Golden Paws Essex

15/11/2025

Oh my goodness, how cute is this. I found this little pocket turtle while out walking the dogs today and it absolutely made my morning. A tiny bit of kindness left for someone to find… and today that someone was me. 🙏❤️

Thank you to the lovely team behind Kinder Essex, Chelmsford and the Hug in a shrug Project for spreading such gentle, thoughtful magic around our community. What a lovely idea for World Kindness Day 2025… not sure when it was so hope the little turle wasn’t out for too long

It is amazing what a small, handmade gift can do. It stops you in your tracks, lifts your mood and reminds you that there are good people doing good things right on our doorstep.

If you spot one of these kindness gifts on your travels, pick it up and keep it close. And if you want to get involved or simply follow the kindness trail, pop over to:
Kinder Essex


A little kindness goes a long way. This one certainly did.

15/11/2025

🥰😂🥰😂

14/11/2025

New Golden Paws blog incoming… and this one’s a biggie.

I’ve spent the last few weeks pulling together proper, evidence-based information on vaccines, worming, flea control and titre testing, along with what day cares (including ours) can and can’t accept under DEFRA and council guidance.

No scare tactics, no pressure, no agendas.
Just clear, balanced information so you can make the right decisions for your dog.

We look at:

• What vaccines actually cover
• When titre testing is useful (and when it isn’t)
• Worming and flea options, natural and veterinary
• What councils and insurers really require
• Why some diseases carry higher risks in the UK
• How to decide what’s best for puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions
• What’s allowed for day care entry, and what isn’t

It’s taken a lot of reading, research and guidance from some brilliant people, so I’m excited for you to see it.

Keep an eye out, it’s live.
And as always, if you ever want help understanding what applies to your dog, just ask.

13/11/2025

Jo's Seasonal Wreaths - Love 🥰 you. Thank you xx

13/11/2025

New wreath is up and the dogs are front and centre, obviously. Jo absolutely nailed it. A little Christmas sparkle before we head off. 🎄

13/11/2025

When Jo's Seasonal Wreaths understood the assignment 🥰
Time for the new wreath, and yes, of course it’s dog themed. What else could I even contemplate putting on the door? Thank you so much we adore it. So, so happy 👏👏👏👏

Christmas has officially hit the front door. A wreath full of wagging faces, sparkle and pure Golden Paws joy. If this doesn’t make you smile, nothing will.

A little taste of Christmas before we go away.

12/11/2025

Its been a long time but now so close 🥰

08/11/2025

05/11/2025

🥩 Local Gem of the Month: C. Humphreys & Sons Butchers

I was wondering who to feature as this month’s Local Gem, and today as I was singing my way up to Blixes Farm, it dawned on me. Of course it had to be C. Humphreys & Sons. So local and so good!

When my old butcher closed, I did what we all do and asked Facebook for recommendations. One name came up again and again: C. Humphreys & Sons.

Tucked away at Blixes Farm, Rank’s Green, Fairstead, this traditional family-run butcher is everything you want. Friendly faces, beautiful local produce, and top-quality cuts that put supermarket meat to shame.

It’s about a 20-minute drive from Chelmsford town centre and totally worth it. A proper countryside run, lovely people, and the best part? The dogs approve too. 🐾

They stock raw dog food, pigs’ ears, snouts and natural treats which are perfect for training, sniffaries and those well-earned Golden Paws snacks. And if you’ve not had breakfast, the deli counter and hot sausage rolls make the trip even better.

Here’s to local businesses doing it right: quality, care, and community. Thanks, for keeping Essex fed and happy (two and four-legged alike). 💫

📍 Blixes Farm, Rank’s Green, Fairstead, Chelmsford CM3 2BH
🐖 Family-run • Locally sourced • Traditional butchery

04/11/2025

So Beautiful 🥰💙🥰

03/11/2025

It’s Pet Cancer Awareness Month, and this is your gentle reminder to do a quick “lift & look” once a month. Take a few minutes to check your dog’s lips, ear flaps, armpits or inner thighs, and tail base.
You’re simply looking for anything unusual — lumps, bumps, sores, or swelling.

What to check for
🐾 Lips and mouth: New lumps or sores that don’t heal. Skin cancers can appear on lighter or unpigmented skin around the lips or eyelids.
🐾 Ear flaps: A firm or soft mass, persistent wound, or repeated ear infections.
🐾 Armpits or inner thighs: Feel for any swelling of the glands (lymph nodes) or new lumps.
🐾 Tail base: Look for any firm or growing lump, skin change, or irritation.

Other signs to watch for

Lumps or bumps that persist or grow

Sores that don’t heal, or unusual bleeding or discharge

Loss of appetite, weight loss, or tiredness

Why it matters
Early detection gives your dog the best chance. Experts at the Royal Veterinary College say the behaviour, grade, and spread of a tumour all matter when it comes to treatment.
The PDSA reminds us that skin lumps are common, but it’s important to know when something that seems harmless could be more.

If you find anything new or unusual, call your vet and arrange a check-up. Note the size, appearance, and location — a simple monthly check can make all the difference.

Learn more:
🩺 https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/cancer-in-dogs

🎓 https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/specialist-referrals/clinical-services/veterinary-oncology/canine-cancer-services/owners-faq?

❤️ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/signs-of-cancer-in-dogs-and-cats