Saturday 29 December 2012

Question Time?

PRIZE DRAW
How would you like to win £20 in gift vouchers for Barkitty?
 
 
All you have to do is help me out by filling in the questionnaire on the link below... couldn’t be simpler!

 
It should take approximately 5 minutes of your time, and all entries will go into a prize draw on January 31st 2013!
Thank you :)
Return VIA email to win@barkitty.co.uk or post hard copies to: Barkitty, Heart of the Shires Shopping Village, Weedon, Northamptonshire, NN7 4LB

 
 

Thursday 13 December 2012

Alfie Art


I am so excited to finally share with you this painting of Alfie I commissioned as a gift for my husbands 30th birthday today.

Artist Sara Abbott painted this infront of an audience in Harrods Pet Kingdom back in September, and we have kept it hidden for all this time!
 


It is absolutely beautiful, and Jason loves it. It is a magnificent piece of artwork that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. Read my blog 'can you see what it is yet?' for more details.

If you are interested in commissioning Sara to paint your own pets please call 01327 349328 or email hello@barkitty.co.uk. Price start at £450 for a 60 x 60cm oil and acrylic canvas.
 

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Collar your personalised gift in time!

Last chance to order your personalised full grain leather collar in time for Christmas! Order on or before Sunday 16th December to guarantee your order for Christmas day. Otherwise, orders will dispatch on the usual 48 hour delivery service from January 4th 2013.





 
10 colours and 9 sizes to choose from!
 
I can't stress enough how beautiful these are, and how you will not be disappointed with ordering one. The quality is outstanding.

To get yours call 01327 349328 or email hello@barkitty.co.uk for a no obligation quote.

Don’t delay in ordering your personalised collar if you want one for Christmas!

Prices for name collars is £27- £33 between size 8” – 23”… plain letters or diamante letters are the same price.

Please note: you need to measure your pet’s neck as this is a personalised product that I can’t exchange if the size is wrong L

http://www.barkitty.co.uk/category_dog_collars_1.shtml

Lisa x

www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

I'll have what Hector's having...

To add more treat choices in store this winter, Barkitty are happy to be Hungry Hector’s newest stockists. These were first recommended to me by shop regular Pocky’s owner, Yasuko, who told me how much Pocky loves them!

“Really they're just about Pocky's favourite crunchy snack, which is saying something! He'd certainly be very pleased indeed if you were to add them to your stock at Barkitty”!
 
 

After doing some research, and sending out tester samples to members of the Barkitty club the feedback has been outstanding! And, of course, Alfie gobbles them all up (but he does that with everything)!
 
Some info on Hungry Hector;

All of the treats use fresh Cornish ingredients where ever possible and are approved by Katherine Davis a qualified vet, who also helps with the nutritional content of the treats.

All meat is delivered daily from R J Trevarthens who specialise in the finest quality of Cornish meat from the local farms. Their staff have a wealth of experience and employ traditional methods of butchery. Trevarthens are a Freedom Food RSPCA monitored abattoir.

The fish is freshly supplied from Tasy Mac Pack, who sustainable catch the fish in Cornish waters and are part of the Sustainable Fishing Scheme



They only use Doves Brown Rice Flour or Mornflakes Rolled Oats.

They never use any animal or vegetable derivatives, slats, sugars, colourants or preservatives or any other artificial ingredients.

The herbs are grown in their own poly tunnels.

All treats are freshly baked with own human grade kitchens, they do not out source any of our production to ensure the highest quality.

The treats are gently baked to retain the goodness and so they are easily broken to smaller size rewards as required.

As soon as the treats are cooled they pack them into their double pouch to seal in the freshness and give a six month shelf life, which is tested to human grade.

But why not judge for yourself, and treat your pooch to a pack! They smell AMAZING, as everyone who has been into the shop today noticed!    

If you would like a completely free sample pack please email hello@barkitty.co.uk (while stocks last).

BUY YOURS NOW! http://www.barkitty.co.uk/category_food_chews_3.shtml

Lisa x
 

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Bowl me over!

