|
|
HOWND's mini-film receives 1,000 views per hour
HOWND - the company behind #BringYourDogToWorkDay - has launched its first brand lifestyle movie ‘When Harry Met Hero’, which aims to promote the adoption of rescue dogs ahead of Christmas...
HOWND - the company behind #BringYourDogToWorkDay - has launched its first brand lifestyle movie ‘When Harry Met Hero’, which documents the relationship between a boy and a rescue puppy as they grow up together.
It aims to promote the adoption of rescue dogs ahead of Christmas - following the popularity of the ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ campaign against puppy farming. Since it was released on Facebook on Monday, it has continued to receive more than 1,000 views every hour.
The two-minute film starts with a chance encounter at a local fishing pond between a nine-year-old boy called Harry and an abandoned puppy, later named Hero. Realising Hero is alone, Harry convinces his mother to adopt him.
They subsequently navigate through the years as loyal companions, taking on the challenges of adolescence and adulthood, while creating timeless memories as inseparable best friends. The film ends with an ageing Hero wanting to rest instead of playing with Harry, in the same location they met 10 years ago and to which they regularly visit.
Directed by Toby Stewart of Crocodile Films and produced by Ben Owusu, the movie reflects the special bond we have with our dogs over a lifetime. This link is something appreciated by HOWND, as their range of grooming products span across a dog’s life, from puppyhood to golden oldies.
“Almost everyone has experienced a special connection to a dog that endures over the years. It’s sometimes difficult to describe such a bond in words - but we feel that Harry and Hero represent this idea beautifully on-screen,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND, who wrote the original script for filming.
“The story was inspired by my family’s own experience of a rescue dog and the timeless memories we created together. Being advocates of the ‘Adopt Don’t Shop’ campaign, we had a very clear idea of what we wanted to communicate in the film. Those who watch the movie will realise that Harry actually rescues Hero, who is abandoned and alone. In return, Harry gets a lifetime of joy with his best friend. This isn’t a unique story by any means - but that’s what makes this movie special. It celebrates the connection between an abandoned dog and a boy who wants a companion, a feeling that many of us have experienced.
“Being a Cruelty Free International certified brand, we’re proud that this movie shines a light on our business values and ethos, not just product placement. We can’t wait to see what the reception to this film is from our customers and beyond. We feel the themes from ‘When Harry Met Hero' are timeless.”
#WhenHarryMetHero is now available to view on HOWND’s social media channels - including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Click here to view.
HOWND is an award-winning pet product manufacturer, and is a proud supporter of All Dogs Matter. For every online product sold, a donation of 50p is made to the charity, which helps rescue and rehome dogs in Greater London.
For further information about HOWND visit www.dogslovehownd.com or call a member of the team on +44 (0)20 3004 5255.
 |
|
|
|
Cotswold RAW seeks £250k in crowd funding exercise
Premium raw pet food brand Cotswold RAW is seeking £250k funding from the crowd to accelerate its growth from aspiring regional pet food pioneer to established national raw specialist. The company is prepared to give away up to 10% of its business for an investment via Crowdcube...
Premium raw pet food brand Cotswold RAW is seeking £250k funding from the crowd to accelerate its growth from aspiring regional pet food pioneer to established national raw specialist.
Founded in Autumn 2015 by Mark Lewis and Chris Brierley, this fleet-footed business has carved out a caring rural operation built around local sourcing, ingredients traceability and countryside sustainability.
With a balanced business portfolio split between retail and home delivery, a tight-knit team and an extensive portfolio of 15+ products, Cotswold RAW finds itself perfectly placed to tackle the growing scourge of poor pet diets/obesity that now affects 1 in 3 UK dogs.
Cotswold RAW taps into the growing trend of ‘pet humanisation,’ where health conscious pet owners apply the same health choices to their pet’s food as they do their own: free-from, grain-free, raw, all-natural, the presence of superfoods…
Although Cotswold RAW’s achievements have been many, it’s probably best known for its award-winning portfolio of raw sausage recipes that has been instrumental in helping anxious, new raw converts marry proven nutritional benefits with the same sort of convenient, instantly gettable food formats they’d expect from their own meals.
