Your pets perfect day?

I recently read an article in the Daily Mail archives from 2011 about a man who, after finding out his dog didn't have long to live, decided to give him the best day ever.

The article is worth a read if you haven't already seen it, but the highlights from the day are below;

WHAT A PERFECT DAY: DUKE THE DOG'S SPECIAL TREAT Breakfast of hamburger and two strips of bacon that had been carefully prepared the night before.
A light rest curled up on the couch to aid digestion
Allowed upstairs for once. Help master get dressed by obediently fetching running shoes from cupboard when commanded
A few games of chasing favourite red bouncy balls around the garden
Short walk to the town pond. Saunter in and out for a quick dip, shake dry, repeat about a dozen times. Receive a liver treat every time
Amber back to the house for a short nap
A gentle walk in the local state park outside town
After a few miles along gentle trail stop for an hour or so to take in the beautiful view and a few interesting scents.
Gentle walk back home stopping frequently to rest
Dinner of prime sirloin steak neatly chopped up
Curl up on the couch while master watches his favourite Clint Eastwood film
Carried upstairs and gently laid down at the end of the bed

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2044721/Dukes-day-The-touching-story-man-determined-beloved-sick-dog-perfect-final-24-hours.html#ixzz1wIA2Wlec

It got me thinking, how would I give my cat the perfect day?

She'd wake up on the end of my bed, spread out fully so I can't stretch my legs.
She'd be fed her favourite cat biscuits, cat food in jelly (NOT gravy as she doesn't like it) and any left over meat in the fridge.
She'd watch me get ready for the day, being allowed to chase the hairdryer cord.
She'd get a nice bit of fuss then let out into the sunshine to spend the day freely as she chooses.
The lady from 2 doors down would invite her in for cuddles, fuss and treats.
She'd come back into the house when I get home for more food, fuss and praise.
She'd sit on the sofa, the best seat in the house, or on whoever's lap she chooses.
She'd have a little play with a mouse toy she likes.
She'd go and get on our bed and spread out again for the night.



Oh, hang on a minute, that's everyday!!

What would your pet's perfect day be?

Kitty Keepy Uppy

I posted a game to play with your dog earlier, so have found one suitable for your cat... might give this a try myself...

Bathtub Scurry

Put a ping pong ball in a clean, dry bathtub. Remove the bottles of shampoo and bars of soap, and plug the drain so the ping pong ball doesn't get lodged in there. Put your cat in the bathtub, show him the ping pong ball, and bounce the ball off the side of the bathtub to get it moving. As the ball bounces around, your cat will chase after it. If the ball starts to slow down, give it a good roll off the side to get it moving again and to keep your cat's interest.

If anyone gives this a go I'd love to know how you get on :)

This is my cat, Jasmine :)

www.barkitty.co.uk

The Lap of Luxury for your Pet

How clever is your dog?

The wonderful Planet Dog have just released a new toy which claims to be a brain teaser and boredom buster for dogs... what do you think??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jl_YliKCKU

www.barkitty.co.uk xxx

Little bundle of fun

Hi there,

I have just launched this new product idea; 'New Puppy' Luxury Start-Up Set... I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts...

www.barkitty.co.uk

Canine Hide and Seek!!

I just had this great tip through from Total Dog magazine... thought I'd share...

A Guide to Canine Hide and Seek

Canine hide and seek might sound like a bit of a laugh, but it stimulates an integral area of many dogs' natural instincts such as scent tracking. People lost in avalanches are only too glad that the St Bernard that finds them likes a good game of hide and seek, and now you can bond with your dog indoors or out come rain or shine, in this fun, obedience orientated and stimulating activity.

Step One

You'll need a helper and a treat for this. Ensure that your dog is familiar with the stay command, otherwise this will be a very short game. Have your capable assistant ensure that your dog abides by the rules and stays put while you disappear just out of sight with a delicious treat tucked up your sleeve. The great thing about this game is that your dog always gets to win, a bonus for dogs that are a little low on confidence.

