Dogs Etc Ltd

Closing eBay

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:40:00 +0000

Over the years Dogs Etc progressed from selling exclusively at Dog Shows and Summer Events, and on to selling on our own website and eBay. However the Dogs Etc Website no longer takes orders and we currently only sell on eBay. It has been a fantastic journey but it is now sadly coming to an end.

Dogs Etc Limited will be closing down this year, and in preparation for the final days we have reduced the price of many items on our eBay site. All product sales will end this Sunday 20^th of July 2014.

We have also sold our Welsh Slate Magnets, Welsh Slate Coasters and Collectable Zip Coin purses to Paws for Prints. If you wish to buy these products we are happy to recommend Paws For Prints.

We asked Paws For Prints to give us a description of their business.

Paws For Prints began life in 2008 selling Animal Themed Gifts in our Ebay Shop. We enjoy every minute of what we do and receive orders from all over the world. We are pleased to say we support the PDSA – ‘Pets in Need of Vets’ and last year adopted the Blackpool PDSA Hospital to which all our donations help support. We personally visited this hospital and were extremely impressed with their professionalism; the care they give to their patients is exemplary and no animal is ever turned away.
We have an extensive range of products available on our Ebay : Featured Shops: Paws For Prints and also on our new website: www.pawsforprints.co.uk

Rediscovering Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:08:00 +0000

It’s been over three months since Nancy passed away and she is really missed. After a few attempts at looking for a rescue dog we decided to get a puppy from a reputable breeder. I feel guilty about buying a dog but we have some very specific requirements and want to know the new dog’s history. So where to start? The Kennel Club’s website is a great first step; they have a very nifty questionnaire that asks you what you are looking for in a dog. After answering questions the site lists the breeds most fitted to your requirements. There were five we were interested in: Poodle, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Schnauzer, Tibetan Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog.

Then off we went to Discover Dogs at Earls Court. It’s a much smaller version of Crufts but it’s closer to us in London; held every year in November. The Kennel Club was there to answer any questions and each breed is represented by that Breed Club with a selection of dogs for you to view. This way you see all the dogs in one place and you can ask any questions you have about the breed you are interested in. Discover Dogs have lots of vendors selling everything doggy, there are some entertaining and informational activities and alot of rescue organisations are present as well. We saw a competition for the best trained dog with a cooking twist and a demonstration on how canine partners train their dogs for the disabled. Didn't take many pictures because we were constantly moving; wish we had more time. What a great day, I would recommend going.

The Kennel Club was very helpful and showed me how to look for puppy breeders on the internet, they also gave me two very useful pamphlets.

1. Information Guide - Choosing and bringing home the right dog for you www. thekennelclub.org.uk. The information guide has an easy to use suitability grid reference with all the breeds answering the question of size, grooming, exercise, locality and lifespan. If everyone read this and thought carefully before getting a dog I don’t think there would be as many dogs needing re-homing.

2. Assured Breeder Scheme – I want to buy a puppy. Why should I buy a pedigree dog www.findapuppy.org.uk. This scheme is an attempt by the Kennel Club to put puppy farms out of business. Although some good breeders do not subscribe because it costs money to register with them. Another good reference for good breeders is the breed club websites.

Everyone at Discover Dogs was very helpful and after asking questions about known illnesses, grooming, temperament and availability we decided on the dog for us. We decided to buy a puppy from a breeder registered with the Kennel Club’s assured breeder scheme. The breed we chose has some hereditary diseases so we can be reassured that the mum and dad will have had the proper tests. Next step find a puppy...

To Insure or Not? Confused.com

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Deciding whether to insure your pet is a personal preference, one that I have not done. I may not have made the right choice...but I’ve made my dog bed.

If you do decide you want to insure your dog or cat, Confused.com has launched a multi pet insurance comparison website and asked me to blog about it. While searching the site I learned my 12 year old male Labrador mix could be covered for £120.36/yr (accident only) or £196.92/yr (lifetime). These costs do not include regular visits to the vet or for neutering, which in Lenny’s case is not necessary as he was snipped a long time ago. The max payout per year is £2,000 and the policy is with an insurer that I am not familiar with. The most expensive policy with another insurer was for £654.96/yr (lifetime) with £5,000 max coverage. Coverage seemed really good but the cost for it was extreme in my view… I know he’s old but come on. Although my cat in the last year of her life did rack up over £2,000 in vet bills.

Confused.com is very easy to navigate and there are 12 insurers listed: Animal Friends, Computer Quote, Cover My Pet, Green Insurance, Healthy Pets, Help u Cover, More Than, Pet Insurance, Pet Pals, Pet Protect, Purely Pets and Vets Medi Cover. Haven’t heard of many of these companies but then again Lenny isn’t insured. The insurers and policy types are listed by order of expense making it easy to compare. If you Google ‘pet insurance’ there are at least two biggies not compared, but you could easily search those websites individually. Confused.com also doesn’t list the supermarkets and major insurers not dedicated to pets, probably offshoots to their core insurance coverage, of which I am suspicious. What I really want to know is how people view these companies and if they find them easy to deal with… now that would be useful. I guess that would be a consumer watch dog (ha) website.

