A dog is for life, not just for Christmas

I thought that it would be quite appropriate today to turn our attention to the slogan 'A dog is for life not just for Christmas.'

This slogan has more truth and honesty in 9 words than a glitzy magazine has from cover to cover. The UK's National Canine Defence League really excelled themselves when they introduced this back in 1978 as it is widely quoted and respected. Widely quoted yes, but respected? I am not so sure...

I think people are still forgetting that cute little puppies get bigger, grow more hair and mature into a handsome dog, and with the dog's maturity the love and attention from their owners begins to fade. The little puppy that their children craved when they were little has suddenly become 'not so cute' and 'not so wanted'.

It is such a shame, I love my dog just as much, if not more now that he has matured than ever before, and right from a puppy he has remained a permanent fixture, loved and cared for, our family pet.

But when you think about it, that may be one of the top 3 excuses for pets becoming abandoned, but it certainly isn't all of them. The dog ruins and bites the furniture, the dog isn't good with children, we have moved flat and there are no pets allowed. Must I continue?

I am not saying that in some cases there aren't genuine reasons for people that may no longer be able to home their pet, it's just that excuses are casually thrown around at the expectation that 'good' people like Dog's Trust will come along and pick up the pieces, It's just not fair. All I can say at this point, is thank god for people like Dog's Trust!

I really don't want to seem as though I am having a rant before the festive season, but I think it is about time that people truly took notice of flipping good slogans like 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas' and have the confidence to shout it from the rooftops.

So, if you do find yourself being greeted with an excited wee and fluffy ears wrapped in a little pink bow this Christmas, look after your pooch, they will be your best friend, most loyal companion and beach buddy all year round.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Do Dogs Look Like Their Owners?

Have you ever wondered whether the never-ending conundrum, 'do dogs look like their owners' have any sort back bone? I have, and so has my colleague Sarah W.
Back in March when we both attending Crufts on behalf of The Woof Guide team, as you can imagine we were surrounded by large quantities of various breeds of dogs from British Bulldogs to Great Dane's and their owners. After four days of being surrounded by all shapes and sizes, we drew up the following conclusion, IT IS MOST DEFINITELY TRUE! Dogs do look like their owners.
I thought that I would do a little bit of research on the topic today and to see whether we had any support on the matter, and I was very surprised to discover how many stories and studies supported the diagnosis, including a study investigated by the yanks who make it 'official'- dogs do look like their owners.
But hold on a second, surely like myself, if you have a dog with a bit of a mixture a 'mongrel' if you will, such as my pooch Jed (collie cross springer spaniel), when I took him home as a pup I didn't really know what he would end up looking like. So how does that work?
Well it doesn't. In that respect the theory could be described as 'going to the dogs' so to speak, but when people select a purebred dog they are certainly 'barking up the right tree'.

As I cannot really compare myself to Jed, I thought I would show you all a picture of the very, highly attractive breed that Sarah W believes most resembles myself, a Curly Coated Retriever...

I chose an image of a puppy due to it's high rated 'cute' factor!

As for Sarah, I'm thinking an Irish Setter...?

Obviously I do appreciate that you may or not know what Sarah or myself for that matter look like to offer an opinion!

I am beginning to think that I may try this game at home over Christmas at some point, you know keep the family mood lightened and laughter rife!

Well, on that note I think I best stop there whilst I still have a job, as before you know it I will have teamed each member of the office with a random breed of dog and bound to end up offending some body (not intentionally of course) along the way!

Let's Go Walkies!

I would like to turn your attention to another of our fantastic dog friendly properties located North of the County in Newport.

I recently popped into Ol y Don to have a look around before their Christmas bookings set in, and today I thought that the property deserved a mention, as I felt it to be an ideal, dog friendly property with many desired amenities on it's doorstep, and simply perfect for your pooch during your stay with us in Pembrokeshire.

Ol y Don is ideal for many dog personalities, whether they enjoy playing in the garden chasing butterflies, taking a refreshing dip in the water or taking a stroll around the local town in the evenings.

To the rear of the property beyond the immediate garden (also dog friendly), your dog can enjoy exploring 1.5 acres of green grass, all enclosed and safe to play. By taking a short walk to the left of the property you will be led to the sheltered, dog friendly Newport Parrog, with the alternative dog friendly Newport Sands only a short distance away.

Within the historic town of Newport you will spot dog friendly pub and restaurant The Castle Hotel who boast a varied and ever changing menu during the year. Just up the road and well worth a visit is popular Fronlas Cafe, they welcome your dog all year round and serve delightful home cooked meals. Newport town is only a 5 minute walk from your property.

If you feel that your pooch deserves an energetic break away in the coming months at dog friendly Ol y Don, then please view further details of the property on the website, by taking a quick look through our featured cottage on the home page.