Step Two

When you are sure that your dog is aware of your absence, he will probably be bursting to come and get his treat, have your assistant let him go. As you hear the sound of paws scrambling across the kitchen floor, begin issuing the command you want to use in the future. 'Come and get me' is as good as any. Your first hiding place should not be out of sight (in the bin for instance) so he gets the hang of the game sooner rather than later. If you plan to play this game a lot, make sure the treat you use is healthy. You will always be found and will always have to issue the treat, so avoid turning your winning hound into a 'rolly poly' ball of flab by keeping the meaty treats only for a spectacular performance.

Step Three

When you feel the nudge of an excited nose on your face (or the whip of wagging tail depending on your position) be sure to issue lots of praise and reinforce the fact this is fun for both of you. You can extend the game a little at this stage by hiding the prize on your person rather than relinquishing it on sight of your pursuer. A squeaky toy tucked up the trouser leg can result in prolonged hilarity as your dog frantically tries to access it.

Step Four

Return to the beginning of the process, but ensure that you hide further away, and a little more out of sight. Again, you will need the help of your assistant as you are now going to make your dog wait a painstaking two minutes before he is released. Issue the command before he is released this time, but ensure your assistant prevents any false starts. See how determined your dog is by hiding under a bundle of blankets. If he merely paws at you, you need to put in more work. You want your dog to be practically dragging these obstacles away from his prize.

Step Five

Again return to step one, but have your assistant stay at a distance from your dog, only intervening if the cheating swine tries to get a sneaky peak at you before you are properly inserted into your hiding position. Make sure every time you play this you challenge your dog, otherwise it will become like going through the motions for him. But he won't tell you this as he will want his treat nevertheless. Test his loyalty by breaking a doggy biscuit in half and hiding one piece on his route to finding you and keeping the other piece on your person. If you hear a sequence of 'gallop, gallop, munch' sounds, you will know were his priorities lie.

Step Six

Incorporate obstacles into the game by closing doors and encouraging your dog to use his initiative. Also, moving the goal posts will keep your dog engaged. When the weather allows, hide outside and leave him to figure it out. Challenge your dog's obedience by extending the amount of time he has to wait before he is allowed to come and find you.

Final Step

Continue the game for as long as it is fun for both you and your dog, but make it interesting for both of you by introducing new challenges each time you play. Remember to praise your dog each and every time he finds you, this will avoid him associating the game with merely receiving a treat. For those of you who believe they have a little dog genius on their hands, try playing this game the other way round.

I'd love to know how you get on :)

Barking on Ice

I thought I'd share with you some tips for keeping dogs and cats happy in the heat with some icy cool recipes...

First a great tip from Helen this morning to keep your dogs cool... make up some chicken stock, let it cool, then pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Fun for your dogs to play with and cools them down. Just don't put them in your G&T by accident :/

An icepop recipe for your dog:-
Make up 1/2pint low salt gravy as normal, add 1/2 pint cold water, pour into a cake tray, add half a carrot to it, put in freezer and freeze.
Take one large tin of tuna in springwater (could use other smellier fish such as mackerel), place in blender, use same tin to measure out one tin of cold water, blend together, place in cake tin, freeze.
You could also try, ...mixing fruit and plain yoghurt to make a fruity youghurty one.

Place things such as peanut butter, tuna etc in an Orbee Tuff 'woof' ball and freeze that.

Put icecubes in the dogs water bowl. Or give them to chew on.
get the sprinkler out, if you dont have a hosepipeban.

Let me know how you get on...

Reigning Cats & Dogs

With the impending Diamond Jubilee red, white and blue is everywhere, but don’t forget to include your pet in your party

*** DON’T FORGET*** Bank Holiday Tuesday 5^th June Barkitty is being officially opened by the Mayor of Northampton and the Mayor of Daventry at 1.30pm. Please celebrate with us and a glass of bubbly at the Heart of the Shires shop!

See the below items on offer at Barkitty to ensure it’s ‘reigning’ cats and dogs…

www.barkitty.co.uk

Hot Dogs and Cool for Cats

www.barkitty.co.uk

Well isn’t this lovely sunny weather a welcome surprise! Strange to think that a couple of weeks ago (in this very same month) I was watching golf ball size hale stones fall on the decking I am sunbathing on as I write!

