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Boost Spring Sales with Tetra’s Pond Solutions
Tetra is urging retailers to position themselves as local aquatic experts and educate pondkeepers on the range of pond care and food available. Not only would this boost sales, it would also lead to repeat visits by customers...
Spring is an important time of the year for pondkeepers. As water temperatures begin to rise the metabolic rate of fish increases meaning they need extra care and attention as they become more active. This presents a great opportunity for retailers to boost sales by educating pondkeepers on the range of pond care and food available, and also allows them to position themselves as local experts encouraging relationships with consumers leading to repeat visits.
Tetra’s Spring Checklist for Retailers
  
Food Retailers should advise consumers to continue to offer fish TetraPond Wheatgerm Sticks, an easily digestible, floating stick food containing high-quality wheatgerm, for a healthy, balanced diet when the water temperatures are still cold in spring.
Once temperatures rise above 10°C fishkeepers should switch to summer foods, such as Tetra Natural Sticks and Natural Mix which create a completely natural feeding experience for easy digestion resulting in clear and clean water, and healthy fish.
Tetra Pond food products are priced at £4.50 - £17.50 depending on product and size
Fish Health A rise in water temperatures also awakens bacteria and parasites. Before fish are fully active there is a window where they become vulnerable to infection and so it’s important to educate consumers about how they monitor fish behaviour and appearance closely for indicators of disease, such as gasping for air near the surface of the water, scratching or rubbing against solid objects in the pond, or showing signs of eroded fins or red haemorrhaged patches on the skin.
If pondkeepers suspect disease, retailers should recommend they dose their pond with TetraPond MediFin, a broad anti-parasitic which will reduce the number of pathogens in the pond making it a safer place for fish until their immune systems are fully ready.
Tetra’s Pond MediFin is priced between RRP £9.00-£25.00 depending on size
  Water Quality Testing water quality is very important in the spring. Like the fish, the beneficial bacteria living in the filter are also affected by water temperatures. In spring they are rebuilding their populations ready to process the rising concentration of ammonia excreted by the fish.
Fishkeepers should use TetraPond Ammonia and Nitrite test kits to ensure the population of these bacteria is sufficient to keep levels of both toxic pollutants at zero. Tetra’s free Water Test app can also be used to test pond water allowing pondkeepers to log water quality data from their pond so they can track water chemistry changes through the seasons.
Over the winter months ponds can also accumulate an excessive amount of sludge. Using Tetra Pond SedimentMinus which has a new and improved liquid degrades organic bottom sludge effectively leading to improved water quality and increased depth visibility.
Tetra’s water solutions are priced between £9.00-£25.00 depending on product and size
To further increase sales retailers should use the spring season as an opportunity to encourage pondkeepers to think about the aesthetics of their pond. By suggesting a revival of plants or water features, retailers will be able to increase basket size and spending in store. This will also allow retailers to highlight to consumers the range of products they have available and encourage repeat visits.
For more information about Tetra, visit http://www.tetra.net/en/en or email info@tetra-fish.co.uk
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Following its acquisition of PamPurredPets, Pets Corner has announced that the Ringwood store will be the first to undergo a full rebrand.
The store, which is located on the town’s High Street, will remain open to customers during the refit that will be undertaken during closing hours.
The store will receive the full Pets Corner treatment including the introduction of an extensive range of new, high quality products and a Puppy Hour area, which will allow puppies to socialise safely off-lead.
It is estimated that the refit will take up to two weeks to complete and the store will be fully transformed by Saturday 28th May.
The company’s focus is on providing the best possible advice to help customers care for their much loved animal family members through knowledgeable and friendly classroom trained staff, thoroughly researched natural pet foods and the best animal welfare in the industry.
PamPurredPets’ staff have been introduced to the renowned Pets Corner classroom based training programme and the existing Ringwood team will continue to serve their customers once the store has been updated.
In addition to offering high quality products, every Saturday and Tuesday morning between 9.30am and 10.30am, puppy owners will also benefit from the opportunity to socialise their pooches at the store’s regular Puppy Hour, which will include discounts and free doggy treats.
Dean Richmond, Managing Director at Pets Corner, said: “The Ringwood store is one of the oldest in the PamPurredPets’ group and I am excited to be giving it a much needed spruce up.
"I know the team are very excited about the new service and products that will be on offer and are looking forward to continuing to serve their customers.”
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Are you IN or OUT?
