Watch Cute Puppies and Earn Money for Pedigree Adoption Drive!

MAKE MONEY FOR PEDIGREE ADOPTION BY WATCHING THIS CUTE VIDEO OF PUPPIES!

Pedigree is raising money for their Adoption Drive, where they help dogs that are less fortunate than the likes of Del- the spoilt little thing! This includes paying for things like rehoming centres, which are so important for dogs who don’t get the best start in life.

Pedigree have put together this video (which is adorable), with the intention of people sharing the video and making it go ‘viral’.  All the money they make from YouTube advertising will go to their Adoption Drive, meaning all you have to do to donate is to watch and share the video!

I think this is a great idea, so it would be rude of me not to share away.

I’ve never found it easier to give money to charity!

So please click through to YouTube and share, share, share!                

Live Microchipping Q&A with MoneySuperMarket

It's pretty safe to say that most dog owners will understand that getting your pet microchipped is pretty important. In fact, I think it's one of the most important things you can do when you first get your dog. This week, this little guy- Pascal- successfully got reunited with his owner after getting lost in Chester city centre. Luckily, my best friend found him and eventually the lost dog people managed to get in touch with his owner, all because of his microchip. 

The microchip gave his name and address, so Pascal's owner was easily contactable and back with his owner within a matter of hours. 

Look how cute this little guy is! 

To highlight the importance of microchipping, MoneySuperMarket will be hosting a live Q&A session next Wednesday to answer your questions. They'll be working with professionals from Pet Protect, DEFRA and Dogs Trust, so your queries will be in good hands and you might learn something new!

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/hubs/pet-insurance/qa/dog-microchipping/

So, get involved! Or let anyone know who you think will be interested in this topic.

Use the hashtag #ChipMyDogQA to get involved in the conversation on Tuesday.

Is your dog microchipped? Has your dog ever been lost and found again because of their microchip?

Happy Spring!

So, yesterday the clocks went forward and we had our first lighter night of the year! We were thrilled to go for an early evening walk in the sun. It was lovely and warm, sunny and Del had a wonderful time...

How will you be utilising the extra time in the light?

We will definitely be going on more early evening walks and sitting outside more.

Media Demonises the Rottie... Again

In today's earlier post, I mentioned about how the media are really helping to portray certain breeds of dogs in a negative light, which is why we're having a problem with Staffies in re-homing centres. This made me think back to a few days ago when I stumbled upon an article on the Daily Mail which is titled:

"The family tree of DOGS: From tiny chihuahuas to rottweilers - this infographic reveals exactly how every breed is related"

Obviously, being a Rottweiler owner, I was intrigued to see the family tree and where the Rottie sits in the diagram. However, I coudln't even finish the article without being overcome by rage. 

Now, I could understand the media being harsh against a Rottweiler (although I still don't agree with it) if one had bitten a child or the like. But to come across an image like this in an article about the family tree of dogs really stumped me:

 The caption reads:

"The chart shows that a chihuahua – the smallest breed of dog that heralds from Mexico (pictured,  left) – can be easily linked to rotweillers (right), which are popularly known to make good – and sometimes ferocious – guard dogs. Chihuahuas are part of the toy group and are closely related to toy pinchers, which are in turn linked to pinchers and then common guard dogs such as the Rotweiller"

What the? 

Since when has it been acceptable to shoe-horn tenuous links into articles to bully specific breeds? In fact, there was no need to mention Rottweilers at all. Why not choose another breed to compare with a Chi, like a Great Dane? Or even better, choose a picture of a Rottweiler like we all know and love them- smiling, relaxed, loyal and loving. 

It seems like today's media like nothing better than to have people perceive certain dog breeds with fear. 

Thankfully, some of the commenter's agree with me. Why use this as a way to throw some cheap shots at Rottweilers?

Rant over. Next week I'll be back with some realistic photos of a lovely Rottweiler who likes nothing but belly rubs. 

My Wake-Up Call

Del sleeps in our bed  bedroom with us. He always starts off on the floor or on his bed that we keep in the corner. I'm not sure if he gets a bit chilly during the night, or simply decides the hard floor isn't comfy enough, but at around 3am each night he will make his way onto our bed.

