Waggles Monthly May 2026

Waggles Monthly Where Every Tail Tells a Story

Find out why enrichment is important

Photo & collar courtesy of Bilms & Bug SPECIAL OFFER inside Money off voucher just for you!

Life, laughter & love with Toby & Trinny

Capturing Love through the lens

by Splendid Paws Photography

Edition 3 ~ May 26

WHAT’S ON...

Monthly news in the dog world from advice, support, tips, reviews and special offers.

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Brought to you by Suzi & Jako from Team Waggles.

An interactive and fun guide every month for dog lovers all around the UK ~ come, read and get involved.

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AT T E N T I O N ATTENTION

PLEASE! PLEASE! Please read the following information

The information and content published in the Team Waggles e-magazine is provided in good faith and for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that all content is accurate, relevant, and of equal good faith, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its completeness, reliability, or accuracy.

Any references to pet-related businesses, professionals, products, or services within this magazine are for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of readers to independently verify the qualifications, training, licenses, and insurance of any service provider before engaging their services. Team Waggles accepts no responsibility or liability for any outcomes arising from such engagements.

The opinions and views expressed by contributors, advertisers, and members of the Team Waggles community are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Team Waggles. Publication of such content does not constitute endorsement.

Content within this magazine is not intended to replace professional advice. Readers should not rely on any information contained herein as a substitute for consultation with a qualified veterinary professional or other relevant specialist. Always seek independent professional guidance regarding your pet’s health, welfare, and care.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Team Waggles disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience arising from the use of, or reliance upon, information published in this e-magazine.

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SUMMER IS ON IT’S WAY! Some tips just for you...

Provide

constant

access

to fresh, cool water Keep your dog in shaded or well-ventilated areas Walk

your

dog

the

morning

early

in

late

in

or

the evening Avoid hot pavement that can burn paws Use cooling mats Offer frozen treats as snacks Never leave your dog in a parked car Use fans or air conditioning indoors when possible Limit exercise and play during peak heat Watch for signs of heatstroke and consult your vet if you are worried

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Capturing Love through the lens Timeless keepsakes created with love by Splendid Paws Photography

Q: What first inspired you to start photographing dogs, how did Splendid Paws come to life?

My journey into dog photography actually started in a slightly unexpected way. When I was younger, I was quite nervous around dogs, so picking up a camera gave me a way to connect with them at my own pace. At the same time, photography had already become a real passion of mine, and I was looking for a direction to take it in.

Dogs felt like a natural starting point—they’re wonderfully expressive, full of personality, and no two moments are ever the same.

What began as a way to challenge myself quickly turned into something much more.

The more time I spent photographing dogs, the more I fell in love with their energy, their individuality, and the bond they share with their owners.

That’s how Splendid Paws Photography came to life—combining my love of photography with a genuine appreciation for dogs and the stories they bring with them.

Meet Alfie

Q: Was there a particular dog or moment that made you realise this was what you wanted to do?

Yes—there was a moment early on that really shaped everything for me. At the beginning of my journey, I photographed a beautiful older dog called Alfie. He was 16 at the time, deaf and partially blind, and we had our session on a quiet beach. I captured an image of him standing peacefully in the water, and it’s still one of my favourite photographs to this day.

What made it so meaningful wasn’t just the image itself, but what it represented. I realised I wasn’t simply taking photos—I was preserving something incredibly important for his owner during a time that wouldn’t last forever. That experience completely shifted my perspective. It made me understand the value of creating lasting memories for dog owners, no matter their dog’s age—whether they’re welcoming a new puppy or cherishing time with a much-loved companion in their later years. From that point on, I knew this was something I wanted to continue doing and build into something meaningful.

Q: How would you describe your photography style, and what makes your work unique?

I would describe my photography style as natural, relaxed, and focused on capturing genuine moments. I primarily work with natural light, often in outdoor locations, which allows me to create soft, timeless images that feel authentic rather than overly staged. I like to photograph from the dog’s eye level, which helps bring their personality to life and creates a more intimate connection in each image. My sessions are a blend of gently guided portraits and more candid, action-based moments, so I can capture both the character and energy of every dog.

What makes my work unique is the approach behind it. I aim to keep sessions calm and enjoyable, allowing each dog to feel comfortable and simply be themselves.

Combined with my own journey into working with dogs, this has shaped a style that is patient, understanding, and focused on creating meaningful images rather than just posed photographs. For me, it’s about more than how an image looks—it’s about how it feels, and creating something that owners will treasure for years to come.

Q: What's your favourite part of capturing dogs through your lens?

My favourite part of capturing dogs through my lens is seeing their individual personality come to life in a single moment. Every dog is so different, and I love being able to reflect that —whether it’s a playful burst of energy, a curious expression, or a calm, gentle presence.

