Bright Paws

My Special Boy

2011-10-20T20:07:00.003+01:00

On the 15th September 2007 Oscar was born, he was the runt of the litter and was even born dead and had to be resuscitated.

We had decided to get a puppy a few months earlier and after lots of research on what breed had decided on a Staffie, we even traveled all the way to Doncaster to meet his Mum when she was pregnant, so the first time I met him he was wriggling around with his litter mates! Sadly only 3 of them survived and when he was 4 weeks old we traveled back to Doncaster to pick our puppy, from the second I met him I knew that he was ours, he was half the size of his brothers but I had to have him.

We set the date for him to come home, 21st November 2007, we were on holiday the fortnight before and would get back on the 19th, so would drive down a few days later, I was so excited that we emailed from the middle of the Atlantic ocean to arrange to pick him up on the 19th! I roped in my Mum to drive me from Newcastle to Doncaster to pick him up after we got off a flight from Barbados, on the way home me and Oscar slept together cuddled up!

Oscar has changed my life, he opened my eyes to the plight of the staffie and the ignorance surrounding the breed. Going to training classes with Oscar inspired me to formally go back to learning and get qualified as a behaviourist after working for a number of years helping rescues and from that I set up Bright Paws. When I qualified as a canine massage therapist and had to travel to West Sussex for 5 weekends Oscar came with me, sat by my side in the car, attending the lessons with me (its hard work for him getting massaged all day lol), going to the pub on a night and snuggling up in the hotel to watch TV!

Oscar has always suffered from allergies since he was a tiny puppy, grass and pollen being the major cause which means we have such a challenge over the summer but control it as best we can using herbal and conventional medicine. Over the years it has been his ears that have been most affected, with dermatitis in his canals and secondary ear infections he has been on and off steroids for years and has undergone 2 operations. As a result he has little cauliflower ears which has a continued into his canals making it almost impossible to clean his ears properly. He had a bad infection recently and this lead to burst ear drums and today we have made the decision to go through with a full ear canal removal on the left side in an attempt to get his balance back (his head is on the side) and prevent further problems - we will see how he is after it and may have to do the second ear next year.

This will mean my little boy will be almost stone deaf, I am devastated but determined to do everythign I can for him, so we are learning doggy sign language together and learning to adapt, and of course Bud (his best mate in the whole world) has come into our lives to help too. So my special boy gives me another opportunity to learn, an opportunity I wish i didn't have but I do.

I am so grateful Oscar came into my life, so happy that i can be there for him and that we get to learn and adapt together. I plan to blog about our experiences over the coming months and years (hopefully not all posts will be this long). And I hope I can help other deaf dogs adapt in the years to come too.

'The Last Walk' - Pedigree Adoption Drive

2011-10-17T09:48:00.009+01:00

In the UK over 20 abandoned dogs are put down every day. This year, the campaign is about saving abandoned dogs from their Last Walk – the walk that sadly ends in a vet’s room where they are put down.

This year the 'Pedigree Adoption Drive' is dedicated to helping more dogs find their forever home. Ripley.

To generate as much support from the public as possible and to help us save more abandoned dogs from their last walks, for 1 week dog lovers everywhere are being called upon to take part in the world’s first “virtual dog walk around the web”.

Below you can see Ripley, he is going to do a virtual walk across the world and you can help him. Ripley loves to go to the beach, for a walk in the forest, to the park and you can take him there virtually and interact and play with him along the way.

Every completed walk will unlock a £1 donation from Pedigree and the target is £100'000

Please help raise funds for this wonderful initiative and help save a dogs life!

The Canine Mirror

2011-10-09T23:20:00.004+01:00

Have you ever looked into a dogs eyes and seen yourself staring back, the depth of love and feeling that you get from a dog is boundless, their ability to show you who you are is unparalleled. They reflect your emotions so when you are happy your best friend will turn up with a stick in his mouth and a wagging tail, when you are sad he will come and lay a head on your lap and when you are anxious he will be unsettled and worried too.

There is nothing more special than that bond between a dog and its human and this quote really captures it for me:

‘He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true until the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.' (Anon)

This quote inspires me every time I read it. For me it captures the essence of love, the special bond of complete unconditional love we get from our pets.

We all need a sense of belonging, it is what helps us create stability and helps us be ourselves. The freedom to be who we are not what someone wants us to be allows us to be our best, confident selves. This is just as true for dogs. They each have their own unique and special personalities.

It continues to astound me that most people see this wonderful relationship as ownership, you own a dog! Ok legally that might be the phrase we use but ownership means that you can dispose of a belonging. I can take an old handbag to the charity shop, sell it on ebay or get rid of it, why does society accept that it is ok to do the same with a loving, living creature? I like to think of it more as a partnership or friendship, yes you are the care giver in that relationship but its built on mutual respect and understanding.

I don’t believe in ownership, I certainly don’t believe in pack leader theory and I 100% believe that having a dog is the most wonderful gift – a friend, a teacher and a companion all wrapped up in a furry coat. I rescued Mavis 2 years ago, she was due to be killed at the vets because her owners didn’t want her, she couldn’t have pups anymore so she served no purpose. She had been rescued and was so scared that she was growling and snapping at everyone, when I first saw her I feel completely in love, she literally skipped over to see me (despite being almost 15stone in weight and having horrendously bad hips), she has never growled at me and she has from that day never left my side.

When I need a break from work we go for a walk with the other dogs and as Mavis can’t play too long we sit together in the grass and watch the others play – there isn’t a business decision that isn’t ran past her first and I am often chatting away to her in the office . When I am happy we have dance parties in the sitting room, me dancing her wagging and spinning, when I am sad she rests her head on my shoulder and gives me a cuddle and with Mavis as my ultimate mirror there is no way I can be sad for long.

Lets celebrate the love and insight dogs give us!

Introducing Bud!

2011-08-08T00:34:00.006+01:00

We have someone very special to introduce you all to. Here at Bright Paws we just cant resist a wrinkly face and when we were approached a few weeks back to see if we knew anyone who might be interested in rehoming a Bulldog we knew just the people - us!

This is the gorgeous Bud, he is 3 years old and was looking for a new Mummy and Daddy. He has come from a very loving home where he has been spoilt rotten into another very loving home where he will continue to be spolit rotten.

He oozes personality and character, full of life and cheekiness! On day 1, Bud (who doesn't like water) was kitted out in his new swanky fleece harness, when we got to the pond, he looked at me and ran straight in, head first and came out dripping wet and full of mud, with a cheeky grin on his face! He did the same yesterday into a very muddy pond and he learnt a very important lesson in life, if you want to go in the stinking pond with your big sisters you will end up in the bath!

Its so amazing to watch dogs interact, Bud is our second boy and I was a little worried about how Oscar would take to him, but they are the very best of friends, they cuddle up together, play together and get into mischief together. I have noticed a huge difference in Oscar too, he has taken on some of Bud's calm attitude and mellowed a little.

