Vitalin introduce their new Natural Super Premium range, with a combination of a perfect blend of ingredients and nutritional expertise to create a delicious, balanced food.

Produced in their own factory on the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border, Vitalin is a British brand with a strong heritage dating back to the 1950’s.

Vitalin’s New Super Premium range uses high quality protein from 100% British meat, it is enriched with fruits, vegetables and herbs such as blueberries and spinach.

Further additions have been made depending on the life stage of the dog; for example in the Vitalin Puppy diet they use English apples for extra Vitamin C and Burdock root is added for its anti-inflammatory properties in the Vitalin Senior/Lite.

These ingredients combine perfectly to create a nutritiously balanced diet and affirm Vitalin’s holistic approach to pet food, supporting the overall health and well-being of the dog.

For more information please visit http://www.vitalinpetfood.co.uk/

PATS Telford is gearing up to be the biggest show ever in the UK’s No.1 pet trade show’s seven-year history.

It will be the first year that PATS takes place at Telford International Centre, where a massive exhibition hall offers more floor space than ever before. More than 150 companies have already confirmed they will be exhibiting on Sunday and Monday, September 27-28, with the show on the verge of becoming a ‘sell-out’.

Many UK suppliers have taken the opportunity to increase their stand space to showcase more products than ever before, and a growing number of international companies will be exhibiting at the event.

PATS is the only event in the UK where buyers from specialist pet stores and garden centres can view all the latest product launches under one roof, and the switch to Telford is also likely to attract more international visitors. The PATS team is attending this week’s Zoomark show in Italy with the aim of driving even more international interest in PATS Telford.

“UK pet products are very popular overseas, and representatives from international pet companies can see the advantage of meeting up with British suppliers under one roof,” said organiser Gordon Thomas. “At Zoomark we’ll be encouraging more visitors to Telford where they’ll be able to discover what’s new in the market for the year ahead and have an opportunity to talk to UK-based manufacturers and suppliers.”

There will be an International Buyers’ Centre at Telford, run in association with PetQuip, where overseas visitors will be able to have meetings with clients.

Buyers from pet stores and garden centres agree that PATS is the best place for them to formulate their purchasing decisions.

“I have attended many trade events over the past five years, and without a doubt PATS creates the biggest buzz. It’s always worth taking the time out of our busy schedule because we can save as much as 30% from existing suppliers by ordering at the show,” says Jenny Wiscombe, of Pug & Puffin Pet Store, Lyme Regis, Dorset.

Meanwhile, Danielle Berry, of Chessington Garden Centre in Surrey, admits: “PATS has become an important event in my calendar over the past few years because it’s the best place to see all the new pet products. You can see everything from pet food and treats to toys and accessories. There is no other show like it.”

One of the biggest successes of previous PATS shows has been the New Product Showcase, which will have an even larger presence at Telford. A record number of over 260 new products were showcased at last September’s show and all the signs point towards this figure being broken again.

All the products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show, and the winners of each category will be announced at lunchtime.

As well as seeing an unrivalled array of new pet products and speaking to top suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers and listen to talks from prominent industry figures.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. Visitors will also be able to relax and chat further with exhibitors at a free drinks reception once the show closes on Day One.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

Retailers from both the UK and overseas filled the Surrey and Esher Halls at Sandown Park in Surrey to create a surge of activity over two days of business.

The show took on a real international presence with buyers travelling from all around the globe. Mainland Europe was well represented and there were also visitors from Australia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

The mood amongst visitors was summed up by Steve Charman, of Pets Corner, who said: “A visit to PATS always gives me a good feeling about the trade, and this year’s show is no exception. There is a fantastic buzz about the exhibition halls, and it makes me feel happy to be a part of an industry that produces so many good and innovative products. I find the show to be very uplifting.”

Fast growing pet food company Nutriment, based in Camberley, Surrey, is planning to buy a second factory to keep up with the growing demand for its RAW products.

The pet food provider began life two years ago with 10,000 square feet of factory space, one well-grounded founder, 10 high-spirited staff and a disturbing mound of personal debt. 

Today the business stands tall as a leading light within the independent pet food manufacturing fraternity, producing in excess of 160 tonnes of RAW products each month to meet the needs of loyal customers and a growing network of retailers.

Before launching Nutriment, co-founder Suzanne Brock's career included stints as an army officer, a high-flying city operative and a project manager. She'd also worked alongside her brother in the early days of his own fledgling pet food business.

