75% off tails.com tailored dog food

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We’ve all been there. From realising your dog’s preferred food is sold out at your supermarket to the impromptu workout when you’re trying to carry your dog’s food to your car. But what if it didn’t have to be like this? tails.com has a service to make caring for your four-legged friend easier. Continue reading to find out more about tails.com tailored dog food as well as how to receive 75% off your first order with them.

75% off tails.com tailored dog food
It can feel like a compromise when buying dog food, the flavour your dog loves with the benefits you want to see. However, with the tailored dog food that has been developed by nutritionists and vets, tails.com can combine the benefits you want to see with the flavour your dog loves. To achieve this, tails.com works with the person who knows your dog best…you! Through a list of simple, yet effective, questions tails.com ensures they have all the necessary information about your dog. Guided by your insights, tails.com blends your dog’s unique kibble recipe from over a million combinations. Not only is your dog’s kibble unique to them, so is their price. Tails.com works out your dog’s daily portions to create your monthly price. The best part? As your dog’s recipe is unique to them, the tailored kibble is optimised to care for each life stage.

Whilst tails.com have the technology to be able to tailor your dog’s kibble, they also understand that dogs, and their owners, enjoy mixing it up with wet food and treats. With this in mind, tails.com provides a feeding plan which takes into account wet food or treats that you may want to give to your dog.

Using tails.com is as easy as 1,2,3
It is quick to get started with tails.com:
Tell them all about your dog
They create a unique kibble recipe
Add treats or wet food (or both!)
Delivered to your door every month

If you need to make any changes to your subscription you can do so conveniently from your account.

Tails.com discount
Try it now for yourself with our discount code. By clicking here you will receive 75% off your entire first order plus FREE delivery. To redeem this offer just click here.

Details
Offer is only valid for new tails.com customers. Only one offer per household. View full T&C’s here.

Some postcodes may have longer postage times.

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Wire Fence Celebrates International Day of Friendship by Offering Donation to Pet Charity

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Fence supplying company Wire Fence decided to celebrate International Friendship Day by donating 100% of their profits made on the 30th of July to a pet rescue centre or charity.

There are millions of pets needing aid and rescue in the UK, therefore the company wants to mark this occasion by raising awareness of this issue. Pets are loyal and amazing friends and they are worthy of being celebrated on a holiday dedicated to showing appreciation towards those who we have special bonds with.

Wire Fence are currently open for applications from charities, and any UK based charity is welcome to enter the competition.

The application process involves the following steps:
Go to their Facebook page
Find their post about this event
Share the post publicly
Collect as many likes as you can on your shared post until the 30th July.

The donation will be sent to the charity who collects the most likes on their shared post until the 30th of July. The winner will be announced on the 2nd of August.

Wire Fence is dedicated to helping those in need. They decided to support a different organisation each month by organising a fundraising event. Read more about this charitable initiative here.

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Things that need to change when your dog gets older

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We all know that having an elderly dog can be a challenge in its own right. No more dealing with the energy of youth, but a gentle shift to taking care of a dog with specific needs for their age.

Getting older is natural and it will happen to all dogs. Making sure that you are providing proper care and attention can make this part of the journey far less stressful for both you and your dog.

Below we will take a look at some key areas that can help with caring for your dog.

Dietary Requirements
These will change as your dog gets older. You can help with weight management and organ functions by switching to a dog food designed for elderly canines. Bella & Duke’s 100% natural senior dog food is a great choice – simply click here to browse their range.

These foods have fewer calories and contain a supplemental boost of nutrients that will aid your dog in remaining happy and healthy.

Vet Visits
Making an appearance at the vet’s might be the last thing your dog is excited about but this is a golden ticket to knowing that your little senior is in the best possible health. As an owner, it’s easy to miss symptoms and many complications can be avoided by simple treatments.

As dogs get into their later years their general ability to fight off disease and ailments becomes less effective – it’s important to provide extra care to help with this.

Prevention is always better than the cure!

Exercise
You must keep your dog active, and make a concerted effort to take them on regular walks and outdoor activities. Always take into account any physical limitations and other health concerns that might limit their ability.