The girls were a little more wary, Mavis was officially in the huff when he came but over the first week she came round and was caught cuddling on the bean bag with him. Bella is high energy and at first was very wary of him, he did have a little snap at her but she told him off and since then they have been fine - they are the two that will squabble so we know we have to be careful with things such as food and toys but yesterday they were on the sofa sleeping together so it seems in time they will become good friends too!

He can be a little nervous, but i think the influence of his new brothers and sisters will help him get a little more confident and I know we have a lifetime of fun and love ahead of us! We look forward to sharing more of his antics .. don't forget Mavis has her own facebook page and I am sure she will post updates on Bud, she has been neglecting it a little lately but I have had a word and she will post more, oh and you can follow her on twitter @mavisbrightpaws

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mavis/104495909611515

The Importance of Making Children Dog Savvy

2011-08-08T00:05:00.003+01:00

Hey everyone, sorry its been a while - we have been so busy and have lots of exciting plans and developments to share with you over the next few weeks!

This weekend we attended a lovely village fayre which was a huge hit despite the torrential rain! We were invited to do a talk to children in the local village about how to be dog savvy. So complete with our big coats me and Mavis braved the rain to show children how to meet a strange dog for the first time and Mavis was the star of the show getting lots of pats and strokes.

There is nothing more special than growing up with a dog, some of my fondest memories of being a child are with my dogs, Boozer and Spike. I strongly believe every child should have a dog in their life, OK I guess I am biased!

The main message we wanted to deliver to the children was that no matter how friendly or cute a dog looks there are a number of important rules they must always remember:

- Always ask the owners permission to say Hello! Some dogs are just so friendly that they could knock a small child over!

- Never approach head on, Children are more at a dogs eye level and approaching head on, particularly when excited can feel very confrontational and over-whelming for a dog - remember if they are on a lead and feel threatened like this they cant remove themselves from the situation and may growl or worse. This is not the dogs fault, if someone jumped on you and you felt trapped how would you react

- Always let the dog sniff and come to you, hold your hand and then when the dog has had a sniff then calmly and gently stroke him

- if a dog is off lead and approaches a child, the most important thing for that child to do is stand still, with arms across chest and dropping anything n the hands (especially if that is a toy). Dogs react to our energy so if a child runs screaming the dog may see this as a game and run after the child which can be terrifying for the child and their parents.

Every parent should spend time with their children ensuring they know how to greet a dog politely and how to react when the dog is being a little over friendly. If your child is scared of dogs then find a friendly, placid dog who you can safely introduce them to so they start to build up their confidence.

Contact us for more advice on this subject, I am passionate about helping dogs have happy, healthy lives with their families and will be happy to answer any questions you might have on this subject, equally if you are thinking of getting a dog we offer a support service helping you choose the right breed, age and introduce your new dog to the family in the right way.

And did you know - the only breed of dog with 'good with children' in its breed standard if The Staffordshire Bull Terrier' - of course that doesn't mean other breeds aren't good with children but it does demonstrate what wonderful dogs Staffies are and how they can be so misunderstood.

Becky x

Keep Your Best Friend Cool this Summer

2011-06-27T10:24:00.000+01:00

As the summer months start and we get our first few glimmers of hot weekends and dust off the sunglasses its important to remember that we need to take care with our dogs in hot weather.

Dogs can get heatstroke and unfortunately this can be fatal, here are some top tips this summer to keep your best friend cool this summer:

· Always ensure your dog has access to clean, cool water throughout the day

· NEVER leave your dog in the car, also avoid long car journeys in the heat

· Ensure that your dog has access to shade to lie in

· Consider changing your walking routine to avoid the hottest parts of the day. In summer we generally have a walk early in the morning as well as after the sun has set.

· Avoid muzzling your dog wherever possible as this can restrict breathing

· Avoid walking in places of open space with no shade and where the sun can reflect off the ground such as the beach or large areas of concrete

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a condition where the body overheats and the system cannot maintain a safe, normal range. Animals do not sweat like us and therefore find it harder to maintain their body temperatures and can get overheated much easier than we do.

A dog with moderate heatstroke (body temperature from 104º to 106ºF) can recover within an hour if given prompt first aid and veterinary care (normal body temperature is 100-102.5°F). Severe heatstroke (body temperature over 106ºF) can be deadly and immediate veterinary assistance is needed.

Warning signs

A dog suffering from heatstroke will display several signs:

· Rapid panting

· Bright red tongue

· Red or pale gums

· Depression

· Weakness

· Dizziness

· Vomiting – sometimes with blood

· Diarrhea

· Shock

· Coma

How to deal with suspected heatstroke

It is vital that you take action as soon as you suspect heatstroke. You must seek veterinary attention, before getting him to the vet it is important you try to lower the body temperature.

Do not submerge the dog in cold water, this can be counterproductive, the best way is to get a towel and soak this in cool water then place this over the dog and circulate air around using a fan ideally.

Even if the dog appears to be recovering always seek veterinary advice to ensure there are no further complications

Remember the best treatment is prevention – have a safe, fun summer with your best friend!

This article is brought to you by Bright Paws, specialists in canine behaviour, therapy and health.

www.brightpaws.co.uk

Puppy Love!

2011-03-14T09:47:00.005Z

We all love puppies! Cute and full of fun? Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue have recently taken in 5 pups who are about 5 weeks old and are just adorable as you can see.

Sadly they were rescued after they were found in a house, neglected. Their mum had to be put to sleep as she was so emancipated - she'd obviously fought to keep her pups alive and as healthy as she could. Such a sad story but with a happy ending as the pups are now safe and being very much loved and looked after at www.sbtrescue.co.uk.

Even the adult rescue Staffies are lending a paw! As you can see the gorgeous Missy (pictured in the bed with the pups), herself waiting for her forever home is helping Chris at the rescue with vital puppy lessons!

Amy on the other hand is helping them learn how to get on the sofa! A vital lesson for a spoilt pooch. Amy is also waiting for her forever home after she came into the rescue almost bald with mange, as you can see she is doing great now with the love and care she is receiving!

So how can you help?

Please consider helping www.sbtrescue.co.uk with vital funds to help make sure these pups and every other Staffie in need receives the love and care they need, when they need it most! With your help many more can be saved and rehabilitated!

If you would like to make a difference please go to www.sbtrescue.co.uk and click on donate.

If you are thinking of getting a dog, please rescue! There are many dogs looking for wonderful homes - please apply through the website! And once they are old enough these little pups will also be available for rehoming.

A friend from downunder

2011-03-05T12:11:00.006Z

I love the fact we get hits on the blog from all over the world, including Australia. Here's a little post from a gorgeous dog in Australia called Floyd who has to deal with some rather different backyard visitors to the neighbours cat!

