Izzie and Bailey recently enjoyed a four day break in beautiful (and very sunny) Mid Devon. 

We stayed in a beautiful dog friendly barn conversion on Wembworthy Down Farm and were made to feel very welcome by William and his two dogs!

Above: a view from Wembworthy Down Farm.

Please visit the following link for full details about staying at Wembworthy Down Farm.

During their week away Izzie and Bailey visited both Dartmoor and Exmoor Natioal Parks as well as making a trip to the seaside and enjoying a nap in a number of country pubs!

Above: Izzie and Bailey with Jim enjoying the fresh sea air while on holiday!

Thank you to the owners of The King's Arms Winkleigh, The Grove Inn, King's Nympton, The Duke of York, Iddesleigh (contact on 01837 810 253), The Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteington, and The Lymington Arms, Wembworthy for making the dogs feel so welcome and providing us with such great hospitality!

• Harleigh - Happy 3rd Birthday!
• Tess - 1 this month!
• Sasha - 4 this year!
• Archie - Congratulations on your 6th Birthday!
• Ruby - Happy 2nd Birthday!
• Herbert - Many happy returns on your 1st Birthday!
• Lizzy - Happy 3rd Birthday!
• Frazr - 5 in July!
• Levi - 12 this month!
• Betsy - 5 this year!
• Eddie - Happy 5th Birthday!
• Flynn - 6 this month!
• Maisie - Happy 5th Birthday!
• Charlie - Happy 8th Birthday!
• Roxy - Happy 6th Birthday!
• Mikka - Happy 2nd Birthday!
• Doogle - 11 this month!
• Tess - 4 in July!
• Dexter - Many happy returns on your 1st Birthday!

These prestigious awards are given to dog-related businesses or organisations who in both The Woof Book and our users' opinions provide the best experience for the user. There are four categories of award – Best Dog Service, Best Website, Best Online Store and Best Local Shop. Certificates of Merit will be presented to the two runners up in each category together with a 3 month free banner on thewoofbook.co.uk in 2011, with the winners receiving the prestigious ‘Woof Book Trophy’ together with free 12 month advertising on www.thewoofbook.co.uk in 2011.

If you would like to nominate Wagging Tails for the 2010 Woof Book Award for Best Dog Service please visit www.thewoofbook.co.uk and simply complete the form for "Best Dog Service".

• Oscar - Happy 1st Birthday!
• Alice - 4 this month!
• Douglas & Tuko - 7 this year!
• Honey - Congratulations on your 4th Birthday!
• Barclay - Happy 3rd Birthday!
• Bella - Many happy returns on your 1st Birthday!
• Chessie - Happy 2nd Birthday!
• Millie - 4 in June!
• Rufus - 5 this month!
• Oscar - 13 this year!
• Tinker - Happy 13th Birthday!
• Rosie - 4 this month!
• Digby - Happy 4th Birthday!
• Major & Colonel - Happy 12th Birthday chaps!
• Emily - Happy 1st Birthday!
• Monty - Happy 5th Birthday!
• Toby - 10 this month!
• Ellie - 3 in June!
• Toby - Many happy returns on your 3rd Birthday!
• Pepsi - 4 this month!
• Brody - Happy 6th Birthday handsome!
• Suli - Happy 4th Birthday!
• Safi - 2 in June!
• George - 4 this month!
• Zeb - Congratulations on your 8th birthday!
• Archie - Happy 4th Birthday!
• Bella - Many happy returns on your 3rd Birthday!
• Sally - 10 this month!
• Archie - 2 in June!
• Chilli - Happy 4th Birthday!
• Brodie - 7 this year!

With spring finally upon us, changes in the weather provide ideal conditions for slugs and snails to start emerging once again.  Apart from causing damage to your flowerbeds, these common garden visitors can also pose a potentially fatal threat to your dog.  Owners are being warned to stay vigilant for signs of a lungworm infection, caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, a condition which can be fatal if not recognised early and treated correctly….

The Hidden Killer
Dogs become infected through eating slugs and snails which can carry the larvae of the parasite.  Once seen as a problem in isolated areas, the parasite is spreading.  This particular lungworm spends part of its lifecycle in slugs and snails.  While some dogs will eat these common garden visitors on purpose, the hidden danger arises from small slugs and snails which can be accidentally swallowed when dogs are drinking from outdoor water bowls, playing with toys left out in the garden, or rummaging through the undergrowth.  

