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Thursday 15 December 2011

Problem-solving animals use their heads to get food!

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!







Wednesday 7 December 2011

The World's oldest living dog dies in Japan

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!


Wednesday 30 November 2011

Two great new eBooks available!

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



Now available from the iBookstore 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 iBookstore 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 iBookstore 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!

Monday 28 November 2011

Animal Grief gets a great review!

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.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Hoglet Watch 2011: The Hoglet Diaries part 1


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!


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!

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.
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.

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!



Wednesday 2 November 2011

Lost and Fond tributes and giveaways



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.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Coming soon - Animal Grief




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!

Monday 17 October 2011

Hubble & Hattie price slash!



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!





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..




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!







Wednesday 12 October 2011

Kelly takes fame in her stride!


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...


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.


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



Monday 19 September 2011

Cats can have just as much fun as dogs

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!


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. 









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!



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!




Thursday 8 September 2011

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

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

Friday 5 August 2011

How heavy is your hound?


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!



Tuesday 5 July 2011

Clever Dog! eBook now available through Apple's iBookstore

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.


Wednesday 22 June 2011

Coming soon: Clever Dog eBook!

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)