Two Irish pet companies - Seahorse Atlantic and Soopa Pets - are sharing ideas, contacts and resources to grow their businesses into household names.

And judging by their joint initiative of exhibiting together at PATS Harrogate they are on the road to success.

Seahorse Atlantic produces a range of products called Kelp Care – 100% natural kelp feed additives formulated from different species of seaweed grown in the purest of the Atlantic Ocean. Veterinary trialled and recommended with 100% positive feedback, Kelp Care products are tailored to the nutrient requirements of individual animals.

Meanwhile, Soopa Pets has quickly become known for its 100% fruit and vegetable dog chews with flavours including papaya, sweet potato and coconut.

This week the women behind the companies - Sarah O'Sullivan (Seahorse Atlantic) and Barbara Hanly (Soopa Pets) - reveal how they are helping each other out...

Was it difficult to logistically plan your trip?

Barbara: I guess the main consideration for us was transport, do we fly or drive over via ferry? In the end, after weighing up the pros and cons of each, we decided to fly to Bradford Leeds. The flight was less than an hour and we didn’t have any problem getting a taxi. From there we arrived at the venue within half an hour. It was a great relief not to fly into a big city with lots of traffic and delays.

Sarah: It was my first time exhibiting in the UK but it was not that much different to organising for a trade show in Ireland. The most difficult part was getting stock over and to make sure I had enough of everything as our company is based in Ireland.

Did all your exhibition material and product arrive safely ?

Sarah: Unfortunately because of flight times and difficulty with contact, some boxes got misplaced and ended up with delayed delivery to my stand. I have learned from this and have a better plan for next time!

Barbara: I actually brought everything I needed on board my flight including fold-up display table, roll-up banner and stock! It did cost a little extra to book excess luggage but the peace of mind more than made up for it.

How did you two first meet?

Sarah: I first came into contact with Barbara when I was initially setting up my business. A really helpful and encouraging contact in Enterprise Ireland called Garrett Dee introduced her to me. Garrett has a strong link in the pet food sector and he straight away could see a synergy developing between us which I am very grateful for.

Barbara: Yes, Garrett has been a great support to both Sarah and I and is always happy to listen and help where he can.

Was it easy to share a stand at PATS – weren't there any conflicts of interest?

Barbara: Sharing the stand with Sarah worked really well because our products share the same natural and nutritious values and compliment each other well. People love variety so with two businesses present and with a wider range of products available in one stand it created more interest. Sharing the stand also significantly cut costs which was a huge benefit, especially as we are both starting out. 

Sarah: It was very useful to share a stand as we could plan the logistics of getting there together along with sharing the cost considering we are both early stage companies. Whilst we aim at the same market, our products do not conflict and they work quite well in creating almost an ideal healthy diet for dogs.

When one of you left the stand did the other try to sell the benefits of both sets of product?

Sarah: We each took turns to get around to customers and other trade stands and as we both have the healthy natural canine knowledge we had the skills to sell the benefits of each product. One could say we were a "Soopa Seahorse" team for PATS.

Barbara: It was easy for me to sell the health benefits of both products in Sarah’s absence because I use Seahorse Atlantic on my own dog so I know the product well.  We share the same market but our products couldn’t be more different. This enables us to share our knowledge without stepping on each other’s toes. It can be a long two days so it was great to be able to take a break and network with well established brand owners and newbie’s like us.

What did you achieve at PATS?

Sarah: Seahorse Atlantic achieved some really good leads both in Ireland, UK and countries further abroad. PATS created a platform for Kelp Care to be showcased to retailers and wholesalers whilst also being able to meet with the founder and the ability to learn more about the science behind the product. I also met with some other early start companies where we discussed possibilities of working together in the future to grow our companies.

Barbara: It’s been great to meet influential people in the industry and I’m glad to say it really has helped promote the Soopa brand further.

Did you feel it was worth all the effort?

Sarah: It was definitely worthwhile for Seahorse Atlantic Ltd and Kelp Care as it formed a platform in one place to meet with potential new markets, retailers and wholesalers. Kelp Care is a product that involves some education and explanation of the science behind the formula and PATS provided an ideal opportunity to showcase this.

