Author: toptotail

With the lockdowns and uncertainty of the last couple of years,  many of us bought new puppies and now that life is beginning to return to normal those dogs’ lives are changing. There are no longer people at home 24/7 as the pups have been used to. During the lockdowns puppies were not able to get out and socialise. For some pups and their carers this is now causing some dis- harmony and confusion.

If you and your dog are struggling and you are not sure how to cope, I am here to help. I offer one to one training for you and your dog at home and where you go for walks in your local area. If you would like some help please contact me for more details.

Due to new advice from DEFRA I can only accept welfare grooms during  the current lockdown rules regarding Covid 19.

This means that from tomorrow, 13th January, I can only make an appointment for your dog if a vet has advised for skin issues or if a dog is matted and  it is affecting its health and well being.

The numbers of Covid cases are rising and advice is to stay at home and keep safe. Back in March you all managed really well to keep your dogs groomed and cut out any matts before they got too bad, so keep up the good work and as soon as I can return to normal routine I will let you know.

Please contact me by email ( I will not be in the salon very often to answer phone calls) if you need any help.  You can also keep up to date on my facebook page.(link on website)

Thank you all for your understanding and patience and hopefully it will not be long before I see you and your dogs.  Give them all a cuddle from me, Anne  😍

Well, I have now booked in everyone whose appointments were cancelled due to the lockdown ( I hope I haven’t missed anyone!). Things are a little different, I am grooming less dogs per day to allow time to clean between clients and keep everything as safe as possible. With extra time between appointments to avoid people arriving/departing at the same time I would ask that everyone keeps to the drop off and collection times given as if you arrive early or late you may end up having to wait outside! I have put a crate in the reception area for you to put your dog in on arrival, after removing all collars, leads and harnesses (you will need to take these with you and bring back on collection).  All the handles and common areas are disinfected between clients. Obviously, if you or anyone else your dog has had contact with should develop  Covid19 symptoms, please do not bring your dog for grooming until you are clear of the virus. This is for everyones safety and wellbeing.

I am finding that this new way of working is actually more relaxed and I think that the dogs are happier with it too.  I have a few appointments available from the end of July / early August but they are going quickly.

At the moment I am still not doing home visits for behaviour or zoopharmacognosy consultations.  I am available to give help and advice over the phone or by email etc. 

I was recently able to help a cat via a phone conversation with her “parent” and dispensing an essential oil remedy for her with a successful outcome.

I wish you all a safe and healthy summer ?  keep those tails wagging!

Anne

Hi All,  as you will have realised I have had to close the salon due to the current safety guidelines concerning Covid-19.  I hope you are all keeping well and sane!  As soon as I am able, I will be back to work and book in all those whose appointments have had to be cancelled.  I will do my best to catch up as quickly as possible, but do please bear with me! In the meantime just do your best to keep your furry friends brushed, combed and comfortable. If you are confident with scissors, cut out any mats/knots as you find them and tidy hair over eyes and round bottoms.

For those who are not able to go to work, I am sure your dogs are really enjoying having you around all the time and you can spend some quality time together. If your dog tends to show signs of separation anxiety, or follows you everywhere it is a good idea to give them some “alone” time if you are at home 24/7.  When you do return to work they are really going to miss you, so, by giving them some time in another room on their own it will help them adjust when life returns to normal.

If you would like any help or advice do email or message me from my Facebook page.

Keep well and if you have the chance enjoy the sunshine

Anne

I love my dog when he is snuggled up with me on the sofa

I love my dog when we are out on a walk together, exploring and sharing the experience

I love my dog when he gently puts a toy in my lap, inviting me to interact with him

I love my dog when, together, we learn a new game or activity

I love my dog for comforting me when I am feeling down

I love my dog when he makes me laugh doing something goofy

I love my dog because he never judges me and always gives me honest feedback

I love my dog because he is always pleased to see me, no matter what has happened during our day or what “mood” I am in

I love my dog for so many reasons BUT………

Do I love my dog when he is pulling like a train on lead?

Do I love my dog when he is barking like a thing possessed at another dog/person out walking?

Do I love my dog when he has tipped the rubbish bin all over the floor and eaten goodness knows what?

Do I love my dog when the neighbours complain he barks all the time when I leave him at home?

Do I love my dog when he runs off after an animal or scent and doesn’t respond to me calling him?

It is sometimes hard for us to unconditionally love our dog….but that is what he does for us every day of his life.

So…next time my dog is doing something that takes me away from those feelings of love and appreciation I am going to try much harder to react from a place of unconditional love.

To understand why he is reacting in that way and help him to cope in a calm way. Be there to support him when he is struggling emotionally and appreciate his efforts to behave in a way that I find acceptable.

If this resonates with you and you would like some help with your dog do get in touch.

So excited to have my new website up and running. Many thanks to Function 28 for all their help in updating my rather tired and hurriedly put together efforts!! They have been so helpful and put up with all my changes of mind and indecisions.

I hope you will enjoy browsing through the site and look forward to hearing from you with comments on the content and any thoughts on how it might be even better.

If you would like to talk about any  of the services I offer do please get in touch. I love to talk about dogs.

Stay pawsitive!

Anne