There’s something really special about capturing those small, in-between moments that owners recognise instantly as “that’s them.” It’s not just about how the image looks, but how it feels and the connection it holds. I also find it incredibly rewarding knowing that these photographs can become lasting memories. Being able to preserve a moment in time—something that owners can look back on and treasure—will always be one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

Q: How has growing Splendid Paws Photography been for you, and where can our readers find and book you?

Growing Splendid Paws Photography has been such a rewarding journey. What started as a passion for photography and a personal challenge has gradually developed into something much more meaningful. Along the way, I’ve not only grown creatively, but also built confidence in working with dogs of all personalities and capturing moments that truly matter to their owners. One of the most fulfilling parts has been seeing how much these images mean to people. Knowing that something I’ve created can be treasured for years to come is incredibly special, and it’s what continues to inspire me to keep developing and refining my work.

For anyone interested in booking a session or learning more, you can find me on Instagram and Facebook at @splendidpawsphotography or get in touch via email or website. I’m always happy to chat and help plan a session that’s perfectly suited to you and your dog.

I’m Samantha ~ contact me here

Click me to find out more

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Mandy shares life, laughter, and love with Toby & Trinny A story of two loyal companions

Mandy, Toby & Trinny

Can you introduce yourself and your dogs to our readers?

What’s a typical day like for you and your dogs?

I’m Mandy, married to Andy and I live in North Devon. I have two dogs - Toby who is 6 and Trinny who is 4, both parson Russell terriers.

Both dogs come on holiday with us and when we first get into our holiday property they go mad, zoomies everywhere which makes us laugh. I’m unable to work so both dogs are my life, lots of walks, cuddles and play for them both. We go weekly dog training with them both and are working on getting our KC gold good citizenship award.

How did your journey as a dog owner begin?

I grew up with dogs and my first dog I had that was actually mine was Benji - a Jack Russell. I sadly lost Benji very unexpectedly in January 2020, I was heartbroken. March 2020 we met Toby and as soon as I saw him I knew he was right for me. We’d had him a couple weeks when we went into lockdown. He really got me through it, I didn’t cope very well with being isolated but having a little bundle of fun at home definitely helped and he bought lots of smiles & laughter into our house. January 2022 we visited Trinny & her littermates to help socialise them all but Trinny decided she was ours, everytime we put her down she cried and jumped up at the pen so February 2022 we became a two dog family. Trinny became my shadow and follows me everywhere.

How did you become part of our Facebook community, and what does it mean to you?

I met the Waggle Club by chance on Facebook, I love it, it’s a great friendly community, Suzi is lovely and very friendly. I’ve recommended it to a lot of people.

Celebrating the simple joys of life with dogs Do your dogs have any funny habits or quirks that always make you smile?

Trinny has a real thing for hiding her squirrel toy, she tries to bury it indoors, once she hid it up the back of the sofa. If she thinks you know where she’s hidden it she’s like a rocket and retrieves it and tries somewhere different, I love watching her do it but you can’t let her know you are! Toby makes me laugh when he has his “monkey” mode on he steals the remote control or a pair of glasses and runs around playing catch me!

If you could describe your bond with your dogs in just a few words, what would they be?

Our two dogs keep us active and are both very loyal, loving, smart dogs and I love them both to bits.

Thank you for sharing your story Mandy

What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting a dog?

Dogs are so loyal, loving animals and I wouldn’t be without either of them. They can be hard work at times but the rewards far outway that. If you’re thinking of getting a dog tho always do your homework and find out as much as you can about the breed amount they eat, how much walking they need, lifespan, temperament, etc.

If you and your dog would like to be featured in our Waggles Monthly ~ do get in touch!

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Why is mental enrichment important?

Mental enrichment is essential for a dog’s cognitive health, emotional stability, and overall quality of life.

Just like humans, dogs need opportunities to use their brains. Engaging their mind helps prevent boredom, builds confidence, and provides an outlet for natural behaviors like problem-solving, sniffing, and exploring. Without enough mental stimulation, dogs may develop unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking, chewing, digging, or restlessness.

Regular enrichment activities help tire a dog out in a healthy way, often more effectively than physical exercise alone. It supports learning, improves focus, and can even strengthen your bond as you interact and communicate together.

Incorporating simple mental challenges into your dog’s daily routine creates a more fulfilled, relaxed, and wellbalanced companion.

Top tips for mental enrichment…

Food puzzles or slow feeders – Turn mealtime into a brain game by allowing your dog to work for their food.

Scent games – Hide treats around the house or garden and encourage your dog to “find it.”

Training sessions – Short, positive training sessions build focus and confidence while reinforcing good behaviors.

Rotate toys – Keep things interesting by swapping toys in and out rather than leaving everything available all the time.

Explore new environments – Even a new walking route or sniff spot can provide powerful mental stimulation.

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