Exercise will help with keeping their weight down and will promote general good health as well as keep your senior pup very happy.

Grooming
As your pup gets older, their once beautiful coat and skin can become dull and dry. Skin and coat ailments can lead to a very unhappy dog and can result in an unpleasant odour or loss of hair.

This is something that can be avoided by regular brushing as well as using a special shampoo designed to treat irritated and/or dry skin.

Interaction
It’s worth mentioning that your pup is always craving attention – no matter how old they get. Showing your pet that you are willing to give them your time is often priceless when it comes to their happiness.

Senior pups are more prone to anxiety, and can easily get scared or disorientated when put in a situation where they don’t have their owner.

Final Thoughts
Your pup getting older is something that cannot be avoided, and although their age might start taking a toll, they are still that lovable dog you first encountered. By providing your dog with the proper care they need, you can extend their life and keep their tail wagging.

Your dog will never stop being there for you – so make sure you are always there for them.

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Should You Be Feeding Your Dog Raw Dog Food

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Processed food has resulted in a variety of health problems in humans, and apparently, the same goes for processed pet foods. As a result of a primarily processed pet diet, vets see chronic conditions in dogs and cats all the time, including allergies, obesity, diabetes, etc.
All of these diseases were much less common for pets in the past. This is because our furry companions need fresh, natural foods to revitalize their wellbeing and maintain good health.

Benefits of a raw diet for your dog

Improved Health and Wellbeing
If you’re looking to improve your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, switching to a raw diet is possibly the best change you can make. Here are a few health aspects a raw dog food diet can help with;

Better dental health
Fresher breath and cleaner teeth
Healthier and cleaner ears
Calmer attitude
High energy levels
Glowing fur coats
Shiny eyes

Sustainability
What’s good for our pets, and us, also tends to be beneficial to the environment. Processed foods don’t just negatively affect the well-being of us and our pets, but also play a role in escalating negative externalities.

By choosing to feed your dog raw food, you’ll help lower the ecological foot(or paw) print we leave on the Earth. The significance of the impact may not be groundbreaking, but it’s something—and the environment currently needs all the help it can get.

A raw diet happens to be more efficiently utilized by your dog’s body, which results in cleaner litter boxes, and smaller stools. As a bonus, it means lesser frequency in pet chores for you and reduced waste production for our landfills.

Why do pet owners commonly use kibble?
It’s economical and easy to get for your dog however more and more people are beginning to switch towards an organic and raw diet for their pets.

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Pros And Cons Of Using Retractable Dog Leashes

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There’s a part of the debate around utilizing retractable leashes—these stars and cons may have something to do with it. A retractable leash is often a thin cord wrapped around a spring-loaded device. It is placed inside a plastic handle.

Many of these leashes do not come with standard circles that fit around wrists, as you see with conventional chains. It’s far easier to drop a retractable chain for this reason inadvertently. A puppy after a retractable chain can get sufficient distance absent from their human to induce into trouble–able to run into the road or to form uninvited contact with other puppies and individuals. If your puppy is on a retractable leash and drawn closer by a forceful puppy, it isn’t easy to control the situation. It’s simpler to secure a creature on a standard chain than one 20 feet absent after a thin line. Also, frequently, that line can snap from the drag of a capable canine. Indeed, sturdier or thicker retractable leashes can amplify hazardously rapidly and are still held by the component inside the grasp. You’re not holding the leash–you are holding a gadget that holds the chain.

Pros
Well-behaved dogs have more flexibility to explore, smell interesting spots, stamp modern areas and run on ahead. With additional opportunity can come more self-confidence; much obliged to their extraordinary behaviour, they’ve earned a little more fun and work out, without being joined to their owner’s side. Numerous individuals find retracable dog leash as a progressed device once a puppy has learned and complies with commands.

You can use it amid preparing sessions to hone being called to “heel” or “back” on strolls. When that control may be an issue, you ought to take your puppy to a disconnected, secure range and hone your dog’s recall. Retractable chains permit your puppy to investigate the region, letting it go out as distant as the chain will go. Then, when it’s time to call it back, the retractable chain gives you control on the off chance that he doesn’t tune in. By utilizing the switch on this sort of chain, you’ll be able to reel it back if he is occupied amid its training.