It’s me “The Handsome Debonair” Floyd here. I’m popping in to tell of my adventure that happened on the week end.

I was just minding my own business in “my” backyard, just having a good ole scratch & roll on the grass when something caught my eye. The “thing” was greyish, scaley & it was invading my property !!!!!!!!!!!.

It was about 20” long & sunning itself on the path. Well I just couldn’t stand around & watch it, I had to do my “brave” duty, well it does say in my breed standard that my breed is “Bold & Fearless” so I just had to live up to that didn’t I....

I flexed every muscle I have & charged like a raging bull over to the thing & barked at it, the thing was brave also, it just laid there hissing & poking it’s tongue out at me.

Mum came running outside to see what I was barking at. Mum was telling me to get away & to go back inside the house because the “thing” is not my dinner nor toy thing etc . Ok I was being good & listened to Mum & I followed her back in the house.

Mum got her camera thingy & went back outside with me in tow to take some pics of the “thing”. The poor thing was now being harassed by those stupid Indian Minor birds, Mum was nudging the “thing” along the path towards the pool garden so it could hide safely under the palm trees & out of sight from the birds.

While Mum was taking pics I just had to be nosy & keep a watchful eye on the “thing”, needless to say I was not impressed about sharing my backyard & gardens with another!!!!!!!!!!!.

Mum did ask me not to chase, go near or harm the "thing" or other critters look nearly the same as the "thing", just in case they was aggressive, poisonous & deadly
So now I will be watched like a hawk for my own safety when ever i'm in the backyard. Mum doesn't want to risk me being bitten by a deadly snake......

PS.. this next little text is from Mum...... We live on the east coast of OZ & there a numerous deadly snakes throughout OZ, certain variety of snakes only inhabit certain regions of OZ...

Our neighbor has found a live very aggressive deadly & toxic "Eastern Brown Snake" & a "Red Belly Black Snake" in he's back yard/ gardens, one bite from either of those snake can easily kill a 60 kilo dog or child within 30-60 mins. We live in rural suburbs & don't often come across snakes in our gardens that much.. but often see them sun baking on the roads or just passing through our yards etc..

And here is the gorgeous man himself - G'Day Floyd!

My Story by Cracker Lewis

2011-03-04T17:36:00.006Z

Today is Crackers 14th gotcha day, in celebration here is his story written by him (with a little help from his Mum). Staffies make the most wonderful friends and companions, if you are thinking of adopting a staffie please contact www.sbtrescue.co.uk.

Well I started my life in London and I wasn't treated very well there, so I was taken in a van by a kind lady to somewhere called the country. We drove for a long time and I was then handed over to someone else who owned something called a farm?

There were lots of other dogs there but they were all nervous and worried about where they were going next. I didn't care as it was nicer than my old place.

One day I heard a loud motorbike engine and I was introduced to two people called Justin and Heather. I was told I could adopt them if they liked me! Huh! The cheek, I'm the one doing the adopting, they can either like me or not, I'm not making a special effort for them. I did like Justin though as he liked to wrestle and play tug 'o' war, which I love. He was my kinda man. Well then they just said goodbye and left me which was a bit sad but I thought Oh! well, there are lots of people so I'm sure I'll find someone to adopt.

Then the next day they came back, I was really happy to see them but no motorbike, shame as I would have liked a ride on that!.

They were dressed normally and they had another human with them, I was told I could adopt them after all, which made me really happy.

This other human drove the car and I got in the back with Justin, he put his arm round me which was really nice, as between you and me I was a bit nervous as I didn't know where I was going.
Heather looked a bit nervous as well and I could tell she really needed winning over. Well that didn't take long!

I could tell she was a bit scared of going out and some people made some horrible comments about her face. Well I don't care what she looks like, she treats me well, feeds me and gives me lots of cuddles, which I love!

Not long after I started my new life I was left on my own in the flat. Well I'm sorry but I was only young and I hadn't settled in completely. Justin and Heather were my life and I thought they had gone forever. I totally freaked out and dug at anything to help me get back to them. I'm not proud of myself and I would never do anything like that now but at the time I was so scared I'd never see them again.

I felt so stupid when they came home, I hid in the wardrobe.

Well after that they bought me a crate, that was my new home and when they went out they shut the door so I felt nice and secure. It was lovely my first proper home, I used to just go in there for a quick nap during the day if I felt like it.

That year was great I finally found my place, then one evening they both went out and came back with a little thing called a puppy. I guess she was kind of cute but she loved to chew me and she had needle sharp teeth. I'd tolerate it as they seemed to want me to. For some reason they think I actually listen to what this puppy thing has to say. They even called her Boss! Well she's not mine, I do what I want, I just let her think she's in control! Well you've gotta keep the ladies happy! I am actually really quite fond of her and I had another female to look after and that made me happy.

I then met Heather's Mum who I could tell also needed winning over, one night Heather was really upset and talking about her Mum having leukemia, I saw my opportunity so the next time I saw her mum she looked very tired. I knew she liked walking so I'd take her out and pull her when she got tired or going up hills etc. She was soon won over, talk about easy!

Then I met Justin's Mum, she loved me from the start and gave me chocolates! Wow what a bit of heaven that is! Then I heard them talk about her not being well so I took Heather and Boss up to her home in North Wales to look after her.

I loved it in North Wales, I had ladies to look after and a fantastic beach where I could run around as much as I liked.

I missed Justin but he would come up at the weekends and we would wrestle, play tug 'o' war and other men's games. Don't get me wrong I love the ladies but sometimes you just need a mans company.

Well anyway life so far has been good, most of the time. I get on great with Heather but sometimes when we are out in my park and I can tell another dog has been on my patch, I need to stop and sniff the signs. She keeps calling me but I haven't finished my business. I can tell by her voice that she is getting annoyed with me, but she doesn't understand that sometimes a dogs gotta do what a dogs gotta do.

I've moved them to a different house now nearer Justin's work so he doesn't have to travel so far. Heather has learnt to drive so we go on our own little adventures on Dartmoor and we can go to the beach whenever we want.. She keeps going into hospital to have surgery on her face and now people hardly ever say anything nasty to her. I must admit I don't like it when she goes away and then she comes back smelling strange, like the vet.

I'm glad I met Justin and Heather and they allowed me to adopt them. There is only one thing I'd change and that would be a lot more cheese and chocolate, and access to the fridge. Cor! some good things come out of there!

There is only one other thing bugging me at the momment, she seems to be spending a lot of time on the computer. Something called the www.thenannydog.co.uk. She should really be giving me cuddles, but there is one good thing to come out of it, she now gives me chicken wings which I love!

Lots of love Cracker

Happy Gotcha Day Gorgeous Boy xx

Why you should never OWN a dog

2011-03-03T11:38:00.005Z

'He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.

You are his life, his love, his leader.