Barbara: I definitely feel it was worth the effort and we’re delighted to receive highly commended product in new product display from the judges for our range of Soopa chews.  The interest we have received from UK and overseas buyers since entering the new product display was worth all the effort alone.

Will you again be exhibiting again at future trade shows?

Barbara: Yes Soopa and Seahorse Atlantic will be joining forces again for London Vet Show in November.

Would you come over to PATS again?

Sarah: Seahorse Atlantic would definitiely love to exhibit at PATS again and hopefully this time next year, we will have new products to add to our Kelp Care range.


For more information visit www.soopapets.com and www.seahorseatlantic.ie

Story by Adam Aiken

Pet shops are coming under increasing pressure to make sure they sell rabbit hutches that are fit for purpose and do not result in animal cruelty.

Although rabbits are now the third most popular pets in the country, widespread ignorance of how to look after them has led a leading charity to brand them as being "the most neglected pets in the UK".

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) said the hundreds of pet shops that sold inadequate hutches were adding to this problem, with mystery-shopper checks showing that hutches on sale do not meet the standards even for battery rabbits.

"We recommend that hutches are a minimum of 6ft long, 2ft high and 2ft deep, but in the interests of being realistic we acknowledge that as long as retailers sell nothing smaller than 4ft in length, it will be a big improvement to the market that currently exists," said RWAF chief executive Rae Todd.

"Anything smaller than this is actually smaller than the legal requirement for battery rabbits, and retailers should not be encouraging their customers to keep pets in these conditions."

The message comes as part of the RWAF's attempt to educate owners and retailers about how pet rabbits should be treated.

"Rabbits are often kept alone and confined to hutches for long periods of time," said Mrs Todd.

"Although this is often considered the norm, it is scientifically proven to be animal cruelty, and we all need to be doing more to educate rabbit owners and to make the correct information and products available to them."

Mrs Todd added it was vital that retailers understood the health and welfare implications of the products they sold. The lack of legislation meant shops themselves needed to take on more of the effort to ensure high standards of welfare, she said.

"We know that retailers face pressure from the likes of Ebay, where there are hundreds of small hutches on sale, but we also know that rabbits confined in small hutches on their own face health and behavioural issues, which then cause problems for the owners," said Mrs Todd.

The RWAF is conducting mystery-shopper visits to see how much information retailers give to customers who buy pet rabbits and hutches.

It is using its findings to engage with pet shops and - in cases where there is no co-operation from retailers - local licensing authorities.

Despite the lack of regulation on hutch size, there are conditions attached to pet-shop licences, which include giving suitable advice at the point of sale, and it is these conditions that the RWAF is monitoring.

For more information visit www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk

WOOF&BREW has been busy signing up dozens of new retailers and taking orders as its innovative product of herbal teas for dogs takes off in a big way.

The company exhibited at the recent PATS Harrogate and had a tremendous response from visitors to its stand. 

Managing Director Steve Bennett said: “Our range has gone down extremely well with dog owners. More and more people are looking for natural, healthy products for their dogs and our herbal teas are 100% natural, as well as being simple to serve and cost-effective.” 

Veterinary approved as safe, each unique blend contains high quality loose-leaf herbs, rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are specifically designed to support dogs in leading a happy and healthy life.

For centuries dogs have been self-medicating, eating particular flowers and plants they instinctively know are good for them. Now with WOOF&BREW blends, packaged in their biodegradable pyramid tea bags, it makes caring for a dog's general wellbeing as easy as putting the kettle on.

Vet Richard Allport advocates the use of herbs in veterinary medicine and is a keen supporter of WOOF&BREW. He says: “Herbs can play a vital role in preventative healthcare but most pet owners are not aware of their benefits. And even if they are, they would need to consult a herbalist to advise on the type and quantity of herbs to give. WOOF&BREW makes herbs available to all for the first time.”

