Holidays with dogs

Hi, we have updated our links, with some place in the lake district that except dogs. I really like the look of Low Nest Farm, it would make for a great long weekend break!

Merry Christmas from all at Roan Cottage.

Holly opens her eyes

Roan Cottage finally gets heat!

Baby Holly

Dad (Chester), Baby (Holly), Mum (Jessie)

Daddy Chester

Holly day 4

Holly getting her daily weigh in! Mum is never to far away as you can see her nose in the bottom of the pic.... she is so cute.

Day 3 - Holly

Well these are the day 3 pictures, the newly named pup, Holly is doing fine and now weighing 500kgs. Jessie is also fine, although it took a phone call to the Vet at 04.00hrs to confirm this. I just think our new Spanish vet thinks I am totally neurotic, but that would be because its always me that has to ring the vet!!!!

Puppy Day 2

Day 2 of the Roan Cottage Pup, still no name, the front runners are Fern, Willow or Holly. We got to the Vets for a check up today, hope she is ok, not sure if she is getting enough to eat!

The first Roan Cottage Roan

Jessie give birth to the first Roan Cottage Roan at 14.30hrs today. The Chocolate Roan girl is as yet unnamed, however her kennel club name is "Roan Cottage Yule tide Joy". Mother and Pup both doing well. Further pictures and postings to follow.

Crufts

Crufts 2009 takes place from 5th - 8th March 2009 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Internet at Last

Well Roan Cottage finally has the Internet at last, thanks to Virgin Media! We also have a television and a telephone, although people are that used to phoning our mobiles now that the phone never rings! As for the television, it sits in the corner collecting dust! We are now waiting for our log fire to be install on the 15th, just in time for Christmas.... What started out as a holiday home has turned into our main home, as we are as I type awaiting the arrival of Chester and Jessies puppies, or should I say pup, as the Vet only thinks there is one. Jessie was due last Sunday and is now over due, but the Vet wants her to wait till Friday before we do anything.

So its been a busy time, we have put down a new slate floor, built whelping pens and painted everything. Uncle Anthony (Chris's little brother) has re-pointed our sandstone walls, with Uncle Paul (Chris other little brother) providing the plumbing for the washing machine, which was kindly donated by my little brother and sister in law. Its a real family project with mum sorting out our curtains and Kath and Christine doing all sorts of things.

In the middle of all this Chris started a new job and I had my graduation, as well as pickling everything that you could imagine could be pickled and making 9 Christmas cakes.... I think its something to do with the country air!!! I will start posting pictures again soon, including I am sure lots of puppy pics. The debate has now also started about names and whether I am aloud to keep them!!!

Crufts

Crufts 2009 dates are 5th – 8th March 2009 at the NEC, Birmingham.

What you got!

Oh Wet Dog

Roan Cottage

There has been a long break in service, or pupdates recently due to the purchase and work required on our holiday cottage, newly named 'Roan Cottage'. This new holiday home is a grade II listed cottage dating from 1800. Its in the North Yorkshire moors, about 20 mins from Whitby. Its fab for the dogs and there is a wood at the bottom of the road with ponds and rivers.

Look for Chester

If you look closely you can see Chester asleep under Jessie!

Team Spaniel Picture Update

Chester

Chester Update

Just a Chester update, he had his last injection on Saturday as well as being micro chipped. Not a peep out of him. He is as I type fast asleep on the back door mat by my feet after spending the last mad half hour playing with all the toys and the other dogs (except poppy who just sleeps through all the noise!). He has learned to Sit and Lay down when asked and also is very good at shaking paws. Will try and post some new pictures at the weekend.

Our Friends in France

These are our friends in France, Mozart (right) ,the cat Moustique and Virus (left), they all live in the Loire Valley, were the weather looks much better than in Seaham! Bisous to Patrica, Mimi and Sonia, miss you all xxxx

Puppy Pee

Luckily Chester is doing much better than this, we still have the odd accident but he knows where to go now.

Credit Crunch

MAN’S best friend has become a victim of the credit crisis – with hard-up families in areas across the country abandoning their dogs or having them put down.Rescue centres in Cornwall have reported an increase in the number of animals handed in by owners who have either been evicted from their homes or are struggling with rising interest rates and fuel and food prices. Animals are also facing neglect because their owners are having to take second jobs or work over-time to meet costs.And with summer approaching, sanctuaries are dreading the influx of strays when families abandon their pets rather than pay for boarding kennels.Cambourne-based Sue Smith, who runs one of the county’s canine campaigning groups, said: “People are looking within their families to reduce their outgoings, and non-necessities and dogs are becoming the invisible victims.“It’s soul-destroying. To some people dogs are their family, their life and their passion and they are pleading with us and desperate.”