Cotswold RAW is preparing to give away up to 10% of its business for an investment via CrowdcubeFor more details visit: www.cotswoldraw.com/crowdfunding
|
|
Evolution Aqua buys the Bermuda brand from Scotts
Multi award-winning Wigan based manufacturer Evolution Aqua continues its rapid expansion with the purchase of the Bermuda pond equipment brand from Scotts Miracle-Gro. Bob Meacham (pictured), a 26-year water gardening trade veteran, moves with the Bermuda brand to Evolution Aqua.
 Multi award-winning Wigan based manufacturer Evolution Aqua continues its rapid expansion with the purchase of the Bermuda pond equipment brand from Scotts Miracle-Gro.
Originally a Solus brand, Bermuda was more recently acquired by Scotts Miracle-Gro, before being put up for sale as Scotts concentrates on its core gardening business.
The Bermuda brand joins Evolution Aqua’s existing pond and koi product portfolio, including K1 Micro, Nexus, PURE, EazyPod, evoUV, eaProPump, Stop Blanketweed and airpumps.
At a different range and price point, Bermuda will operate as a separate business and complement, not compete with, Evolution Aqua and its specialist koi filtration market.
Bermuda will be available to the much wider gardening and water gardening markets, as well as being available to the whole existing Evolution Aqua dealer network.
Bob Meacham (pictured), a 26-year water gardening trade veteran, moves with the Bermuda brand to Evolution Aqua.
“I could not be more thrilled and excited to be at the helm again of the relaunch of one of the UK’s leading Water Gardening brands,” says Bob.
“Coupled with the fabulous backing and technical excellence of Evolution Aqua, I feel extremely confident we will again bring to the marketplace, new and innovative selling products in the months and years to come.”
For more info contact Bob Meacham on bob@bermudawatergardens.com or call 07780 666 048.
|
|
The wonderfully wacky world of eccentric dog lovers and Christmas came together for The Valley’s Christmas Dog Parade on Sunday in Evesham, Worcestershire.
Hundreds of people dressed themselves and their most prized family member, yes that’s right, their dogs, in wonderfully wacky festive outfits, to join the parade at Evesham’s out of town shopping and leisure village.
 Poodles dressed as elves, a Bichon Frise snowman and even a Santa Claus Pug came along in a custom made sledge!
The event was the brainchild of The Valleys marketing manager Phil Maclean, who set-up a Facebook event in the hope of attracting a few dozen entries, only to find over 200 dogs waiting to join in!
Commenting on the event Phil said, "We have over 100 acres of the countryside surrounding The Valley which attracts scores of daily dog walkers, so we thought the event might go down well".
He continued, “We were overwhelmed by the turnout and the effort people went too. It created a great festive atmosphere and showed the very best side of the good British humour.”
Following its success, The Valley is already planning for next year’s event, hoping to provide a stage, lighting and live music to entertain the pouches!
|
|
Bucktons is helping to drive value for consumers by launching 12.55kg bags of its popular Bucktons Wild Bird Suet Pellets.
Following the successful launch earlier this year of Bucktons Wild Bird Suet Pellets in 3kg tubs, the larger pack size is now being introduced to help keep wild birds healthy during the cold winter months.
The following products will now join Bucktons High Energy Wild Bird Suet Pellets by being available in both a 3kg and 12.55kg size:
- Bucktons Fruit & Berry Wild Bird Suet Pellets – A delicious fruity aroma that birds won’t be able to resist. This high fat content pellet is great for keeping energy levels up during the cold winter months and is also ideal for breeding season.
- Bucktons Peanut & Mealworm Wild Bird Suet Pellets – Rich in protein as it contains both peanuts and mealworms. This mix will keep birds fuller for longer during the cold winter nights.
The arrival of the new sized bags are perfectly timed, as the Met Office has this week issued a warning that temperatures are set to plummet.
Wild birds are especially vulnerable to cold weather and can lose as much as 10% of their body weight in just a few days. They are exciting new additions to the wider Bucktons suet range, which also includes 150 box of Energy Balls, Energy Suet Pellets (3kg & 12.55kg) and the Suet Variety Pack.
Kirk Rothwell, Brand Manager for Bucktons, said: “Our Bucktons Wild Bird Suet Pellets are popular products for us, particularly during the winter months. The Fruit & Berry suet pellets, with their delicious fruity aroma and the Peanut & Mealworm suet pellets that are rich in protein, are certainly a firm favourite with garden birds. We’ve launched this new pack size to appeal to consumers looking for a great deal on a high quality product.