Taking a barometer of the industry's EU Referendum opinion
We are running a survey this week to find out how our industry is feeling about the forthcoming EU Referendum. The survey closes at midnight on Tuesday 24th May and the results will be published in next week's issue of Pet Trade Xtra...
With five weeks to go until the EU Referendum, the campaign is really starting to gather pace.
It is becoming increasingly inescapable on TV, radio, the press, the internet - and now the Pet Trade Xtra e-mail newsletter I'm afraid!
Arguments may abound regarding whether the whole endeavour was even necessary, but the fact remains coming up soon is a once in a generation decision which we all have a duty to have our say in.
So therefore, now seems to be a good time to try to get a sense of how our industry is feeling on the matter, by asking you to take our survey.
Pet Retailers, how do you feel an exit would affect your business? Would waking up on Friday June 24th to find we are no longer a member of the European Union have a negative impact on the running of your shop? Would it be business as usual? Or would you find it entirely liberating?
To manufactuers and distributors - would no longer being within the EU make international trading much harder for your company? Or would little practically change? Or indeed would you find business life a whole lot easier?
The subject keeps cropping up at gatherings of industry people – everyone has an opinion on which they were willing to speculate.
Personally, I have been finding both campaigns rather confusing – with each side being able to counterclaim every argument made to date. I'll be following developments closely over the coming weeks.
What I do know however, is just how important it is that everyone exercises their democratic right to have their opinion heard.
So help us take a barometer of where our industry stands at the moment. It'll only take you a minute. And we're very interested to see if there's a difference of opinion across the home nations - so please answer the question in either the England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland section, depending on where you're located. And don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page to click Submit!
The format of our survey is the same as has been used by Garden Trade News, garden machinery magazine Service Dealer and the e-mail newsletter Turf Professional so when we have the results we will be able to compare the views of the pet industry with other sectors.
We'll just ask whether you want to remain or leave, if you're a retailer or a manufacturer/distributor and also give you the option of leaving a comment on your thoughts of how our industry could be affected.
We're fascinated to find out what you think. The survey closes on Tuesday 24th May at midnight and we'll let you know the results in next week's issue.
TAKE PART IN THE PET TRADE XTRA EU REFERENDUM SURVEY HERE
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Take our EU Referendum Survey
Let us know your thoughts
Help us discover how our industry feels about a potential exit from the European Union. The survey is open until midnight on Tuesday 24th May and we will publish the results in next weeks issue.
** Please answer for your geographical region only (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) **
TAKE THE PET TRADE XTRA REFERENDUM SURVEY
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Fold Hill Foods is moving its recently-acquired Pointer Pet Products business from Rotherham to its existing factory in Boston.Pointer, which has been based in Rotherham for 57 years, will relocate to Lincolnshire just months after being saved from administration. Fold Hill Foods says it is not “viable” to continue manufacturing in Rotherham. It did not say how many Rotherham staff were affected by the move but said they were offered the chance to work in Boston. A spokesman told the Rotherham Advertiser: “As of the end of May we will be relocating all Pointer operations to our Fold Hill site in Boston. Aside from the change in location, business will remain as usual. “I look forward to discussing our job opportunities at Fold Hill Foods for those who have expressed an interest in relocating or working at our factory in Lincolnshire. We will endeavour to relocate anybody who wishes to give thought to such an opportunity. “This is not a decision that we have taken lightly and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at Pointer for their hard work and continued efforts so far under our ownership.”
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Charity to benefit from Bring Your Dog To Work Day
Bring Your Dog To Work Day, organised by the dog grooming product company HOWND, is urging employers and employees to prepare for Britain’s most memorable day at the office on Friday, June 24...and raise money for charity.
Bring Your Dog To Work Day - which is organised by the dog grooming product company HOWND - is urging employers and employees to prepare for Britain’s most memorable day at the office.
On Friday 24 June, businesses from across the UK will welcome their dog loving employees into the workplace along with their loyal (and well-behaved!) four-legged companions to raise money for All Dogs Matter, a charity which rehomes hundreds of dogs every year in London and Norfolk.
This year’s event has already secured a variety of business sponsors across different industries - including pet product businesses, marketing agencies and even a regional police force.
With just over a month to go until Bring Your Dog To Work Day, there’s still plenty of time for businesses and individuals to donate and get involved. Businesses can donate online (minimum of £50) to take part and become a sponsor, while individuals can gift online or via text (minimum of £2 online, or £1 via text).