Does Your Pet Have Alzheimer's Disease?

Many pet owners are overlooking the tell tale signs of Alzheimer's in their pets. Recent research has revealed that many pets may be suffering from a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease according to a study conducted by VetPlus.

The survey, which elicited responses from 981 pet owners, found that a third of pets aged seven and older show significant signs of cognitive dysfunction. Commenting on the findings, Bo Bronserud, managing director of VetPlus, says, “Most pet owners are unaware that their pet is suffering from “Alzheimer’s” even though they may see the changes associated with age-related behavioural disorders. However, this will often be accepted as part of the aging process, and as pet owners are largely unaware of any treatments that are available, they may not see the point in taking any action. “We are a nation of animal lovers, and with more than 5 million dog owners alone in the UK, the number of animals suffering from “Alzheimer’s” without their owners being aware could be as high as a million,” says Bronserud.

According to animal behaviourist Sarah Heath, early signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (Alzheimer’s) include decreased alterations in social interaction, increased disorientation, altered sleep patterns and changes to toileting habits. “Dogs, and particularly those over 8 years of age are more likely to start displaying signs of cognitive decline, which can result in them becoming less sociable with familiar people and animals and appearing disorientated within their own homes ” explains Heath. "In addition, they are even hostile towards people they know. They may sleep more and have an increase in “accidents” around the house." Pip Boydell, who runs the Animal Medical Centre in Manchester and Yorkshire spends his working life dealing with diseases of the brain and eye at his animal referral hospitals was quick to support the findings. “Where an older dog is not showing normal interaction with the family or owner and further investigation has helped to rule out any of the potentially nasty brain diseases, it may be that the underlying condition is age-related brain degeneration.” In the past, pet owners have been reluctant to take their pets to the vet in such cases as for many years euthanasia was the only option offered. Side affects often associated with traditional drugs that have been used to treat age related cognitive dysfunction have contributed to the low number of people who have opted to treat their pets. This concern can now be allayed with the emergence of a new form of treatment that has none of the side affects associated with previous treatment methods.

Sarah Heath who was involved in clinical trials to test the new treatment explained “Aktivait is a nutraceutical which has been proven to aid the management of dogs suffering from cognitive dysfunction behavioural symptoms. It is the first canine nutraceutical to be scientifically proven in this expanding field”.

Boydell adds: “Although I retain a degree of scepticism I find many dogs with diseases that involve degeneration of brain tissue often associated with brain tumours and meningitis for example, show a marked improvement following supplementation of Aktivait.”

Copyright © K9 Media Solutions Ltd, 2005. All rights reserved.

PET STREET

PetStreet.co.uk is a social networking website, but unlike MySpace orFaceBook, PetStreet has a specific purpose ­ its members have a passion forthe animals that share our lives. It¹s free to use, every owner has a pageand then can open pages, and upload photos, for all their pets. Once signedup, people can talk to people and pets can talk to pets and so ideas,information and experiences can be shared. PetStreet was set up by Maurice Melzak ­ a zoologist and film-maker with a huge interest in the important role of companion animals in our lives. One of the things that makes PetStreet unique is that there is a clear editorial voice. The editors blog raises all sorts of issues that often generate a great deal of discussion on PetStreet. Examples include Dublin City Councils recent attempt to ban tenants keeping certain breeds of dog,VAT on vets bills, dogs electrocuted by lampposts in London or the Teesside man given an Asbo for a string of offences, including throwing dogs into the path of oncoming traffic! Many issues are raised by PetStreet members ­ one, Rachel Sanderson, a passionate pet owner living on a farm, was not allowed to rehome a dog because her farm was not enclosed. This opened a vigorous debate on the criteria used by rehoming centres. Another member, a young man who keeps Staffy-type dogs was tired of being compared with less responsible owners. So raised the question of a PetStreet campaign where kids who want to keep these dogs are educated and encouraged in responsible dog ownership. PetStreet also has a poll to gauge public opinion on pet-related issues. A current one asks if it is too easy to own a dog. There are also fun items like cartoons and a themed Pet Idol competition where members can upload photos of their pets to be voted on by other members. PetStreet is only just beginning, but its clear ethos of ethical and responsible pet ownership is beginning to strike a chord with pet-loverseverywhere.

http://www.petstreet.co.uk/

Tug

No Chester thats not helping your suppost to be on the boys side!

All aboard

The boys share a chew.

Not sure about this getting wet thing!!!

I dont have that many paws!

