Gilly Pickup: Journalist, Travel Writer, Author
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mayhew carols

1/12/2020

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Event name:  Mayhew Carols
Time:  7pm – 8pm
Date:  Tuesday 8 December
Cost: £10 per household, £5 concession for single person households.

Share this Christmas with Mayhew at an online evening of special guest readings and festive performances to support the dogs, cats and communities the charity work with.

​Join celebrity host Arlene Phillips with live readings from poet, entertainer and broadcaster Pam Ayres, veteran of stage and screen Miriam Margolyes and actor and writer Tracy-Ann Oberman; exclusive pre-recorded performances from West End's own Jodie Prenger and Amy Lennox and pre-recorded personal message and specially selected performance from Sophie Ellis-Bexter.
Mayhew Home
Further information about the event can be found on the Mayhew Carols event page  https://themayhew.org/events/carols/
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dogstival - it's all paws go!

13/8/2020

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After a rollercoaster few months  keeping paws crossed, top doggy festival Dogstival sponsored by Purely Pets, is preparing to go ahead on 5 and 6 September. This promises to  be the  ultimate treat for all Very Important Pets, who have been working hard to provide companionship and exercise for their humans during these unprecedented times.  Following the easing of Covid-19 guidelines, this two-day extravaganza of four-legged fun will again take place in the heart of doggy paradise, the New Forest,  in Burley Park.

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For everyone’s safety and reassurance, Dogstival’s organisers are working  with New Forest District Council and Hampshire Police on plans, risk assessments and guidelines. Burley Park itself offer acres of space to explore, allowing easy social distancing and there will be plenty of extra hygiene measures in place including multiple hand sanitiser stations throughout and on-site cleaning teams across both days. Additionally, tickets are only being sold in-advance to comply with ‘track and trace’ and help manage capacity to ensure social distancing guidelines are met.
 
Dogstival will once again host the canine activities, shows and demonstrations that made their inaugural event such a hit with thousands of dogs and their owners last year. Dogstival will give pets a much-deserved ‘play-rise’ over one pawsome weekend with features including:
 
  • Ultimate doggy thrills in the K9 Aqua Sports Pool where dogs will be encouraged to launch themselves into the water with wild abandon! There will also be ‘SUP with Pup’, otherwise known as stand-up paddle boarding with your dog for guests who wish to try this increasingly popular sport – advance bookings only via Dogstival.co.uk.
 
  • Dry land fun in the Have-A-Go area includes scent work, agility, flyball and working dog scurries with a difference that takes into account Government guidelines on handling dogs.
 
  • The Happy Hound Den hosted by TV’s Vet on The Hill and resident vet for This Morning Scott Miller, who will share his bountiful knowledge on pet care subjects such as looking after a puppy, senior dog care, first aid and tips for certain breeds. He’ll also be joined by leading New Forest Vet Physio Carlie Dixon and surgeon Michael Hamilton of Hamilton’s Referrals.
 
  • The Purely Pets Main Arena hosts a packed schedule of displays and shows from traditional working, therapy and assistance dogs from leading UK teams, as well as a Fun Dog Show open for guests’ entry.
 
  • The Dog House Behavioural Stage, dedicated to helping owners gain a deeper understanding of their dog’s wellbeing and behaviour, will offer all sorts of training tips and advice. It will also explore aspects of a dog’s mental health and wellbeing such as separation and exercise, from a stage designed to look like a home-setting, to offer authentic insight into common issues.​

Richard Nowell from Lighthouse Marketing, organisers of Dogstival says: “We are delighted to start planning for Dogstival in September to ensure a much-deserved day out for our beloved pets and their humans. Being outdoors  with acres of space to socially distance, we are confident in the level of public safety and we will be investing in a range of hygiene measures to protect our guests.”
 
Ross Hallifax, Director at Purely Pets, Dogstival’s headline sponsor adds: “Over the last few months, the positives to dog ownership have been highlighted more than ever. Our four-legged friends have provided support and comfort for many owners and have probably never been walked more in their life! That’s why it’s fantastic news that Dogstival can go ahead, in a controlled environment and we can continue to celebrate our canine friends. The show is not only a ‘paw-fect’ day out, but a great opportunity to find out more about our dogs and how to keep them happy and healthy. Whether a loyal companion or the centre of a family, we understand the important role they play in people’s lives and as specialists, our dedicated team can be trusted to offer the right insurance for owners and their pets alike.”

