducted by logical, while a fifth also The most hardworking dog UK pet insurer Petplan to described themselves as lovers owned German celebrate the launch of its neat.

Shepherds and the neatest Find a Pet website. dog owners had Border The most common Terriers.

The most popular pet description among cat among the respondents owners was introverted (21 Among cat lovers, those was a dog, at 77 per cent. per cent), followed by who owned Persian cats Cats owners made up 21 messy (20 per cent) and were the most laid back, per cent of the couch potato (13 per cent). but people with Tortoise respondents, while only two Shells were the most shy. per cent owned rabbits.

Pooches were most likely to be owned by married men who live in the countryside, while single females in their twenties owned the most cats.

Dog owners were the most likely to describe themselves as hardworking (55%), a people person (34%), logical (32%) and neat (23%).

Cat owners were the most likely to describe themselves as introvert (21%), messy (20%), couch potato (13%) and a cool cat (13%).

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Regal Cavalier voted top dog Two thirds of Brits now think the bulldog is the wrong mascot for Britain.

Research by MORE TH>N Pet Insurance shows that the ‘bulldog spirit’ is a thing of the past, with the key traits of the nation now seen as apologetic, polite, inquisitive and indecisive.

Dog expert suggests that the Cavalier King Charles spaniel could replace the bulldog as the national animal of the UK – and 67% of nation agrees.

The British bulldog has been a national symbol since the time of Winston Churchill, representing the UK’s determination, defiance and pugnacity.

According to the research, conducted with 4,000 British adults, the national character of Great Britain today can be defined as: 1. Apologetic - 51% 2. Polite - 49% 3. Strong willed - 43% 4. Inquisitive (bordering on nosey!) - 41% 5. Relaxed and laid back - 40% 6. Outspoken - 40% 7. Considered - 37%

Top dog: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

8. Serious - 36% 9. Lazy (we do enough to get by) 35% 10. Indecisive – 30% Using the 10 national characteristics as a blueprint, researchers from the pet insurers, with the help of the UK’s foremost pet behaviourist Karen Wild, set about working out which British dog breeds most closely matched the list and best captured the essence of modern ‘Britishness’.

While there were a number of mutts in the mix, the dog that matched more national characteristics than any other was the Cavalier King Charles spaniel; a popular toy breed once owned by Margaret Thatcher, Princess Margaret and XFactor’s Sharon Osbourne.

The stubborn, tenacious and resolute bulldog, however, was among the British canines that shared the fewest traits with modern-day UK**.

Commenting on the research, Karen Wild said: “The national attitude research reflects a different view of what ‘Britishness’ means nowadays, one that matches the Cavalier King Charles spaniel very well.

Indeed, in terms of like-forlike traits, few British dog breeds match the modern national character better. It might be a small dog but that doesn’t mean it is a lesser symbol for the nation than the bulldog.

“As a versatile breed, healthy Cavalier spaniels can be both laid back and relaxed but also incredibly inquisitive, active and determined, following their noses everywhere they go as their canine instincts dictate. They can sometimes be loud, vocal animals when excited but by and large they are agreeable dogs that behave in a very polite way when at home with their human companions.”

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Miracle recovery for Chihuahua Thanks to the quick-thinking of PDSA’s “angel” vets and nurses pintsized Chihuahua Picalina was brought back from the brink of death after suffering major heart failure.

Lying lifeless in his panic-stricken owner’s arms after collapsing in the waiting room at Glasgow PDSA pet hospital, the beloved 10-year-old pet was rushed into the PetAid hospital’s t h e a t re ro o m . Ve t s p e r f o r m e d emergency life-saving care including cardiac massage, in a bid to restart his heart.

PDSA vet Susie Hermit said: “Everything happened very quickly and after collapsing, blood was pouring from Picalina’s nose due to his heart’s inability to pump blood around his body.

