Catch up snooze post Whitebay.

Thank you for looking after shadow so well. As you can see he is relaxing at home after his busy holiday with you.

Many thanks. Shadow. Candice. Simon. Tiger Lea

Happy New Year Chior.

I put this up every year

But isn't it great?

Greeting Max

My folks are dumping me once again so I am looking for temporary accommodation in January 2013.  Do you have room for me from Saturday 12th January approx 7.30am - will be collected on Sunday 20th January approx 5pm.

Many thanks for your consideration in this matter

Gucci

Dogs Driving Cars

Dear Milly-Molly-Mandy,

Congratulations, you're turning 2 years old!  All of the team at Whitebay Kennels wish you the best for a very happy birthday on 28/11/12.  We look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

Love from everyone here

Whitebay Kennels

Oh thank you so much Max and all my friends at Whitebay.

I am such a lucky Corgi, considering my shaky start in Christchurch.

Mum plans to have a birthday party for me again this year and I think my Aunty is going to bake me a very special doggy delicious cake!

That'll brass the cats (Dudley & Penny) off - although I think I'm not sposed to know about that - shhh....

Can't wait to come and stay with you again too!

Lots of Love

Milly-Molly-Mandy xx

Guy Fawkes Night Whitebay Kennels Newsletter

Not Hamish but similar

HI Max,

Thanks for this really useful email.

Hamish is one of those dogs that hates fireworks, even though I kept him inside, closed all doors & curtains, turned up the TV, and tried to exude calmness - he still was reduced to a quivering wreck.

However, I purchased him a thunder shirt this time - a really tight fitting vest really.  It has been really useful, within seconds of putting it on him, he stopped shaking and was clearly more calm.

He still does not like the sound of fireworks, but I am finding that he is able to put up with a few bangs and crashes in the neighbourhood before becoming anxious - so there is hope.

Cheers
Bobi & Hamish

Hi Max

Diesel was great when he got home which means he had a good time at your kennels. 

Of recent times when he has stayed at other kennels he has come home with injuries, which the vet thinks is caused from trying to dig his way out. 

Thank you and will definitely be re-booking him in for when we are heading north again.

P.s it's a shame you're not out Havelock North way as we need a decent kennel around here!

Cheers

Anna

Sent from my iPad

Hi Max

Thanks for the advice on Guy Fawkes - yes JJ was upset and was spoilt and allowed to sleep in the TV room - her favourite room in the house!

Would you please book JJ in for Art Deco Weekend in Feb arriving Thurs 14 Feb and we will pick up morning of Mon 18 Feb.  Hope this is OK.

Thanks and hope you and your family have a Great Christmas.

Julie Thompson

How to prepare your pet for Guy Fawkes Night

While the rest of the family is looking forward to fireworks night, your pet is probably dreading it.

Here’s our guide to keeping your pet calm and relaxed on the big night. From the PetPeople magazine features archive.

Around this time of year, anxiety descends on my home and lingers there for several weeks. There are jitters, sudden starts and attempts to hide under the bed  and that’s just me! The cause of this seasonal nervousness is, of course, the annual festival of noise: Guy Fawkes Night.

I’ve always had pets, so I never really look forward to what should be a fun winter celebration. There was a time when fireworks were a one-night-only event, but nowadays Bonfire Night has become Bonfire Fortnight.

Many people have their own parties at home and fireworks are getting louder. People are unlikely to lose their taste for noisy pyrotechnics so what can we do to calm our pets and steady our own nerves?

STEP ONE: act normally

It’s the most natural thing in the world to want to comfort your pet when they show signs of distress, but fussing over them just makes them think there really is something to worry about.

My first dog turned into an absolute wreck at the slightest whizz or bang. She would tremble and pant in terror. It was very distressing, and I spent many childhood Bonfire Nights curled up next to her wherever she’d found to hide, trying to reassure her. This was kind of me but absolutely the wrong thing to do.

Pets are highly tuned to our moods, so if we’re worried, they will be too. If your pet wants to hide, let them but don’t fuss.

STEP TWO: keep them indoors

Over the years I’ve noticed that ‘Missing’ posters seem more common in the aftermath of Bonfire Night than at other times of year, especially for cats. A cat may be scared away from their normal route by a firework and end up in unfamiliar territory, or be too frightened to make their way home.

Remember to close windows and cat flaps. If your cat is used to going out, provide a litter tray. Small pets that normally live outside, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, should also be brought in if there are likely to be fireworks nearby. Make sure cats and dogs have ID tags or microchips in case they do get lost.

Then all you need to do is close the curtains, turn on the TV and try to relax. It’s easier said than done; even though I now know what you’re supposed to do, I still catch myself wittering on to my own pets about how ‘everything’s going to be alright, don’t worry, it’s only a firework.’

STEP THREE: for particularly nervous pets

For some pets, distress caused by firework noise can be particularly severe and you may need to take further steps. You could ask your vet for some Dog Appeasing Pheromone, a synthetic version of a chemical produced by female dogs that has a calming effect on puppies. This comes in a plug-in diffuser and helps dogs of all ages to relax. Try Lavender.

