Beautiful dog friendly holiday properties in Devon

Posted on August 15, 2016 by admin

Beautiful holiday properties that welcome pets are hard to find – except in dog-loving North Devon.

This beautiful area’s known for having loads of dog-friendly pubs, attractions and beaches, as well as stunning scenery and walks. Most North Devon beaches welcome dogs, with some such as Saunton and Instow allowing owners and their pets totally unrestricted fun and freedom. In recent years more and more of the area’s holiday properties have started to accept dogs too – including some with hot tubs, amazing views, thatched roofs and beautiful decor. Take a look at this selection of stunning pet-friendly holiday properties in North Devon from Ocean Cottages (who specialise in luxury properties in this area), with ideas for where to take your best friend to walk and eat nearby.
See more dog-friendly holiday cottages from Ocean Cottages www.ocean-cottages.com/dog-friendly-holiday-cottages-north-devon/

Stunning views: Gull Rock, Woolacombe
The pics speak for themselves here … amazing ocean views out to Lundy Island, glass-edged balcony and stylish décor, and secluded Combesgatebeach and endless Woolacombe beaches just a short walk away, with gentle surf that your dog will love to splash through. Gull Rock sleeps 4 in two bedrooms, and has a very large terrace plus lovely master en-suite, which has french doors leading to a further patio and further stunning views.
More about this property www.ocean-cottages.com/woolacombe-holiday-cottages/2-gull-rock/
Walk: the Old Railway Line – an easy stretch of tarmac pedestrian and cycle path that you can follow round to Ilfracombe 5 miles away, or beyond
walk details www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/139/#
Eat: The Red Barn in Woolacombe village – good pub food in this surfy beachfront pub that often hosts live music www.redbarnwoolacombe.co.uk/

Sleeps nine in style: Eden, Croyde
The small, surfy village of Croyde is full of dog-lovers, and lots of beautiful holiday properties. This includes Eden, which has just had a total makeover – but don’t worry, it’s still very welcoming to dogs! It offers open plan seaside living in the heart of Croyde, with a large garden, wood burning stove, huge table football and private, hot outside shower, so there’s no need to worry about any of you walking sand through the house!

Walk: Croyde beach allows dogs from October-April, and the less restrictive Woolacombe (see above) and Putsborough are a walkable distance round the headland, taking in spectacular views round Baggy Point along the South West Coast Path www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/26/
Eat: National Trust’s Sandleigh Tearooms at the start of the walk to Baggy Point serves excellent cream teas, snacks and lunches, and welcomes dogs to the pretty garden seating area. www.sandleighcroyde.com/

Thatched and cosy: Chuggs Cottage, Croyde
The owners of cosy Chuggs are open to welcoming more than one dog, which can be hard to find – especially in a cottage as pretty as this. Your dog will love sleeping off those long coastal walks in front of the cosy logburner – then running around again in the garden. Chuggs sleeps up to 6 people and is in the village near its dog-friendly pubs and cafes, but still just a short walk from the beach and dunes.
More about this property www.ocean-cottages.com/croyde-holiday-cottages/chuggs-cottage/
Walk: Saunton beach is around the headland from Croyde in the other direction, and allows totally unrestricted access for dogs on its 3 miles of golden sands – and they love to run in the dunes behind too. It’s an easy walk from Croyde through coast and country from Croyde walk details: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/106/
Eat: The Thatch, also in the heart of the village, actively welcomes dogs, and serves legendary nachos (and cider, of course!). www.thethatchcroyde.com/

Traditional and spacious: The Long House, Georgeham
With an enormous walled garden and enough room to sleep 10 people, The Long House is a traditional Devon cottage, and a great place for a dog-loving family gathering. It’s in a very pretty hamlet surrounded by countryside but near all the great beaches, and has a large kitchen and choice of dining areas, including alfresco on the patio. The owners love dogs themselves, so will happily welcome yours into their beautiful property.
More about this property www.ocean-cottages.com/georgeham-holiday-cottages/the-long-house/
Walk: Fabulous walks can be enjoyed throughout the surrounding countryside and Croyde Beach, Putsborough Sands and Saunton Beach are just a short drive away (approx 4 miles).
Eat: The King’s Arms in Georgeham village serves excellent food and drink, and very much welcomes dogs, too – there’s always a bowl of water out for them. www.kingsarmsgeorgeham.co.uk/

Hot tub and direct beach access: Amana, Croyde
Ocean Cottages has a number of dog-friendly properties with hot tubs, and Amana is a great example. You’ll love sinking into the bubbles with a glass of wine after long days walking along North Devon’s beaches – and though your dog won’t be able to join you in there, he will be able to enjoy the doggy bliss of an outdoor hot shower! Amana sleeps up to 5, and is just behind Croyde’s dunes, with direct access from the garden to the beach footpath.