Here Suzanne (pictured above with sales director and partner Peter Nicholas) explains to Pet Trade Xtra the reasons behind Nutriment's success and reveals some of the lessons she has learned along the way.

Why did you launch Nutriment?
I hadn’t run my own business before Nutriment as this hadn’t been a burning ambition of mine. Nutriment’s success stems from my team’s shared affinity for our four-legged friends. In my case a lifetime of owning dogs and being around in-the-know dog breeders, made me appreciate the far-reaching dissatisfaction felt by many dog lovers who believed that the leading ‘complete’ offerings in the marketplace were underwhelming. I backed myself to do better but took some all-important thinking time to fathom out the marketplace in which I intended joining.

How hard has it been to launch into the pet food sector?
When I started Nutriment I was under the impression that banks were championing small businesses courtesy of a much vaunted government scheme to guarantee 75% of the loan back should the business fail. The initial noises made by our local bank were certainly encouraging, so both my mother and I put in the exact amount we wanted to borrow from the bank. At the 11th hour, the bank chose to turn its back on us, even refusing to provide us with an overdraft. A few ‘squeaky seat’ days ensued since we were only a couple of days from signing the lease on our premises, had recruited a skeleton crew and even had a couple of large pieces of machinery trundling down the motorway. There was little option but to muddle on, manage what funds we’d raised ourselves whilst taking a further mortgage out on my house to survive.



Was it all worth it?
I won’t lie, there were moments in the early days when I wondered what on earth had I got bound-up in, be that being let down by some opportunistic suppliers or having to deal with one local rival who has tried to undermine and discredit us at every possible turn even though the ponds big enough for us both to succeed. We’ve resurrected an old business premise that had stood idle for 10 years, we employ 17 full-time staff and provide opportunities for self-starting apprentices to learn on the job whilst sponsoring their ambitions to secure NVQs in skills as diverse as warehousing, customer service, production and business management. We’ve enjoyed glowing endorsements from industry-respected figures like urban dog trainer/behaviourist, Louise Glazebrook, We have won local business community accolades for small business success and acumen and were even recognized by Crufts (New Exhibitor of the Year) in our inaugural outing to the UK’s premier dog show.

What have been your proudest moments?
There have been many noteworthy moments, however, I think we first realised we were onto something special when we became the first raw dog food producer to be awarded 5/5 by whichdogfood.co.uk        (now allaboutdogs.co.uk). I love the fact that we’re a close knit team that still gets a real buzz every time we uncrate a box of new pack sleeves, or receive some warm words from yet another satisfied customer. We also enjoy giving back to the community in which we operate, which is why we were chuffed to sponsor this year’s Journalist of the Year award at Pawscars.

What key things have you learned along the way?
As a single mother and fledgling business owner I’ve discovered the joy of working alongside friends, family to make things happen. Our initial financial situation meant that we needed to get the company trading quickly in order to survive and it’s in these moments you truly learn who your real friends are. As a mother of two very patient and understanding teenagers I’ve learnt to work at doing everything possible to keep work and family time separate. I haven’t always succeeded but know the importance of keeping my work life in perspective. Taking my son and daughter to their various lessons and parties is still my top priority, as is taking time out of every day just to chat, laugh and be on hand to talk through any problems they might have. In short give everything your best shot but keep everything in perspective.

What plans have you got for the future?
We are currently looking at purchasing a second factory premises to keep up with the growing demand for our constantly evolving product portfolio and also intend adding some much needed impetus to top-notch pet treats.

For more information visit http://www.nutriment.co/

 The Nutriment team celebrate the company's second birthday. 

PDSA vets have saved the life of a mischievous moggie who got himself in a terrible tangle after gobbling up shoelaces and hair bands.

Black-and-white cat Garry, from Hove, went along to Brighton PDSA Pet Hospital for his annual booster, where PDSA vets discovered an extremely worrying large mass in his stomach. 

The two-year-old cat was admitted for further tests, and worried owner Ana Barbosa (32) was told to prepare for the worst, as a life-threatening tumour was suspected.

But during emergency exploratory surgery, PDSA vet Jess Maguire was stunned to discover shoe laces and hair bands, along with bits of plastic, in Garry’s stomach.

If left undetected, the items could have caused a potentially fatal blockage. The items had probably been eaten over a period of time, according to vets, and it was a miracle that the inquisitive feline wasn’t suffering any side-effects after his bizarre snacking habits.

Garry’s owner, Ana Barbosa, said: “Garry is a very cheeky little chap who has always preferred playing with human things instead of cat toys. But we had no idea he was actually eating them.

