The ever-popular Union Jack dog bed has just taken on a whole new, more feminine look!!
Made from cerise pink and white faux suede, with a pink fleece underside, this brand new colourway from Creature Clothes is available in small, medium and large sizes. It is hand-made in the UK from top-quality materials.
We like our dog beds to be functional as well as beautiful, and so both the cover (which is zipped) and inners (two 15 tog duvet pads) are machine washable.
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A labradoodle bitch from New York who goes by the name of Martin has been dazzling the city in recent months with her amazing feats of balance and artistry. We couldn’t resist calling her up for one of our five-minute interviews, to find out more about this skilled performance artist.
MD: Hi Martin, welcome to the Merry Dogs blog. Can you tell us a little about what first inspired you to take to the sky?
Martin: Sure. I started jumping atop things for the view. I’ve always wished I was taller, basically.
MD: What’s your favourite balance, where’d you perform it, and what made it so special?
Martin: Oh, I don’t know, it doesn’t much matter to me where I stand. I’m really only interested in making a good photograph, and that’s so subjective isn’t it? I do tend to prefer the ones where my tongue is sticking out.
MD: What artistic and practical challenges have you faced when choosing your performance space?
Martin: Gravity can be a big problem. That’s the main challenge.
MD: Where in the world would you most like to balance, and why?
Martin: I’m quite partial to my living room couch, but nobody seems to be very interested in pictures of that! Hmm, you’re in the UK? I suppose I wouldn’t mind trying my luck with Nelson’s Column someday!
MD: Thanks for talking to us, Martin. It’s been a joy to watch a true artist at work.
Martin: Cheers, Merry Dogs. Before I go, let me make it clear that I can’t actually type (I’ve delegated that job to my owner) – now that would be a trick…
If you would like to see more of Martin’s balance portfolio check out her flicker page here.
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Posted by: Merry Dogs – quality dog collars, dog beds and dog ID tags
Images used with permission. Interview copyright Merry Dogs.
These beautiful early twentieth century collars were sold this year by Bonhams New York. Finely decorated with brass cattle and farmers, they show great workmanship and design, and clearly belonged to valued working dogs. In fact they are designed for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, a breed that is rare in the UK.
The Swiss Mountain Dog is a tricolour, short-coated breed and one of the 10 largest dog breeds, the males weighing about 140lb (64kgs). It is both strong and athletic, and is believed to have been instrumental in the development of both the Rottweiler and the St Bernard. Common in Switzerland in the nineteenth century, it was used by farmers and tradesmen to guard farms, herd cattle and pull carts.
Traditionally, Swiss collars were hand-crafted in the Appenzell region of Switzerland and used for the colourful cattle drives that took place in the Summer and Autumn. Herdsmen would wear their best ‘tracht’ or traditional dress and their dog, usually the Swiss Mountain Dog, would be decorated with collars such as these. The cattle would be adorned with colourful traicheln or glocken (alpine cowbells) for their journey up the mountain and back again at the end of the season.
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Posted by Merry Dogs – quality dog collars, dog beds and dog ID tags
One of the best things about dog-ownership is that you can take your dog out and about with you. Cats, rabbits, birds and horses mostly have to stay at home, but dogs love to go with you, wherever you go.
As we are feeling in the holiday mood we thought we’d highlight some of our great summer products:
This dog grooming travel kit has to be sniffed to be believed – fresh, natural scents including rosemary, lavender and peppermint. In this handy re-usable pouch you’ll find anti-itch oatmeal shampoo, fur butter deep conditioner, a de-tangling spritzer and an aromatic mister for smelly-dog emergencies.
Everyone likes a new outfit for their holiday, and we have just what your dog needs to impress the girls (or boys)! How about our Beach stripe fabric dog collars:
For even the shortest trip you need to make sure water is available, and our water bowls will fit a range of activities:
Planet Dog foldable dog travel bowl is a fabric bowl in 2 sizes that is ideal for bags and backpacks. There is also a matching travel food bag, that can be used for food, treats, doggy bags – great for gathering all your dog’s bits & pieces in one place.
The Tazlab Aqua-fur foldable travel dog bowl is flexible, foldable and lightweight, but opens up to look like a traditional bowl, so is ideal for dogs that don’t take to fabric bowls. It’s made from food-grade silicon and comes in some great colours.