Confused.com boasts…”The new solution allows customers to get an insurance quote for up to five pets in the same quote process”…. “As well as offering discounts of up to 10% on multi-pet insurance policies, customers will also be rewarded with 1,000 nectar points for every pet named on the multi-pet insurance policy. “ The website also has testimonies from customers’ illustrating savings.

If you try the site or have insight into animal insurance I'd love to hear what you have to say so let me know.

Book Review 'Inside of a Dog' by Alexandra Horowitz

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:06:00 +0000

Reading ‘Inside of a Dog’ has made me look at dogs in a different way. I have always thought of my pets as human and hadn’t realised they have another perspective on the world that is unlike ours. The author has combined her love of animals with a scientist’s background to research dog’s behaviour. There is a lot of information packed into 301 pages of very interesting reading and the biggest revelation for me was that humans see, hear and smell very differently because of our genetic makeup. Dogs have better hearing and sense of smell and they see things faster. They are also lower to the ground so their world and field of view is much different. Therefore dogs process information in another way, but manage to live with us so easily. We are their source of food and shelter and they dedicate most of their time to studying us and our behaviours.

There were a lot of things that wowed me but one fact I found most interesting; “a dog can detect a teaspoon of sugar diluted in a million gallons of water” Think about that the next time you are walking your dog and he stops to smell a blade of grass.

Canines are really quite brilliant and reading this book has allowed me to see my dog for the genius he is.

I would recommend 'Inside of a Dog' by Alexandra Horowitz to all dog lovers.

Lenny's Pet Toy Test

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:03:00 +0000

When the toys arrived Lenny nosed around and seemed most interested in the Kong but without the right size treats we would need to test it later.

With leftover steak in all four activity boxes of the Trixie toy, Lenny walked right past it. This was surprising because he usually has such a good sense of smell. After showing him what was inside he went for the easiest box first. He’s good at lifting things up with his nose (e.g. the rubbish bin) so he had no problem. The others proved more difficult and he really wasn’t bothered. Adding cheese to the meat gave him more incentive; he lifted the same box again, then knocked over the drawer box. The next two puzzles he couldn’t open so he dragged the game away laid down next to it and looked at me. Now a staring match and not about to let him get his way, I went inside knowing the video camera would catch the rest. When he could’t see me Lenny opened the third puzzle. Then he laid down for a while (8 mins) looking disinterested but all of a sudden got up pawed the knob a few times and opened the box. Don’t know why he waited so long; was he contemplating some evil plan or just resting…. only he knows. After lunch we played again with leftover ploughmen’s lunch, this time he got through all four puzzles a lot quicker.

This game was fun for me, but don't think Lenny saw it that way.

The second game we tried was the Karlie Shell Game. With cheese inside he found the right shell immediately but getting the cheese out was proving difficult, his tongue was too big. Washing the cheese out was tricky too, it melted into the wood. We tried the game with his hard food and he was able to find the shell right away. Later we played again with small treats bought at the pet store, but the smell seemed all over the place because he was picking all the shells up and licking them.

The slide game on the other side was tougher. Lenny tried the same tactic as with the shells and was biting all the sliders. This game is probably for a smaller dog and one that is more motivated by food. Or an owner willing to train their dog to use the toy, there is a small instruction manual we didn’t bother with. Lenny is lazy (me too) and apart from licking the shells and chewing on them I don’t think he or I got much from it. Also being made of wood and some kind of heavy cardboard didn’t seem sturdy enough for a medium sized dog. I was worried Lenny would swallow the shells.

For the Kong, we bought a bunch of small smelly treats from the pet store. An assistant suggested this semi hard food for it. When looking at the way you put the food inside something mushy didn’t seem to be right, so I just loaded it with lots of small treats. Lenny loved it, he spent a good half an hour licking and biting at it.

The Kong was the only toy that didn’t need my participation. It was fun to just watch him have a go. The mushy stuff would have been better because Lenny was not able to get the treats out and I felt bad. But the clean up would have been messy; anyway Lenny didn’t seem to notice. Between the Trixie game and the Kong, Lenny picked the Kong.

The true winner and Lenny’s pick is the Kong. The toy is sturdy and kept him occupied for a long time without my interaction. This gave me time to enjoy his antics and take lots of pictures. The Trixie Dog Activity set was sturdy, easy to clean and had lots of space for treats but Lenny liked the Kong better. The Karlie Doggy Brain Train wasn’t for us but would probably be fun for a smaller dog and a person who likes to teach their dog tricks.
Lenny’s order of approval:
1. Kong Genius
2. Trixie Dog Activity Strategiespiel Poker Box – Level 2
3. Karlie Doggy Brain Train (Shell Game then Slider Game)

Kong Genius is the WINNER!!!!

