Betty & Butch, voted the UK's Pet Retailer of the Year in the annual PetQuip Awards, is to star in the Blue Peter Christmas Special. In the recently-filmed programme, the Blue Peter dog Iggy visits the Manchester shore with presenter Lindsey Russell where they meet Santa Paws.

Angel Moore, creative director at the store, had to keep news of the visit quite until the filming day and prepare the store for Santa Paws.

The storyline of the programme is that Iggy is shopping with Lindsey for presents at the Manchester Christmas markets. They can’t find that special present so decide to visit Betty & Butch where Santa Paws is giving out presents.

The Betty & Butch store had already been transformed for the festive season but putting on Santa on a Wednesday morning was a challenge, says Angel Moore. 

"The crew were lovely and made us all feel at ease," said Angel. "Iggy was a true star but like any puppy she had to have a sleep in Santa’s grotto after all the filming."

Duke, the store's dog, was awarded a Blue Peter badge, which he is now proudly wearing on his neckerchief.

The show will be broadcasted on Thursday, December 18, at 5.30pm. 

According to a new poll, 6% of British pet owners admit to spending more money on their pets at Christmas than on individual gifts for their family, friends or loved ones.

And a further 9% admitted to preferring to spend their time with their pet over their family, friends and loved ones during the festive period.

Janet Ashby, manager of Pets Corner in Guildford, said they notice a big rise in sales through the festive season.

She said: "You certainly see that people will spend money on their pets, like they would their kids.

"They get new beds, or scratch posts. I think the minimum spend is £20-25.

"Animal are treated as part of the family now. There is so much available for them, even advent calendars and Christmas jumpers."

Nick Swan, Founder and CEO of VoucherCodesPro.co.uk who carried out the survey, said: "Cats and dogs are part of the family. Just because they are not human doesn’t mean you can’t treat them occasionally."

Pet lovers in South-West England topped the list of spenders, with owners willing to spend more than £75 on their pets over the Christmas season.

Dog fanatic Stephanie Mariam, 21, is a prime example as she admits to shelling out more on her pooches at Christmas than she does on her family, spending £4,000 on luxury beds, crystal collars and a full doggy dinner.

London-based Lily’s Kitchen, maker of natural and organic food for pets, is celebrating its debut into the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, gaining 28th position on the list. 

Now in its 18th year, the Fast Track Awards celebrate the UK’s 100 top-performing private companies and entrepreneurs...

Bucking trends is what Lily’s Kitchen is about, having launched in the midst of a recession six years ago and being the first pet food company to produce grain-free and meal free proper foods for pets.

Within the report published in The Sunday Times, Sir Richard Branson picks out Lily’s Kitchen as a game changer and recognises them as a stand out team, overcoming recessionary pressure to become a thriving company.

Henrietta Morrison, Founder and MD of Lily’s Kitchen comments: “What a wonderful accolade to end the year with and we are bursting with pride to have made it into the Fast Track 100.

"It is a credit to the entire team here at Lily’s Kitchen - including all of our producers and ingredient suppliers, that we have succeeded to make such a difference to so many pets’ lives.

"I am thrilled that so many customers and stockists believe in the brand as much as we do. With the recent media interest surrounding what actually goes into pet food, as a minimum consumers are seeking out trustworthy brands and natural ingredients.”

Wagg has announced the appointment of James Lambert OBE to its board, initially as a non-executive Director, effective from January 1. James will succeed Bill Page as non-executive Chairman from March 1, following Bill's decision to retire on his 75th birthday. Bill will remain a non-executive Director.

James Lambert was formerly CEO & Executive Chairman of R&R Ice Cream. When he joined as MD in 1987 it had five employees and a £250,000 turnover and when he retired earlier this year it had grown to become Europe’s largest own label ice cream business with more than 3,000 employees and revenues of some €700 million. He was EY’s UK Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013 and subsequently represented the UK at the 2014 World Entrepreneur event. He is also chairman of Burtons Biscuits and Animalcare plc.

