Hello all. Yes, it’s me… Suzie Cairn, back on the radar.

I’ve been away for months.. recovering from a false pregnancy.

All together now… aah!

It’s not something I would recommend it to anyone, though. Does nothing for the figure. Big fat tummy, boobs so big that Sonnie, the drooling old Collie, asked if I’d had an enhancement.

‘A what?’ I asked.

‘Breast augmentation,’ he explained. ‘Like that Jordan woman…’

Sonny belongs to a doctor and doesn’t miss a trick. Very with it, he is.

Not like The Old Dear who bought me from a rescue centre and shares my life

Before my delicate condition was diagnosed, I’d found myself doing odd things like mounting chair legs, lamp posts and young trees.

So she took me to the vet – a lovely Australian gentleman who kept calling me ‘puppy’.

‘Hello puppy… let’s get you up on the table, puppy. Let’s listen to your heart, puppy. Examine your ears, your teeth, your tail… there’s a good puppy…’

(Great for the morale, that, considering I’m seven years old.)

Then he turned me upside down, began examining my girlie bits, squeezing me where it hurt and said something I didn’t quite catch. So I tuned into The Old Dear’s thoughts.

The what glands?

The memory glands? She knew dogs had long memories but, clueless about biology, didn’t realise there were any glands up there in our brains.

She began to wonder if I was remembering the good times I’d had with my doggy boyfriend before getting myself in this state. Oddbod, Bronson, Sonny, Atilla the Hound…?

A dabbler in psychology, she prided herself on her knowledge about human thinking and the capacity to remember, but could never quite get the hang of our vastly superior thought processes.

Memory glands, she kept repeating to herself, obviously confused.

Turning to the vet, a look of utter confusion on her face, she voiced the words.

‘Yes,’ said the expert. ‘They’re full of milk. Look…’

Brief Encounter revisited

Speaking of the mammary (oops, memory), remember Oddbod, the big macho Staffie who lives next door to Carrot Cottage?

Well, I saw him yesterday, across a crowded street. He saw me too. He winked, I blew him a kiss , but sadly that was all, because I was waiting for a bus with The Old Dear.

The bus came, we waved goodbye and, wet-eyed, gazed at each other through the window. Just like in that old weepie Brief Encounter, though hopefully with a happier ending because I aim to catch up with him on my next visit to Carrot Cottage.

I’m looking forward to making another great escape through gaps in the leylandii so that we can go exploring again.

Darling Boy

The Old Dear and I moved house recently and now that I’m living in a less salubrious district, the local dog population is also less – er, shall I say – ‘upmarket’.

On my previous stomping ground, they were all pedigree and very snooty but here they’re mostly mongrels and not nearly so well-barked.

Even the names were different.

Out there we had Christabel, Philomel, Phillida, Laetitia, Quested, Uriel and the dreadfully spoiled Darling Boy.

Here we have Izzy, Ozzy, Patch, Butch, two Mollies, two Pollies and a Holly. Oh, and a Dalmatian called Stripes (get it?).

I sneaked out through the garden gate the other day and discovered that the French doors leading to next door’s garden were open. Wandering inside I discovered a friendly human called Audrey watching a TV programme about antiques. She said hello and invited me to sit down beside her. She spoke to me, stroked my ear and played with me before inviting her husband Philip to let The Old Dear know where I was. And just as I was getting comfortable, she attached a long piece of string to my collar and walked me home.

Sleepovers with Bronson

Yes, yes, I do still go for sleepovers with my best buddy Bronson (cross Rottweiler/Collie) who lives in Tunbridge Wells. We share his bed and he lets me sleep with my head on his very hairy tummy. Naturally, when in Royal Tunbridge Wells (to give the town its full title) I’m on my very best behaviour. I don’t beg, don’t snatch, snarl, growl or ever pull on the lead when The Old Dear’s friend Pat takes me out.

Bit different from when I’m at home and do more or less what I like.

Too smelly for Joey

On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Old Dear and Oeda take me walking with a big black daftie called Judy, whose tongue hangs out the side of her mouth with excitement at the prospect of an hour’s fun. She leaps and bounds all over the place, hides behind the hedges and in the long grass. When she’s wet, she shakes herself all over the rest of us and her coat goes curly.