Please be aware that this Thursday, DECEMBER 6TH is the last date you can order the ceramic personalised bowls in time for Christmas! Have your pets name, your company or even ‘Merry Christmas’ on there!

Large or Small in blue stars or pink hearts! These are a great gift, or a wonderful way to promote pet related businesses, by having your company name on there! They are so beautiful and will last a lifetime…

Large £32 or Small £27 click here to buy http://www.barkitty.co.uk/category_dog_bowls_2.shtml or email hello@barkitty.co.uk to receive yours with FREE POSTAGE!
 

Saturday 1 December 2012

Pets' Christmas dinner wrapped up!

♥ Special 1st of December offer - A mini Christmas gift idea for your dog! Get a giftwrapped tin of organic Lily's Kitchen Christmas Dinner and a munchy snowflake (or similar festive biscuit) for only £3, or £5.50 including first class postage! 


♥ Or for the pretty kitty in your life... ** PURRRRFECT CAT GIFT ** A 100g pouch of Lily's Kitchen organic turkey dinner & a 'Bat it' Festive wibble toy. Just £3.00 (saving 50p from the normal selling price), gift wrapped. Buy with first class delivery to your door for just £5.50!

 
Call 01327 349328 or email hello@barkitty.co.uk to order! Get this incredible offer now while stocks last...
 

Monday 26 November 2012

Chew Much?

I recently posted this comment on my Facebook page, and had to share the responses I got as they made me laugh…

Naughty Alife chewed up my SD camera card and card reader this morning, meaning I lost about 100 photos!! What's the worst thing your pup has chewed up? Until this point it was the £10 note for Alfie! :/

“Oh dear! Poor Alfie! Wooden/Perspex heel on my shoes was gutting!”

“Poppy chewed my phone charger, I think that’s the worst but my husband would disagree as she ate his work laptop bag which he thinks is much worse:-)”

“Thankfully Archie has only chewed up a cheque (which got replaced) and a cable for my tablet which I could replace as well. Fingers crossed that's the worst of it ;)"

“Me!”

“Probably my D&G Specs... The ear pieces are now two extremely sharp metal spokes and they sit extremely crookedly on my head - luckily I wear contacts 99% of the time so I only need wear them just before bed!”

“My glasses. Had to wait a week before I could see clearly again”!

“Darcy has chewed the door surround at Phil’s house :/ and when Bella was a puppy she ate my mums house including the sky tv and phone cable!”

“Floss, my dads dog chewed his false teeth haha, dad wasn't laughing”!

“The receipt for my engagement ring, luckily I liked it”!

“Winston’s eaten 3 sofas and looks like Rosie’s heading down the same path”!


“Our lab Ruby chewed up a lottery ticket a few weeks ago!! I spent ages trying to piece the remaining bits together to see if I could read the numbers until my other half came in that evening and reassured me that it was one he'd already checked! Phew”!!

“My living room carpet now needs replacing thanks 2 my pup Bailey chewing a big hole in the middle of it” 

“2 mobile phones, a brand new pair of £140 shoes straight out of the box, credit card, phone charger, laptop charger, plug off the iron, £20 note....I could go on for a while”…

“I woke up once to find Rio, a 9 year old chocolate lab, going for my Swarovski earrings that were on the coffee table. Luckily I screamed so loud I made him jump and he spat them out. Oh and he ate a whole bag of dolly mixture at the weekend lol”!

“3 pairs of glasses, a pair of Prada sunnies, 2 pairs of £100 3D glasses, 2 sets of iPad headphones, the coffee table legs... I think that about covers it ?!”

“Paracetmol packet luckily leaving the tablets all on the floor and not eating them”!!!!

“Haha, these are very funny - although I feel bad for laughing. I think the worst Lily has chewed is our Internet cable and hubbies shoes (luckily she isn't bothered about mine)”

My 15 week old Lab Puppy has only managed to get the nozzle on our hoover and the phone wire! I'm hoping that’s all she gets! She isn't left alone long enough to get up to too much mischief”!