Petplan has provided me with these toys as part of their Pet Toy Test review programme. Visit the Petplan UK Facebook page for more information and a chance to win the winning toy!

Crufts Best In Show 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:14:00 +0000

Best in Show at Crufts on More 4 last night was epic and proved that girls do rule the world. Elizabeth the 7 year old Lhasa Apso bitch won Best In Show. It would have been better if the Newfoundland, Brutus who won best reserve had won BIS. I loved all the dogs but the Newfie has never won at Crufts and they are such awesome dogs. All the Groups had powerful contenders, although I don't really know much about the Irish Water Dog. The Pomeranian had a wonderful ring presence and great personality that showed when he did circles and practically jumped into the judges arms. Did Dreamer know he was the smallest dog there? The Norwich Terrier, Paris was very cute and confident for such a young dog. We will definitely see Paris a lot more in the future. The Borzoi had it the toughest because it just won best Hound minutes earlier. Although showing takes alot out of the dog and handler, Luke still managed a gentle sloping gate around the ring. The Old English Sheepdog, Jimmy had to be the most talked about with a name like Bottom Shaker my Secret. This dog did not have a docked tail that he carried beautifully with a fabulous stride. All in all, the show was excellent and the judge Frank Kane did a wonderful job. I would love to know what he was thinking.

To recap the finalists were:
Utility Group, Elizabeth the Lhasa Apso bitch won Best In Show
Working Group, Brutus the Newfoundland dog won Reserve
Gundog Group, Merlin the Irish Water Dog
Pastoral Group, Jimmy the Old English Sheepdog
Hound Group, Luke the Borzoi dog
Terrier Group, Paris the Norwich Terrier dog
Toy Group, Dreamer the Pomeranian dog

Laughing Dog Food

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:12:00 +0000

Let me first say I apologise to Laughing Dog for taking so long to try their dog food. I've been really busy with my cat's ear operation. She's doing fine now and her hair has grown back so she looks better.

I offered Lenny Laughing Dog a week ago and he really liked it. I can tell you that it smells better then Science Diet. The food has no added Wheat, Soya, Dairy Products, Artificial Colours or Flavours so I suspect it helps with those dogs that have allergies. My only problem with the food is that it crumbles easily and Lenny has a bad habit of taking his food into the living room to eat.

For those of you looking for a food alternative to what you give your dog today, I'd say check Laughing Dog out. I think I'm going to try the Dental Oaties out next.

http://www.laughingdogfood.com/

Guy Fawkes Night and Your Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:10:00 +0000

As my neighbour set off some very beautiful fireworks the other night I remembered the 5th of November is not far away. My dog and cat are scared of fireworks and so are approximately 80% of pets. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you through the upcoming weeks.

Do
- Walk your dog before dark to avoid firework displays.
- Provide a secure area in the house for pets to go if they are nervous.
- Close all windows, curtains and cat/dog flaps.
- Stay at home with your pets when you know there will be fireworks so you can monitor their behaviour.

Don’t
- Let your dog out in the garden alone after dark during firework season.
- Encourage fearful behaviour. Instead try to distract them with toys & chews or have either the radio or TV on to cover up firework noise.

Finally, if you know that your pet will be seriously distressed see your vet; there are various products that may alleviate the problem.

'Come Back Como' Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Over the weekend I read an interesting book about a rescue terrier named Como. The book 'Come Back Como' by Steve Winn was an easy read and brought back memories of my dogs, which made me both laugh and cry. Dakota was a master escape artist and Lenny isn’t good at recall and I worry when he's off lead. Anyone reading this book will find one or two things they will identify with. It's not only the antics of Como that are entertaining, but also his interactions with family and friends. The book contains the author’s interpretation of other families’ relationships with dogs as well. It's a great read for anyone who loves dogs, has dogs, or is thinking about getting a dog.

The author was not ready for Como and it took quite some time, but both dog and owner have found peace. It would be interesting to know what the Dog Whisperer would have suggested, because I think some trouble stemmed from the owners feelings and actions. If you don’t like a dog, they know it. In Steve Winn’s case, fate and a very determined little girl intervened; now there is one less homeless dog in the world.

Top 10 UK Breeds for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:17:00 +0000

Top 10 UK Kennel Club 2010 registrations	Top 10 UK Kennel Club 2006 registrations
Labrador Retriever (44,099 reg.)	Labrador Retriever (45,700 reg.)
Cocker Spaniel	English Cocker Spaniel (20,459 reg.)
English Springer Spaniel	English Springer Spaniel (15,133 reg.)
German Shepherd	German Shepherd (12,857 reg.)
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	Staffordshire Bull Terrier (12,729 reg.)
Border Terrier	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel(11,411 reg.)
Cavalier King Charles	Golden Retriever (9,373 reg.)
Golden Retriever	Westie (9,300 reg.)
Pug (5,726 reg.)	Boxer (9,066 reg.)
Boxer	Border Terrier (8,916 reg.)