Walk: It’s easy to walk or drive to Braunton, then pick up The Tarka Trail, a well-maintained walking and cycle track which runs along the coast and countryside of North Devon for over 30 miles. www.devon.gov.uk/tarkatrail
Eat: On the other side of Bideford Bay the Tarka Trail runs by The Pier House, a great pub-restaurant that not only has stunning coastal views, but welcomes dogs to the extent that it has signs in ‘dog language’ – just for them! www.thepier-house.co.uk/

An Overnights Stay with Man’s Best Friend!

Posted on August 2, 2016 by admin

When you’re looking to book a weekend away, the last thing you want to do is worry about what you are going to do with your pet whilst you are away. Over 46% of UK households have a pet, and we know it can be hard to leave them behind when you go on holiday, so why not take them with you? Whilst we know it’s not really viable to put your pet through the stress of getting on a plane if you’re going abroad a few times a year, a mini-break here in the UK could be the perfect opportunity to take your four-legged friend with you on holiday, as he can be easily packed in to the car with your weekend bag to enjoy some time away from home with his owners.

Booking a stay in a pet-friendly hotel has so many benefits, read on to find out how an overnights stay with man’s best friend in the Lake District could be your best break yet!

Save Money!
In most cases, there will be an extra charge for you taking your pet with you on holiday, this will depend on the kind of hotel you are staying in, and where it is. This cost is usually just to make up for the extra cleaning costs, bedding, bowls etc. that will be utilised by you and your dog throughout the trip. Generally, though, this cost will be much less than what you would expect to pay for booking an extended stay in a kennels, or if you are looking into a dog sitter for the time you are away. Not only does this mean you will be saving money on your trip away, but taking your four-legged friend with you can give you the peace of mind you need to have a really enjoyable break, without worrying about how your pet is doing back home!

A Different Daily Walk
Booking a mini-break in the Lakes gives you a chance to explore an area of outstanding natural beauty; there are so many walks and trails that you know your dog would absolutely love to join you on. Having a stay-cation with your four-legged friend too, means your dog can experience some of the best walks of his life and enjoy spending some time away from home with his family on holiday.

Pet-friendly hotels are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the Lake District. There are so many areas of beauty that you might not be able to imagine spending time in without your four-legged friend. Explore the countryside this year and enjoy an over night’s stay with man’s best friend.

Keswick has been voted the UK’s most dog-friendly town by the Kennel Club, with a number of dog-friendly hotels covering the town allowing you to have your dog join you on your break to the Lake District. The Inn on the Square is located in the heart of Keswick and offers excellent accommodation for the whole family and your dog, get in contact today to book your break!

Taking your dog on holiday? Here’s 8 tips…

Posted on July 14, 2016 by admin

They say that a dog is man’s best friend and if you are one of the estimated 8 million households that own a canine companion you’ll know exactly why this is so true.

Dogs really do become part of the family so it’s no wonder that more of us than ever are choosing to bring our pooch on holiday. While you can (thanks to pet passports) take them abroad we still think that renting a UK holiday cottage is the best way to go as there is usually plenty of outside space and no worries about a tricky flight.
Foxglove Cottage – North York Moors

Prepare in advance
Lesley Houghton regularly travels with her dog (a new addition to the family in the past year) and recently stayed at the School House in Sandsend. She says ‘preparation is key really, make sure you have as much information on the cottage and surrounding area before you set-off and make a list of everything you will need’.
Sandsend

We think that is pretty sound advice and a bit of forward planning should ensure your holiday goes smoothly and your pet stays happy and healthy. Here are 8 top tips:

Check the cottage is suitable for your pet
It really goes without saying that you will need to select a dog-friendly holiday cottage but you should also check the size of the property is suitable for your pet and there is enough outside space for your particular breed.