“I’d washed some laces from my trainers, which went missing. I never for one moment thought that Garry was the reason why! When I first heard it may be a tumour, I was devastated. My two boys and I all adore him. So although I was absolutely shocked to find out what the mass was, we were relieved to hear the good news that it wasn’t a tumour.”

Commenting on this case of ‘curiosity nearly killed the cat’, PDSA vet Jess Maguire urged owners to be vigilant where peckish pets are concerned:

“We often see dogs who have eaten odd things, but it is quite unusual for a cat to eat so many different items,” she said.

PDSA advises owners to speak to their vet at once if they suspect their pets have eaten something they shouldn’t.

Ana added: “We’re so grateful to PDSA for saving Garry’s life – he’s a big part of our family and we’d be heart-broken if we’d have lost him so young. Now we know how mischievous he can be, we’ll definitely be keeping a closer eye on him in future.”

For more pet health advice, visit www.pdsa.org.uk



Gary the cat with owner Ana Barbosa and PDSA vet Jess Maguire...and the items removed from his stomach.

The trend for taking pets on holiday is growing as over a quarter of pet owners in Europe admit they will only choose travel locations if they can bring their four-legged friends along too. New research by the holiday rental marketplace HomeAway also reveals:

• 1 in 5 European pet owners believe it is easier than ever to take pets on holiday
• 42% feel pets are an integral part of the family and should come on holiday
• More than half of dog owners (54%) have taken their dogs, and a quarter of cat owners (26%) have taken their cats on holiday
• But nearly half of all pet owners (48%) say a lack of pet friendly accommodation is the main barrier to taken dogs and cats on holiday

A survey by HomeAway, the online marketplace for holiday rental home, reveals that 1 in 4 dog and cat owners (26%) in Europe will base their holiday locations on whether it allows them to bring their pets.

The poll of 3,002 pet owners across UK, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Germany also revealed that while there remain a number of barriers to taking pets on holiday, 1 in 5 say it's easier than ever been before, which is good news as 42% consider pets to be an integral part of the family.

Yet the research also reveals a number of barriers to bringing pets on holiday, with finding pet-friendly accommodation being the leading barrier for almost half of all cat and dog owners (48%), with logistical problems such as quarantine (33%), and prohibitive costs of animal travel (25%) also scoring highly.

Erica Chang, Senior Regional Director, from HomeAway, said: “It’s clear that more and more people see their pets as part of the family and as such want to bring them along on holidays. As the trend becomes more common, it’s important for there to be a growing range of pet-friendly holiday accommodation options available. We are proud that over 250,000 HomeAway properties are suitable for pets and we are constantly looking to expand this because our properties are designed to bring the whole family together on holiday to create lasting memories.”  

Across the whole of Europe, the main reason for taking pets on holiday is a strong sense of guilt at leaving them behind, particularly amongst dog owners. 17% of European owners say that they can’t enjoy a holiday without their pet in tow, while 18-24 year olds is the demographic that feels most guilt over leaving their pet behind (37%). This group is the most likely to cancel a holiday if they can’t bring their pet. 22% of over 65s also feel that they can’t enjoy a trip without their pet.

The survey also reveals that dogs are the most frequent holidaymakers, as a more than half (54%) of dog owners have taken their canine friends on holiday in the past. On average, over a quarter (26%) of cat owners take their cats abroad, but it seems that French felines have the most holiday trips, with almost a third (29%) of French cat owners saying they have taken them on holiday. 

The most dedicated pet owners in Europe can be found in Spain and Portugal. The Portuguese consider pets part of the family most vividly (59%), closely followed by Spain (56%). Perhaps surprisingly, the UK, known as a nation of pet lovers, lags behind the rest of Europe with just 21% saying they consider their pets as part of the family. 32% of Spanish pet owners also say their choice of holiday destination is guided by whether or not they are able to take their pets. Again, this isn’t of such concern for those in the UK, as just 13% agreed with this statement.

The survey also outlined the three most important attributes for a pet friendly home: an enclosed garden, large open spaces and access to parkland.

HomeAway is an online marketplace that connects families, friends and groups of all sizes with people who have holiday homes to rent.With over a million listings across 190 countries, HomeAway has a property for any need. For more information on HomeAway, go to http://www.homeaway.co.uk 

Picture courtesy of DOOG. DOOG products are distrubuted in the UK by AmPet Products.