First time I accompanied them I jumped in a stream and scrambled out on the opposite bank. It took me ages to work out how to get back.

Next day, Joey jumped in the same stream and got stuck in the mud and couldn’t get out until Oeda lay down on the grass and managed to pull him out with a stick and a piece of rope. Or that’s what he told me anyway. He shivered at the very thought of what he’d been through.

I think he was looking for sympathy, poor old thing. He’s coming up to 11 now. His jowls are grey and his legs are stiff, but he still enjoys a leisurely stroll and a spot of sunbathing on the lawn.

Says he’s not going in the stream again. Too deep, too sludgy and too smelly for his taste. But then, what do you expect from a pedigree?

So there you have it. I think I’ve updated you on my activities since we last met on this page. As Bugs Bunny and his friends say in all the best Disney films: That’s all for now, folks.

Byeeee….

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Question: What are Puggles?

Answer: They are dogs. A cross between a male pug and a female beagle. Pug-gle… get it?

This cute little newcomer has only been around since the 1980 and could be described as one of the most recent designer dogs to appear on our pavements and in our parks. Puggles originated in America… the state of Winsconsin, to be precise. A breeder by the name of Wallace Haven is the brains behind the breed… or, crossbreed.

And it’s considered to be very trendy indeed. Sylvester Stallone owns one. So does Uma Thurman. And Kelly Osbourne. It seems entirely appropriate that Sylvester Stallone should name his puggle puppy after the film in which he made his name. Rocky, who else? Uma Thurman’s puggle, Sammy K, is frequently photographed nestling under her arm as she strolls around among her high profile friends. These, apparently, have become ‘in’ dogs with A-list celebrities and in some circles puggle dogs are regarded as fashion accessories; the animal equivalent of the Little Black Dress or the Hermes handbag.

Puggle puppies even has their own blog. PuggleSpace.com gives potential owners various tips on how to look after these little cuties. One of their experts suggests having regular one-sided conversations when out walking, because puggles are such good listeners. Another suggests dressing them in high fashion harnesses by Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton in order that they tone in more appropriately with their owners.

Despite all the media hype, neither the American, Canadian nor UK Kennel Clubs recognise these dogs as a breed, though no doubt that will come, in time.

So what do they look like? Well, they are small dogs, very cute and mostly fawn coloured, though do sometimes come in assorted shades, including black, white, brown, fawn and even multicoloured mixes. Curiously, they have been described as mini-Mastiffs, if that’s not a contradiction in terms. Some have curly tails that bend back over their bodies, others have straight ones, depending on the dominance of the individual animal’s ancestral genes.

It should be pointed out, however, that puggles do suffer from various genetic diseases… notably skin problems, eye problems, hip dysplasia and epilepsy. It is of course very important for anyone considering this type of dog – or, indeed, any type of pedigree dog – to check out the breeder’s credentials. Puggle breeders might still be thin on the ground in the UK, but they should be able to answer all your questions without hesitation.

Because puggles have funny little squashed-in noses, some of them snort, and snore quite loudly. But don’t be put off by these strange sounds. It’s all perfectly normal. Like most dogs who are not walked regularly on hard surfaces, their claws can grow very long and do need regular clipping. If this beauty routine is overlooked, the puggle will take to chewing its own nails… with possible disastrous results.

The Daily Puggle provides updated information about puggles in the news, and advice about how to cope with puggles in trouble. It can be found on www.puggle.org, a website full of information about and pictures of puggles. Well worth looking at. It is also the place to check out the sort of names some people have given to their new little designer companions. How about these for a touch of ingenuity: Brixy Thon, Calvin Hornswaggle Harris, Cashmere, Daisy Duke, Ducati Monster, Gracie Mae, Noodle, Spazz, Sunni and Sushi? Here are some more to mull over: Andy, Bandit, Basil, Batman, Bootsy, Buddy. Champ, Crash, Kiwi, Marco Polo and Thelma Lou!

Animal psychologists would have a field day trying to reason out the thinking processes behind the owners of these Puggles!

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This is a guest post from John Jensen.

Did you know that you are totally capable of do it yourself dog grooming? Pretty much if you can handle taking a shower or a bath than dog washing is not out of your league.  There are also many advantages to grooming your own dog that many people often overlook.

