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Wednesday 30 August 2017

Dale slithers to the rescue!

Have you ever come across a rare snake whilst out for a leisurely stroll? Dale Preece-Kelly did just that the other day, and, in the process, has rescued another abandoned pet from an unimaginable fate. The adventure even made the local news!


The author of Unleashing the Healing Power of Animals was out for a walk across Kinver Edge, when, a couple passers-by made him aware of a snake that had slithered across their path. "It's like they try to find me," Dale said in the article published by the Express & Star. And lucky for this little guy, he did find him! If it wasn't for Dale, our slithery little friend would'nt have been able to survive in the wild. "It appears, sadly, that he was an unwanted pet who was abandoned. Kinver Edge is literally miles from civilisation ... so highly unlikely to be an escapee."

The snake is question is a Western Hognose. Haven't heard of one before? Never fear, as we've whipped up a handy little infographic to tell you more about this little known, but very interesting, species!



Now given the name Edge, Dale has rescued this lovely snake, giving him the happy and healthy life that he deserves! Once Edge has settled into his new home, he will be inducted into Dale's team of critters. "He is awesome, one of my favourite ever snakes!"

Dale runs Critterish Allsorts, an animal assisted therapy and educational organisation specialising in teaching the benefits that animals can bring to our health – and vice versa! If this all sounds familiar, it should, as it is covered in Unleashing the Healing Power of Animals. for those of you who don't know, or are unfamiliar with Dale's 'critters', why not grab yourself a copy and learn all about Dale and his wonderful work!



And that's not all: if you are in the Kidderminster area on the 21st of September, Dale is holding a book launch at The Corn Exchange, which will include a Q&A session, book signing and lots more! For all the details, go check out our Facebook page under the Events tab, and you can buy your tickets here.

From all of us here at Hubble and Hattie, we are happy to hear that Edge has been taken in, and that Dale has found another animal companion to add to his ever expanding, and ever popular, team!




Wednesday 16 August 2017

Sniffing out a great new book ... it's Detector Dog!

We've had a fair few new titles released recently at Hubble & Hattie, but one that stands out from the crowd is Detector Dog by Pam Mackinnon. Detector Dog is a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog how to become a pro at scentwork in no time; help turn your dog's favourite pastime into your favourite hobby!


We've had countless reviews of the book here at Hubble & Hattie HQ, with not a bad word said about Pam's literary work! And rightly so; she has a wealth of experience on the subject, with her past work at HM Customs & Excise, and her current venture Talking Dogs  – check out its social media site for all the latest goings on!


Now, all of this sounds great, but why take our word for it? Here are a selection of superb review snippets to whet your appetite, that will hopefully leave you wanting more!

"The training techniques throughout the publication are suitable for all dogs. They are explained in a clear and comprehensive manner and include huge scope for people with a variety of search areas to have a go, indoors and out ... A little book which could open up a whole new range of training activity for you and your dog."
Dog Training Weekly


"Scentwork is something all dogs can do, and shouldn't be confined to working dogs. It involves both physical exercise and strong concentration, which, over time, will improve your dog's fitness, as well as ensuring they are satisfied and snoozing on the sofa by the end of the day ... Enjoy watching your dog become a detector dog!"
– Dogs Monthly

"This easy to follow book, with lots of great pictures and illustration will help guide you to help your dog reach his full potential as a cheese or scented mouse sniffer dog with all the fun that entails. Available to all types of dogs no matter what age, shape or size, you can have great fun together teaching your dog to follow his nose."
Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors

"Enter into teamwork that involves acknowledging the expertise of your dog in all things nasal. Unleash a powerful bonding experience that entices and balances you both ... The dog's response is one of uninhibited joy! ... Detector Dog is the journey of a lifetime through the nose of your dog."
 – Geelong Obedience Dog Club



Now, if that hasn't piqued your interest about Hubble & Hattie's latest and greatest book, I don't know what will! Go on, treat yourself – and your dog! – you know you want to!

Wednesday 2 August 2017

Dying for some fish?

Think whale and dolphin conservation is all about far-off oceans and crystal-clear waters? That, sadly, couldn't be further from the truth …



Yes, balmy waters, blue bays, and breaching behemoths may be the first things that spring to mind when the words 'dolphin' and 'conservation' appear in the same sentence. But, even here in not-so-balmy Britain, efforts to protect and defend our sea creatures and marine mammals are even more important than ever.

You may be shocked to learn, that UK government estimates show that static net 'bycatch' (the term for unwanted creatures that become trapped in commercial nets) contained around 1250-1500 porpoises last year – in UK waters alone.

Current UK laws protecting sea mammals from dying in fishing gear come from the EU. Of course, the UK will be leaving the EU over the coming years, but EU laws will be used as the base for our own, new legislation, initially.