The 2010 data I obtained from PBW News magazine volume 13 Issue 3; the 2006 & 2008 data from Wikipedia.

The three most notable changes in breed registrations from 2006 to 2010 were the Border Terrier, Westie and the Pug.

The Border Terrier moved up 4 places from No. 10 in 2006 to No. 6 in 2010. In 2008, it's registrations were 9,145 at No. 8. The Border Terrier is a small dog with a dense topcoat and thick undercoat that needs moderate grooming. It is good natured with a typical terrier character and is loyal but requires firm handling. The breed can live from 12-16 years so be sure to recognise the commitment you will have to make when you own this type of dog.

In 2010, the West Highland White Terrier dropped out of the top 10, but still remains in the top 20. Considered a medium sized dog the Westie should be 28 cm high and weigh 7-10 kgs. This breed needs considerable grooming and should be trimmed 4 times a year. They are generally healthy, but look out for skin problems, dry eye and "lion jaw" in puppies 3-6 months of age.

According to 2010 registrations, Pugs are now No.9 and have come a long way from first being introduced in 2006 to the top 20. Pugs are small dogs with huge personalities; they are strong willed and not easy to train but make wonderful companions who need lots of human interaction. Like the Border Terrier, Pugs can live to 16 so be prepared for a long term commitment. Because of their small noses they snort & cannot stand the heat very well; their eyes also need to be checked regularly.

New to the top 20 in 2010 is the mini-smooth haired Dachshund with 2,802 registrations and close behind is the Chihuahua with 2,796 registrations. Are we trending towards smaller breeds to match our single family homes? If we are it will take a long time to catch up to the Labrador Retriever, whose registrations are twice that of the English Cocker Spaniel.

Kennel club registrations are only one indication of popular breeds,because not everyone registers their dog and not all dogs are Pedigree. I think the massive number of Stafforshire Bull Terriers in shelters must prove that registration numbers are not a true representation of breed population. Whatever breed you choose, make sure to do your research and be prepared for a serious commitment.

Ticks and Fleas

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Yes it’s time already. I found a tick on my dog Lenny’s snout the other day. There is nothing worse than having to pull one of those out. Because it was on his face it made it that much harder. That’s why I got my husband to do it; I’m such a wimp. Lenny was better behaved than I thought he would be. I held him while my husband pulled the tick out. Now the area is all red and I’m just hoping it doesn’t get infected. I really don't want to take him to the vet. Why are vets so expensive? Aren't they supposed to do it for the love of animals? I blame insurance companies.

Back to the tick; I should have been proactive and put Frontline on him. I didn't and now I'm paying the price. Lenny has his dose and the cat is next. Just have to remember to re-apply all summer.

I asked around at the dog show yesterday and got some good tick removal advice:

Take a tissue and grab the tick by the head then pull and twist. This way you get the whole tick out and avoid infection.
Use a tick remover; they look like big tweezers.
Cover it with Vaseline. Because the tick can’t survive without breathing, it will fall off your dog. But then you have to worry about where in the house it went. (yuck)

My dad’s advice was to heat up a spoon and put it on the tick’s back. This way you don’t burn the dog and the tick will get hot and pull out of the dog. (double yuck) However this requires a very docile dog that doesn't move around a lot, not Lenny!

My advice is to prevent the tick in the first place. I’ve found Frontline works for me (least yucky). Sorry I didn’t take my own advice. In my defence the nice weather just snuck up on me.

I also just read about a product in pbwnews magazine made by Johnson's 4fleas range that kills fleas if your home is infested. Haven't tried it but think I might have to this year.

Puppies, not for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:05:00 +0000

Was tweeted from someone who said she wasn’t happy her relative was planning to get a puppy for Christmas. I replied as long as she knows it’s not Just for Christmas. She replied it’s just not how you should get a pup.

Thought about it for a while and didn’t really understand what she meant; but then realised that it probably is too busy a time. Since I’m not very social at Christmas my first thought wasn’t about chaos in the home. After researching further, I found very compelling reasons not to do it.

3 key points are:

New people and noise in the house can create unnecessary stress and anxiety.
There is a general lack of time and attention for proper training.
Lots of extra things for puppies to get into (ie. ribbons, tinsel, decorations, Christmas trees, poisonous mistletoe & poinsettias)

Now if you have already committed to a puppy; here are some suggestions to help with the transition:

Don’t invite too many people over; or let the puppy be handled by guests

Have a quiet place set aside for the puppy to sleep; buy a crate and put it in a room away from the noise.

Make sure the puppy gets plenty of exercise and start training immediately. Some puppy training info

Don’t feed the new addition any table scraps.

Keep decorations to a minimum; or supervise the puppy when in the presence of dangerous items.

Remember to always make sure the puppy has proper vaccinations and a health check from the vet, when bringing a new animal into your home.

Thanks to 321Viv for making me aware of something I never really thought about before.