The boss of lifestyle website PetsPyjamas insists that British hotels could unlock billions of pounds in revenue if they all let pet owners bring their dogs on holiday with them.

Gracia Amico, citing figures from Euromonitor International’s World Travel Market global trends report, told the Telegraph newspaper that British hotels could “increase revenues by 30% per year” if many amended their ban on owners bringing pets.

“It’s known as the 'hound pound'. It could be a whole new lease of life for struggling hotels and we’re about to see more jump on board,” said Amico, who used to be a marketing manager for luxury brand for Burberry, before launching the Pets Pyjamas website last year.

Amico launched the Pets Pyjamas website in 2014 after she noticed how many people would spend thousands of pounds on pampering their pets. On the site, they even sell Fit Fur Life treadmill for dogs, which costs £7,795 ($11,792). Pet owners even cough up a huge £4,356 ($6,588) for a 24-carat gold bubble chair with silk cushions for their furry friends.

Even UK finance minister George Osborne sent a handwritten letter, delivered in a House of Commons envelope, to say thank you on behalf his Bichon Frise dog "Lola Osborne" for a Pets Pyjamas hamper.

“Thank you so much for the wonderful hamper of my dreams. It was filled with everything a Lola could want!” said the note, reported by the Telegraph. “The bandana is super stylish and all the other pups are jealous of me!”

Puppy Parties at Bents Garden & Home near Warrington in Cheshire are proving to be a big hit with pet owners.

"For an impressionable young puppy, early socialisation with other young dogs can help influence its behaviour as it grows into an adult," says Anna Ellam, of Bents. "So on the last Thursday of every month, The Pet Place at Bents Garden & Home will be hosting Puppy Parties – an opportunity for puppies and their owners to get together and socialise with each other in a safe and welcoming environment."

The Puppy Parties, which are being run by Tyldesley Veterinary Centre, provide an opportunity to help educate, habituate and familiarise puppies.

The parties last for an hour and are split into two halves with the first 30 minutes dedicated to a topic related to puppy development, in a talk delivered by an expert in their field, and the second half providing an opportunity for puppies - and their owners - to socialise and get to know each other.

"It is strongly believed that introducing a puppy to certain situations during the first few weeks of its life can help it become a well balanced adult dog," adds Anna. "After a certain point the introduction of new experiences and unfamiliar situations can be disruptive and quite stressful so events such as these puppy parties can be very beneficial in the development of a new puppy.

"At The Pet Place we aim to provide a safe, friendly and welcoming environment where young pups can get together with their owners and learn to socialise with each other whilst owners will also learn and benefit from the topics being discussed."

Puppies attending the parties must be between 11 weeks and 6 months of age and must have had all their vaccinations. Fully qualified vets are in attendance at the Pet Place every Thursday (8.30am-5.30 pm) and Sunday (10.30am-4.30pm), providing a vaccination and micro-chipping service.

Following the successful launch of the new and improved Adaptil and Feliway range, Ceva Animal Health has updated the products’ websites to raise awareness of common behavioural issues in dogs and cats and provide pet owners with advice and solutions to quickly eliminate the problems.

The websites – www.adaptil.com/uk and www.feliway.com/uk - include comprehensive advice on a range of behavioural problems that result from: being home alone, being afraid of loud noises, suffering from car sickness and being kennelled, to problems in cats associated with stress such as spraying, scratching, loss of appetite and hiding.

Featuring short films on the use of Adaptil and Feliway in a variety of scenarios and offering information on behavioural problems, the sites also contain advice on canine and feline behaviour, stress factors and how to use both products, together with owner testimonials.

For further information on Adaptil or Feliway, contact your wholesaler or visit www.adaptil.com/uk or www.feliway.com/uk. 

To mark the launch of the new 4fleas spot-on products, Johnson's is giving away stock to the value of £1,052.75 (RRP) to one lucky retailer.

That's how much stock you can see in this Johnson's display stand...and it could all be yours if you're the winner of this special competition in Pet Trade Xtra.

To stand a chance of winning all you have to do is email the answer to the following question: 

In which decade was Johnson's Veterinary Products launched: (a) 1920s, (b) 1930s, (c) 1940s?

To give you a clue, the answer can be found in a special Johnson's Veterinary Products edition of Pet Trade Xtra, announcing the launch of the new range of 4fleas spot-on products. To view the issue click here

Email your answer, along with your name and the name of your pet store or garden centre, to neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk

The first correct entry to be drawn out of the hat after the closing date on May 8 will win this amazing prize. No correspondence will be entered into.