Of course, we all know we must look after ourselves in the sunshine, but don’t forget to look after your dogs and cats too! They feel the heat like we do, even more so if you imagine going about your summer business in a fur coat! Remember that dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating like humans. They might sweat a small amount through their pads, but the main way a dog cools off is by panting. Unfortunately, panting is not enough when it is extremely hot and humid. So here are a few tips to keep your canines cool this season, followed by tips for kitties;

Fresh, Cool Water

It is essential that you keep fresh, cool water available to your dog at all times. In hot weather, this is even more crucial. Make sure you keep the water dish in a shady location and change the water frequently. To constantly keep fresh water available outdoors, consider installing a watering system that hooks up to an outdoor tap. These systems are designed to provide water as needed and are usually triggered by motion or a specific action.

Shelter from the Sun

Your dog might enjoy a little sunbathing, but she ultimately needs a cool, shady spot to relax. Prolonged sun exposure not only leads to heat exhaustion, it can also cause sunburn. Yes, dogs can get sunburned too. While sunscreen is available for dogs, it is not ideal. The best thing is to offer shelter. Shade from trees is nice, but not perfect. An actual structure is better. Consider getting an insulated dog house, but make sure it is large and well-ventilated. Alternatively, you might put up an open-air tent or canopy. The addition of a fan will help further cool things down. If possible, put the shelter in a shady area to keep it extra-cool. Of course, the most ideal shelter is in your home. If possible, install a doggie door to allow indoor access

Pools for Cooling

If your dog loves water, then a large tub or paddling pool (molded plastic, not inflatable) might be a great addition to your yard. Barkitty will bring out a dog pool in July. Many dogs enjoy playing and lounging in the cool water. Just make sure you supervise your dog at all times. Also, keep the pool in a shady spot and change the water frequently. Do not leave the pool full when not in use, as it may attract insects. Instead of a pool, you might also try running a sprinkler (when the hose pipe ban is eventually lifted) to see if your dog likes it. However, most dogs prefer a pool to a sprinkler.

A Barkitty Facebook ‘liker’ Helen Spellman suggested wetting bandanas and leaving them tied loosely around her dog’s necks, and she also gives them ice lollies J

Cooling for Cats

A cat that becomes overheated in summer can suffer from dehydration, shallow breathing, and can even get heatstroke. Keeping your cat cool is an important part of ensuring that he/she enjoys a safe and happy summer, especially if there's a heat wave.

Keep your cat calm
A cat that is running about too much during a really hot day or during a heat wave will soon become exhausted and dehydrated. Encourage it to calm down by providing a relaxed, indoor place that is both cool and darkened. Do not initiate play when it is in an agitated state; you may need to sit with it, for a bit, to help it self-calm.

Stick an ice pack inside a sock and place it into a snug retreat underneath the towel for added cooling effect.

Another good idea is to place towels or sheets over the spots the cat usually likes to sit, to create a cool barrier between their fur and the normally warmer surfaces.

A hot water bottle can be filled with very cold water and left out for it to lie on.

Cool your cat down with dampened towels.

Most cats do not like getting wet, but you can at least help cool their fur down, a little, with dampened towels. Simply dampen a cloth or paper towel and gently stroke your cat with the cloth or towel from the top of its head and down the back. Do this a couple of times a day if it is very hot.

The places where cats get the warmest are their bellies, the pads on their paws, their armpits, under their chins, and on the outside of their ears. Concentrate on keeping these spots cool.

Another way to use a small kitchen towel is to soak it with water and place it in the freezer. When the towel gets cold enough, lay it out on a smooth kitchen or bathroom floor for your cat to lie on; if it is too cold for your cat, leave it there as it will warm up enough over time. Do not force your cat onto it – simply introduce the cat to it, and if it likes it, it can make up its own mind.

No matter what you do to keep your pet cool, the best thing you can do is to keep a close eye on them. When in doubt, get them to a cooler area. Be sure to contact your vet immediately if you notice signs of heat stroke.