You can’t beat a retractable chain during lousy weather. Let’s say it’s pouring rain and your puppy needs a washroom break. You remain beneath the yard for the shield, whereas your puppy does his thing. Yes, this one’s tiny, narrow-minded, but if you’re dressed up and do not want to get wet, it can save your outfit.

Cons
A retractable leash is hard to control if your puppy is over-active or is challenging to oversee. You’ll press that switch all you need, but your puppy has sufficient remove to conceivably do a few harms once your dog sees something curiously. Does this sound like your puppy? At that point, you shouldn’t utilize a retractable chain where you’re around things that effectively divert your canine and make him a charge.

One common harmful or unsafe thing that you get from retractable leashes is tangling with the cord and getting friction burnt. In addition, the chain line can effectively get wrapped around another puppy or someone’s legs, or indeed your fingers, causing genuine harm. Depending on how solid and quick your puppy is, this might be a disturbance, while with other dogs, you may end up with a few dreadful ER bills.

Retractable leashes are not advisable when first preparing your dog to walk on a lead legitimately. Doing this could lead to pulling, and once your dog gets distant sufficient out before you, the dog will begin to drag. Your best bet is to begin off with a conventional 4- to 6-foot texture or leather chain.

The long retractable chain line may be challenging to see, particularly at a remove for somebody coming at a fast speed. You will be enticed to utilize it in places where you think it is okay, like a climbing path, but it’s a risk to others. These trails are frequented by runners or cyclists who won’t see the line until it’s as well late.

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What Could Be Causing Your Dog’s Anxiety?

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If you think your dog could be suffering from anxiety, the best plan of action is to find out its source so it can be eliminated, or at least reduced. The most common types of anxiety in a dog are general anxiety, former rescue dog anxiety, illness-induced anxiety, and separation anxiety. Before getting into the causes for each of them, let’s go over the anxiety symptoms that your dog might be displaying.

A tucked tail
Spontaneous elimination of urine or feces
Panting
Whining or whimpering
Trembling
Dilated pupils
Sniffing the air (more so than usual)
Destructive behavior
Pacing
Passive escape
Excessive licking
Avoiding interactions
Hiding behavior
General fidgeting

As you can see, there are plenty of symptoms – and this isn’t even a comprehensive list. Your dog may not display every one, and it could even exhibit additional behaviors that aren’t on the list. One common factor shared by a lot of these signs is that the dog seems to be motivated by fight-or-flight impulses. Avoiding eye contact, whining, or hiding mean that it’s afraid of confrontation; chewing on furniture, dilated pupils, or pacing indicate that its defensive instincts could be getting triggered, even if they can’t identify a clear threat.

Any of these signs and symptoms could make an appearance from time to time; that’s completely normal when a dog feels uncomfortable with something. What isn’t normal is when your dog suddenly starts having any of these signs to an extreme degree, or has several of them for long periods of time. Once you can figure out what’s triggering your dog, you’ll be able to identify the kind of anxiety it has, and hopefully find the appropriate solution.

General Anxiety
According to the National Service Animal Registry, general anxistry is the trickiest type to identify, especially since it’s often thought of as a characteristic of certain breeds. However, it could actually be from something that happened in the dog’s past; in that case it’s important to avoid scenarios that would make the dog think that history is repeating itself. Most of the time, though, the dog is just extremely uncomfortable due to a change in environment or routine. Some of the breeds most prone to feeling general anxiety are:

Australian/German Shepherd
Vizsla
Shorthair Pointer
Bichon Frise
Greyhounds
Chihuahuas and other toy breeds
Labrador Retriever
Border Collie
Cocker Spaniel
King Charles Spaniel
Havanese

If you think your dog might have general anxiety, the best approach would be to maintain a regular schedule, avoid excessive stimulation, and create an environment in which the dog won’t have too many surprises.

