In Memoriam & Save Lennox BSL

Brook. Crossed OTRB 28/9/2011. Run Free sweetheart

In honour of our dear & beautiful furriend Brook, Charlies Angel of Hilsider, who unexpectedly crossed OTRB this week, there is no Friday Funny this week. Instead, in her memory, we'd like to talk about BSL, Lennox & dangerous breed stereotypes. 

Dobie Brookie was the first Doberman I had actually had face to face contact with, and although loving all dogs big & small, I was a little weeny bit nervous incase she didn't like me! Now in the media, we hear about Pitbulls, Staffies etc as the 'dangerous' dogs, but when I was little, it was Dobies & Rottweillers. Of course though, my fears were completely unfounded!! The first time I met Brook I was confronted with a big, powerful, sleek barrel of love & soppiness :) We had lots of cuddles and kisses and I only wish there had been chance for more. I am truly heartbroken that the world has lost her beautiful doggy soul...BUT I do know she is rocking up a storm over in Rainbow Bridge right now with her brother Byron :) Our thoughts and prayers are with  her family, Karen, Neil, Kayleigh, Dino & Sox at this painful & sad time. Love you all!!

Today, a decision will be made on the fate of American Bull Labrador cross, Lennox, in Ireland. He is Micro chipped, Neutered, DNA Registered, Pet Safe Registered, Insured and Licensed every year with the Council yet on Wednesday the 19th May 2010 he was taken from the family home by Belfast City Council as they believe he falls under the dangerous dogs act for Northern Ireland. They declared Lennox to be a breed of "Pit Bull Type" and so wish to kill him simply because of the way he looks... Racism anyone?! Belfast City Council took Lennox from his loving family home using a wrongly addressed warrant and copyright ADBA (American Dog Breeders Association) breed standards guide which the Council were never authorised to use. Lovely  Lennox has never attacked anyone or anything yet the authorities have removed him from his home where he lives with his family kennel mate Juicy a 2 year old female boxer and various other foster dogs. You can find out more here. So, today, in memory of another doggie who would once have been looked at like she was a monster, everyone please join the #pawcircle of positivity for gorgeous #Lennox.

Breed-specific legislation, BSL, is, according to Wikipedia: 

"a law or ordinance passed by a legislative body pertaining to a specific breed or breeds of domesticated animals. In practice, it generally refers to laws or ordinances pertaining to a specific dog breed or breeds." 

We firmly believe each dog, like every human being on the planet, is different & should be judged individually. Yes, like some humans are born and are just a nasty piece of work, you do get some dogs who are more volatile or angry, but for 99.9%, we believe any angry behaviour is down to the owners & the way the animal has been handled. Dogs, by nature, are loyal and loving to the humans that they idolise and rely upon. We could talk for hours on the subject, but I think this picture sums it up perfectly....

We have shared this image onto our facebook page wall, please share it with your friends and help spread the word. 


Under BSL, this little pitbull Sharky could be seized just like Lennox ... does he look like a dangerous dog to you? Do watch these videos, they are just beautiful x x

Black Dog Appreciation Day

Today we are not doing our weekly Friday Funny as we want to talk about a serious cause close to our hearts. Today is Black Dog Appreciation Day where, worldwide, animal lovers celebrate  black dogs and highlight Black dog bias or Black Dog Syndrome. 

Now if you haven't heard of Black Dog Syndrome before, you will be as surprised as we were to find out that all those beautifully sleek, glossy furred, gorgeous black dogs and cats are more than often the last pets in rescue centres and shelters to find homes, if at all, because they are passed over in favour of the lighter coloured animals. And it's not just the bigger breeds or Heinz 57's that the phenomenon applies to - even the toy & pedigree breeds are affected. 

As you know we have two black rescue dogs in the Puppy Love family, Buzz and Lubo, both of whom spent a long time in the rescue centre waiting for us... Lubo was at the Mayhew for 3 months:

and also these three beauties in our extended family, where again Brook's fursis & bro Soxi and Dino are rescues:

Noone is 100% sure why this happens - it is thought that they don't photograph as well so aren't as appealing on adoption websites, and that people often still associate black with superstitions ie: black cats etc (although I always thought that a black cat crossing your path was lucky!?) Other theories put forward include the idea that in movies and the media as a whole black dogs are usually the aggressive, mean ones or that noone wants the dark fur malting. Personally I LOVE black dogs and cats but I must say when I went to the rescue centre all those years ago in Hull, Buzzy provided the perfect example of Black Dog Syndrome and I am eternally grateful to the staff there for spotting we would be perfect for eachother. He was stood there quiet as a mouse hid in the background away from us, whilst all the other dogs jumped and barked, and I think this is another factor. Certainly in the smaller rescue centres and shelters where it can be a little dark and gloomy, the black fur just doesn't show up :( A shelter in LA did a study to try and challenge the Black dog bias or Black Dog Syndrome by saying a full 28% of adopted dogs were black, but the facts still stand sadly... 