Money Money Money

How much do you usually pay for a trip to the dog groomer? Well, on average it can cost between fifty and one hundred bucks a month. On the high end (remember tips) you are looking at about $1,200 a year. That’s a lot of dog toys or even dinners out. If you cut out just half of your trips to the groomer you could cut your yearly cost in half. That extra money can be used for pet insurance or anything you might need. The only initial investment you need to make is a good dog grooming book and maybe some good dog grooming supplies.

Bonding Time

Does your dog view you as the alpha member of your pack, usually not? Dog bathing is a great way to establish dominance in your family. In wild dog packs the alpha dog usually cleans the lower ranking dogs in the group. Your furry buddy will begin to see you as the one that is in charge and will begin to listen to your commands better. It is also pretty fun to get wet and sudsy with your buddy. As long as you know what you are doing and keep a good attitude about the task your dog will enjoy bath time too.

I Love Control

If you are grooming your own dog you have total control over the whole process. Once you get a great dog grooming book and follow the dog grooming instructions you can develop a procedure that works best for you and your dog. You can also control which dog shampoo you use or if you want to use dog conditioner or not. You will be able to select the proper dog brush and be as gentle as needed with your friend. No one knows your dog better than you do so don’t you think you can provide the best experience for him.

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Today’s dog clothes are the ultimate in style and fashion.

Itsy-bitsy garments have come on in leaps and bounds since basic canine rainwear appeared on the scene a generation or two ago.

It used to be only horses and greyhounds who wore coats. And while horses and greyounds still do wear them, a whole host of dogs can now be seen sporting not just coats and jackets but sometimes an awful lot more.

The dog-about-town – or at least his owner – has gone very stylish and sophisticated.

And a whole wardrobe of canine fashion items can be seen at the click of a mouse.

Dog clothing can be purchased in many high street pet shops, but for a much wider choice one needs to go on line.

Spend a few minutes surfing the web and you’ll find outfits to suit dogs of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the teeniest to the most massive.

Small dog clothes retailers seem to specialise in glitzy garments, all colour co-ordinated to tone in with those of their owners. While tiny pooches can look pretty in pink or dashing in blue, these outfits would hardly be suitable for your average Rottweiler or Bull Mastiff.

Big Buster, Fighting Fangs and their prowling, howling mates should definitely be given something more macho… preferably in leather, with studs. Large dog clothes are poles apart from the twee, bling-laden outfits of their tinier sisters. Image is all-important in this day and age. Even for dogs.

Big dog clothing is a whole industry in itself. Huge canines can be dressed up as bikers, aviators, or anything else their proud owners fancy.

Clothes for dogs has become big business and there’s a whole range of goodies available. Take your pick from T-shirts, woolly sweaters, jackets, jumpsuits, goggles, hats and scarves.

Girlie dogs can have dresses, coats, sweaters, hoodie jackets, T-shirts, jeans, and the pretties of pretty pyjamas. Dresses come with frills, bows and polka dots. Coats come in various strengths, such as waterproof for rainy days, smart fur coats and thick duffels for the more chilly outings in the park. But the bridal outfits really are something else (www.urbanpup.com).

Pay as much or as little as you want. Surprising though it may seem, not all clothes for dogs are expensive.

Shop around and you’ll find a reasonabl selection of cheap dog clothes too. Only don’t expect these to be hand-embroidered, manufactured of silk or softest hide leather.

Maybe, find an aged relative who enjoys knitting, give her a pattern and watch those needles click. In no time at all, poochie will be the envy of all his buddies in the park. His individually designed wardrobe is sure to become a real talking point.

One elderly woman in the North West of England told us she had stopped knitting for her grandchildren because they didn’t want to wear home-knitted cardigans any more. So she started knitting for dogs and the orders began pouring in. Now she has a whole team of helpers and they have set themselves up as a very healthy cottage industry.

These knitters are so busy now making dog clothes, that they can’t take on any more orders, but there is nothing to stop others tearing a leaf from their pattern book.

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Question: At what age do Labrador puppies cease to be puppies?

Answer: usually, never. They are generally acknowledged as the Peter Pan of dog breeds.