“We rushed Picalina through to theatre when his heart stopped beating. We put a tubedown his throat so we could give oxygen directly to him and gave him adrenaline, to stimulate the heart’s muscle and to make sure that Picalina’s vital organs were supplied with blood. We also performed

cardiac massage and gave him a virtual cocktail of drugs to try and revive him.”

As vets battled to save little Picalina they also had to warn Sara that there was very little chance of success, recalled Susie: “X-rays confirmed Picalina had a huge enlarged heart, which meant that his heart wasn’t pumping the blood around his body as well as it should – the heart Miracle recovery: Picalina with owner Sara muscles simply weren’t Bethwaite as strong as they Picalina was so ill that he was kept at should be. the hospital for several days before

“Picalina was effectively dead after being allowed home. He has gone on his heart stopped, but we did to make a good recovery but due to a grade five heart murmur, one of the everything we could to get his heart beating again and to make most severe, he now relies on a sure that his body got enough cocktail of drugs. He must be given oxygen by providing it through the these every day to keep his condition tube we’d put down his throat. We under control. couldn’t just give up on him!

She said: “Picalina had already been

“We didn’t expect him to survive but diagnosed with a heart murmur and we told Sara that we were doing all on this particular day he seemed to we could. Picalina’s survival spirit be gasping for breath and really struggling, so I rushed him to PDSA meant he rallied and we were able to get his heart beating and to breathe for a check-up.

again. He is a very lucky dog.”

“It was absolutely terrifying when he

Thanks to PDSA, Picalina was stopped breathing but I can’t thank the staff at PDSA enough for brought back from the dead – a feat his owner Sara Bethwaite, 35, from everything they did to save him – they Glasgow’s West End, describes as a worked miracles! They really are angels as, without them, Picalina “miracle”. wouldn’t be alive today.

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Pets are what they eat...

To celebrate National Pet Month (April 1 - May 5), Pets magazine editor Marie Carter talks to animal lover and businesswoman Smaranda Jim who owns food brand nose2tail, the first grain-free wet food in the UK. Smaranda, who came to Britain from Romania 13 years, believes passionately that what we feed our pets can affect their health and lifespan.

Q Are dog owners starting to demand quality?

There is a clear trend towards natural, high quality foods as pet owners become more aware of the risks associated with poor diets, often through bitter experience. Equally, people understand that good nutrition is as important for pets as it is for humans. We are what we eat! I strongly advise dog owners to do their research, consult a good vet, a reputable pet shop and ultimately trust their own common sense as they know their dog better than anyone.

Q Why is processed food so bad?

complete diet developed by experts.

Q What do you think of the raw food diet?

I’ve heard lots of good things about raw diets, and hopefully in time there will be more studies that will support the empirical evidence.

However, just like with any other diet, it doesn’t suit all dogs. We know this as we have customers who come to us having fed raw previously.

Our vet, Ray O’Mahony, believes that ‘commercially available raw foods need to be examined with the same degree of caution as other commercial foods’. He also believes that you can feed a combination diet.

Commercial diets vary enormously and are, I believe, the best way to ensure a balanced diet for your dog. There is nothing Q Any recipes you can wrong with occasionally cooking for your dog, I also share? enjoy doing it sometimes, but it’s safer to provide your Yes, sure, A simple and four legged friend with a tasty recipe that I tend to

Smaranda and Dogue de Bordeaux cook for my dog is as follows:

salmon oil and Phytoforce Active8.

- 500g of minced meat - one carrot - one apple - peas and/or broccoli, spinach etc - salmon oil - Phytoforce Active8 herbal tonic

Feed according to your dog’s size, age and level of activity. This recipe will provide approximately two meals to an average-sized dog.

Place the minced meat (I tend to use turkey) in 200g of boiling water. After 5 minutes add the grated carrot. Turn the fire off after another 5 minutes. At the very end, add the chopped apple (no seeds), peas and spinach. Add a splash of

Smaranda’s brand of dog food, Nose2Tail, was the first grain-free wet food in the UK. The range was developed with the help of leading herbal vet Ray O’Mahony. For more information, please visit: www.nose-2-tail.co.uk

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Confessions of a cat convert...