Now, a lot of the time we don't notice. He's like a bed-hogging ninja. We only notice when our alarms go off and we're mid-snooze. Gone is the duvet. Gone is any extra space. In fact, most of the time my legs hang out the bed because he's hogging all my side of the bed.

I took some photos this morning of my view when I woke up. You'd think being cold and uncomfortable would be awful, but I just can't bring myself to move him. He looks so cute and happy...

He rests his head on our pillows.

Sometimes he rests his arms on me. It feels like a hug. 

He's just so adorable. 

Does your dog sleep with you? Do you suffer from space and duvet issues?

Evidence about the Rottweiler Temperament

I can honestly see why some people can be scared of Rottweilers. Brute strength and those big pearly whites could potentially be a formidable force.

Exhibit one:

You'll notice those razor sharp teeth around that human hand. Lethal.

But if you look past the teeth, the size and the strength you'll see that Rotties are just oversized play mates.

Exhibits two, three and four:

Notice the smile on that human?

Where have the belly rubs gone?

 Oh, and they also love to steal socks.

Exhibit five:

So next time you see a Rottie, don't cross the road. Don't put your dog back on it's lead. Talk to it's owner and you never know, you may find a great play mate for life.

Love This Guy

I've had Del for just over two years now, and I'm amazed at how much joy he continually brings into our lives. He has the ability to make us smile with a simple wag of his tail or being a big goof and skidding around corners because of the wooden floors. His zest for life is catching. I often find myself wanting to take a leaf out of his book.

I've realised over the past few weeks just how much I've changed since his arrival. He's taught me so much. So much that I didn't expect from him. I feel like a completely different person to the one I was before, and in a good way. I want to share how I believe having a dog has changed me for the better...

Responsibility
Being a young couple (with no children), getting a dog really changed our lifestyle. No longer could we go away for the night. No longer could we simply go out after work for a drink, or lie in until noon. No, we have responsibility now. So out go the non-dog friendly outings in our spare time, and in come the long walks and nights in.

At first, this really got to me. At one point I felt like I was missing out on a lot of social opportunities. It took us a while to get the right balance. It's turned into a balancing act. I can go out with my friends when my other half is there to look after Del, and vice versa. The problem comes when we want some time away together. We've learned to make the most of staying in and occasionally calling on friends to keep an eye on him (thanks Gemma and Friday!)

With being more responsible brings different ambitions. Now we're not spending money on going out all the time, we've become determined to own our own house to settle down in. Renting a house is no longer suitable. We need somewhere that is ours to call home. The responsibility that Del has brought with him has spurred us on to move on to bigger and better things.

Patience
I've never been a patient person. Having a dog (particularly a puppy) is probably the best way possible to test your patience. In particular, potty training was the thing that almost broke me. Who knew puppies needed to piddle so much? With issues like this, you have to adapt and learn to be patient. There were times when I thought I'd never get through it, but like most things you get through it and move on. Looking back, my over-reactions to potty training were quite funny, so I've also learned to look back and laugh :)

To put someone else first
I'm an only child, so putting other people first was never something I had to learn quickly as a young adult. Don't get me wrong, I've always considered other people when making any sort of decision, but it wasn't until we got Del that I had to start to lower my own needs down the pecking order. Those vet bills, early mornings and walking through all sorts of weather have to be done, so looking out for yourself first goes out the window.

Unconditional love
I never thought I'd feel this strongly about an animal. Obviously, I love my family, partner and friends unconditionally, but a dog? Every day I look at Del and realise that I love him more as time goes on. He's become an integral part of our little family and we count our blessings that we found him.

Enough of the slushiness from me, now it's your turn!

What has your dog taught you the most? How has your dog changed you?

I'd love to know. Please feel free to share links to any posts you've written in the comments too so I can have a read if you've done this kind of post before. I look forward to hearing your responses...

Moving House Checklist for Dogs

If you're a regular you'll know that I'm moving house soon, which means Del will have to pack up and come with us. I didn't realise that moving your dog with you would create so many little things to get organised.

I thought I'd put the list that we've got up on here. You never know, it might help someone else out who needs to move in the future.

1. Is your dog microchipped? Get the address changed.

It's important to keep your dog's microchip up to date, just in case the worst happens. It would be awful if your dog was located but had the wrong address.

You can do this pretty easily online here, or simply call the number on your forms. Changes should take place within 24 hours, so give yourself enough time to do so.