Former Rescue Dog Anxiety
By far the biggest cause of anxiety here is the fear of being abandoned. Rescue or shelter dogs experience a big change when they trade their former environment for a dog shelter; no matter how good the conditions are, they might not be able to process any of the positives about the situation due to their overall anxiety.

In addition to the abandonment factor, many dogs that end up at a shelter were traumatized before arriving. As if that weren’t enough to deal with, they then have to adjust to a completely different environment and routine at the shelter – only to adjust all over again after being adopted and arriving at their new home.

Their past experience has essentially given them trust issues, and any perceived disruption is a signal to them that they could be abandoned again. While this is hard for both the dog and its owners, at least it makes identifying the anxiety’s cause a little easier. The best solution is to make the daily routine as predictable as possible, so there’s absolutely no reason for the dog to think that its life is about to go off the rails again. A trainer or behaviorist might be able to pinpoint specific triggers, and make recommendations on how to relax the dog after a bout of anxiety.

Illness-Induced Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t just a random symptom for some diseases; the dog becomes anxious because it knows that something is definitely wrong, but it doesn’t know what to do about it. Some diseases that are commonly associated with anxiety in dogs are:

Hypothyroidism. This is what happens when a dog’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, resulting in hair loss, lack of energy, and/or weight gain. If you notice that your dog is displaying signs of anxiety along with any of these other symptoms, it might be time to get its thyroid checked out.
Thyrotoxicosis. Another illness that affects the dog’s thyroid, but much rarer.
Encephalitis. This causes brain tissue to become swollen and inflamed, resulting in possible anxiety, aggression, a clumsy gait, seizures, or a coma.
Vision or hearing loss. When a dog starts losing one or more of its senses, it can’t keep tabs on its surroundings as well; this makes it very nervous and easily startled. Anxiety is almost inevitable for as long as it takes the dog to adjust.
Pre-diabetes. If your dog presents with cataracts, weight gain, or excessive thirst that’s accompanied by anxiety, it could be pre-diabetic.

Separation Anxiety
Many dogs won’t have a problem with this, but then dogs aren’t naturally inclined to enjoy solitude. They’re pack animals, so when a dog finds itself alone, its brain starts sending signals that something’s wrong. This can result in all kinds of misbehavior – peeing on the carpet, eating the couch, barking, whining, or howling. Some dogs only develop this type of anxiety once they approach old age, mainly due to deteriorating memories that lead to intense feelings of insecurity.

This type of anxiety could be a little tougher to fix since leaving usually can’t be avoided, but there are still some things that could help. Take the dog on a walk, offer a stuffed treat toy, and avoid making a fuss about leaving.

It might not always be clear what’s causing your dog’s anxiety, but a little extra love and care never hurt. Just know that if there’s something causing the anxiety, there’s probably a solution as well. If you can find it and fix it, both you and your dog will feel better.

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How to Spoil the Dog Lover in Your Life

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Finding the perfect gift can be stressful for some people. They tend to overthink it, second guess themselves, and spiral into anxiety. We urge you to turn these feelings around, take the pressure off of yourself and enjoy the experience of gift-giving.

Dog Products

The saying that it is ‘the thought that counts’ still rings true. We aren’t saying that it doesn’t matter what you choose as a gift, but rather than taking the time to realize why you have selected that gift is most instrumental. When writing the card, or handing over the present, we urge you to explain how you decided that your gift was perfectly suited.

Luckily, finding a present for the dog lover in your life is relatively straightforward, since you already know what is near and dear to them. You also have a whole other four-legged friend that you can spoil with gifting ideas on their behalf. We are here to make your search even more effortless and provide inspiration for spoiling the dog lover in your life.

Photo Session
The best gifts are ones that we wouldn’t think to buy for ourselves, or never knew how much we wanted until we got them. This is precisely the case for having a professional photoshoot with man’s best friend. Taking pictures of pets isn’t the easiest, so look for a professional pet photographer that is experienced in capturing a dog’s best angle. This is a present that will be treasured for decades to come.

