Hubble and Hattie

H&H top sales from January

2012-02-22T10:47:00.002Z

Hubble & Hattie started the year with a bang, with these three books reaching the top three for January!

1. Swim to recovery: canine hydrotherapy healing - Emily Wong

2. You and your Cockapoo: The Essential Guide - David Alderton

3. Walking the Dog: Motorway walks for drivers and dogs (RAC) - Lezli Rees

Well done Swim to Recovery! And well done to our new eBook edition of Clever Dog: life lessons from the world’s most successful animal by Ryan O'Meara, which has made it into the top five eBook sales for all of Veloce!

You can find more info about our great books, apps and eBooks over at the H&H website.

Pet Mag NZ speak cat!

2012-02-01T15:10:00.001Z

Cat owners everywhere can relate to this: your cat saunters up to you, looks you right in the eye and lets out a long, loud miaow. Then another one. And another.

Wouldn't it be lovely to know what they're trying to tell us?

Well, with the aid of our new book, Cat Speak: recognising and understanding behaviour, we can get closer than ever to understanding what our cats want to say.

This unique book offers precise, detailed observations of the behaviour of cats at play, and explains in everyday language how to interpret their meaning. With clear descriptions and colour photographs throughout, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand more about their cat.

Cat Speak is due out next month, but you can have a sneak peek, thanks to our friends over at Pet Mag NZ!

They've got an excerpt from Cat Speak featured in their latest edition, so pick up your copy today! For those of you that can't get over to New Zealand, however, you can read the preview by clicking here.

The Hoglet Diaries part 3

2012-02-01T10:41:00.000Z

'It's time for the next installment of the Hoglet Watch Diaries! Last month, the hoglets were going from strength to strength, which means a change of scene for the Weymouth Three...

One of the three has a weigh-in...

...While the other two wait patiently!

'I really needed to move my three indoor guests outside; otherwise they wouldn't acclimatise and gain the necessary weight in time to be released before winter set in. A hedgehog needs to weigh at least 600gms before he or she will stand a chance of surviving hibernation: any less than this and the chances are they will go to sleep... and never wake up.

'My problem was, hoglet number four was already occupying one of the houses and using the only run I had, and this wasn't big enough for four of them. In any case, I'd decided that he would be kept separate from the Weymouth Three as. Being a fair bit bigger, I hoped that within two or three weeks, he'd be ready for release, so there seemed little point getting them used to each other.

'Hmmm. What to do ...?

Hoglet Four's outside home

'Thankfully, a good friend came to the rescue by making a large run, complete with top, that would comfortably accommodate the three, and I had another house that was also big enough for them. Without further ado, the three were moved en masse to their outdoor living quarters, alongside hoglet four. (I'd already weighed the three and was happy with their gain.)

'It was much easier now to care for the hoglets, and, in order to encourage them to dig for their food, their evening meal would be serviced scattered willy-nilly around the run, mixed a little with the earth, so that they also became used to the taste of this! Immie and I would go out into the garden last thing at night and check they were managing to find the food okay, and they were. At night, it's quite important not to use a white-coloured torch, especially when you are feeding your charges, as they will associate this light with good things, and will have no fear of car headlights. As road accidents are the biggest cause of hedgehog fatalities, this is a very important point.

'As I'd hoped, a couple of weeks later I was able to take the solo hog to a friend with a very large, safe garden so that he could be returned to the wild. He weighed just under the 600gms, but, as this was late summer, I was confident that he would gain the rest before hibernation called.'

Next month: A race to gain weight!

Burns Night and Book celebrations!

2012-01-25T11:04:00.001Z

Norm Mort, author of Veloce titles American Woodies, Micro Trucks and Anglo-American cars to name a few, sent us this great photo of his Burns Night celebrations with Austin, the cover star of his brand new book, Dogs on wheels - Travelling with your canine companion.

Dogs on Wheels takes a look at you, your family, your vehicle, and most importantly your dog, and tells you how to get the most out of travelling with your four-legged friend – whether for five minutes or five hours.
Helpful advice, insights into your dog’s world, and guidance on choosing the right vehicle are only a part of this comprehensive look at travelling with your dog.
Packed with original colour photographs, and containing invaluable information and opinion from veterinarians and an animal behaviourist.

Dogs on Wheels is due in August, and you can learn more about it over at the Hubble & Hattie website!

Meet Imani!

2012-01-20T16:23:00.002Z

The resident H&H hound thought it was high-time she got online and introduced herself, and we couldn't agree more! Meet Imani (Immie for short), the fluffy face behind Hubble and Hattie!

We thought what better way than for her to share her story with you, so take it away, Immie!

'Back in November 2001, I never would have thought that I would be leaving the island of my birth – Northern Cyprus – and taking a very scary plane ride to begin a new life in the UK.

Me in my old home in Cyprus

'Why ever my adoptive mum decided that, out of all the dogs at the rescue centre on the island. it was me that she wanted to give a forever home to I will never know, as I was a fairly pitiful sight; too scared, at first, to go out on the walk with her. In fact, she carried me for a good part of the way! She wanted me to enjoy the freedom, and run around like the other 8 dogs that were walking with us that hot day. When she put me down again, I ran back in the direction of the rescue centre at first, but then something made me change my mind and I ran back to her and the others and continued the walk. Lucky for me that I did as she decided that, even though she and her partner were in Cyprus on holiday, she was going to take me home with her ...

'After much frantic arranging and long-distance calls to a quarantine kennel back home in the UK, I left my unhappy start in life and flew the 4000 miles to my new home in Dorset, arriving on November 12, 2001.

'The six months I had to spend in quarantine were helped by twice - and sometimes thrice - weekly visits from mum, and we would have a lot of fun playing with toys that she bought me, which I'd never done before! The rules were very strict; I wasn't allowed out of my kennel, and mum had to be locked in there with me. Very often the weather wasn't good enough to go out in the run, and so we would sit together on the dias that was my bed, and mum would brush me to get me used to being groomed, which I'd also never had done before!

'Eventually, one fabulous day in May 2002 - the 20th to be precise - my 'jail term' was up and I was allowed out of quarantine. What I didn't know until that point, however, was that my mum and her partner already had two dogs, Westie sisters called Hubble and Hattie, And the thing of it was, Hubble and Hattie weren't very pleased to see me at all. Oh, we all got along okay, and there was never any fighting, but the sisters made it quite clear that I was one dog too many at Winkle Cottage ...

'Nevertheless, my life was happy and I was glad to be in England rather than Cyprus, where all the other dogs bullied me, and I never got enough to eat as I was too timid to fight back when the other rescue dogs would steal my food. Now, I had enough to eat, lots of treats, a fab garden to play in, and two walks a day. Life was pretty damn good!

'Fast forward ten years and now there's just mum and me at Winkle Cottage. Hubble and Hattie both died in 2007, at the good age of 14 years. I know mum has thought about getting another dog or – heaven help us - a cat (yuck!) but I think she knows that I might find that a bit difficult to get used to; anyway, it's really lovely with just the two of us.

'Mum still feels very sad about Hubble and Hattie I know, but the fact that she's remembered them in a very special way, by naming an imprint after them that publishes books designed to improve animal welfare and encourage understanding and compassion for all animals, has helped her feel better about them, and she knows her gorgeous girls would be thrilled to bits that the imprint is named after them!

'So now, as always, I go into the office every day with mum and 'help' her work on the Hubble and Hattie books. So far we've produced over 25 different ones, with many more planned for 2012 and beyond. And, best of all, I'm actually in several of them! Check out our dedicated website - www.hubbleandhattie.com - to see the sort of thing we're doing.'

Want to keep up with Imani's comings and goings? Friend her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ImaniCricket to see more great photos, plus keep up with all the latest news and stories from our favourite publishing pooch!

Top 3 sales for H&H December 2011

2012-01-20T15:27:00.002Z

Here's the rundown of the top three Hubble & Hattie books from last month!

1. Walking the Dog: Motorway Walks for Drivers and Dogs (RAC) - Lezli Rees

2. You and Your Cockapoo: The Essential Guide - David Alderton

3. The Complete Dog Massage Manual: Gentle Dog Care - Julia Robertson

Well done Walking the Dog! You can find out a bit more about the book, and the great new app, Motorway Walks & Breaks,
over at the Hubble & Hattie website!

Let's be friends!

2012-01-19T15:58:00.001Z

How many of you lovely folk have a Facebook account? We do too! And we've got a page catered for everyone, with more to come!

Hubble & Hattie

For general Hubble & Hattie book news, updates, photos, links and more, check out the H&H page! You'll find lots of animal news, photos of our own Hubbles and Hatties, plus up-to-date offers on our great range of H&H books!

Find us at www.facebook.com/hubbleandhattie

Motorway Walks & Breaks

For those of us who love to travel, and who want to take their pets

along for the ride, we've just released a great app, based on our fantastic book Walking the Dog: Motorway Walks for Drivers and Dogs. Head over the app's Facebook page for app info and reviews. Plus, we want to hear from you! What's your favourite place to go for a dog walk? Got a photo of your dog enjoying a romp outside? We'd love to see it! Upload your photos to our wall and share them with the world!

Find us at www.facebook.com/motorwaywalks

Fun and Games for Cats!

Like cats? Like our page for the great H&H book, Fun and Games for Cats! Cats and the internet go together like bread and butter, and we just can't get enough of them!