“The bird food market in the UK is worth £258m a year. This new offering is perfectly poised to take advantage of the forthcoming colder weather. Make sure you don’t miss out!”
Contact your Bucktons sales representative for further details or visit www.bucktons.co.uk
|
|
Vets from pet charity PDSA brought a dog ‘back from the dead’ after his heart stopped in an astonishing emergency room drama.
On the day when West Highland Terrier, Max, was facing major surgery to remove a cancerous tumour he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest at PDSA’s Kirkdale Pet Hospital in Liverpool. Vets rushed to the 12-year-old pet’s aid and carried out emergency CPR to restart his heart.
Donald Helliwell, PDSA vet, said: “When Max’s heart stopped, my colleagues came rushing to help. We keep a ‘crash box’ containing emergency drugs and syringes, and used this along with CPR to try and resuscitate him.
“It felt like ages, but after about five minutes we managed to get his heart beating again and he was stabilised.”
 Max’s owner Doris Griffiths (83) was amazed when she heard what had happened to her beloved dog. But she quickly resolved that the vet team should go ahead with the already planned and vital life-saving surgery to remove the cancerous tumour from Max’s ear.
Doris, from Trentham, The Wirral, said: “Max is my only companion and means everything to me.
“When the vets told me what had happened I was in shock at first. But I wanted them to go ahead with his operation because he wouldn’t survive without it.
“The whole time he was under anaesthetic I was on tenterhooks and crying my eyes out.
“When they told me he had made it through the operation it was like a miracle. I can never thank PDSA enough. The vets basically brought him back from the dead and then also completed the planned surgery for his cancer and I’m so grateful.
Max is my world and everywhere I go, he goes too. Now he’s home I’ve set up a bed downstairs so I can be close to him while he recovers.”
Max is now back home making a good recovery and is continuing to receive follow-up checks.
PDSA Vet Donald added: “Cases like this are very rare but you always need to be prepared. Thankfully we were able to save Max and hopefully he and Doris will continue to share many more, happy years together.”
Doris wanted to share Max’s story to support PDSA’s ‘Save a Star’ campaign which is raising funds to support the emergency veterinary care that the charity provides. This Christmas alone PDSA, the biggest animal charity in the UK today, will treat more than 50,000 sick and injured pets, many in need of life-saving care like Max.
Doris added: “Pets are such an important part in people’s lives and I want Max’s story to help raise awareness of the work PDSA does in saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of sick and injured pets every year.”
People can donate to the campaign at www.saveastar.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
direct to your e-mail inbox...
The best news service every week.
Subscribe for free by clicking here
|
|
A Hull pet shop urgently needs donations and homes for more than 50 unwanted pets otherwise the business "will have to close".
Not Just Pets, in Chanterlands Avenue, started as a pet shop several years ago, and has since become a "dumping ground" for unwanted pets. Now, owner Amy Donoghue is urging people to help her before she loses her business.
"I have about 50 cats, dogs, ferrets and rabbits that all need homes and feeding," Miss Donoghue, 36, told the Hull Daily Mail.
She has recently lost her home because of the cost of looking after the animals.
"On the first day the shop opened someone dumped a parakeet at the front door, and it's just spiralled from there. I have found boxes of kittens in my bin and tanks of terrapins, with people even dropping off unwanted dogs at my house.
"I just need people to help me feed them all and eventually be able to give them homes," she said.
Miss Donoghue says she has been waiting to become a registered charity number for more than a year, meaning she is limited to the amount fundraising she can do, and has had to delete her social media accounts to help ease the problem.
She said: "I came off Facebook because people were contacting me all the time about taking in animals. Then all the abuse started and I just couldn't take it anymore.
"I have been assaulted in my own shop because I have refused to give kittens away to people. It seems I have helped so many people and now I need them to help me.
"I have turned half of the shop into a charity shop to help and I run a dog grooming business. I currently work six nights a week in an off licence to help buy animal food."
Miss Donoghue does not allow kittens to be rehomed at Christmas as they are "not presents", so people who want to give homes to the animals will need to wait until January, but they can provide help with donations of food and helping toward vets' bills.
