R V Hounds

13/12/2024

Thank goodness it's Friday, it's been the muddiest of weeks! 😑

06/12/2024

I would just like to thank all my lovely clients for their patience, kindness and understanding for the disruption over the last couple of weeks. Firstly with Hank and his poorly paw. Then sadly at the beginning of this week Willow suffered 3 seizures in the space of 12 hours. She's done so well since her diagnosis of Lafora, having gone 9 months since the last ones. The problem is it's like a ticking time bomb, you never know for sure when it's going to occur and of course you just want to wrap them up in cotton wool and never take your eyes off them for a moment. But that's just not possible. We are both exhausted, taking it in turns to sleep downstairs with her. She seems a bit better but appears to frequently be in a state of high arousal/agitation and easily excited after this last bout, so we are trying to keep her as calm as possible, unfortunately her vision seems to have further deteriorated. I dont know if this is temporary and will settle down eventually. Unfortunately we know there is no cure for this awful disease.😥
I always try my very best to offer a reliable service and i hate letting people down, especially at short notice and I felt particularly dreadful as there was one client I simply forgot to inform.
So once again my sincere thanks to you all ❤️

Those who know me well will know how much I love my sleep and how easily I usually drop off, yet here I am in the early hours on the sofa, the wind is whipping round outside and whilst so tired the sleep will not come so I thought I would write this post now while it's on my mind. X

02/12/2024

Feeling a bit more chipper and getting back to his shouty self. Fingers crossed the flipping claw dont grow back this time🤞😃

28/11/2024

Update on Hank. Went to our vets on Monday following his accident over the weekend. Vet was very concerned at first and was worried it had already turned necrotic. There was a scab on the end, but once removed it didn't look as bad underneath. Got to be left open to let air get to it, short walks only with a homemade boot to protect from dirt and cone of shame to stop licking. He's doing well, happy to go out and it doesn't seem to hurt him as he's trotting along unconcerned by it. He's also been brilliant in not licking so can have time out of collar when we are there.
But.... the bit we are really struggling with, bathing it up to 4 times per day in a medicated wash. Whilst he's pretty compliant in the vets with me holding him, at home is another matter. It's literally like wrestling an alligator!
He's headbutted me on the chin, Mikeila Linden on the nose who has been fabulous at coming in to help with the morning wash. Even Phil hasnt been able to hold him still. We have tried so hard to do it and have managed to get it on there but no chance with wiping it. Back to vets today, where they've now shaved the hair around it, but got to continue for another week 🙄 Think we need an in house vet..... oh wait, Jordan Thompson hurry up home for Xmas please 😬😬😬

24/11/2024

***Gruesome photo alert***

Ah what a dramatic 24 hrs it's been in our household. Hank somehow managed to rip out his front claw as we came up our drive after our walk. He'd done a similar thing previously about 8 months ago but this time we just couldn't seem to stem the flow of blood. Bleeding from 1pm, we had emergency appointment at vet at 5pm. Cleaned and dressed, given pain relief and antibiotics as a precaution. As soon as Phil carried him in and put him down to go out for a wee, it looked like he'd walked through a tin of red paint. Blood drenched bandage. Contacted vets again around 9, told to remove bandage and keep cold compress on every 10 mins. At around half past midnight phoned again as blood still seeping everywhere. This time they recommended we take him back in due to the amount of blood and infection risk. Huge thanks to my sister Karen Hillyer for coming with me in the awful weather and keeping him calm on the back seat. All recleaned and redressed and as of this morning, bandage has remained dry so far. Back to our vets tomorrow to take off, my poorly little sausage. He's been so brave.
Meanwhile Miss Willow had to add chaos to the carnage by peeing all over the cuddle sofa and following Hank around delightfully licking up his blood spatters. Think she may be half vampire 🐾🧛‍♀️🧛‍♂️🙄

19/11/2024

❤️

A dog's love isn't about what you can give, it's about who you are to them. It's loyalty, comfort, and understanding, all wrapped into one quiet, constant presence that never asks for anything but to be near you ..