Following a successful appearance at PATS Harrogate, Steve found time to speak to Pet Trade Xtra about the company and its products.

Was exhibiting at PATS worthwhile?

We were delighted with the response from visitors to our stand at PATS. We were busy for the whole of the show and signed up dozens of new retailers. The show exceeded our expectations and I can also say that we had a great time meeting so many business owners.

What did you achieve at the show?

We launched two new blends at the show – Ha-pee Lawns and Posh Pooch.  Both blends were received well by visitors to our stand and we took orders and signed up new retailers.

Who came up with the idea for your innovative product?

I have been working in the dog industry for more than 10 years. My wife and I founded Dogfriendly (www.dogfriendly.co.uk) – the UK’s biggest online database of places to stay and visit with your dog and we now have more than 50,000 members, publish three books a year and a bimonthly magazine. One of the co-founders of WOOF&BREW, Anthony Kinch, and I owned a café in Stratford on Avon which specialised in loose leaf tea and infusions for humans. The café was, of course, dog friendly and we had many dogs and their owners visit us. During one of our regular reviews of our business, we were discussing the benefits that herbs have on humans and wondered whether they would have the same effect on dogs – and the rest is history!  Our third co-founder Lisa Morton is the brains behind the wonderful branding of WOOF&BREW.

How does it work?
Our teas have been specifically blended with herbs that are beneficial to dogs. They have been approved as safe for dogs by our resident expert vet, Richard Allport. There are now seven blends in our range - Adult, Senior, Fresh Breath, Performance, Skin & Coat, Posh Pooch and Ha-pee Lawns. Each blend is available in pyramid tea bags which are infused in 250ml of boiling water for four minutes. Once cooled down, this liquid can be poured over the dog’s food or alternatively 750ml of cold water can be added to the liquid which can then be used in the dog’s water bowl throughout the day. Our latest blend, Ha-pee Lawns has undertaken a controlled test with dog owners with an 81% success rate in just three weeks. 

Who's stocking your product at the moment?

We have just reached 50 stockists of our teas in high street pet stores, online companies and our own website.

Are you trying to extend your retail outlets?

Yes we are actively seeking new retail outlets.

How big do you want your business to become?

We would be delighted to see our blends on sale all over the world.


For more information visit www.woofandbrew.com

King British has set itself a massive challenge for the forthcoming AQUA 2013 exhibition at Telford...to produce the world's biggest fish flake.

"We like to think big at King British, and this year’s Aqua show will be no different," said marketing manager Amy Hepworth. "Come and visit us on stand E11 to see how our resident expert John got on with his flake challenge and to find out more about how King British can help retailers, large and small, to grow their business."

King British has taken out all artificial colours, flavours and preservatives from their fish flake, in a move to rid fish foods of synthetically manufactured ingredients, replacing them with naturally-sourced products.

Synthetic colourings have become increasingly unpopular with the general public in recent years. Many synthetic colourings have already been banned or actively discouraged in human foods and some pet foods, so we, at King British, wanted to make the changes first and lead the way in the aquatics’ market.

Coupled with stylish new artwork for the food range, King British is demonstrating to its customers that it is the market leader when it comes to product development, whilst maintaining  the excellent nutrition that customers have come to expect through careful formulation and the use of the highest quality ingredients.

Feeding trials have shown that natural colourings have absolutely no adverse effect on the palatability of the foods

And you’ll still find the unique Immuno Health Booster in King British Flake, stimulating each fish’s natural immunity to fight off infection and disease. Could this be the world’s best, as well as biggest, fish flake?

For information on the King British product range, contact your local area sales executive, call the Customer Care Team on 01427 675663 or visit www.kingbritish.co.uk

With stand space sold out months before the opening date of October 9 (next Wednesday) and pre-registration booking levels well in advance of 2011, entries for the New Product Awards are up over 10% this year.

Visitors to the two-day event next week can expect to see an impressive display of over 85 products from 36 of the 75 exhibitors on the New Products Showcase (stand  J11) at the International Centre, Telford. Each entry will be clearly displayed with a brief description of the product, its price and exhibitor, so visiting buyers can shortlist those of interest before seeking them out around the exhibition for more information.

