Tag: pet

Why is a dog man’s best friend?

Why is a dog man's best friend? Dog paw and man's hand giving a high five

Dogs can provide us with companionship, comfort and safety. Dogs have been described as “man’s best friend” for centuries. The phrase was first used by King Frederick of Prussia back in 1789 about his beloved greyhounds. However, the friendship between dogs and humans stretches further back to when wild wolves and man were companions.

In the last year, UK households bought more than three million pets to keep them company during the pandemic. Self-isolation was a lonely and unsettling period. Dogs provided us with companionship and encouraged people to go outside and get some regular exercise.

The National Accident Helpline surveyed 2,000 pet owners in the UK and 87% said dogs help them de-stress. Everyone has a different preference for dog breeds. However, the survey revealed that cockapoos were the most popular breed in the UK. Cockapoos are affectionate and easy to keep clean, making them the perfect dog for a cuddle on the sofa. Springer spaniels came in second and were much preferred by those looking for an energetic pet.

Man hiking in mountains with a dog in his rucksack

Your dog should complement your lifestyle. Some breeds need hours of exercise every day, while others prefer a cuddle and nap. All dogs have their own personality and distinct characteristics. It’s important to find a breed that works for you and your family. A dog is a long-term responsibility that should be taken seriously and not bought on a whim. You need to have the time and energy to invest in your pup so you can create a wonderful bond together. If you have less time available, you should opt for a calmer dog who’s happy to sleep and chill for most of the day. Even the calmest dog still needs some exercise and playtime each day.

A dog can make you feel safer at home. If you have a health condition, you can find a service dog who will bark when you need help. Your dog will comfort you and care for you when you’re having a bad day. If you show them affection, they’ll return that love tenfold.

You’re likely to spend more time walking and playing outside when you have a dog. You can’t lie in bed all day because you have to care for your pet. Looking after a pet can encourage you to take better care of yourself – even when you don’t want to.

Welcome a dog into your home this year and make them a part of your family.

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RIP Fudge

RIP Fudge

We don’t often publish really emotional posts, however we feel that we need to today. We reckoned that we can’t spend years blogging about all aspects of life and then not dedicate a post to one of the most important things – no matter how difficult. Our much-loved Weimaraner, Fudge passed away two days ago at the age of twelve. We knew this day would shortly arrive, he’d been suffering with hip and spine degeneration and digestive problems. Despite this, the devastation we’ve been feeling since it happened is crushing.

He’s been an integral part of our lives for such a long time, just getting through the mundane day-to-day chores is horrendous. What seemed important before suddenly feels irrelevant. As we work from home, he’s been in our company practically 24 hours a day. When we think about all the things we’ve shared – the thousands of walks, the holidays, days pottering in the garden, nights by the fire, the pork pies!

The house feels completely empty without him. In the future we hope to console ourselves with the fact that he had a great dog’s life and couldn’t have been more loved – and the reason it’s so painful is that we had something very special to lose. For the time being, it’s a bit of a struggle to say the least. You have to just keep going, we suppose.

We’ll try to keep on top of business and blogging as we work our way through the loss and grief. If there are any hiccups in our normal routine or schedule, we hope you’ll understand.

Sweet dreams little man…

Gimme Five! Collar & lead sets

'Gimme Five' blog post banner

Selection of dog collar & lead sets

It’s National Pet Month, so we’ve commissioned our Weimaraner to edit this week’s Gimme Five! offering. Over to you Fudge!

I’m into fashion – but only up to a point. I’m not into diamanté or metal studs or anything like that. I like to look trendy but not be too bling. I’m a down-to-earth, practical lad; I like to keep warm, keep dry and keep safe. So my entire wardrobe consists of a Drizabone coat (warm & dry) and a collar & lead. For me, anything more than squiffy bandana is too dressed up.

Luckily, with the fur I have, accessories in almost any colour suit me well. For day to day wear I tend to opt for black – classic and unassuming. I also like red, mossy green and orange.

My current collar & lead combo is looking past its best – I blame all the walks out in the wind and rain – it’s weather-beaten and beginning to disintegrate. I’ve had them for years and I think I’m due an upgrade anyway!

  1. Ancol round sewn leather collar tan: from £5.95 | Ancol leather lead 100 x 1.9cm: £8.50, Pet-Supermarket
  2. Orange & olive collar & lead set: £44.95, PetsPyjamas
  3. Doggy Things plain leather dog collar, black: from £4.99 | Hurtta outdoors jogging leash: £18.90, BestPet
  4. Outhwaites gun dog rope slip lead, olive: £9.98, PetShop Bowl
  5. Ruffwear Knot-a-Collar dog collar: £21.13, | Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash dog lead: £30.31, Monster Pet Supplies