R.M. Drake 🩶

Artist Credit : Pascal Campion

19/11/2024

It's that time of year when dog walking becomes a never ending mud bath 🙄😄

19/11/2024

I cannot recommend this company enough. Have had their coats for years and they are still going strong. They wash up lovely and come out of the washer nearly dry. Their customer service is superb and they recently added zips to my dogs existing coats, to make it easier getting off now they are getting older. They could have just sold me new ones, this saved me a fortune as mine have 2 each. If you are looking for a Xmas gift for your dog, this is the perfect present. 🙂

The reasons you need an Equafleece are endless! But here are some important ones -

🐾 100% Rainproof - protects against 3-4 hours of torrential rain

🐾 Mudproof - this will save your lovely clean home!

🐾 Warm and cosy - very much needed in this freezing weather that is incoming

🐾 Washable - wash as often as you need on a 30/40 degree wash and will still stay 100% rainproof for years

🐾 Wicking - the Polartrc flreece fabric will dry a wet dog off really quickly, acts like a drying robe

🐾 Protects against snow and stops snowballs on the fur - a life saver for anyone due snow next week!

And all handmade in our factory in Devon ❤️ also fun fact, the Polartec fleece we used is 100% recycled!

If you need any help with sizing please email [email protected] or give us call on Monday on 01822 820550 and we can help you and dispatch immediately.

We have spent 25 years perfecting our size range we have to offer and now make over 80 sizes! Equafleece fits all ❤️

16/11/2024

Browsing through our local charity shop and may have just found the perfect solution to Willow keep tripping over her ears on a walk and them being soaked by the time we get home 🤭🥰

09/11/2024

For those whose hounds like water. At Bluewater 🙂🐾

05/11/2024

🙂🐾

When a dog becomes one of your closest friends, life takes on a different hue. The simple act of coming home transforms because someone is eagerly waiting for you—not because they need anything, but simply because you're you. You might catch yourself sharing thoughts aloud, knowing there's a loyal companion by your side who doesn't judge or interrupt.

This friendship is straightforward and genuine. It's built on shared moments: early morning walks when the world is calm, afternoons spent lounging in the backyard, the comfort of a warm presence nearby when you're reading or working. Your dog doesn't ask for much but gives plenty—a sense of connection that doesn't rely on words or conditions.

Over time, you start to see the world differently. Maybe you pause to appreciate the rustling of leaves because your dog stopped to sniff the air. Perhaps you meet new people at the park and expand your circle in unexpected ways. You learn that joy can be as simple as a playful bark or a shared glance, and you realize that some of the best friendships are those that remind you to savor the moment you're in.

R.M. Drake 🍂

Artist Credit: Dee Nickerson

03/11/2024

Some people will say, “It’s just a dog,” but it’s not just a dog. A dog becomes your best friend, the one who’s always there when everyone else is too busy. They’re the comfort when life gets hard, the one who sits with you in your lowest moments without asking for anything in return. They’re the companion who makes you laugh after a long day, even when you don’t feel like smiling.

Your dog becomes your protector, always alert, always ready to keep you safe, even when you don’t realize it. They’re your walking partner, your daily reminder to step outside and breathe when the world feels overwhelming. They’re the keeper of your secrets, sitting by your side while you vent about things no one else will hear.

A dog can become your family, the constant in a world that changes too fast. They’re not just there for the good times, but for the moments when everything feels like it’s falling apart. They’re the one who looks at you with love, no matter what kind of day you’ve had. It’s never just a dog—it’s a piece of your heart, your companion in ways that words can never fully capture.

R.M. Drake 🍂

Artist Credit : Lucy Almey Bird

01/11/2024

Does anyone use a Mud Daddy and would like some spare accessories? I've got 3 large brush heads, 2 small brush heads, a plunger and 2 brushes 🙂