New Best Friend? / Dogs are not just for Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:33:00 +0000

Getting a dog is a major decision and shouldn’t be made lightly. There are too many people who want a cute and cuddly pal but get a destructive petulant puppy. Or adopt a dog and find they are not perfect. I am not saying that this is always true and you should run and hide; there are ways to cope. Just make sure you have done your research!!!

First decision, buy or adopt; my personal preference is adopting. I want to save the world one dog at a time. In my mind, unless you want a specific breed for a specific reason (i.e. showing) adopting is the better choice. Even if you want a
specific breed, there are always ways to find a lost soul.

Tip:try contacting breeders to see if they have a dog they
aren’t going to sell; if they are decent people they will want to
find the dog a good home.

Second decision, puppy or adult dog; my
preference here is adult dog. Not all rescues will be house trained, but if you adopt an adult dog the chances are bigger and so is the bladder. If you do have to train an adult dog, it should be faster because they can usually hold it longer.

Third decision, what breed; there are so many breeds to choose from you need to narrow it down.

You could start by looking at the seven groups as they sometimes have similar characteristics.
Gundog Group - locate game
Hound Group - chase game
Pastoral Group - herd animals
Terrier Group - vermin hunters (larger breeds today don't fit underground)
Utility Group - non sporting (traits vary greatly)
Working Group - wide variety of jobs/personalities
Toy Group - miniature dogs (ancestry can be traced back to larger breeds)

Some other important questions to ask are:
What size dog fits my lifestyle? It’s obvious if you live in an apartment a Great Dane is the wrong choice. Also, bigger dogs eat more and medication sometimes costs more, so if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, stick with the smaller breeds.
How much exercise am I expecting? Breeds like Border Collies and Springer Spaniels need a lot of exercise and in the case of Border Collies, mental stimulation. Why else do you see so many Border Collies at Agility competitions?

Am I allergic? There are some breeds, like Poodles which are said to be better for people with allergies. If you do have allergies and a dog; vacuum frequently with a HEPA vacuum cleaner and get a HEPA room air cleaner.

Do I want to clean up hair 24/7? Some breeds shed very little (e.g., Schnauzer, Cairn Terrier) but you have to consider if the dog isn’t shedding it may need more grooming. Groomers can be very expensive if you can’t do it yourself.

How good am I at training or taking charge? There are breeds that train easily and ones that are a little tougher. If you are looking for a wilful breed the Cairn Terrier comes to mind. If you want a dog that trains easily,a Bernese Mountain Dog is a good choice. If you choose an aggressive breed you better make sure the dog is well trained!

Are children around? Temperament is probably one of the most important things to consider. It’s not to say that a particular breed couldn’t turn if provoked, but the chances are slimmer. I know from experience that Samoyeds and Labradors are softies. If you have a child, are expecting to have a child, or will have children in your home...really do your research!!! This also applies if you have other animals or lots of guests over; there is nothing more stressful or embarrassing as having a pet attack someone.

How long will you have your pet? As a general rule of thumb the smaller the dog the longer it will live, but look into the breed you are interested in to be sure. Also, check to see if a particular breed is known for specific medical conditions; this way you can be prepared and possibly take preventative measures.

Fourth decision, where to look; there are so many websites with all kinds of information on rescue centres and breeders, you will be spoilt for choice. The first place I would look is a Pet Directory. I quickly found http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/, which was easy to navigate, but you don’t have to take my word for it. When you find a rescue or breeder you like... do some more research; make sure you can trust them.
Tip: The more reputable places will ask questions and may want to see where the dog will live. It’s o.k., because the more checking on everyone’s part, the more chance the dog will find their forever home.

There are lots of other things to do, like getting your home ready and having all the right bits and pieces, but I’m sure by now you have researched that too.

Finally, if you have problems with your new dog, don’t be shy... get help. There’s a lot of info out there, pet forums, training centres, vets and friends. The more you understand, the easier it will be to resolve. Just be prepared and enjoy; animals can really make you a better person. I haven’t met an animal lover I didn’t like.

Illustrations by DJ Art: www.imageenvision.com/portfolio/djart

Search Engines and New Product

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:54:00 +0000

In the past two weeks I’ve loaded over 100 products to my website. I was hoping that my web traffic would pick up, but it’s the same. I can’t get to the top of Google or any other search engines. When people search on keywords specific to my product, I’m on page 4 or 5; that’s if... I haven’t paid for Adwords. There’s so much advice out there about how to improve SEO but I’m not sure any of it works. In my opinion, people who get on page one pay for it. Either they pay search engines for advertising or a consultant to work the system. From my experience with Adwords …..paying for it just isn’t profitable.

Enough complaining; let me tell you about the new additions. I’ve added Miniature Frame Magnets to the collection; they are the most adorable things I’ve ever seen. They are only £3.99 each, which I think is a bargain for what you are getting. They hold a small picture; can be displayed on flat surfaces or used as a magnet. I’m sure when I go to shows they will sell well; don’t think people will be able to pass them up. Unfortunately the manufacturer has discontinued them, so if you like them, get them ASAP.