Photo Frames
Every dog lover will relish having a dedicated photo frame with a memorable picture of their companion. If you have time to make an order in advance, then consider purchasing a personalized frame with the dog’s name engraved into it. You could even be sneaky and take a quick snapshot and put it into the frame before delivery.

Dog Clothes
There is nothing more delightful than seeing a dog wearing a sweater. Honestly, check out this picture of a dachshund in a stripy Picasso jumper and tell us we aren’t right. In addition to being incredibly adorable, dog clothes are needed in cooler climates and for older dogs that are no longer as active as they used to be. If a pup is going to wear clothes, let them be super stylish.

Restaurant Gift Certificate
Who doesn’t love getting a gift certificate for fantastic food? What’s even better is if the dog lover in your life can bring their pet to dinner with them. Check out this comprehensive list of bars, cafes, and restaurants around the United Kingdom that are pet-friendly.

Holiday
Has a dog hampered your plans for taking a romantic weekend away? There’s no need to stop traveling when you have a pet; just look for hotels and inns that will open their doors to your furry friends as well. The dog lover in your life will appreciate the gift of a break without having to deal with the hassle of finding a pet sitter.

There is nothing better than finding the perfect gift and putting a genuine smile on the face of your loved one. Holidays and birthdays are a fantastic opportunity to spoil those that you care about, but we urge you to consider giving on any random day. A thoughtful gift that is entirely unexpected is an excellent way to show how much you care.

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The Best Vans for Dog Groomers and Walkers

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The dog has widely been considered man’s best friend because of its unflinching loyalty, unconditional love and excellent companionship. But these special friends will often need special care and attention when their human moms and dads are at work or otherwise unavailable. Many dog lovers will take up a career in dog walking or grooming because of their special affinity to these terrific animals. This is especially needed by those who have to be at the job but want their four-legged friends to enjoy fresh air, exercise and proper grooming.

Today, dog care has become a booming business. The popular website, The Good Dog Guide, was launched in 2011 and lists over 10,000 dog care professionals, providing support to millions of UK dog owners. For many people, the life of a dog care worker is ideal, but many more will find the setbacks are considerable. Did you know that London has the highest number of dog walkers per capita In the UK?

In the following article we will take a closer look at the various activities of the average dog walker or dog groomer and take a look at what types of features they should consider when choosing a van that will suit their needs. We will then take a look at some of the options on the market now and examine what it is that makes some vans more ideal for dog walkers, groomers and those that care for dogs.

If you have been looking for a very specific vehicle, but not sure what are the specifics you will need more than others, find out here. Sign up for our newsletter and we will show you some of the most important things to look for to meet your needs. Don’t worry if you haven’t got the cash to buy a van outright check out bad credit van leasing.

Why do dog walkers and groomers need a van?
The average dog walker will charge £10-£20 an hour for their services and this often means taking out more than one canine out at a time. This means that they will certainly need space in their van to collect several dogs of several sizes and transport them to a place where they can be walked. For this reason, the size of the van is very important.

If you are a mobile groomer for canines and felines, you will probably need a large enough space in the back of the van for you to set up your equipment and various cleaning agents and still have space to work on an animal that can be very large. Your grooming center will include hairdryers, baths and benches where you will work on hair and nails. Then you will need enough space to accommodate your size and allow you to move and work well.

What size vans do dog walkers and groomers need?
We have spent time looking through forums on the topic and the general consensus is that dog walkers often work in teams of two and therefore need the capacity to comfortably transport as many as 10 medium sized dogs at a time.

Some professional dog walkers have mentioned that an average sized car is sufficient for transporting 2-3 dogs at a time. But when it came time to upgrade their businesses, they found that getting a van was the most logical step. The Peugeot Partner had the capacity to hold up to four good sized cages. If you will be considering working with greater numbers of dogs, you will need to consider how many cages can be properly fit in the back of your van so that you can safely transport more than a few dogs.

If you are a groomer you need to consider that not all the animals you will be grooming will be petite felines or chihuahuas. This means you will want to consider getting a van that can potentially hold a large St. Bernard and allow you the space to address the animal adequately.