“This has been our most promising year yet in terms of the level donations we’ve had with just over a month to go until the event. Businesses across a number of different industries have been so enthusiastic to get involved, which means we’re gearing up for a brilliant day in June,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.
“A new addition to this year’s event is the new official t-shirt, which is available to buy online. It’s a great way to makes sure employees look the part on Bring Your Dog To Work Day, with all profits going to All Dogs Matter.”
Participants are welcome to use the initiative as a sponsored event to raise funds for charities that are close to their hearts, using the hashtag #BringYourDogToWorkDay.
Bring Your Dog To Work Day took the national press and social media by storm in 2015. The initiative was mentioned by The Times, Daily Mirror, The Independent, ITV’s Loose Women, Metro and Mashable - it even trended on Twitter within the UK.
Celebrities such as ITV’s Loose Women and Ricky Gervais got involved, tweeting their support using the #BringYourDogToWorkDay hashtag.
For further information about Bring Your Dog To Work Day please visit the official website, or email hello@bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk.
Pictured: Employees at BorrowMyDoggy are advocates of dogs in the workplace.
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PATS has launched a new and improved website www.patshow.co.uk in line with its growing stature as an international pet trade show.
As well as being bright and colourful, the new website is more user-friendly and easy to navigate for both visitors and exhibitors. It is also a great resource for retailers and buyers searching for new products and suppliers.
Retailers and buyers can find everything they need to know about visiting PATS Telford 2016 and Sandown 2017 while exhibitors can post their latest news, including show offers and new products they’ll be launching at both shows.
The new website features:
- A clearer exhibitor list at first glance – showing companies and their logos and stand numbers instantly.
- Improved e-zone for exhibitors, giving them more areas to upload information.
- A fresher overall look and feel to the whole site.
Now in its eighth year, PATS is fast emerging as an international event, attracting a growing number of visitors from overseas as well as European companies choosing to exhibit their products.
PATS Telford is taking place on Sunday, September 25, and Monday, September 26, 2016, and UK pet suppliers are already getting excited about the chance to showcase their products and services to a growing number of overseas distributors.
Gordon Thomas, from organisers Impact Exhibitions, said: “Our improved website is just one of many new features we have introduced this year. The new site is more user-friendly than before, helping both exhibitors and visitors to find everything they need to make their attendance at the UK’s No 1 pet trade show even more enjoyable and profitable.”
The new PATS website www.patshow.co.uk is now live, and visitors can quickly and easily register for free entry to PATS Telford online.
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Pet Munchies has launched an exciting new range of moist, natural, gourmet, tasty treats to its premium selection of dog treats.
These treats are baked in ovens, with the finest ingredients, with no artificial colours or flavours, and retailers can choose from four succulent varieties: Venison, Lamb, Chicken and Duck.
Pet Munchies says the treats can be used as a great training aid, as they are made with 100% natural human grade real meat. Dogs love the aroma of these quality treats, which may be purchased at an affordable price.
A great source of vitamins A & E, low in salt, a superb healthy snack, each packet contains five individually wrapped pieces, to keep each one fresh, until they're needed.
The new Stix range, is available to order from all good wholesalers in June.
RRP £1.39
For more information visit www.pet-munchies.com
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Pet retailers are being invited to hop onboard Rabbit Awareness Week next month and promote top-to-tail rabbit care, help bunnies find buddies – and tap into the 0.8million pet rabbit owners across the UK.
This year’s Rabbit Awareness Week on June 18-26 is focused on companionship for rabbits via a #BuddiesForBunnies campaign, encouraging the 57 per cent of rabbit owners who own single rabbits (PDSA PAW Report, 2015) to find a suitable friends at rescue centres – and to take advantage of free rabbit health checks at their local vet.
Founded by Burgess Pet Care a decade ago, the campaign is marking its 10th anniversary by offering retailers a free #BuddiesforBunnies pack for the event, with posters, window bunting, stickers and a children’s colouring competition with Burgess Excel prizes.
Participate in RAW and you’ll not only put pet welfare on the agenda – influencing millions of pet owners – but you’ll boost your brand visibility and raise your welfare credentials by joining forces with some of the major names in animal welfare, such as Burgess campaign partners MSD Animal Health (the producers of Panacur Rabbit), RSPCA, PDSA, The Blue Cross, Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) and Wood Green The Animals Charity.
