Your Dog December 2024

Hello! My favourite time of the year is fast approaching! I love Christmas. It may sound cheesy, but I really enjoy how it brings people together – and not just on the day itself. The whole season sees work Christmas parties, family gatherings, social group get-togethers, and families and friends around the dinner table. That, of course, includes our dogs. You’ll see my joy surrounding the season reflected in this month’s choice of lead feature. I wanted a real feel-good story. It is sad in places – the festive period isn’t always easy – but it is hoped that the magic of the season can lead us all down a better path. I know you’ll enjoy Maggie’s story and want to thank (in print!) Andrea McHugh for finding such a heartwarming tale…

Perched atop of a rocky headland, Dunnottar Castle is a compelling mix of natural beauty and chequered history. A photographer’s paradise, the defiant ruin of the castle is popular with visitors who want to take in the climactic view and relive its intriguing stories. The site has been inhabited for several thousands of years and has been a place of worship and fortification. The outpost has seen battles between the Scots and the Vikings, William Wallace and the English, as well as being home to a lion, disputed by the Pope, visited by monarchs, the home of uprisers, and a safehouse for the Scottish Crown Jewels. Situated just outside the town of Stonehaven, which is 15 miles from Aberdeen, the world-renowned site welcomes canine visitors as long as they are kept…

* Check before you travel. CHRISTMAS AT CHEDDAR! NOVEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 24, 2024 Experience the magic of Christmas at Cheddar Gorge and Caves from November 16 to December 24, 2024, where Father Christmas and his elves have transformed Gough’s Cave into a festive workshop! With a Cheddar Gorge and Caves Day Ticket, you can explore the enchanting South West workshop, featuring elves sorting letters and preparing gifts. Families can also pre-book a Father Christmas Grotto session (additional charges apply) to meet Santa, sing festive songs, listen to a special story, and receive a gift. Enjoy a full day of adventure with access to six attractions, including stunning caves and breathtaking views, all while bringing your dog along for the festive fun! Don’t miss this unique holiday experience! ● To…

The build-up to Christmas is always exciting, but this time last year the festive season was far from magical for Victoria Gross. Faced with the very real possibility of losing her beloved two-yearold Spaniel to an aggressive bone cancer, Victoria found herself praying for a Christmas miracle. Victoria, who lives near Mildenhall in Suffolk, had bred Maggie herself, and had big dreams for her perfect puppy. “I’ve had working Cocker Spaniels for 11 years,” says Victoria. “I had her mum, Clover, who was my second Spaniel and Maggie was from her third and final litter, using my friend’s wonderful stud dog. “From day one, Maggie was brilliant. She was so easy to train, and very confident and happy – a typical merry Cocker! She was always wanting to please me, and…

NILAQUA WATERLESS PET SHAMPOO RANGE Nilaqua, a leading waterless washing brand, has launched an innovative range of pet-washing products. The products are made ethically in the UK using water-based, biodegradable ingredients that are vegan-friendly and gentle on pets. There’s no need to add any water! The new Nilaqua eco pet range includes: Puppy Shampoo: Gentle and enriched with Vitamin E, perfect for young and sensitive skin. Poo Shampoo: Specially formulated with a blend of fragrances to neutralise the unpleasant odour of fox poo. Muddy Paws Shampoo: Features a foaming burst action that effectively lifts mud from fur. Beach Day Shampoo: Designed to remove sand, with extra conditioners to counteract the effects of sea salt. Critter Shampoo: Contains essential oils that naturally repel ticks and fleas and is pesticide-free. Older Dog…

“Denise is so grateful to Anna and the team at Calweton Vets for the excellent care Lily received” When Lily arrived in the UK from the subtropical Indian Ocean island of Mauritius last summer, her new owners hoped that a comfortable home, good-quality food, endless countryside walks, and being showered with love would mean the end to all her troubles as a stray. Although Lily, now estimated to be about four years old, initially took a while to adapt to her new life on the cooler Cornish coast, she eventually settled with Denise Bond and her husband, Dave, in Looe. But just a couple of months after arriving, Lily started to develop a rather disconcerting habit that very nearly twice proved fatal. Last September, the young dog – which DNA…