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

Discover Dogs 2014, 8 – 9 November 2014 at Earls Court 1, London*

There are a couple of fixtures in the calendar that make those of us with pets just a little bit excited. The annual Discover Dogs show, presented by The Kennel Club, is one such event, and is enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors each year. This year’s show, held at Earl’s Court on the 8th and 9th of November, promises to be one of the biggest and best yet, with over 3,000 dogs from almost 200 breeds in attendance.

Those of us with dogs in our lives know just how amazing our canine companions are, and when the time comes when we have to say goodbye, those special memories live on. If you are considering welcoming a new dog into your life, Discover Dogs is a great place to find impartial advice, as well as giving you the chance to meet just about every possible breed of dog you may be considering.

There are hundreds of trade stands at the event, selling everything from treats to toys, collars to coats. And once you’ve filled your bags with purchases, the agility programmes, heelwork to music, display teams and Scruffts semi-final (like Crufts, but with crossbreeds) will all raise a smile and warm the heart. Many canine charities also attend Discover Dogs, and you can find out more about the great work done by Guide Dogs, Medical Detection Dogs and a whole host of rescue organisations and canine welfare groups.

To buy tickets and find out more about the event, please visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team

*Please note, The Ralph Site is not in any way affiliated with Discover Dogs and has received no inducements to recommend the event.

For five years now, the Ralph site has provided a wealth of information and support for pet carers coping with the loss of their loved ones. The site was created as a not-for-profit place where a wide range of resources relating to pet loss support and pet bereavement counselling can be accessed, at a quiet time and place of your choosing.

Click the image to read the Rainbow Bridge Story

Grief emotions and management

It’s important to understand that there is no ‘right’ or ‘normal’ way to grieve. Every one of our pets has a very special place in our lives, and as unique personalities their loss is very keenly felt. Each of us will react differently, and perhaps unexpectedly, to the passing of a much-loved pet and this can also be affected by a whole host of factors such as the circumstances of your pet’s passing and the emotional impact of other events taking place in your life.

Commonly felt emotions might include:

• Depression
• Anger
• Confusion
• Denial
• Guilt

Whatever your emotions, it’s vital to acknowledge them without embarrassment. Anyone who tells you “it’s just a pet” has clearly never been lucky enough to feel the depth of connection that you have. Suppressing your feelings will almost certainly prolong the grieving and healing process, so find someone you can talk to and share your feelings with them. Don’t be afraid to cry and eat as much chocolate as you need!

Much more information can be found on our main site, The Ralph Site, in particular the short articles: Understanding Loss and Euthanasia and Understanding and Coping with Grief

With very best wishes from Shailen and The Ralph Site team