Check out this page for cat videos, cats in the news, and photos of the daily happenings of the H&H crew's own kitties.

Like the Motorway Walks & Breaks page, we want to hear from you! Got a fantastic picture of your cat having the time of her life? Upload it to our wall and share it will other cat fans. Better still, do you have a copy of Fun and Games For Cats? Why not write us a review, or send us photos of your cats testing out some of the great games in the book!

You can also find news here of upcoming cat - related H&H books, such as Cat Speak, due this March!

We've got even more great Facebook pages lined up, so keep checking back for more info We can't wait to hear from you!

Motorway Walks and Breaks App

2012-01-05T15:59:00.005Z

How many of you, like us here at H&H headquarters, went halfway across the country to visit friends and family this festive season?

It's great to get away, but getting there is often such a chore. That's why we've released our great new app, Motorway Walks and Breaks for the lucky people that had an iPod Touch, iPad or iPhone waiting for them under the tree.

Use this app to get more fun for your fuel, see more of the countryside, take a healthy break, or enjoy a relaxing pub lunch.

Each page features a 30 to 45 minute walk, with a selected pub or café along the way. Activities for children are included, from bouncy castles to nature trails.

All of the walks are suitable for dogs, and those with assistance dogs will find details of accessible paths and disabled facilities – for example, RADAR, a key that is made available to registered disabled people, which enables them to access locked disabled WCs and facilities.

The listed pubs all welcome well-behaved canines.

Most of the pubs are traditional inns, serving high quality food at realistic prices. Landlords, chefs and opening times can change quickly, and phone numbers are given for you to check in advance to avoid disappointment.

Motorway Walks and Breaks review from www.lostandfond.co.uk:

"If you are going to be driving around the UK visiting family and friends for Christmas and New Year – and taking your dog – then a new phone app could be just what you need.

"Lezli and David Rees – who run the Driving with Dogs website – have created the content for a phone app called Motorway Walks and Breaks.

"It has to be the easiest way to find great pub food, safe places for your kids to play, somewhere nice to walk the dog, or park a camper van, all within five miles of an English, Scottish or Welsh motorway exit. I predict it could save a lot of petrol and a few frayed tempers as holiday travellers search for a much-needed break from their journey.

"Along with their rescue Collie, Jem, the couple have trekked more than 1,000 miles creating walks, tracking down traditional inns and checking out other facilities for drivers, families and dogs to enjoy on their journey.

"All the pubs featured say they accept well-behaved dogs. Phone numbers are provided so you can check opening times and food serving times over the festive period."

Motorway Walks and Breaks is available now on the App Store, along with our other great apps!

Swim to Recovery now available

2012-01-05T15:18:00.002Z

Available now is our fantastic new book, Swim to Recovery: Canine Hydrotherapy Healing by Emily Wong

This unique book explores canine hydrotherapy, rehabilitation and weight management, and how these can improve your dog’s well-being.

A type of aquatic exercise, hydrotherapy can help prevent and treat medical problems and pre-/post-operative conditions in dogs, and can also be used for rehabilitation and maintaining health and fitness in your dog.

Obesity is one of the most common issues that domestic dogs face today, and this book brings awareness to the matter, suggesting preventative measures and simple husbandry tips that the owner can use to safeguard their dog’s welfare.

Supplemented by illustrations and colour photographs of patients undergoing rehabilitation, this book is ideal for all dog owners.

Lots of people are talking about Swim to Recovery, including The Veterinary Record's Donna Carver! Check out her fantastic review below:

"This eye-catching book includes plenty of colour photographs from hydrotherapy case studies. In the introduction, the author outlines hydrotherapy as a complementary therapy that aims to improve pets’ quality of life. Chapters 1 to 6 may be most beneficial to owners to help them understand the benefits of hydrotherapy for their pet and how hydrotherapy fits into a rehabilitation programme.

"Chapter 6 focuses on obesity and related osteoarthritis, and explains why the progressive loss of articular cartilage and inflammation of the synovial membrane leads to pain and discomfort for the patient and is common in obese patients. The chapter outlines the benefits of hydrotherapyfor obese animals with osteoarthritis; swimming is a non-weight-bearing activity that can strengthen the muscles around joints while avoiding load on the joints. Advice is given on the advantages of underwater treadmill hydrotherapy units and their use, including the control of water height, temperature, belt speed and all-round view of the patient. However, this section of the book is short. Given the growing popularity of underwater treadmills in veterinary practice, and the links with functional rehabilitation of patients, I would have liked this section to be more detailed and use of these units incorporated into the case studies in Chapters 7 to 11.

"The pre-hydrotherapy assessment section covers the basic measurements of temperature, pulse and respiration, plus body measurements, weight, pace and gait to evaluate the treatment, and how to know when to move the patient’s treatment on. Guidance is given on the water level to target strengthening of specific joints, and on the ideal water level to provide buoyancy to reduce the percentage of bodyweight passing through the joints.

"Chapters 7 to 11 may be of most interest to veterinary nurses with little previous knowledge or experience of hydrotherapy. These chapters focus on its use in treating conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate injuries and spinal conditions. They are illustrated with clearly drawnillustrations and radiographs, while easy-to-read bullet points within the text are used to identify key clinical signs of commonly treated conditions. Each chapter starts with outlining the aim of the swim programme, the duration of the programme, tasks to be completed during sessions, advice on what to do at home, and how and when to progress the swim programme. In summary, this book would be useful to dog owners to improve their understanding of the benefits of hydrotherapy for their pet, and also as a starting point for veterinary nurses with an interest in hydrotherapy."

You can get your copy of Swim to Recovery over at the Hubble and Hattie website. Right now we're offering 40% off in our January Sale, plus free p+p within the UK, so head over and check it out!

The Hoglet Diaries part 2

2012-01-05T12:37:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone! We hope everyone had a great winter break and is as excited for 2012 as we are!

To celebrate the new year, we're still offering a whopping 40% off of our books, with free p+p if you're in the UK! The offer ends at midnight on the 15th January, so get your orders in now! You can check out full details over at the Hubble & Hattie website.

You might remember last month H&H director Jude was looking after three baby hedgehogs, with the possibility of another one on the way! Catch up with the Hoglet Diaries and find out Jude's reaction to another hog lodger!

And then there were four!

'The call from the vet came out of the blue, as they always do, so some quick thinking was called for. Taking a small cardboard box from our stockroom at work, I popped into the vet's on the way home and picked up a healthy-looking hoglet who was simply too young to fend for himself. At home I weighed him – 207gms; not too bad at all.

Here's looking at you!

'Making a bed in a smaller crate that I had, I settled him in and gave him food and water. As he was on his own, and I had the three earlier arrivals together in one crate, I debated whether or not to put one of these in with the newbie, but decided against this, at least until I'd been able to ascertain that he really was healthy. Hedgehogs are solitary creatures and, whilst they can live together quite harmoniously, don't usually actively seek to do so.

'For a few days I monitored his progress and decided at the weekend that he would be better off outside in the garden, though still contained within a run until he'd reached an adequate weight to be released.

'My original three spikey residents continued to thrive and, as it was summer and the weather not too bad (considering!) at weekends and some evenings I would put them outside in a large run on the grass, so that they could have a snuffle and poke about, and get used to the idea of being outside. Every time, as usual, Immie would be fascinated by the little creatures, and watch, enthralled, as they bustled and busied about inside the run.

Immie inspects the guests

'Each evening when we got home from work, Imms and I would attend to our guests. First, the indoors bunch would be transferred one at a time to a 'holding box' lined with a towel so that I could clean out and wash their crate and remake it. Usually, when moved, the three would stay as I'd put them initially, wondering what was going on, but then would gradually begin to investigate where they were, holding their twitching, questing snouts up in the air, and very often coming nose-to-nose with the ever-present Immie. The hogs were not the least bit perturbed by her, and she has never made a threatening move toward any that she's come into contact with, which reinforces my view that the only animal that is instinctively feared is man, often with good reason.

'Next, was outside hog, and this entailed taking from the run soiled straw/hay, complete with hog poo (very smelly!), and replacing it with clean. Although quite messy creatures in some ways, in common with most animals, hogs keep one area for their toilet, leaving most of their accommodation clean and fresh. All of the food and water dishes were washed in hot soapy water and preparation of supper begun – chopping up banana, little pieces of grape, cat food, scrambled egg – usually some or all of these foods. It was all very well received and apparently enjoyed as there was never any left the next morning. Hedgehogs seem to relish their food as, very often at night, when all was quiet and we'd gone to bed, I could hear the three indoor hogs getting stuck in to supper!'

Next month: Weigh-ins and a new des-res for the Weymouth Three!

Problem-solving animals use their heads to get food!

2011-12-15T10:28:00.000Z

We as humans are adept at solving problems. We use tools to aid us in day-to-day life, and we're aware that some animals are capable of doing the same.

It turns out, however, that there are a lot more problem-solvers out there than we thought!

Over at the Melbourne Dingo Discovery and Research Centre, Sterling the Dingo proves that you don't need thumbs to get what you want!
The staff were baffled when the name tag on Sterling's enclosure kept disappearing, despite being out of the dingo's reach.
Keen to solve the mystery, they set up a video camera outside the fence and hung a food package up by the name tag.

The results were amazing...

You can read Sterling's full story over at the Animal Wise website.