All the products will be entered into the New Product Awards which is being judged by team of judges drawn from the retail sector on the opening morning of the show. The winners and the judges’ identities will be revealed at lunchtime on Wednesday October 9 when the presentations take place on the Showcase. The winning products will then be featured in a special group as well as highlighted on the winners’ stands. Visitors will be encouraged to attend and congratulate the winners as they are announced.

Winning an award is a real accolade for the companies involved and helps promote both company and product awareness. Joe Courtney-Smith of past-winner Arcadia commented: “Entering a product is 100 per cent worth it and is very important to us. It is always good to have been recognised for the hard work that goes into a product.  I feel that winning the award at the time that we did, really did help as part of a concerted effort to make us the UK’s number one reptile keeping brand.”

The categories that make up the Awards are:

• Best new Aquaria product
• Best new Water Gardening product
• Best new Reptile Product
• Best new Shopfitting/EPOS product
• Best new Ancillary product

Show organiser Annie Dyke said: “I am excited by the number of entries we have received. Successful new product development is key factor in a company’s ongoing success.

“The fact that so many new products are being showcased at AQUA 2013 just emphasises how important our exhibitors regard the event as part of their sales and marketing strategy. Equally I am sure visitors will find the Showcase extremely useful in helping make their product purchasing decisions.”

Buyers are urged to pre-register by going online at www.aquatelford.co.uk. Visitors can look forward to free parking, a free shuttle bus from Telford Central station to the exhibition, free refreshments including lunch, free catalogue and array of special offers around the hall. The AQUA 2013 visitor registration hotline is +44 (0)1892 862848.

As a result of successful bids by the PetQuip association, which works to help UK firms gain new international business, significant government funding has been secured for two major international pet care trade shows in 2014.

British pet care suppliers can obtain valuable cash grants towards the cost of exhibiting at Interzoo and Global Pet Expo.  PetQuip is the non-for-profit UK body in the pet care sector which is recognised by UK Trade and Investment as one of only 99 Trade Challenge Partners for its work in partnership with government to open up new export opportunities for the UK pet product trade.

Global Pet Expo is to be held in Florida in March 2014 and Interzoo in Nuremberg in June 2014. The strong performances recorded by British firms exhibiting in previous PetQuip-organised groups at these two major international trade shows has resulted in immediate export sales and significant follow-up business.

The funding made available for the 2014 trade shows will provide grants of £2,000 for eligible Global Pet Expo exhibitors and £1,500 for eligible Interzoo exhibitors.  Global Pet Expo targets key distributors and retailers of pet supplies from the $55 billion North American pet care market and from around the world.  Interzoo is the world’s biggest trade fair for pet supplies that is held every two years and attracts visitors from 115 countries. 

More details on the these shows and the comprehensive stand package and the comprehensive organisational and promotional support services being offered to exhibitors by PetQuip can be obtained by emailing either theresa@petquip.com or emma@petquip.com

Deemed the organisation’s highest honour, the Matsui Award is named after former WPA board president Jiro Matsui, and is presented to honour lifetime contributions to the pet industry.

The award is not given every year, only when the WPA’s past presidents/chairs and board of directors feel there is someone worthy of the honour. The WPA described Mr Hagen as “one of those select few who gave so much back to the industry he loved.”

The award was presented at the Industry Event at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, where there was also a video tribute to Mr. Hagen.

Hagen’s late Chairman is currently the only person in the industry to be honoured with three major Lifetime Achievement Awards:

1. American Pet Products Association Hall of Fame Award (1999) (This award was also renamed the Rolf C. Hagen Award in 2012)
2. Pet Industry Distributors Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2004)
3. World Pet Associations - Jiro Matsui Award (2013)

The Matsui Award has been presented 31 times since its inception in 1969, with 2012’s winner being Paul Jolly, vice president for Petco Animal Supplies, executive director for the Petco Foundation and co-founder of PAWS LA.