Companion Dog Show - Jarrow

1 June 2008

Event ~ Companion dog ShowVenue
Headworthfield Community Centre, JarrowTime ~ Sunday 1st June

Caer Urfa Canine Ringcraft Club are once again holding their annual Companion Dog Show in aid of Pets As Therapy and Hedworthfield Community Centre. Come along and meet some of the Pets As Therapy volunteers and their PAT dogs, while joining the Pedigree and Novelty classes.

Taking a rest

Butcher's Great North Dog Walk

This June make it a Father's Day to remember and take part in the Butcher's Great North Dog Walk. Taking place on Sunday 15th June in South Shields, enjoy a leisurely day out with the whole family whilst taking part in the largest ever dog walk. Come and enjoy the great outdoors!The internationally recognised event, which was first launched in 1990, takes place over some of the county's most stunning landscape. There will be a selection of four different routes ranging in distance and stretching across beautiful coastal paths with breathtaking sea views, so there is something for all abilities. Surfaces also range between grass, gravel and concrete allowing for buggies, wheelchairs, the young and the elderly, disabled and older dogs. There is no excuse not to take part! A great day out for adults and children alike, with activities to keep the whole family entertained from face painting to doggy displays.

Registration opens at 9am and the walk officially starts at 10am.

To participate in the Butcher's Great North Dog Walk either visit www.cooksondogwalk.co.uk to fill out your registration form, or participants may register on the day.

IVT PRODUCTIONS - are looking for dog enthusiasts

ITV Productions...Are looking for dog enthusiasts to take part in a new series.

Do you spend more time grooming your dog than you do yourself? Is it actually your dog who dresses to impress rather than you?

Is looking good too much like hard work because you’re always covered in muddy paw prints, dog hairs and drool?

If your dog is more glamorous than you, or if the clothes you buy revolve around your love of animals then contact us NOW.

Undress2@itv.com or 0871 626 6666

Grandma and Granddad's

Today Chester had his first Sunday lunch at Grandma's, its her Birthday next week so the whole family attended, including 7 dogs. We all enjoyed our lunch!

Chester meets Trudy

I can see you!

Toys

Its fab here I have taken over the toy box and no matter how much my dad's tidy up I empty the box!

Ladies Man

Hard work

Its so hard working being the baby of the house! Luckly there are loads of beds around here!

Poppy Love

Hi my mum was called Poppy will you look after me?

Josh takes Chester under his wing

Well Josh has found a new buddy and Chester a new mentor. Josh is teaching him how to watch the fishes in the pond and the great game of tug. Josh also took Chesters to the Vets this morning for his first shot. Chester was of course just like Josh, a big brave dog, not even a wimper with the injection.

Welcome to Chester

No not the place but the new addition to the pack. We picked Chester up yesterday from a fantastic place near Kings Lynn, 500 plus miles later we were home. Chester and Josh have become best buddies, with Josh teaching Chester to play tug this morning. More Chester information and Pictures to follow, mainly so Tracy can keep an eye on him!

Puppy Update

Many of you will know we have tried for a second time to mate Jessie (Chocolate Roan) with Josh (Blue Roan). Well Jessie went for her scan this week which was negative. The vet did say that there maybe one pup hiding somewhere and we need another scan, but it looks like Josh is too old to be a daddy!!! The search now starts for another male pup of our own or a stud. So what this space there maybe the sound of tiny paws!

PETS AS THERAPY STAKES CLASSES

Pets As Therapy Stakes classes will be held at the following shows throughout 2008. The winner of each heat will go through to the final of the Pets As Therapy Showdog of the Year competition which will take place as part of the glittering Celebration of Top Dogs Event on Saturday 8th November at the Palace Hotel, Buxton. This years event will be extra special as Pets As Therapy will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary and the event will be combined with a celebration Ball. The winner of the final will receive £200, a trophy and rosette. The runner up receives £100 a trophy and rosette. Prizes in qualifying rounds are 1st - £25 and entry into the final 2nd – 5th special rosettes. Prize money for both the final and the qualifying rounds is provided by the sponsors HiLife and does not come out of Pets As Therapy Charitable funds.


Poole Canine Club - contact Mrs. Manley 01202 258498 22nd June
The Kennel Club of Jersey - contact Mrs. Mottershaw 01534 862187 3rd May
Bath Canine Society (class each day) - contact Mr. K. Nathan 01623 754450 23rd – 26th May
South Wales Kennel Assoc. (class each day) - contact Mrs. I. Dyke 0870-062 4432 3rd – 6th July
East of England Agric Soc. (class each day) - contact Mr Mercer 01733 234451 15th – 17th July
Leeds City & Dist Canine Assoc (class each day) - contact Mrs E Stannard 01260-252834 26th – 28th July

All dogs competing must be owned by members of Pets As Therapy (either visiting or non-visiting). This is a wonderful way of supporting Pets As Therapy and PAT dogs who are wonderful ambassadors for dogs of all breeds.

