Hedgehogs In Our Gardens

 As Hedgehogs start to emerge form thier winter hibernation and if we are lucky we may see one on our gardens. 

It used to be a common sight to see a hedgehog in our gardens but over the past decades their numbers have been in decline.

Through the work of hedgehog rescues and people becoming more aware of nature and wildlife and what we can do to help there is hope of saving this lovely creature from extinction. 

If you are interested in hedgehogs please take a look at these articles for more information about how to help our spiny friends. 

How To Help Hedgehogs In Your Garden (wizzley.com)

Caring For A Sick Or Orphaned Hedgehog (wizzley.com)

If you love wildlife come join us at 

 Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Facebook Page

Cold for Us Cold For Our Pets

The weather seems to be turning colder now and we even saw a flurry of snow today! Just a quick post to say that do bear in mind that if we are cold chances are many of our pets will be cold too. 

Of course some are acclimatised to the cold and have nice big thick winter coats but many do not. 

So if your pet has a light coat do put a winter coat on him or her before walking out and do not shut them out in the garden. If you are wrapping up warm so should they.

Happy Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We will be sorting out some blankets and food for dogs in a rescue we are visiting over the holiday time. Perhaps if you have any  old blankets, wraps etc you don't need anymore that might make a good bed for a dog in a rescue kennel. Just worthwhile checking when they are open first before you drop things off.

Have a lovely time :)

Pets And Fireworks

As Halloween and Fireworks night approaches do spare a thought for your animals. It seems that fireworks are not limited to just one or two evenings now and many animals are very afraid of the loud, noisy and chaotic sound of fireworks and may be very scared of bonfires.. 

Unless your pet is not bothered it is best to keep them inside during this time. Dogs and cats can be so afraid they can bolt and run away until they do not know where they are and cant find their way back home or even worse may start to run across roads and cause accidents to themselves and others. They can be easily injured by stray fireworks so best to keep them well away.  

Its a good idea to mask the noise of the fireworks with more familiar noises from the TV or music. If you can stay inside with your pet. Make sure that they go outside to toilet before the fireworks begin and stay with them outside just in case someone suddenly decides to start them while your dog or cat is in the garden. 

It is best for you to remain calm, act as if nothing is happening and go about your normal routine in the home. It is not a great idea to start fussing over your pet more than normal or they may associate fireworks with something to be very worried about. You may find it helpful to give them a toy to play with or an extra chew to concentrate the mind and keep them focussed on that rather than what might be going on outside.  

If you cannot  stay with your pet it may be a good idea to ask a friend , neighbour or pay a  sitter to be there with them for the evening.  

If your pet is very afraid of fireworks it would be worth talking to your vet to see if any short term medication would help. 

Animals And Birds Pinterest Page

Take a look at this gorgeous page on Pinterest of animals and birds, really beautiful photographs and pages. 

Animals and Birds On Pinterest

Missing dogs!

Be careful with your pet dog. There seems to be an increasing number of pets reported missing these days. It is heartbreaking when people lose a much loved pet. 

Some pets are simply lost on a walk and hopefully return when thy find you or you find them! However, others are stolen. I would seriously advise keeping your dog in view if possible on all walks and not leaving your dog out side shops etc unless you can leave them with someone you trust. If your dog is in the garden do check on him frequently and make sure any back gates or entrance to the garden is fixed with a good secure lock and higher fences.

Have your dog wear a tag on her collar with your name and phone number. Do not put you r dogs name on the tag as it makes it easier for anyone to just call the dog, put your name instead. Seriously consider having your dog microchipped.

 Also have a clear current full photograph of your dog, plus ideally one with any specifically identifying features in case he or she goes missing to use on posters etc. 

If the worst happens then use every means at your disposal- posters, tell all the vets in the area, tell all your friends, neighbours and family, use twitter and facebook and any other social media you are on.

If you have any other ideas people could do let us know in comments. 

Thankyou

Abigail-a Puppy Mill Dogs Story

Today i want to share a beautiful, touching page about a wonderful Golden retriever dog and her compassionate loving family. 

They inadvertently bought her from a puppy mill and she had every problem a puppy farm puppy could have but they loved her and stuck by her through it all and she gave them so much love and devotion. 

This page will make you cry but also give you insight to the true spirit of love and devotion between a human and a dog. 

Within the story of this family is also the message about puppy mills or puppy farms. Essentially Puppy Mills are a deplorable place where female dogs are made to have puppies many, many  times and male dogs are just stud machines. The parent dogs have no life, no love, no play. Often conditions (which may be hidden from the public) are terrible for the dogs. Dogs are usually not socialised-their sole purpose is to breed. 

Often puppies are taken away from Mum too early, to be sold to unsuspecting families. Sadly many puppies do not thrive well and often have many or severe health and or behavioural problems. It is cruel for all the dogs concerned and can be devastating for families.

Although this family loved their Abigail and would have never given her up for anything, they would not buy from a puppy farm again. This time they didn't know it was a puppy farm and it can be very hard to tell sometimes.The strong message in this story is do not buy from puppy mills.