“Alfie chewed my friends boots that she left at the door in my house , 2 massive holes totally unwearable !! She must have stinky feet I reckon ??
P.s cost me a new pair though!”


“A pair of Churches Shoes !”

“Lincoln still has a shoe fetish and is 4 now! But have to say the worst thing he ate that he wasn't supposed to was a rubber wine cork, he swallowed it whole and it got stuck in his intestine, had to have an emergency operation or he would have died, cost us £1000 in total!! He was 3 so still not a puppy!! He's just naughty and if you tell him no he goes out of his way to get whatever it is”!!!

“Between my 3 doggies they've managed to eat the legs of kitchen table, 2 sets of kitchen chairs(replaced chairs ate the new ones) ,skirting boards, decking, took a nice chunk out of the sofa, numerous shoes and chargers, and the leather case containing our wedding album” :-)

“A mobile phone, my cashmere jumper, log basket, a drawer of an antique desk belonging to my parents that i had forgotten to close.............joy and chaos in equal measure is how I sum up life since Lottie joined us!”

“Don't even get me started”!!!!

“My mobile phone charger i have to charge it on the PC now (naughty Leo) lol”

“X2 mobile phones & Ray Ban sunglasses”!!!!

“Molly chewed every electrical cable I had, low ceiling so no ceiling lights, and she chewed all my lamps. I spent the first 6 months of having her in the dark! Touch wood Bob’s only eaten a house plant so far!”

“Mine’s gross!! Here we go!! Changing my sons dirty nappy and I ran outta wipes so went and got some came back in and my hubby's dog had ate the entire dirty nappy contents and all!!! Yak!! So ..... Later that evening I let her out for last time before bed for her to re poo it out in front of me and my friend who was over at the time then she turned round and ate it all back up!!! YES DISGUSTING!!! But that's worst thing she’s eaten… made me throw up”!!

“Alfie has also eaten Ray Bans, I forgot that... and he's eaten numerous shoes. He ate a roll of Sellotape the other day - which wasn't expensive but was REALLY inconvenient as I needed it”!!!!

“Paddy, my parents Lab, ate 120 bags of pick'n'mix we'd put together for my wedding!! Lolly sticks, wrappers, paper bags, the lot”!!!!

“My hubby's dogs also as well as a dirty nappy ate my Dominos!!! Put it on side to pop to the loo, came back in to no pizza just a chewed up box in her bed literally gone - seconds and it was all over!! Heartbreaking Dominos of all pizzas the king of pizzas!! If she ever pinches one of my Krispy Kremes she will be sorry lol”!

“Lol mine don’t chew my house things!! Just sneak off food whenever they can!! They eat way too much! Lol”!

“Many years ago, my English Setter pup ate a plastic greenhouse, in a morning! Unfortunately, it was to have been our son’s birthday present, so he didn't even get to see it”!!

“Mine and Jen’s Jack Russell Phoebe, chewed my wallet with the contents of £100 chewed into pieces”.

“The list is endless my 10 month old Setter Munster Landers have eaten most things including, shoes, blankets, phone chargers, cushions, chair, 9 toilet rolls in one go, sponges, new phone, bank card, lap top chargers, coats, glass photo frame but the worst one was walking in with my boy Archie eating a carving knife”!!

“Just got home to a huge bite size hole in my birthing ball - needed a bounce to ease my cramps!!! Cheers Rocco!”

“Ventolin inhaler ,poor sod was lets say very alert for a good few hours”!

“Shoes... What more do I have to say??! And the remote, and a credit card”!

“2 remotes! 2 chair legs the wall laptop cable!!! The list goes on…”

If you have any stories of your own email me at lisa@barkitty.co.uk and I’ll share them!
View this list online, and see the numerous comments being added all time time… www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Lisa x
www.barkitty.co.uk

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Join the Club!

To celebrate the success of 6 months trading and the new friends we have made I’d like to announce the opening of the ‘Barkitty Club’. Sign up today in store or online and be part of our growing family.


Be the first to hear of new products and get exclusive members only offers. You will not be inundated with emails or post, but you are promised a few little surprises throughout the year!

