In This Issue
Ex-Royal Navy Katie now steers pet professionals
Pets at Home store to close at the end of the week
Guess the Breed competition from Hidey Hidey
Lily's Kitchen invests £1.5m in media campaign
HOWND awarded with Ethical Accreditation
Law Print delivers Brambles packaging in just six weeks
Does your whole family brush?
WildWash company nominated for string of awards
Forthglade launches limited-edition Christmas treats
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Pet sanctuary boss had dead dogs in freezer
Mystery over why pet shop has suddenly closed
Cotswold Raw launches new range of natural food supplements
Iconic pet store Seapets set to be demolished
Team GB sweep the board in European Dog Dancing Championships
Independent High Street pet store to open in Winchester
Cats Protection pet food stock is stolen
Work stopped on Pets at Home development near Penzance
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Ex-Royal Navy Katie now steers pet professionals


Aboard the Royal Navy flagship aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, Katie Tovey-Grindlay worked below-decks as a communications specialist. But since leaving the Armed Forces, she’s redeployed her military-sharp professional skills to help pet businesses at home and abroad steer a steady course for success.



Aboard the Royal Navy flagship aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, Katie Tovey-Grindlay worked below-decks as a communications specialist.

But since leaving the Armed Forces, she’s redeployed her military-sharp professional skills to help pet businesses at home and abroad steer a steady course for success.

Now Katie has become one of the UK’s leading communications, marketing and social media experts supporting entrepreneurs in the UK’s £4.6 billion pet sector.

As an acknowledged pet business growth expert and owner of two dogs herself, Katie, 33, from Bristol, now also helps growing pet firms overseas across America and Europe.

And through her company, Woof Woof Network, she’s created a Twitter chat hour, coining the hashtag #WoofWoofWednesday which now reaches an amazing worldwide audience of five million.

“I loved my time in the Royal Navy and I’ve also always loved animals,” says Katie, who lives with husband Noel and their two dogs, five-year-old black-and-tan Dachshund cross, Toby and black Labrador Bertie aged six.
 
“Serving as part of the ship’s company on HMS Ark Royal was very different from what I’m doing now, but when it comes to communications, there are also many similarities.”

For a small monthly fee, pet business clients can also join her membership club, The Barking Tribe, which entitles them to personalised support with a wide range of practical tips and advice. Topics covered include everything from online business growth and email marketing to using video and blogging to boost sales.

All Tribe members and Woof Woof Network followers also get the chance to network with other pet industry owners, discuss shared challenges and meet for regular social events.

“In the Navy, as an Able Rating Communications and Information Systems Specialist, I was sending and receiving signals to and from other ships and helping support our Harrier pilots,” adds Katie.

“But the Navy also taught me that communicating effectively is not just about talking but also about listening, and that’s also always true in business.

“Working in communications in the Royal Navy meant having to be clear and concise, and I always remind my clients how important those skills are when I work with them to build their business."



From her HQ in Bristol, Katie's Woof Woof Network clients extend nationwide across the UK and include businesses in the dog, cat and equestrian sectors. She also supports and advises overseas pet firms in America, Canada, France and the Netherlands.

After Katie left the Navy in 2011, she started a pet services business offering dog walking, home feeding visits, home board and holiday cover. Through this she became acquainted with many start-ups and small businesses keen to grow.

They began meeting once a week, on Wednesdays, which led to Katie launching her own business and calling it Woof Woof Network, a one-stop shop supporting pet firms and helping answer entrepreneurs’ questions.
 
Woof Woof Network (www.woofwoofnetwork.com)

Launched by pet business growth and social media expert Katie Tovey-Grindlay, Woof Woof Network was established to help pet industry entrepreneurs build, launch and grow a profitable pet business that they love. Katie works with clients to increase their awareness of the power of social media, hones their marketing skills and offers support, practical tips and advice on a range of topics, including email marketing, growing your online presence, the power of blogging and importance of video.

The official members’ club of Woof Woof Network is called The Barking Tribe. New members can register to join from September 4 until September 10. You can also pre-register now, see: http://bit.ly/2ukviFP.