"I have several cats that need to go to the vets but I can't afford to send them, because then the other animals won't get fed," she said. "I can't abandon these animals once they have been brought to my door, but I just can't afford to keep them. I have lost my house, and I don't want to lose this business."
Miss Donoghue said she cannot take on anymore animals because of the strain, and needs support from the public until the charity number is provided.
Donations can be delivered to the shop at 137 Chanterlands Avenue, where those wanting give the animals a home can also visit.
|
|
 
More grain free foods are hitting the market as consumers look for premium quality diets. As more and more people come to regard their pet as family members, owners are looking to feed food that is comparable in quality to what they are eating themselves.
The most obvious benefit of a grain free diet is for those dogs that have allergies or have trouble digesting grain-based food.
2016 saw Pedigree Wholesale launch Alpha Spirit, a range of grain free food and treats, made to a high meat formula, which is 100% natural and made from 100% food grade fish and meat.
Made using innovative tenderize technology, ensuring the meat proteins are more digestible and will therefore be more compatible to the digestive system of the dog. This has several benefits, including feeding less as more of the food is absorbed, dogs will have more energy and their digestion will be lighter and faeces smaller.
Furthermore, the proteins will be smaller thereby reducing allergies, which combined with the absence of grain and gluten, Alpha Spirit complete dog food, snacks and sticks are hypoallergenic.
Included in the Alpha Spirit range are complete food for dogs in two flavours, Multi-Protein and Only Fish. Alpha Spirit Complete Food is supplied in convenient, individual trays containing 210g which are supplied in retail packs containing 7, 27 or 45 trays.
Alpha Spirit Ristra Sticks are individually wrapped and ideal for training or as a reward. Supplied on strips containing 4 sticks, or a roll containing 16 sticks, Alpha Spirit Ristra Sticks are perfect for when you’re out and about with your dog. The strips can easily be torn off the roll and opened when required. Alpha Spirit Snacks are bite sized chunks supplied in convenient pocket sized packs containing 35g, perfect for training.
If you would like more information about Alpha Spirit call 0115 982 3900 or email info@petproducts.co.uk.
|
|
Pets Corner has reminded owners about the importance of keeping their animals safe and warm this winter.
As the frost begins to bite, bobble hats and winter woollies are a familiar site across the country. Whilst wrapping up warm is a given for us humans, it’s sometimes easy to forget that our beloved pets, even with their own built-in furry coats, also need extra help to keep warm and stay protected from the cold weather.
With the drop in temperature being potentially life threating for our furry friends, Head of Training at Pets Corner Lucy Ross provides her top tips for making sure your pet is kept warm throughout the colder months.
Layer it up
Make sure pets are kept warm and given plenty of extra blankets to sleep with. Invest in a good quality animal coat that is fitted to your pet’s measurements - this will help to protect your pet from getting too cold whilst outdoors.
Protect outdoor animals from the elements
If rabbits and guinea pigs are kept outside, be sure to put their hutch in a secluded place out of the full force of the wind. Supplying your furry friends with plenty of extra straw bedding will also help to insulate the hutch and keep them warm and snug.
Indoors or out?
You might feel like you’re doing your outdoor animals a favour by bringing them inside at night, but it could actually be causing them stress and making them even more vulnerable to the cold. Over winter, animals build up a thick coat and alternating between indoors and out may cause moulting. If you prefer not to keep them inside, take measures to ensure they stay warm such as investing in a good quality hutch cover.
Sheds & Garages
If you decide to keep your pet in the shed or garage for extra protection, it’s crucial there is ample daylight and the space is well ventilated and damp free. Don’t use the area to park your car or store paint or chemicals as the fumes could be harmful, and potentially fatal, for your furry friends.
You can find further tips, advice and information on all things animal related on the Pets Corner website in the Petopedia section at www.petscorner.co.uk.
|
|
New investor for Independent Vetcare
Independent Vetcare has secured a new investor. EQT will be taking over as the company's principal investor in the New Year, alongside the senior vets and managers who will continue to invest in the group...
Independent Vetcare has secured a new investor. EQT will be taking over as the company's principal investor in the New Year, alongside the senior vets and managers who will continue to invest in the group.
EQT is a leading Scandinavian investment fund with an excellent track record of investing in thriving companies across the world with a mission to help them develop into great and sustainable businesses.
EQT owns one of the leading European veterinary groups, Evidensia, so it already has a deep understanding of the veterinary profession and what makes it so unique.