Sterling isn't the only animal using his noggin, take a look at this video of an elephant using a box in a similar way to reach some high-up branches!

It's hard to argue that animals do not possess intelligence when faced with evidence like this - and domestic pets are no exception. They need stimulation and mental exercise just as much as these clever animals, and the best way for them to learn is through play!

Our great books, Fun and Games for Cats and Dog Games contain lots of games that will test your pet's brain power. Most importantly though, they're fun for you and your pet!

You can find out more about both books at the Hubble & Hattie website. And don't forget, you can still get 40% off and free postage within the UK!

The World's oldest living dog dies in Japan

2011-12-07T11:13:00.001Z

On the 5th December, the worlds oldest living dog, Pusuke passed away in Sakura, Japan, aged 26 years and 9 months. According to his owner, Yumiko Shinohara, Pusuke slipped away peacefully at home.

You can read more about Pusuke here.

Most dogs live longer these days, thanks to a greater understanding of what they need in terms of food, exercise, health monitoring, and medical care.

Our title, Living with an Older Dog describes how to recognise and understand the changes – both mental and physical – that occur as your dog grows older. It explains – with the help of unique and specially-commissioned photography – how to manage these changes successfully, and thus how to make the senior canine years more enjoyable and fulfilling for both you and your dog.

Exercise, diet, grooming, sharing the house with a younger dog, travel and holiday arrangements – all this and much more is covered in detail. There is also advice on how to work closely with your vet in order to manage your dog’s senior years, as well as sympathetic advice for when the time comes to say goodbye.

Living with an Older Dog is available to buy from our website. We're still offering our fantastic 40% off on all of our titles, so there's never been a better time to get your copy! Plus, if you're within the UK, you can also get FREE P+P!

Don't forget to take a look at our other great books and Apps over at the H+H website!

Two great new eBooks available!

2011-11-30T09:59:00.001Z

Two more of our great books, You and Your Cockapoo and Dieting with my Dog, are now available as eBooks!

Now available from the iB ookstore and the Kindle store!

Crossbreeding between different types of dog is not a new phenomenon, and, over recent years, interest in crossbreeding has grown, partly due to curiosity but more significantly because the role of dogs in our lives has undergone a dramatic change as they have become one of the family. As a result, breeders are seeking to create new, distinctive, friendly companion dogs that will thrive in domestic surroundings.

The lovable Cockapoo is one of the oldest members of the so-called ‘designer dog' group, and, ion this essential guide, you will find everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Cockapoo, including breed background, settling in your new arrival, establishing a daily routine and what to expect as your canine companion grows up. Over 100 illustrations – many specially commissioned – colourfully illustrate and describe these captivating dogs.

You and Your Cockapoo is now available through the iBook store and the Kindle store.

The veterinarian rubbed Kelly’s sides for emphasis. “She needs to lose weight. If not ...” Peggy Frezon recognized the list of serious ailments that followed. It was the same one her own doctor had given her.

Dieting With My Dog is the honest and heartfelt story of how one overweight woman and her chubby spaniel struggled to get fit and healthy together. Theirs was a comfortable routine. While Frezon’s children were flying the nest, her loyal rescue pup snuggled close. Sneaking M&Ms from her secret stash, she would slip Kelly extra doggy cookies too. Why not? Food is love. But then, Kelly became the motivating factor that led Frezon to face down the physical and emotional reasons for her overeating, and for overfeeding her dog. She learned that embracing change is healthy, and everything is easier with unconditional love.

Join Frezon and Kelly on their journey to weight loss with a wag. Dieting With My Dog celebrates our close bonds with our pets in times of both need and triumph. This book is for anyone who has ever loved a pet – through thick and thin.

Dieting with my Dog can now be found over at the iBook store and Kindle stores.

As always, you can purchase a physical copy of both books over at the Hubble & Hattie website! Don't forget, we're still offering 40% off with free UK p+p, so get your copy in time for Christmas!

Animal Grief gets a great review!

2011-11-28T10:30:00.001Z

Marc Bekoff is a leading light in the world of animal welfare, behaviour, etc, and known the world over, and now he's written an article dealing with the subject of animals and grief.

Not only that, but he was kind enough to mention our fantastic book, Animal Grief, within his article:

'We really don't need more data to know other animals grieve and mourn the loss of family and friends and I'm sure as time goes on more and more species will be added to the list of animals who grieve. But for those who do want more, a book called Animal Grief: How Animals Mourn was recently published that contains new information on how a wide variety of animals respond to death. Accompanied by striking photographs of a wide range of animals is a text filled with new information about animal grief. Topics covered include animal souls, self-awareness, the neurobiology of grief and mourning, mourning rituals, stages of grief, and numerous examples of grief in a wide variety of animals, including elephants, chimpanzees, cats, dogs, and various birds. A large amount of information is packed in its 80 pages and it's an easy read' - Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

You can read Marc's full article over at the Psychology Today website... go and check it out, it's a great read!

What's more, if you'd like your own copy of Animal Grief, there's never been a better time to get your paws on a copy... Hubble & Hattie are offering a whopping 40% off all of our books this Christmas, with free p+p if you're within the UK! (excludes Special Delivery)

Head on over to the H&H website to take a look at Animal Grief, plus a whole host of other animal books that will make great gifts this Christmas.

Hoglet Watch 2011: The Hoglet Diaries part 1

2011-11-24T16:48:00.001Z

You might remember last Autumn we went hedgehog mad and gave you updates about the baby hedgehogs, or 'hoglets' that Hubble & Hattie director, Jude, looked after in her home and garden.

Well it's that time of year again, and Jude's got another batch of hoglets to care for this year! Follow the Hoglet Diaries here at the H&H blog to find out how they're getting on!

Lodgers at Winkle Cottage

The one that got away...

'Back in early July I had a call from a lady who had found four very young hoglets, whose mother she believed had been killed in the road. When she brought them to me in a big green crate, I found they were very young indeed, probably 4-5 weeks. Even so, they seemed in good condition, possibly because their mother had only recently been killed. The runt of the litter was considerably smaller than her siblings, and much less active. She took some food that evening, however, so I was reasonably optimistic.

Interesting!

'I settled all of them in the crate after adding newspaper and hay to make a warm bed, plus, of course, water and food. My dog, Imani (Immie), is always extremely interested in our temporary lodgers and will stand, fascinated, over whatever receptacle they are in and just watch them.

'The next morning I was saddened to find that littl'un hadn't made it through the night. When I picked up each hoglet to check them over, she was at the bottom of the pile, and I feel she may well have suffocated beneath her siblings. Poor little thing. I weighed the remaining three hoglets and noted the date; from now on, weighing would need to be done on a regular basis, to ensure that each was gaining the weight that they needed to. I also sexed the babies: two girls and a boy. Weights ranged from 110 to 138 grams; they'd need to be at least 500grams before release could be considered.

'Hedgehogs are incredibly messy animals, who take particular delight, it seems, in using their food and water bowls as toilets. And in this respect, they're also quite smelly, which may be due to the fact that they are fed cat food usually. Having three in a crate meant that a clean-out every day was a must, especially as they were residing in my dining room! I usually did this each evening when I got home from work, just before they were up and about, looking for their supper, as it meant that I could lay out a couple sheets of newspaper and transfer the hogs onto this in their nest of hay, allowing me to wash out, dry and re-prepare their crate. Each time, Immie would sit as close as possible to the bundle of hay, watching intently for any sign of activity.

'Once reinstated in their clean home, I would prepare supper for them. Cat food, or some of the organic chicken that I give Imani, would comprise the bulk of the food, with maybe a little scrambled egg or mashed banana. I was always concerned that each got enough to eat so would usually put the food in two servings at the end of the crate, together with fresh water.

'An important point with rearing hedgehogs that are intended to return to their natural habitat (which, of course, should always be the case if possible) is not to let them become too familiar with people, and this means handling them as little as possible. They are not pets and will only truly be happy if allowed to live their lives as nature intended, even if this means that they have to take their chances out there in the big, wide world.

'Life for the hoglets continued in this way for a further week or so, and they steadily gained weight and strength.

'Then I got a call from the local vet: could I take in another homeless hog ...?'

Next month: And then there were four!

We'd love to get to know your pets!

2011-11-24T11:41:00.001Z

Hi there

I'm Jude Brooks, publisher of our Hubble and Hattie books, and this is my best friend and constant companion, Imani (Immie).

Regular readers of our Hubble and Hattie Newsletter may have noticed that some of our animal-loving staff have contributed articles about their companion animals and their lives together.

If you're anything like me, you'll love to hear how our adored animals – be they dogs, cats, rabbits, horses or rats – have made such a difference to our lives, and so I'd like to invite you to write in and tell Immie and I about you and YOUR best friend.

Simply email me – jude@veloce.co.uk – or write to me at Hubble and Hattie,Veloce Publishing Ltd, Veloce House, Parkway Farm Business Park, Middle Farm Way, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset DT3 1AR – and don't forget to include a picture!

Each month we'll feature a reader's article in the Hubble and Hattie Newsletter, so get writing now as Immie and I can't wait to hear from you!

Best wishes.

Jude and Immie

Not all cats hate water!

2011-11-24T10:48:00.005Z

Mog the cat is breaking cat convention after being in an accident that left his front legs paralysed.
The treatment? Take a dip!