Hagen also celebrated second place in the Cat category in the New Product Showcase awards for the Catit Senses range.

With the nights drawing in, UK dog owners will be delighted by the arrival of Dog-e-Glow collars and leads from the US, to be distributed exclusively by Interpet.

These LED collars and leads are durable, weather resistant and visible from up to 1000ft in the dark, making them the perfect accessory for winter dog walks year after year.

A flexible LED tube is sewn into each collar and lead, which can be easily controlled with push button technology, allowing owners to choose between a constant or blinking light. Adjustable collar sizes mean that owners can select the right product for their dog, in a choice of three different designs (blue bone, pink plaid and green camouflage). 

Harry Scott, Brand Manager at Interpet, explains, “The Dog-e-Glow range has been such a success in the US that we can’t wait to bring these fabulous products to our customers here in the UK. These collars and leads are great fun for dogs and owners alike, but they also have the more serious benefit of keeping you and your pet safe as we head towards rainy days and darker evenings. And just imagine the conversations you’ll spark off with other walkers in the park!”

The Dog-e-Glow range will be available in the UK from early November 2013, and is expected to be in store later in the month.

Each item has an LED life of 100,000 hours and a replaceable battery life of 150 hours. Four 2032 3v Lithium Coin Cell Batteries are included, along with one set of replacement batteries. No tools are needed to change the battery. The collars are available in Medium (10”-15”) or Large (15”-21”) sizes.

 For more information email: customercare@interpet.co.uk

Johnson’s Veterinary Products has launched two new Fishy’s Healthy Treats for Dogs – Dog Biscuits and Fishy Chunks. 

Fish is at the heart of a healthy diet for humans and is just as beneficial for our pets. Johnson’s two new fish treats are manufactured in Britain, in a DEFRA approved factory and are 100% natural, made from fresh fish responsibly sourced in Grimsby, with full traceability.

Fishy’s come in attractive packaging with a re-sealable top and are Hypo-Allergenic, Wheat Free, Gluten Free, with no preservatives and additives. They contain Omega 3 & 6 fish oils, so are good for joints, teeth, and help promote a healthy coat and skin. 

They are also gentle on digestion, making them a great treat for dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs, while delivering many health benefits.

Leaflets are available describing the two new Fishy’s treats, to help retailers and their customers appreciate the health giving benefits of the products, which are now available to the pet trade.

Fishy’s Dog Biscuits are made from fresh white fish and potato, come in a 150g re-sealable pouch, and have an RRP of £3.59.         

Fishy’s Fish Chunks are made from 100% fish skins, are packaged in a 100g re-sealable pouch and also have a retail price of £3.59.     

For more information visit www.johnsons-vet.com or email info@johnsons-vet.com                               

Leading performance dog gear company Ruffwear has partnered with UK-based Accapi to manage European distribution in key EU markets effective December 2, 2013. The relationship with Accapi broadens the two brands’ existing agreement into additional European countries. 

“We’re excited to take the successful partnership between Ruffwear and Accapi to a new level. Accapi has excelled with Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear throughout the UK and we’re looking forward to partnering with them in Europe. They’ve assembled a terrific team that is committed to delivering great service to Ruffwear Retailers. Starting in December, we will be enthusiastically working together to expand Ruffwear product availability in key European markets,” says Ruffwear Director of Sales, Dove Gibson. 

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Ruffwear into Europe following 3 years of successful growth in the UK, France and Lithuania,” said Andrew Geere, CEO of Accapi Group. “The strategy to have one principal distribution partner in Europe will enable supply chain improvements and cost reduction to benefit our retailers. This, combined with an exciting range of new products, commencing SS14 and major investment in European infrastructure and marketing activity by Accapi and Ruffwear will make the world's leading adventure dog brand much more accessible to the consumer in every market. We can't wait to get started in December.” 

Effective December 2, Accapi will represent Ruffwear in Austria, Belgium, Channel Islands, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. 

