Avril's K9 Home Boarding and Dog Walking Services

19/12/2024

Can you make Socks’ Christmas wish come true? ✨

Adorable six-year-old Socks came to the Shelter through no fault of his own when his owner’s health declined. Despite peering out from his kennel with a wagging tail whenever people pass by, he has now been with us since August with nobody wanting to adopt him.

Although he is not overly affectionate, he is a really lovely dog and will make a fantastic pet. He suffers from hip-dysplasia which is aggravated by living in a damp and draughty kennel and we would love for him to find a warm sofa to curl up on before the weather gets any colder.

We would prefer that he found his forever home, but we are becoming concerned for his welfare in kennels so would consider foster or foster-to-adopt applications.

Socks is dog social and he could live with another calm, quiet dog who would be respectful of his discomfort. He is currently taking medication to help with his pain which would need to be continued in his new home.

He still enjoys sniffing out adventure on walks but prefers not to go too far so a secure garden to explore would be ideal for him. He could live with children aged 14+.

If you could make Socks’ Christmas wish come true, please email 👉 [email protected] 👈 to find out more.

18/12/2024

Many common Christmas foods are harmful or even toxic to your pets. Here's a list of foods to avoid giving your dog during the festive season: 🎄🎅

1. Chocolate: Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous.

2. Grapes and Raisins These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities. Be cautious of mince pies, Christmas puddings, and fruitcakes.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: These all belong to the allium family and can cause hemolytic anemia, damaging your dog's red blood cells.

4. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener): Found in sugar-free candies, gum, and some baked goods, xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures, liver failure, or death.

5. Cooked Bones: While raw bones can sometimes be safe, cooked bones are brittle and can splinter, leading to choking, internal injuries, or blockages.

6. Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and consuming milk, cream, or cheese can cause digestive upset.

7. Nuts: Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic and can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.

Safe Christmas Treats for Dogs: If you want to include your dog in the celebrations, offer dog-friendly treats like:
Plain cooked turkey (no bones, skin, or seasoning)
Steamed vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, or broccoli) or
Dog-safe Christmas treats from a pet store. 🎄

18/12/2024

You wouldn't hang a poo bag on your Christmas tree so please don't hang them on trees out in the countryside! 🎄💩

Bag it, bin it.

17/12/2024

A great lady!❤️👏

Dame Judi Dench isn’t just a legend on stage and screen - she’s a true champion for animals and a passionate advocate for important causes.

Over the years, she has used her platform to champion the rights and protection of animals, both domestic and wild, inspiring millions to join her in creating a kinder world.

Her love for animals is deeply personal. A devoted dog lover, Judi has often spoken about the joy they bring to her life and the importance of treating them with kindness. She has supported campaigns encouraging spaying and neutering to address the stray dog population and reduce suffering worldwide.

In addition to her work with dogs, Judi is a committed wildlife advocate. As a patron of the wildlife conservation charity Wildlife Vets International, she has helped raise awareness of the critical need to protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats. Her documentary Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees showcases her deep connection to nature and her call for greater environmental responsibility.

She’s also joined forces with other notable figures in supporting initiatives like the Born Free Foundation to end the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to protect endangered species like tigers and elephants.

Dame Judi’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation shows us what’s possible when we use our influence for good.

Her efforts remind us that every voice, no matter how big or small, can spark meaningful change 🐾🌿💛

16/12/2024

Animals are amazing❤️🐾

During their 430-mile endurance race through Ecuador, a stray dog unexpectedly became a loyal companion to a Swedish racing team. The dog followed the team through the treacherous Amazon jungle, even swimming across rivers alongside them.
This unlikely bond began when a member of the team offered the dog a meatball during one of their breaks.
The dog's perseverance and spirit of adventure were truly inspiring, as it stuck by the team's side throughout the challenging race. This touching story highlights the extraordinary connection that can form between humans and animals, even in the most demanding circumstances.
It serves as a reminder of the surprising ways in which animals can become part of our journeys, offering support and companionship in unexpected ways.

15/12/2024

We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community, especially at Christmas, and this year is no different! Donations to our Christmas Appeal and parcels for our pets have been flooding in and we are truly grateful to every person who has made a contribution – we will make sure the pets in our care get an extra special dinner and lots of presents on Christmas Day.

A great way to get in the festive spirit is to decorate a shoebox and fill with treats and toys for our cats, dogs and small animals then pop under the tree in reception.

Our Shoebox Appeal officially closes on Wednesday 18th December in time for the grand opening, but don’t worry if you can’t get to us by then – we will still be pleased to see you!