It's not just cats that can benefit from hydrotherapy. Our new book 'Swim to Recovery: Canine Hydrotherapy Healing' explains it's fantastic for dogs too!

Swim to Recovery is available next month!

This unique book explores canine hydrotherapy, rehabilitation and weight management, and how these can improve your dog’s well-being.

Supplemented by illustrations and colour photographs of patients undergoing rehabilitation, this book is ideal for all dog owners.

Swim to recovery will be available next month priced at £12.99 (plus p+p). You can find out more, as always, over at the Hubble & Hattie website!

Lost and Fond tributes and giveaways

2011-11-02T14:36:00.001Z

It's always a heartbreaking experience to lose a pet, the gaping hole left by their absence is often impossible to fill.

At the Lost & Fond blog, you can write a tribute and share your memories and photos of the pets you have loved and lost. The blog aims to provide 'a warm and welcoming place where we can all remember the pets who have enriched our lives and find friendship and support from the huge community of animal lovers who understand how we feel', and it certainly does just that.

Hubble in the garden

Our directors, Rod and Jude have written loving tributes of their two westies, Hubble and Hattie; the namesakes of our animal imprint. You can read these tributes and view photos of both Hubble and Hattie over at the blog now.

You can also read a feature about the company here, and discover why naming the imprint Hubble & Hattie is the greatest tribute of all.

It's a well known fact that we grieve for our pets when they pass away, but it's a relatively knew idea that animals also experience grief with the loss of a close companion or loved one.

It's an idea explored in our new book, Animal Grief by award winning author David Alderton:

Science is now providing some remarkable insights into animal behaviour, with crocodiles, for example, emerging as devoted parents, and elephants – like whales – able to communicate with each other across long distances by ultrasound, which is inaudible to our ears. There seems little doubt that animals experience a range of emotions, just as we do; but can they grieve, too ...?

The lovely people at Lost and Fond are currently giving away TWO copies of Animal Grief, simply follow this link and follow the instructions to be in with a chance of winning your own copy! The lucky winners will be chosen at random after the closing date of 12pm on the 12th November.

You can also purchase a copy of the book over at the Hubble & Hattie website, priced at £9.99 plus postage.

Coming soon - Animal Grief

2011-10-19T11:50:00.000+01:00

Animal Grief - How Animals Mourn
by David Alderton

Science is now providing some remarkable insights into animal behaviour, with crocodiles, for example, emerging as devoted parents, and elephants – like whales – able to communicate with each other across long distances by ultrasound, which is inaudible to our ears. There seems little doubt that animals experience a range of emotions, just as we do; but can they grieve, too ...?

Evidence exists that, indeed, they can: in addition, David Alderton – award-winning, multi-million specialist animal author – contends that emotions – including grief – can potentially have a survival value for a species.

The authoritative, rational text is superbly supported by interesting, sensitive photographs carefully chosen to be reflective of the subject matter.

Our groundbreaking new book, Animal Grief, is available soon from the Hubble & Hattie website, priced at £9.99 (plus p+p). You can find out more here!

Hubble & Hattie price slash!

2011-10-17T15:08:00.000+01:00

We love our books at Hubble and Hattie, and we know you will too! That's why we've made two of our titles even more appealing by halving the prices on them!

It's

THE GREAT AUTUMN PRICE DROP!

Know your Dog - the Guide to a Beautiful Relationship

by Immanuel Birmelin

was £9.99 NOW £4.99!

Dogs are thinking, feeling beings: individuals, just as we are, with different personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and distinct emotional lives. Get to know your companion from a different perspective through simple routines and games that you can do at home, and understand your dog much better as the relationship between you grows even deeper. More Info..

Dog Relax - Relaxed Dogs, Relaxed Owners

by Sabina Pilguj

was £14.99 NOW £7.99!

Dogs are our loyal, four-legged friends. We have an obligation to ensure that they are happy and fulfilled on both mental and physical levels, as well as sufficiently challenged and stimulated.

The technique ‘Dog Relax’ was developed to ensure that both owner and dog are relaxed, through a combination of breathing and movement exercises for the owner, and stretching, movement and special massage for the dog. This lovely book holds the secret to a different approach to living and working with your dog. More info...

You can get your paws on both of these great titles at the Hubble & Hattie website now!

Kelly takes fame in her stride!

2011-10-12T12:26:00.002+01:00

Kelly, the star of Hubble & Hattie's new book Dieting with my Dog by Peggy Frezon is clearly settling into the limelight! In these photos sent to us by Peggy, Kelly's clearly taking it all in her stride...

Kelly makes her mark in Dieting with my Dog!

Join Frezon and Kelly on their journey to weight loss with a wag. Dieting With My Dog celebrates our close bonds with our pets in times of both need and triumph. This book is for anyone who has ever loved a pet – through thick and thin.

I wonder if that chair has her name on the back...

Dieting With My Dog is the honest and heartfelt story of how one overweight woman and her chubby spaniel struggled to get fit and healthy together. Theirs was a comfortable routine. While Frezon’s children were flying the nest, her loyal rescue pup snuggled close. Sneaking M&Ms from her secret stash, she would slip Kelly extra doggy cookies too. Why not? Food is love. But then, Kelly became the motivating factor that led Frezon to face down the physical and emotional reasons for her overeating, and for overfeeding her dog. She learned that embracing change is healthy, and everything is easier with unconditional love.

You can get your copy of Dieting with my Dog today from the Hubble and Hattie website!

Cats can have just as much fun as dogs

2011-09-19T17:12:00.000+01:00

Ever looked at your cat while he's sleeping on your clean washing or scratching at your skirting board and thought 'I wish I had some way of entertaining you'?
With dogs it's straightforward, you throw a ball, or you hide treats and he'll sniff them out. But did you know there are hundreds of games you can play with your cat that'll have you both entertained for hours!

Check out our brand new book, Fun and Games for Cats!

Maybe you think that cats simply don't play games and are impossible to train? Think again, as this book will introduce you to the games that your cat will want to play! The games are tailored to different cat personalities, and each one is depicted with fantastic action shots.

Our own cat Leonard McCoy, is having a lovely time as we discover the new games and activities this book has to offer. And the best part is, a lot of the games can be played with things that most of us have around the house, so it's cost effective, and safe!

You can get your copy of Fun and Games for Cats! over at the H&H website now for just £14.99 plus p&p. It's a great book if you've ever wanted to get close and have fun with your feline friend.

Three great new titles in our 'My Dog has...' series!

2011-09-19T16:02:00.000+01:00

We're very pleased at H&H HQ right now. We've had a ton of new books arrive over the last couple of months, and they're all fantastic!

We're especially happy to have added three great new books to our 'My Dog...' series:
'My Dog has Cruciate Ligament Injury', 'My Dog has Hip Dysplasia' and 'My Dog is Deaf'!

Our pets are part of the family, and as such they deserve just as much love and care as a human when they have a long term medical condition. This series of books aims to guide and advise dog owners how best to care for their pet if they develop one of the ailments covered to help them 'live life to the full'!

My Dog is Deaf - but lives life to the full!

HH4381 • Paperback • 22x17cm • £9.99 (+p&p)

• 80 pages • 25 colour and b&w pictures

• ISBN: 978-1-845843-81-6

• UPC: 6-36847-04381-0

This invaluable book will sympathetically help owners of deaf and hard-of-hearing dogs not just to accept their loyal companions for what they are, but how, with love and careful thought, they and their dog can get the maximum out of life, having fun and establishing an even closer bond as they help each other find new or adapted ways to live together.

My Dog has Hip Dysplasia - but lives life to the full!

HH4382 • Paperback • 22x17cm • £9.99 (+p&p)

• 80 pages • 39 colour and b&w pictures

• ISBN: 978-1-845843-82-3

• UPC: 6-36847-04382-7

This is a unique and practical guide for owners whose dogs develop this debilitating disease, and who want to know all about how best to help their dog, by understanding how their vet will treat the condition, and what kind of issues they need to be aware of. It includes information on exercise, and hints on how to get your dog moving again after surgery, all written in an easy-to-understand style. It helps discover how to motivate your dog towards recovery! It is a unique and practical guide with easy to understand text. It offers a step-by-step explanation of all phases of the conditions and its symptoms. It helps you to understand what the vet advises. It also helps you to help your dog remain calm in a stressful situation. It includes information on surgical options and aftercare options. It helps you to make the right decision about what to do next and discover how you and your

faithful friend can enjoy life just as you always have!

My Dog has a Cruciate Ligament Injury - but lives life to the full!

HH4383 • Paperback • 22x17cm • £9.99 (+p&p)

• 80 pages • 50 colour pictures

• ISBN: 978-1-845843-83-0

• UPC: 6-36847-04383-4

A unique and practical guide for owners whose dogs develop this debilitating disease. Explains how your vet will treat the condition, what kind of issues you need to be aware of, and much more. Discover how to motivate your dog towards recovery!

You can order all of our books through the H&H website, just follow the link to check it out and find out more!

Peggy Frezon (Dieting with my dog) on BBC WM - Sept 8th 2011

2011-09-08T13:44:00.001+01:00

Peggy Frezon, author of Dieting with my dog, talks to Mollie Green about her brand new book on BBC WM.