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Boutique Shopping offers around 150 quality stalls selling everything a dog could wish for, as well as Artisan Food & Drink from Hampshire and New Forest producers. 
Live Music and a Vintage Fairground complete the entertainment. 

Tickets are advance purchase only. They are  £13.90 for adults & £8 children aged 6-16yrs. Free for under 6 year olds. Concessions available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Dogstival.co.uk.  Also keep up with the latest announcements @dogstival on social media. Click here for more ideas of things to do, places to stay and general information on the New Forest area. ​
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How to keep your dog calm over fireworkS season

31/10/2019

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Bonfire Night, a seasonal tradition. At this time of year, watching a stunning spectacle in the sky is an event to look forward to.  For dogs though, fireworks can be a terrifying experience.  Research shows that 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear loud noises. While it is heartwarming  to share special moments with our pets, it’s important that they enjoy it too.  The experts at Canagan, grain-free pet food specialists, offer their tips on keeping your dog calm during this time. 
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Preparing your dog for fireworks season
 
De-sensitise them to loud noises in advance: Start playing firework sounds quietly while you’re with them at home, offering occasional treats. Gradually increase the volume. Eventually your dog will feel safe and will  think of fun, happy moments when they hear real fireworks 

Engage in plenty of activity during the day: Exercise with your dog during the day – whether  a long walk,  playing frisbee or fetch – so when the fireworks start, they’re almost too sleepy to notice 


Let them out early: For most of the year it’s against the law to set fireworks off after 11 pm. However, this curfew is extended to midnight on Guy Fawkes Night. To ensure your pet enjoys a full night’s sleep, ensure they have gone to the toilet and eaten before bed. Introduce this earlier regime in the days leading up to your local display so they adjust 

Keep them indoors: To prevent your dog from feeling distressed, get lost or injured, settle them down at home, in familiar surroundings 

Create a ‘safe space’ in your home: Whether it’s their bed with blankets and soft toys, or on the sofa, create a comforting space where they can retreat and relax 

Let them decide where to settle: While your designated ‘safe space’ may look appealing, your pet may prefer snuggling next to you. If you confine your pet to one place, they may grow distressed or hurt themselves trying to flee should they be spooked by your local display 

Draw the curtains: Firework flashes can scare dogs, so shut out the light to create a relaxing environment 

Escape-proof your home: Close all doors and windows and secure any garden escape routes. If you have people coming and going from the house, emphasise that external doors must be opened and shut swiftly to avoid your furry friend getting out 

A collar and micro-chip are essential: If your dog does get out, a collar with your details and an up-to-date micro-chip will ensure they can  be traced back to you 
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How to keep your dog calm during a display
 

Mask the sound: Playing the TV or radio – classical music for example is proven to calm dogs – will reduce the impact of loud noises 

A long-lasting chew toy: Stuffing a chew toy with food will keep their attention and offer a delicious end to the evening 

Act natural: Animals are perceptive and  sense if you’re behaving unusually.  This may unsettle them so give reassurance by inviting play 

If they join you outside, use a leash: If you prefer your dog to accompany you during a fireworks display, keep them close on a lead. Your presence will reassure them, while you’ll have peace of mind knowing they won’t run away.  Never, ever tie a fearful dog up outdoors and leave them alone. 

Avoid leaving them alone at home: Arrange a sitter to look after your dog if you have plans to go out. If you return and your frightened pet has made a mess, don’t be annoyed.  This will only cause your pet confusion and distress. 

If fireworks are causing your dog high levels of anxiety seek advice from a behaviourist. De-sensitising your pet to loud noises and flashes takes time and keeping them comfortable is key to protecting their wellbeing, as well as maintaining calm behaviour. 

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    I'm Gilly,  award winning journalist, travel writer and 12 x author. I'm published in national and regional newspapers / magazines.
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