Oh but of course the ultimate thing you can do to keep your dog or cat cool is to buy them an outfit or accessories  from Barkitty!! Too much?? Sorry!! Haha! Enjoy the sunshine…

Lisa x

Harness Fitting

Written May 9th 2012

 I am often asked for dog advice from customers, so I though I’d share some information about something I do have a bit of knowledge about – harnesses. I always recommend getting your dog a harness, but more importantly, a harness that fits well! An ill-fitting harness will do more damage to the dog than good!

 Harnesses eleviate back and neck pains for dogs, especially those that “pull” on the lead, as the pressure is more evenly distributed across strong parts of their bodies. They can improve behaviour as the owner has much more control over the dog. In a recent study of 400 dogs conducted in Sweden by Behaviorist, Anders Hallgren, his students and several Chiropractors found that; 63% of the dogs examined had neck and spinal injuries and 78% of the dogs with aggression or over activity problems had neck and spinal injuries.

And, of the dogs with neck injuries, 91% experienced hard jerks on a collar and leash and/or strained against their leashes.

At Barkitty we have a range of harnesses beginning at just £10.00 for a nylon printed version; Puppia soft harnesses which are best selling items, recommended by vets worldwide starting at £16.00; up to Mutts & Hounds handmade linen harnesses from £28.00. You will soon be able to buy these items online, however if you’re nearby feel free to bring your dog instore to try some on and most importantly get fitted correctly.

We can ensure your dog is wearing a perfect fit in a style to suit them and a price to suit you! All fitting is completely free with no pressure to buy – we just care about dogs and want them to be comfortable!

Little Jake was fitted in a polka dot harness and matching lead (£23 for complete set) and left a happy and comfortable little boy!

So come in any time, 7 days a week with your dog for a complete harness fitting service. If you are unsure if we can cater for your dog or have any other questions feel free to call beforehand on 01327 349328.

Lisa x

Setting up Shop

Written April 30^th 2012

So after much blood, sweat and (luckily not many) tears the shop is finally open to the public! I have had so many compliments on it and sales are great which is encouraging.

For readers who have not yet visited I thought I’d give you a bit of a virtual tour; although coming in to see me really is much more fun.

The pine dresser is stocked full of Pet Head products for your dog and cat including ‘dry clean’ shampoo for dogs and Pretty Kitty strawberry yoghurt detangling spray for your long haired moggies who are highly unlikely to jump gleefully into the bath. These products are great for dogs in between baths and for cats who like to wander around picking up different smells. Also on the dresser is the Hing bone bowls in red, white, black and pink, and the Becobowls. The Becobowls are a great innovative product and I wonder if one day all plastics will be made in this way. They are created from plant fibres which means they are strong enough to withstand dishwashing; and perform like melamine; but here’s the good part… they are actually biodegradable, so when you are finished with them and the go to landfill (or on your compost heap to speed things up) they will eventually disappear back into the land. There are 3 sizes to suit any pet, and there are matching food and litter scoops also available.

Alongside the dresser is the extensive range of pet beds, including the floral, stripe and pheasant print from Joules; starting at £24.00. They are fantastic quality with traditional Joules prints and made in the UK!  Also in the bed section is the Union Jack duvet, and the House of Paws spots and floral, also made in Britain, and many more.

The centre table houses the range of Puppia harnesses with co-ordinating leads, as well as the Mutts & Hounds quality apparel. The Union Jack harness has been on of the best sellers so far, and I can only imagine the demand will continue with the impending Jubilee celebrations. The Scrufts collars, handmade in Brighton, are also showcased on the centre table. The mannequins have worked really well as a size guide for customers, and 10 days in Bobby has finally stopped barking at them and realised they’re not going to play with him!

Next to the counter is the beautiful selection of leads, ranging from £10 for a printed nylon style to £38 for a handmade leather style. Here sits another best selling item, the doggy rainmacs in red, yellow, navy, pink or lime – unfortunately a wardrobe essential for British springtime! The Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff toys are also here. They are one of the most resilient toys available, and Planet Dog promise to replace any which prove otherwise! 2% of profits on these items go to canine charities worldwide.

Kitties corner is opposite the counter, with the soft cat beds and cocoons for even the fussiest puddy. There are a selection of collars, including handmade leather ones with Swarovski crystal exclusive to Barkitty. We also sell Lily’s Kitchen organic cat food (as well as dog treats); and hand crocheted Queen’s corgis stuffed with quality catnip and a ‘Best of Britain’ bow tie (£7.00).