Rehana Kausar, small animal brand manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: “RAW seeks to achieve the highest welfare standards for rabbits – and to garner the support of the pet trade is invaluable in spreading the word about proper rabbit welfare.
"With rabbits being the third most popular choice of pet for UK households, RAW has also helped many retailers increase turnover over the years. So if you’re not already involved please hop on board – the UK's bunnies need you!"
Get your free RAW pack from rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk
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Johnson’s has added to its popular range of Small Animal “Pocket Money” Treats with the introduction of Parsley & Carrot Bowl.
They are natural nourishing treats containing best quality ingredients, including parsley together with carrot and other vegetables and should be given as part of a healthy balanced diet.
The treats have a hanging clip to attach to cage bars if required.
Parsley & Carrot Bowl not only provides healthy natural ingredients, adding variety to the normal diet, but also gives pets much needed stimulation, exercise, enjoyment and nourishment and helps to banish boredom and encourage health and fitness.
RRP £2.49 Trade £17.18 per pack of 12
Johnson’s full range is available exclusively to pet stores, pet superstores and garden centres, and from all major wholesalers.
For further details and information call 0121 378 1684, email info@johnsons-vet.com or visit www.johnsons-vet.com
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Pets Corner has relocated its Basingstoke store to Chineham Shopping Centre.
The store, which has replaced the previous shop that was located in Homebase on Winchester Road, following the termination of the lease by the gardening and DIY chain, opened its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 14th May.
As well as a fresh new look and location, the store will continue to stock all the products customers love including an extensive range of naturally sourced, quality items and a small home farming range. Free parking is also available.
Puppy Hour will continue to be hosted by the team every Saturday and Tuesday morning between 9.30am and 10.30am.
Mat Ford, Regional Manager at Pets Corner, said: “The relocation of the Basingstoke store was, unfortunately, outside our control and we were sad to see it go, however the new store at Chineham will ensure that our Basingstoke customers can continue to purchase their favourite pet products in a place that is convenient for them.
“Our classroom trained team from Basingstoke will relocate with the store and will remain on hand to offer friendly help and advice for all customers’ pet related requirements. We are very much looking forward to welcoming customers back to our new store.”
The previous Pets Corner store at Homebase, Winchester Road closed its doors for the last time on Sunday 15th May.
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Carnilove offer puppies a great start in life
Carnilove Salmon & Turkey for Puppies is not only grain-free and potato free but is made with 70% meats of wild-origin together with forest fruits, vegetables and herbs – just what they would have eaten if they were foraging in the wild...
 Carnilove Salmon & Turkey for Puppies is not only grain-free and potato free but is made with 70% meats of wild-origin together with forest fruits, vegetables and herbs – just what they would have eaten if they were foraging in the wild.
The food provides high-quality nutrition rich in essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals critical for healthy growth in puppies.
Salmon is an excellent source of highly digestible proteins as well as omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which have a positive impact on mental development, the cardiovascular system, and metabolism. It also positively affects the quality of hair and skin.
Turkey is rich in digestible proteins and has high levels of trace elements, such as zinc, and also contains vitamins B3 and B6 which are critical for proper brain function, good muscle tone and healthy growth.
Carnilove only contains the highest quality ingredients with no chemicals, preservatives or colourants added.
Available in 1.5kg and 12kg bags, Carnilove Salmon & Turkey for Puppies has SRP’s of £9.45 and £54.95 respectively. Carnilove Salmon & Turkey for Large Breed Puppies is also available and retails at £8.95 & & £54.95.
To find out more about the Carnilove range and the great introductory offers and trade margins available, contact BSB Products on 01737 488400 email sales@bsbproducts.co.uk, or visit Carnilove.co.uk.
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Pooch & Mutt can now be found on the shelves of health food chain Revital. Its three supplements are now available through retailer's 14 stores.The chain of stores is widely known to stock products to help human beings be ‘the best you can possibly be’, but at Pooch & Mutt we believe that message extends to our dogs too! Pooch & Mutt believe that we should not only care about our own health, but our pets health too. And what better way to spread the message than to be stocked in such prestigious health stores throughout the UK!
Now available from Revital are Pooch & Mutt’s Bionic Biotic, Mobile Bones and Salmon Oil. All of which are vet recommended, PETA approved and made in the UK.