He will be yours, faithful and true, until the last beat of his heart.

You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion'.

This quote inspires me every time I read it, the author is unknown but it is a well known quote. It captures the energy of what i believe is at the heart of living with animals - mutual respect and partnership.

We all need a sense of belonging, its what helps us create stability and be ourselves. The freedom to be who we are not what someone else wants us to be allows us to be our best, confident selves. This is just as true for dogs.

It astounds me that most people see this wonderful relationship as ownership ... you own a dog - ok legally that might be true but ownership for me also means that you can dispose of a belonging. I can take a old handbag to the charity shop, sell it on ebay or even get rid of it ... why does society accept that it is ok to do the same with a loving, living creature - well simply it is not acceptable.

When I work with people and their dogs, I focus on deepening the relationship. What makes me different to other behaviourists is that I am a qualified coach - I help people get more from their lives and when I am working as part of Bright Paws I am doing exactly that. I help them put in place structure and environments that allow the dog and owners to really benefit from each others love, where the dog can be itself and be settled and where they can have fun together.

I don't believe in ownership, I certainly don't believe in pack leader theory and I 100% believe that having a dog is the most wonderful gift, that when you have children don't look at it as 'what if', know that your child will grow up with the most wonderful teacher, companion and friend.

My dream for 2011 is to write a book, I've started that journey and I hope to publish it this year.

I work with people and their dogs on a 121 basis in the North East, I also offer telephone consultations worldwide.

If you want to experience a new way of looking at your relationship with your pet please contact me rebecca.armstrong@brightpaws.co.uk

Oldies Club - Saving Older Dogs In Need

2011-01-26T09:48:00.002Z

Today we have our second guest blog post from Olive, all about a wonderful charity called the Oldies Club - you can view their website here

In 2008 I discovered a fantastic website, Oldies Club – a national dog charity whose purpose is to foster/re-home dogs over 7yrs. At the time I discovered it they needed a regional co-ordinator in the north east and I was lucky enough to be selected. The charity is run completely by volunteers and I started off by organising fund raising events, trying to recruit volunteers and fosterers, and also to raise awareness of the charity.

Volunteers are always needed for Oldies Club, because fosterers are always needed as are funds. Oldies Club pays for all of the vet bills for dogs in their foster care and also for their Sponsor dogs – these are dogs who sadly will never be adopted but will stay in a loving foster home for the rest of their days (it is usually due to illness) and for those dogs the vet bills can be very expensive. No dog is ever put down whilst in Oldies care, unless it is in the dogs best interest. There are many ways you can help Oldies, even displaying posters is a great help, so have a look on the website - and see if there’s anything you could help with

In 2009 I became a fosterer for Oldies Club, following the loss of my beautiful Tess. A month after I lost her I decided I couldn’t be without a dog any longer and so decided to foster. I was asked to foster practically straight away, and I took on a lovely 8yr staffy, Ginny. Ginny was a poundie and if it wasn’t for Oldies she would have been put to sleep. She was a joy to foster and after a few months being fostered went off to live with a lovely couple who travelled all the way from London to Newcastle to adopt her. I still get regular updates about her and it’s clear they love her to bits.

Whilst fostering Ginny, I fostered another dog Lassie. Her beloved owner had to go into care and had to give her up. She was very lucky and after only one month she was adopted.

I decided early in 2010 that I was ready to adopt my own dog, so while I was fostering Ginny I started looking for my forever dog. I wanted another older collie and was lucky enough to find a lovely 8yrs old ex-breeding bitch who was looking for a retirement home, so in June, on the day Ginny was adopted, I picked up my new oldie. She is a “younger” oldie, still has plenty of energy, loves her walks and playing, but is a much calmer dog than a young collie would be, and that just suits me perfectly!

What do you need to think of if you want to adopt an older dog?

Do your research, make sure you know that an older dog has different needs to a younger one, be prepared to be more patient because they are slower and may not see as well, and even may have the odd accident but the love they give you in return is immense, it’s almost as if they know you have saved them and are grateful for the chance you have given them. Don’t overlook an Oldie, there are plenty of people who will give a home to a younger dog, but the older ones need special people to love them, people who see what is beyond the grey hairs, the not-so-bright eyes and the plodding along – Oldies are just puppies in disguise!!

I am proud to be the owner of an oldie, proud of myself that I have given an older dog a happy loving forever home. I will never be without a dog again, I will never be without an Oldie in my home – they are the best!

I know it is heart-breaking to lose a dog, and sad that you may not have as much time with an older dog as you would with a younger one, but they are so worth the tears and heart-ache. They have so much love still to give, so much fun still in them, so they have to be given the chance to have a new life – for however long/short that may be. Don’t look at them in the kennel and dismiss them. Don’t tell yourself you couldn’t give them a good home – what is best; a life in cold, noisy, draughty kennels, always waiting for someone who will love them; or a life in a warm, comfy, safe home, full of care and love. I know what I would choose!

As I type this there are 3 oldies watching me. They are semi-snoozing, just waiting for the moment I move so they can get up and follow me; no doubt hoping I am going to the treat-tin. Silk will sit and watch me adoringly, Starry will stare at me waiting for a tasty morsel to come her way and when it does she will take it ever so gently, and Pixie will sit, tail wagging and lift her paw until the treat comes her way. Then she will lift her paw for another treat, staring with her big eyes in her pixie-face. They are completely different dogs; different breeds; different shapes; different personalities. But, they are all older dogs and they are all full of life, full of fun and full of love and gratitude – who can resist them, not me!

If this blog has inspired you to think about adopting your own oldie, go to the Oldies Club website, and see how many lovely dogs are just waiting for someone like you. You won’t regret it.

Tomorrow we have Pixies' story, Pixie was an oldies club dog who now has a permanent loving home with Olive.

Golden Oldies

2011-01-24T10:09:00.002Z

This week we are celebrating the Golden Oldies, with a series of blogs about why you should consider adopting an older dog.

We start today with Olive talking about why she loves older dogs, then tomorrow we will focus on a wonderful charity called The Oldies Club who rescue and rehome older dogs in need. Later in the week we will hear from Pixie, a gorgeous girl who has now found her forever home with Olive and then we have a featured dog who is looking for her forever home.

My love affair with older dogs started about 7 years ago. I had wanted a dog for a long time but had decided it was not fair on a dog as I worked long hours and was out quite a lot in the evenings. When I was made redundant I had time to think about it a bit more, and I did lots of research and decided that I could give a good home to an older dog; I would still have to work, but I could go home at lunchtime and the dog would have a warm, comfy, safe environment to spend the day in, and then I would be home for the evening and weekends. I was worried about taking on a dog who I wouldn’t have as long due to its’ age, but then my friends’ dog died suddenly – at 5years old, with cancer. That made me realise that, like humans, you cannot predict the length of a life. On balance I decided an older dog would suit me better, so set about finding one.