It is a good idea to check if there are any restrictions such as areas that are off-limits for pets (you don’t want an award winning flower border to get trampled or cream carpets to be ruined) or a limit on the numbers if you have more than one.

Plan your journey in advance
Remember that if you are making a long car journey that you take a bowl and some water with you and have plenty of stops (particularly if it is a hot day). Make sure your dog can stretch their legs and get some fresh air at regular intervals. If your dog is not used to travelling it is a good idea to try them on some shorter car journeys beforehand.

Don’t run out of supplies
Try and make a checklist of everything your dog might need before you set-off and make sure you have enough food, treats, any medication and the all-important poo bags. You’ll also need to take your dog’s lead and collar which should have a tag containing your contact information.

If you don’t want to take too much stuff with you it’s a good idea to check where you can purchase dog food locally (particularly if you stick to particular brands) and what items the cottage will have available.

Make the cottage a home from home for your dog
Your dog may be unsettled when they first arrive so it is a good idea to take as many of their things as possible. Familiar items such as your pet’s own bed, blankets and toys can make a big difference as the last thing you want is for them to feel worried and upset.

Show them their new surroundings and let them explore (where appropriate) so they start to feel at home as soon as possible. Dogs tend to be creatures of habit so stick to their routine of feed and walk times where possible.

Get the contact details of a local vet
Hopefully you won’t need to contact a vet on holiday but if your pet does fall ill or get hurt while you are away it is good to be prepared. Research some vets that are close to your cottage and keep their details handy throughout your stay.

It is also worth taking your pet to your own vet before travelling as well just to make sure they have a clean bill of health and are fully up-to-date with vaccinations and other treatments such as worming.

Plan your trips around your pet
We are pretty sure your holiday will involve getting out and about so make sure any places you plan to visit are also dog friendly. Lots of Yorkshire attractions are happy to allow dogs though you will probably have to keep them on a lead. Check out The Good Dog Guide for more information.

Quite a few pubs will also allow dogs offering drinking water (and occasionally even doggy beer!) but it is a good idea to find out which ones will do this before your holiday.

If you plan to venture out without your pet, ensure it is OK to leave them alone in the property and that you aren’t gone for too long. You don’t want to come back to any nasty surprises! If you do plan to be out for the day you may be able to find a local dog-sitter to help out but again it is best to organise this before you set off.

Make sure your dog is well trained
You should probably ask yourself how well behaved your dog is before taking them to any cottage. Spending some time on dog training before your holiday (whether you do this by yourself or a local class) is a good idea.

Try and ensure your pet can obey some basic commands – even if this is just Sit and Stay.

Keep your dog safe
The last thing you want is for anything to happen to your precious pet so make sure the cottage and garden are secure and there is nowhere for them to escape (it is a good idea to have them micro-chipped though in case they do go missing).

Going for a walk with your dog through beautiful countryside is just one of the perks of taking them with you but it is important to be vigilant. If you take them off the lead make sure there are no dangers about such as cliff edges, streams or wild animals.

With these tips you should have a great holiday with your pet.

Check out the dog-friendly cottages available or call the team on 0844 736 6276.

Dogs, depression and what you can do to help your pet

Posted on May 19, 2016 by admin

The conversation surrounding mental health has picked up in recent months, with high profile entertainers such as Ruby Wax and Stephen Fry sharing their personal experiences with mental illness.

However, according to Bought By Many, many people don’t realise, that dogs also suffer from mental health issues too.

A recent study by the vet charity PDSA found that more than 2.3 million dogs are regularly left on their own for five hours or more. Worryingly, 28% of the 31,500 pet owners surveyed believe it is acceptable to leave their dog alone in the house for 6 to 10 hours.

This is in stark contrast to advice from vets, who say dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours a day, because the loneliness and boredom can cause destructive behaviour.

Dogs need exercise
The survey also found that as many as 465,000 dogs are never taken for a walk. Daily walks are crucial to the well-being of most dog breeds. Some, like Pugs, Pekingese and some older dogs, can get by with a run around the backyard or even indoor playtime, though they would still benefit from regular walks outside.

For more energetic dog breeds, a lack of exercise can be devastating. It can affect both their mental and physical health and cause them to act out. The problem is so severe that over 50% of UK vets report behavioural issues have caused an increase in pet euthanasia in the past two years.