If you are a mobile groomer you will need to consider how the fixtures, appliances and benches will be arranged in the back of the van you choose. It is a good idea to have some idea of how this will work before you choose the van.

What modifications need to be made to the van?

Dog Walkers
The dog walker can take advantage of some special additions and modifications that can make their work considerably easier. The most common thing is a set of cages in the back of the van. Different cages, designs and materials will vary in their costs. Some of the more costly options will even have climate control to keep your canine clients cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There are even vents and motorized airflow channels that can keep the dogs as comfortable as possible during their transportation. Then, you will probably want some storage space for poop scoops, towels, leads and anything else you may need on hand to function optimally.

You should also consider that your dogs will probably have some “accidents” in the back of the car and this can include vomit, urine or fecal matter that will need to be cleaned regularly. Make sure the floor and sides of the van are easily cleaned and hosed down.

Dog Groomers
If you are looking to break into the dog grooming business — the cat grooming business has also been booming recently — you will need a different set of modifications for your van.

The inside of your van will have to be 100% waterproof, because you will be bathing animals. You should also make sure that the temperatures can be controlled because you will be working in the van during all times of the year and this can include the extreme cold and you will want to be comfortable and make sure that your clients are also comfortable.

You will need to have a bathing area that comes complete with a shower head. You will also need the work bench complete with restraints so that clipping nails and trimming hair is an easy task. In addition to these essentials, you will need the right storage space to accommodate a wide range of storage for brushes, clippers, scissors, towels and brushes. Because you will be working all hours of the day, you will also need to ensure that you have ample lighting.

Naturally, you are not going to find many vans on the market that already come equipped with your parlor on wheels. But you will be happy to know that many different companies provide this service.

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5 Tips for Travelling with a Dog

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Some dogs are born travelers who will happily hike for miles and live for hanging their heads out of car windows. But others are homebodies, for whom traveling can lead to nerves, nausea, boredom, and pent-up energy.

If you’re the owner of a dog who dislikes travel, here are 5 tips to help ease the process of getting them from A to B:

Supplements
Unlike prescription medications, which can be strong and may come with unwanted side effects, natural supplements are a safe, more subtle way to introduce an added layer of calm into travel days.

Many owners find that using supplement products like CBD oil can help dogs deal with discomforts such as anxiety, stress, and nausea – all things that can occur when hitting the road.

Pet CBD is one of the fastest-growing areas in the pet industry, thanks to the products’ anti-inflammatory effect. By binding to receptors that play a role in triggering pain and anxiety responses, CBD helps relax dogs, making them less affected by stress triggers.

Food, water, and bowl
Number one on any dog’s priority list is their food, so it makes sense for owners to also prioritize their pet’s dinners. Keeping a regular supply of your dog’s normal food helps keep things simple, and prevents the stress of trying to find suitable meals wherever you stop.

Owners should always carry a full water bottle for their dogs. But it’s also important to bring a reliable bowl along, too. Often, dogs can struggle to drink and eat from bowls they’re not accustomed to, especially if they’re too steep or shallow to comfortably access what’s inside. For bigger dogs, elevated travel bowls are available from specialist pet suppliers

Other doggo travel essentials include treats, poop bags, their leash, and any medications they might use.

Creating the right environment
A crate is a tried-and-tested solution for keeping dogs calm and contained – two things that are especially important when travelling.

Depending on your mode of transport, you’ll want your crate to look a little different. But no matter the design, crates should be big enough for dogs to stand, turn around, and comfortably lie down. Adequate ventilation is also key.

For smaller dogs and shorter time periods, more potable carriers are great options. Doggy backpacks can work well when hiking or walking long distances.

Once you arrive at your destination, there’s still work to do to create the right environment for a dog. Ideally, owners should confirm beforehand whether a destination is dog friendly, but regardless, it’s always a good idea to make your own judgment on whether a space is safe for your pet.

Many hotel chains will charge extra fees for staying with dogs in tow. Make yourself aware of these and consider looking for hotels that pets without additional fees, no deposits, and no one-time charges.

