As the festive season fast approaches, many children will be adding a new pet to their Christmas list. We are all familiar with the slogan “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, coined in 1978 by Clarissa Baldwin, OBE, Chief Executive of the Canine Defence League (now known as Dogs Trust). And whilst this catchy campaign message is now thirty six years old, it still holds true. Those of us who have formed unbreakable bonds with the pets in our lives know that bringing a new member into the family requires lots of planning, weighing up of all the options and plenty of careful consideration.

Sadly, the statistics show that others do not always approach this important decision in the same way:

• According to figures published by Dogs Trust 15,239 dogs were admitted to one of the charity’s twenty centres around the UK last year.
• Cats Protection estimate that they rehomed a staggering 45,000 cats and kittens in 2013.

Introducing a new pet into the family requires time, patience and careful preparation. Choosing to do this at a time when the normal routine is broken by visiting relatives, excitable children and travelling is far from ideal! Indeed, many responsible breeders, pet stores and rehoming centres will not allow pets to be adopted or bought during the festive season for these very reasons.

All pets are for life not just for Christmas!

Once Christmas has passed and you are ready to bring a new pet into your home, why not consider offering a loving home and a new start to one of the thousands of animals in rehoming centres across the UK. On The Ralph Site you will find links to some rescue centres as well as advice on getting a new friend if you have recently suffered pet bereavement. The Kennel Club also has a great resource called ‘Find a rescue dog’ to help you consider all the options.

Or if you are not ready to get a new pet perhaps you might think about fostering – many rescue centres are in desperate need for more foster carers for animals that do not cope well in those environments. Or indeed you could consider adopting an animal instead – there are thousands of charities and volunteer-run organisations across the UK who would benefit from regular monthly sponsorship. With regular visits to your adopted animal you can build a connection with an animal in need without the responsibilities that can sometimes be difficult to fit into our busy lives.

If you do decide to welcome a new pet into your life in the new year, and need to buy all the basics, don’t forget that you can find a wide range of items to choose from in The Ralph Site shop!

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team

Those of us who share our lives with animals know just how human they are at times, each with their own unique personality and characteristics. The love you feel for your pet is so special, and the love you get back in return is unconditional. Those of us who have lost much-loved pets carry their memories with us forever, and one famous Skye Terrier called Greyfriars Bobby certainly seems to have felt the same about his master.

Bobby accompanied Police Constable John Gray for five years on his Edinburgh beat. However, in February 1858 John, or Auld Jock as he was affectionately known, succumbed to tuberculosis. For the next fourteen years Bobby made the churchyard his home, refusing to be taken in by any of the well-wishers who heard his story, but accepting food and treats from the gardener, the owners of the Eating House and a certain Sergeant Scott of the Royal Engineers of Edinburgh Castle who gave him a weekly steak!

Memorial to Greyfriars Bobby

On Greyfriars Bobby’s own death in January 1872 he was buried beneath a tree in front of the old Greyfrairs Kirk, and a memorial was unveiled on 15th November 1873. The inscription reads: “A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858 this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars Churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872.”

The remarkable story of this loyal little dog has struck a chord with generations of pet lovers, who recognise the unbreakable bond between faithful companions. If you’re searching for a way to commemorate your own much-loved friend, you might like to know that we have collected a range of tasteful urns and memorials for you to choose from here

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team

This is a really lovely and moving story. Such a testament to the bond between humans and non-human animals.

The Ralph Site 2015 Pet Memorials Calendar celebrating and honouring our beloved pets

This is something that I have wanted to do for several years and thankfully the time has arrived. There are so many lovely photos of departed pets in the Memorials section of The Ralph Site and posted daily on the Facebook page. I think it will be lovely to have a calendar of pet memorial pictures for the year ahead and hopefully this is something that will become a tradition for years to come.

My one sadness is that it will not be possible to include all the pictures of all the pets but this should not take away from the fact that the  calendar is a reminder of and a tribute to all our beloved pets.

What do I need from you?

If you would like one of your departed pets to be considered for the calendar, please email ALL of the following information to shailen@theralphsite.com:

1. Your favourite AND best quality picture of your departed or missing pet.
2. Your pet’s name.
3. The date your pet passed away (assuming this is known) or went missing.
4. Your pet’s age when he/she passed away or went missing.
5. A short one line sentence that you would like to be included with the photo.
6. Would you be interested in buying one of these pet memorial calendars*?
7. What size of calendar you would most prefer if you were to order one (e.g. a larger wall calendar, a smaller desktop calendar)*?
8. If you were to buy one of the Ralph Site pet memorial calendars, how much would you be willing to spend*.

* PLEASE NOTE: The Ralph Site is a non-profit resource and in order for me to be able to progress this calendar idea I do need for there to be enough interest from the Ralph Site community. Having an idea of the level of interest and how much you would be willing to spend will help me to decide whether to progress the idea or not – of course I very much hope I will be able to!

** The deadline for submission of the information above is 13th November 2014.**

Thanks and please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or comments (email shailen@theralphsite.com or use the Contact form – Note: you cannot submit pictures via the Contact form).

Shailen

Many pet owners dread this time of year – as bangs, cracks and whizzes from the night sky terrorise their frightened pets. If that sounds familiar, you may find these practical tips and recommended products useful for both you and your pet in the week ahead!

1. Now, in the days before Bonfire Night, start letting your cat out or taking your dog for a walk earlier in the evening so that they are used to a new routine rather than being stressed by a big change on the night.
2. Consider using an Adaptil spray on your dog’s blankets and toys – this mimics the appeasing pheromones produced naturally by the mother and thus helps to calm your dog down
3. For cats, Feliway sprays work in the same way.
4. The Ralph Site Shop also stocks a Pet remedy Natural calming spray, which helps to relax your pet with a unique blend of calming essential oils.
5. Build a safe, dark, comfortable den in a quiet place, and place your pet’s favourite toys, treats and blankets in it.
6. Leave the door to the room where you have made this den open, or provide space for your pet to come and go freely – shutting your cat or dog in will only increase their stress levels.
7. Lock or block any cat flaps so that your pet cannot escape, and provide a litter tray, plenty of food and water and a comfortable blanket.
8. On Bonfire Night itself, shut all doors and windows, drawing curtains and blinds to keep the noise to a minimum.
9. Spend some time sitting with your dog or cat, helping them to relax with music or the television. Check on outdoor pets regularly.
10. Put extra hay and straw into your rabbit or guinea pig’s hutch to muffle the sound and provide a place to burrow. You can also use an upturned cardboard box with holes cut in one side and filled with hay as an extra hiding place for your pet.

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team