I’ve also added more Large Frames, which are a much bigger version of the miniature ones and can hold 3 ½” x 5” or 4” x 6” photos. These are excellent to display a regular sized coveted photo. One customer bought the frame for a pet that died and put his photo in it. I thought that was a lovely way to remember them.

As for Christmas Ornaments; there are five varieties: the Dog Kennel (my favourite), Santa Pals, Dangly Legs, Personalisable and Soldier Dog.

Santa Pals are little dog heads peeking out of material stockings, they are lightweight and make great stocking fillers. Personalisable ornaments can be hung year round; these are the least Christmassy. Sizes vary slightly depending on the dogs head. I like them because you can put add a message. Maybe something funny like ‘Who farted?’ if it’s a pug, ’It wasn’t me’, ‘Walkies?’, or ‘When’s Dinner?’.

Dog Kennel ornaments are the most versatile, there is a magnet on the back and it has a flat surface so it doesn’t only have to be hung. There is a place for personalisation but it’s small; I would leave it blank or put a memorable date there. If they don’t sell this Christmas they are going on my refrigerator; I’m sure my husband will be pleased.
Dangly Leg ornaments are comical; the dogs head is really big and the little hanging legs are hilarious. Someone suggested cutting off the legs, but I think that's a bit harsh. Don’t know if these are for everyone so I only got a few breeds.
Soldier Dog is the most expensive at £9.00 and I only sell the Pug and Dalmatian right now. Even if you don’t have a Dalmatian this ornament is Fa Bu Lous. They stand on flat surfaces, so they are multifunctional, but they might be more popular in America.

This isn't a sales pitch (well I guess it is really)....If you like them BUY Early because I don’t have a lot of stock and don’t know how often I will order more. Shipping from the US is very expensive so I have to make huge orders; won’t restock if I only need one or two things. Also, if you like something but I don’t have it in your breed let me know so I’m prepared next year!

Dogs in Need

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:12:00 +0000

Every so often I think that we should adopt another dog. My husband and I work from home so we would be around to keep them company. But Lenny and Nancy are getting old and it might be too disruptive for them; there is also the expense.

Anyway, once in a while I look on rescue sites to find a perfect match. It is so upsetting to see all the animals needing new homes. On the oldies club for instance there are many pets over 10 years old. WHAT IS GOING ON? What has happened to the previous owners? How can anyone leave their pet after all those years? I keep seeing Change in Circumstances....I JUST DON’T GET IT!!!!!!
Am I missing something? If you want to see the oldies in need for yourself visit
http://www.oldies.org.uk/

Other than dying there is no excuse.
If you are physically unable there is help http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/
If you are homeless there is help
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/v/veterinaryentitlementcard/default.aspx

The Berlin Zoo and Knut

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Visited the Berlin Zoo last week, the weather was beautiful and the animals were sunning themselves. At the side entrance on the right were alpacas and elephants.

It wasn’t until leaving that we noticed the rhinoceros laying in the sun on the left. The zoo aesthetics were beautiful; there were no bars and it looked like you could walk up to the animals. It had been a long time since I visited a zoo so at first glance it appeared pleasant.

Around the corner the elephant house smelled awful and the enclosure was small but today they were outside. One of them was separated from the rest, it was sad. Signs were in German so it wasn’t clear why the zoo had done this; maybe it was to make the elephant easier to photograph. Poor thing just walked around in circles; even though I felt bad, I took some photos. The giraffes also had a small space, these large and gentle creatures are my favourite.

The goats probably had the nicest enclosure, they were happy to climb and chase each other around. Generally the smaller animals appeared to have more room, maybe because they are smaller. The lion cages reminded me of a Circus, they were all in separate cages pacing back and forth like crazy people. It was feeding time so and watching them made me feel really terrible, so I got out of there. Couldn't find their outside so can't comment.

This otter seemed to be enjoying his food.

Don’t know what this bird was but he wasn’t moving and I got a lot of pictures.

It was hard to find everything because the zoo was spread out and signs were scarce; sorry to the apes, bears, monkeys and all the others not mentioned.

One of the biggest draws for the Zoo is Knut, the polar bear. Today people were watching the bear and mourning the second anniversary of his care taker Thomas Dorflein’s death. Flowers were left in the bushes by the enclosure with a picture of Knut and Thomas. Born in captivity at the Berlin Zoo, December 2006, Knut quickly became a world famous and much talked about bear. His parents were moved to the Zoo from a Circus in East Berlin after the fall of the wall and they produced two offspring. When his mother killed the female cub, the Zoo assigned Mr Dorflein along with other zoo staff to nurse the bear. Dorflien was the first person to be seen in public with Knut and was his primary care giver putting him in the public eye. Ironically, his mother is now in the enclosure with Knut, she is in the back and doesn't seem to like the well wishers.

