Summer officially starts in only a couple of days, yet we're already roasting under the sun if we dare to step foot outside, leaving the realms of our air-conditioned houses. Our dogs feel the heat too, but unlike humans, they cannot shed their fur coat in a heartbeat or buy themselves an ice lolly to cool themselves down when they most need it. Our stoic little friends often suffer in silence, which is why it's up to us to prevent them overheating before it happens. Simba, like many spaniels, doesn't know the meaning of sitting still. If we're out, he's on the go. If we're in the house, he wants to be occupied with a toy, or with bothering his lazy canine sister, Piper. His constant habit of vaulting off of surfaces and racing at full speed around the park could lead to joint issues in the future, which is something i'd obviously prefer to prevent. To see him struggling on his feet is my worst nightmare - and this is where the (somewhat) magical power of turmeric, and golden paste comes in. Turmeric, when combined with an oil, water, and black pepper, has been known to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritic dogs. It has been used for decades across the world as a medicinal spice, and the reviews have been raving. It only made sense to begin giving my nutter (who mistakes himself for a rabbit, or Tigger) a supplement to prevent his joints wearing away, and leading him to a life where walking can hurt. Not only is turmeric a great NATURAL anti-inflammatory, but it also works as an antioxidant, and supports brain and heart health. To me, turning it into a palatable, convenient, cooling dog treat seems like a no-brainer! Golden Egg Cubes Makes 8 treats. Ingredients 2 medium eggs 1 tbsp turmeric 1 tsp coconut oil 1 tbsp honey 2 tbsp water (lukewarm) 1/2 tsp black ground pepper Raw eggs and all other ingredients are totally safe for dogs in small quantities. I would not recommend feeding more than 4 or 5 of these more than a few times a week, however. Method 1. Beat the two eggs in a bowl until yellow-orange and a thick consistency. - 2. Add the coconut oil , honey and water, and stir in with a fork. 3.Whisk the turmeric into the mixture. It will form in clumps in the egg mixture initially, so a hand whisk is essential to break it up and combine it with the other ingredients. 4. Whisk in the black pepper. 5. Transfer the mixture into a small plastic or glass jug, and then pour into a plastic or silicon ice cube tray. Though not an essential step, you may like to add a herb such as parsley or mint onto the top of each treat to improve doggy breath. 6. Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid. 7. Serve and let the pups enjoy! I hope your dog enjoys these chilly treats as much as mine did! They are totally raw-feeder friendly, and count as a nutritious snack as well as being tasty! You may want to wash your hands after handling these however!
Thank you for reading, Milla & Simba (and guest Piper!) Turmeric lips don't lie.
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May. Spring's in full bloom, the sun is starting to shine, and the misery of the winter has started to fade. It's the perfect month to treat your pup to a box of goodies, hand-picked for you so you don't have to mull over the hundreds of toy and treat options available on Amazon for hours and rack up a £100 basket within the blink of an eye. Fortunately, for the weak-hearted (like me) who struggle to narrow their options down, a myriad of companies now offer monthly surprise boxes for dogs to ensure your beloved pet is never short of a special treat come payday, for being such a wonderful friend throughout the month. The Pawsome Box is one of these monthly boxes, who will provide a monthly box of 5-6 items uniquely chosen to suit your pooch. These could be anything, from toys, to accessories, to treats, or even healthcare products, from only £14.90 per month! In my box, I received two packs of treats, two toys, a water bottle and a lead. A perfect combination for a day out, we promptly put them to the test. TREATS The two packs of treats provided in the box, were a pack of Chew 'n Snack Tripe Strips, and some Snackys Ham-flavoured, bone-shaped treats. Both of these serve as perfect training treats for us, as they are soft enough to be broken up into tiny pieces. Simba is not a picky dog when it comes to treats, who immediately scoffed the lot, so I cannot determine how palatable the more selective dog might find these. For this reason, he may not be the best food tester... TOYS The box also contained two toys; a plush toy shaped like a luggage bag, and a rubber flip flop toy. Simba's a serial plush toy destroyer, who sometimes attempts to consume the stuffing which means his access to the toy is limited. He loves rope toys, so the flip flop will become a staple in his toy box. We may even take it on our next beach trip, just for the irony! "Nooo, give me the bag, I want to go on holiday!" "Do these shoes make my feet look small?" ACCESSORIES & OTHER The final two products were a convenient, portable dog water bowl and bottle combination, and a strong red lead. We've been meaning to acquire one of these bottles for a while, and receiving one in time for the summer (providing we get one warm enough to require refreshments) was just perfect. The lead has a subtle texture to the webbing, to create a checkerboard pattern. It's surprisingly comfortable to hold, despite not being as soft to the touch as you'd expect. If you'd like a box just like it, be sure to use my personal promo code ukbbt9fy for £5 off of the cost of your first order!