The next social event hosted by Woof Woof Network will be at 7.30pm on Friday 8 September at The Cosy Club, Corn Street. Bristol BS1 1HT. Barking Tribe club members will also be there. For the event’s Facebook page, see: http://bit.ly/2ukviFP. If you want to attend, please pre-register your interest for the 8 September event at: http://bit.ly/2vAE6va
Pets at Home store to close at the end of the week


A large Pets at Home store in Wrexham is set to close at 6pm tomorrow (Friday). The store opened on the Border Retail Park five years ago and created nine jobs at the time...



A large Pets at Home store in Wrexham is set to close at 6pm tomorrow (Friday).

The store on Border Retail Park, Holt Road, was the second Pets at Home to open in Wrexham, joining the slightly larger store on the Plas Coch Retail Park near Sainsbury’s – which will remain open.

The store opened on the retail park five years ago at the end of October 2012 and created nine jobs. At the time it was stated that the store would be home to coldwater and tropical fish; along with pet supplies and Support Adoption for Pets unit to help re-home animals in the area.

A sign displayed outside the store reads: “We’re closing at 6pm on Friday 1st September. But don’t worry, your nearest store isn’t far away!

“Find us on Wrexham Retail Park, Plas Coch Road, LL11 2BA. We have an in-store pet grooming salon and a vets surgery.”
 
Guess the Breed competition from Hidey Hidey
To coincide with the launch of  their new range of high quality, oil cloth Crate Covers at PATS Telford, Hidey Hidey is running a competition in Pet Trade Xtra to see who can ‘Guess the Breed’.  We're publising four clues in the weeks leading up to PATS and all you have to do to enter is pop along to their stand (G29) at the show with your answer...


To coincide with the launch of  their new range of high quality, oil cloth Crate Covers at PATS Telford, Hidey Hidey is running a competition in Pet Trade Xtra to see who can ‘Guess the Breed’. 

We're publising four clues in the weeks leading up to PATS and all you have to do to enter is pop along to their stand (G29) at the show with your answer...

The competition, which will be drawn around 4pm on the last day of PATS, will see the first five correct answers drawn, each receive a bottle of Prosecco.

In addition, anyone placing an order in excess of £200 on the stand during the show will also receive a bottle of Prosecco.

Here is the second clue:
The breed is well known for starring in adverts and films

The first clue published last week was:
The dog is a member of the Pastoral Group

Don't miss next week's Pet Trade Xtra for Clue No 3.
Lily's Kitchen invests £1.5m in media campaign
 

Lily’s Kitchen is set to invest in media worth £1.5 million in its first ever above the line campaign, to further drive brand awareness and brand love, from September 2017...

 

Lily’s Kitchen is set to invest in media worth £1.5 million in its first ever above the line campaign, to further drive brand awareness and brand love, from September 2017.

‘It’s not loopy, it’s love’ is a playful celebration of all things we do out of love for our pets.

The 360 degree campaign - which includes outdoor, print, digital and PR - will lift the lid on family behaviours only pet owners understand, from eating Sunday Lunch together and choosing only dog friendly restaurants to eat in, to being slaves to our cats, whether that’s serving breakfast at 4am or sacrificing our furniture for theirs.

“We’re hugely excited to unveil our first ever brand campaign to pet parents and our retail partners.” says Henrietta Morrison, CEO and founder of Lily’s Kitchen.  “Lily’s Kitchen celebrates the joy of being a pet parent giving people the freedom to say: It’s not loopy, it’s love.

“It’s a campaign message that underpins everything we do at Lily’s Kitchen – placing pets, people and the planet at the heart of our brand, and supports our belief that pets are family and deserve proper food. We’ll be working with our retail partners to extend it’s not loopy, it’s love to their customers in store too with tailored point of sale.”

For more information visit www.lilyskitchen.co.uk


 
HOWND awarded with Ethical Accreditation
Natural grooming brand HOWND has been awarded with the coveted Ethical Accreditation from The Ethical Company Organisation...


Natural grooming brand HOWND has been awarded with the coveted Ethical Accreditation from The Ethical Company Organisation.

After successfully passing an independent audit, the Hertfordshire-based company can now display an official accreditation logos on its products, website and marketing materials.

HOWND products are also certified by Cruelty Free International and endorsed by The Naturewatch Foundation.

Recognition of ethical companies

The ‘Ethical Accreditation’ is intended to boost the reputations of ethical companies by signifying independent endorsement from The Ethical Company Organisation. Auditing for the accreditation take between four to eight weeks and is reviewed every 12 months.

