Our week that was: Apple picking, a play date and moon missions

Our week that was blog post banner

We’re still playing catch-up here on the blog after another fun-filled week – time is whizzing by in a flash. It does, doesn’t it, as you get older?

Orchard with Welsh apple tree varieties

Apple picking

One of my friends from the Women’s Institute has a garden with an orchard. She invited a couple of us over to pick some of the apples, as she’d never be able to make use of them all.

Heritage apple tree Heritage apple tree

The apple trees are old, rare Welsh heritage varieties such as Baker’s Delicious and Cadwaladr.

Walnuts developing on the tree Walnuts developing on the tree

As well as apples, there were a few, much less commonly found trees in the orchard… including these walnuts that were almost ready to harvest.

Sacks of apples picked from the orchard

Apples being stored in a food safe in our garden room Apples being stored in a food safe in our garden room

We spent less than an hour apple picking, after which I returned home with two large sacks, heavy with fruit, with not much of an idea of what I was going to make with them. A pie and an upside-down cake are most likely; I have so many apples, I can attempt things I’ve never done before; apple juice, apple jam, hard cider?

Strava route for Barley play date with Tala at Hafod Arch

Play date for Barley

A few weeks ago, we encountered a lady out walking her dog near the Arch near Hafod. After a tentative 30 seconds or so, we were all really pleased to see that her dog, Tala, and Barley hit it off splendidly. They’re about the same size and possess the same energy levels. They got on so well, in fact, that we agreed to meet the following week in the same place for a doggie play date.

The afternoon of the play date was a welcome chink of lovely, warm sunny weather in an altogether damp and dreary week. Tala & Barley loved it; tearing through the woods, chasing each other for most of the hour-long circular walk. We hope it will become a regular occurrence.

For All Mankind series one box set

For All Mankind

We’ve just binge-watched 3 series of For All Mankind. The series proffers an alternative world history that hinges on the ‘space race’ not ending with the USA landing on the moon in 1969. The series broaches many subjects such as male chauvinism, feminism, sexuality, politics, technology and conspiracy theories. And I’ve just found out – there’s going to be a series four at some point in the near future!

Preparing for a new pet: things to consider

Preparing for a new pet: things to consider

Bringing a new pet into your life is an exciting adventure. However, it requires careful planning and consideration. This post delves into the essential aspects before welcoming a furry friend. From lifestyle adjustments to pet-proofing your home, explore the comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth transition for you and your new companion.

Choosing the right breed

Selecting the ideal pet breed is crucial. Consider factors like size, energy levels and temperament that match your lifestyle. Research a breed’s care requirements, exercise needs and potential health concerns. A well-matched breed ensures a harmonious companionship, leading to a happier and healthier life together. Always research breeders before buying a puppy or kitten to ensure you’re buying from a responsible breeder.

Choosing the right food

Opt for pet food featuring natural ingredients. Look for real meat or fish sources as primary ingredients. Avoid artificial additives and fillers like corn or soy. Natural pet food promotes better digestion and overall health and reduces the risk of allergies. Providing your pet with natural ingredients ensures a balanced and nourishing diet for their well-being. Encore offers a range of high-quality pet foods with natural and nutritious ingredients that enable you to give your pet a diet that both tastes great and keeps them healthy.

Pet-sitting or boarding plans

When welcoming a new pet, plan pet sitting or boarding arrangements for times you’re away. Research local pet sitters or boarding facilities with positive reviews and suitable amenities. Schedule visits or a trial stay to ensure your pet’s comfort. Having reliable care options allows you to travel or handle unexpected situations with peace of mind, ensuring your pet’s well-being.

Pet-proofing your home

Pet-proofing your home is essential. Remove hazardous items like toxic plants and chemicals, secure cords and blinds and store small objects out of reach. Install safety gates if needed and check for small spaces where pets could get stuck. This creates a safe environment, preventing accidents and promoting a smooth transition for your new companion.

Insurance

Getting insurance for your new pet is a prudent step. Pet insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary expenses due to accidents, injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. It provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your pet’s health without worrying about financial burdens. Research different plans, compare coverage options and select a policy that suits your pet’s needs and your budget. Having pet insurance ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected, ensuring your furry friend receives the best possible care whenever they need it.

Registering with a vet

Registering your new pet at the veterinarian’s office is a crucial initial step. Call the clinic to schedule an appointment for a health check-up and vaccinations. Bring any paperwork the breeder, shelter, or previous owner provides, including medical records. Discuss your pet’s history, diet and behaviour during the visit with the vet. Registering establishes a healthcare relationship, ensuring your pet’s medical records are up-to-date and enabling timely preventive care. This proactive approach sets the foundation for a healthy and happy journey with your new companion. They’ll also be able to help you organise and advise on other treatments, such as neutering.

