Happy New Year.

Auld Lang Syne is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. It is traditionally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings in Scotland and around the world, especially in English-speaking countries.

Auld Lang Syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
And never brought to mind? 
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
And auld lang syne! 

For auld lang syne, my jo, 
For auld lang syne, 
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, 
For auld lang syne.  

And surely ye'll be your pint stowp! 
And surely I'll be mine! 
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, 
For auld lang syne.
 
We twa hae run about the braes, 
And pou'd the gowan fine; 
But we've wander'd mony a weary fitt, 
Sin' auld lang syne. 

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine; 
But seas between us braid hae roar'd 
Sin' auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere! 
And gie's a hand o' thine! 
And we'll tak a right gude-willie-waught, 
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo, 
For auld lang syne, 
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, 
For auld lang syne.

Happy New Year.

Having a great holiday.

View over Tarn Hows.

Merry Christmas everyone.

This year I'm going to wish for world peace and free health insurance for all pets, I can live in hope I suppose.

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2014.

The Night Before Christmas.

The Night Before Christmas graphic produced by Pet365 and Dogorama. Click here to view the original post.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Driving Home For Christmas.

Dad said he will be singing this song today while driving to the Lake District on holiday, technicaly It's not home but it feels like it.

So by the time you read this we will probably be on the Motorway hopefully not stuck in trafic.

See you all in 2 weeks when I get back on the 4th January.

Keep warm and stay safe.

Sheba, Cody and Coco.

Wordless Wednesday.

Christmas came early .

Christmas came early this week I got a lovely Christmas hamper off my boy friend Grady at The Grady Report, he even enclosed some treats for Cody and Coco they got catnip stars and a bag of bacon and cheese and smoked Salmon mini muffins. The treats came off May's Bakery there all home made and delicious I've had them before.

My hamper.

Cody and Coco's bag.

Cody couldn't wait for the bag to be opened.

Catnip star.

Cody enjoying his mini muffin.

Cody and Coco got theres early because there going into the cattery, I get told I've got to wait until we're on holiday it's not fare.

Holiday dangers for dogs.

The holidays are a time of joy, giving and spending time with family but if you're celebrating with pets it doesn't come without certain hazards.

We can't think of a worst way to spend Christmas than the emergency vets.

Cat safety for the cold weather.

Also don't forget that car Antifreeze is poisonous to animals, read about it here.

The 12 dogs of Christmas.

Christmas is all about giving, so here is our gift to you the 12 dogs of Christmas I hope you like and it brings some festive cheer.

12 dogs of Christmas graphic produced by Pet365 - a UK stockist of brands like Waifs and Strays & Hamish McBeth.

Catty Christmas.

With Cody and Coco going into the cattery over Christmas we decided to have a catty Christmas day so that Cody and Coco could have some turkey with us.

We had the traditional turkey roast dinner and presents.

I was given the job of guarding the tree and presents.

Cody and Coco got new beds but decided to share the same one.

Eventually Cody decided to try the other bed out.

All I got was a packet of treats and I had to unwrap them my self I'm sure they where just to keep me quiet, I have to wait until Christmas day for my presents.

Wordless Wednesday (Cody on the toilet )

R.I.P Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela led the struggle to replace the apartheid regime of South Africa with a multi-racial democracy. Imprisoned for 27 years, in 1994 he went on to become his country's first black president.

Famous Nelson Mandela quotes.

I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.

I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.

In my country we go to prison first and then become President.

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

He was an extraordinary man and someone I had a lot of respect for. His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world.

Our nation has lost it's greatest son heaven has gained an Angel.

RIP Nelson Mandela.

3 Dogue's for Adoption.

Ok Guys these 3 lovelies were abandoned and are all looking for forever homes. Please share them and let's see if we can get them a home in time for Christmas. I know with your help sharing we will do itxx We have no background at all so all we know is what we have found out during their time in kennelsxx 

Quick update Poppy and Diesel have found there forever homes and hopefully fingers crossed Samson has as well.

Dogue de Bordeaux welfare facebook page.

Previous post A dog is for life not just for Christmas.

A dog is for life not just for Christmas.

A dog is for life not just for Christmas is the famous slogan created by Clarissa Baldwin in 1978 by the then head of PR for Dogs Trust and now the CEO, 35 years on and the campaign is still just as strong today educating a new generation.

Every year hundreds of thousands of children plead for the latest fad or top toy on the market, only to discard them a few weeks after Christmas when the novelty wears off. Unfortunately, the same is also true with dogs.