It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed walking around and watching the animals; but I have to wonder if Zoo’s are good for the animals. It would be nice to get some other opinions, for more zoo pics go to Dogs Etc on Facebook

Richmond Dog Show at Loseley House

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:12:00 +0000

We went to the Richmond Dog Show to check out the competition and compare a Championship show to the Open shows we normally attend. When I’m not working I like to wake up late so it was 12:30 by the time we got to Loseley House. I was surprised to see there was no charge for parking or for entering the grounds. I believe there were fees in the past; maybe it’s a sign of the times that it was free. We enjoyed looking around but it was late in the day so I’m not sure we got the full experience. By coincidence, I saw one of my customers in the ring with his Afghan, and was able to take pictures and talk to him afterward.

Later my husband and I of course had to get something to eat. That’s normal for us; we walk around for an hour or two and then have to break for food. I was surprised to see a large number of food vendors; we were really spoilt for choice. Richard had fish and chips with mushy peas, which he thoroughly enjoyed and I had a ham and cheese toasty.

While we were eating we started talking to two ladies from America. They were travelling around England and the continent in a camper van and had entered their Papillion in the show. The dog travelled in a cool looking back pack kennel that I have never seen before. They said compared to US shows this one was big. I’m not sure if they were comparing similar type shows but I was definitely surprised. I have to check out an American show the next time I’m there.

It would probably have been better if we went earlier, but it was fun none the less and I will seriously consider selling Dogs Etc product at the show next year.

Proposed Dog Chipping Law

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:02:00 +0000

I am seriously upset by the thought of all the dogs destroyed in shelters every year. There is a simpler solution to the ones I have been reading about.

A law that every dog needs to be chipped and the owner put on file in a national database. Vets & Kennels will need to check that every dog is chipped and in the database.

If a dog winds up in a shelter, the owners can then be found and notified.

• If the owner no longer wants the dog and cannot find a new home for the animal; the shelter will determine if the dog needs to be put down.
• The owner will then be fined and have to sign away the right to ever own a dog again.
• If they are caught owning another dog there should be legal consequences.

All other legislation makes only dog breeders responsible; but every human being should be accountable. The real problem is the person who gets a dog without taking responsibility for their actions. With this law people will come to realize a pet is not a toy.

Microchipping is not dangerous and it can help save animals lives read this article http://www.vethelpdirect.com/blog/2010/09/28/microchipping-molly/

If you want to have your pet microchipped you can do it for free with the RSPCA
http://www.rspca-london-se.org.uk/events.html

Trip to Beaulieu

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:05:00 +0000

Two weeks ago I took my niece and nephew to Beaulieu in Hampshire. They allow dogs and although I could have brought Lenny, I thought it wasn’t a good idea. Lenny is friendly but not used to being in public places and not the best behaved dog in the world. Unlike Lenny all the dogs at Beaulieu were obedient. Two Border Terriers were in the queue when we came in. Then passing the restaurant, I saw what I think were a large Belgian shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff snoozing under a picnic table. All I got was a butt shot so I didn’t include it.

The kids were on the formula one simulator ride and while I was waiting, I saw a beautiful golden retriever and three Shih Tzus. I wanted to take pictures but figured people would think I was crazy. In the motor museum there was a covered space where you could tie your dog up to wait. I managed a picture here but it looks like a scene from the ‘Green Mile’.

If Lenny was there, I know he would have barked his head off. Before we left, I got one more picture of a cocker spaniel waiting outside the abbey.

I promise I didn’t only look at dogs; there were many other things to do. I went on the tram, toured the museum, had a lovely meal and took in the view of the town from the stately home. Inside the house you could walk through some of the rooms and encounter actors in costume as well. They portrayed staff and family who would have lived in the house; they answered questions and entertained everyone. I thought it was a nice touch and haven’t seen it done before.

If you want a nice day out with the family and your dog try Beaulieu. They also had scooters available so my father who has trouble walking had a good time as well.

My family and their pets

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Why do some people like animals and others don’t? Is it because they were brought up with them? I’m not sure; but I can tell you something that won’t answer that question.

Let me set the stage then I’ll go into more detail later. My father was brought up always having a dog in the house. I can remember him talking about Lucky with fondness, but I couldn’t tell you its breed or sex, I think it was either a Springer or Cocker spaniel. My mother didn’t like animals and there were none in her childhood; she would tolerate our pets but I never saw her touch them. She didn’t have pets growing up but she did have two sisters and two brothers. Only one of mom’s sisters loves animals, my aunt Teri. She LOVES cats, obsessed really, she’s an Aquarius like me (not sure if that matters). Teri has a daughter who loves animals as well. My aunt Toni has two sons who both love animals and now each have a dog, but they didn’t have pets growing up. Maybe they were influenced by our cats and dogs, I don’t know for sure. My uncles, they never had pets or children so for them this story ends.