Home comforts
Bringing along a few key items from your home can help dogs feel more comfortable when travelling. A familiar toy, for example, eases the transition from a well-known environment into an unknown space.

Inside their crate or travel space, also make sure to add a comfortable blanket that can provide warmth if necessary. Using a blanket from home introduces familiar smells, which should have a calming effect for most dogs.

Favorite treats can be a lifesaver, providing distractions and incentives to help guide dogs through the traveling experience.

Some owners even bring along different ‘levels’ of treats, with more everyday snacks acting as a standard reward, while saving a special variety for times when a stronger incentive is needed.

ID
Alongside those items needed to make your dog as comfortable as possible, it’s important to also think about the things necessary for ensuring your trip itself is a seamless experience.

When traveling with a dog – especially when traveling across borders – a variety of different types of paperwork may be required. From pet passports to insurance to health records, every country has its own specific requirements for pet entry, so make sure you do your research.

ID is also important for making sure that your pet can be identified in the event that they get lost. Owners should remember that dogs may be both unfamiliar with their surroundings and curious about new sights and smells when traveling, which increases the risk of them becoming disorientated or wandering off.

If you are separated from your dog when traveling, knowing that they can be quickly and easily identified should help provide at least a little peace of mind.

Always make sure your dog id where a collar that contains an ID tag with your name and international phone number. ID microchipping is also worth considering, as these can often be read by practices in other countries.

If you have a lot of paperwork to handle, try making digital copies of each document and storing them on your phone. That way, everything remains easily accessible why the hard copies can stay safely together in one place.

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Innovation centre help Harry to throw a ball for his dog

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Cerebra Innovation Centre, with help from ATiC – the University’s integrated research centre – developed the tennis ball shooter for Harry Flynn, 11, to help him bond with his dog Addi.

Eleven-year-old Harry has Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, which sadly means he has poor gross motor skills and is reliant on his wheelchair just to get around. Harry faces difficult challenges everyday but he’s able to live a happy life. He’s a budding musician and enjoys going to the cinema but when someone special came into his life two years ago, Harry soon had a new love. That someone was Addi, Harry’s assistance dog and best friend!

Addi, who came from the charity Dogs for Good, has been with Harry for two years. “He helps Harry by doing things like opening doors, opening drawers, turning light switches on and helping to remove socks and coats,” said Harry’s mum Hilary. “Most importantly he’s a constant friend and he encourages him to go outside, which, prior to having Addi, he never liked doing.

Addi’s a remarkable dog and a big part of Harry’s life. When he isn’t assisting, it’s important for Addi to have play time and they both love being outside together. Each time they were out on walks though, there was just something missing and Harry’s parents tried but couldn’t find the answer.

Harry’s mum, Hilary told us, “Harry so wanted to play fetch with Addi, who just loves to run after a ball. Sadly, though, Harry doesn’t have the strength or coordination to be able to throw. He loved being outside with Addi but you could see the disappointment on his face each time we went for a walk. I was so pleased, though, when I came across Cerebra and their wonderful Innovation Centre.”

The Cerebra Innovation Centre is home to a team of product designers and is based within UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art. The teams designs and builds innovative, bespoke products to help disabled children to discover the world around them. The products the team designs are desirable and exciting as well as functional, promoting social inclusion and peer acceptance for the children they help.

The team designed a bracket that could support the launcher and sit nicely on Harry’s wheelchair frame – not only that but the launcher’s firing mechanism had to be altered, so that all Harry had to do was lightly press it to release the ball.

Once the bracket was in place there was just one more surprise in store … putting Harry at the controls! While he could fire the launcher with no problem, Harry had to move his wheelchair each time he wanted to aim. The wheelchair had joystick controls so the team also added joystick controls to the launcher. Harry is now able to enjoy play time with Addi, repaying him for the assistance he gives on a daily basis. “He’s been a real help in my life;· said Harry.

The Innovation Centre is part of Cerebra, a charity supporting families who have a child with a brain condition, worked with ATiC, an integrated research centre at the university, to design and 3D print parts that make it possible for Harry to fire the shooter, and a joystick that enables him to point and aim the shooter.

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