“We are very pleased to award Ethical Accreditation to HOWND – a pioneering pet grooming brand, which has animal welfare at its core,” Kat Alexander, Company Liaison Director, The Ethical Company Organisation.

“Following an independent ethical audit by The Ethical Company Organisation, HOWND was awarded Ethical Accreditation due to their ethical principles – from the ingredients they use (and chemicals they don’t) through to the finished product, which has gained Leaping Bunny certification from Cruelty Free International and is also endorsed by The Naturewatch Foundation.

“HOWND joins a number of other high-profile, pioneering ethical companies which proudly display the Ethical Accreditation logos as an independent endorsement of their ethical status.”

HOWND products

Created by Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, HOWND is a leading manufacturer of natural and vegan-friendly grooming products.

Their consumer product lineup includes shampoos, moisturising body mists, natural fragrances and dog wipes. All of these products use essential and botanical oils and are pH balanced - and are free from alcohol, parabens, soaps, dyes, optical brighteners and bleaches. HOWND also supplies Professional Conditioning Shampoos to groomers and salons across the UK.

“We are thrilled to have secured the Ethical Accreditation from The Ethical Company Organisation Our company ethos centres around creating grooming products that are ethical and sustainable,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.

“The way in which pet products are manufactured is incredibly important to the majority of UK consumers. Hopefully this Ethical Accreditation - in combination with our Cruelty Free certification and endorsement from The Naturewatch Foundation - will give consumers ultimate peace of mind.”

For further information about HOWND and their products visit dogslovehownd.com.
Law Print delivers Brambles packaging in just six weeks


Law Print Pack was tasked by David Tracey, Sales Manager at Brambles Pet and Wildlife, to create premium authentic looking paper bags for an exciting new product range...



Law Print Pack was tasked by David Tracey, Sales Manager at Brambles Pet and Wildlife, to create premium authentic looking paper bags for an exciting new product range.

 

Brambles Pet and Wildlife Limited are a family business and have launched a brand-new wildlife range under the ‘Brambles’ brand name, exclusive to the pet & garden trade.

Brambles Pet and Wildlife are passionate about wildlife and their considerable experience enables them to produce a range of quality foods that keep wild animals in tip top condition in today’s challenging times.

 

All Brambles foods are made in Great Britain, have no artificial flavours, colours or added sugar and put the nutritional requirements of wild animals first.

 

Brambles challenged Law Print to deliver retail ready packaging within 6 weeks from brief. This only allowed 2 weeks for design work and 4 weeks for production, delivering the packaging just in time for the scheduled product launch early August.

 

“When David Tracey contacted us with his new venture, we were really pleased that he had chosen Law Print Pack as his trusted printing partner.  He had a very clear idea of how he wanted his products to look and when the launch needed to be - hedgehog food in particular is very seasonal which meant a very short window to promote and sell the products,” said Carole Bayne Sales and Marketing Director at Law Print Pack.

 

Law Print developed a range of SOS paper bags for Brambles Hedgehog and Brambles Duck and Swan food. As the UK agent of Europe’s leading paper bag manufacturer, Fiorini International, we were able to supply up to 12kg size paper bags to hold the larger quantities of feed.

 

David Tracey said: “We were given a real challenge in terms of timescale - 6 weeks from design brief to delivery of bags is no mean feat. We took it on and it paid off - the bags look amazing and the Brambles products have already been well received in a niche and very selective market.”

 

“The team at Law Print Pack have given an outstanding level of service and expertise in assisting us with our packaging requirements. We gave them a very tough brief re timescales and are delighted that they achieved this. They have been a pleasure to work with and the finished results are fabulous!” 

Does your whole family brush?
Pet Trade Xtra Promotion


WHIMZEES the ever popular range of Natural Daily Dental treats are 80% more effective in removing plaque than leading competitors.

WHIMZEES are launching a new UK consumer advertising campaign with the message "DOES YOUR WHOLE FAMILY BRUSH?"

See the amazing video, that shows just how these unique dog chews are made.


WHIMZEES the ever popular range of Natural Daily Dental treats are 80% more effective in removing plaque than leading competitors.

WHIMZEES are launching a new UK consumer advertising campaign with the message "DOES YOUR WHOLE FAMILY BRUSH".

See the amazing video, that shows just how these unique dog chews are made.



or click here to see the amazing video, that shows just how these unique dog chews are made.