So, today help us promote how totally p-awesome black dogs and cats are and raise awareness of Black dog bias/Black Dog Syndrome! There is an event on facebook here  today with over 12000 people attending online where you can share pics of your black dogs and share your stories - sooo many gorgeous pups! x x

For more info on  Black dog bias/Black Dog Syndrome check out the links after the jump>>  

This week's Friday Funny... Jack Russell Terrier Jesse & his amazing tricks!!

As we were searching through t'ínterweb for this week's Friday Funny we came across the amazingly talented Jesse the Jack Russell Terrier.... and we are now, as Bella would say about Edward in Twilight, completely and irrevocably in love with him!!  

We were delighted to find that he has his very own website www.justjessethejack.com & also a blog at www.justjesse197.blogspot.com where you can see updates from Jesse and his gorgeous trainer, Heather :) Do go check it out and help vote for Jesse's furriend Mickey who is collecting votes to win 5 new beds for AZ Jack Russell Rescue... or vote here http://kuranda.com/blog/dog-of-the-month. 


Enjoy! x x

Northampton Market Square Dog Show & this week's Friday Funny

We're staying close to home  for this weekend's show.... about 5 mins walk away actually!! We are sooo excited for Sunday's Fun Dog Show & all round Fun Day in our hometown :) Last year we had a lovely time... after we got our head around the totally surreal feeling of being on our very own market square lols! This year the show is bigger & better with more stalls, more space and more fun and once again is raising funds in aid of local charity Animals in Need. They are a fab little charity in Little Irchester & really do rescue ANY animal in need, not just your usual pet menagerie. When I volunteered there I also helped look after hedgehogs, ferrets, squirrels, blackbirds...the LOT! Integrated into the site is Maxicare which is a dog rescue which along with taking in strays etc, also save dogs from pounds who put animals to sleep so they do an invaluable job and constantly require support & supplies so increased awareness through this event is fantastic. This weekend is also the 22nd annual Northampton Balloon Festival and we are hoping to catch up with our gorgeous staffie model Benson & his almost as gorgeous *winks* mama Jayne from Fake Bake Princesses who are visiting for the festival so if anyone is town for the Hot Air balloons, come down and say hi to us!! Entries are taken from 10.15am and you can download your entry form here. 

It's also time for our weekly Friday Funny & today's is one to make you squeal with delight. Here is the absolutely divine Kiwi, an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy, discovering a lime wedge for the first time! Enjoy!! x x

Dogs Trust Harefield West London Fun Day

You know what? We are sooo lucky to be able to spend so much time with so many gorgeous dogs! This Sunday last was the Dogs Trust West London Fun Day at Harefield & once again we were there with our stall having a fab time! 

It was our first time at the Harefield centre for their Fun Day (we go there alot for books etc when we visit The Millers though as it's only round the corner!) and we were so impressed with lovely Sian's organising - the site looked pawesome! There were yummy pancake & donut vendors, a cake stall with the biggest muffins I have ever seen, a little funfair section for the little ones, a petting zoo, tombolas & raffles and much more! 

The Puppy Love stall 

We were so lucky with the weather - it was tropical! Lovely sunshine all day :) And the sun brought out the visitors, at one point the queue for the car park was over half an hour up the road and there was a real possibility the car park would have to shut altogether! Which is brilliant news for the charity and all those dogs needing care and shelter. And check it out, its a HUGE Site...Wooo!

As the site is so local to Lee's family, they all came up to visit us which was really lovely! Even 92 year old Grandad Ben came along in his wheelchair ♥  

Mum fell in love with 10 year old Lurcher William who is in desperate need of a new home as he is getting increasingly distressed & depressed in kennels and is refusing to eat. He would have been coming home with her had it not been that he needs to be the only dog in the household so if anyone you know is thinking of rehoming please please mention him to them!

Laura @mistew on twitter came to see us too which was a lovely surprise & meant we got to see scrumptious Min Pin LJ in real life! Check out his adorable photo in the gallery! Her new London based dog walking company, Fun on all Paws, is doing really well & she is a sweetheart so be sure to check out her facebook page here! 

More pics after the jump or check out the full album on our facebook page... www.facebook.com/puppylovepets ! >>

Twitter Followers Bandana Prize Giveaway!

We are now only a few followers away from our 1500 twitter followers prize giveaway!! *excited* When we reach 1500 we will be giving away one of our signature style bandanas... the Red Paw Print as modelled here by handsome Mr Buzz:

The first tweetie to correctly answer the very easy quiz question will win!! Stay tuned for details!! x x

Purple Power!! We got our Purple Star on eBay

We have some rather exciting news... *drum roll please* ... we now have our purple star on eBay!! 