Thank you for reading, Milla & Simba 5/10/2017 0 Comments New Puppy: What You NeedThe first time you see that adorable, baby face online when you're searching for a puppy, you're in love. You contact the breeder, and arrange a meeting. You're stuck in this honeymoon haze at the prospect of welcoming a new pet into your home, your mind so wrapped up in the soft fur and cheeky personality of the chosen pup, that you nearly forget to purchase the essentials prior to your new arrival coming home. At the last minute, you rush to research what you'll need to have on hand so you're prepared for any occasion, any accident, and to create a happy, balanced, adult. You may be a first-time dog owner, or you just haven't acquired a new puppy in years and need a quick refresher to get you on your way. Whilst some breeders may provide a selection of the following as part of your puppy pack, you will want to have the majority of these items to hand in case they don't.
Besides from the material items, you will also need a wealth of knowledge to go alongside your new pet. You will want to research food, and come to a conclusion on what you will feed that suits you in terms of cost, convenience, and what the food contains or what type it is. I cannot stress enough how important nutrition is for a puppy, so this research really is vital.
Finally, you must also be completely certain that your chosen breed (or mutt, or rescue) is going to fit well into your home, to ensure the transition and the settling in will be as smooth as possible. To part from a dog you have grown to love is heartbreaking, so it is better to make the correct decision first rather than rushing into purchasing an animal you are not certain will work with your lifestyle. Milla & Simba 4/3/2017 0 Comments Simba's StationYes, it's the name of this blog. But not exclusively.
It is also the name of my new paracord shop - opened just a few weeks ago! I am making this post to shed light on the fact that I have opened my little shop, as I have not spoken about it too much on Simba's page. There are three styles of collar I sell so far, each made completely custom, using whatever colour or colours you'd like, and you are given the option to choose the fastening style which suits your dog best. Paracord is a strong, nylon, rope-type material, able to withstand hundreds of pounds of weight, since it was designed for military use in the USA. All of my collars will feature solid cast D-rings, which do not have an opening to break. Since they are designed with Simba, who is a strong puller, in mind, all of my collars should be hardy and should not break (easily, as you never know what could happen). They should be able to cope with mud and water, and everything in between! I'm constantly learning new weaves and introducing new fastening styles for my collars, so although the shop isn't huge yet, be prepared, as there's more to come! I've also begun making leads, but as I'm not keen on measuring exact lengths yet, I may not be selling them for a little while. I hope to introduce little charms on every collar to offer a distinctive mark for my 'brand', providing enough interest is shown. So far I have a Facebook and an Instagram page for the business, with a fully functional shopping site in progress! If anyone has any criticisms, questions, or suggestions for improvement, I'd love to hear them. Thank you for reading, Milla & Simba Spaniels are renown for their ability to get filthy, in even the most immaculate of places. They're also infamous for pulling, gorging on any food in sight, and finding toys around the house you never even knew you bought. Simba is nothing less than a stereotypical spaniel, who has been known to obliterate collars that are not sturdy enough to stand up to his ridiculous strength, given he barely weights 13kg. The thing that drew me to Salt Dog Studios in the first place, is that I was searching for an attractive, hardwearing, washable collar made in the UK (as I no longer posses the virtue of patience to ship from the USA) that was NOT EzyDog - I was looking for something that would not only suit frolics in the park, but look flashy enough to be worn for special occasions. Made To Last The irresistible mint-green whale design is comical, but is balanced by the sturdy metal buckle to make for a beautiful, multi-purpose collar. The matching lead is equally as robust, and has received comments in the past