WildWash company nominated for string of awards


Pet Revolution, the company behind award-winning WildWash, is looking forward to future success following nominations in the PetQuip Awards, Animal Health and Wellness Awards, and Innovation and Excellence Awards...



WildWash’s mother company Pet Revolution has been nominated as finalist in the PetQuip 2017 Awards for Exporter of the Year Category and the Product of the Year Category for itsaward winning WildWash Flea and Bug Repellent.

 

The company has also been shortlisted as finalist for the GHP Animal Health and Wellness Awards 2017 and Corporate Livewire Innovation and Excellence awards 2018

 

This has been a great year already for WildWash after winning at PATS Sandown and being awarded Ethical Accreditation from The Ethical Company Organisation.

 

Their WildWash Flea and Bug Repellent has been a huge success. The product represents a year of work for WildWash, sourcing natural and ethical ingredients from around the world, selected as the most effective insect repelling botanicals in their country of origin. It is the first natural flea and bug repellent available for pets and it has had hundreds of satisfied customers.

 

Jane Cooper, co-founder of WildWash, says, “Two years ago there was a lot of controversy about the chemical pet flea shampoos on the market, with some even being taken off the shelves as they were deemed to be dangerous. This led us to start our research into effective natural ingredients that could be used for flea and bug control with pets.

 

“Last year was one of the worst years we have had in the grooming industry for flea and ticks; all the products we develop are to satisfy a genuine need in the market. When we launched the WildWash Pro Flea and Bug Repellentat Crufts, we had queues of people for four solid days! We brought boxes and boxes of stock, yet went home with none – we knew immediately that we had a success on our hands. PATS confirmed this – we were overjoyed to have won an award.”

 

WildWash is also hoping to win the Exporter of the Year Category. As soon as WildWash was launched demand overseas started. Distribution abroad has continued to grow and grow and now they export to over 40 countries with distribution contracts in Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Sweden, Germany, Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Dubai, India, South Africa, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus.

Forthglade launches limited-edition Christmas treats


To ensure everyone canenjoy a festive feast this season Devonian dog lovers, Forthglade, are launching a special, limited-edition Grain-Free Cranberry & Parsnip Christmas Treat. The popular grain-free 100% natural Christmas dinner for dogs, first launched last year, will also be available...



To ensure everyone canenjoy a festive feast this season Devonian dog lovers, Forthglade, are launching a special, limited-edition Grain-Free Cranberry & Parsnip Christmas Treat.

 

The 100% natural treat recipe is packed with turkey, cranberry and parsnip, and made using the same quality ethos that the Devon-based producers are renowned for; nutritious, protein-rich and tail-waggingly tasty. These heart-shaped Christmas treats also contain health boosting omega-3, botanicals and prebiotics, to keep dogs happy and healthy during the festive season.

 

Forthglade Functional Treats come in 150g pouches, with a £2.99 RRP and are also available in packs of seven.

 

The popular grain-free 100% natural Christmas dinner for dogs, first launched last year, will also be available to stock this Christmas. Free from junk and fillers, the Forthglade Turkey Christmas Dinner includes a minimum meat content of 75% turkey, teamed with festive vitamin-rich cranberries and parsnips, which are slow-cooked to lock in goodness.  The complete recipes include omega-3, minerals, linseed oil, seaweed, prebiotics, camomile, parsley, rosemary and nettle, plus glucosamine and chondroitin, to support healthy joints.

 

Forthglade’s complete Turkey Christmas Dinner meals RRP’s at £1.35 per 395g tray. Available in cases of 7 trays.

 

For more information on ordering the Christmas meal and treats email trade@forthglade.com / or call Forthglade on 01837 83322. 

 
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Pet sanctuary boss had dead dogs in freezer
A woman who ran an animal refuge has been jailed for seven months after neglecting pets in her care and putting them in a freezer when they died...
A woman who ran an animal refuge has been jailed for seven months after neglecting pets in her care and putting them in a freezer when they died.

Zara Brown, 29, from Ayrshire Ark Refuge, failed to give the animals adequate food and water, and abandoned them in an old school with no lights.

Scottish SPCA inspectors found a dead dog lying on the floor and seven others, and a cat, in a freezer.

Brown was banned from keeping animals for life.

