In This Issue
Australian firm acquires UK pet business Billy+Margot
Revealed: the secrets of success of the UK's Pet Retailer of the Year
Shop fitting is crucial to a store's success
PATS Telford breaks 2,000-visitor mark…AGAIN!
Picture round-up from the pet extravanganza
Telford our 'biggest and best yet', say award winners Beco Pets
Torus Bowl proves to be a winner for Dog Rocks UK
Pet Rebellion's novel way to showcase car mats
Exciting ranges from Bucktons and Nature's Feast
Free bubbly to pet business who joined PIF at PATS
Vividarium scoops pet industry’s top accolade
Bessie and Boo set to launch Guide Dogs fundraising week
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
New Look's former CFO joins ranks of Pets At Home
PATS Telford 2016 New Product Award winners
PetQuip Award winners
Ultimate Goldfinch Mix scoops award
Ozzy's on-screen death set to devastate Coronation Street fans
Lifetime Achievement Award for Bruce Fogle
Innovative new dog bowl earns TV Supervet praise
NAF's sparkling trade fair sponsorship
See how the experts have 'A Way with Dogs'
Noel Edmonds says he hasn't lost the plot over pet website
CONTACT US NOW
Find out how Pet Trade Xtra can help to promote your business and products.



Contact neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk for all editorial matters.

Pictured: Neil's team of helpers, from the top, Oskar, Lucky and new recruit Billie.

Call ben.greenwood@tgcmc.co.uk to discuss advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Ozzy's on-screen death set to devastate Coronation Street fans
 
Soaps’ biggest pet star since Schmeichel, Maria Connor’s black Labrador Ozzy, has filmed his last scenes and is due to leave the famous street this week, in one of 2016’s saddest soap storylines.

The loss of Ozzy, who has been charming his way into the hearts of viewers over the past nine years, will be felt by his co-stars.

Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria said: “I’ve been recording one of the saddest scenes I’ve ever done in my 17 years at Corrie. We say a sad goodbye to a well-loved member of the cast.

“When I first read the scripts I was in tears so getting to film them has just sent me off. You may need your tissues when they air.”

However, the emotional effects will also be felt by the nation too and the loss of a pet is not to be underestimated. In a report* by Pets at Home, 40% of Brits said they would ask their boss for a day off work to grieve over the death of a pet.

Leading international psychologist, Wendy Dignan, who practices in Harley Street and Wilmslow explained: “We emotionally engage with dogs on TV as we know that they are more authentic than a person playing a part – especially a dog on screen which appears frequently and over a long period of time.

“People are emotional stakeholders of the soaps they immerse themselves in, so the loss of a dog on a TV show will feel surprisingly very real.

“Part of the unique attachment we form to pets - dogs in particular - is because we feel that they have ‘no agenda’. A dog’s love is given unconditionally and endlessly. Research shows that we view the bond with a dog as more authentic or truthful than those we form with humans. When people watch shows with dogs, we don’t have the same filter we do with humans who are merely acting, as we perceive dogs to be more ‘honest’.”

Dr. Maeve Moorcroft, Veterinary Advisor for Pets at Home, said: “Owners who experience the loss of a pet should take time to grieve and not rush into replacing their pet straight away. Allowing yourself to go through the grieving process is really important and if that means asking for a day off to grieve and make necessary arrangements such as burial or cremation then so be it.”

On a more positive note, the passing of a pet can actually prepare children for loss of people close to them in later life. A third of parents (33%) questioned in the study** said that their child’s experience of a pet passing away had helped them come to terms with the death of a family member or friend.

*Pet Report of 3,000 people in the UK commissioned by Pets at Home and carried out by ONEPoll 2011
**Pet Report of 4,321 people in the UK commissioned by Pets at Home in 2015
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Newsletter Marketing Powered by Newsweaver