At the time I just looked in my local area, around the various dog shelters. My first “oldie” was Tess, a 10year old collie cross who had been handed over to a rescue because she was no longer wanted by her owner – her owner did however still want to keep her 2 younger dogs! She loved walking, but equally she loved snoozing, playing and being groomed. She was quite an independent dog so was fine being left through the day, and I didn’t worry about her because she had access via a dog-flap, into our secure back garden. Because it was always in my mind that our time together might be short, I made sure we had lots of fun together. I didn’t put off doing things with her like I would have with a younger dog.

One of my worries had been financial, what if she needed lots of trips to the vet, what about insurance etc but in truth, apart from the normal worming, fleaing, & vaccination costs, I spent very little on her until her last year. Insurance was out because the premiums for a 10+year old dog were ridiculous so I put a little by each month, and with the help of an emergency credit card, didn't worry any more about paying the vet bills. As long as you plan things and have done your research there is no reason not to adopt an older dog.

By Olive Armstrong, Regional Co-Ordinator for Oldies Club.

www.oldies.org.uk

Beautiful Booma

2011-01-20T10:27:00.004Z

Look at that beautiful face! I am delighted to introduce you to Booma ...

Booma is a beautiful boy who is looking for his very special forever home. He will make a wonderful addition and just needs understanding, stability and above all TRAINING!

Booma hasn't received the training and socialisation that he needs, Boxers are high energy dogs who are full of life, they need training!

Because Booma has not been trained he is looking for a patient and special home, with someone experienced with Boxer types - he is not aggressive. He just needs someone who will provide him with the training and take control so he can learn the manners he needs - he is a strong willed boy so you'll need to be just as strong willed!

Booma is 16 months old and is Brindle and White. Because he needs some training and work he is looking for a home where he can be an only pet and without children. He is neutered.

If you think you can offer Booma the love and training he needs please contact www.thenorthernboxerclub.co.uk to discuss next steps.

Breed Focus - The Lovable Boxer Dog

2011-01-19T07:23:00.007Z

Today's Breed Focus is by Vicki Van-Beck of Northern Boxer Dog Club.

The handsome boy on the right is Boomer, read his story on this blog tomorrow - he's looking for his special forever home!

The Boxer is a family dog who adores and needs company. He shouldn't be left alone for long periods, as he can get bored easily and may start to look for trouble.

He is very affectionate to children, and a steadfast friend and guardian to the whole family. He is full of life, can be boisterous and friendly with an undeniable joie de vivre, time and effort must be given to training him.

He has a healthy appetite and needs regular exercise.

A Boxer is a clever dog, quickly learning what is right and wrong provided the correct training is given - at the same time they are rather 'daft' and 'comical' making them a very valued member to your family.

Northern Boxer Dog Club

Most of the dogs who come into our Rescue Centre do so through no fault of their own. They are not dangerous merely victims of financial or marital difficulties which have faced their families with little alternative but to find somewhere else for the dog to live.

Responsible owners will ask a reputable rescue organisation to find their dog a home

However, some dogs do have issues; they may never have been socialised with other dogs and so, show fear or aggression when meeting other animals.

Some have never had love because they have been battered and mistreated their whole lives. This treatment is sure to have a lasting effect on the dog. Sometimes it makes a dog timid and withdrawn and sometimes it will force the dog to become sensitive, nervy or even aggressive.

All of the dogs which come through the rescue are temperament assessed although this is normally in the kennel environment (not always ideal) as most dogs will be much more relaxed in the home and this is important to remember when meeting a dog in kennels.

Anyone wishing to rescue a Boxer will receive a fantastic reward - unconditional love. However it must be understood that time and patience is required to achieve this as he/she will have to learn a whole new routine within the new family home.

If you can help by either offering a Foster Home or a Permanent Home for one of our Rescued Boxers please get in touch - we are grateful to everyone able to offer a home, love and kindness to these dogs who just want to be happy.

www.thenorthernboxerclub.co.uk

Which dog is right for you?

2011-01-17T12:22:00.002Z

Getting a new dog is a serious commitment - it is for the life of that dog which could be up to 18 years so you need to think carefully about it. Today's post is all about some of the things you need to consider when getting a dog and when deciding what breed.

Just a quick note, when we talk about breed we are using it a a guide, but there are many gorgeous crosses out there too - but its still worth thinking about what sort of breeds suit you and then consider cross breeds of that nature too.

Ok so here are some things to think about:

Energy level - this includes exercise requirements but is also just a general feeling from the dog. Do you want a laid back kind of dog such as a greyhound or a really active and alert dog like a terrier?
Exercise - how much can you give a dog? What is certain is that you need to be able to dedicate time every day, twice a day to walk your dog. Some (like a Collie or Vizla) will need hours and some need less. Know what you can offer on a normal busy day and use that as your guide. Alot of behavioural problems can stem from lack of exercise.
Size of dog - do you want a small, medium, large or giant dog? What size is your garden can your dog have a run around in it comfortably? What size is your home? Don't get a Great Dane if you have a small yard!
Grooming - How much time can you spend grooming your dog every week?
Time alone - in todays world it is common that a dog is left alone whilst owners are at work but how long will the dog be left, are you willing to go home at intervals to walk or let your dog out? Will you employ a dog walker?
What age? do you have the time to train and work with a puppy? Would a more laid back older dog suit your lifestyle better?

One of the most important things that alot of people miss is future thinking. You need to look ahead at your life and think about what is likely to happen in the next 10 - 18 years especially if you are thinking of a puppy or younger dog.

How will you feel when you have children? Having a child is not a reason to give up a dog so are you willing to train the dog and make time for him in your life?

Are you thinking of moving? Do you dream of travelling the world or living in a new country? Will you take your dog with you? - if not either don't get a dog or consider fostering.

If you are prepared to relocate with your dog, do you know which country is likely? Will your dog be welcome there? Many different countries have different banned breeds - do your research.

Can you afford a dog? How will you make provision to always be able to give the dog the very best of care? Can you afford insurance? Can you afford to feed your dog a good quality, healthy food? Can you afford to give him supplements and extras if he needs them? We spend about fifty pounds a month on supplements and health products for our 3 dogs.

When you go on holiday can you afford the care for your dog or will you take him with you?

Remember your dog will love you with all his heart, he will depend on you and be with you for a long time - make sure you can offer him everything he needs!

If you are thinking of getting a dog we offer a mentoring service to help you prepare for and welcome a dog into your home. We are available via phone and email for the first 3 months with your dog to help you along the way for a one off payment of thirty pounds. For a limited time only get this half price!

Sweet William is looking for his forever home

2011-01-16T13:34:00.002Z

This is William, the most adorable Staffordshire Bull Terrier!

William is 7 years old and he came into rescue via the dog warden and even though his owners knew where he was they never reclaimed him.