Ayr Sherriff Court last week heard that Brown, who admitted the charges, charged owners to take their animals in to her care at her Ayrshire Ark refuge if they were unwell or the owners could no longer look after them.

The mother-of four ran the refuge from the former St Xavier's Primary School in Patna, East Ayrshire.

Some dogs were left to die in the dilapidated, remote building, while others were put in a chest freezer.

The dogs were forced to clamber over mountains of rubbish, debris and building materials and had no clean areas.

Brown pleaded guilty to neglecting eight dogs so badly she caused them unnecessary suffering, and failing to provide adequate nutrition and water for them.

Procurator fiscal depute Jason Bell said the investigation began following a tip-off from a member of the public that a dog was lying dead in the premises.

The prosecutor said: "There was a large dog in one of the former classrooms that appeared to be lifeless. It was very underweight.

"They looked to rouse the dog by banging on the windows but it was apparent the dog was clearly dead.

"They observed a further dog in the cloakroom area, it appeared to be standing in its own faeces.

"The inspector was very concerned for the animals."

It took four hours for the inspectors to get access to the property and, when they got in, one of the dead dogs had been moved.

Mr Brown added: "The corridor leading to the main door was strewn with rubbish and building materials. It was dark and there was no lighting present.

"The smell of faeces and urine was overpowering, causing the witnesses to gag.

"They located a chest freezer. Within the chest freezer there were seven dead dog carcasses and a dead cat.

"They went in to the room where the dead dog had been. There was drag marks indicating it had simply been moved.

"They went in to a toilet area and found a further dead dog behind the door."

Brown admitted leaving the dogs malnourished, emaciated, and not getting them medical treatment for arthritis, ear and paw infections, a broken bone, pressure sores, lesions and ulcers, in breach of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, between November and December last year.

Defence solicitor Euan Cameron asked for leniency for Brown, saying she her children would suffer if she was jailed.

He said: "She is conscious the offences are of the utmost gravity and she understands why her conduct and actions have initiated such revulsion and disgust in the minds of those who have heard about the offences."

He said she recognised "the appalling nature of her inaction and neglect" but said she was not completely to blame.
 
Mystery over why pet shop has suddenly closed
Mystery surrounds the closure of a Leatherhead pet shop in Surrey which suddenly shut earlier this month...
Mystery surrounds the closure of a Leatherhead pet shop in Surrey which suddenly shut earlier this month.

Purrfect Pet Care is believed to have closed about three weeks ago and it has left locals stunned as it has always seemed popular.

Questions have been asked as to whether high rental rates played a part in the High Street shop's closure.

Rob Nunn, 21, who works in the Subway next door, told the Surrey Mirror: "It closed a couple of weeks back, maybe three. We don't know why but the staff would always come and speak to us at lunch. They came in, just said they were closing and that was it.

"It is a shame as that was the only pet shop in town and other shops are closing as well it would seem. People want shops like that but now you will have to go somewhere else, it's a shame."

Purrfect Pet Care was based in the Swan Shopping Centre for three years before moving into the former Starbucks coffee shop site next door to Subway three years ago.

The leasehold for the retail site has been posted up on the website of commercial property agency Hurst Warne since the end of July but it was unable to confirm if any new company is currently lined up to move into the site.

Leatherhead South district councillor Rosemary Dickson said: "I was aware of it closing and am not sure why. A new pet shop has opened in Fetcham recently [which may be a reason]. They did a huge refurb and I thought it was going well. It's unthinkable why such a popular shop should close.

"I think it's very sad that such a shop would close. The rents are high and that is part of the trouble [shops are finding in general] and I don't know what we can do about it. It was popular and it moved from the Swan Centre because the rent there is high so I would have thought it would have done well [in the new location].

"It's bad when any shop closes and we don't want an empty site on the High Street."
 
Cotswold Raw launches new range of natural food supplements
Cotswold RAW has launched a selection of all-natural herb blends that will appeal to both accomplished dog breeders fine-tuning their own ‘special recipe’ mixes and ‘time poor’ pet owners looking to add a little extra zip to their hound’s daily diet...

Although rural champion Cotswold RAW first made its name in premium-orientated pet food the company's bigger vision has always been to provide a nutritionally well-rounded, one-stop pet food station for today’s growing legions of healthier living pets.