Commenting on the changes, Richard Page, MD, said: "This is a momentous change. On the one hand, we are all sad to see Father retire. He was instrumental in founding WaggFoods and building it up to what it is today: the UK's largest independent manufacturer of dry pet food. He had the vision and drive to create the current platform and everyone at Wagg is grateful for the opportunity this has given us.

"Looking forward, as markets become more challenging and opportunities for growth change, we are very fortunate to have someone with the calibre and experience offered by James to replace him. We are all looking forward to the new challenges and welcome James on board."

James Lambert commented: "I am very excited by the opportunity of working with the team at Wagg. As a fellow Yorkshire man, I have watched as this company has developed over the last few years. It now has tremendous brand presence in the pet sector; operates a world class manufacturing plant and is pushing exports into a range of new markets.

"I have some big shoes to fill, but am looking forward to working with everyone at Wagg."

Royal Canin’s Maine Coon food has been awarded the title of Best Specialist Product in the Your Cat Product Awards 2014-2015, while figures from the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) show the Maine Coon rising up to third place in its analysis of breeds registered, with a total of 1,802 kittens in the UK.

Gemma Duffield, Royal Canin retail marketing manager, says: “We are very proud to have won this award, voted for by the readers of Your Cat, and this is a good opportunity to remind the specialist pet trade that pure breed cats represent a very important market sector. 

“Owners of Maine Coons, and other breeds such as British Shorthair, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, Sphynx and of course Siamese and Persian, are highly committed to their animals. Having made a serious financial investment in the cat itself, they are then inclined to seek out dedicated nutrition.

“Our Feline Breed Nutrition range meets the different needs of these unique breeds, and is a way to ensure that we, the specialist pet industry, are feeding these cats. There may not be as many of them in terms of numbers as there are ‘moggies’, but owners of pure breed cats are prepared to seek out the very best for their animals.”

Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition comprises foods for adult Maine Coon, British Shorthair, Norwegian Forest Cat, Persian, Ragdoll, Siamese and Sphynx cats, plus Maine Coon, British Shorthair and Persian kittens. 

Each breed has its own specific needs due to its physical characteristics, and Feline Breed Nutrition is developed to meet these needs. Maine Coon, for example, helps support the cat’s heart, bones and joints, as well as the luxuriant coat. Persian focuses on supporting the coat, reducing hairballs, digestive health, and a healthy urinary system. 

Kibble size, shape and texture is adapted for each breed to maximise oral and dental health and slow down eating speed where required.

Retailers can order in as little as one bag at a time, on a next day delivery basis, to meet customers’ needs. 

However, Gemma says: “We recommend a dedicated Feline Breed Nutrition display, because this is the best way to appeal to owners of these breeds.”

For more information, speak to your Royal Canin Retail Business Manager, visit www.royalcanin.co.uk, or call 0845 300 5011.

A Polish film maker's short horror film featuring his pet dog in a tarantula costume was the biggest "trending" video on YouTube in 2014, parent company Google has announced.

With over 113m views since it was posted in September, Mutant Giant Spider Dog was the most shared and discussed online, according to YouTube.

In one scene, a man taking out his rubbish flees for his life when Chica emerges from behind a door, while in another, two girls scream and run after seeing the creature atop a lifeless man in an elevator.

Later in the video, a couple spot a flinching man wrapped up in a 'spider web' hanging from a tree in a park and the man bravely creeps towards it, while his girlfriend stays rooted in her position. 

To view the video click here

A company called Total Pet Services in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, is offering wedding couples the chance to share their big day with their beloved pets...

There are a growing number of couples who plan their celebrations to include animals in their big day and Total Pet Services make sure that prodceedings go without a hitch.

Director of Total Pet Services Steph Drake said: “Simply asking a friend or relative to turn up on the day with your dog can be a recipe for disaster.