Bionic Biotic is a natural and ethical supplement that naturally aids skin, coat, condition, digestion and immunity. It is a wonderful source of pro and prebiotics, as well as a unique blend of natural antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It stops itching and scratching, as well as aids with poor digestion. Bionic Biotic increases coat quality and firms loose stools as well. Mobile Bones is a natural and ethical supplement that aids joint health and mobility, while promoting joint function, comfort and bone strength. The product has over 16 active and effective ingredients for joint health and structure. Salmon Oil is a great source of Omega 3 EFAs for both dogs and cats to help with skin and coat quality, heart health, immune response, brain function and joint function. Omega 3 EFAs cannot be made by your pet’s body, so it is vital that your pet consumes them as part of their diet. It is made with sustainably sourced, Scottish salmon reared for human consumption in sea lochs under natural and environmentally compatible conditions.
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Vets issue lily warning to pet owners
Leading vet charity PDSA has issued a warning to pet owners after a cat from Glasgow was saved by their vets after eating lilies, which are highly toxic to felines...
Leading vet charity PDSA has issued a warning to pet owners after a cat from Glasgow was saved by their vets after eating lilies, which are highly toxic to felines. According to the charity, lilies are among a number of common plants which can pose a severe threat to pet health.
One-year-old cat Oscar’s ordeal began when owner Chloe Morrison received a bouquet of flowers from her partner. She said: “I got up the next day and Oscar’s face was bright yellow, I had no idea what it was until I went into the kitchen and found the flowers strewn around, all chewed.
“I’d read somewhere that lilies could cause problems if eaten, so I rang PDSA to check. I was shocked when they told me how dangerous they were. The vets advised me to bring Oscar straight in.”
PDSA vets immediately gave Oscar intravenous fluids to help flush out the toxins. PDSA Vet Nurse, Lizzi Mackie, explained: “Sadly there is no cure for lily poisoning. Ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Tests showed Oscar had kidney damage already. We were doing everything we could, but Oscar’s life hung in the balance.”
 Oscar received round-the-clock care from the vets and nurses. Thankfully, Oscar’s kidney function slowly improved and several days later he was allowed home.
Chloe said: “I was so worried we would lose him. You don’t realise how much a part of the family they are until something like this happens. We would have been devastated, but thanks to PDSA, we’ve got our boisterous boy back home.”
Vet nurse Lizzi continued: “Oscar was very lucky, and I’m sure his successful recovery was partly due to the speed his owner got him to PDSA. It could easily have been a very different story. Lilies are particularly dangerous to cats; even getting a small amount of pollen on their coats, which they then ingest when grooming, can prove fatal.
“My advice to anyone who thinks their pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t is to call your vet straight away – it may mean the difference between life and death.”
Chloe is now very cautious about what she brings into the house, saying: “It’s made me much more aware of the potential scrapes cats can get themselves into. Even though I appreciated the flowers, I’ve asked my partner not to buy them for me in future – he’s quite happy about that!”
Lilies aren’t the only flower that can be toxic to pets, here are some other ‘horticultural horrors’ to look out for:
- Daffodils - All parts of the daffodil, but especially the bulb, are potentially harmful to pets, and cases of poisoning are especially common during spring when the flowers are in bloom. Even drinking the water from a vase of daffodils can made a pet ill.
- Laburnum – All parts of this tree are poisonous, although the seeds are more commonly eaten. Just chewing laburnum bark or twigs can affect a dog.
- Allium species – These include leeks, spring onions, wild garlic and some are grown as ornamental flowers.
- Bluebells - All parts of these plants are poisonous and can affect a dog’s heart or intestines.
- Oak – The buds have a high concentration of a poison called ‘tannic acid’ but not all dogs react to it.
- Rhododendrons – Commonly seen in parks, all parts of this plant are toxic.
Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, drowsiness, disorientation, lack of appetite, lack of energy and a painful tummy. In severe cases it may causes fits and could be fatal.
PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity and strives to improve all pets’ lives through education, preventive care and emergency treatment. It treats 470,000 pets annually across its 51 Pet Hospitals. Glasgow Tollcross PDSA can see as many as 200 pets a day and provides more than 75,000 treatments to pets in need every year.
To support PDSA’s vital work text PAWS to 70111 to donate £3* or visit www.pdsa.org.uk
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 Arden Grange has launched a new mini version of its popular Crunchy Bites with fresh chicken & rice.
The same naturally hypoallergenic recipe is now in a smaller kibble size which is ideal for all types of toy and small breeds.
The new product will be available in 250g bags, and has the same super premium recipe as the Crunchy Bites with fresh chicken & rice.