The Accapi Group is a UK-based distributor of premium brands in the outdoor, country and pet industries, including Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear, Kurgo, and Planet Dog. For more information, please visit www.accapigroup.co.uk 

Ruffwear's mission is to build performance product to enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear combines technology, quality, fit, function, and safety to meet the needs of active and adventurous canines and their humans. 

Ruffwear is committed to preserving open lands and waterways, providing important habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for humans and canines. Ruffwear partners with The Conservation Alliance to protect these special places so important to us. Additionally, Ruffwear works with regional grassroots organizations, giving back to the community, and creating opportunities to strengthen the bond between humans and their dogs. 

Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruffwear sells their products through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as at www.ruffwear.com. For sales inquiries contact Dove Gibson, dove@ruffwear.com 

A husband and wife have been fined £42,473 after admitting running an unlicensed pet shop and breeding establishment.

David and Patricia Jones were handed the fine during a proceeds of crime hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.

They pleaded guilty last April after an investigation dating back to February 2012 by Chelmsford Council over their premises at Oaklands New Lodge Farm, in Little Baddow.

The investigation started after a complaint from someone who had bought two puppies, only for them to fall ill shortly afterwards.

Ian Grundy, councillor responsible for safer communities, said he hopes this case deters others from breaching their licenses.

Hagen has launched a unique scratcher-and-toy-in-one called Catit Play ‘n Scratch.

Catit Play ‘n Scratch provides cats with a safe and convenient place for exercise and a satisfying outlet for cats to scratch, diverting their attention from valuable household fixtures and furniture.

It consists of a durable plastic platform with a scratch pad located at the centre and a tracking ball that rolls around the perimeter. There's also a spring toy with a fluffy pom-pom for additional fun and enticement.

The scratch pad is made of corrugated cardboard, which provides felines with a safe surface to put their claws into. When they're finished scratching, they can swat at the pom-pom or chase the ball around the track.

Besides having a good time, cats will enjoy many excellent health benefits as a result of playing with this fun and stimulating toy.



The product's key features are:

• Fun and stimulating 2-in-1 cat scratcher has many excellent health benefits
• Provides a safe place for scratching and exercise
• Consists of corrugated cardboard scratch pad, tracking ball and spring-mounted pom-pom
• Also an effective way to prevent cats from scratching valuable household furniture and fixtures
• Only 14" (35 cm) in diameter, can be placed virtually anywhere in homes or apartments
• Catnip is included for additional attraction
• Cardboard scratcher is reversible
• Replacement pads available 

Available in orange and green, the product retails at £11.99

Almost half of Britain’s dog owners fear they could become marginalised by society and forced into restricted areas, as more and more places are clamping down on dogs and their owners across the UK.

The Kennel Club found that man’s best friends aren’t necessarily being treated as such, and released the results of a survey of over 2,000 dog owners for the launch of its Open for Dogs Week this week.

The survey found that 42% of dog owners in the UK fear that they will be forced into a small number of overcrowded dog-friendly parks as local authorities close their public spaces to dogs by issuing draconian dog control orders. 

Since the start of 2011, the Kennel Club has formally responded to more than 70 dog control order consultations, indicating a decline in the number of places which welcome dogs.  Almost one in three dog owners say that their area performs under par when it comes to its dog friendly credentials and 40% say that the attitude towards dogs has got worse when it comes to places to go, meaning dog owners face frustration when trying to take their dogs out with them for the day. A quarter report that shops that were previously dog friendly are now less so, and almost one in five say the same of pubs.

This is a worrying trend which is likely to have a knock on effect for Britain’s businesses, many of which may suffer a loss in business and miss out on the valuable so-called ‘hound pound’.  Kennel Club research has shown that dog owners are almost twice as likely as those without a dog to regularly visit their local shops and stores, with a quarter saying that they frequent them, and more than half of people with dogs would be more likely to use local shops and services more frequently if their dogs could go with them.  In addition, dog owners were found to spend 22% more a month on eating out and drinking in pubs and restaurants than non-dog owners, meaning that dog friendly businesses are reaping the rewards.