Peggy Frezon (Dieting with my dog) on BBC WM - Sept 8th 2011 by Hubble & Hattie

Dieting With My Dog is the honest and heartfelt story of one overweight woman and her chubby spaniel, struggling to lose weight and get fit together. When a busy mom is faced with an empty nest, she turns to her rescue dog, Kelly – and food. But Kelly soon becomes the motivating factor to facing down her physical and emotional reasons for overeating, and for overfeeding her dog. Together they discover that everything’s easier with unconditional love. This book is for anyone who has ever loved a pet – through thick and thin. More info

How heavy is your hound?

2011-08-05T10:04:00.003+01:00

Dieting With My Dog is the honest and heartfelt story of one overweight woman and her chubby spaniel, struggling to lose weight and get fit together. This book is for anyone who has ever loved a pet – through thick and thin.

Dieting with my Dog is out later this month priced at £9.99 (plus p+p). Check it out over at the H&H website!

Clever Dog! eBook now available through Apple's iBookstore

2011-07-05T10:05:00.000+01:00

Got an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad? Love reading books? Well, we've now got our Clever Dog! title available in eBook format in Apple's iBookstore!

Priced at £7.49 (paperback version £9.99), this means you can read Ryan O'Meara's fascinating book at a great bargain price!

Get the paperback version
Get the eBook version

Device requirements: Can only be viewed using iBooks on an iPad, iPhone (3G or later) or iPod touch (2nd generation or later). Samples can only be sent to iBooks on your devices running iOS 4.3.3 or later that have Automatic Downloads enabled.

Coming soon: Clever Dog eBook!

2011-06-22T11:02:00.004+01:00

We've gone all technological at Hubble and Hattie!

Our great book, Clever Dog! by Ryan O'Meara, is getting the eBook treatment, and will soon be available to buy from the iTunes iBookstore!

The dog is undeniably the most successful domestic animal of all time. He shares his life with ours, has integrated into our society, and won the hearts and minds of millions of us.

In this book, Ryan O'Meara explores a whole raft of canine skills and talents, and trys to piece together how and why the dog has enjoyed such immense success as a domesticated animal.

The book looks at the dog as a problem solver, conflict resolver, and health asset. As a decision maker and hero. And as a loyal and trusted friend.
Clever Dog! is a compendium of life lessons we can learn from our dogs, based on a combination of what we know about them and – indeed – what we think we might know about them.

We'll have more information for you once the book goes live, but in the meantime you can still grab yourself a traditional copy of the book from the H&H website, priced at £9.99! (excludes p+p)

An Oldie but a Goodie...

2011-06-20T13:47:00.002+01:00

I'm sorry we've been a bit on the quiet side recently folks, let us make it up to you with this amazing Ok Go video:

Not only is the video in aid of animal rescue, it was all filmed in one take! Those are some seriously clever canines...

There are quite a few music videos out there that feature some amazing animals, let me know which your favourite is!

New release!

2011-03-24T09:27:00.004Z

Ever looked at your dog as he plays blissfully, or and thought you could learn a thing or to from how he lives his life? Check out our new book, Clever Dog! and find out how!

The dog is undeniably the most successful domestic animal of all time. He shares his life with ours, has integrated into our society, and won the hearts and minds of millions of us. We call ourselves dog lovers because we do sincerely love them: they are fully-fledged members of our family, and we have elevated them to positions of authority in the human world. Assistance dogs, protection dogs, detection dogs, companion dogs ... they all enhance our lives immeasurably.

Clever Dog! is a compendium of life lessons we can learn from our dogs, based on a combination of what we know about them and – indeed – what we think we might know about them.

Clever Dog! is now available from the H&H website priced at £9.99 (plus p+p)

Now in stock!

2011-03-11T16:54:00.004Z

You can now get your paws on a copy of our new book, Living with an Older Dog from our website!

Most dogs live longer these days, thanks to a greater understanding of what they need in terms of food, exercise, health monitoring, and medical care.
This book describes how to recognise and understand the changes – both mental and physical – that occur as your dog ages. It explains – with the help of unique and specially-commissioned photography – how to manage these changes successfully, and thus how to make the senior canine years more enjoyable and fulfilling for both you and your dog.
Exercise, diet, grooming, sharing the house with a younger dog, travel and holiday arrangements – all this and much more is covered in detail. There is also advice on how to work closely with your vet in order to manage your dog’s senior years, as well as sympathetic advice for when the time comes to say goodbye.

Living with an Older Dog is priced at £14.49 (including UK postage) and is available now from the Hubble & Hattie website.

Animals in the Arts: Byrons' Epitaph to a Dog

2011-03-10T10:40:00.006Z

Near this Spot

are deposited the Remains of one

who possessed Beauty without Vanity,

Strength without Insolence,

Courage without Ferocity,

and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery

if inscribed over human Ashes,

is but a just tribute to the Memory of

BOATSWAIN, a DOG,

who was born in Newfoundland May 1803

and died at Newstead Nov. 18th, 1808.

These are the words inscribed on the tomb of a Newfoundland owned by celebrated Romantic poet, Lord Byron. Byron apparently loved the dog, and it's hard to deny it when you look at the evidence.

Reportedly, when Boatswain contracted rabies, Byron remained with him and nursed him without fear of being bitten and contracting the disease. Boatswain was buried in a tomb much bigger than Byron's own, and this epitaph later became one of Byron's most famous poems. Clearly, Byron loved his faithful companion, and was not content to let his loyalty go by unnoticed by the world.

It's a lovely reminder that despite power, fame and fortune, true love and companionship are always available in the form of a dog. Byron puts it more eloquently than I ever could:

'[T]he poor dog, in life the firmest friend,

The first to welcome, foremost to defend,

Whose honest heart is still his Master's own,

Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone'

Lord Byron: Epitaph to a Dog, 1808

So if you're reading this, and you have a lump in your throat (be honest), now is the time to express your love for your dog. Not all of us can afford huge monuments, or have the words to put together a stirring ballad, but there are simpler ways to show your dog that he's appreciated...

Let us know what you do to show your hounds just how much they mean to you; be it a special dinner, a long walk, or a really good belly scratch.

Every dog is special, and we want to know about each and every one...

Remember me?

2011-03-03T12:08:00.007Z

A few months ago we told you about Princess, the sad little puppy with mange so bad that she couldn't bear to be touched. Her only hope was a course of expensive antibiotics, and the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary were asking for donations to help care for Princess in her time of need.

Well, we've got an update for you! All that TLC paid off, and Princess is now a healthy, happy puppy looking for her forever home!

Princess is almost unrecognisable from the sad little hound she was when she first arrived at Bleakholt, and it's great to see her here playing with another of the rescue puppies at the sanctuary, and so full of life.

As well as her medicine, Princess received regular massages to help her skin repair itself, and stimulate hair growth. The extra handling time also meant that Princess' confidence was restored, and helped her on her way to having trust in people again.

Princess' story goes to prove what a difference people can make to the lives of neglected animals. You can read the full story here, at the Bleakholt website, or catch Princess hitting the headlines over at the Daily Mail website!

Happy World Book Day!

2011-03-03T11:00:00.008Z

Hooray! It's World Book Day, the day to celebrate the written word!

To celebrate, we're offering a massive 45% off all our books today, and we've got something for everyone!

Stress heads will love The Complete Dog Massage Manual by Julia Robertson.

Find out everything you need to know about

massaging your dog and finding out a little more about how he's feeling in this insightful book.

Looking for a great story? Look no further than Winston... the dog who changed my life by Hilmar Klute.

Winston tells the touching true story of how Hilmar unexpectedly became a dog owner the day his wife came home with a puppy she finds abandoned in a city cemetary. Heartwarming and truthful, you'll love every page.

Want for something fun to do? New out today is

Dog Games by Christiane Blenski!

Discover a whole new world of fresh ideas for entertaining games for you and your dog, Using simple equipment that you can often find around the house, you can re-awaken your dog’s enthusiasm for playing games, and yours too!

There are loads more books for you to choose from, so get on over to the site and check it out! This offer is TODAY ONLY, so hurry and get your paws on your favourite title!

One cool cat

2011-02-25T13:56:00.004Z

Jimmy the cat gives his owner a thumbs up in this bizarre clip...

Do you have a cool cat or a marvellous moggy? If so you could bring a bit more fun into their lives this summer with our forthcoming book, Fun and Games for Cats!

This book will introduce you to the games that your cat will want to play, and have great fun doing so! To determine precisely what games will most appeal to your cat, there's a definition of each type of cat personality, and how best to interest him or her in the activities that the book contains.

Fun and Games for Cats will be available this summer, priced at £14.99 plus postage. It's sure to get the thumbs up from Jimmy!

Monkeying around this winter

2011-02-25T10:49:00.011Z

The mornings are getting brighter, the days are getting longer. There are daffodils and snowdrops everywhere you look. Spring is well on the way!

It's a sigh of relief for most people, apparently this winter was the coldest on record for about 100 years. It's not surprising then that Monkey World in Wool, Dorset, launched a campaign with local radio station Wessex.FM appealing for towels and blankets for their hairy residents!

The monkeys and primates used the extra blankets, pillowcases, duvet covers and towels to help keep warm after Monkey World's usual delivery of wood wool couldn't get through due to the weather.

Apparently the extra towels went down really well, with the primates wrapped themselves up with them, played with them and even made cosy beds to snuggle up in!

Go here to see some photos of the Wessex team dropping off the much needed towels etc at Monkey World!