The smaller size is perfect for smaller breeds which may struggle with larger sized kibbles. They are an excellent treat to complement the new Mini Adult with fresh chicken & rice food which was released earlier this month.
All Arden Grange dog treats an outstandingly pure source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These have many recommended health benefits and are important to the nervous system, heart and eyes as well as many other cells, tissues and organs of the bodily system. Krill is also a very nutritionally valuable source of protein and has an excellent amino acid profile. Ness Bird, nutritional adviser at Arden Grange, said: “Customer demand has led us to develop this smaller sized treat in our popular chicken and rice variety. As well as fresh chicken, the recipe also includes chicken meat meal which is a concentrated source of nutrition and is naturally rich in minerals that are essential to a dog’s health.” The entire Arden Grange dry dog food range includes cranberries and yucca extract, which act as antioxidants and may aid in urinary tract health and the prevention of body odour respectively. In addition all recipes include prebiotics and joint supplements. All diets are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, as well as being wheat gluten, beef, soya and dairy free. For more information about Mini Crunchy Bites with fresh chicken and rice or any Arden Grange products, visit www.ardengrange.com.
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Peewee the parrot welcomed newcomer Kirk Rothwell during his first few weeks as Bucktons Brand Manager.
Kirk is the latest addition to the pet division and based in Driffield.
One of Kirk’s first jobs in his new role was to spend the day filming a series of pet bird care guide videos with Peewee the Red Lored Amazon parrot and Matt Brash, celebrity wildlife and zoo vet as the stars of the show.
The care guide videos aim to provide support and advice for pet owners in caring for their birds and will cover the topics of correct housing, daily and weekly health checks and ways to add enrichment to their birds’ lives. The videos will be released later this month.
Kirk said: “Peewee was great in front of the camera, a real natural, but she did try to nibble me at one point! The video shoot was a really good introduction to the company and the world of pet birds.
“Bucktons is a fantastic brand with a great history and over the coming months I’ll be looking to use my expertise to help grow the food range within the categories of pet birds, wild birds and racing pigeons and bring the products to an even wider bird-loving audience.”
Kirk joins Bucktons following success at Tommee Tippee (the UK’s leading baby brand) and Donington Park Race Circuit.
Rachael Dickinson, Senior Marketing Manager said: “It’s great to welcome Kirk to Bucktons. Kirk’s position will really help to strengthen the team further, providing dedicated and focused marketing support to the independent pet retailers. It’s certainly an exciting time for the pet division.”
For further information, log onto www.bucktons.co.uk
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Dog Rocks UK Distribution Ltd will be attending Interzoo, the world’s biggest trade show for the international pet industry, from 26-29th May 2016 on stand 9-501B.
The company, who exist to fulfil the joy that pets bring us as their parents by bringing to market innovative product solutions, will be showcasing two of their products, Torus and Dog Rocks® to wholesalers and distributors throughout the four-day event.
“We are always on the lookout for new, exciting and innovative products to take to market,” says Carina Evans, CEO of Dog Rocks UK Distribution Ltd.
“Visit our stand 9-501B if you would like to have your product considered for our expanding portfolio. We will also have 10% off on all trade orders over €300!”
 Torus, which will be making its first appearance at Interzoo, provides fresh carbon-filtered water as often as the animal desires. Travel friendly, ergonomically designed and free from batteries or power, the bowl has already won a number of awards including Innovation of the Year 2016 and New Product recognition at ANIDO.
Dog Rocks, placed in the dog’s water bowl, have been selling worldwide for 10 years and provide a 100% natural solution to urine burn patches on your lawn. Safe for all household pets, they do not change the pH balance of the dog’s urine.
“Interzoo is the most important European trade fair; we are really looking forward to strengthening our relationships with existing customers and developing new connections,” adds Carina, “miss it at your peril, we did and for two years our European sales flat lined!”
Dog Rocks UK Distribution Ltd are also celebrating their recent Queen’s Award win, which recognized their achievements in International Trade.
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 Birmingham Dogs Home and Walsall-based pet accessories company Ancol are inviting families to take part in a charity ‘Walk in the Park’ to raise money for stray dogs. This follows the success of last year’s event, which raised over £2,000 for Birmingham Dogs Home.
This year’s event will be held on Sunday 5th June at Walsall Arboretum, with walks taking place from 9:30am in scheduled time slots around a 3km route of the park. A BBQ and refreshments will be available serving breakfast from 9am and snacks throughout the morning. There will also be a range of stalls from 9.30am until 1.30pm, including microchipping, ‘pet pawtraits’ and much more.