Labradors are so reliable and dependable. That is why, according to general opinion, they are the most popular of all dog breeds.

Take the case of one wonderful yellow example, called Joey.

Some 10 years old now (that’s 70 in human terms), he’s as friendly and as playful as he was all those years ago when, as an adorable Labrador puppy, he first became part of a big, happy family in Kent, England.

He shares his home with two adults, four children and two cats. He welcomes innumerable visitors for dinner, parties and sleepovers. He loves nothing more than to play with a ball or stick and will run around for hours chasing and retrieving anything anyone is prepared to throw for him.

The kissing magpie

Once, when out walking with a friend when the family were away, the brave Joey walked right up to a magpie and licked it on the beak. No kidding. Typical Labrador. Everybody’s friend.

On the flip side of the coin, if Joey feels anyone is threatening his human companion, he lets them know in no uncertain terms. Head erect, muscles all a-quiver, it’s a case of Superdog Joey to the rescue.

Bedtime

Joey has a big, cosy bed in the same room as the washing machine and tumble-dryer, so he is always nice and warm. His food and drink bowls are in there too. Originally designed as a cloakroom, it has been known as Joey’s room for many years now.

Elderly dogs appreciate big soft towels to dry them when they’ve been out walking in the rain (or in Joey’s case, jumping into streams) and fleecy warm blankets to bed down on to.

Being yellow, this magnificent hound does not need a reflective jacket, but then he’s not really one for going out in the dark. His daytime walks are usually through woods and orchards where he has been known to treat himself to the odd apple or pear. He’s a great dog, Joey. But then, aren’t they all… in the right hands?

Old and incapacated

Elderly, incapacitated dogs are not unlike elderly, incapacitated humans. They suffer from the same old aches and pains, the same chronic muscular and neurological conditions.

For those dogs with arthritic limbs, there are now many products on the market to help them get around. Specialist outlets can provide items such as a hip-assist harness, non-slip paw pads, ramps, portable steps and strollers for senior dogs (these three-whelers are built like a large buggy or an electric wheelchair). www.orvis.co.uk

A dog who has given years of undiluted love to his family surely deserves nothing but the best to see him through his autumn years.

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Guest post by Monica O’Hara-Keeton

When she was a young girl living in the Lancashire village of Horwich, near Bolton, in the North West of England, my mother had a very frightening encounter with a dog.

What exactly happened to un-nerve her she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, say other than that it was a very large dog and she was a very small girl.

The incident traumatised her so much that it gave her a lifelong fear of dogs, which was such a shame because over on the southern shores of Ireland my father’s family always had dogs. His favourite was an Airedale called Cara (Gaelic for ‘friend’), who was his loyal companion throughout his school and university years.

My father respected my mother’s fear of dogs, so there was never one in our household.

Growing up in County Cavan up near the Ulster border, we had a series of cats. They had a charmed life altogether, living lived off the fat of the land and providing us with many kittens.

I loved the cats, but I longed for a dog.

Each Christmas and birthday all I ever wanted was a dog. We never had one, so I befriended everyone else’s, from the lean greyhounds next door, to the portly retriever owned by the equally portly parish priest as well as every mongrel that roamed the streets. I loved too the travellers bandana-wearing lurchers. Released from the ropes tethering them to their caravans, they had great fun chasing our car when we went for a drive.

Then there were the amazingly clever terriers, enchanting their audiences with all those tricks when the circus came to town. Given half a chance, I would have emptied my bank account to buy one of those.

I swore I would have a dog.. or two.. or as many as I could afford, when I grew up.

No animals allowed

A generation on, my first husband didn’t like dogs and wouldn’t have one in our Liverpool home. But then he didn’t like cats either. He just tolerated them, so when Andromeda -a friend’s Persian – gave birth, we had one of her kittens.

Fleabag was a beautiful gold and white fluffy creature who thankfully, lived to a great age and brought much joy to everyone she met. I think it’s so sad when parents don’t allow their children to have a pet. They miss out on such a lot.

Thankfully, my second husband was a real animal-lover.

As a boy growing up in Derbyshire, Joe’s family had never been without several cats and dogs. The dogs were always big and boisterous; the cats cute and cuddly. And apparently they all got on very well together. Living on the edge of the Peak District, these animals had plenty of space to roam around in.