2. Change their ID tag.

You will need to put your new address/postcode/phone number on your dogs ID tag for their collar. It's compulsory that all dogs wear on in the UK (I'm not sure about the US), so this is important to get sorted so he can wear it on the day he moves.

I found a really nice and reasonable dog tag on eBay, which has really fast postage too. I'd recommend looking on there for good quality dog tags.

3. Put together a dog box.

Get a box together for all of the essentials you'll need on the big day, and for the few days after you move too. Think:

• Enough food to last until you unpack the rest of your things
• Food/water bowls
• Lead
• Poo bags
• Their favourite toys
• Treats
• Dog bed

Clearly mark the box and keep it at the front of your removal van. Having their creature comforts will undoubtedly make the move slightly less stressful for your pooch.

4. Will you keep the same vet?

Our current vets isn't that far away, but there is a good one around the corner from our new house which we think we'll be signing up to.  Del needs his annual vaccinations soon, so we'll be signing up to our new vet before we leave so it is less stress free when we take him.

The vet we have chosen has been recommended to us by my partner's mum, who takes her two dogs there. When you're moving, try and get good recommendations to see if you can get any good advice from people who use your newly local vet. 

5. Organise a dog sitter.

Moving is stressful enough, never mind having to cater for a dog in the midst of packing up your home. I'd suggest to organise with a friend or family member to have your dog for the day. Preferably, walking your dog for you too. This will mean that you have more freedom and hopefully your dog will be suitably pooped for the night time.


Have I missed anything? Please let me know and I can add it in.

Hopefully, this will be useful for someone :)

I realise this post is very word-heavy, so for good measure, here's a picture of Del being cute. Just because. Taken from our Instagram account.

Here is to 2014

2014 is going to be a very different year for us, and for Del. You see, we are moving house in a few weeks. We are moving into my partners parents house for 12 months where we plan to save, save, save so we will be able to buy our very own house in 2015.

As much as this transition will be difficult, we know it will be for the best. We are giving ourselves that little push to make one of our ambitions come true.

We will be moving into a very busy house, which includes two Weimerarners. Moving Del in with two adult dogs will be a challenge, and it's been a constant worry that he will struggle. I'm sure he will adjust, but the initial few weeks is making me anxious.

This is where I will be asking for your help. I know that many people who read my little blog know a lot more about dogs than I do. So I would love it if I could get some advice from you all.

If anyone has any advice on how to incorporate a dog into a household where other dogs live, please send me an email to delsadventures@gmail.com. I will then put all of the tips (fully crediting their owners and their blogs!) into a blog post that will hopefully be quite comprehensive.

What do you all think? 

I would be really grateful for any advice:) 

Down in the Dumps

I've been off work this week with a nasty chest infection. It's been one of those illnesses which means you can't really do much, so I've read lots of books, watched lots of TV and slept. A lot. 

One thing I didn't count on was the way Del has behaved. He has been an absolute superstar. 

He's slept when I've slept, never left my side and cheered me up when I really needed it.

Waiting for the Andrex puppy.

There he is!

Sharing his antler with me.

Always looking over me...

Never leaving my side.

Del has been so patient. He's had to just sit with me and occupy himself until his dad came home from work to walk him. But that hasn't phased him a bit. He's sat by my side and kept me company through the whole of it.

I would have been pretty lonely without him, and I know that he knows that I've been poorly.

Dogs are awesome. Everyone should have one.

Don't Bully ANY Breed...

Super quick post to point everyone to this post on Buzz Feed:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseamarshall/37-pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-pit-bulls

*SUPER CUTE PICS ALERT!*

Gotta love a good picture of a Pit Bull :)

An Illustration of Del

My friend Katie is a designer (she kindly made my banner for this blog!) and she made this the other day. Obviously had to share as it's Rottie related!

What do you think? It was her first attempt at anything like this and I think she's done a pretty good job!

Thanks Katie :)

Dogs of New York

Long time no blog! Just over a week ago we packed up and left Del with his aunties and BFF Kate and headed to NYC!  It was our first time there and have to say it was one of the best places we've ever been. We did all of the tourist spots, ate our own body weight in cheesecake and had the most wonderful time.