“Even the best behaved dogs can get overwhelmed by the occasion, emotions are running high and dogs can pick up on this, there are often no-go areas for dogs at the venue and guests are often too busy enjoying themselves to pay close attention to the dog.

“And who really wants to pick up poo in their best outfit!”

The bespoke venture, launched on Monday, December 1 – just in time for all those Christmas and New Year proposals – combines many years of experience working with dogs and studying dog behaviour with first-hand of knowledge of wedding planning.

Owner of Total Pet Service Hitchin franchise Bekki Wilkins, who spent six years as a wedding and event planner, said: “A lot goes on behind the scenes to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly.

“It’s all about the timings and logistics of what needs to happen when, having the flexibility to change things at the last minute if necessary and, really importantly, carry out the proper risk assessments to make sure that everyone is safe.”

Every wedding day is unique so Total Pet Services spend time getting to know the dog and assessing the dog’s temperament to ensure they will be able to cope with what’s expected of them before devising a package to suit the occasion.

Steph explained: “Every service we offer puts the welfare of the pet first, and our wedding service is no exception.

“If we feel a dog really won’t cope with a couple’s expectations, then we’ll be honest and say so. But as long as your dog is happy, the sky’s the limit in terms of what we can arrange for you.”

In addition to the day itself, Total Pet Services also advise on pet care for the honeymoon, be it with one of their own carefully selected carers or offer advice on finding appropriate care.

For further information visit www.weddingsbytotalpets.co.uk or call Steph on 07721 078271.

Visitors to PATS Sandown in March can expect a busy and exciting show as all exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold.

The Surrey and Esher Halls at Sandown Park will be packed with stands showcasing new products. And with the ‘Sold Out’ signs being posted already, there will be lots to see and talk about on over 150 exhibition stands.

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

A growing number of companies are choosing to exhibit for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors.

And more international exhibitors are also using PATS as a platform to launch their products on to the UK market.

PATS Sandown 2014 attracted 1,903 visitors, which was an 3% increase on the 2013 show, and with so many exciting plans for 2015 it could easily be another record-breaking year.

The Southern show will see the introduction of the Beco Buyers’ Lounge in the Surrey Hall where visitors can relax and enjoy free tea and coffee.

George Bramble, sales director of Beco Things, said: “We are really excited to be hosting the Beco Buyers’ Lounge. With the show bigger than ever, we hope the Lounge will give visitors the chance to take five minutes off, enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee and maybe a choccy biscuit or two. Visitors will also be able to sign up for 16 packs of free Beco Poop Bags and see all our new products.”

One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which saw a record number of 208 entries in 2014. Early indications suggest this figure will increase in 2015, and to accommodate the growing number there will be a new home for the Showcase in the Esher Hall.

All entries in the Showcase will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show. The results will be known and highlighted throughout the halls for the rest of the exhibition.

Winning an award in the PATS New Product Showcase can be the launch pad to huge sales. That’s according to companies whose new products have been recognised at previous exhibitions.

Irish company Christies Global have won an award at the past three PATS shows and their marketing manager Lindy Harper knows the importance of such an accolade.

“Christies Global has always prided itself in bringing innovative products to the grooming market and these awards recognise this work,” said Lindy. “Given the high standard of competition in the market, we feel truly honoured to have won three consecutive awards.”

Supa Ltd are another company to recognise the prestige of a New Product Award, having won one with their stylish Gloucester range of bird feeders at PATS in September. “The award has certainly focused attention on Supa and has led to some new listings with current customers and also the opening of some new accounts who have wanted to stock this new and dynamic range,” said managing director Chris Goodlad.

To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers. There will also be a full programme of free seminars.