When the family moved to Sussex and later to Greater Manchester, the animals all moved with them. They must have needed a large removal van, because the dogs were invariably Great Danes and Boxers; both of which breeds Joe loved dearly until the day he died.

Heavily-pregnant Fleabag

When we first met, he had just lost the last of his Great Danes and was deeply upset until taking on my family and the irrepressable (and heavily-pregnant) Fleabag.

On her first morning in her new home, that cat made her presence felt immediately by scooping all Joe’s goldfish out of the garden pond and eating them for breakfast. Then she went straight back into the house and made her way to the breakfastroom where she produced four kittens on the table.

Pudding, her big fat tabby son, was easily the most handsome. So we kept him and eventually found homes for the other three.

In adulthood Pudding’s attitude towards his mother was a shade Freudian, to put it mildly. He had something of an Oedipus complex (thankfully without Electra’s sticky ending). Perhaps we should have renamed the pair Eedie and Ellie.

Duffy and Gonzo

Siblings Duffy and Gonzo were our first dogs. They were Labrador/German Shepherd crosses.

Fleabag and Pudding didn’t think much of the idea of these two sharing their home, but chose to ignore them, on the whole. They did have the odd scrap (, but generally it worked out without bloodshed.

In the years that followed, we had several more dogs… a charming little crossbreed named Gusto; Danny, the Great Dane; Ronnie, the English Bull Terrier; Scheppe, who came to us with both back legs broken and was always rather frail and the delightful little terrier Tilly-Mint, who saved my sanity when the world turned upside down.

Her sudden death last year left me confused and distraught until little Suzie (my Cairn/Border terrier cross) appeared on the scene just a few months ago.

Onwards and upwards

And so to the third generation.

At her home in Sweden, Esther went in for cats to keep her two sons company. She gave them exotic names like Barabbas and Tupac, while in the Garden of England, Arthur and Michael also introduced welcomed pets into their growing families. A rat, a cat, another cat, a dog, another dog, another cat and various goldfish all made their appearance and shared their homes with the six grandchildren growing up in Kent.

Sniffy, the white rat, was the first of Michael and Oeda’s pets. On his demise, Jimmy, the black and white tomcat entered their lives. He’s still there, still in his prime, although now about 10 years old.

Then along came Joey, the lovely yellow Labrador, who is also, thankfully, still with them. Now too they have Luna, the sensitive little cat, who lost her baby, the silvery Syd, in a road traffic accident.

Meanwhile Arthur and Islay loved and lost their Deefa… a stunningly attractive gold and white, Border Collie. Hopefully it won’t be too long before they adopt another dog.

Families are so incomplete without a pet or two to befriend the children during their growing years.

So many advantages

Pet-owning has innumerable benefits, particularly for children.

Cats and dogs make wonderful playmates. Being such good listeners and completely non-judgmental, they are ideal for children who want to share their worries with someone other than a parent or teacher.

Children with pets have been shown to cope better with family issues like separation, divorce and death than children in families without pets. Pets give unconditional love and because they need to be cared for every day, they teach children about responsibility.

Pet ownership has so much going for it. It’s just lovely the way dogs greet you so enthusiastically every time you return to the house. Cats want nothing more than to to curl up on a soft knee or cushion. Tail-wagging and purring are all the response any owner needs.

Animals also work wonders in terms of their owners’ health

Stress and depression seldom last long when there are pets around. Medical research has shown that pet-owners have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and therefore are less likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes. The act of stroking an animal is, apparently, enough to do the trick.

Dog-walking gives much needed exercise to both owner and dog.

The world would be a very empty place without pets.

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If you have never thought about the value of guard dog training, consider this. Burglaries are commonplace and research has shown that they don’t just happen at night when everyone in the family (including the pet pooch) is asleep. They happen in the daytime too.

Indeed, according to statistics, more than half of these crimes are committed in broad daylight, with violence often involved.

However, the presence of an alert guard dog does scare many criminals off.

Dog training is beneficial for all dogs but the best breeds to consider in terms of guard dog training are believed to be German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and doberman Pinschers.

All of these dogs will attack if they semse a threat to their master or his territory.