By targeting the thriving independent pet food scene, forward-thinking dog breeders and the growing legions of vigilent, health conscious pet owners, Cotswold RAW has gradually extended its reach via a well-balanced portfolio of ‘at-one-with-nature’ treats including: Chicken Jerky, Lamb’s Ears, Duck’s Feet and Venison Bites.

This Autumn sees the launch of the third chapter of the Cotswold RAW story, a 4-strong selection of all-natural herb blends that will appeal to both accomplished dog breeders fine-tuning their own ‘special recipe’ mixes and ‘time poor’ pet owners looking to add a little extra zip to their hound’s daily diet.

THE NEW, 4 STRONG ASSORTMENT CONSISTS OF:

  • Butcher’s Blend: a natural pick-me-up made from nettle leaf, spirulina, turmeric, flax seed, kelp, thyme, dandelions and cayenne peppers and alfalfa.
  • Diatrum: a natural blend of turmeric and diatomaceous earth to assist long-term gut health
  • Shepherd’s Mix: a high in dietary fibre blend to maintain shining coats and a well-maintained digestive system.
  • Cotswold Joint Care: to ensure the ongoing regeneration of cartilage & synovial fluids.

"There’s no denying we’re very excited," says co-founder Mark Davies, "to put our name behind a well-rounded supplements selection that further enhances our ongoing commitment to happier, healthier pets."

Each supplement comes in 250g, 500g & 1kg pots (prices start at £12.95)  

 
Iconic pet store Seapets set to be demolished
Plans to demolish a popular Essex pet store, which closed down suddenly last September, and replace it with a new store have been approved...


Plans to demolish a popular Essex pet store which closed down suddenly and replace it with a new store have been approved.

Seapets in Tollgate Road, Stanway, near Colchester, shut down in September last year with bosses leaving a note left in the window says all animals had been rehomed.

But now the Tollgate Partnership - the business behind the plans for a new retail and leisure park which have recently been approved by the Secretary of State – have been given the green light to demolish the building and replace it with a new modern building which would be used as a shop.

Local newspaper The Gazette reports there has been no indication of who the tenant could be at this stage but it is hoped the new store would create between 15 and 35 new jobs.

As well as replacing the shop completely, bosses also want to make improvements to the car park.

 
Team GB sweep the board in European Dog Dancing Championships
Team GB historically won both competitions in the Open European Championships 2017 – in Heelwork To Music and also in Freestyle - held in Balen, Belgium over 25th, 26th and 27th August...

Team GB historically won both competitions in the Open European Championships 2017 – in Heelwork To Music and also in Freestyle - held in Balen, Belgium over 25th, 26th and 27th August.

The whole team work incredibly hard with members of the team also winning at Crufts this year - they travelled to Belgium on Tuesday 22nd and arrived back victorious on Tuesday 29th.

Team leader Kath Hardman told sponsor CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds, “This is an unprecedented achievement in the history of Open European Championships for Great Britain as Team GB not only won the Heelwork To Music Championship for a second time, but the Team also won the Freestyle Championship for the first time, to complete a first time double for Team GB.”

 

Here’s how they did it………

 

All four members of the Heelwork To Music Team were placed in the top twelve out of 51 competitors from 14 countries and the top three GB scores were totalled to give Team GB first place. 

Lucy Creek from Warwickshire with Harriot Skiffle King (Skiffle - Border Collie) finished in 3rd place, Caroline Garrett from West Sussex with Wildsea Phoenix Of Fire (Fawkes - Border Collie) in 7th, Kath Hardman from Derbyshire with Stillmoor Extra Special (Denby - Border Collie) in 8th place and Karen Sykes also from Derbyshire with Kingsfarm Spring Surprise (Midge - Working Sheepdog) in 12th place.    HTM Reserve, Lucy Heath from Lincolnshire with Stillmoor Winter Sun (Indie - Border Collie) was able to present her routine as a demonstration during a break at the event.

 

In the Freestyle Team Championship there were 54 competitors from 17 countries and again, the top three GB scores were totalled to give Team GB first place. 

Lucy Creek with Harriot Skiffle King finished in 2nd place, Kim Lyddon from Cheshire with Canen You Said What (Tyler - Border Collie) in 10th place, Karen Sykes with Kingsfarm Spring Surprise (Working Sheepdog) in 16th place and the final member of the team was Kath Hardman with Stillmoor Extra Special (Border Collie).  Freestyle Reserve was Lucy Creek with her Beagle Dialynne Making Waves - Teasel.