Luckily for him he was taken in by Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue (www.sbtrescue.co.uk) and he has been living with a foster family. He is a true gentleman and is sharing his home with 2 Bulldogs and a French Bulldog.

Williams gets on well with other dogs, is great with humans and adores children. He will make someone a wonderful pet and would love to find his forever retirement home soon. He is an active and healthy dog and loves a bone from the butchers as a treat.

William is fully vaccinated, castrated and flee treated.

If you feel you can give William the retirement home he needs please contact the rescue on 01945474418 or staffylover@btinternet.com

Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescue is a voluntary organisation and registered charity, who through a team of wonderful people with huge hearts help rescue many Staffies in need. If you would like to help please go to the website to donate or volunteer

Puppy or Rescue?

2011-01-15T11:49:00.003Z

This is the first in a series of blogs all about being a first time dog owner ...

When you decide to bring a dog into the family it is very exciting. Especially if its the first time you have ever had a dog, it is really easy to be impulsive and go out and get the first puppy that you see but getting a dog is a huge decision and one which takes planning and preparation.

Throughout this series we will bring you information on lots of aspects of getting a dog, from choosing through to bringing him / her home, training, feeding ....

The first decision you have to make is whether to get a puppy or a rescue?

We have done both and I wouldn't change a thing about that, I love all three of mine and each one is very special to me, we welcomed 2 in as puppies and 1 as a rescue.

When we welcome more dogs into the family however I would only ever rescue, having a rescue dog is so special, the love they give you is amazing and the opportunity to give a dog a second chance just feels right.

Many people think rescue dogs are going to come with a whole host of problems whether physical or behavioural but the majority of dogs in rescues are normal, healthy dogs who have no home. They will come into your home, love you unconditionally and settle into their role as loved family pet.

There are some dogs out there who through abuse and neglect do have problems but if you are working with a good rescue then they will have assessed that dog and already started woring with it, they will be looking for the right home based on what that dog needs. They will discuss this with you, ensure you can give the dog what it needs and support you if you do take a dog like this.

Remember, if you get a dog with a problem that with hard work, stability and love that dog can learn new ways and change.

So. here are some things to think about when opening your heart to a rescue:

Do your research first, think about what kind of breeds and size of dog will suit your family - its easy to fall in love with the wrong dog!
Once you know what breed(s) you are interested in then go to rescues and look for that breed or similar
Consider what age range you want - rescues often have puppies but there are also some wonderful older dogs who make wonderful pets and are often overlooked
Good rescues will back you up, that means they will be there for advice, support and guidance throughout the dogs life if you need it
Never feel sorry for a dog no matter what has happened, this is the start of a new life so focus on giving your dog the very best in care, training and love - your dog doesn't dwell on the past!
Go and visit the dog and take all members of the household. Go for a walk, get to know the dog before making a decision and don't feel guilty if you meet a dog and its not for you. The best thing you can do is find the right dog for you, the rescue will find the right home for all the others.

In our next post we will look at picking the right breed of dog for you, what to consider and what to look for. In future posts we will also be looking at specific breeds such as The Staffordshire Bull Terrier as well as what to consider when rescuing a giant breed and an older dog.

Arthritis - what you need to know

2011-01-12T09:39:00.002Z

Arthritis affects many dogs and their owners across the UK, particularly at this time of year when the weather is colder. It can be very painful, but with the right care can be managed and most dogs live with it for many years happily.

Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint, generally where there has been an injury or trauma, on an X-Ray you would see the joint looking fuzzy rather than clear bone definition. Its the inflammation that causes the pain and this can result in stiffness and slower movement.

So how can you help your dog if you suspect he or she has arthritis?

Always see your vet to get this diagnosed, Arthritis can be secondary to other conditions which your vet can help you treat, or in fact it might not even be arthritis.
If it is arthritis, ensure you keep your pet warm. If you keep your pet outside you might want to bring them into the home particularly in the winter
Don’t over do it on walks, smaller more frequent walks are sometimes better. Your dog will let you know when he/she is struggling.
Invest in a coat, something warm and thermal to keep your pet warm
Often stiffness can be apparent after sleeping, ensure your pet has a comfortable bed. Orthopaedic with memory foam are better as they support the joints and allow your pet to get a good nights sleep
Hydrotherapy is a great way to strengthen the joints and muscles, and the hydrostatic qualities of water can help with pain relief. Always pick a good, accredited therapist who is in the water with your pet
Massage therapy is another great way to ensure your pets muscles are healthy, this allows the blood to flow to the bones and joints more efficiently therefore increasing movement. Again pick an accredited massage therapist
Magnetic collars are a great way to help, the magnetic pulse aids healing and provides relief
There are a range of holistic products on the market all of which are designed to help with conditions such as arthritis:
Glucosamine Chondrotin helps maintain the health of the cartilage on the bones
Devils Claw is natures anti inflammatory and can provide pain relief as a result

If in doubt always speak to your vet.

We provide a range of products and services to help dogs with arthritis. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Poor Neglected Blog!

2011-01-11T16:35:00.004Z

We didn't get much time to update this blog in 2010 as we were still working full time however we are pleased to announce that this year we are full time.
We have had such fantastic support in 2010 to make this possible so thank you!

This is the first of many blog posts covering training tips, health information, book reviews, product reviews, rescue stories & special offers.

We are also delighted to announce that we are expanding, our website is being revamped for 2011 as we speak and we will be relaunching as a full e-commerce site stocking everything you need for your pet including food.

We wont just be offering dog products, look for our new ranges for cats, horses, fish and small furries. We will be launching our new site in early February!

So please let everyone know about us and remember to sign up for the newsletter on our website here

Until they all have a home ....

2010-06-06T18:21:00.001+01:00

This weeks Blog is dedicated to the many dogs who are in kennels across the UK waiting for their forever home, every day a dog is put to sleep because noone wants it, it is so sad that we live in a society where a living being can be so disposable and it breaks my heart. That's why we set Bright Paws up, to give us a vehicle to be part of the dog world and help as many as we possibly can, we donate our time, expertise and money to help as many as we can - I only wish it was more. So today we dedicate this blog to every dog in the rescue system. Please please rescue, whilst there are so many dogs in need of loving homes :-)

Great North Dog Walk

Next Sunday, Mavis and me are doing the Great North Dog Walk - the largest of its kind and will be raising funds for the wonderful Oldies Club (www.oldies.org.uk) - we are hoping for a sunny but not too hot day - if it gets too hot we will be substituting Mavis with Oscar who can cope with the heat better :-) If you would like to sponsor us please go to the Oldies website and donate through paypal - please put Mavis and Becky GNDW in the comments box

Babe - Bullies In Need

Bullies in Need have taken in a wonderful young Bullie called Babe, who has stolen our heart here at Bright Paws. She was surrendered to BIN by her owner and went into foster with a lovely lady. It soon became apparent that she had a real problem with her hips and after x-rays it was discovered that one of her hip joints never developed, plus she had an untreated fracture of her leg. To start with it didn't seem to affect Babe and she didn't show any signs of pain, her gait was peculiar as her back legs crossed over one another as she walked and when she layed down they naturally were crossed, as you can see in the picture below.