If you would prefer to shop from the comfort of your sofa, you can find a link to our Amazon Wishlist here 👉
www.gawa.org.uk/donate-items

13/12/2024

Your Dog Is Your Mirror: The Emotional Capacity of Our Dogs and Ourselves by Kevin Behan explores the deep emotional connection between humans and dogs, proposing that dogs act as mirrors for their owners' emotions, often reflecting feelings we may not even realize we have. Behan, a dog trainer with decades of experience, dives into the idea that dogs’ behavior and emotional responses are profoundly linked to their human companions’ internal states.

Here are 10 lessons from the book:

1. Dogs Reflect Human Emotions: Behan argues that dogs instinctively tune into their owners' emotions and often mirror these feelings through their behavior. When we experience stress, anxiety, or joy, our dogs sense it and may act accordingly, showing behavioral changes that reflect our own emotions.

2. The Concept of “Emotional Projection”: The book introduces the idea that dogs respond to our projected emotions rather than simply following training or cues. Behan suggests that dogs feel compelled to react to the emotions we may unconsciously project, impacting their behavior in unexpected ways.

3. Bond Beyond Training: Unlike traditional dog training, which emphasizes obedience, Behan emphasizes understanding the emotional dynamics between dog and owner. He believes that behavior issues often have roots in emotional disconnect rather than just a lack of discipline or training.

4. Recognizing Your Influence on Your Dog: According to Behan, self-awareness is crucial for dog owners. By recognizing and understanding our own emotional states, we can gain insight into why our dogs act a certain way and address behavioral problems at their root.

5. Dogs as Healers: The book highlights that dogs often have a calming, therapeutic effect on their owners. Behan suggests that this ability comes from their capacity to absorb and reflect emotions, often helping people deal with stress or unresolved feelings.

6. Understanding Behavior as Communication: Behan encourages viewing a dog’s actions not as “good” or “bad” behavior but as a form of emotional communication. Instead of merely correcting behavior, he advises interpreting what the behavior might reveal about the dog’s emotional state or its owner’s feelings.

7. Embracing Vulnerability and Connection: Dogs encourage their owners to access vulnerable emotions and foster authentic connections. Behan explains that by being open to emotional honesty, owners can deepen their bond with their dogs and see improvements in the relationship.

8. Shared Emotional Energy: The book describes the idea of “emotional energy” that dogs and humans share. This energy transfer allows dogs to pick up on subtle cues and respond in ways that can be surprisingly intuitive, even beyond what humans can consciously recognize.

9. Re-evaluating Traditional Discipline: Rather than relying on discipline alone, Behan suggests that dog owners take a more compassionate approach, addressing underlying emotions that may influence behavior, leading to a more harmonious relationship with their dogs.

10. Dogs as Emotional Guides: Behan proposes that dogs guide us through our own emotional journey, teaching us empathy, patience, and self-reflection. By understanding their responses, owners can learn more about their own needs, fears, and emotional landscape.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3BlEe5D

You can ENJOY the AUDIOBOOK When you register for Audible Membership Trial) using the same link above.

12/12/2024

It’s been a busy year in Canine Capers. Lots of regulars staying and a few lovely new dogs too! Bookings are coming in for January and February. A sad farewell to two of our doggies, lovely Modesty the beautiful chocolate Labrador (sister of Prudence) crossed over the 🌈 and I’m sure Prudence will be showered by love from her owner. We’ll miss you Modesty. The beautiful little whippet Parsnip reached a great age and was the sweetest dog to have stay with us. It is the hardest part of dogs, the farewells. 🥲They are so loyal and loving. Take care of those older dogs. Don’t treat them as an inconvenience. Shower them with treats and kindness and patience❤️They deserve it!
I am not doing regular dog walks these days unless a customer has an emergency. There are a couple of dog walkers in the town who would help I’m sure). I don’t mind visiting your home and letting dogs out in the garden or feeding them but I prefer to concentrate on boarders and my own dog who loves all his pals staying!🦮🐾🐾
I wish all my customers a Very Merry Festive season and look forward to a busy start in 2025🎄 Happy Hogmanay too!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍾🥂
I am fully insured and have a CDC home boarding licence with 3 stars. I also have a DBS check in place.

12/12/2024

Brave!

11/12/2024

Keep your furry friends safe over the festive season with these tips from our vets 🎄

Find the full Christmas Survival Guide here: http://pdsa.me/DlXc

[Visual description: Infographic titled 'Christmas pet hazards'. Advice includes: Don't dress pets up for Christmas. This can cause your pets unnecessary stress and them to act differently. Be aware of popular festive plants that can be poisonous to pets if consumed (see guide for full list). Keep small and edible decorations well out of reach of prying paws to avoid any festive frights. Not all parts of a Christmas dinner are safe for pets and some can even be toxic. Check our guide for the do's and don'ts. Create a safe place. If you're having guests round, create a safe place for your pet to retreat to if it all gets a bit much. Search our Christmas Survival Guide for more information.]