You can visit the Monkey World site by clicking this link.

Love was certainly in the air!

2011-02-24T09:48:00.002Z

Remember a few weeks ago when The Hilltop Diner were having their amazing Valentines night where you could invite along your canine companion, all in aid of Dogs Trust? Well we are very happy to announce that the event went swimmingly, with over £300 pounds being raised for the charity!

Check out the video of the event:

We donated our book, Dinner with Rover was donated as a raffle prize, and it went down very well indeed! The money raised from the raffle also went to Dog's Trust, so we're happy to have helped out too, not to mention helping some lucky dog and owner to the delicious recipes in the book.

Don't forget, you can get your own copy of the book from www.hubbleandhattie.co.uk, for just £9.99 plus postage, yum yum!

We have a lot of love to give this Valentines Day

2011-02-11T12:10:00.005Z

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach... well, with dogs it's pretty much the same deal.

That's why when we heard the Hilltop Diner in Salisbury were encouraging people to bring their hounds along for a meal this Valentine's day, (go here for more info) we couldn't resist getting involved!

We've donated a copy of our book Dinner with Rover to the good folk at the Hilltop Diner to auction off at their Valentines feast, with all proceeds raised going to Dogs Trust!

The lucky winner will not only be helping Hilltop Diner to raise pounds for hounds in need by giving their cash through the auction, but they'll also be helping their own pooch to a whole host of tasty and nutritious recipes that will ensure lots of waggy tails in the future!

If you'd like to let your dog know how much you love them, you can get your own copy of Dinner with Rover through our website right now!

Dinner with Rover on This Morning!

2011-02-10T14:04:00.005Z

Dinner with Rover was put to the test as it went up against two other dog recipe books on ITV's This Morning today!

See what four hungry hounds thought of our delicious bean burgers by watching the video here, and you can try out the featured recipe yourself and see what your own furry food critics think.

You can get your paws on your own copy of Dinner with Rover at our website, priced at £9.99.

Romance is in the air...

2011-02-10T09:34:00.008Z

It's nearly Valentines day, romance is in theair and cherubs are tightening their bows ready to fire love at people left, right and centre.

It's the same old story every year: but as everyone knows that variety is key to a good relationship, so why not try something a little different this 14th February?

The Hilltop Diner in Salisbury are inviting people to do just that by

encouraging people to bring their dogs to dinner at their restaurant from

7.30!

They'll be serving up a delicious roast dinner, and 50% of all of

their profits from the night will be kindly donated to Dogs Trust! You can visit our Facebook to find out more.

Now obviously, not everyone lives near Salisbury, but

we are loving the idea of sharing the day with that special somehound in your life, so why not stay in with your canine casonova and cook a tasty meal from our book Dinner with Rover?

It's packed with delicious meal ideas that you and your dog can share, so make a night of it and remind your dog just how much you love them this Valentines day.

And don't forget to visit the Dogs Trust website and spread the love by making a donation; every little helps, so give give give!

You can buy Dinner with Rover from our website here for just £11.49 (includes p+p).

Happy Valentines Day!

The new H&H cataloge is now available online!

2011-02-02T09:48:00.007Z

the 2011 catalogue is now available online and for download here

We're all very excited about 2011 here at Hubble & Hattie, because we've got tons of exciting new books coming out throughout the year, not to mention the apps, blogs, and all of our existing
books on all things animal!

With so much going on, we're really pleased to announce that the 2011 catalogue is now available in the downloads section of the website. Simply scroll down and flick through; you can download the PDF version too!

We've got some really exciting stuff coming out this year, from walks with your dog to how animals greive, to games you can play with the sleepiest of cats, so be sure to check out the cataloge and see what we have in store for 2011

Click to Give

2011-01-28T10:47:00.002Z

Ever wish you could help out with animals in need, but don't have the time or the spare cash to give regularly to a charity? well, theanimalrescuesite.com have come up with a solution!

Simply go to their site and click on the button. For every click. their sponsors will give money to pay for food and care for animals in need, easy!

It's free to do, and you can go back every day and click again, so grab your mouse and follow this link to get clicking!

Dinner with Rover gets a lip-smacking review!

2011-01-13T09:24:00.007Z

It's always nice to hear something good said about one of our books, and when the accolades come from a canine it's even better!

A recent review from Four Shires Magazine said that Dinner with Rover our 'unique recipe book packed with scrumptious meals that you and your dog will love' has got their dog begging, rolling over and sitting with the best of them for a copy!

'Dog feels the £9.99 price tag is well worth the eternal face licking that his owner would receive for providing food for him that is a little different from the norm!'

nom nom nom!

Dog is quite right. The selection of delicious dinners for you and your hound will have tails wagging all day long, and best of all you'll know exactly what's going in to it.

Click here to learn more about Dinner with Rover and get cooking!

Lend a helping hand for Princess

2011-01-04T11:58:00.003Z

Happy new year everyone! Want to start 2011 with a warm, fuzzy feeling in your tummy? Then head on over to the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary page and see the remarkable work they are doing to help animals in need, and find out how you can help one puppy who is in particular need of some TLC.

Princess is a six month old puppy with severe demodectic mange, a skin condition caused by mites which has left Princess in very bad condition. Luckily, she found herself at the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, and they've been looking after her and getting her back in shape.
While the sanctuary is more than happy to give Princess the treatment she needs, they are asking for donations to help cover the cost of the treatment that is saving her life.
We've made our donation here at Hubble & Hattie and Veloce! If you've got some pennies to spare, please use them to help Princess out and start the new year with a good deed!

Click here to learn more about Princess and to make a donation.

Its the most wonderful time of the year!

2010-12-23T16:37:00.003Z

Everyone here at Hubble and Hattie wants to wish you all a brilliant Christmas and a fantastic new year! We hope everyone has fun, and remember, if you're getting or giving a pet this year, it's not just for Christmas!

Dogs Etc Ltd has some good advice to give on puppies and Christmas time, and it's well worth a read so go check it out..

Have a waggy happy Christmas everyone!

A brand new lemur!

2010-12-17T11:26:00.003Z

A new species of lemur has been discovered on the island of Madagascar, which is the natural habitat of over one hundred species of lemur
The new species has been called the head-bobbing lemur, after the unusual movement it makes with its head.

You can read more about the Head-Bobbing Lemur on the National Geographic website

Dinner with Rover's first review!

2010-12-09T13:45:00.003Z

We are very excited here at Hubble and Hattie; our brand new book, Dinner with Rover, has just been reviewed by the Mail!

Dinner with Rover is an exciting new cookbook that provides tasty and nutritious meals that you and your dog can share. It's the perfect Christmas gift for dog lovers and foodies alike.

The review appeared in The Mail on Sunday this week, but you can still read it here on the Mail Online, so check it out and let us know what you think!

You can buy Dinner with Rover over at the newly revamped Hubble and Hattie website, so take a look and happy cooking!

Hubble & Hattie for iPhone!

2010-12-03T12:04:00.003Z

We are busy busy at Hubble & Hattie; we've got tons of great new books on the way, news to give you here at the blog, plus fun animal videos over at the YouTube channel, not to mention all the fun tweets and links over at Twitter!

It's hard to keep up sometimes, and we know that, like us, you guys are busy people too.

That's why we thought it'd be a great idea to get Hubble & Hattie on the move...

The FREE 'Hubble & Hattie News' app pulls all of Hubble & Hattie's social media activity into one app, giving you the inside track on all-things animal and new book releases. 'Hubble & Hattie News' includes exclusive videos, photos, and much, much more ...

It's available here for download to your iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, and best of all it's FREE!

Well, it's nearly Christmas after all.

I've gone social networking mad!

2010-11-26T11:24:00.002Z

Hi Guys, Kim here!

I've gone and made a Facebook account where you can find even more great stuff about Hubble and Hattie!
Come and be friends, share your photos and celebrate all things animal with me here.

Don't forget to check out the Hubble&Hattie facebook page while you're there, it's got some great photos of our H&H menagerie, plus some awesome links.

See you there!

Holiday season pet precautions

2010-11-26T10:57:00.002Z

It's that time of year again; any excuse for a party or a festival. We might like to eat and drink ourselves silly over the holidays, but it's not good news for your pets! Check out how holiday temptations can harm your pets by clicking here.

And remember, eating your weight in turkey probably isn't advisable for you either!

How to help your dog unwind...

2010-11-12T17:02:00.002Z

Open publication - Free publishing - More well-being

Dog Relax – Relaxed dogs, relaxed owners
By Sabina Pilgug
£ 14.99 + postage

In order for dog and human to live together harmoniously, both need to be relaxed to allow them to communicate properly and enjoy training.
The technique ‘Dog Relax’ was developed to ensure that both owner and dog are relaxed, through a combination of breathing and movement exercises for the the owner, and stretching, movement and special massage for the dog. This lovely book holds the secret to a different approach to living and working with your dog, but not so different that it is in any way alienating.

Would you like to see a hedgehog inhaling some bacon?

2010-11-10T11:45:00.004Z

Of course you would!

Hubble & Hattie now has a YouTube channel where we showcase some pretty awesome animal videos, as well as some interesting facts about them.

In this video, watch Harry enjoying some bacon, and read the description to find out what's good to feed the hedgehogs you might find in your garden.

Delicious!

2010-11-10T11:01:00.005Z

You and Your Border Terrier – the App!