The EU, however, is currently reviewing its laws for marine mammal conservation, so Whale & Dolphin Conservation (WDC) took its campaign to keep our whales, dolphins, and porpoises safe, to Brussels, to encourage MEPs to ensure that any new laws are stronger and better than the existing ones.

This is important, not only for the continued safety of our marine life, but also to ensure that laws created by the UK, after leaving the EU, are built on a sound, effective, scientific base. And that's where YOU come in.

English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish governments – each needs to ensure that the law is robust, fit for purpose, and policed. Of course, getting them in place won't be a quick process, and your support is absolutely vital, at every step …

Click here and sign the WDC petition and show your support 

The petition is targeted at George Eustice, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affaris (Defra), and the more signatories, the better. There are other ways to help, too, including signing up to WDCs email newsletter, or making a donation – but whatever else you decide to do, please sign the petition.

WDC has created a short film that we'd like to share with you … watch it, share it, and spread the word …



WDC is the leading charity dedicated to the protection of whales and dolphins. Its vision is a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free, and its mission is to amaze people with the wonder of whales and dolphins, and inspire global action to protect them. 

Visit the WDC website, and find out how you can help protect these amazing animals – everywhere in the world. And you can stay up-to-date with all the latest news in the world of WDC on its blog, via facebook, or on twitter.


Tuesday 1 August 2017

We're all going on a Doggy Holiday!

Summer has rolled around again, and for many it’s time to start thinking about going on our jolly holidays. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning a holiday, but what about your four-legged friend’s holiday needs? Well, lucky there’s this post to tell you more …


Staycations are as popular as ever, and with the beautiful countryside, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of places to explore all over the UK, it’s easy to see why. What’s more, taking your dog along for the ride is now easier than ever! Searching the internet for “Dog-friendly holidays” brings up a lengthy list of possible options, from campsites to cottages; We Accept Pets is a great site. Imagine all the adventures you and Fido could have!


With some helpful hints and tips from the RSPCA, mixed in with our own doggy smarts, we’ve compiled a useful guide on what to consider when holidaying with your canine companion!

Before you go

Do your research
Will there be enough activities to keep your dog happy? Will the weather be of concern? Make sure to plan your days around your pet and the weather forecast to maximise the fun!


Vet Check
Despite what your pooch may think, it’s wise to have your vet give them the once over before your travels. Also, it’s worth snooping around for details of a vet local to your vacation destination.


What to pack in their doggy suitcase

All the necessities
Leads; collar – both regular and LED for those night-time strolls – & ID tag; favourite toys; chews; enough food and medication if needed), for the whole trip; familiar-smelling items – and their own familiar bed!; treats; towels.

The journey …

Supplies
Make sure you pack enough fresh water, food and treats to satisfy your dog whilst on the road. It’s advised that you give pets their doggy dinner two hours before travelling, or no less than eight hours before if they suffer from motion sickness.

Safety First
Will they be secure in their harness or carrier? Make sure to allow plenty of ventilation, but discourage rebel antics such as sticking a head out of the window! Fun it may be; safe it is not!


Pitstop
Plan to take regular breaks to allow Fido to stretch his legs. Walking the dog has some great information on country walks alongside motorway services, but more on that later …

"You have arrived at your destination”


Roam free
Once you arrive at your home away from home, it’s natural to want to have a nose around, so let your dog do the same! He’ll also need time to rest, once all the excitement has passed!


“There’s no place like home!”
To help ease your dog into holiday mode, make the place seem as homely as possible. Remember those familiar-smelling items you packed? That’s where they come in! Plus, everyone loves to sleep in their own bed.

Routine is key
We all know that everything can go to pot due to ‘holiday mode’ when it comes to us humans, but it’ll be a huge help for your pooch if you could stick to their normal routine as much as possible, diet included! Just because you’re having a few cheat days, doesn’t mean your dog should, too!

Bonus! “It’s a dog eat dog world out there …”

The main thing to remember for the whole holiday? Stay. Safe! Walk your dog on the lead, unless you are certain that it’s ok to do otherwise. Keep a close eye on your dog’s behaviour and fitness – every dog acts differently on holiday! And, as always, never leave your dog in a situation in which they’re uncomfortable – especially in a vehicle.


Now, you may think that you are all set to go, but not before we tell you that in August's edition of Animal Magic, you can have the chance to win three great Hubble & Hattie titles that would make the perfect travelling companions. Along with a copy of the previously mentioned Walking the dog, we also have a copy of Dogs on wheels, and Emergency first aid for dogs, for one lucky reader! So, make sure you're subscribed to Animal Magic to find out how to get your paws on these fantastic books!