Entry fee is only £5 per dog and all money raised will be donated to help the thousands of stray dogs that Birmingham Dogs Home looks after at its centres in Solihull and Wolverhampton every year.
Chief Executive of Birmingham Dogs Home, Simon Price comments: “Don’t miss out on what promises to be a great morning for the whole family – and their dogs! Find out more and register online at www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk.”
Sarah Lane, Sales Director of Ancol, added: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring ‘Walk in the Park’ again which we hope will raise even more money to help Birmingham Dogs Home look after stray dogs at its two rehoming centres. Please tell your family and friends to register and we look forward to seeing you there!”
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It's four in a row for Royal Warrant holder Shires Equestrian as it sponsors the New Product Gallery at BETA International for another year.
The popular showcase, which highlights latest lines, brands and launches at the show, always proves a big hit with visiting retailers on a mission to track down new stock for their stores. Shires sales and marketing director Marcus Cridland said: “Backing the British equestrian industry is vital to us and sponsoring the New Product Gallery for a fourth consecutive year is a great way for us to do this, as well as providing the perfect opportunity to connect with the retailers that are fundamental to our business.” BETA International organiser Claire Thomas added: “Shires and the trade fair share a long history. The company has exhibited since the early days and we are thrilled that Marcus and the rest of the team have decided to come aboard as sponsors once again. Shires is highly regarded throughout the trade and it is fantastic news that we are able to continue with this successful partnership.” BETA International is the world's leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2017 show, sponsored by Neue Schule, will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22 to 24 January.
For further information about exhibiting, contact James Palmer, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email jamesp@beta-int.com.
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Scottish search dog honoured
A three-year-old Labrador from Selkirk is being honoured by vet charity PDSA after successfully finding a critically injured missing woman in blizzard conditions...
 A three-year-old Labrador from Selkirk is being honoured by vet charity PDSA after successfully finding a critically injured missing woman in blizzard conditions.
Auburn-haired Search and Rescue dog Rauour – which means ‘red’ in Icelandic – was presented with his PDSA Commendation by the charity’s Vet Surgeon, John Faulkner, at the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team’s Melrose base this week.
Rauour, who was trained by Search and Rescue Dog Association Southern Scotland, works as part of Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team. He received his award for finding a high risk casualty in storm-force conditions in February 2015, following a fruitless three-hour search by a 20-strong team on foot.
The PDSA Commendation is part of the charity’s Animal Awards Programme, which celebrates the unparalleled devotion and enrichment that animals bring to our lives. Rauour is the 88th recipient of the award.
The Tweed Valley Search and Rescue team was called out on 28 February 2015 to find a missing person that was thought to be at considerable risk. A Met Office amber weather warning was in place and blizzard conditions had already set in around the Innerleithen area.
The team had been searching the area on foot, which included dense woodland and steep inclines, for a couple of hours before Rauour and his handler, John Romanes, were dispatched to search an area on Leithen Water.
Rauour immediately started searching deep inside a thick conifer forest. Two minutes into his search, he signalled to John by barking enthusiastically who followed him into the undergrowth.
Rauour had discovered the casualty: a woman trapped in the hole of a tree root, with only her legs visible. She was unconscious and suffering advanced hyperthermia. The horrendous weather conditions, darkness and position of the victim meant that foot crews had passed by her location hours earlier without finding her.
Thanks to Rauour’s powers of scent detection, the casualty was found in the nick of time. John and his search partner Roddy administered emergency and called the Royal Navy helicopter to the hillside, to airlift her to hospital.
John, said: “Rauour’s detection skills really came to the fore that night. His role as an air scenting search dog was more effective than a 20-strong team performing a line search on the ground. Without him finding the casualty when he did, the outcome could have been very grave indeed.”
John Faulkner from PDSA presented Rauour with his award. He said: “PDSA has a long tradition of honouring animals and Rauour’s story really epitomises the value that animals bring to our lives. There is no doubt that without Rauour’s actions the situation would have been very different.
“The work of search and rescue dogs across the country is absolutely vital – their skills are priceless and Rauour’s story serves as a reminder of just how lucky we are to have these dogs here to help us.”
PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, treating 470,000 pets annually across its 51 Pet Hospitals. The charity strives to improve all pets’ lives through education, preventive care and emergency treatment. For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk.
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