But all of these dogs are powerful and potentially dangerous. This means that they need high-powered professional training.

Dog training is important for all dogs, but for these large, strong animals the training does need to be taken to another level.

Very skilled work

Training a guard dog is very skilled work and guard dog training centres put considerable work into the task.

Dog training books are fine in terms of basic training for the family pet, but are not enough for training guard dogs.

One must never forget that a trained guard dog is a powerful weapon and should be respected as such.

Don’t visit unexpectedly

Relatives, friends, neighbours, tradesmen and casual callers should be advised that you have a dog protecting your home and warned not to visit unexpectedly.

Notices to that effect should be sited at all entrances to the premises.

Natural instinct to bark

Some trainers maintain that virtually any breed can be suitable for protection training. Working on the natural instinct of the family pet to bark at the approach of someone to the property, they use positive training methods to develop that instinct into something more tangible.

The guard dog has to go a stage further by restraining the intruder.

Protecting sheep and hens

Farmers often employ guard dogs to protect their sheep, hens and other livestock.

Industrialists employ them to protect their factories and machinery.

The gentry employ them to protect their grand houses and all the artefacts therein.

Gentle and docile

Training dogs to work for the police and the military are so trustworthy that they normally live as family pets, where they are renowned for their gentleness and docility. It is only when they are threatened that they attack. Naturally aggressive dogs are invariably rejected.

Guard dog training is always more successful when begun in puppyhood or early adulthood. The crucial point is to catch them before any bad habits set in.

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Is there any more enchanting sight than that of a newly-born labrador puppy snuzzling up to his mother alongside seven or eight siblings?

Who could possibly resist adopting such a delightful little creature… when he’s ready to leave his mother, that is?

Labrador puppies are the most gorgeous of all young animals. They are undoubtedly the most popular of all dog breeds.

Ideal family pet

The labrador is loveable, friendly and highly intelligent; all of which makes him the ideal family pet. This dog loves children and children love him. He is gentle, kind and would never knowingly hurt anyone. He even lives happily alongside the family cat.

First class companion

He is also an excellent working dog. The labrador can be trained to work efficiently as Guide dogs, guard dogs and assistance dogs for the disabled. He is also a first class companion for the owner who enjoys outdoor sports.

It should always be remembered, though, that working dogs need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. The odd walk in the park is just not enough.

Bored dogs soon become mischievous dogs prone to developing some very nasty habits, upon which we have no need to expand.

The labrador dog can run like the wind. He can retrieve game when his master goes hunting, shooting and fishing. And he’s great at retrieving balls when playing in the park.

That’s because he is really a Labrador Retriever.

Originated in Newfoundland

Labrador dogs originated in Newfoundland, Canada and are distant relatives of the dogs named after that district.

Because their ancestors lived near lakes, their coats are water-repellant and have plenty of natural oils to prevent them catching cold during Arctic weather conditions.

Three main shades

When scrutinising the ‘labrador puppies for sale’ columns in the local newspaper or pet shop window it is worth bearing in mind that these puppies come in three main shades. So at this early stage it is worth deciding which colour to opt for… a black labrador puppy, a lovely chocolate labrador puppy or the traditional yellow variety.

They’re all adoreable, of course, with their big brown eyes and muscular bodies.

And, amazingly, puppies of all three colours (and various mixtures) can appear in the same litter.

As ever, the choice of puppy should depend not just on the little one’s colour but on how sturdy, sociable and healthy he is.

Watch his diet

Labrador puppies grow up to be labrador dogs. And labrador dogs have a reputation for being rather too fond of their food. So do keep a careful watch on the diet.

Left to his own resources, the average labrador will hunt out food and help himself to anything that smells remotely interesting. Some have been known to raid their owners’ fridges and larders.

In order to prevent him running to fat, this breed of dog really does need to have his diet carefully monitored right through from puppyhood. You don’t want your cute labrador puppy to grown into a fat dog!

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Dog vs cat?

It’s the age old problem: which makes the best family pet?

Dogs are loveable, loyal and ever-faithful. They are also totally dependent on humans and need exercising at least twice a day. Hail, rain or shine. They bond well with their owners.