As the weeks have gone on Babe's condition has worsened and now she can't even get around her garden and she is getting frustrated and shows signs of being in pain. Surgery is needed urgently but this of course in not cheap. It is going to cost at least £2000, but we can't let her go on much longer without.
It seems an impossible task, but if everyone pulls together I am sure we can do it. We HAVE to do it for this little girls sake.

We are helping by offering 20 animal communication sessions (normally £40) for a donation to BIN of £20 - the money goes directly to them and directly to helping this special little girl. Animal communication is a natural way of understanding your dog and exploring problems from their perspective so you can work with them to make it better - we do it over the phone using a photograph, so if you have always been curious why not give it a go and help us get Babe back on her feet and enjoying life. please email me if you would like to do this woof@brightpaws.co.uk

If you would like to make a donation to BIN in support of Babe, please go to www.bulliesinneed.info and donate through PayPal

A Final Thought

Dogs leave pawprints on our hearts, they don't ask to be bred and are at the mercy of humans for care, love and food. Please consider rescue dogs and help where you can .... heres a few reasons why we will never stop until they all have a home

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I died today. You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to the Rainbow Bridge.

Would I still be at home if I hadn't chewed your shoe? I didn't know what it was, but it was leather, and it was on the floor. I was just playing. You forgot to get puppy toys.

Would I still be at home if I had been housebroken? Rubbing my nose in what I did only made me ashamed that I had to go at all. There are books and obedience teachers that would have taught you how to teach me to go to the door.

Would I still be at home if I hadn't brought fleas into the house? Without anti-flea medicine, I couldn't get them off of me after you left me in the yard for days.

Would I still be at home if l hadn't barked? I was only saying, "I'm scared, I'm lonely, I'm here, I'm here! I want to be your best friend."

Would I still be at home if I had made you happy? Hitting me didn't make me learn how.

Would I still be at home if you had taken the time to care for me and to teach manners to me? You didn't pay attention to me after the first week or so, but I spent all my time waiting for you to love me.

I died today.

Love,
Your Puppy

Happy Bank Holiday Weekend!

2010-05-30T11:26:00.000+01:00

Happy bank holiday weekend everyone, welcome to this weeks blog post, I am getting good at doing this regularly and am really enjoying doing it! This week has been quite a significant one - not only did I turn 30 on Friday but lots of new opportunities are starting to bloom which is very exciting!

And although I write this with rain falling from the sky, the summer is finally starting to show itself and we have had a few sunny days, I cant wait for the summer this year - I intend to spend as much of it outside as I possibly can with the dogs! This year will be significant for me personally as by the end of it I am likely to be doing this and some exciting new opportunities full time and whilst that is quite scary I am very excited about it :-)

I want to dedicate this weeks blog to Lennox - a gorgeous family pet who simply because of the way he looks faces destruction, Lennox is a beautiful American Bull Dog x Staffie / Lab - not that it matters what he is - who cares?? He is a much loved family pet, companion and best friend to a little girl ... he faces destruction because of the way he looks and the length of his legs - he has never harmed anyone yet that doesnt matter, right now he is in kennels, alone.

Please help save Lennox ... read his story at www.savelennox.co.uk and sign his petition at

www.petitiononline.com/sl190510/petition.html

Summers Finally Here

2010-05-22T11:35:00.000+01:00

Hi Everyone it's Mavis, well the summer is finally here, it is boiling outside! I love spending time in the garden but its so hot, i can overheat quickly and its makes me feel so tired and makes me pant! While its lovely to spend time in the garden my mum always makes sure there is a nice bowl of water for us as well as shady areas and sometimes we have to come in the house where is is cool - I even have my own personal air conditioning unit - Mum says I should share it with Bella and Oscar but its mine!!

Heat stroke can kill dogs, we dont go out in the car when its like this for more than a few minutes and when we do we have water and the windows are open, please dont leave your dog in the car, ensure they have a shady area to lie in and plenty of water available throughout the day.

Walking can also be too much in this weather, we go out early in the morning and late at night - I couldnt be bothered to walk in the hot sun! Sometimes Bella wants to go out more but as a big dog with a squishy nose she will overheat too much!

Mum says if you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, cool him down slowly, a towel drenched in cold (not freezing cold) water is best and seek veterinary advice.

I love water, Mum says I gulp it too much and have to slow down, it is really important for me at any time of the year but even more so on days like this, if you are going out with your dog you should carry a bowl and make water accessible, however bowls can be bulky and take up lots of space so we are pleased to stock the amazing TazLab folding bowl, durable, hugh quality and innovative design - can you afford not to have one - we have one for when we go out!

Here is a video demonstration of how it works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSuUzD1Lbnk

To buy http://www.brightpaws.co.uk/prods/253.html

We also stock the Tazlab stretchy collars, when the lead is not attached the collar is elastic so if you crate your dog when travelling in the car and he gets stuck the collar will stretch and come off. We also stock a matching range of leads, fully adjustable and can be worn around the waist for hands free walking

http://www.brightpaws.co.uk/prods/255.html

And finally we also stock the brillant Doog Walkies belt, fantastic for keeping all your bits and pieces in when walking your dogs. This award winning design is amazing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA9_9BSvQdU

http://www.brightpaws.co.uk/prods/257.html

So, enjoy the sun but keep your dog safe and well

Here comes the Summer

2010-05-09T13:51:00.000+01:00

Hello, well we have been very busy at Brightpaws over the last month with lots of new and interesting developments taking place in fact we have been so busy the poor blog has been a bit neglected! Well all that is about to change :-)

The best thing we have done this month is finally complete the course in Animal Communication. Do you ever look at your pet and wonder what they are thinking or how they are feeling about something? well we can help you with that - I know it all sounds a bit like mumbo jumbo but it isnt, it is the most natural form of communication there is, we can connect to your pet and pick up on their feelings and use this to help you deepen your relationship together. We have had some brilliant success through the case studies, and have had many emails of thanks - our favourite one is from Sandie, a little dog who used to chase the cat and get wrong, through the communication we picked up that she in fact loved the cat and couldnt understand why she was in trouble, the owner trusted her and found them snuggled up together the next day ... the photo was so sweet

As part of the course we had to do case studies and took the opportunity to raise funds for Oldies Club which created huge demand, in fact we are still in the process of working through the requests - weve raised over £300 for Oldies in the process

Mavis has been a model as well, we wanted to get some really good pictures of her as the little monkey will not let you take a good picture of her ... so we went to Jesmond Dene where we met a budding photographer and got some lovely pictures, here are a couple of my favourites:

We will be getting some framed and put up on the wall with the others.. :-)

Its hard to believe how far she has come in the past 9 months, we were taking some pictures at my mums and she was jumping up to get a the treats .. ok so thats naughty but considering she could hardly walk when we got her I was overjoyed to see her jump up ..