• Receive ‘Members Only’ offers
• Surprises on you pets birthday and throughout the year
• Product previews, and the chance to pre-order before certain items go on sale.
• V.I.P party invites
• Optional membership at the Heart of the Shires Shopping Village
• Free gift on signing up
• Members only prize draws throughout the year
• Option to add your pet to our V.I.P list, where he/she may be asked to model and/or test new products!

* Free postage when you order online!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today to receive members’ offers and discounts in time for Christmas!

SIGN UP HERE... http://www.barkitty.co.uk/barkitty_club_signup.shtml

www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

(Not) Open all Hours

The opening hours for Barkitty over the Christmas period are as follows;
 



December 1st – December 19th Normal opening hours 10am – 5pm
December 7th 10am - 7pm (VIP's only)

December 20th 10am – 7pm
December 21st – December 24th 10am – 5pm
Christmas Day & Boxing Day Closed
December 27th – December 30th 11am – 5pm
New Years Eve 11am – 3pm
New Years Day Closed
January 2nd onwards Normal opening hours 10am – 5pm resume


See you all soon :)

www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

It was his party and he barked when he wanted to!

Well Bobby’s party on Saturday was very well attended and was so much fun! We’re estimating that over 40 dogs came along, and all played together beautifully with barely a cross bark or show of teeth!

 
Even the birthday boy was on best behaviour, being one clearly suits him!
Thank you so much to Sarah & Mike from Amour Pix, who worked really hard to ensure every dog had their 15 minutes of fame and fun in front of the camera! We are all so excited to see the pics! We will be getting them all sent out to you as soon as possible, and don’t forget to donate to Sarah’s ‘Just Giving’ page as a thank you for her efforts yesterday!

We also had the press taking pics, as Janice from Neon magazine came along with her own dog Blossom for some pics! So keep your eyes peeled for the photoshoot in the next month.

Thank you also to my dear friend Becky who made the ‘human cake’. As always, it was delicious, and was scoffed nearly as quickly as the doggy version! 

 


I am so lucky to have such wonderful, supportive customers who are as enthusiastic about what I do as me! It really makes the long hours I work so worthwhile. In the last 6 months my family (four-legged and two-legged) have met so many new friends!

I have had lots of requests for another party – and the next one will be June, when Alfie and his 7 brothers and sisters turn 1! Watch this space for more info…
www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Stop! Wait a minute Mr Postman!


Please note that the last posting date before Christmas is Friday 21st December. We advise you to order as much before that as possible!
 

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Vets4Pets shoebox appeal

We are so happy to support the Vets4Pets Shoebox appeal.

When shopping in Barkitty you can add ANY product to the Shoebox appeal, and you will have 20% discounted from that product*.


 
So why not add something in extra for homeless animals when Christmas shopping for your own lucky pet this season?

Thank you for any donations…

* The 20% discount will only be applied to products going into the shoebox appeal.
www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Can you see what it is yet?

Barkitty is now representing renowned animal portrait artist Sara Abbott.  Her studio is on the South Coast and she has a pop up studio in Harrods but we are her only representative in this part of the country.


 
 


Sara works from photos to create beautiful oil on canvas portraits that not only capture an astonishing physical likeness but also get under the fur and touch the soul.
 
We have teamed up with her to offer all of our customers the opportunity to acquire a unique and personal art work that will capture your pet forever.

As a family investment, a surprise gift for a loved one or a beautiful self-indulgence let us manage things for you.  All we need is a quality j-peg, full of detail and high resolution, if in doubt send what you have and the artist will advise which are suitable, together with an idea of preferred background colour, again Sara can advise on this too.

Please call or drop us a line to make all the arrangements and do have a look at examples of her work on our website.

Prices start at £450 for a 60 x 60cm oil and acrylic canvas payable in advance and work is usually ready within eight weeks.

www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Rudolph the pom-pom nosed reindeer!