 

Kath Hardman went on, “We knew the selected team would be strong and we are extremely proud of the results in the team events and also in the individual performances. Lucy Creek with her dog Harriot Skiffle King achieved a fabulous 2nd place in Freestyle and a 3rd place in Heelwork and should be congratulated for contributing such high scores to the team results.

The team worked well together fully supporting each team member. Our grateful thanks go to the HTM community back home along with the team’s travelling supporters for their enthusiasm, fundraising and support. Our success would not have been possible without the financial support of our Major Sponsors.”

 
Independent High Street pet store to open in Winchester
An independent family-run pet shop is to open in Winchester, Hampshire, and the owners say they are not worried about competition from a Pets at Home store in the area...


An independent family-run pet shop is to open in Winchester, Hampshire, and the owners say they are not worried about competition from a Pets at Home store in the area.

Paul Connell and his wife Lynn are to open their business on the High Street, with an opening date set for mid-September.

The couple moved to Winchester from London four months ago where Lynn ran a pet store for 16 years.

The news will be welcomed by some residents worried about the number of chains moving into vacant units in the city centre.

On Winchester High Street, Zoe Jewellers and Next have closed their doors, but at the same time Turtle Bay is due to move in at the former Toni and Guy site and TK Maxx are also set to open a new shop in The Brooks Shopping Centre.

Lynn told the Andover Advertiser: "Our son went to the university here and decided to stay because it's such a nice city, and we've visited a lot over the years. Our daughter and her partner also live here.

"We are looking forward to it and hope people will be supportive. At our last shop people were very loyal and we hope to have that community feel here.

"I'm not too worried about Pets at Home as it is different to what we do."
 
Cats Protection pet food stock is stolen
A cat charity was left in "crisis" when its entire stock of pet food was stolen from a garage...
A cat charity was left in "crisis" when its entire stock of pet food was stolen from a garage.

About £2,500 of food was taken from Peterborough Cats Protection on Friday.

The food was meant to feed all the charity's cats and kittens until Christmas and beyond, Pam McNicol said.

However, the public has rallied round and a fundraising page has pledges of more than £4,000. Mrs McNicol described the theft as "callous" but the response as "overwhelming".

Donations have also gone to the charity's collection points in shops and its branch at Downham Market, all of which have now been delivered to the Peterborough branch.

The charity is currently caring for 34 homeless cats and kittens, most of whom are with foster carers.

One of the carers discovered the theft on Saturday after going to collect food.

Cat litter was left behind but all the food was taken

The entire stock had been taken from the garage in Mountsteven Avenue.

"It beggars belief that someone would stoop so low to steal from a charity," Mrs McNicol, Peterborough's branch co-ordinator said.

However, after the charity posted news of the theft online, hundreds have pledged money to help out.

"We're overwhelmed," Mrs McNicol said.

"It really restores your faith in human nature."

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed they are investigating the theft which took place between 18:00 BST on Friday and 11:00 the following morning.
 
Work stopped on Pets at Home development near Penzance
Construction work on a retail site development just outside of Penzance, which would include a new Pets at Home store, has dramatically stopped after its main contractor has ceased trading with immediate effect.


Construction work on a retail site development just outside of Penzance has dramatically stopped after its main contractor has ceased trading with immediate effect.

Consolidated Property Group (CPG) announced last October that it was developing the site opposite Morrisons supermarket to bring a 15,800 sq ft retail sire to the area – including chain names like Pets At Home and Poundland.

Following Weiser’s Construction’s liquidation announcement it is understood that all staff have been made redundant and that work has, for the time, ceased.

The company has “sincerely apologised for the situation” and, with “extreme regret”, has posted a statement on its website.

It states that Weiser Construction was given advice from DC Business Recovery to cease trading with immediate effect.

“Weiser Construction have had an independent audit undertaken which has highlighted account discrepancies,” said the statement.

“A winding up partition has been issued against Weiser Construction and advertised having the effect of immediately being picked up by credit agencies and disabling Weiser Construction the ability to attain credit or trade.

“HSBC (Business Account provider for Weiser Construction) have frozen the bank account removing any ability to trade.”

Based on these factors it has been advised for the firm to apply for Voluntary Administration, this progress begun on Monday July 31 2017.