Microchipping and ID tags

Microchipping and ID tags are vital for your new pet’s safety. Implanted under their skin, a microchip provides a permanent and unalterable form of identification if they get lost. ID tags with your contact information are a quick way for anyone to return your pet if they stray. These precautions greatly increase the chances of reuniting with your furry friend, offering peace of mind and safeguarding their well-being.

disclosure*

Price Points: Dog activity monitors

Dog activity monitors

Barley and I are currently taking part in the Dogs Trust 99km for Canines fund-raising campaign. It’s happening for the entire month of October, and you can keep up with our own personal journey on our Facebook page.

I’ve been using an app on my phone to track the number of kilometres that I’ve walked; however, Barley is walking (and running) way more than me! I’ve been contemplating getting one of these dog activity trackers that attaches to his collar to see just how much more exercise he’s been getting.

After reading about what each one does and doesn’t do, I think the Pawfit monitor (#2) fits our bill. Firstly, it’s waterproof for those sea and river dips. Next, it tells me the distances that Barley clocks up with all his darting through the trees in the woods and galloping along the beach. Another important function is that it gives me Barley’s exact GPS location – for any unforeseen times he wanders off so far that he gets lost and is out of earshot. For instances like that, the Pawfit is fitted with a microphone that would allow me to speak to Barley – perhaps calling his name for him to come and search for me.

  1. PitPat dog activity monitor: £39.00, Pets at Home

    Advanced “dogorithms” analyse those complex movements every 10 minutes to decide what activity your dog was doing during that period. They also allow an estimation of daily distance covered and calories burnt.

  2. Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor: £54.99, Amazon

    Flexible and affordable subscription rate starting from £3.39/month. Choose from a 1, 6, 12 or 24-month Premium or Basic subscription plan

  3. PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking: £116.99, eBay

    If you need to track your pets when you are inside the house with pets running outside, the performance could not be guaranteed, the connection could be very unstable due to massive obstructions between controller and tracker.

shop dog activity monitors

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
PETFON1 smart GPS tracker real-time dog tracking
£116.99
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
Pawfit 2 pet GPS tracker & activity monitor
£54.99
PitPat dog activity monitor
PitPat dog activity monitor
£39.00

How pets affect your household: A guide

How pets affect your household: A guide

Getting a pet can be great, but it isn’t something you should rush into without giving a lot of prior thought. Many people assume that owning a pet is easy and that it won’t affect their day-to-day lives in any significant way, but that simply isn’t true. The reality is that owning a pet will affect your household in many ways, and many of them can be negative.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a pet, as there are many positives to it as well, but it does mean that you should be aware of what you’re getting yourself into before taking the plunge.

Pets can smell unpleasant

Most types of pets can smell unpleasant at times. And yes, that includes low-maintenance pets like fish and birds, especially if you don’t clean their fish bowls or cages regularly.

Dogs and cats can also sometimes have a foul odour. At times, this simply means that they need a bath, but it can also be that their hormones or other factors are causing them to smell whiffy. And of course, if they have an accident in the house, especially on a rug or carpet, that scent can linger. However, don’t let this scare you off from having a pet, as there are companies that specialise in pet odor removal.

Pets can destroy your belongings

Dogs and cats can scratch and chew your belongings until they’re damaged beyond repair. Even if you take steps to avoid this, there’s still the chance that your pet may destroy a few items here & there, especially if they’re still young.

Bear in mind that this doesn’t just refer to small, easily replaceable items like shoes, but also larger or more valuable belongings. For example, your pet could chew on the legs of your sofa, or they could damage your screen door.

Pets can shed

Pets also shed, which means that if you own a dog or a cat, the odds are that you, your furniture and your home’s floor will always be covered in dog or cat fur.

If this is something that will bother you, or if you have severe allergies, it may be best to opt for another type of pet, such as a fish or hamster. However, if you have your heart set on a dog or cat, there are ways to cope with the shedding. You can get a breed of dog that doesn’t shed, or you could invest in gadgets that easily remove pet hair from your clothes.

Pets fill your house with love

Of course, since we’ve spent the whole post so far talking about a few negative ways that a pet can affect your household, you may be wondering why so many people still have pets, or why you should still consider getting one.

Simply put, despite all the cons that may come with owning a pet, there are also many pros – with the biggest one being that a pet is bound to fill your house with love. If you have kids, you should also consider getting a pet for their benefit, as pets can have a positive influence on children. You can learn more about that here.

 [disclosure*]