One thing I didn't expect to see lots of was dogs. But it turns out, New Yorkers love their pooches! We saw so many lovely dogs, and all the dog owners we approached to say hi were really friendly and approachable.

Here are a few we saw on our travels...

Not a real one, but a cool wall!

Awesome range of pooches!

Love these two- so well behaved!

They had to be touching at all times!

A gorgeous Frenchie called Madison

Another gorgeous Frenchie called Chelsea

On his walk in Central Park

A Lab getting rehydrated at Central Park

So there you have it! Some of the awesome dogs I saw in the Big Apple. I wish I could have taken pics of all of them.

*If any of these pics are of you and your dog and you'd like me to take it down, just get in touch.

Good Luck Kate!

Thoughts and wishes are with Kate today, who is being spayed, microchipped and getting her teeth done!

Get well soon Kate!

Del especially hopes she makes a speedy recovery so they can have a play date soon :)

Third in Line to the Bone

Found on Tails of the City's FB page

Stole this from Tails of the City's Facebook page :)

Congrats to Will and Kate- can't wait to hear what the name will be!

The Fate of Our TV

This is going to happen to our TV one day...





  See?

Anyone else's TV on borrowed time?

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Happy Independence Day!

Would like to wish my American readers a Happy Independence Day! Hope you all have a wonderful 4th July!

Here's an awesome pic of a very patriotic dog. Enjoy!

Source

Rossi- Europe's Only Qualified Assistance Rottweiler

Thought I'd write about a truly inspirational Rottie today! 

Rossi showing off in his uniform

 

His name is Rossi, and he's Europe's only qualified assistance Rottweiler. He's a true inspiration and a fantastic ambassador for the breed. He helps his owner in all manners of life and his help is priceless. 

Rossi helps his owner getting up and about and also accompanies him on errands to make sure he's safe and supported at all times. The loyalty of Rottweiler’s is a trait that is perfect for an assistance dog, and something that should be utilised more, along with their strength and intelligence. 

Here are some words from his owner: 

"Whenever I tell people about what Rossi can do, people look astonished that a Rottweiler can do so much.  His breed surely shouldn’t mean that he’s any less capable of doing what I ask of him.  In fact, his breed means he can do more than the usual choice of Assistance Dog.  Rossi can carefully place me in the recovery position after a seizure or fall. If I need help getting into my wheelchair Rossi will brace and assist me getting into my chair.  Rossi does all of this and much more, as his breed makes him that more capable.  

Rossi knows me so well that it is scary sometimes.  He knows that certain movements or tones mean one thing.  He knows when I’m having a particular challenging day that I may ask more of him than on a good day.  He knows when I'm upset or confused (which is rare but happens) or generally having a bad day.  On these days I feel how much more in sync we are.  When he is “off duty”, he is still focused on me and wants to be close to me."

Rotties should be brought up as Assistance Dogs more, as their personality traits fit the role perfectly. I hope that Rossi encourages people to think about using Rottweiler’s as working dogs more, as that’s what they're designed to do. 

Rossi is supported by Dog Aid, a charity who helps disabled adults train their own pets to become their assistance dogs. This means that people can train their pets in way which will specifically help them, giving them more independence and confidence. This is a fantastic charity and their work really inspires me. You can find out more about Dog Aid here.

 You can read all about Rossi on this site: http://www.rossi-rottweiler.co.uk/

*All image taken from Rossi's website.

Say a Prayer For Benny- FIGHT LIKE A FRENCHIE

Picture from http://www.twofrenchbulldogs.com/

 
One of my favourite little Frenchies, Benny, isn't very well at all :(

He's fighting liver cancer right now. You can read about it here.

I would like to say to Benny and his mum that we're thinking about him and hope he makes a speedy recovery.

You can donate $1 to help contribute towards Benny's vet's bills. I will try and provide a link to how you can donate ASAP.

Please join me in sending all the loving thoughts you can to them.

FIGHT LIKE A FRENCHIE!

We're on Facebook!

We've just created a Facebook page for Adventures of Del. Would love it if you could give our page a like!

You can find the page here: https://www.facebook.com/adventuresofdell

Now it's slightly bare at the moment, but I promise I'll be updating it regulary and posting lots of pictures of Del and his friends.

If you're on Facebook, please let me know. Would love to take a look at your page and give you a 'Like'.