Cats are cuddly, purry and enjoy sitting on your knee. They are also arrogant, independent and very snooty. Yes, they too bond with their owners, but on their own terms.

Dogs vs Cats as Pets?

So which should the family adopt?

One of each, we say… or better still, two of each so that they can either play together or in two little teams.

Cats and dogs don’t always fight. Nor should they be expected to.

It has been shown time and again that they can live harmoniously together. Animal adoption agencies say the secret is to adopt when young, then they will grow up as a very important part of the family unit.

Making careful checks

Reputable pet rescue centres make careful checks on the animals coming in to them for possible adoption.

They examine all dogs and cats for parasitic infection, check whether they have been neutered and watch their general behaviour. Then they routinely call on a veterinary surgeon to give them the once over, innoculate and neuter them if this has not already been done. A general health check is always carried out on animals coming into bona fide rescue centres.

Nervous and/or aggressive animals are given extra attention to help to sort out their problems before being offered up for rehoming. Those who have suffered cruelty or starvation at the hands of their previous owners need very specialised care.

Animal aunts and uncles

In recent years, pet sitting has grown in popularity.

There is an increasing call for sitters who like to think of themselves and the animals’ aunts and uncles. Owners are making more and more use of their services.

Rather than send their pets to boarding kennels when they go away on holiday, many families now like to leave their companions at home where everything is familiar and call upon professional sitters to live in for the duration.

Pet sitting is big business today and the sitters can command high fees for looking after not just cats and dogs, but rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, goldfish and any other pets that might be sharing the family home.

Eye-catching titles

Some sitters work independently, others through an agency.

A whole host of pet sitting services can be found on line, competing against each other with their zippy, eye-catching titles.

Look out for Fluffballs, Catnips, Animals at Home, Pet Pals and Guardian Angels; to name but a few. There is even one called Barking Mad… Barking Mad? We sincerely hope they are not!

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A large dogs needs a large dog kennel. Fact.

And it stands to reason that the larger the kennel the greater the cost.

Devoted doggie enthusiasts are happy to pay small fortunes to accommodate their oversized companions.

Fantastic range

For those dog-lovers who are still searching, we have taken the liberty of looking at luxury dog kennels on line and have found a fantastic range. Be warned, though. They are not cheap. Some are so over the top they could be mistaken for summerhouses, gazebos or even upmarket garden sheds. Extra large dog kennels are all very well, but some of these verge on the ridiculous!

Still, our pets are worth as much pampering as we can afford to give them, aren’t they?

A form of security

Pet care has become a major part of 21st century life.

The animals who share our homes can be companions, they can help disabled as well as able-bodied owners, they can protect and guard us. That is more than you can say for many humans!

Having a large dog cage in the garden can act as a form of security. The presence of large dog kennels in the grounds of your house tell potential intruders in no uncertain terms that there are large dogs on the premises.

Weatherproof, robust, functional

Dog boarding is big business, whether the pet kennel is part of your own private estate or of the place the dogs go to when you’re on holiday.

Outdoor dog kennels should be weatherproof, robust and functional.

They can be purchased ready-made or ready to be assembled by the do-it-yourself enthusiastiic. We are assured that the self-assembly type come with complete (easy-to-read) instructions as well as all the necessary screws and bolts.

The end result will be something any potential wet-nosed, tail-wagging occupant should be proud to call home.

Classy dog houses

One company, Zooplus (www.zooplus.co.uk) does a stunning collection of classy dog houses with pitched, over-hanging rooves that ensure no rain will drip on whoever’s happily snoozing inside.

The same company does dog houses with flat rooves, doors and other accessories to provide insulation, run areas, sheltered patios and just about anything you or your dog might desire.

Some are even big enough to have a friend or two for the odd sleepover.

Oh yes, these are large dog kennels.

But then, they would need to be.

Large outdoor dog kennels are also ideal for households containing more than one dog.

Scandinavian redwood

Another company provides details of rather super kennels made of top quality Scandinavian redwood, with galvanised panels. These really are very upmarket homes After all, what dog would sniff at being asked to go to bed in The Buckingham, The Windsor or the Burley de Luxe.

Not just a large dog kennel but a regal residence!

Related posts:

1. Dog Kennel & Run
2. Dog Kennel
3. Large Dogs