Please come by and see for yourself as stock and displays are changing all of the time. Dogs and children are welcome!

See you soon!

Lisa x

Bobby Sitting

Well what a busy weekend it has been! A road trip yesterday to Ikea to collect some bits and pieces for the shop; then dog sitting for my sister’s gorgeous Jack Russell puppy, Bobby last night!

We watched ‘The New Adventures of Tin Tin’ last night which we thoroughly enjoyed. The animation is outstanding. We had to pacify Bobby with a beefy bone to stop him barking every time Snowy barked in the movie. My husband has been trying to train the little terror, and patiently telling him to ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ repeatedly. We have decided that once he masters the basic commands we’ll teach him to solve mysteries, wash cars, and make 2 cups of tea in the mornings.

We love having Bobby here; it’s so much fun to have a puppy in the house. Unfortunately Jasmine the cat does not feel the same. They keep a very safe distance from each other at all times! He had his ‘bitches love me’ t-shirt on – and I could almost hear Jasmine thinking “not this bitch”!

A walk to Abington Park with Bobby this morning was lovely. The park was so sunny and quiet which is unusual. The mismatched collar and lead my sister, Carla, had him wearing did not really fit with my boutique image! Carla quipped that she doesn’t know where to buy a new one, and she is waiting to see my stock (and the discount I will give her)! Cheeky monkey. My mind is one million miles an hour at the moment with the opening date getting closer every minute so it was nice to take some time-out to relax!

Today I have been focusing on advertising and promotions and thinking about ways to get the shop noticed by as many people as possible. I have been offering to feature in magazines myself to show how friendly the vibe will be, which then brings on mild panic about hair, make-up, nails and diets etc!

I’ve had such a fantastic response on Facebook this week and have even tentatively opened a LinkedIn profile, although I’m not sure how to use it yet!

It’s an exciting week ahead with meetings to discuss the shop fitting, the website launching and a holiday to Chicago with my family for Easter!

So, thank you for taking the time to read this and have a great bank holiday weekend everyone.

Lisa x

The Naughty Tortie

Anyone who knows me, and has therefore had the fortune of being introduced to my Tortoiseshell cat Jasmine, will know that our relationship has been rocky.

My Mum and I rescued Jazzy from the wonderful NANNA (Northampton Animals  Needing Nurturing & Adoption) centre over 6 years ago. She was approximately 10 months old and had been abandoned at the side of a dual carriageway 4 months previously. From the second I picked her up, looked into her big amber eyes and she clawed a hole out of my new jumper, it was love.
She is not the easiest cat to live with. She only wants contact with humans when she initiates it; you must never approach her. If she does approach you for affection you must lavish it upon her unreservedly. When she has had enough, she will let you know by biting you and running off. She will only eat cat food that is served in jelly, and when she has watched you open the packet so she knows it is completely fresh. She will not return to the house if she thinks you want her to. Only when you seem uninterested and stop calling her name (and possibly pretend to be engrossed in a phone call as my Mum once had to do when we were on holiday) will she very slowly make her way back.

A visit to the vets with her last week was particularly embarrassing, and unusually for her, she showed her true colours in public. She gripped her claws into my long blonde hair, hissed at the vet, launched herself at the window in a bid to escape (which pulled down the blinds), then hid behind a fridge.  The vet nervously joked that she’s one of the “naughty torties” she was warned about at college! I have decided that now, at 6 and a half years old she will not be getting those booster injections again, as I’m sure the stress of getting them must outweigh any benefits. And when I talk of the stress, I mean for me and the vet.

All of this aside, I would not be without her. She brings so much happiness to our lives, and she’s great for warming the bed before you get in. My husband who “didn’t like cats” before we got her would probably give his Playstation to save her (and that is saying something).  I miss her terribly when I go away even though when I’m gone she seems to like to sleep on my side of the bed, spooning my husband.  Every now and then she’ll let her guard down and have a big snuggle with her mummy… I like to think she loves me most…

Lisa x