By David Cliff I have spent most of my life carrying the usual prejudices that are formed, somehow in childhood, when parents and others are disdainful of cats. Add to that lifelong allergies when cat fur would have me reaching for the steroid sprays and cats were avoided at all costs.

All of this changed one day when my daughter acquired a second kitten that was rather small and seemed to be used as a puck by my daughter’s adult cat in a game of one-sided feline hockey. The despairing kitten looked at me and we connected.

I found my allergies easing and I discovered the closet cat person within…

I always thought, even as a therapist, that people were quite neurotic about their cats. I understood entirely the importance and attachment of animals in people’s lives, especially those who live alone. But I could not countenance the dread of separation that occurred as a small animal sat upon a suitcase looking mournful as my partner and I prepared to leave for a five-day visit overseas. I now well understand how owners find it very difficult to leave their cats in catteries and indeed, have discomfort in leaving them at home with visiting carers, even if trusted relatives.

We decided to try and resolve this dilemma of leaving Lola the cat by

acquiring a decent motor home with a view to taking her with us.

It’s only when you begin this task that you realise that “pet” friendly camping and Check before you travel: many caravan sites caravan are only ‘dog-friendly’ sites are really freedom of the van. Clearly with a “dog” friendly and in fact, although most tolerate other animals, cats are flighty cat this might not be recommended, but in our an issue, even when kept on a lead. experimental runs with the vehicle, We currently find that heading for caravan sites that were accredited by before undertaking main holidays, we the Caravan Club, or similar, made a found this was the way that settled her best and the place she took was huge difference to the order kept on the site and therefore Lola’s ability to safe and secure, even in acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. For adjust. long journeys, our trip was broken up Our first overnight jaunt with Lola was with two or three overnight stops so she did not have to travel for more a disaster. We were left with a than a couple of hours at a time. quaking, drooling cat after only 50 miles. In fact, we thought we might lose her through dehydration. After a few hours she settled down and had an easier return journey; however, we realised that motion sickness rather than fear was in play here.

We researched the net for all of the current advice but the fact is, Lola is happiest sitting on the top bunk of the motor home where the centre of gravity is at its worst, with the

We found Feliway spray has an amazing calming effect on cats in transit this eased the first long journeys with her. Lola is a house cat and so only goes out on a lead. So it was vital to ensure doors were secured at key times and we always identified where she was before opening the vehicle, even when on a site.

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For more adaptive cats that can be let out in novel environments and stay close, I can imagine it is important to give the cat a period of supervised orientation on a site, although similar theories say allowing a cat out, it finds its way back. For some, however, a suddenly frightened or disorientated cat can get scared and wander off, not to be seen again, so caution needs to be exercised.

Once settled Lola was happily left to relax in the afternoons in the van, obviously with air vents left open.

What was fascinating is that Lola actually seems to enjoy the time away. She enjoys the walks, the fresh air, the stimulation and more company than she enjoys during a normal working week.

David’s travel tips

Lola chills out in David’s motorhome

Spend some time with your cat in the vehicle; Keep your cat secure first in a cat carrier or harness.

If this is working, great, but do not be afraid to let it find its own point for security; Take your cat out for short journeys.

Remember cats

Cool as a cat: Lola

have an inferior ear structure to humans in terms of adaptation to motion and so need to get their sea legs whilst travelling, especially for long journeys; Feed your cat a couple of hours before you travel and not during travel; Feliway is fab for calming most cats – just a couple of sprays;

It’s hard work but for those who feel hesitant about leaving their cat to holiday, the rewards are well worth it.

Contain your cat or agree a system for handling doors, etc. in your car or motor home, whilst transporting him/her. Be really careful at petrol stations;

Make sure your cat is well watered during breaks en-route, as in cars or motor homes, especially with air conditioning, they can easily dehydrate; Praise your cat when it settles.

Use treats; Negotiate on sites to be away from dog areas. Tell the site your needs clearly; Consider using a cat tracking device such as Locator or similar.

