Liberty Pet Services

12/10/2021

When it's hot a gal's gotta do, what a gal's gotta do...

12/10/2021

Fun in the sun. Happy days...

27/08/2021

Rainbow bridge Remembrance Day, 28 August

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet can bring about a level of grief similar to when we lose a loved human. If we are fortunate enough, having spent many years sharing our homes, our lives and our hearts with our beloved pets we are able to prepare to say goodbye.

Our ability to cope when that inevitable sad day comes may be helped if we prepare, but what does that look like. At this point I just want to clarify, being prepared doesn’t mean an absence love or care so don’t feel guilty if you have chosen to take this step, it just means you are getting ready…

When you learn that loss is close you may experience a form of grief that may include feelings of anger, guilt and sadness. Take heart that these emotions are very normal and to an extent allows you to begin to say goodbye and find closure.

Sad a time as it is, you could make it special by creating and working through a bucket list, get creative, tear up the rule book and make some incredible memories, have you had to endure being stared you out when you eat pizza, have you ever wondered what your pet would look like dressed as a pirate? Now’s the time…

Aside from being with your pet to carry out their daily care needs, take time to enjoy being with them, sit with them, give plenty of cuddles and fuss, even a nice massage. Allow yourself to wander down memory lane; what have they taught you about yourself, did they help you to slow down, become more attentive to the little things, did they help you to find your inner child, or test your patience? These are the memories to be grateful for.

Something to consider is how, when and where you will say goodbye, decisions that you don’t want to leave until the last minute to make - some vets are willing to come to the home with prior arrangement, will other family members and/or pet’s be present (which can, in itself, help with their closure)? will there be a burial or cremation, are there practicalities and considerations to bear in mind.

Don’t forget to reach out to supportive friends and family, speaking about your emotions is beneficial in the grieving process, it helps to make sense of what you’re experiencing, it’s also an opportunity to ask for practical support like being accompanied to vet visits, someone who will be a distraction and take your mind off the intensity of the situation. The grief and emotions will come in waves.

Talk and engage with your veterinary team, ask questions about the diagnosis, how things may progress, what signs and symptoms should you be looking out for, what options are available. What arrangements or third parties are they aware of that may be beneficial including bereavement counselling with someone who appreciates the bond between a person and their animal companion.

Being prepared will help you to cope with the inevitable sad day, which in turn helps support your mental health and well-being. Stay safe and well wherever you are in the process.

10/08/2021

Spoil your dog day, 10 August

As long as their health, behaviour or your wallet isn’t affected, spoiling your dog isn’t a bad thing. Besides, let’s face it most pet parents do it to some extent as a sign of love so on spoil your dog it’s the best excuse to go for it.

Some fun and safe ways to spoil your dog includes:

Giving your dog a frozen treat on a hot day...
Taking your dog to a pet supply store and letting him choose a new toy…
Springing for a full bells and whistles treatment at the groomers…
Buying your dog some new swag…
Giving extra cuddles…
Giving your dog a massage...
Taking your dog for a swim...
Taking your dog for a hike or for a romp in the park…
Baking your dog some treats…

08/07/2021

27/05/2021

Please can you fill in and share the attached pet theft survey by the Conservatives in the hope they take our concerns seriously in the debate making pet theft a specific crime and increasing sentences..Thank you

https://action.conservatives.com/pet-theft-survey/?fbclid=IwAR3p2d06ZeMwmjYF3CkoJTO1u6l0DXPY9kzGgk0y95Ip0z1bbEHkQupzaHg

We're working on how best to tackle this distressing crime and clamp down on perpetrators. Tell us what you think.

19/05/2021

National Rescue Dog Day, 20 May

There are many dogs hoping to find their forever home so why not consider rehoming a shelter dog?

Dogs are rehomed for a number of reasons, often it’s to do with the owner’s circumstances rather than the dog. This means that the choice is broad including puppies, adult dogs, dogs that are good with other pets etc. Online breed quizzes can be a helpful tool to help identify a suitable breed, before undertaking the research to familiarise yourself with their characteristics, life span etc, consider also the traits that would suit your home and lifestyle needs.

Whilst staff at rescue centres have much experience with helping you find your match it is advised to be lead by the head rather than the heart saving potential disappointment should there be a mismatch between you and your desired breed/dog. That said, however it starts, when the match is right the love, affection and attachment will come.

Should you decide to rehome a dog be prepared to go through a vetting process including completing registration forms and a home visit from a vet or rehome staff member who will be able to offer practical advice and any need-to-know details to help you prepare for your new family member.

Things to consider:
Make sure you have appropriate food and water bowls - what was your dog fed in the shelter? If you want to make any changes do so gradually
Keep introductions to the rest of the family calm, use a lead if necessary
Introduce any existing dogs in a neutral place or at least the garden
What training needs does the dog have? Will you need help? Use positive reinforcement
Where will the dog rest and sleep? Start as you mean to go on to create emotional stability
Rules, routines, boundaries and consistency are important factors when creating a bond and trust

11/05/2021

Exploits and escapades, fun and frolics, mischief and mayhem in the sun...

02/05/2021

Kindness to Animals by Joseph Ashby-Sterry

Speak gently to the herring and kindly to the calf, 

Be blithesome with the bunny, at barnacles don’t laugh!

Give nuts unto the monkey, and buns unto the bear, 

Ne’er hint at currant jelly if you chance to see a hare! 

Oh, little girls, pray hide your combs when tortoises draw nigh, 
And never in the hearing of a pigeon whisper Pie! 

But give the stranded jelly-fish a shove into the sea,

Be always kind to animals wherever you may be!

Oh, make not game of sparrows, nor faces at the ram,

And ne’er allude to mint sauce when calling on a lamb. 

Don’t beard the thoughtful oyster, don’t dare the cod to crimp, 
Don’t cheat the pike, or ever try to pot the playful shrimp. 

Tread lightly on the turning worm, don’t bruise the butterfly, 
Don’t ridicule the wry-neck, nor sneer at salmon-fry; 

Oh, ne’er delight to make dogs fight, nor bantams disagree,
Be always kind to animals wherever you may be! 


Be lenient with lobsters, and ever kind to crabs, 

And be not disrespectful to cuttle-fish or dabs; 

Chase not the Cochin-China, chaff not the ox obese, 

And babble not of feather-beds in company with geese. 

Be tender with the tadpole, and let the limpet thrive, 

Be merciful to mussels, don’t skin your eels alive; 

When talking to a turtle don’t mention calipee
Be always kind to animals wherever you may be.

This poem is in the public domain.