Why the Spread?
Certain slug species appear to be more effectively surviving through the winter, meaning they become more abundant in certain areas, while our recent wet summers favour breeding conditions for slugs and snails.  Experts believe these factors could be aiding the spread of the disease.  Foxes, which can also become infected, may also play a role in spreading the disease to new areas.  Movement of infected dogs across the country could also be contributing to the appearance of the parasite in areas where it has previously not been seen.  The geographical coverage of the parasite means that it now should be considered a nationwide threat.

Is my Dog Infected?
Dogs which have picked up a lungworm infection can show a number of different symptoms.  This lungworm often gives rise to breathing difficulties, ranging from a lack of energy to coughing.  Dogs may also show general signs of being unwell including weight loss, reduced appetite and vomiting.  Persistent bleeding, even from minor cuts is also a sign to watch out for.  However, the symptoms can be varied and some dogs may appear healthy in the early stages of infection, so if owners are concerned about their dog’s health, they should contact their local Veterinary practice for further advice.

Can it be Treated?
Thankfully treatment is available although conventional use of worming tablets is not effective.  Vets can prescribe a specific spot-on treatment to deal with the infection.  Owners are urged to look out for the signs of the disease and report them to their veterinary surgeon immediately as taking action early will improve the chance of recovery.

For further information regarding this subject please visit the lungworm website at

www.lungworm.co.uk

Last year over 107,000 dogs were abandoned in the UK and one abandoned dog was put down every hour. This year Pedigree wants to change this fact.

Help us by adopting a dog, donating money or simply by making sure as many people as possible see this YouTube Channel page.

Please click on the following link to visit the We Are For Dogs YouTube channel:

We Are For Dogs

• Sam - Happy 6th Birthday!
• Spanky - 2 this month!
• Jessie - 3 this year!
• Betsy - Congratulations on your 15th Birthday!
• Wells - Happy 5th Birthday!
• Otto - Many happy returns on your 2nd Birthday!
• Poppy - Happy 16th Birthday old girl!
• Molly - 6 in May!
• Jaxon - 4 this month!
• Digger - 9 this year!
• Molly - Happy 2nd Birthday!
• Harley - 3 this month!
• Toby - Happy 2nd Birthday!
• Archie - 3 in May!
• Beau - Happy 1st Birthday!
• Mexi - Happy 2nd Birthday!
• Coco - 4 this month!
• Daisy - 3 in May!
• Max - Many happy returns on your 6th birthday!
• Archie - 2 this month!
• Sam - Happy 3rd Birthday!
• Rio - Happy 8th Birthday!
• Poppy - 7 in May!
• Brodie - 2 this month!
• Charlie - Congratulations on your 11th birthday!

The New Forest Inn, Emery Down

The New Forest Inn is a beautiful old 18th country pub set in a stunning rural location in the heart of the New Forest. Providing excellent food and drinks, including a range of local ales, the New Forest Inn will make your four legged friend truly welcome and is a great place to go after a walk in the Forest. 

For further information please visit the New Forest Inn website

Walking at Acres Down

There are plenty of beautiful places to walk around this area of the New Forest. Set well away from any main roads Acres Down is a great place to let your dog stretch his legs while you work up a thirst prior to visiting the pub.   

For more details about walking at Acres Down please click here

If you've ever been stuck in traffic on the motorway and resorted to walking your dog in the car park of a service station then Driving with Dogs could be the answer...

Wagging Tails Franchise opportunity was featured in the April edition of Making Money magazine.

With demand increasing Wagging Tails are looking for Franchisees to help us expand and provide home from home dog boarding to more owners throughout the UK.

For more information on our Franchise opportunity please visit the link below;

Wagging Tails Franchise Opportunity

Look out for Wagging Tails in this month's Hampshire Society.The April edition of this magazine includes a feature about the company complete with a picture of Lisa, Jim, Izzie and Bailey. 

• Sam - Happy 8th Birthday!
• Skye - Congratulations on your 2nd Birthday!
• Milly - 5 this month!
• Jack - Happy 12th Birthday old chap!
• Alfie - 2 in April!
• Jarvis - Happy 5th Birthday!
• Nuka - Congratulations on your 5th Birthday!
• Molly - 2 this month!
• Ellie - Happy 1st Birthday pretty girl!
• Amber - Happy 6th Birthday!
• Ruby & Timber - Happy 2nd Birthday to the siblings!
• Toddy - Congratulations on your 3rd Birthday!
• Sam - Happy 5th Birthday!
• Lulu - 8 this month!
• Mollie - 1 this year!
• Millie - Happy 5th Birthday!
• Zumba - Congratulations on turning 4!
• Blue - 5 in April!
• Baz - Happy 4th Birthday!
• Evie - 2 this month!
• Amy - 4 in April!
• Libby - Congratulations on your 8th Birthday lovely Libby!
• Tasha - Happy 5th Birthday!