You may never need it but if a sensor is attached at a collar, it can be a god send in tracking your cat, should it get out.

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

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‘Petsies’ are new selfies!

Forget weddings, babies and selfies, its photos of our pets - or 'petsies' - that we really love posting on our social networks, according to new research.

The survey by Samsung Digital Imaging reveals that we're a nation obsessed with taking and sharing more photos of our furry friends than of our own friends and family.

further 16% revealing that half of the photos they upload onto Facebook are of their pets.

We now share an average of six photos a week of their pets versus just five a week of their friends and family. When asked why people are increasingly sharing photos of their pets, 16% of proud pet owners say it is to ‘show them off’ to their Petsie: Millie Mackintosh & her pet pug friends and family, Mabel whilst nearly half (42%) say such as at they Sixty two per cent of people the dining do so admit to sharing ‘petsies on table.

social media

Almost two-thirds (63%) of petowners in the UK confess to taking photos of their pets on a regular basis, with 62% of us admitting to frequently taking photos of our dogs, 52% of our cats, 8% of our rabbits and 4% even taking ‘petsies’ of guinea pigs.

In a sign of the social world in which we now live, nearly two thirds (62%) of people admit to regularly uploading and sharing photos of their pets on Facebook and Twitter, with a

because their loyal dog or cat is ‘just another member of the family.’

With viral videos of talking dogs, sneezing pandas and super hero cats taking the nation by storm, it comes as no surprise that a quarter (25%) of us take photos of their pets to capture their most comical moments.

Twenty-four per cent of pet owners like to snap their pets in unusual places, such as in the driving seat of a car, whilst 16% admit to papping their pets in human-like positions

A further 21% capture their pets redhanded doing something they shouldn’t be, like chewing up the house, whilst 17% admit to simply snapping their pets ‘smiling.‘

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In the same way many of us would with our friends and family, a quarter (25%) of us are now sharing photos of our furry friends’ birthdays on

Facebook, whilst 23% share photos of their pets while on the family holiday.

Despite our love of taking ‘petsies,’ getting our pets to strike a pose proves challenging; one in five (20%) have had to hold food in the air to get their pets to stay still, whilst 16% say the only way to keep them in situ is to wave their favourite toy around the room. Over two thirds of Brits (71%) say that zoom lenses and action modes on cameras help them to take the perfect shot of their pets. A further 15% even admit to using filters to touch up photos before posting them online.

Millie Mackintosh, who will be on the panel of judges for the Petsie Awards, comments: “My dog is my best friend and I’m constantly taking photos of him. I’m thrilled to be part of the Samsung Petsie Awards and

look forward to celebrating the weird and wonderful things our dogs do to make us smile.”

Russell Taylor, Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Samsung UK and Ireland, adds: “The explosion of social media has meant that we are sharing more information about our lives with the rest of the world than ever before. Our pets are a big part of this, so naturally, we want to capture images of them at their funniest and share these moments with others.

That’s why Samsung has launched the Petsie Awards, which will be sure to set tails wagging across the nation.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, says: “Samsung's Petsie Awards tap into this national phenomenon, where people are taking and sharing pictures of their pets. For all the wonderful dogs we have at Crufts, by far the most popular posts on the Crufts Facebook page are those asking

people to upload photos of their own four-legged friends, which are quite rightly the most cute, funny and wonderful of animals in their owners' eyes."

Top dogs!

The Andrex puppy is revealed to be Britain’s favourite dog, with the majority of Brits (18%) saying they would most like to own the Labrador retriever puppy. The top five most wanted dogs are: 1.

Andrex Puppy

2.

Lassie

3.

Scooby Doo

4.

Gromit

5.

Beethoven

Samsung has launched an online search to find Britain’s best ‘petsies’. To take part in the Petsie Awards, all you have to do is upload the coolest picture of your pet dog on Facebook by visiting www.thepetsies.com.