Of course this doesn’t mean you should quit your job so that you can take your dog for long daily walks – Dog Walkers are available to hire to do it for you. You can even hire a Dog Sitter to look after your dog while you’re at work.

It’s important to remember, however, that ultimately, your dog is devoted to you and it is crucial you spend time giving it the love and attention in craves.

Behavioural cover in pet insurance
If you’re struggling to deal with your pet’s behavioural issues, Bought By Many suggest checking your pet insurance – several companies include cover for behavioural problems in their policies. You might also consider the level of cover offered for these issues before deciding which provider to go with, or switch to.

Bought By Many found that John Lewis offers a good payout for behavioural problems – £250 is included in their Essential and Plus policies, and their Premier policy comes with £500 worth of cover.

Many other pet insurance firms exclude behavioural cover or do not specify the levels of payouts. You can compare the 10 best pet insurance policies for dogs here.

Pet insurance can cover complementary therapy, which may help with a dog’s behavioural issues.

Pet owner responsibilities
As well as long working hours and technology taking over our lives, a recent article in the Independent suggests that global warming might also be to blame for owners not taking their dogs out enough.

While pet owners are happy to take their dogs for a walk in frosty conditions, rain and mud are a much less attractive proposition. But dog ownership requires some sacrifice, including getting a little muddy.

Having a dog can be a wonderful thing and the unconditional love and companionship enhances the life of any pet owner. Ironically, dog ownership is thought to be one of the most effective ways to treat depression and anxiety in humans.

However, trying to fit a dog into a hectic lifestyle is not always viable and can cause unfair damage to an innocent animal that just wants your attention and love.

PDSA Advice
PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones has some important words of advice for pet owners: “PDSA is urging pet owners to re-assess life from their pet’s perspective to ensure that they are giving their animals the right level of care and attention they need to live healthy, happy lives.

“I’d encourage people thinking about getting a pet to pause first and find out about all aspects of pet ownership in order to provide for that animal’s lifetime needs.”

Ar you relocating to the seaside to run a dog friendly B&B or hotel?

Posted on May 17, 2016 by admin

Pi Productions is casting for a brand new documentary series for Channel 5 that follows people as they relocate for a major lifestyle and career change.

We are looking for families or couples who are planning to ditch the 9 to 5 to be their own boss and pursue a career in something they are passionate about. You could be relocating to the seaside to run a dog friendly B&B or hotel, moving to the countryside to take the reins of a boarding kennel, or you could be setting up a pet grooming salon in a popular tourist hotspot. We want to showcase the amazing lifestyle business opportunities out there and show what it takes to make a new business a success.

We would love to feature a new pet business – the pets industry is hugely aspirational right now, and dogs are the nation’s favourite pet, so it would be fantastic to capture and represent this in our series.

We are keen to feature positive and aspirational stories. This is a brilliant opportunity for “life changers” to feature themselves and their new venture on a prime time documentary, and inspire other people in the process.

We are looking for people who are embarking on their journey this summer.

If this sounds like you, or if you would like to recommend someone you know, then we would love to hear from you.

Interested parties can email the casting team on casting@piproductions.tv or give us a call on 0203 761 4522. There is no pressure to take part at the initial enquiry stage.

Pi Productions is a TV company run by John Silver, who created Grand Designs and reinvented MasterChef. Please have a look at our website for more information about us: www.piproductions.tv/

You can also follow us on Twitter: @PiProdCasting.

Top ten dog friendly beaches in the UK by manonabeach®

Posted on May 13, 2016 by admin

About manonabeach®…

I started manonabeach® tentatively via YouTube in September, 2011 and put the website up in December of that year, as it started to become popular. From its origins in Cornwall, the project has now become national, featuring additional beach visits to Norfolk, Suffolk, Dorset, Sussex, East Lothian, Fife, Moray, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Angus, The Highlands of Scotland, the Isles of Skye, Mull and the Outer Hebrides, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and The Gower, as well as Northumberland, Yorkshire and North Wales, including Anglesey. Through the seasons, manonabeach® returns to each region, building a picture of beach life through the year. There are now over 2,000 films on the website and manonabeach.com has developed into a fully fledged e-book, out of its beginnings as a daily blog. The website is a place where you can enjoy beach visits and a flavour of the beach when you’re not there, all built around beach goers’ answers to the question

“What does the beach mean to you…?”