Looking through the small ads in the local paper and also on the Internet I've seen puppies advertised with the heading ready in time for Christmas, stay well clear if anyone is targeting the Christmas market with puppies they can't be trusted and could very easily be be puppy farmers wanting to make a quick few quid.

These days, the vast majority of dog re homing centres, responsible breeders and many privately owned pet shops place a complete blanket ban on adopting or buying a dog from them during December. This has gone some way towards stopping the acquisition of dogs for Christmas gifts on a whim by people who have not thought things through or done the necessary research. However, as it is by no means impossible to find a dog for sale at Christmas time, a number of dogs do still end up abandoned or surrendered to shelters in the early part of the New Year nevertheless. However, these numbers have reduced dramatically due to the advent of the ‘no-adoption December’ policies, and the highlighting of the reasons behind it.

Introducing a puppy into a new home is never a good idea with all the festivities going on and visitors coming and going, the pup is going to end up very stressed. On average a puppy sleeps for around 17 hours a day to help aid there growth and development, a puppy could easily run out of an open door, be stood on or eat something it shouldn't, plus how are you going to go on with training a puppy should be toilet training should be taking place as soon as you arrive home with your pup how can you do that and entertain guests, as if a pup's not going to be stressed enough after being separated from it's Mum and siblings.

What happens with a cute pup after Christmas when the kids are back at school and adults back in work, the poor thing will end up in a rescue centre that is over crowded so sacrifices have to be made, a puppy is easy to re home but to make room the elderly senior dogs aren't so fortunate and might be euthanized to make room for a pup.

If you want a puppy think and talk about it over the Christmas holidays and consider giving a senior dog a loving forever home you could be saving his/her life.

A Rescue Dog's Christmas Poem

Based on the epithet that: "A dog is not just for Christmas".

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost but not found,

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,

They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!"

But now we sit here and think of the days...
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways,

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew -
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?

We "jump on the children", "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", "climb over the wall".

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors they made.

If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
we'd have done what they asked us and worshipped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse - let to roam -
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye...

"Maybe someone else will give you a try."

So now here we are, all confused and alone...
in a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads...
of a home filled with love and our own cosy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears -
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn -
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year -
can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat...
and help get us something special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

Author unknown

Christmas Humour.

Sorry there's no Grumpy cat this Sunday he's gone Christmas shopping causing mayhem more like I dread to think what he will come back with I bet it won't be child safe though lol

So I thought as it's the 1st December I would try and get us in the Christmas mood.

Happy Thanksgiving (How to keep your pets fit over the holidays)

Obesity rates have risen dramatically over the last few years, mostly contributed by over eating, poor diet and lack of exercise. Obese pets are usually accompanied by obese owners if owners exercised there dogs more it would improve there health as well.

I'm not saying they're bad owners they probably love there pets very much, but they are killing them with to much love.

I've heard people use excuses like it's to cold, to wet and a host of other excuses for not walking there dog if you're wrapped up well there's no excuse apart from laziness and if that's the case they would probably be better off with a cat or a gold fish as a pet.

I know times are hard financially but feeding cheap crappy food is not the way to go, all those colourings, E numbers and every other number number of the alphabet and all the other chemicals included plus most of the time it's not proper meat included it's all the crap scraped up off the slaughter house floor feathers saw dust, hooves and anything else that's lying around.

In the long run cheap food accompanied by lack of exercise works out more expensive because you end up with more frequent vet visits which don't work out cheap, cheap food will end up going straight through your dog were as better quality food stays in the system longer enabling the dogs to draw out the nutritional value from it so you end up feeding less and will also lead to firmer stools making it easier to clean up after them.

Ben Franklin said that “Experience is the best teacher, but a fool will learn from no other”.   Although dear old Ben was not known for his svelte body, he was quite a brilliant man.  With that said, we would like to share our second, reader inspired infographic with tips for keeping your dog fit and slim.   (You can see the first instalment here).

This infograph is loaded with great tips that have worked for others and that can be helpful to anyone who is trying to keep their dog fit.  Take advantage of this collective ‘experience’ to make it easier to keep your dog fit and slim.  Please share with your friends, family & readers.

Infographic kindly provided by SlimDoggy.

Getting  out for a good walk or a run on the park with your dog before the festivities begin can be a big help if they're tired there likely to be less of a pest and better behaved overall. A tired doggy is a happy doggy.