We really pride ourselves here at Puppy Love on customer satisfaction & producing long-lasting quality products and it's wonderful to have such a positive reaction to our brand. Thankyou Puppy Love-rs! x x

Dogs Trust Snetterton Fun Open Day on Sunday 12th June 2011

Another date for your diary Puppy Love-rs! We are delighted to confirm that we shall be at the Dog's Trust Snetterton Fun Dog Show and Open Day on Sunday the 12th June. The event starts at 12noon until 4pm and gates open at 11.30am for registrations into the show! More details to come on the Dogs Trust official site www.dogstrust.org.uk but expect raffles, tombolas, yummies and FUN FUN FUN!! For more information, you can contact the centre on 01953 498 012 or 01953 498 377.

Map data ©2011 Google, Tele Atlas - Terms of Use

Map

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DIRECTIONS

Take the A11 (Norwich to London). The turning for the Centre is situated two miles south of Attleborough and two miles north of Snetterton race track. Take the turning for Snetterton Village and follow the signs for Dogs Trust. Please note if you are travelling from Norwich you'll need to follow signs to Shropham village and look for the signs to Dogs Trust.

Weekend in Wales with Dogs and Sand Dunes

Hello Puppy Love-rs! Sorry this post is a day late, we had a lickle accident yesterday with an 8mm knitting needle... Ouch!

We had the most wonderful time in Wales for the Royal Wedding weekend!! Big love to Karen, Neil and the doggies for making us both so welcome and being all-round lovelies! We had a great day on Friday, watching the wedding in style with a scrummy brunch and on Saturday we visited Barmouth for the best Fish & Chips in North Wales by the beach and then drove on to Shell Island for fun in the Sand Dunes! It was Soxi's first time at the beach and although she was a little unsure of the water, she loved playing in the sand & even made a friend! We were amazed to see the number of starfish though - do hope they were ok and there is not a problem in the local environment. No fear though, Karen is a one-woman-starfish-rescue team & was helping them get back into the water. We also stocked up on some amazing new fabrics on Sunday including gold leatherette, pink leopard and black glitter faux fur.... pics & new items coming soon!!  

To view the full album, click here 

It was also Lee's birthday yesterday...25 years young!! Unfortunately he had to work after taking the Bank Holiday Monday off so we took him in a special delivery ...

Showbiz Saturday: OC Star Rachel Bilson and her gorgeous Russian Terrier out in LA

Today we have a new feature for you... Showbiz Saturday! Instead of gossiping about what the celebs are doing with their glamorous selves, we want to know what their dogs have been up to...and we bet they could tell us a few fur-raising stories about their celeb pals!!  

This week's featured A-list pooch is Rachel Bilson's gorgeous big Russian Terrier... and he's nearly as big as her!! 

It is lovely to see a celeb with a big dog, teeny tiny OC star Rachel is almost the same size herself... here they are 'doing lunch' on Friday in LA:

See...You have to SMILE for the Paparazzi mama

Hey, enough of this healthy-food...let's go get a Burrito! Nommies!

Isn't that Paris Hilton's Tinkerbell over the road?! I want to go play!!

You can read more about gorgeous Rachel and her doggies...and of course her love life with current on-off-on again beau Hayden Christensen... by clicking here to read the full article in the Daily Mail Online. 

Saturday can also only mean one thing...it's time for the weekly Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop brought to you by Two Little Cavaliers, Life with Dogs, and Confessions of the Plume! Join in the fun & see the woof-a-licious Pet Blogs taking part after the jump... x x  

Just 18 days to go until the Royal Wedding on April 29th... Is your dog ready?

Kate's got her dress but what about the doggies?! We have the answer... our Union Jack print Royal Wedding, Best of British, bandana! 

It's now just 18 days to go until the Royal Wedding on April 29th... we are getting quite excited here at Puppy Love HQ. It really is lovely to see, what can be a rather apathetic British public sometimes, getting out their Union Jacks and well-wishes for the happy couple. Here at Puppy Love we wish them all the joy in the world ♥ 

We will be going to visit Soxi, Dino & Brooke and their woof-a-licious Mami & Papi, Karen & Neil to watch the nuptials in style with brunch and cake!! Where will you be watching?? 

Do you think Her Majesty's little corgi's would like a bandana each to wear?? :P Maybe if I call up the palace?? 