2010-11-10T09:21:00.001Z

We at Hubble & Hattie have been beavering away creating an iPhone app of our recently published book, You and Your Border Terrier.

This app gives you everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Border Terrier, including breed background, settling in your new arrival, and what to expect as your canine companion grows up. Packed with illustrations – many especially commissioned – which colourfully illustrate and describe these captivating dogs.

In addition, in-app videos feature informative voice-overs by well-known author David Alderton!

Click here for more info

AVAILABLE NOW for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad through the iTunes App Store.

Price: £1.79 UK

Puppies in need

2010-11-04T12:44:00.002Z

Foster mums are being requested urgently for this box of puppies after they were found abandoned at the back of a Yorkshire cinema aged at just one day old.

Visit the Dogs Trust site for the full story...

Hoglet Watch: Bonfire Night!

2010-11-03T10:49:00.009Z

It's Wednesday; only two days until Bonfire Night, which means bonfires are being built up and down the country, ready for a fun night of jacket potatoes, fireworks and hot drinks.

It also means we need to ensure that our prickly pals are safe and sound when the time comes to lighting the bonfire, so take a moment and check out our H&H Hedgehog Hints below to help you have a hedgehog-friendly bonfire night!

Make it near the date
Around this time of year, hedgehogs are looking for places to hibernate. They prefer warm, dry covered places, and, to a hedgehog, your unlit bonfire equals a ready-made nest! Therefore, the closer to the 5th that you build your bonfire, the better, because there's less chance any hedgehogs will have come across what they see as a perfect place to curl up and snooze away the winter.

Another place to crash

Variety is the spice of life, so before the day, why not make an alternative nest site for any wandering hogs by piling up leaves and twigs in another spot in the garden? The idea is that your handmade hedgehog den will attract hogs to it rather than the bonfire, so make sure it's a good distance away from the fire when you build it, and that it's safe from any pet cats or dogs who might be wondering what's going on...

Security check
Even with your cozy leaf pile, there's no guarantee that you bonfire will be hedgehog free (fussy hogs!), so before you light it, make sure to check the pile carefully with a rake and a torch for any animals that might be snuggled up in the depths. If you find any sleepy hedgehogs, move them carefully (you may need to wear gloves to protect yourself from the spines!) to your ready-made leaf pile, or to a hay-lined box which you could prepare beforehand to keep them safe while you celebrate. It won't take long to de-hedgehog your bonfire, and once you have, you can enjoy your evening in front of the fire knowing that your Guy Fawkes is the only thing you'll be toasting!

The Wildlife Trust also has tips on making your bonfire and your garden hedgehog friendly, so why not pay it a visit? They also have some great information about other autumn events that might affect the wildlife around you, so it's well worth a read!

Keep checking back her for more hog tips and stories throughout the week, and don't forget to check out our Tumblr and our Facebook for even more hedgehog pictures and facts!

Animals In Need

2010-11-03T10:36:00.003Z

We here at H&H think this is a great idea... follow the link to sign the petition for an annual programme like Children In Need, but for animals:

They could call it 'Furry Nose Day'...

Animals In Need donation programme.
Please sign our petition and pass on to as many people as possible, we hope 5,000 people will sign it and then we will write to the BBC and say as license payers we wish to see a similar programme to help animals in need!
For 15 years £35 million pounds has been raised for Chilren, but now is the time to help animals, this last 18 months Rescue Centres all over the UK has suffered a 45% drop in daonation, we need a fun programme to help all animals. Pets, wildlife, conservation projects.
Enough of talking time for action!!

You can view the petition here, and get involved!

How Does Your Dog Smell?

2010-11-03T09:52:00.003Z

Open publication - Free publishing - More scent

Smellorama! – nose games for dogs
By Viviane Theby

With up to 100 times as many olfactory receptors as humans, dogs use their sense of smell to ‘see’ and interpret their world, just as we do with our eyes. A dog’s keen sense of smell is helped by a wet nose which has a layer of mucus that absorbs some scent molecules more quickly, allowing even the faintest scent to be detected and followed. And it’s not just specialist hounds such as gun, drug and bomb detection dogs that have this amazing ability. All dogs love to sniff out new smells and messages – their very own p-mail! – so your faithful friend can be taught to find those lost car keys, tell you if your food contains minute traces of nuts, or even locate a missing person, and in such a way that these ‘nose games’ are great fun for both of you!

£9.99 (+ postage) You can buy this book from our shop here

Hoglet Watch - Meet the Hoglets

2010-11-01T12:48:00.021Z

When we think about autumn, we think about kicking piles of leaves in the air, and digging out gloves and scarves from wherever they might have been stowed last year. Here at Hubble & Hattie, we're also thinking about hedgehogs!

Hedgehogs are one of Britain's best loved creatures; Beatrix Potter's Mrs Tiggywinkle is a household name, and who amongst us didn't shed a tear or two when the hedgehogs got run over in The Animals of Farthing Wood?
Despite their charm, hedgehogs still need our help. In 2007, the european hedgehog made it onto a list of animals which are in need of greater conservation, which is why we at Hubble & Hattie want to spread some love about our spiny little chums, and where better to start then right here at home!

Meet Harry, one of the H&H hoglets who are being looked after by our director, Jude.
Harry first arrived with Jude at the end of June, when a lady in Weymouth found him in her garden and was unable to care for him. He weighed just 200 grams, and was about three weeks old. He was tiny, and no one knew if he'd make it.
Jude kept him snug in a cardboard box lined with newspaper and hay at one end so he could make a nest for himself. Harry was fed on cat food, the odd spoonful of scrambled egg, and a little bit of special kitten food which helps to supply needed vitamins. Jude also gave him dried mealworms to try, but he wasn't too keen!
Harry, being a noisy hoglet, kept Jude up at night with his snuffling and snorting, despite being in a different room and down a flight of stairs. Every morning Jude would go to check him in his box to discover what looked like the aftermath of a very energetic party. Paper shredded, water bowl tipped upside down, food devoured. Despite this general hedgehog mess, Harry was very particular about where he went to the toilet: it was usually in his food dish.

Harry seemed to like adventuring just as much as the next hog, and wasn't afraid to go exploring. On his rambles around the dining room (which he would partake in as his box was cleaned) he would come across Immie, our resident H&H hound. As you can see here, Immie seems rather uncomfortable with her prickly new 'friend', though Harry doesn't seem too bothered!

A bright and active hoglet, Harry gained weight steadily, travelling with Jude and Immie across the country on visits, also popping in to Hubble & Hattie HQ to say hi! Of course, we all thought he was brilliant.

Harry is now living it up in the garden in what can only be described as the Ritz of hedgehog homes. He moved from the house to an outside home with a run as he got bigger, where Jude could keep an eye on his weight gain. When he reached 600 grams, he moved house to the bottom of the garden where there's undergrowth, cover, and no fences! Harry is a free hog, who happens to benefit from a few home comforts... his house is warm, comfortable, and best of all quiet; Harry will be able to while away the winter safe and snug in his hoggy hotel. And, of course, until such time as he decides to take that long snooze, he's still getting fed each night!

The important thing about these houses is that they are safe for hedgehogs to hibernate in. Many hedgehogs are killed accidentally each year in bonfires. With Guy Fawkes celebrations taking place at the end of the week, what better time to give you the dos and dont's of hedgehog safety when making your bonfire, plus some tips on how to create your own hedgehog friendly garden, so keep checking back everyday this week for new info, photos and updates on the H&H Hoglets. You'll also get the chance through the week to submit your own hedgehog stories, photos and artwork, both here and on our facebook site, so if you have any hedgehog related antics to share, we'd love to know about them!

Hoglet Watch!

2010-10-27T12:17:00.006+01:00

With Bonfire night drawing ever closer, we at Hubble & Hattie decided to celebrate one of Britain's most prickly inhabitants, the hedgehog!

Our director, Jude is currently rearing six baby hedgehogs, or hoglets, to ensure they get up to a healthy weight for hibernation, so we are lucky enough to have the inside scoop into just what exactly a baby hedgehog needs to grow and go about it's daily life.

Hoglet watch will be running until the hedgehog's are released into the wild with weekly updates, and from the 1st November to the 5th, we will be running daily features which will relate to our spiny friends, including what to do if you should find an abandoned hoglet, how to make your garden hedgehog friendly, and most importantly with Bonfire night approaching, de-hedgehogging tips for your bonfire.

Hoglet watch goes live this afternoon, so watch this space for some hedgehog love and appreciation!

What's Your Dog Thinking?

2010-10-13T10:12:00.002+01:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More advice

Know Your Dog - The Guide to a Beautiful Relationship
By Immanuel Birmelin

Dogs are thinking, feeling beings: individuals, just as we are, with different personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and distinct emotional lives. Get to know your companion from a different perspective through simple routines and games that you can do at home, and understand your dog much better as the relationship between you grows even deeper.
£9.99 (+ postage) You can buy this book from our online store here

How Old is Your Dog?

2010-10-06T11:54:00.002+01:00

Follow the link to find out how old your hound is in human years!

Click here to try it out

Are Border Terriers as Wise as They Look?

2010-10-05T20:04:00.002+01:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More border terrier

You and Your Border Terrier – The Essential Guide
By David Alderton

Everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Border Terrier, including breed background, settling in your new arrival, establishing a daily routine and what to expect as your canine companion grows up. Over 100 illustrations – many especially commissioned – colourfully illustrate and describe these captivating dogs.