If you are travelling any distance by car, the Road Refresher dog bowl can be placed in with your dog and its anti-spill technology means the water stays in the bowl when you corner!
And of course holiday time is fun time, so you’ll need some dog-friendly, hardwearing toys – Katie’s Bumpers tug toys are lightweight, ideal for carrying, and can be used for tugging, throwing and retrieving. Planet Dog’s colourful dog balls are bouncy, chewy and mint-scented, just right for chasing and catching.
Have a great summer!
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Posted by Merry Dogs – quality leather dog collars, dog ID tags, dog toys
Bullies have THE most fantastic doggy smiles! Merry Dogs recently sponsored a photo competition on the Bull Breeds Online web forum, for which the theme was ‘Biggest smile’. The winner, shown above, was Captain (owned by Lynn and Jim Caswell), who was sadly lost in an accident in 2009.
As a tribute to Captain, the prize (a Celtic leather collar) is to be worn by their bitch Nealie, who looks particularly beautiful modelling it here.
The Caswells, based in Georgia, USA, bring all their dogs up following a natural rearing programme. You can read more about their dogs, and their approach to breeding, rearing and caring for Staffordshire Bull Terriers, at Wavemaker Staffords.
It was champagne and tap water all round when four-legged and two-legged friends rubbed shoulders at the 2010 Dogs Trust Honours on 3rd June. Joining celebrities and VIPs were the hirsute winners of five categories, chosen from over 300 entrants from across the UK.
Guests enjoyed nibbles and kibbles galore at the glitzy ceremony, which tool place at London’s Jasmine Studios. The event was created by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, to spotlight the countless ways in which dogs enrich our lives.
Among those attending were JoAnne Good and Anna Webb (left), of ‘Barking at the Moon’, BBC Radio London’s doggy radio feature. Anna’s dog Molly looked dressed for the part in her Paco Collars ‘Hearts’ design collar and lead!
Speaking at the awards, Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO, said:
“Dogs are so often the unsung heroes of peoples’ lives, and the Honours pays tribute to all those magnificent mutts who make life more joyful. It’s a world away from the traditional dog show – in fact it’s more like a hairy hybrid of The Pride of Britain awards and the Oscars. The Honours shows that canine beauty really is all about the heart.”
And the winners are:
The Sun Hero Dog Award – For acts of bravery including dogs from the police and armed forces
This will be announced soon in The Sun – keep your eyes peeled!
Pets at Home Dogged Devotion Award – for dogs who have provided emotional support for their owners
Treacle was rehomed from Dogs Trust Kenilworth and is the constant companion of seven year old Jasmine Dowd, who has to undergo 12 hours of dialysis, as well as tube-feeding, every night. Amid the machinery and medicine lies Treacle, her best friend. Jasmine is able to sleep through all of her treatment as long as Treacle is on her bed, providing plenty of fun and cuddles.
Technik Technology Golden Oldie Award – a lifetime achievement award for dogs over seven years
Sadly, this year’s winner is a posthumous one, as 15 year old Tim died just two weeks before the Honours. He is sorely missed by owner Lorraine Coultas and all the staff and residents at Meadowlodge in North Yorkshire. Labrador Tim lived in a residential home where he was a great comfort to the elderly residents, many of whom have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. He also knew when someone was in extra need of attention and used to lay right beside them, sleeping in their room if necessary.
Petplan Dog Star in the Making Award – celebrates those talented canines who truly shine in the spotlight
Ladies and gentlemen, Adora has just left the building! This adorable Akita lit up the stage with her debut performance as Sandy in the West End production of Annie. Owner Robert Stuhldreer sent Adora to audition when he spotted an advert in his local paper and, despite having had no prior acting experience, Adora impressed the producers and won the role.
Dogs Trust Celebrity Canine Award – for dogs in the public eye
Tilly, a Jack Russell Terrier who is owned and doted upon by actor and Over the Rainbow judge John Partridge.
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Posted by Merry Dogs – quality dog collars, dog beds and dog toys
British artist Justine Osborne paints contemporary dog art using traditional oil on canvas techniques. Taking inspiration from photographs and sketches drawn from life, she captures striking, original images of our canine companions. Merry Dogs caught up with Justine at her Cotswold studio, where we asked her about her dogs, her work and her inspiration as an artist.
What dogs do you own/own you, and what is their favourite pastime?