The series celebrates the elemental power of the beach and its profound effect on people who enjoy being where the air, land and sea meet. The beach means different things to different people, whether enhancing creativity, decisiveness and energy, being restorative and settling, part of a routine, a reference point through generations, freedom or just fun.

In the narrative interviews on the site, you can see and hear people re-present their emotions, perceptions and recollections, all drawn out by the enhancing effect of the beach. manonabeach® is a construct, a passive Everyman, whose role is to bring qualitative findings directly to you, letting you draw your own conclusions from them.

Each beach page, accessed via a national or eleven regional maps, has details of facilities and features, a dog-friendly button, a Google map and bathing information.

The project has a well-being focus, as most viewers are urban and familiar with the beaches that I feature, but are missing the enhancing effect of these places. Through the website, viewers are reminded and often surprised by the wide range of stimuli on offer, where the air, land and sea meet. It’s a tonic, a pick me up at the end of a working day for some. 24% of the site’s visitors are in London and manonabeach® is watched in 138 countries. manonabeach®’s anonymity means that viewers aren’t troubled or distracted by the presence of a personality or celebrity. It’s almost as if the beach goer is talking directly to the viewer.

So what answers have I had to the question “What does the beach mean to you…?” There have been 635 different responses, in 1.080 interviews. Every answer has been meticulously recorded. Overall, the top five responses are:

Childhood
Beauty
Family
Dog walking
Peace / calm.

I’ve divided the findings into six categories, with each category’s top five below:

Emotional and spiritual

Memories
Everything
I love it
Escape
Being near the water / the sea.

Livelihoods and occupations

Livelihood
Routine
History
Economic pressure
Economic benefit

Friends and family

Childhood
Family
Holiday
All generations
Home

Sensory

Beauty
Peaceful / calm
Relaxing / chilled out
Freedom
Wide open spaces

Nature

The sea
Ever changing
Wildlife
Seasonal changes
Nature

Occupations and activities

Dog walking
Fishing
Walking
Swimming
Play.

It’s clear from the viewing figures that people prefer the unspoilt, undeveloped beaches and there’s clearly a link through the generations that’s important to people. The most popular beaches on the site are not necessarily those that you might expect or that are best known and the subject of the heaviest marketing by tourism agencies. With due deference to the non-Cornish regions, who have only featured since October 2012 or even more recently, here are the top ten most viewed beaches at manonabeach.com:

1. Rinsey Cove, Cornwall, here
2. Holywell Bay, Cornwall, here
3. Polly Joke, Cornwall, here
4. Kynance Cove, Cornwall, here
5. Cley-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk, here
6. Covehithe, Suffolk, here
7. Southwold, Suffolk, here
8. Aldeburgh, Suffolk, here
9. Porthilly, Cornwall, here
10. Crantock, Cornwall, here.

There are regional characteristics that distinguish beaches and may inform the attraction in each place. Long granite headlands feature in Cornwall and West Wales, with the sea often viewed close up from the side, whereas big skies and bird life, including migratory, have a resonant impact in Norfolk and Suffolk. Man’s relationship with nature is starkly visible through the string of lighthouses up the North East coast of Scotland, while the picturesque golf links of East Lothian and Fife, along with North East Scotland, Suffolk, Sussex and Cornwall’s inshore fishing communities and Cornwall’s surfers and wild swimmers highlight the wide diversity of beach use.

The beach is a wonderful place for us all to enjoy. Its ever changing nature, whether on a daily or tidal basis or through the seasons, guarantees an element of anticipation and excitement in any beach visit. You just don’t know what and who you’ll meet there when you go to the beach, meaning that you’ll always have a different answer to the manonabeach question “What does the beach mean to you…?”

www.manonabeach.com/

Who Can Look after Your Dog When You’re on Holiday?

Posted on March 21, 2016 by admin

Your summer holiday has finally been booked and you’re looking forward to spending some quality time relaxing in the sun with close friends and family.

But whilst you’ll be away, have you stopped to consider who’s going to look after your other family member – your beloved pet dog, of course?

If not, don’t panic: we’ve compiled a list of safe and sensible suggestions so that your four-legged friend is left in good hands.