You can buy your very own Royal Wedding bandana in our Online Store from just £4 with FREE P&P to the UK or if you'd like to bump up your eBay feedback...don't we all?! I dream of a purple star!...you can buy them through eBay by clicking here to view our listings. Remember all our bandanas are fastened with durable Velcro for ease & comfort and edged in lovely soft cotton bias binding so they are light as air... no hefty buckles in sight! Yaay!! x x

Happy Birthday Buzz

Today was Buzzy's birthday! Yaay! We think he turned 9 years old today but I always like to knock a little bit off for his vanity and my own fears for the future... so we'll say 8 and 3/4 :) Now, April 1st is Buzzy's chosen birthday and we can only guess his age because he was a rescue with no history what-so-ever other than a huge fear of everything and everyone and a big chunk missing from one ear. He was found wandering by the city's flyover, alone and terrified. When I think back to the first day he came home to live with me as my absolute rock at whilst I was living alone at University, I still get the leaky eyes and an ache in my chest. He was painfully thin despite being looked after so well by the small local shelter who had taken him in for the last few weeks and cowered at the slightest fast movement. He was particularly fearful of men and loud noises but with lots of love, patience and the help of my beautiful little Dolly, he gradually learned how to be a doggie and grew more comfortable in his own skin. He learned to play, which he had no idea how to do in the beginning and began to put on weight. He experienced his first snowstorm (very late for the UK really) and stood mesmerised in my little back yard looking up at the sky with me and occasionally looking back to me for reassurance that I was still there. That memory will be with me forever - it was the start of his blossoming into the happy, loving and playful boy I know today, and I could see he was beginning to love me as much as I already loved him. I chose April 1st as his birthday because it was his rebirth - the way it should have been the first time around...surrounded by love and kindness and warmth and comfort. Without Buzzy you would not be reading this blog and PUPPY LOVE would not exist... so Happy Birthday Buzzy and thankyou for being both a constant companion and truly my saviour. x x

To read more about Buzzy and how Puppy Love came into being, click on the 'ABOUT PUPPY LOVE' tab above for the full story and the inspiration behind our poster-girl, my Dolly-dog.

Crufts 2011

Aww...it's all over for another year now after gorgeous Jet the flatcoated retriever claimed his THIRD Crufts title... this time as Best In Show! Jet is 9 and it was lovely to see an older doggie (who is still very much in his prime) take the title.... but to us they really are all winners! Every single doggie there (over 21,000 of them too) was absolutely beautiful to us and are awarded the Puppy Love 'You're P-awesome' award.

Photo @ The Daily Mail

We had a wonderful time there at the NEC on Saturday and met so many lovely people & doggies. There is so much to see and next year we will be going to 2 days for sure! We didn't go to the main arena and show-rings as really we just like to see the charity stalls and stands - like the wonderful Galen Therapy Centre who gorgeous Karen is training with and Support Dogs UK. Here is a demonstration of Canine Myotherapy in action... doggie was so relaxed, she fell asleep! 

Sarah from Galen Therapy at work

We also saw some fab doggie products, like the 100% bio-degradeable bowls at Beco Things. Here are a selcetion of the goodies we picked up:

Almost as soon as we arrived, we met up with Soxi's Mami & Papi, Karen and Neil who are truely two of the loveliest people in existence! We had such a giggle and Karen proudly sported her Puppy Love 'Race Cars not Greyhounds' Shopper all day. You can get one for yourself here! We can't wait to go visit them and gorgeous Soxi, Brooke and Dino later in the year :) 

Now, I know some of you will already have heard of serotonin boosters and how the sunshine can make you feel happier and is great for your well-being etc etc...maybe some of you wild-ones have heard of some of those recreational drugs too? Well, we have found something even better! It is very exclusive and we feel very lucky indeed to have been able to have been given some for free..... introducing the BEST smile and well-being enducing treatment on the planet... Cassie Cuddles!! ;) 

It was so lovely to meet support dog Cassie in the reals and her p-awesome mommy, Sylv who has the coolest hair-do and is truly an inpirational lady :) We found out too, that not only is Cassie extremely beautiful, she is also very very clever as she wasn't trained until she was 4. Before that she was Sylv's pet doggie. The bond between the two of them was so wonderful to see and gave us the *leaky eyes* when we left them. Happy leaky eyes though - not sad ones :) Hope we can visit them both again soon!! We are making Cassie a little fleecey hoodie for after her hydro-therapy sessions. 

A special shoutout also to Cassie's fellow support dog, and our newest twitter friend, Merlin and his girlie Grace who were in the final of Friends for Life at Crufts last night...they also gave us the happy leaky eyes... and we are so proud of them! Winners to us and all your twitter family guys! And to our little minxy-moo's family and breeder, Jackie from Hitmonchan Cresteds who was there showing off that amazing Hitmonchan gene pool! 

All in all, a fab time was had by by all! Lee even for-go-ed the Arsenal game to stay longer! That's saying something! Crufts 2012 here we come... x x

More photos after the jump... >>