for being so cute! As we rapidly approach Summer, I feel that this collar is going to become even more of a staple in Simba's 'outdoor wear' wardrobe (alongside his rainbow Devil Doods collar) as the weather warms, and we explore various local lakes and parks. Our SDS set has suffered being subject to almost every type of filth; from sand, to mud, to water, it has survived and is still going strong despite vigorous use. Besides from a small amount of rust on the eyelets, the collar still looks and feels brand new, and the stitching on the lead remains firmly in place although it had been tugged on time and time again. Testing his Salt Dog lead during his first trip to the beach back in late December. He has also worn it do Daycare on more than one occasion, been dragged about by the lead by a cheeky Labrador puppy there, and it is still fully intact. You'll also notice the lovely black brand tag on the lead - one which is also sewn into the collar, and I often struggle to equip the right way up the first time if I fail to check. Comfort The collar and the lead handle feature a soft, velvet layer of fabric that act as a padding, giving these accessories a luxurious feel, as well as providing an essential soft surface for the dog who's wearing the collar, and some protection to the hands of the humans attached to rowdy dogs by the end of the lead. On more than one occasion, I've found myself praising the genius idea that it was to add velvet to the inside of the handle of the lead, when I'd usually be covered in fabric burns from materials that don't feel half as nice as they look. Although this nautical print is no longer available on their website, there are dozens of other designs to choose from, to suit any dog. Overall, I would recommend these accessories to anyone with a similar criteria to us- attractive, resistant, ergonomic and easy to clean. If you've never heard of them before that's because they're not as active on Instagram as they are on Facebook - but they're definitely a company you should start following now! They're the perfect alternative to a brand like EzyDog, for those looking for something just as good but a little more fashionable for their posing pooch.
Milla & Simba 3/18/2017 2 Comments What's a Birthday without cake?Before I begin, I'll say; HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY PRECIOUS SIMBERONI! Birthdays are a deep-seated tradition in human society, and there's no birthday without a cake and presents. To celebrate Simba's birthday on Tuesday (today), we decided we would make and share a dog-safe cake recipe for you all, as we don't have the time to send out a piece of cake to all 2,200 of my lovely followers! Simba turns the terrible age of two, today, on the 21st March this year, and though I wasn't around to celebrate last year, I am this time, and it's going to be bigger and better than any birthday celebration I've even thrown for my dogs! DOG LIVER PUPCAKES RECIPE Ingredients 110g plain flour (preferably gluten free, coconut, oat flour) 50g liver (beef, pork, lamb) 2 eggs 1/2 Teaspoon baking powder 7tbsp water Methodology 1. Slice the liver into thin strips. Blend the liver with the egg in a blender. 2. Preheat the over to 180 degrees. Use a wooden spoon or electric whisk to combine the flour and the other ingredients, and when a pourable consistency, pour into a greased baking tin or cupcake cases as I have done. 3. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Ensure the center is cooked before removing from the oven. Leave to cool until it is lukewarm or room temperature. 4. If desired, the cake or cakes can be decorated. I topped Simba's with peanut butter, and his natural instict raw meat mince, and hundreds & thousands. Simba thoroughly enjoyed his birthday cake this morning, but nothing beat the pile of presents that waited on the table for when he finished eating. His 2nd birthday presents include: A Kong Wubba, two Chuckit Ultra balls, a Chuckit Ultra Squeaker ball, a pack of Webbox Chicken fillets, a fleece tug toy, and a squirrel rope toy. Simba also recieved a handmade paracord double cobra collar to match his Leashed To My Heart rope leash, which, although he did not technically receive as a present, it arrived so close to his birthday that we are counting it as such. As soon as permission is was granted, Simba got stuck in, nose first, picking his favourite gift of the lot to play with first!