Despite the fact that it is easy to stay indoors and be lazy when the weather turns cold, it is more important than ever to keep your dog exercising through the fall and winter months.

Overweight pets are susceptible to the same types of life-shortening, chronic illnesses that humans can suffer from, such as heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes. And given the fact that the Association for Pet Obesity estimates that more than half of all U.S. pets are overweight or obese, it is your duty as a pet owner to ensure that you furry friends gets the proper amount of exercise and activity that is necessary for their body in the colder months.

Here are just a few ways in which you and your dog can stay healthy and keep fit indoors this fall and winter season:

Teach Them Advanced Tricks.

As they say, you can never teach a dog too many tricks―and they are right! Not only are basic dog training commands a good way to stimulate your dogs mind and build up their basic skills and knowledge, but they also are a great bonding activity for you and your furry friend.

    Spinning: A good example of a dog tricks which will really get your dog moving is spinning. This fairly simple trick will teach your dog to spin in one direction, or can even have them switching between spinning left and right. Be sure to start your dog off small and work their way up to spinning all the way around once they get the hang of it.

   

 Backing Up: Not only is backing up a fun trick for dogs, but it can also come in handy in your day-to-day activities. If you have a dog who tends to jump at people when they walk through the door, or crowd you whenever you are in the kitchen or laundry room, backing up will help you to claim back your space. All you need is a few dog treats and a little bit of patience to get your dog to back up a few steps when they hear the signal.

 Play Tug-Of-War: Many pet owners are unsure about playing tug-of-war with their dogs because they feel as though the game may bring out aggressive behaviour in their pets. However, this game is actually a great form of physical and mental exercise for your dog.

Find An Indoor Pet Centre: If you have a large dog and do not have enough space to get some quality exercise in your home, try enrolling your dog at an indoor pet centre. Many of these centres are available across the United States and offer classes such as agility courses, canine play dates, pet yoga classes, and even dog-friendly meet and greets for both pet and owner.

Play Hide and Seek: One favourite indoor activity for both pet and owner is good ol’ fashion hide and seek. This game can be played several different ways and can involve multiple people and toys to keep your pets attention. When playing with toys, hide your pets favourite things in various spots around your home when they are not paying attention. Once everything is carefully hidden away in different spots, ask your dog to go and find each of them. They can become fooled for quite awhile, while also getting plenty of exercise racing and running throughout the house.

You can also play this game with yourself and a friend. Try hiding in different rooms or spots in your house and call your dog once you are completely hidden out of site. Once they have found you, reward them with a piece of dog food or their favourite treat, and tell them to go and find your friend. This will not only help to get in a good workout for your dog, but it is also a great bonding activity for the both of you.

Information taken from PetAG

(Click image to enlarge)

[ SOURCE: Carrington's Veterinary Assisting Program ]

Related posts.

History of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving pet safety.

Happy Thanksgiving stay safe and keep healthy.

Wordless Wednesday.

Happy Thanksgiving (Pet Safety)

Last year I concentrated on the history of Thanksgiving so this year I thought I would concentrate on the pets.

Normally I would get envious of all my American friends celebrating Thanksgiving and eating all that turkey because we don't celebrate it in the UK, but not this year and here's why because this year we're off to the Lake District on holiday from the 21st December - 4th January 2014 so Cody and Coco have to go in the Cattery for 2 weeks which Mum and Dad aren't happy with but can't be helped so they've brought Christmas forward this year so we can all celebrate as a family together Christmas tree up early, presents under the tree early for the cats I bet I wont get to open up mine early but the main advantage is I get 2 Christmases one with Cody and Coco and one on Christmas day when were away which means two lots of turkey I'm going to be one spoiled Doggy but I won't complain.

I will have to try and not make the same mistake as last year, when Dad said do I fancy a night time walk before bed so I can relieve myself I never knew it was a secret code for do I fancy going the pub while he has a quick pint, I don't know how to take it being used for an excuse so he can go the pub but extra turkey on my plate at Christmas might compensate for it, I slipped up one night though Dad was watching TV so Mum walked me everything was going fine though until we walked past the pub and I dragged Mum in I thought it was just part of the routine.

Now for the important stuff.

Infographic provided by Doggie Health Insurance.

As in all cases prevention is better than cure, keep leftover food out of reach and in tightly secured containers and keep garbage containers secure so pets can't get into them and chew on tin foil, baking string and anything else that might be bad for them.        