To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk

• A water bottle/tennis ball holder
• Water proof, inner sleeve to protect your phone
• Built in pocket to hold DOOG Tidy Bags which can be pulled out like tissues for easy access
• Large enough to hold all your valuables but small enough to be comfy on a long walk
• Stylish striped shoulder strap and striped cotton inner lining
• Available in three colours, Blue, Green & Grey
• RRP: £26.99

Co-designed with professional dog trainers, the new 'Good Dog' treat pouches have all the important features when training a dog:

• Washable inner lining
• Easy access pocket for treats
• Valuables pocket
• Pick up bags included in front pocket that pull out like tissues
• Can be clipped to the DOOG Walkie Belt or used on their own
• Available in Grey, Navy & Black
• RRP: £21.99

Contact details: Accapi Group, 01207 291 247, info@accapigroup.com, www.accapigroup.com

Manchester Dogs' Home fire survivor Sandy is in the running to land a top national pet prize – the annual Pet Survivor competition organised by veterinary charity PDSA.

The tragic blaze began in the sanctuary’s ‘adoption row’ area and brave Sandy was one of only two plucky pooches who were being kept there to survive.

Now Sandy has made the shortlist of a contest to find the nation’s most remarkable pet survivor.

Sandy, a stray crossbreed who was days away from being sent to a new family when the fierce blaze ripped through the kennels of the sanctuary in Harpurhey, was rescued from the flames with black lurcher Finn, but 28 other dogs in the corridor were killed.

Up to 60 dogs lost their lives in total and 150 were rescued. The fire however led to an unprecedented £2m-plus fundraising drive, championed by the Manchester Evening News.

Sandy was fighting for her life as she was rushed to Cheshire Dogs’ Home and was in and out of intensive care after inhaling smoke for up to a month.

Claire Hayes, head nurse at Beech House Veterinary Centre in Warrington, said: “She really was in a mess.

"She stayed with us for almost a month and, despite feeling very sorry for herself, she always had a lovely nature and never snapped at anyone.

"She stole our hearts and we wish her all the best following her terrible ordeal.”

Veterinary charity PDSA runs its annual Pet Survivor competition to celebrate amazing feats of survival by pets, along with the dedication of their owners and the expertise of their vets and nurses.

Sandy is now recovering at home with Anna Stansfield, manager at Cheshire Dogs’ Home. She said: “Sandy did not enjoy a happy start in life. She was bred excessively, we think, for bait or fighting dogs, so she was very tired and low when we met her.

“The fire has really hampered Sandy’s progress and, although her physical wounds have healed, she has been withdrawn and depressed, hanging her head and looking very sorry for herself.

"We see improvement each day but Sandy is on a long road to full recovery. I am really rooting for Sandy – she is such a deserving finalist.”

To vote for Sandy, text ‘Sandy’ to 70099. Each text received will donate £2 to PDSA. A standard network charge will also apply.

Voting closes at midnight on Sunday and winners will be revealed on December 21.

A grumpy cat has left its owner smiling, after amassing a £64m fortune from its grouchy expression.

Tabatha Bundesen, of Arizona, is celebrating the unlikely windfall following the viral internet success of the critter, who now boasts his own line of products, books and even an upcoming film, ‘Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever’.

The sulky whiskers have also graced the cover of The Wall Street Journal and New York Magazine.

Tabatha said: “What she's achieved in such a short time is unimaginable and absolutely mind-blowing.

“I was able to quit my job as a waitress within days of her first appearance on social media and the phone simply hasn't stopped ringing since."

Sadly, despite her fame and fortune, Tardar Source remains as grumpy as ever having been born with dwarfism and an underbite – source of her peculiar characteristics.

Dog food made by Blackburn company Goodwyns will now be more widely available across the UK after the manufacturer teamed up with Vital Pet Products.

Goodwyns makes premium dog food that is free from wheat, gluten and additives.

Julie Butcher, marketing manager at Goodwyns, said: "Goodwyns has really taken off in the last two years, as conscious consumers look for an alternative and natural feeding solution for their dogs.

"The best part of our partnership with Vital Pet Products, is that it coincides with the launch of our grain-free collection; which contains natural antioxidants and prebiotics which are not only more digestible but reduce the risk of food allergies."