Pedigree have teamed up with vets around the country to offer a free dental check up during Oral Care Month in March 2010. To find your nearest participating vet please click on the following link and enter your postcode. Then simply give them a call to book your free appointment.

http://uk.pedigree.com/FreeVetCheck.aspx

Plus you can take home a free pack of Pedigree® Dentastix® after your dog's had his free dental check.

All appointments must be taken during March 2010 so book yours now.

• Spencer - Happy 5th Birthday!
• TJ - Happy 4th Birthday!
• Digby - Congratulations on your 5th Birthday!
• Jess - Happy 9th Birthday! Daisy - 2 this month!
• May & Ella - Happy 1st Birthday to the sisters!
• Reef - Happy 8th Birthday! Archie - 3 this month!
• Coppell - 10 in 2010! Chester - Happy 2nd Birthday
• Chuckles! Poppy - 1 in March!
• Alfie & Zak - Happy 5th Birthday Boys!
• Blue - Happy 6th Birthday!
• Casey - 5 in March!
• Jester - Happy 1st Birthday!
• Ruby - 2 in March!
• Chester - Happy 1st Birthday!
• Dot - 7 this month!

A truly warm welcome awaits you and your dog at the Sir Walter Tyrrell in Brook near Lyndhurst. After a walk around the surrounding forest, which you can make as long or short as your dogs legs would like, it’s great to be welcomed into this traditional forest pub for refreshments. We’ve enjoyed a lovely meal here after a long walk with Izzie who enjoyed snoozing in front of the fire.

A must for everyone on two feet and four paws in this area!!!!

 Each month we would like you to share your favourite walks with our visitors. Please send your suggestions along with an image to info@waggingtails.info.

If you've ever been stuck in traffic on the motorway and resorted to walking your dog in the car park of a service station then Driving with Dogs could be the answer...

Izzie has really enjoyed the past month, not only has she now got Baileys company but she’s loved all the rain we’ve had. It really has been Golden Retriever heaven as far as she’s concerned!!! The streams have broken their banks which mean more water to swim in!!! She’s been trying to convince Bailey that the water is fun but he’s yet to be convinced and is defiantly a fair weather dog!!!

Izzie really enjoyed her holiday with us at the end of January to Norton St Philip in Somerset. She had a lovely couple of days enjoying exploring Mells, Wells and the Mendip Hills and then lying in front of a roaring fire in the local pubs.

We stayed at an excellent dog friendly B&B in Norton St Philip called The Plaine (see photo above), for more information click HERE (www.theplaine.co.uk)

Izzie is looking forward to Ellie and Libby coming to stay later this month and introducing her two favourite Goldie’s to Bailey!!!

We are very pleased to introduce Bailey who we have recently taken on. He will be 6 in May and is enjoying playing big brother to Izzie! He’s settling in to his new home and enjoying his long daily walks in the New Forest.

Due to continued demand we are looking for like minded, dog mad franchisees to help us offer our loving alternative to kennels across a wider area. In the past we have had owners travelling from as far as Scotland and Wales to use our carers so we’d like to offer them our services closer to home. We will keep you all informed as and when we introduce a new member of the Wagging Tails family.

All of our forms are now automated so no more relying on the postal service to send your dog’s holiday dates! You will also notice we now take all payments via debit or credit card meaning you know your dogs holiday dates are secure quicker! You must still contact Lisa at head office, or when the time comes your local Wagging Tails, who will advice you on availability before completing the paperwork. The deposit will be taken once you have submitted the paperwork and the remaining balance will automatically be deducted 7 days prior to your dog’s holiday. We hope you’ll agree this will be one less thing you’ll have to think about in the run up to your holiday and another way we can help make the process of boarding your best friend an easy and happy experience!!!

You may also have noticed our change of logo from our little Cocker one to our larger clearer version. We wanted to reassure you we are still the same dog mad people just with a new logo and website; you could say we’ve been given a makeover!!!

As you can see we now have our new website up and running, which we hope you all enjoy as much as we do!!! We hope you will find it a little easier and quicker to use and navigate around. You will notice we now take all payments via debit or credit card meaning you know your dogs holiday dates are secure quicker!