Pet insurers paid out £602m in claims in the UK in 2014 – the equivalent of £1.65m a day and an increase of nearly 15% on the previous year.

Latest figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), released this week, show the average cost of a claim has risen 7% to £679, while for dogs it is even higher at £683.

The number of UK animals covered by pet insurance policies has now passed 3.5 million but the proportion without insurance remains much higher, the ABI said.

Out of an estimated dog population of 9 million, approximately 2.4 million are covered by pet insurance – leaving nearly 75% of dog owners without it. For cats, only 15% benefit from pet insurance – around 1.2 million out of an estimated population of 7.9 million.

Picture courtesy of BVA.

Not Just Pets, Bath’s local independent pet store, held a fantastic open day to raise funds for charities as part of National Pet Month. The theme for this year was ‘Pets and the elderly: enjoying later years together’

Not Just Pets planned their event keeping this theme in mind and had something for everyone.

The open day was hosted at their city centre store at 8-9 Saint James Parade with plenty on offer. In their spacious downstairs rooms they were offering, free pet photographs with Matt Curtis Photography and a free pet muscle check with Penny from Bristol KL9 Dog Massage.

There was also a chance to meet some friendly dogs and their owners from Pets as Therapy and Greyhound Rescue West of England. Pets as Therapy take dogs and cats into nursing homes, hospitals and special educational schools to help people.

There was also information and guests from the Cinnamon Trust who help maintain the relationship between elderly people and their pets in their later years. Also visiting was Michelle from Bath Bunny Rescue with some rather cute bunnies to cuddle.

Samples and offers were available on Kong, Beaphar, Pooch & Mutt, The Company of Animals and Royal Canin. Customers were welcome to choose a free sample or talk to a representative from the companies.

The open day also spread out into the city of Bath with a gazebo in the centre of Bath on Union Street, where Claverton the Bath Cats and Dogs home Mascot helped to raise awareness of the open day and raise money for the charity.

Not Just Pets would like to thank everyone that contributed to the day as it was considered a huge success with the total raised for all the charities totalling £330.07.

Pictured above: Bath Bunny Rescue with staff members Moira, Elisa and Hannah.

Below: Janine Tozer, owner of Not Just Pets, with Sally and Oscar the Great Dane from Pets As Therapy.

Pooch & Mutt has made Not Just Pets its stockist of the month for May...

The Bath-based pet store stocks Pooch & Mutt's full range of natural supplements, hand baked treats and grain free, functional foods.

"Not Just Pets prides itself on customer care and actively encourage responsible pet ownership," said a spokesperson for Pooch & Mutt.

"The team of experienced and qualified staff provides excellent, friendly customer service and is always willing to spend time to advise customers whether it is in one of their three pet shops located in Bath, Frome or Larkhall or online."

For more information visit www.notjustpets.co.uk and www.poochandmutt.com

The Pet Show 2015 has agreed a sponsorship deal with Hagen, the sole European distributor of Nerf Dog toys.

Hagen makes its sponsorship debut with the UK’s largest family pet event – which takes place at Stoneleigh Park on August 1 and 2, 2015 – as sponsors of the Outdoor Agility Arena, or the Nerf Agility Arena as it will be known throughout the show.

The Nerf Agility Arena will boast a packed schedule of events with plenty to keep families entertained. It is a crucial part of The Pet Show’s huge outdoor offering that will this year see equestrian performance art, a dog agility competition and duck herding among other attractions taking place outside.

Carly Jackson, Event Director of The Pet Show 2015, said: “We are ecstatic to have Hagen on board as sponsors of the Nerf Agility Arena.

“This is the first time Hagen has sponsored us, and it’s great to have another revered name in the pet industry joining the show.

“I’m overjoyed with the partnership between Nerf Dog and the Agility Arena, they are the perfect fit and sum up the energy and excitement of The Pet Show 2015.”

The Pet Show 2015 returns to Stoneleigh Park for the third time this year and plans are well underway to make it the most exciting to date.

Carly added: “The Pet Show 2014 saw a record number of visitors with more than 21,000 people enjoying the two-day event. With even more attractions and activities planned for 2015, we expect this year’s show to be the busiest, and best, yet.

“With returning sponsors Webbox, Burgess and Zoflora supporting us for multiple years, and a massive number of returning exhibitors, we continue to show that The Pet Show is one of the best commercial opportunities for businesses in the pet industry calendar.”