Summit Partners have been Independent Vetcare’s principal investor since July 2014 and the veterinary group has grown exponentially over this time, with nationwide coverage of nearly 300 practices.
“We have had a great experience with Summit Partners whose resources and experience of the veterinary sector have supported us in our vision to create the leading veterinary group in the UK. Earlier this Autumn, we realised it was time for us to seek a new partner who can support us on the next stage of our development,” comments CEO David Hiller.
“We are very excited by the new prospects of long-term development which partnership with EQT will provide and are looking forward to taking IVC forwards together. In addition to the finance to continue purchasing practices wishing to join, the new partnership enables us to continue investing in IVC’s industry leading training and development programmes, in practice facilities and in our people.
"We have only reached the stage we are at today thanks to the tremendous work of our staff and our mutual determination to stay true to the values which we were founded upon: teamwork, transparency, dialogue and a passion for clinical excellence and client care."
|
|
It’s not too late to nominate individuals or teams for the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards 2017, which celebrate the achievements of remarkable people from the farming, veterinary and charity industries.
And for colleagues, family and friends and the general public entering nominations for the awards (the closing date for nominations is Friday 13 January 2017), there is now the chance to win an overnight stay in a Club Carlson hotel in a prize draw!
The nomination process is easy, simply visit www.cevawelfareawards.com to nominate a welfare hero. They can come from all walks of life, all ages, and from anywhere in the world, and will be assessed on the evidence provided in the original nomination.
Since the first Ceva Awards in 2010 hundreds of animal welfare professionals have been nominated, with the winners decided by a panel of esteemed judges including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc and James Yeates, chief veterinarian at RSPCA. This year’s winners and runners up will be honoured at a glittering ceremony taking place on the eve of BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) Congress on 5 April 2017.
The categories aim to cover all industries involved in animal welfare. For 2017, these are:
Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award - in association with Veterinary Times
Recognises a veterinary surgeon working in practice who educates pet owners and consistently demonstrates a commitment to the continued improvement of animal welfare standards.
The VN Times Welfare Nurse of the Year Award – in association with VN Times
Honours a working veterinary nurse who has shown a real commitment to improving and championing excellent animal welfare within their practice and further afield.
Charity Professional of the Year Award (UK & International) – in association with PDSA
Someone who works within a charity organisation and consistently performs to the best of their ability, with the single minded goal of helping save and improve the lives of animals in need.
Charity Team of the Year Award (UK & International) - in association with Your Cat and Your Dog magazines
Recognises an awe-inspiring team whose drive and passionate dedication has changed the lives of animals for the better, by tirelessly promoting and championing their cause.
Volunteer of the Year Welfare Award (UK & International) – in association with Blue Cross
Celebrates an individual whose dedication and tenacity has helped improve animal welfare and who, in their own free time, goes above and beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of animals either in the UK or Internationally.
Farm Animal Welfare Award (UK & International) – in association with R.A.B.I and NADIS
This award is for someone who works within the farming industry and who strives to provide or encourage high standards of ethical and compassionate farm animal welfare.
International Cat Care Welfare Award – in association with Agria Pet Insurance
This esteemed award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of feline welfare. The recipient of the award is chosen by International Cat Care and therefore no general nominations are required.
To find out more about the awards, and to nominate, visit www.cevawelfareawards.com.
|
|
 The Wales Gundog Team, sponsored by CSJ, were honoured to take part in the Home International Field Trial 2016 at Windsor. Headed by captain Nigel Probert the team competed in the special event which was organised as a celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 90 th birthday and to showcase the best retrievers in the United Kingdom. Each team was made up of the best 4 handlers from each of the home nations – Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland. Nigel had selected for his Wales team Diana Wiggin with FTCh Brockweir Daisy, Vicki Stanley with FTCh Patanavac Brough, Haydn Willmott with Stykes Boy Llangynidyr, and Simon Hagain with FTCh Skeviot Emerald. Her Majesty the Queen attended from the second round – walking in line for the second round and then, due to the extremely cold wind, observing from her vehicle for the third round. She then handed out awards to all the handlers, with Top Dog going to Wales’s Haydn Willmott with Stykes Boy Llangynidyr and the trials being won by the Scotland team with Wales second, England third and Ireland fourth.
|
|
|
|
|