Goodwyns' grain-free range – which will include chicken, sweet potato and sweetcorn treats – will launch in early 2015.

The crime reference number is 42961-14 and the incident took place on Sunday, October 7.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said: "The identities of those shown are sought in connection with inquiries into the described alleged offences. Images released may be of both potential suspects or witnesses to crimes."

Anyone who recognises the man pictured are being urged to call police on 101 or use the anonymous Crimestoppers service on 0800 555111.

The release of CCTV images has helped catch purse thieves and shoplifters in the past few months.

Dog owners have been warned to be extra vigilant after the appearance of mysterious chalk markings on properties following a spate of dognappings.

Expensive breeds of dog are being targeted by the crooks, who want them for their pedigree breeding or to use in sports such as hare coursing.

Homeowners have found strange chalk markings on several properties, which some have suggested were put there by criminals to denote an easy target.

The warning comes after unscrupulous thieves struck across Britain, snatching dogs which they believed might be valuable.

Last week the body of two-year-old cockapoo Willow, owned by Hayley Walsh and Ross Scotney, was discovered near a public footpath in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, after she went missing on October 30.

Heartbroken Mr Scotney, 28, said: "We know five to ten people whose dogs have been stolen, some from gardens and others snatched while they were actually on a walk.

"There is a lot of activity in the area, particularly around the travellers' site." 

Police said that the spate of dog thefts in the area appeared to be focused on expensive breeds such as cocker spaniels and labradors, and cross-breeds like cockapoos, as well as gun dogs used on shoots.

They also steal 'running' dogs such as greyhounds, whippets, lurchers and Salukis to supply the black market trade for illegal hare coursing.

A petition has been started, calling on police to take stronger action, and within days it had been signed by more than 8,000 people.

Labradoodle breeder Annette Courtney, who signed the petition, said: "I know it can be difficult for the police but I do think they should investigate Willow's case because it was so bad.

"If someone took her and found out she'd been spayed, she'd be of no use to them and they'd just get rid of her."

Police fear that dognappers will beat dogs into submission before selling them on the black market.

Fat dogs and cats could become common place in the UK if owners do not radically change their habits, according to a report from a leading animal charity.

The annual PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report showed a "shocking" rise in dog aggression, which the animal experts say is fuelled by a "cocktail of boredom, lack of training and socialisation and worryingly low levels of regular exercise".

Rescue dog Jack, a King Charles Cavalier, was adopted by Rose Welch, who met him the night vets thought he might die from obesity.

The report, which is the largest ever annual assessment of pet welfare, found 80% of vets and nurses predicted the number of overweight pets would overtake the amount of health cats and dogs in the next five years.

Some 5.5 million British pets are fed fatty treats and this taking a long-term toll on their health, vets warn.

Poor diets are made worse by a lack of exercise, the report warned. Some 2.4 million dogs in the UK are not given the opportunity to safely exercise off the lead outside the home or garden on a daily basis, with more than 800,000 pooches never going for walks at all. The PDSA said that this can lead to destructive behaviour and anxiety, as well as aggression and obesity.

And it said a quarter of a million dogs are behaving aggressively towards people every week with more than 600,000 dogs a week showing hostility towards other pets.

Among the other findings of the report are:

• 1.5 million dogs are not properly "socialised" as puppies - which involves exposing them to everyday sights and sounds before 12 weeks of age.
• 62% of pet owners have been concerned or frightened by another dog's behaviour
• 30% of pet owners report they have been bitten or attacked by a dog
• Over half of veterinary professionals report an increase in levels of dog on dog attacks
• Owners over 55 are least likely to seek vet advice regarding their pet's diet.
• Just 66% of dog owners are aware that microchipping will soon be compulsory in England and Wales
• Five million pet owners did no research at all before taking on their pet with many largely unaware of the specific needs of their chosen pet
• 25% of pet owners would consider getting a puppy from a puppy farm where there welfare needs are unlikely to have been properly met