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Happy ending for ‘Lucky’ the Border Terrier A Border Terrier who was born blind is now living life to the full, thanks to his faithful father taking on the role of guide dog.

Two-year-old dog Lucky was born without retinas which meant he’s never been able to see. But thanks to his father Scruff and support from vet charity PDSA helping to manage Eyes and ears: Scruff leads as Lucky follows. his condition, the cute canine is now a confident, separated for a little while, Scruff Lucky was born blind and it seemed he was happy will rush over to Lucky and lick him family pet. always knocking into something... as if to say ‘sorry I had to leave

you’.”

When

“Lucky was blind from birth and it Lucky first started venturing outside After discussing the situation with seemed that he was always running his Glasgow home he had real PDSA vets, Jim and his family also or knocking into something and difficulty getting around and would made changes to help Lucky around hurting often run head-first into things, the home when he himself. resulting in lumps and bumps. was very young, “Scruff licks him on the face We were

including taking the and guides him where to go.” unusual step of But thanks to the protective instincts really worried of his dad, Scruff, he is coping wearing bells at the about how he was going to cope. amazing well with his disability and bottom of his trousers to let him it’s a bond that cannot be broken. know where they are in the room.

“But we started to take Lucky and

Scruff on walks together and it was Proud owner Jim Leonard, 65, from “When he hears the noise he will amazing to see Scruff starting to take Glasgow, said the pair were follow you,” said Jim. charge, looking after Lucky and “inseparable” and claims the older checking he was okay. dog would do anything he could to “We also put strong smelling scents protect his son from any harm:

Now Scruff licks him on the face and guides him where to go. If they are

like lemon or lime in parts of the room where there are dangers and Lucky knows not to go there.

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“It’s hard work to care for a pet with a disability but so rewarding. We’re extremely grateful to the PDSA vets and nurses at the pet hospital in Tollcross for the help and support they have given us and Lucky, which has helped him to blossom into a loving, confident dog.”

Blindness in pets can be challenging to owners but, with the right support, it is possible to help pets adapt well PDSA senior vet Elaine Pendlebury to their said the bond between Lucky and his surroundings. dad was touching and a reminder of how dogs never fail to surprise us “Sight is not with their character and abilities. the primary

sense in all She said: “Dogs can behave in a pets; dogs, unique and extraordinary for example, way. They’re extremely social animals have an and can help both pets and people in extremely ways that never fail to amaze. It’s wellinspiring to us all that Scruff acts as a developed guide dog to his canine companion sense of smell and how he looks after his son to the which can be best of his ability. up to 100,000

times more “It’s nice to see that all of Lucky’s sensitive than family – both owner and fellow dog – a human’s, are working together to make sure depending on that he can live life to the full.” the breed.”

Owner Jim Leonard with Scruff and Lucky

The part of a dog’s brain that deals with smell is about 40 times bigger than ours.

Elaine added: “If your dog does have a problem with their sight, your vet will be able to discuss treatment options.

“They can also offer support and guidance in dealing with the condition, to help give your pet the best quality of life possible.”

Lucky has been blind since birth

For more information about the PDSA and the vital work they do, please visit: http://www.pdsa.org.uk/

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Become an expat with your pet Sick and tired of the wet and windy UK weather? Moving abroad is something we’ve probably all considered at some point.

Sick and tired of the wet and windy UK weather?

Moving abroad is something we’ve probably all considered at some point.

For those that do make the move, the opportunity to take the much loved family pet along on the adventure is an added bonus.

Of the pet owners questioned in a recent survey by http:// www.ixpvisas.com/ the most common pets that people wanted to take with them were dogs (42 per cent), cats (36 per cent) and rabbits (16 per cent). The pets people were most likely to leave behind were fish (29 per cent), and guinea pigs (22 per cent).

“Working out the right rules for the family pet is often described as the most difficult part of relocation, but thankfully help is available from a number of specialist companies,” says Nigel Ayres, CEO and founder of World of Expats – the first destination for expats.