Option 1 – Dog Kennels

Your first option is to house your dog in kennels until you return from your much-needed summer break.

There are plenty of kennel services to choose from, but it’s worth opting for one based on reputation, so ask other dog owners and friends and search online to check reviews.
Some kennels will be more luxurious than others, but essentially they all offer a similar service.

Remember to ask how much exercise your dog will receive each day and whether this comes at an additional cost.

It’s also worth finding out how much space they will have available. If you own a large dog, they’ll require a sufficient area to roam around in.

Be sure to visit the kennels as well. You’ll get a good indication of how the staff will treat your dog, the condition of the premises and how many people will be interacting with your pet.

Option 2 – Dog-Sitting
If kennels are off the cards, what about getting someone you know to stay at your house and dog-sit whilst you’re away?

In this instance we’d recommend choosing someone with whom you have a good relationship – and if they own dogs, or have owned them before, even better.

This might be a sensible option if you know your pet will feel more comfortable staying in the environment they’re used to as opposed to moving to new premises.

If dog-sitting sounds right for you, just make sure that the person looking after your pet will be with them at all times.

Getting someone to call in at your home and check on your dog every now and again is the wrong approach and could even be deemed animal cruelty.

Option 3 – Home Dog Boarding

Slightly different to the above, home dog boarding means that your pet will stay with someone else in their own home while you’re away.

Think of this as your dog’s very own holiday or getaway where they get to unwind until they greet you with a wagging tail upon your return.

Just as you would for dog-sitting, make sure the people looking after your dog are reliable and trustworthy and understand the needs of your pet.

Recommendations, reviews and ratings will also play a key part in determining which home dog boarding option to choose, so once again, don’t forget to ask around.

Always make sure you meet the sitter in advance before you go on holiday so that you know you’re making the right choice. This will also give your dog a chance to become familiar with their surroundings before they end up staying there.

According to The Kennel Club, you should also check references and insurance cover and leave the sitter your contact details.

Finally, if it is a legal requirement in your local area for the individual or business to have a licence to provide this type of service, you should check this as well.

Which Option’s Right for Your Dog?

As each and every dog has their own individual requirements, try and pick the best service to meet their needs.

You know your own pet better than anyone else, so think through your options and go with a choice that you’re confident your dog will enjoy.

Ideally, you want to cause your dog as little distress as possible while you’re away so that they have their own holiday too.

If you get it right you’ll know for next time and both you and your dog can reunite after a well-earned break.

This post was written by GJW Titmuss, a leading online pet supplies, food and accessories store.

Our top 5 dog-friendly holiday cottages in North Wales.

Posted on February 22, 2016 by admin

North Wales ticks all the boxes for a pet-friendly holiday. Wide open spaces, miles and miles of walks, dog-friendly beaches, welcoming restaurants and cafes….the list goes on.

All you need to do then is find somewhere to stay! Here’s our top 5 dog-friendly North Wales holiday cottages where both you and your pets can relax.

Bron y Foel Bach – Porthmadog (Sleeps 5)
Just THE most perfect spot! Breathtaking sea views, a rural setting, open fire and close to restaurants and shops in nearby Porthmadog and Criccieth. A great location for exploring both Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula, with some excellent dog-friendly beaches nearby including Black Rock Sands.

Saron – Cwmystradlyn, Snowdonia (Sleeps 6)
This converted chapel has to be dog heaven. Tucked away in a remote valley in Snowdonia, with mountain footpaths and valley trails leading in every direction from the door. The peaks of Moel Hebog and Moel Ddu are just waiting to be conquered – or perhaps a gentle stroll around the Cwmystradlyn lake instead?!

Cae’r Borth – Lligwy, Anglesey (Sleeps 12+2)
If you are looking for some wow factor – then here it is. Built by the 8th Lord Boston, and still owned by the family today, Cae’r Borth is the ideal venue for a family gathering or special occasion. Private beach, direct access to the coastal footpath, beautiful paintings, fabulous dining room, not to mention the seaviews. Oh yes, and a kennel too!

The Bay – Trearddur Bay, Anglesey (Sleeps 4)
If you prefer something a little more contemporary, then this beachside ground-floor apartment in Trearddur Bay on Anglesey’s west coast will fit the bill. Dog-friendly pubs, walks and a great expanse of beach are all on your doorstep. Walk along the coastal path, pass Bwa Gwyn (the White Arch) towards Rhoscolyn where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch on the decking at The White Eagle, with views across the bay, before heading home – a great walk, and apartment, year round.