“I have two basset hounds, Minnie & Morris. I have to say reluctantly that their favourite pastime would be hoovering up crumbs on the streets during our walks. Morris’s second would be on cat watch in the garden, and Minnie I hope would say snoozing on my lap – even though she is far too big I’m always trying to accommodate and help her stay on!”
What is it about dogs that inspires you to paint them?
“I am attracted to the honesty and integrity dogs have, and the challenge of getting across their personalities in paintings. It is very special to paint dogs that are so loved and adored, they are very unassuming subjects, just happy being. As an artist, dogs allow for infinite colours, textures, unusual poses, making them an exciting subject.”
What’s the first dog you ever drew/painted?
“My girl Minnie, nearly 10 years ago now. She deserves another painting, to capture her now-white muzzle!”
What’s the most interesting dog you’ve painted?
“My most interesting commission was a collection of 7 dogs in Miami, past and present. 7 different paintings, all different sizes, the challenge to get all the colours and shapes working well together. Its very difficult to have a favourite dog I’ve painted, rare breeds like the Japanese Tosa are very interesting to do, but then equally the real one-off cross breeds. I like the story behind each dog, the insights owners give into their characters.”
How do you see your dog art developing in the future?
“I’m hoping to work on some large scale exhibition pieces, and to just keep on being lucky enough to paint what I love for a living!”
Big wufs to Justine for taking the time to talk to us today!
You can see more of Justine’s work, and commission a pet portrait, at www.paintmydog.co.uk
Posted by Merry Dogs – quality dog collars, dog beds and dog ID tags
“I am just another Joe Bloggs who lives in Shetland. I was driving from the country into Lerwick to do my shopping one January morning and passed a poor, sad, scruffy dog peering at me through a fence. Such sad eyes, I just could not forget that wee face. On the homeward journey I parked my car, got the piece of meat I had bought, climbed over the fence and started to look for my sad friend. No luck. The following day it was snowing so I just had to go back and have another look, dragging my husband, the meat, a blanket and a box. We hunted all over and still no sign of my friend. Unwillingly we went home.
I have never forgotten his soaking wet wee face. Would you believe it, weeks after, I opened the Shetland Times and there was my dog, with a name, Tess and her full story. What a relief! Now I have discovered your web-site and there, again, is Tess. How fantastic everyone has been, so generous with their time and money. Thank goodness there is still good in this world, I lose heart sometimes. You have given so much patience and time with Tess she looks a different and very happy dog, and at last I can sleep at night in peace knowing she was saved and living the life of Riley. Sincere thanks to everyone involved. ” (Hazel from Shetland)
Dogs continue to amaze us with their resilience against the odds, just as much as the people who take in such dogs and rehabilitate them.
From September 2009 to February 2009 Tess, a small Shetland Sheepdog bitch, lived as a stray in a remote area overlooking Lerwick on the Shetland Isles. Temperatures fell to minus 15 during that long, hard winter. Despite the best efforts of dog wardens and locals who sent out frequent search parties, no one could catch this frightened dog. Eventually the extreme cold forced her down from the hills and she was caught in a dog trap. Border Collie Rescue, a North Yorkshire-based charity, offered to take her in and rehabilitate her. Numerous people in Shetland and elsewhere gave their time and money to find, relocate and help Tess.
Watch the video of her rescue and rehabilitation here.
Find out more about Tess’s recent progress, and how you can support Border Collie Rescue’s valuable work, at www.bordercollierescue.org.
Above: Tess working on her rehabilitation with a BCR volunteer.
(Published with permission of Border Collie Rescue, Reg Charity 1128983. All rights reserved.)
Chihuahua doesn’t have to be a by-word for every doggy dress and bad-taste dog collar out there. This chic, relaxed little dog exudes comfort and style in his smart leather Flash collar and lead.
With a temperament as complex as its history isn’t it time we cut the ’sweet doll’ and re-introduced the ‘real dog’ in our attitudes towards this large dog in a small parcel?
Merry Dogs – quality leather dog collars, dog ID tags and dog beds
Fed up of getting wet on your walks?
Feeling chilly in those FREEZING spring winds?
Feeling depressed about rain, hail and snow in May?
We know how you feel…
Bring some sunshine into your life by getting 10% off all purchases this coming Sunday 16 May at Merry Dogs!
(Discount will automatically be deducted from orders placed on Sunday 16 May)