Taking pets abroad does require detailed planning and sometimes there are pre-travel veterinary requirements which need to take place up to six months prior to the intended export date - so early research for your individual destination is advisable. Also remember

that not every country will accept every breed of pet for example Australia will not allow the importation of rodents, among others.

When shipping your pet, it is essential your animal is properly looked after by professionals and you are comfortable with the company you choose. Check out their reputation and make sure you understand what is included in the quote and what will be your responsibility.

Pets are normally transported as ‘live animal’ cargo - but your pet will be carried in the specialist cargo hold of the plane, which is heated and pressurised. Pets can also be shipped to some destinations as ‘accompanied baggage’, but only if you are on the same flight as your pet.

Points to remember: • Crates must meet current IATA regulations.

• Your pet’s ticket price is directly related to the volume of the crate.

• Make sure that the carrier has sufficient quantities of water for the journey.

• Food is not permitted during the flight, as it can be deemed as a choking hazard.

• Pets are not permitted to be sedated for travel, but there are some natural remedies you can use.

•The more exotic your pet is – the more complicated the paperwork; you may have to contact a more specialist shipper.

“For many of us, our family pet is just that – a very real part of the family,” says Nigel. “But, the good news is, that with planning and research, there’s every chance they can make the trip with you.”

• Ensure that the crate is marked with all appropriate For more information, visit: details and has ‘this way up’ www.worldofexpats.com/ labels clearly visible on all moving-pets sides.

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Shelley’s Big Adventure...

Katie Wood, originally from London, who works for a global engineering company recently relocated with her job from Sydney, Australia to Toronto, Canada. Here’s her and husband Rob’s story of successfully relocating their pet cat, Shelley.

Katie and her husband, Rob, had taken in a rescue cat Shelley, while living in Sydney. Shelley been incredibly nervous when

Toronto, she was adamant that Shelley would make the move with them.

“We’d spent too much time making Shelley part of our family and she had grown to really trust us during those months – it didn’t seem fair to send her back to the rescue centre or even try to get neighbours or friends to take her on,” says Katie.

Once Katie had found a house to rent, the couple sorted out the necessary paperwork to relocate Shelley from one side of the world to the other.

It was surprisingly easy, as many pet relocation specialists now exist. The firm they used made all the arrangements, collecting Shelley Rob taking Shelley to the vets in Tortonto from her home in Sydney, arranging she first moved in. But over her long journey (flying from the months, Katie and Rob Sydney to Vancouver, then had gained her confidence onwards from Vancouver to and the playful feline had Toronto), providing her become very much part of travel crate, arranging the family. paperwork, and the vet inspection on arrival in When Katie was offered the Canada. opportunity to move to

As Australia does not have rabies, import requirements were reasonable, with only current certificates for the usual vaccinations required. Shelley was required to be chipped, but she already had one from her registration in Australia. Pet passports do not exist outside the EC.

Globe-trotting cat Shelley

Shelley travelled in a comfortable crate with a blanket and a water bottle, but no food. She was not drugged and the crate sat in a special climate controlled section of the plane hold.

Katie went to Toronto airport to collect her cat.

This did involve some paperwork; firstly Katie had to collect the arrival paperwork from Air Canada’s cargo area, then she had to drive across to the customs offices, obtain approval and pay a fee, then go back to Air Canada to finally collect Shelley.

This was frustrating as she

had been traveling for over 24 hours by this point.

Late at night in a deserted customs office, Katie says she had the surreal experience of being asked to confirm that this was her ‘personal use cat’.

Finally, Shelley arrived in her new home in Toronto.

After an initial spell hiding under the bed, she settled down happily and seemed none the worse for her long trip.

“I’m so glad that we took Shelley with us,” says Katie. “All being well, she will be moving with us again when we (hopefully) move back to the UK in a few years time.”

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A Pet’s & Owner’s Fancy Here’s our selection of the coolest products for you and your pet to enjoy.

LOVE DACHSHUNDS? An original fun and charming white mug with smart little brown smooth-haired and wirehaired dachshunds chasing little green bones.