Lee de Villier, who runs the Old Sergeant pub in Wandsworth, South West London, said: “Letting dogs into the pub has been nothing but good for the business for us.  Both our dog owning and non-dog owning customers love it and it has improved the atmosphere of the place as a whole.

“Being dog friendly helped us to secure the award of Best Community Pub in the Great British Pub Awards in 2012, as we consider dogs to be an integral part of the community, as many people do.  We get lots of positive feedback from customers and often get people enquiring about the pub on Twitter because they have heard that we are so dog friendly.”

Meanwhile Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “It is a worry that, as more places ban dogs, more often than not unnecessarily, owners around the UK will be pushed into restricted areas with their pets which just won’t be big enough to cater for the demand.

“We refer to dogs as being man’s best friend, but as a country we don’t seem to be showing this, as we increasingly turn our backs on dogs and stop them from spending time with their owners when out and about in public.

“An increase in dog bans and places becoming less dog friendly gives way to a whole new set of issues, including putting dogs’ welfare at risk as owners are forced to leave their dogs in cars, or tied up outside shops and pubs, putting them at risk of being frightened or stolen.

“The Kennel Club wants to see the UK being as faithful to dogs as they are to us, and we are encouraging businesses and workplaces across the UK to open their doors to dogs for the week to experience the many wonderful benefits that being around dogs can bring.”

Open for Dogs Week is dedicated to encouraging businesses and workplaces across the UK to trial a dog friendly policy and to experience the many wonderful benefits dogs bring, which include raising levels of serotonin, the so-called ‘happy hormone’, increasing workplace productivity, and appealing to a potential new market through the millions of dog owning households in the UK.

To find out more about Open for Dogs Week visit www.openfordogs.org.uk

A hotel made infamous by Stephen King's The Shining has announced plans to excavate a neighbouring pet cemetery to make room for a wedding pavilion.

The Stanley Hotel, in Colorado, which was the inspiration for King's spine-chilling novel The Shining, plans to dig up the adjacent graveyard and relocate it elsewhere.

Located in the Rocky Mountain National Park, King was inspired to write the novel after staying in the hotel's room 217.

Ironically, King is also the author of Pet Sematary, the terrifying tale of a burial ground that has the power to bring dead animals and children back to life.

The hotel is already believed to be the site of much paranormal activity: the ghost of Lord Dunraven, who purchased the land the hotel now sits on in 1872, is said to make ghostly visitations to room 418.

Guests and staff have also reported hearing unseen children playing in the corridors late at night and eerie piano music emanating from the seemingly empty ballroom.

The hotel is currently awaiting planning permission for the work to go ahead.

The new technology has been provided by Layar which utilises an app that can be downloaded onto Apple iPhones and Google Android phones. Scanning the pages of the brochure with the app recognises specific images, symbols and objects which then takes the consumer to the specific product on the Exo Terra website.

Consumers browsing with the app will be able to gain a greater understanding of the product and find out more information in a fast and convenient manner without the need for unnecessary searching online.

Layer is available as a free download from Apple and Android app stores.

Download the catalogue: www.exo-terra.com (click ‘explore’ then ‘catalogues’)

Whether you are interested in agility competition or not, don’t miss this brilliant 20-minute film of the Kennel Club Agility Festival commissioned by event sponsors CSJ.

The 2013 Kennel Club Agility Festival (the largest in the world, attracting 2,500 competing dogs) was held at Rockingham Castle in August and attracted visitors and competitors from all over the globe.

CSJ, long supporters of agility and feeding numerous champions, were sponsors of the festival and were on hand to advise visitors on their ranges of food, herbs and treats.

They commissioned the film from Peter Melling, who also made a video for CSJ of the recent CLA Game Fair, which is also available to see at www.csjk9.com

The Agility Festival video is a must-see for people interested in agility at all levels, including people considering competing or just wanting to find out more. 

The film shows footage from the 15 rings (including one dog which has had a hip replacement!), interviews with competitors and judges and gives concise and easily understood information about how the classes are broken down and how the scoring is done and recorded.

To view the footage click here