Sadly, if there’s one thing we know to expect each January (apart from the faulty bathroom scales!), it’s that pet rescue centres and animal charities will see an influx of rehoming requests. Despite the annual pleas to the contrary, some people still buy dogs and cats as Christmas presents without preparing properly for all the adjustments required to the household, and without understanding that new pets require time, love, effort and patience in order to settle.

One West Yorkshire animal shelter received their first call on Boxing Day, concerning a Cairn terrier bought on a whim for £700 on Christmas Eve. Shocking. The centre’s owner reports that she usually takes around 40 calls a day asking for her to admit dogs, but in the run up to Christmas, and throughout January, this rises to a staggering 70 calls a day.

In South Lincolnshire, the Jerry Green rescue centre reports a recent trend towards older animals being dumped, possibly they have been replaced with younger pets for Christmas and the owners do not want the responsibility of increased medical bills that can accompany these loyal older animals.

And in Northern Ireland, the same sad picture can be found. It is not uncommon for centres to be operating waiting lists as they are at capacity after a post-Christmas surge in admissions. The Grove Hill Animal Trust are asking owners thinking about giving up their pet to consider other options, such as enlisting the help of a dog sitter or walker, or speaking with their vet for behavioural advice.

It’s heart breaking to witness the same sad stories playing out over and over again unnecessarily. Of course there will always be occasions where rehoming a much-loved pet is the kindest thing – when the owner becomes too ill or infirm to attend to its needs for example. If you find yourself in this position, there are lots of places where you can find further help and advice including from the Blue Cross, and judgments will not be made when pets are rehomed responsibly.

Of course you may be in a position to offer a loving home to an abandoned animal, in which case a quick online search will share lots of local options. Good luck!

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team

After the excesses of the past few weeks, and now that we’re back into the normal routine again, many of us may be starting to think about making positive changes to our lifestyles. Eating better, doing more exercise and taking good care of our mental as well as our physical well-being may well be on the agenda, at least for now!

So before the momentum fades and the cold, dark days overwhelm our good intentions of going outside and taking a brisk walk, we thought it would be a good idea to collect together some recommendations for products available in our shop to help you and your pets get happy and healthy together. And if your latest Visa bill has extended onto an extra page, you’ll be pleased to see that they all cost around £10!

• Want your pet to get out more, even if you don’t? Why not fit a cat flap (this one is suitable for small dogs too!)
• Need to do the right thing on your walks but don’t want to get too involved? Try this sturdy but discreet scoop.
• Would you like your cat to accompany you on a gentle stroll to the park? Or the corner shop? Try this soft cat harness.
• Looking for a convenient but healthy treat for your dog (or something to vary your small animal’s diet?)
• Or do you just need some inspiration to start your exercise regime? How about Yoga Dogs – Get in Touch with Your Inner Pup

In our online shop you’ll also find a massive selection of leads, collars, harnesses and toys to make every walk safer, fun and perhaps even a little bit more stylish, so do have a browse. We’re adding new lines and refining the product range in The Ralph Site shop all the time, and we love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Leaving product reviews helps other owners with their choices, so if you can find the time to review your purchases too, we’d be very grateful.

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team

Just how long into January is it OK to say ‘Happy New Year’ for, anyway?! We’re probably at the limits of acceptability now, but for many of you this will be your first visit to our site in 2015, so we make no apologies for wishing you and yours all the best for the coming year!

And if, like many of our visitors and friends, you have lost a beloved pet, we hope that each passing week brings you closer to regaining a little peace and happiness.

Whilst you’re here, do take a look at our wonderful calendars – available in either desktop or wall format and starting at just £5.99 – each purchase helps The Ralph Site’s work, providing support for those coping with, or preparing for, the loss of a pet.