Ty Capel – Rhoscolyn, Anglesey (Sleeps 4)
Colourful and quirky. This characterful holiday cottage is super cosy. Just imagine coastal walks and pub lunches, lazy days on the nearby beach, stopping off to buy locally caught lobster and crab for supper, before returning home to spend an evening by the fire here? I do…..regularly!

Find a Pet Friendly Cottage for your next holiday
Menai Holiday Cottages has over 150 dog-friendly holiday cottages in North Wales, including Anglesey, Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. Many have sea views, enclosed gardens, scenic walks from the door or are tucked away in the heart of the mountains. Many will also accept more than one pet

Everyone at Menai Holiday Cottages lives in (and loves!) the area, and many are dog-owners themselves – so if you need any advice, from dog-friendly beaches to the nearest shop for your Sunday paper, just ask.

10 Puppies Trending in 2015

Posted on September 3, 2015 by admin

In August 2014, Bought By Many revealed the UK’s favourite puppy by analysing internet search data from Google.

But which puppies’ popularity has increased the most in the last 12 months? Bought By Many looked at the latest data to find out.
Trending Puppies: Biggest change in number of internet searches since June 2014

1, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
2, St Bernard
3, Shih Tzu
4, German Shepherd
5, Dachshund
6, Lhasa Apso
7, Papillon
8, Caucasian Shepherd
9, Pomeranian
10, Newfoundland

Trending now: BIG dogs

Perhaps the most unfamiliar name in this Top 10 – to UK dog lovers at least – is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog (also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka).

Hailing from the Caucasus Mountains of Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbijan, Caucasian Shepherds were originally bred to hunt bears and kill wolves – skills which are unlikely to be needed in most parts of the UK.

Caucasian Shepherds can grow up to ten stone in weight, sometimes dwarfing their owners.

Also trending are two other sizeable breeds: the water-loving Newfoundland, and the original moutain rescue dog the St Bernard.

As well as physical strength and discipline, new owners of these giants breeds will need deep pockets. Big dogs have big appetites, and the cost of pet insurance can be 4x higher than it is for smaller dogs.

Toy Dogs: The Next Generation

At the other end of the size spectrum, interest in Toy Dogs is also evolving. While French Bulldogs and Pugs are now firmly established in the Top 10 most searched-for puppies, it is other small breeds who are now making the running – literally in the case of Papillon-cross Konjo, recently crowned the world’s fastest dog on two paws.

Meanwhile, another diminutive member of the spaniel family, the Cavalier, is the top trending puppy of 2015.

Other toy dogs to win new fans in 2015 inlcude the Dachshund, the Pomeranian, and the oft-confused Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso.
Preferred Pooches: The UK’s Favourite Puppies by Total Volume of Internet Searches

Change in position vs 2014 is shown in brackets

1, Cockapoo
2, Labrador
3, French Bulldog
4, German Shepherd (+1)
5, Cocker Spaniel (-1)
6, Husky
7, Bulldog
8, Beagle
9, Pug
10, Golden Retriever

From Jewkles to ‘Orses, we’ve got you covered

Posted on August 24, 2015 by admin

Chances are if you understand the above, you’re a Cumbrian. And if there’s one thing us Cumbrian folk love, it’s our pets! In fact, Cumbria is home to the country’s most dog friendly town, Keswick, and is famed for its dog friendly establishments and dog friendly attitudes.

As you’d expect from a county of die-hard pet lovers, there’s a whole host of local pet businesses – so many in fact that it can be hard knowing where to begin! This is where we come in, Pets in Cumbria is a dedicated pets website, helping fellow Cumbrians with all of their pet related needs.

Our pages contain everything from local pet news and advice articles, to pets for sale, pets for rehoming, pet services & supplies and recommended veterinary practices. We also hold regular competitions where you can win LOTS of pet prizes; we believe every pet deserves to be pampered now and again.

So, what’re you waiting for? Join us on Twitter at @petsincumbria or on Facebook at facebook.com/cumbrianpets

Ps. For the non-Cumbrians among us, a jewkle is a dog and a ‘orse is a horse!

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