To find out more about the Nerf Dog activity range visit www.nerfpet.com

The Pet Show 2015 takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on August 1 and 2, 2015. To find out about the remaining sponsorship opportunities available, contact Ian Sear on 01625 837 130.

For further information about The Pet Show 2015, head to www.thepetshow.co.uk

The number of exotic pets found dumped on the streets of London is on the rise, according to the RSPCA.

It comes after inspectors found two bearded dragons dumped on the steps of a block of flats in Lettsome Street, Camberwell, on April 27.

The reptiles were so cold and lifeless the inspector thought they had already died, but after being carefully warmed up and fed a meal their lives were saved.

Last year the charity received 434 calls to abandoned bearded dragons, which is a 27 per cent increase from the previous year.

The charity collected 1,853 reptiles in total, recording a seven per cent increase from 2013.

RSPCA inspector and exotics officer Anthony Pulfer urged people to do their research before deciding to purchase an exotic animal.

He said: “Exotic pets, particularly reptiles such as bearded dragons, appear to be increasing in popularity and the number of related incidents dealt with by the RSPCA has risen in recent years.

“The RSPCA is experiencing widespread neglect of exotic animals across the country.  For many people an exotic animal represents too much of a commitment which is manifested in the growing number of exotic animals being abandoned and handed to shelters around the country.

“Exotic pets are commonly found in pet shops nowadays too, however it is sadly often the case that they are handed over to buyers with very little to no information about how to care for them or the commitment that is involved in keeping them happy and healthy.

"Bearded dragons can live for up to 12 years in captivity - which a lot of people don’t realise.”

The UK's leading veterinary charity has revealed that thousands of life-threatening animal illnesses could be prevented through the neutering or vaccination of pets. 

PDSA vets have saved the life of a dog who was at death’s door after developing a life-threatening condition.

The UK’s leading veterinary charity is raising awareness of neutering and vaccinations by highlighting the story of Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Stella.

Stella was taken to Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital by her owner, Deborah Oak, who had become concerned by her dog’s odd behaviour and the size of her bulging stomach.

Vets examined the critically ill dog and, following an ultrasound, she was diagnosed as suffering from pyometra – a serious infection of the womb, which can prove deadly. To make matters worse, Stella was found to have a ‘closed pyometra’, an even more dangerous condition which increases the risk of blood poisoning as the toxins have no way of leaving the body.

Stella, 11, was rushed in for emergency surgery and Deborah was warned that her beloved dog’s condition was very serious.

PDSA vets were stunned upon removing the infected womb to learn that it weighed 2.2kg – around a fifth of Stella’s bodyweight. If it had not been removed she would have died.

PDSA Nurse Team Leader, Karen Jones, said: “When Stella was brought in she was in a very bad way. It soon became apparent that she was suffering from a pyometra and she was rushed in for emergency surgery.

“Pyometra is a horrible condition but it can be easily prevented through neutering. Too many pets are needlessly developing the condition when it is so easy to prevent. Thanks to over half a million pounds of funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’re now able to educate more owners about the risks of these illnesses, and prevent other pets becoming sick like Stella.”

Deborah, 34, of Newport, said that she was indebted to PDSA for saving Stella’s life.

She said: “I knew something was desperately wrong as Stella was very swollen and she also became aggressive, which is really out of character.
“When I took her in the vets told me that they would need to operate on her straight away. I’ve never been so scared, she’s like my baby and I was terrified I was going to lose her.

“Thankfully she survived and is doing great now. I’m hugely grateful to PDSA for everything they’ve done for Stella and I now tell everyone I know to get their pets spayed to avoid going through the hell I did.”

Pets at Home has announced plans to open a store at New Hall Hey Retail Park in Rawtenstall, Lancashire.

The retailer has submitted proposals to Rossendale Borough Council for new retail signage at unit A2 at the retail park.

Planning documents show that the store will also include a Groom Room and Vets4Pets as part of the store.

The pet store is the second retailer to confirm its plans to open at the retail park, which has been empty since its construction in 2007.

Retail giant Marks and Spencer announced plans to open a Simply Food store on the site back in December, and is set to open some time in late summer to coincide with the closure of the Accrington store.

Rossendale council leader Alyson Barnes welcomed the development.

She said: “I’m delighted that the unit is going to be occupied after sitting there empty for all those years.

“More information will start to come through over the next few weeks.”

Pets at Home has already advertised a position for a Dog Grooming Stylist position in Rawtenstall on its website, but it is not yet known when the store could be open.