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Scent Work, Nose-Led Fun for Every Dog
What if your dog’s greatest superpower was already switched on… just waiting to be used? I’m Mandy Rigby, a scent work instructor and founder of Canine Scentwork Academy, and my passion is helping dog owners see their dogs differently, not as “just pets”, but as capable beings with extraordinary noses. Scent work taps into the dog’s primary sense, their sense of smell, and it's how they understand the environment. Long before we asked dogs to sit, stay or walk nicely on a lea


Cats Protection launches short story competition
Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans. Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people. Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental he


Keeping Your Dog Well Through Winter
Gentle, Natural Support for Skin, Joints, Digestion & Everyday Comfort. Winter can be quietly demanding on dogs. Cold air, wet walks, muddy paws, indoor heating, and reduced movement all place extra pressure on skin, joints, digestion, and general comfort. A thoughtful winter routine focuses on gentle, supportive care — helping your dog stay comfortable without overwhelming their system. Here’s how to support your dog naturally through the colder months Calming Winter Skin &


Stop shouting ‘no’: Gentle parenting trick will help 34% of owners struggling with dog behaviour
A recent nationwide survey has revealed 34% of dog owners are unsure about training, with recall, loose-lead walking and reactivity among the most common issues. Telling your dog off by shouting or repeatedly saying “no” is a common way for owners to try discipline their dogs, but past studies have revealed using a negative reinforcement-based methods is actually the least effective method . With gentle parenting becoming more popular as seen in wider parenting discussions an


Pet weight loss searches are rising so here’s what owners need to know about exercise
Dog owners are worried about their dogs’ weight, with searches for “best dog weight” up 20% compared with last year. Queries about cats are on the rise too, with “cat diet” searches jumping by 61% in November 2025 and “overweight cats” up 58%. Animal Behaviourist Hannah Molloy offers expert advice on managing your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing this year. 27 January 2026: As the new year gets well underway, many of us are looking to settle into healthier habits – and


Tail amputation puts stray cat on road to recovery
A stray cat discovered with an injury so severe her tail had to be amputated is recovering thanks to the dedication of staff and volunteers at West Norfolk Cat Centre. Hope was found in a garden by a member of the public who noticed a wound to her tail, calling in Cats Protection West Norfolk Cat Centre to help. The grey-and-white cat was brought to the centre in Wards Chase, Stowbridge, where it was immediately apparent Hope was in a desperate state and needed urgent medical


Experts warn winter heating could lead to £800 vet bills for dog owners
With dogs spending more time indoors and actively seeking out warm spots, canine experts are warning that this common winter behaviour could be putting pets at risk of skin damage and masking underlying joint pain, potentially leading to costly vet bills if issues go unnoticed. Michael Nelson, canine expert at Kennel Store, a leading UK outdoor dog kennel provider, says prolonged exposure to direct heat can cause lasting skin damage and mask underlying joint pain. “Dogs don’t


UK-wide protests urge Spain to end cruelty to hunting dogs
Hundreds of people and their dogs marched in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Exeter. London, United Kingdom – On Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2026, hundreds of people and their dogs took part in peaceful protests across the UK, demanding an end to hunting with dogs in Spain. The protests, took place in Exeter, Glasgow, Manchester and London, coincide with the end of the Spanish hunting season, when up to 100,000 dogs ––primarily Galgos and Podencos—are abando


A Beginner Guide to Guinea Pig Care
Guinea Pigs are adorable and known for their incredible vocal range. This popular species makes wonderful companions for the right owners. However, taking on any animal requires consideration, so if you are planning on bringing Guinea Pigs into your home, here is what you need to know. What are Guinea Pigs? Guinea Pigs (known as Cavies or the less official potatoes on legs) are rodents that originate from South America. These adorable creatures are herbivores and sadly, they


The Realities of Border Collie Trust and the wonderful Border Collie
The Joy, the Chaos, and the Running in Circles (Usually Literally) Working with Border Collies in rescue is equal parts uplifting, exhausting, and unintentionally comedic. These dogs are brilliant, sensitive, quirky, and occasionally capable of outsmarting every human on the premises—including the one holding the treat bag. The Positives: Watching nervous, shut-down collies slowly switch back on—ears lifting, tails loosening, eyes brightening as they realise the world isn’t a


A Peaceful Goodbye at Home: Denise’s Final Gift to Milly
When Denise Longleat, 45, from Bedford, first adopted Milly, a timid five-year-old rescue cat, she never imagined the two of them would share nearly two decades together. 15 years later, Milly had become part of the very fabric of Denise’s life, a much-loved pet and companion but as Milly’s chronic kidney disease worsened and she stopped eating and refused treats, Denise faced the heartbreaking decision every pet owner dreads. What she hadn’t expected, however, was the sense


Cold Mornings, Warm Noses: Sniffy Winter Walks
Shorter walks. Richer sniffs. Simple indoor scent games for winter days. Some dogs seem energised by frost, moving as though the cold air switches them on. If they are fit, well-conditioned and the footing is safe, let them enjoy using that winter energy. For many others, the season naturally shifts the pace. Older dogs, short coated breeds such as the whippet, or those recovering from injury may prefer a shorter, more scent-led walk before returning home to warmth and a snoo
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