I think my shriek could be heard across the Shires this morning when the most beautiful box of goodies arrived at my door. The gorgeous Rudolph jumpers have had a long journey around the world, from Peru via the USA


 
They are made from one of the finest and most luxurious fibres in the world; famed for its heavenly softness. They are hand made to help provide good jobs to communities in the Peruvian Andean Mountains, and are being sold in American pet boutiques. I had to do some begging talking to convince them to spare me a few to sell over here.
You probably don’t need any more reasons to buy one for your furbaby other than they are the most wonderful pet jumpers you can buy! Barkitty is the only shop in the UK to stock anything like this, but get in quick, as we only have 3 in each size, and my friends are already reserving them!

I wanted to post a pic of Alfie modelling one, but unfortunately he is under the weather today :(. He has a nasty abscess which has probably been caused by eating sticks - the little monkey. Lovely Jenny at Vets4Pets Northampton has given him some tablets (much easier to administer antibiotics to a Labrador than a Tortieshell cat I noticed), and paws crossed he’ll be well and posing for the camera again soon!

BUY IT NOW! http://www.barkitty.co.uk/category_seasonal_1.shtml

www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Eat drink and be furry!

Eat drink and be furry merry

I bet you’re already planning your Christmas dinner! Nothing beats a special feast on Christmas day, so why not let your dog join the fun?!
The first Lily’s Kitchen Limited Edition Christmas Dinner tin as the perfect festive indulgence for them!  A delicious recipe for your dog to enjoy during the festive season. Made with fresh turkey and goose, accompanied by potatoes, green beans and cranberries.

This beautiful tin has a very cute 'To and From' tag design so your four-legged friend can have their own special present left under the tree. Go on, reward your dog this year with our scrumptious festive recipe & give them a Christmas to remember!

No rendered meats, carcass or derivatives, nothing Genetically Modified, no artificial preservatives, colours, taste enhancers or sweeteners. No wheat, corn or soya. We use only fresh meats, fruit and vegetables - to produce a delicious, nutritious, digestible food for your dog. Suitable for Puppies from 4 months + .

Buy it now from Barkitty at only £2.50 for a 400g tin.



And don’t forget the cat! Lily has also cooked up an Organic Turkey Dinner for Cats, made with wholesome ingredients your cat loves, for health and happiness. This recipe is grain free and made with a very high organic meat content - cats are obligate carnivores and need a proper fresh meat diet - not just kibble. The herbs we use in this recipe are specially chosen to help cats be healthy and shiny. Just £1.00 per pouch!
 
BUY IT HERE: http://www.barkitty.co.uk/category_food_chews_3.shtml

So eat, drink and be merry!
www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Made to Measure Dog Christmas Jumpers

Made to Measure Hand Knitted Christmas Jumpers at Barkitty Pet Boutique!
Get your pooch in the Christmas spirit with a made-to-measure jumper. Perfect for larger, or more unusually shaped breeds (dachshunds etc) who can't always get clothes to fit!
 
Please allow 14 days for delivery, maybe longer as we get closer to Christmas. Order via email lisa@barkitty.co.uk or by calling 01327 349328. See bottom image for details on how to measure...
 
In Navy...
 
...Or Red
 
Use this diagram to measure. I need the length measurement, the chest measurement and the breed of dog to proceed...
 

 

Friday 26 October 2012

50 things every dog should do before it dies!

CANINE BUCKET LIST!

Only thing missing is no 51, visit Barkitty Pet Boutique :)

Taken from website: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/9623886/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-if-youre-a-dog.html

50 things every dog should do before it dies!