Dashing Dachshund print bone china mug £9.50 from Flossie & Bumble.

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS...

Underneath the plush microfibre cover is a 4"-thick cushion of supportive memory foam designed specifically for dogs.

Deep dish dog bed, £149.00-£179.0 from Orvis.

CAT HAMPURR - NEW CAT HAMPERS These hampers or ‘hampurrs’ are due for launch in April.

This is a great idea for cat lovers as the packs will be full of cat treats, food, grooming and health products which fit the company’s “interesting, innovate and fun!” criteria. They are delivered direct to your door on a monthly basis.

To sign up to the new service, please visit: http://signup.cathampurr.co.uk/

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REAL EGGS FOR EASTER? The NEW Keeping Chickens DVD from The Ideal Life Collection

If you would like a few extra eggs this Easter and can spare a corner of your garden, then why not buy the NEW DVD Keeping Chickens? The DVD is part of The Ideal Life Collection and it tells you everything you need to know from a list of essential kit to expert tips to ensure that your hens are healthy and happy! Keeping chickens is easier than you think and also extremely rewarding. You could soon enjoy warm, freshly laid eggs every day and, next year, your very own Easter chicks!

Keeping Chickens is part of a series called The Ideal Life Collection which builds into a library designed to help you learn how to learn and love new skills.

Keeping Chickens - The Ideal Life Collection DVD RRP £14.99. Stockist enquiries: www.stitchcombe.co.uk

DOG TAGS WITH A DIFFERENCE We love these hand-crafted breed-specific dog tags from hoobynooworld.

They are created from original illustrations and feature a signature polka dot background. The tag is double sided so dog owners can have their contact details printed onto the back.

The dog tags retail at £8.50.

MAKE YOUR DOG LEADER OF THE FASHION PACK! Hand-crafted in the UK by Matt Fothergill using District moquette fabric and a waterproof lining, this coat is extremely versatile and hard wearing! The brightly coloured geometric fabric is reputedly designed by the Design Research Unit in the late 1970’s for use in a new fleet of trains then about to be introduced on the District Line (D78 stock). The coat retails at £44.95 from the London Transport Museum Shop.

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First ‘dog-­‐friendly’ movie gets a paws up!

A group of cinema goers and their canine friends enjoyed an exclusive dog-friendly screening to mark the launch of Mr. Peabody and Sherman at a Vue cinema in London.

Gracie (Miniature Poodle), Chance (Golden Labrador Retriever), Chilly (Belgian Shepherd) and Brazen (Jack Russell) were among Enjoying the show: Wizz (Irish Red Setter) and Gracie (Miniature Poodle) the 20 pooches donning RealD 3D year on year, the dog-friendly screening glasses with their owners for the screening of provided the ‘paw-fect’ opportunity to give some well-behaved hounds and their owners a special treat.

Dog-friendly: Gracie (Miniature Poodle)

the new animated adventure, which features a time-travelling, super intelligent talking dog, Mr. Peabody and his adopted human son, Sherman.

The canine cinema goers shared boxes of treats while enjoying the animated film.

With around 8.5 million dog owners in the UK and new research highlighting that consumer spending on pampered pooches is up by 4%

Dog lover Ashley Mitchell, 29, owner of Gracie, said: “I loved being part of this exclusive dogfriendly screening as I’ve never had the opportunity to take her with me to see a movie before, so it was a first for both of us. Gracie seemed to really enjoy it and I was able to watch the film without worrying that she was at home alone.”

The dogs didn’t have to lift a paw during the screening at Vue Acton, as bowls of water and food were provided, and sound and lighting levels were monitored for optimum canine comfort. The cinema chain can confirm that no dogs were harmed but very much entertained during the screening.

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Cuteness overload: Teacups There are only a few breeds that come in teacup size. The most common ones are the Poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua, Yorkie, Terrier, Pug and the Pomeranian, but the most popular is the poodle and the ever popular Yorkie. They all have that awww factor, I’m sure you’ll agree!

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