£ 9.99 (+ postage) You can buy this book from our online store here...

Hands-on Advice from a Professional Practitioner

2010-10-05T19:58:00.002+01:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More pet

The Complete Dog Massage Manual – Gentle Dog Care By Julia Robertson

Demonstrates and explains to owners how they can apply relevant and safe massage to their own dogs; together with underpinning information about how the dog ‘works’ in relation to what effects massage has on the animal. Describes a relevant procedure of treatments from puppy to veteran; incorporating within the massage techniques a ‘trouble shooting’ guide for problems when working on your dog. The book has clear photos and descriptions of the techniques and explains how, by laying your hands on your dog, you can be so much more in touch with his or her health.

£ 12.99 (+ postage) You can buy this book from our online store here...

Proof that Microchipping works!

2010-10-04T08:59:00.003+01:00

A cat and her owner are reunited after spending five months apart at opposite ends of the country! Read Phoenix's full story here

Security has Stepped up a notch

2010-09-30T17:28:00.002+01:00

monkeys are being used as security at the Commonwealth games!

follow the link to find out more

Go Green with your Pet

2010-09-29T10:53:00.002+01:00

Head on over to the Animal Planet website and find out what the top 5 environmentally friendly pets are!
Click here to check your pet's carbon pawprint, learn about green pet products and find out ways to make your pet more eco-friendly!

Are Cockapoos the Coolest Looking Pets?

2010-09-29T10:36:00.000+01:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More poodle

Everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Cockapoo, including breed background, settling in your new arrival, establishing a daily routine and what to expect as your canine companion grows up. Over 100 illustrations – many especially commissioned – colourfully illustrate and describe these captivating dogs

All Dog Owners Can Learn A Lot From This Book

2010-09-29T10:31:00.002+01:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More wheelchair

Confined to a wheelchair but still want a dog - is that a good idea? Indeed it is, as Alexander Epp, the author of Waggy Tails & Wheelchairs - who’s wheelchair dependant - ably demonstrates. Here, everything that mobility-impaired potential dog owners need to consider to enable them to own and care for their very own canine companion, even if finances are restricted; or they do not have their own car, carers or helpers, is described and illustrated in detail. 50p from every book sold goes to Dogs for the Disabled.

Maybe they should've dyed her purrrple?

2010-09-27T13:35:00.004+01:00

A cat in Swindon has been found with her fur dyed pink...

click here to find out more!

Pets Win Prizes!

2010-09-22T12:08:00.001+01:00

There’s still a couple of days left to enter the My Pet Has a Heart of Gold competition over at www.petstreet.co.uk, so if you think your pet is the sweetest creature around, head on over and put up your photos, and you could win a Hubble & Hattie book!

visit www.petstreet.co.uk/PetIdol_Competition to find out more.

SIT, STAY, EAT ...

2010-08-03T12:19:00.004+01:00

An excerpt from brand new Hubble & Hattie book You and Your Border Terrier - The Essential Guide can be found in this month's Pet magazine. Check it out!

Click image to view full size
You and Your Border Terrier – The Essential Guide
By David Alderton

Everything you need to know about choosing, buying and enjoying your Border Terrier, including breed background, settling in your new arrival, establishing a daily routine and what to expect as your canine companion grows up. Over 100 illustrations – many especially commissioned – colourfully illustrate and describe these captivating dogs.

Click here for more info about the book.

DONATIONS TO DOGS FOR THE DISABLED!

2010-06-11T15:45:00.006+01:00

Veloce Publishing is pleased to announce that, for every copy sold of its latest Hubble & Hattie book, Waggy Tails & Wheelchairs, 50p will be donated to Dogs for the Disabled.

As Peter Gorbing, Chief Executive of Dogs for the Disabled, says in the introduction to the book: “Waggy Tails & Wheelchairs has lots of useful information that any wheelchair or scooter user who is contemplating getting a dog would do well to read. The author is realistic about the work involved in having a dog, but if the right strategies are in place, it will be a tremendously rewarding experience for both the individual and the dog.

“As an organisation involved in training assistance dogs, Dogs for the Disabled has built up many years of practical experience of working with wheelchair users. Whilst Dogs for the Disabled uses some different techniques in its training work, this book nevertheless contains a wealth of tips that will prove invaluable.

“If you are a wheelchair user thinking of getting a companion dog, this is the book for you.”

Buying a copy of this book will contribute to the continuation of this pioneering charity that does so much good work towards changing the lives of adults and children with disabilities.

Thanks also to Sky1 for helping to promote the book, and the cause, with this competition.

HOW TO COMBINE WHEELCHAIR USE WITH OWNING YOUR OWN DOG!

2010-06-02T16:16:00.004+01:00

New! Waggy Tails & Wheelchairs –
The complete guide to harmonious living for you and your dog
By Alexander Epp

For every copy sold a donation is made to Dogs for the Disabled.

Confined to a wheelchair but still want a dog - is that a good idea?
Indeed it is, as the author – who’s wheelchair dependent – ably demonstrates. Here, everything that mobility-impaired potential dog owners need to consider to enable them to own and care for their very own canine companion, even if finances are restricted, or they do not have their own car, carers or helpers, is described and illustrated in detail.
Wheelchair and mobility scooter users face their own particular challenges when it comes to dog ownership: how will they walk their dog; train and teach it; play games with it, and, all importantly, pick up that poop?
From his unique viewpoint, the author answers all of these questions and concerns, and more besides, in this new book – which is available now from bookshops or www.velocebooks.com – allowing readers to assess and determine whether they can share their special lifestyle with a dog, and what they can do in preparation for this happy circumstance.

Available now!

REVIEW OF SMELLORAMA IN DOGS MONTHLY

2010-05-14T13:51:00.001+01:00

GREAT DOGGIE BOOKS TO BE WON

2010-04-29T13:52:00.003+01:00

There's just a few days left to enter Sky 1's great new competition, where ... 'one lucky winner will win a selection of four fantastic books that will help you get to know your best friend that little bit better!' See full details here

NEW BOOK - SMELLORAMA!

2010-04-13T12:10:00.000+01:00

Smellorama – nose games for dogs by Viviane Theby is out now and available to buy!

With up to 100 times as many olfactory receptors as humans, dogs use their sense of smell to ‘see’ and interpret their world, just as we do with our eyes. A dog’s keen sense of smell is helped by a wet nose which has a layer of mucus that absorbs some scent molecules more quickly, allowing even the faintest scent to be detected and followed. And it’s not just specialist hounds such as gun, drug and bomb detection dogs that have this amazing ability. All dogs love to sniff out new smells and messages – their very own p-mail! – so your faithful friend can be taught to find those lost car keys, tell you if your food contains minute traces of nuts, or even locate a missing person, and in such a way that these ‘nose games’ are great fun for both of you!
More info.

A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT US

2010-03-08T16:16:00.003Z

Judith Brooks with her dog Immie and Veloce Publishing co-director Rod Grainger check one of the new Hubble and Hattie range of animal-themed books. Picture by James Dadzitis.

The Hubble & Hattie imprint is devoted to animals and takes its name from two West Highland White terriers that directors Judith and Rod used to own.

Judith said: "While the subject matter is animals these are not lightweight fluffy kitten books. They are about the understanding and relationships that develop between species. We hope as well as telling good stories they are useful and insightful. We're very proud of the quality that we want all our books to radiate."

NEW BOOK! MY DOG IS BLIND - BUT LIVES LIFE TO THE FULL!

2010-03-05T16:37:00.005Z

My dog is blind – but lives life to the full! by Nicole Horsky is out now and available to buy!

It can seem like the end of the world when the vet tells you that, sadly, your beloved dog is going blind; it’s natural to put yourself in their place and imagine how catastrophic this news would be ...

But with life-changing events such as these, there’s one essential difference between the human and canine species: dogs won’t waste too much time feeling sorry for themselves, or asking “why me?” After taking stock, they will – with your help – adapt and get on with the joyful business of living.

This invaluable book will sympathetically show the owner of the newly-blind, or already blind dog that their loyal friend is still the same, with the same zest for and enjoyment of life. With love and careful thought, you and your dog can get as much out of life as you always have, having fun and establishing an even closer bond as you help each other find new or adapted ways to live together. More info.

K9 MAGAZINE'S CHRISTMAS VIDEO

2009-12-23T16:19:00.001Z

www.k9magazine.com

WELCOME!

2009-11-30T12:39:00.000Z

For nearly eighteen years, the folk at Veloce have concentrated their publishing efforts on all-things automotive. Now, in a break with tradition, the company launches a new imprint for a new publishing genre!

The Hubble & Hattie imprint – so-called in memory of the two, dearly-loved Westies who lived with Rod and Jude for over 14 years, and gave them so much love and stoical friendship – will be the home of a range of books that cover all-things animal; be these dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, elephants – all produced to the same high quality of content and presentation as our motoring books, and offering the same great value for money.

Our first book under the new imprint is Winston ... the dog who changed my life, the touching story of how the author rather unexpectedly becomes a dog owner when his wife returns home with a puppy that she found abandoned and tied to a cemetary headstone. Winston quickly takes over the life and home of his new owner – introducing him to a completely new world in the process! More info.

"An enchanting story ..."
Graham Ball, The Daily Express.