Ralph Site 2015 Wall Calendar

You’ll also find a whole host of useful, fun and informative pet products in our Amazon shop. We’re adding new products all the time, and we currently have some great savings on offer in our sale, including:

• Heated beds to help your pets through the cold winter months in comfort
• A wide range of terrarium liners and accessories for reptile and amphibian tanks

Perhaps, like us, your pet has indulged a little too much in the good life over the festive season? If so, you’ll be pleased to know that we stock a range of calorie controlled treats, along with low fat wet and dry foods. Simply search for your preferred brand and, in just a few clicks, your order will be delivered direct to your door for FREE (UK addresses only). Take advantage of our competitive pricing and make things easier for yourself with no more lugging those enormous bags onto the bus, or into your boot – now perhaps there’s a resolution just waiting to be made?!

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team

And so as we say goodbye to 2014 and look forward expectantly to the New Year (maybe this will be the year we finally win the lottery?!), we thought we’d take a look back at some of our favourite animal stories of the year.

• In March we heard about Charlie the Macaw, who won over the judges in a closely run contest to find Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel’s resident pirate parrot. Perhaps there were a few ‘pieces of eight’ involved?
• April saw the opening of New York’s first ever cat cafe, where clientele could enjoy a quiet ‘cat-accino’ surrounded by fabulous felines. Sadly the venture was only open for four days, but re-homed many of the resident cats to loving new homes in the process.
• In June we read about ‘Jefferson‘, a Uruguayan stray who joined four British men on their charity trek through South America. News coverage of the event touched one man in particular, Ignacio Etchetchury, ‘Jefferson’s owner. He recognised his missing dog and contacted the team, who were able to re-unite the pair once again, just a mere 800km away from home!
• September saw the unveiling of the ‘pet pre-nup‘, as The Blue Cross launched a legally binding document to help couples determine where their pets will live in the event of them separating. Blue Cross Pet nup.
• In November, an American woman boarded her flight from Connecticut accompanied by her 70lb pot bellied pig, after being cleared by customs officers as the animal was deemed to be of “emotional support”. Sadly her fellow passengers were not so tolerant and the two were forced to leave the plane before take off. Only in America!

2015 is sure to bring many more stories of brave, funny and entertaining animals – those of us who care for pets know all too well the many ways in which animals enrich our lives. At The Ralph Site we look forward to sharing your stories and memories with you in the year to come.
See you all in 2015!

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team

December is a time for reflection and celebration for people of many faiths, or of none. Aside from Christmas, this year Hanukkah ends on December 24th, whilst in the US Hindus celebrate Pancha Ganapati from the 21st-25th of the month.

As Christmas and the New Year approach, many of us will reflect on the year gone by, and may be remembering those no longer with us. Feelings of sadness and regret can be difficult to cope with at such a joyous time, but if you are feeling this way, know that you are not alone. It’s important to acknowledge the range of emotions that you may be experiencing and talk to someone close. It really is true that a problem shared is a problem halved. Sadly there is no magic wand to remove the hurt, but the simple act of telling someone how you feel can feel like a huge weight easing off your shoulders, even if just for a little while. You can also find a huge range of useful resources at The Ralph Site.

Christmas is traditionally a time of goodwill, and many pet lovers are able to spread a little festive cheer by keeping an extra eye out for those who would appreciate some help and support through the cold months. Is there an elderly neighbour whose dog you could walk? Can you add food and supplies for them or their pet to your own shopping list? Would their companion appreciate a Christmas stocking of treats and toys?

And in your own home, remember to keep an eye out for potential festive hazards (nobody wants an emergency trip to the vets on Christmas Day!)

• Keep candles and tea lights up out of reach
• Pick up all the little fiddly plastic bits and tags left after unwrapping presents – these can easily get stuck in an inquisitive pet’s mouth or throat
• Even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic for pets – ensure that your cats and dogs can’t get hold of anything
• Likewise nuts – as well as being a choking hazard, some nuts are poisonous to pets
• You can find much more information HERE

All that said, we hope that you and yours enjoy the festivities, and we send you our very best wishes for a Happy Christmas!

Shailen and The Ralph Site team

Season’s Greetings from The Ralph Site