• Cooked bones can splinter and cause tears or obstruction in a pet's digestive tract.
• Baking strings, if ingested, can create trouble if ingested by your pet.
• Onions in holiday stuffing can lead to canine anaemia if consumed by your dog.
• Grapes and raisin toxins can cause kidney failure in pets.
• Ingesting chocolate can kill your pet.
• Caffeine and alcohol are also toxic for pets.
• Keep all goodies out of reach!  
• Rich, fatty foods (turkey skins, gravy, etc,) can contribute to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the digestive gland is painful and can be serious--requiring emergency veterinary assistance.     

Before you sit down to feast,  take away temptation-from both guests and pets. If you feed pets before the guests arrive you reduce the temptation for begging and stealing and they will more than likely sleep with having a full tummy. You can also use a pet gate or play pen to house the pet nearby, but provide a safety barrier.

One of the easiest ways to avoid trouble is to make sure your guests know the pet rules and discourage them from feeding pets scraps from the table.  The best approach is to make sure any animal is occupied with a chew or playmates in another room. Once the table is cleared, make sure pets cannot get to scraps or bones.

Make sure all house guests know the house rules regarding your pets, they might not have pets of there own and don't realise the dangers, most guests like to make a fuss of our pets so to make things easier place bowls of dog and cat treats around the house so they can treat them safely at the same warning them of the dangers of feeding human  food high in sodium such as peanuts and fatty foods (like poultry skin or fat) can cause the inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is potentially life-threatening condition.)

Infographic provided by PetCare

There's no reason why dogs and cats can't enjoy the holiday season as long as we use common sense and everyone obeys the rules and remember to serve up smaller portions of there normal food to compensate for the extra treats they might receive.

• If you’re going to be adding unusual foods to your pet’s diet on Thanksgiving, do so in moderation.
• Stay away from turkey skins, as these aren't good for pets!
• Feed your pet less of their usual food on days when they’ll be getting extra goodies. Overeating is uncomfortable for humans, but can be very serious in dogs. Gastric torsion, or twisting of the stomach, can occur when a dog overindulges. Pancreatitis can occur when they have foods that are too rich, like the turkey skins mentioned above. These conditions can be expensive for you, and uncomfortable or even deadly for them.
• Mix table scraps in with reduced portions of the food they’re used to. This can help ease digestion.
• Share Thanksgiving foods at the pet’s meal time, and in their food bowl, instead of handing them tiny bits throughout the day. This should help stave off unwanted behaviours like constant begging. It will also help you keep track of how much your pet is actually eating. A little here and a little there can add up to a lot -- just ask any Weight Watcher!

THANKSGIVING FOODS THAT ARE NOT SAFE TO SHARE WITH YOUR CAT OR DOG

Avoid these ingredients, always:

• Raw poultry
• Turkey skin
• Butter and oils
• Bones, especially cooked bones, which are likely to splinter
• Alcohol: beer, wine, or anything else
• Nuts, especially walnuts or macadamia nuts
• Sweets like cookies, pie, and cake
• Onions, or anything with onion in it, even if the onions are cooked or macerated
• Garlic
• Some mushrooms (so to be safe, avoid all mushrooms)
• Some herbs like sage and nutmeg

THANKSGIVING FOODS THAT ARE SAFE TO SHARE WITH YOUR PET

These foods can be safely shared with your beloved cat or dog on Thanksgiving. Remember to moderate for your pet, even if it’s hard to do for yourself.

• Turkey, boneless
• Whole raw eggs
• Sweet potato or yams, as long as there’s no onions or cream involved
• Canned pureed pumpkin
• Raw apple (but not the seeds)
• Raw veggies like carrots
• Steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli
• Any rice, brown, white, or wild

THANKSGIVING FOODS FOR CATS: A REMINDER

Cats are obligate carnivores. This means they thrive on a diet primarily of meat. Meat can safely be shared with your cat on Thanksgiving. Other foods should be given in only very small amounts. Some cats just love sweet potatoes, but it's up to you to restrict their carb intake.

Remember, cats are much smaller than most dogs so your cat really shouldn't get more than a tablespoon of Thanksgiving fixings. An excess of veggies or carbs could give them an upset stomach.

And last but not least don't forget there exercise so they can burn off the excess calories and keep them fit and healthy.

Keep fit post to follow on Thursday.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Animal odd couples part 2.

This post is a continuation of Animal odd couples and should of been scheduled for Thursday but than I remembered it was Thanksgiving Day in America and I've already got a post scheduled for than.

Animal odd couples part 1 Here.

Grumpy Cat Sunday.