Now for more detail.... oh did I forget to mention I have a brother? Oops, that wasn’t by design, I assure you.... John. My brother loves animals as well, when it comes to dogs, the bigger the better. His wife Donna also likes big dogs, I say they are crazy. Not that I don’t like big dogs, but the food, the poop, the hair.... Anyway, after John and Donna got married they adopted Bart, a German shepherd. He was a really nice dog but unfortunately died at 2 years old, my brother was heartbroken. The vet was a real son of a b.... he didn’t care that the dog had died and wouldn’t do an autopsy, which really made my brother angry and me too (hence the name calling). Bart was young and the death unexplained. The vet said it could have been a heart attack, stroke or aneurism.

After a suitable mourning period, they adopted Smokey
the Irish Setter, what a lovely dog, very friendly always coming over to kiss you in the morning. This dog liked to lick EVERYTHING, and one morning Donna called me up to ask if I saw her wedding ring. I told her I saw it on the coffee table. Next thing you know, Smokey is at the vet getting an x-ray. Surgery and a good cleaning later the ring was back on her finger. The insurance company paid for it, because it was cheaper than replacing the ring.... go figure. My brother threw in a neutering; to teach Smokey a lesson. Two kids later and Smokey is still licking everything. Sadly, Smokey had some sort of growth and died, he was around 12, a respectable age for a big dog, I think.

Now, without any pets in the house, this is where the BIG DOGS come in. Donna and John and the kids, Zachary & Allison want a BIG dog, so Candy the Newfoundland mix is adopted. Candy is big but surprisingly light footed, she will sneak in on you in the morning and sniff your face and then leave; you barely know she was there. When my little lab mix Lenny jumps on the bed, he manages to step all over you and give you bruises. Well, Candy isn’t a full sized Newfoundland so they wanted another BIG Dog. Donna calls me one day and says she’s adopting a St. Bernard/Great Pyrenees mix called Moose. Now Moose isn’t finished growing but I think this dog is going to be BIG. I haven’t met him yet but I hear he’s a real terror. Candy tolerates him, but when she’s had enough she lets him know, so I’ve heard.

In the beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Annmarie) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:21:00 +0000

I was born in New York and we had a mongrel that I was very attached to. He became agressive and my parents had to put him to sleep. I was mad at them and didn't understand why they would do such a thing, but now that I am older (and not much wiser) I can see that it was the right thing to do. This dog would attack children, not me but others and back in the 60's there wasn't a Dog Whisperer.

Anyway to happier times. I convinced my parents to take in a stray cat when I was 11yrs old. They took pitty on the cat because it was missing his back paw. I said no one would want him and got lucky, the cats name was Leroy.

Then when I was 12, I convinced my parents to adopt a friend's dog because the pooper scooper law was new and people thought 'I'm not picking up poo', so they didn't want the dog anymore. Duke was a german shepherd/collie mix and he was really great dog. He wouldn't harm a fly; well except for the neighbour's Shih Tzu who was always tormenting him. Both Leroy and Duke lived long and happy lives and when they died my father cried (not so much for the cat but definately for the dog). I could go on about these two but I've got more years to cover.

When I was on my own and after a sufficient mourning period (for Duke & Leroy), I decided to get some fish. They aren't as cute and cuddly as cats & dogs and so one day when I went to the pet store, there was Dakota, the most beautiful snow ball I had ever seen. He was on sale because he wasn't as small as he used to be and no one wanted him. I took pity on him and bought him. Well that was the end of the fish era.

Dakota wasn't the best pet, I wouldn't recommend a puppy mill dog. He had separation anxiety, so as one does, I got another Samoyed to keep him company. Someone told me that breeders ofter get rid of dogs when they aren't useful anymore, so I called the closest one I could find (Philly) and drove down to get Princess. She was 4 years old and had lost her last litter. They couldn't breed her anymore so she was mine for a min fee, and the promise to fix her. These two dogs were my life and when I moved to California so did they.

O.K., so I go to the pet store again to buy food and they are having an open adoption for cats. There's this white haired cat named Nancy and she is so beautiful....you know what happens next.

Princess died after having diabetes for two years and I'm left with Dakota and Nancy. I think Dakota is lonely so I go to The Amanda Foundation to get another dog. This time I didn't want a big dog, because when they get sick I can't pick them up. So I look for someone smaller, and not white hair cause I can never wear black with out looking like I have a fur coat on. Lenny is the result, a little black lab mix that gets along with Dakota and is small enough for me to pick up, but not too small.

Dakota wasn't lonely, he was sick, he had a brain tumor and six months after I got Lenny, Dakota died. I couldn't believe that Dakota had died so soon after Princess; Lenny was such a good pal, he wound up being a cure for me, not Dakota.

We are nearing the finish of my story so don't give up yet. I met my now husband, moved to England, and of course brought Lenny & Nancy with me.

I want to adopt another dog but I am afraid Lenny is used to being top dog and might be too jealous. Also, Lenny & Nancy are both older now and get along well, so I don't want to upset the animal cart. But who knows what will happen. Every time I go to a dog show I come home with my new favourite breed. My husband is partial to Schnauzers.