To apply for Pets As Therapy membership, either visiting or non-visiting contact – Pets As Therapy on 01844-345445 or visit the website http://www.petsastherapy.org/

Northern Branch - Promotional & Awareness - Cleveland, 23 February 2008 10:00 - 16:00

Event ~ Pets As Therapy Promotion Date ~ February 23rd Venue ~ ASDA, Thornaby on Tees, ClevelandTime ~ 10am - 4pm

Pets As Therapy Northern Branch will be holding a Promotional & Awareness day at ASDA Thornaby on Tee. If you would like to know more about the beneficial service Pets As Therapy provide in the local community, please come along and meet some of our volunteers & their wonderful PAT dogs.

For further details please contact us.

Crufts 2008

Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show will be taking place from 6th – 9th March 2008 at the NEC, Birmingham. The show is open from 8.15 to 19.30 each day.

Officially recognised as the world’s largest dog show by the Guinness Book of Records, Crufts 2008 looks forward to expecting over 25,000 dogs, including around 1,000 dogs from overseas. The 2007 show had over 153,000 (human) visitors to it.

Tilley

Do you shop on line?

If so shop and support Pets As Therapy at the same time.
To do so go to
http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/petsastherapy
and choose Pets As Therapy as your cause.

It doesn’t cost you penny and is also free to the Charity.
What an easy way to help Pets As Therapy continue to provide our valuable service to the community.

PAT dog Bryn, a crossbreed owned by Mrs Sue Yates from Bebington, the Wirral,

Pets As Therapy is a national charity whose volunteers regularly take their dogs (and cats) to visit hospitals, care homes, special needs schools and similar establishments throughout the country, bringing much needed therapeutic care to patients and residents. The animals – and their owners – have to pass a strict assessment before qualifying.

For several years Bryn and Sue were regular PAT visitors to a local nursing home until its closure. Then two years ago, when a request came in from the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology in the Wirral for a registered PAT dog to work with patients there, Bryn was seen as the perfect choice. Within a short time the Wirral was buzzing about the beautiful black PAT dog making such a difference to patients’ lives in the Centre. Such has been the demand that Bryn now visits twice a week.

The Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology is one of the largest cancer treatment centres in the UK. Bryn received many nominations from its staff and patients, one of which said: “Bryn’s work is invaluable to the Department … I believe he has saved many lives by giving patients back that bit of normality they have been forced to leave behind while undergoing very frightening treatments.”

Alison Bell, the Volunteer Co-ordinator at the Centre, said: “Bryn’s unique personality, always sympathetic yet calm and unflappable, brings outstanding support and understanding to people who are in distress.”

Bryn not only helps the patients; he is a great help to their families too. In a further nomination the daughter of a patient undergoing treatment said: “I was often close to tears after I had to leave the room while my mother was being ‘zapped’. Bryn and Sue were just outside the treatment area on a number of occasions as I came out. To be able to bury my head in Bryn’s soft fur and give him a cuddle helped me through those terrible times. Bryn was there at just the right moments to work some of his Pets As Therapy magic for which I will be eternally grateful.”

Bryn was voted ‘PAT Dog of the Year 2007’ by a celebrity panel, including actors Roy Barraclough MBE, Pam St Clement, Pauline Fleming, Roy Hudd and Lisa Riley, television chef James Martin and the editor of Yours magazine, Valery McConnell, together with Yours readers.

Bryn was presented with his award by Valery McConnell and Tony Parkinson, Managing Director of HiLife Pet Foods, the Pets As Therapy sponsors, at a special ceremony in Buxton, Derbyshire. He received £500 and three months’ supply of HiLife dog food and a piece of engraved crystal by Birkdale Crystal.

Tony Parkinson said: “It is a privilege for HiLife to be long-term sponsors of Pets As Therapy and to be able to play a part in supporting the excellent and invaluable work done day in, day out by its volunteers and their dogs.”

Five runners-up, who each received prizes of £100, a month’s supply of HiLife dog food and a piece of crystal by Birkdale Crystal, were Bearded Collie Riley, owned by Carol Laura Williams from Oldham, Lancashire; Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Holly, owned by Susan Perks from Leicester; Labrador Hoyt, owned by Sharon and Richard Betts from Malvern, Worcestershire; Border Terrier Beanie, owned by Monica Dixon from Alton, Hampshire and Border Collie Moss, owned by Patricia Weatherley from Hextable, Kent.

Nominations came from medical staff, carers, patients and residents of hospitals, hospices, residential homes, special needs schools and other similar establishments throughout the country.