We can all make this time of year easier on our pets by making responsible choices about fireworks. If possible, go to a public display to reduce the overall number of fireworks. If you are having a party at home, tell your neighbours so they can protect their pets, and avoid particularly noisy bangers – opt for something pretty and colourful instead.

Remember, remember these tips for the fifth of November

1.Walk your dog during the daytime when fireworks are less likely to be let off.

2.Don’t take your pet to a firework display this is one event that is not for all the family.

3.Make sure you buy and use fireworks responsibly and keep them away from children and animals.

4.Spare a thought for wildlife as well as pets check bonfires for hedgehogs and don’t leave firework litter about.

5.Stay home with your pet your presence will help to reassure them.

Hi Max

Thanks for having Milly this weekend, its great to leave her knowing shes happy and well looked after.

We will drop Milly off to you Saturday 17th 4pm and collect Sunday 25th 4pm, driving back from Auckland so if this time changes we will ring and let you know.

Thanks

Yvonne & Milly  Woof Woof

Hi Max,

I was very excited to see my family again and had a good sniff around my home when I got back.

When it stopped raining I got to go outside and play with my favourite tennis ball. I ate and slept well last night. 

I enjoyed my stay and my walks. Thanks for giving me my medicine, I am feeling much better.

I'll definately be coming back again to visit you next time my family has to go away.....mum wouldn't let me go anywhere else!!

Thanks Max.

Lucky

Dear Max,

I always enjoy my stay very much thank you.  My owner says you are thoughtful to play music and she really likes your cleanliness of the kennels.

Thanks heaps Max,

From Cindy

Dear Max

Yes I enjoyed my holiday with you very much.

My Grandmother was late back from Fiji, so I was so glad that My Father picked me up. I was glad to see her. 

She remarked how well I looked I loved the big Dogs and my walks. 

Thank you for taking great care of me. 

I will be back when all the family decide to have a holiday again.

Take care Max love Pepper Herbert

l

jsrj

Thanks for reminding me  Regards  Lisa

Dear Lisa,

We now have a blog on www.whitebaykennels.blogspot.com

Our records show that Milo's  vaccination of Vanguard Plus 5*** - Broad Spectrum is due to expire on 27/10/12.  You may or may not have realised this and we thought we would drop you a note to remind you that it is important to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date to prevent dangerous and costly diseases.

Regards,

Whitebay Kennels

Hi Max

I had a lovely time at Whitebay and guess what - I don't pee inside anymore.

The others told me it was disgusting :-)  Will see you next time mum and dad go away.

Cheers

Willie

Dear Max,

I had a lovely holiday at Whitebay, and I will be back to stay again sometime.

From your Aussie Mate,

Poppy Still

Dog loaf from one of our valued customers:

This dog loaf is just fabulous – tried & true!

Good enough for humans although you’ll have to compete with your dog! 

All dogs I have given it to have just gone crazy over it – smells oh so yummy.

Very cheap to make & very healthy… 

Makes 3 big loaves, freezes well.  Zap it into the microwave to warm slightly if you wish.

The quantities are flexible & can be varied according to seasonal availability of veggies, & what you have in the cupboard or as leftovers.  Onions are not good for dogs but the amount is small mixed with the rest of the ingredients, your decision.

INGREDIENTS:-

2 LITRES OF WATER

2 CUPS BROWN RICE

-----------------------------

2 LARGE POTATOES

2 LARGE CARROTS

1/2kg PUMPKIN (APPROX)

1 LARGE ONION

2 GOOD SIZED CLOVES GARLIC

3/4 BUNCH SILVERBEET

1 CUP WHOLEMEAL or SOYA PASTA (MACARONI or SMALL SHAPES)

-----------------------------

2 CUPS ROLLED OATS

1 CUP WHOLEMEAL FLOUR

1/2kg MINCE (or LIVER or FISH)

3 EGGS

GOOD HANDFULL OF HERBS – CHIVES, PARSLEY, SORREL - NOT ROSEMARY OR THYME.

Cut all veggies into smallish peices leaving skin on where possible.

While chopping the veggies let the rice boil in water for 15 or 20mins.

Add veggies & pasta to rice & water & cook for about 10mins.

Turn off heat & take off stove, leave to cool a little (not vital if pushed for time).

Add mince, eggs, chopped herbs, rolled oats & flour& mix all ingredients together.

Add more rolled oats or flour if mixture seems too sloppy; it should be somewhat like a fruit cake mix.

This is important as the loaf when turned out will collapse if too wet – I know from experience!

Line the bottom of the 3 loaf tins with baking paper & oil the side’s well, spoon in mixture & press down slightly.

Bake at 180^o C for 45 to 60mins. (I always opt for 60mins)

Remove from tins onto a baking tray, remove baking paper. Return loaves to oven for 5 to 10mins to firm bottom crust.

Take out of oven, leave to cool, use immediately or slice & wrap in foil to freeze.

Please do try this, I know your doggie will just love it & you will make it again & again… 

Carole M-P

Thanks Max for the reminder of Tobys vacs. He is booked in this afternoon for his booster.

See you on Sunday.

Pat