This week we started advertising on woofbook.co.uk, sign up for our very special offer through the woof pass promotions

If you dont already follow us on Twitter .. why not?? follow us today @brightpaws or if you want to see the world through Mavis' eyes then @mavisbrightpaws is the one for you

Finally we want to let you know about a very special little dog called Polly, she is walking 95 miles in aid of Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescue. She is walking from Glasgow to Ben Nevis on the 15th - 22nd May .. please sponser her and help her raise funds for her staffie friends in need!! Go to www.sbtrescue.co.uk to donate

If you have any good causes that you would like help promoting with please let us know. We work with many rescues offering behaviour work, animal communication

We are also working on exciting expansion plans for Bright Paws and a new business idea - watch this space for more information :-)

Look forward to hearing your comments.

A busy Easter weekend

2010-04-04T20:58:00.000+01:00

Well this weekend has been a busy one, and its not even over - all good busy though!

Been training for the GNR today - wow that hurt, i am very unfit but determined to keep going and I have been assured it will get easier, will be going out on the bike tomorrow and plan to do something every day with one day off ...

This weekend we also became a stockist for Badger Balms - now I know they are technically not for dogs but I couldnt resist stocking a little luxury for the mums and dads out there - I love badger balms and my favourite has to be Sleep Balm - i love it, relaxing lavender and bergamot always sends me to sleep relaxed and refreshed. I also love the Tension Soother, this is fab if you have a head ache - rather than pumping your body full of synthetic drugs why not try a natural remedy?

We are stocking the full range, Mini Balms priced at £4.50 - see the website for details or drop me a line!

And finally this weekend I started my case studies for Animal Communication - an amazing qualification I am doing which has made me grow and develop so much, I am really enjoying the space to learn and explore this before offering it fully - this month i am doing FREE communications - ever wondered what your dog feels and thinks, here is your chance, all i am asking for is feedback and a donation to the Oldies Club or SBT rescue .. tell your friends and contact me at rebecca@brightpaws.co.uk for details and to book.

Ok well I am going to see what is happening on the forums and watch Harry Potter now!!

Fundraising

2010-03-14T10:53:00.000Z

Hello everyone, its Sunday morning and I feel refreshed and recharged after a couple of days relaxing! I am having a busy day today getting back on top of everything, just packaged this weeks orders from the website ready to take to the post office in the morning and done the washing!

I have decided to do the Great North Run which is no small thing for me, I have never ran more than 100 yards before and even then am exhausted but I want to do something special what will be really achieving something personally and on the way raise money for 2 of the most wonderful rescue charities that there is:

www.oldies.org.uk is a charity that rehomes older dogs, most people want a puppy when they get a dog so often the older ones get left behind - this wonderful charity finds them new forever homes

www.sbtrescue.co.uk is a fantastic charity that helps staffies in need, ran by some lovely people who have hearts the size of dinner plates!

I am going to set up a paypal account for donations and will donate 50% of whatever I raise to each of these 2 charities!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-03T14:13:00.000Z

Happy New Year and welcome to the first newsletter from Bright Paws of

2010.

As 2009 comes to a close and we reflect back - wow what an amazing

year - but 2010 is going to be even better. We are working on a number

of new and exciting offers and services and will be expanding our

online range very soon both for dogs and cats!

I will also be updating the blog regularly, a task I haven't done

enough of so keep an eye out for top tips and offers over the coming

weeks and months!

Ok so to thank you for being subscribers I have the following very

special offers for you and your dogs!

This weeks offer is all about Aloe Vera, also known as the medicine

plant, miracle plant and wand of heaven due to its remarkable healing

properties. Two of its most powerful uses are on the immune system and

on the skin.

People who drink Aloe Vera regularly often find their hair grows

faster and becomes stronger.

Aloe also possesses powerful anti - inflammatory properties and when

applied topically it has the ability to penetrate deeply into the

skin, where it stimulates the fibroblasts that produce collegen and

elastin, encouraging them to replace themselves faster than normal.

This speeds up healing.

At Bright Paws we stock a range of Aloe Vera products for both people

and dogs and have the following special offers on our most popular

products

1. Aloe Vera Gel, suitable for people and dogs - fantastic tonic for

vitality and life, helps balance the immune system and creates health.

Normally £16.00 for a litre bottle now only £10.00

2. Aloe Vera Gelly suitable for people and dogs - a soothing first aid

Gelly that can be applied to burns, cuts, and other injuries. It is

made from the inside of the plant making it very potent and soothing.

Normally £10.50 now £6.00

3. Aloe Vera Veterinary Fomula for animals - a tonic which can be

sprayed directly onto the animals skin, over wounds or injury to clean

and treat. Normally £12.50 now only £7.50

Offer subject to stock and £2.99 postage charge. If you woudl like to

order please email me and I will forward you an invoice via paypal,

Cheques are accepted (payable to Bright Paws Ltd) however items will

not be dispatched until cleared

Many Thanks

Becky

My first ever Blog post

2009-11-21T20:27:00.000Z

After a week of thinking about it, putting it off and wondering what to say I have finally decided to just go for it and write my very first blog post ever, hopefully the first of many which you will find interesting and useful. The purpose of this blog is to share ideas, generate discussion and raise awareness of what we do.

We will update it fortnightly and this will also be the basis for our newsletter which you can sign up for on our website (www.brightpaws.co.uk). Every edition will include our thoughts and insight on the holistic health of your dog, what we have been working on (i.e. case studies), updates from rescues we support or companies we work with.

We have 3 dogs of our own, Oscar is our Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is 2 years old, Bella is our Dogue De Bordeaux and she is 18 months old and then we have Mavis who is our rescue dog who we rescued recently and has settled in like she has always been here. Mavis has severe Hip Dysplacia however we have managed to rehabilitate her and she is doing well ... you can find out more about all our dogs including Mavis' story in forthcoming newsletters.

For those who are subscribers to our newsletter through our website you will also receive exclusive special offers. Register now to receive this!

Bright Paws was established this year to help dogs in need, we specialise in the love, care and rehabilitation of dogs offering a range of holistic health treatments. We also stock a range of products which can be dispatched worldwide. The business was set up to help dogs and we therefore work in partnership with a number of rescue and charitable organisations. We are currently organising a number of events to raise funds to help dogs this christmas.

On Sunday 6th December we have a Christmas Party in aid of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue (www.sbtrescue.co.uk) - why not join us for a fun dog show, agility demonstration and special visit from Santa Paws.

Thank you for reading this blog, please tell others about it and register for our newsletter!