1. Flop down in front of a morning fire

2. Go for a swim in the sea

3. Go mad in the snow

4. Dig up a flower bed

5. Do the 'Beethoven' shake and soak everyone around you

6. Have your own spot on the sofa

7. Accompany your owner on a run/cycle ride

8. Attend a family picnic

9. Help your owner bad a date

10. Cheer your owner up when they are down

11. Visit a different continent

12. Roll around in a really stinky, muddy puddle

13. Ruin a pair or slippers or shoes

14. Sleep in your owners bed

15. Wake your owner with a big wet sloppy kiss

16. Chase a cat during a dream

17. Learn the word for 'sit' in another language

18. Join in a football game in the park

19. Meet a famous dog

20. Try your paws at dancing

21. Convince your owner you can howl English words

22. Get filthy within 30 minutes of a bath

23. Howl along with your favourite song

24. Ride in an open top car

25. Learn to skateboard

26. Have a personalised Christmas stocking

27. Show the postman who's boss

28. Be a ring bearer at a wedding

29. Try to follow a squirrel up a tree

30. Go to work with your owner

31. Have your own social media page

32. Bound through a forest

33. Have a personalised kennel

34. Go on a boat and get your sea legs

35. Play frisbee on the beach

36. Receive your own birthday card

37. Steal someone's lunch when they're not looking

38. Watch an entire episode of 'The Washing Machine'

39. Eat doggy ice cream

40. Create a diversion and steal another dog's dinner

41. Rug a doggy marathon

42. Receive a doggy birthday cake

43. Rip the stuffing out of a pillow or cushion

44. Unwrap birthday presents

45. Watch Lassie on TV

46. Be in a family portrait

47. Have a stand off with your own reflection

48. Have a favourite local pub

49. Star in a YouTube video

50. Sleep in a boutique dog hotel

www.barkitty.co.uk
www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Wednesday 17 October 2012

J'aime Bobby!

This week a whole range of new coats will arrive from Bobby, not the yappy Jack Russell, a wonderfully luxurious French brand!

The design and quality is outstanding, and many come with built in harnesses, so they’re easy to pop on at ‘walkies’ time!

Come and see them for yourself, and don’t forget to bring your pup to try them on… Parisian Pooch chic at Barkitty!

Le Lap of Luxury pour votre chien!

 

‘Complice’ waterproof coat, size Small – XXLarge, from £31.50 available in red or grey with co-ordinating lead!
 

www.barkitty.co.uk

Friday 12 October 2012

Autumn Arrives

As we’re all aware it’s the time of year for a new coat as the Autumn sets in! It should be no different for our pets! Some lovely winter warmers have arrived in store, come and see for yourself!

www.barkitty.co.uk

It's his party and he'll BARK if he wants to!


Date for your diary – November 17th! Our little Bobby Boosh turns one next month and to celebrate we’re throwing him a party!

Doggy cakes and cocktails, and games (weather permitting)! Bring your pet along for lots of fun and games, and a party bag to take away!

See you there!

www.barkitty.co.uk


Doggies Day Out at Barkitty

I am so pleased to say that Barkitty are working along side Doggies Day Out.
Doggies Day Out is Northamptonshire’s Number 1 pet service provider. Offering services including professional dog walking, doggy day care, home boarding, home visit and pet sitting!

To view these online visit www.doggiesdayout.co.uk
www.barkitty.co.uk

Wednesday 3 October 2012

You Flexi Thing!


This week my new Flexi fashion range will land in store, and to celebrate I’ll be giving one away completely free! All you have to do is ‘like’ my Facebook page, then write a recommendation on there. Or, follow me on Twitter (@barkitty12) and tweet me a recommendation. Do both for an even better chance of winning! All names will be entered into a hat and one will be picked at random!
 
It can be a recommendation about the shop if you've been in, or the website, or the Facebook page, or even a product I sell.

The winner will be able to chose between the 4 fashion styles below worth a minimum of £29.99!
 
 

What could be more simple?

Winner will be drawn on October 8th at noon… good luck!
 
View the range at www.barkitty.co.uk
And the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/barkittypetboutique

Tuesday 25 September 2012

The Evening with the Dogfather - thankyou!

Thank you so much to everyone who came along last night to Graeme’s seminar. It seems a fab time was had by all! I’m looking forward to welcoming the transformed ‘Stepford’ style dogs into the shop soon! Haha!

Look out for the Dogfather himself in the coming weeks as he swaps dog collars for sequins (should’ve come to Barkitty where you can combine the two) to take part in Northampton’s Strictly Come Dancing! GOOD LUCK GRAEME!