Thanks for reading. Don't forget to check out my brand new Shop, Simba's Station on facebook! Milla and Simba 3/11/2017 0 Comments Crufts 2017Crufts is the most tremendous dog show in the nation - with thousands flocking from all corners of the UK (and some from overseas, too!) to marvel at the wondrous show dogs, and do a touch of shopping for their own beloved pets to compensate for the horrendous betrayal of leaving them to see an huge community of other dogs for the day. It's well established, the first show having been in 1891, held by the namesake and founder, Charles Crufts to celebrate and promote the breeding of the very best pedigree dogs. For the last few years, the infamous four-day show has been held at the colossal, yet extremely organised venue of the NEC in Birmingham. It's a pleasant, traffic-free journey up the motorway for me, but a long one despite a lack of congestion. It is spread across five halls, which are incredibly easy to get lost in. You hardly notice yourself flowing from hall 1 to hall 4 whilst your eyes have been pinned to the sales stands for the last hour and a half, your bank account emptying and your shopping bag somehow filling itself to the brim. If, like me, you aren't interested in the conformation show ring, you'll be pleased to know you aren't restricted to watching groomed dogs prance around the room. There's a variety of other displays and competitions going on throughout the day - including flyball and agility, which are both exhilarating to watch. I'd say I'm well-seasoned when it comes to attending kennel club events, having been to Crufts twice and Discover Dogs twice over the course of the last two years, and I have a few tips for future reference: -Wear comfortable shoes- seriously, you'll regret high heeled boots after 7 hours standing on your feet! -Bring snacks and water (they sell plenty of food, but it is pricey.) -Ensure you save up months in advance of the show. Even if you didn't want six collars, you may well come home with that many anyway. -It's desirable to bring cash as not all stalls accept cards (though many do). -There are cash machines onsite, but they do charge for withdrawals. -Parking is £12, and can be paid online prior to the show or on site. -There are cloakrooms outside the halls at £1 per item (1 bag is considered an item) so you do not have to lug bags around all day. -You can leave/enter the halls as you please as long as your hand is stamped before you exit. -Arrive earlier rather than later if travelling by car - it will cut the time it takes you to park in half! There's no more enjoyable event for a dog lover - and the best thing about Crufts, is that it is an event that occurs annually! I did not manage to take many photos this year, but there were a few I liked that are posted below. I hope you enjoy! Mostly Milla, & Honorary Simba Mini-show, judged by attendants. Staffordshire bull terrier assistance dog. Standard poodle. A lovely German Shorthaired Pointer with unique markings! A Clumber Spaniel, exhibiting the usual spaniel inability to stay still for more than a couple of moments. An attentive Leonberger in the ring. A terrier with a nose for treats. Fox red labrador. A Japanese Akita Inu, moments after crunching on a yummy treat. For those of you who do not yet know, a few weeks ago, Simba became a model for the online dog accessory company, R 'n' D Paws, who hand-make fabulous Scottish Tartan accessories for dogs. It's his first modelling 'job', which is nerve-racking yet simultaneously exciting - more for myself than for him, as I challenge myself to be more creative with my photography than I've ever had to be before. We won our collar, bandana and matching bracelet set in a giveaway hosted by the company to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Ever since it arrived in early February, I've been flaunting their stunning products all over Simba's page - it's hard not to, when the bandana suits him so well, and stands out on his glossy white coat like he was born to wear it. I'm not usually one to pick anything red for my ginger dog - but in this case, I am certainly glad I did! The bandana is thick and incredibly well-made, and has withstood being washed three times in the last month due to Simba recently having developed a habit of coating himself in the natural essence of dead woodland creatures. The collar is strong too - the buckle seems to be holding up thus far which has previously been an issue for us - though the D-ring has not made it to today. The endearing little red heart button is a distinguishing feature for the brand, and I thought it was genius. Simple and distinctive, yet an adorable addition to each accessory. That isn't the best part about my collar and bandana set, however. What I appreciate most in an accessory, is it's ability to be washed, and to be able to survive through Simba's obsession with tearing through the holly bushes which we see on most of our local woodland walks. His R 'n' D paws set passes the 'Simba test', though we are yet to test how one of their bow ties will hold up with him. His set has even survived a dip in the lake, and hours spend at doggy daycare. I highly recommend R'n'D Paws for the stylish pooches who suit tartan and tweed. The quality of their accessories are second to none, the vibrant colours thankfully failing to fade despite multiple washes.
You can even use my code 'SIMBA15' during checkout for a 15% discount on your order! Milla & Simba 3/4/2017 0 Comments I like to walkies, WalkiesI don't know about other dogs, but I sure like running. I especially enjoy sprinting through ponds after ducks, racing over the hills to get to pigeons, and bounding between clusters of long grass, chasing my ball. There are a dozen parks surrounding our home, but not all of them have the space to accommodate me, running after my ultra ball, at full speed, 20 metres away. I make the best of anywhere mum takes me; I am a spaniel after all. My firm favourite is a park called Fairlands Valley Park. It is a brief walk away from my home, but we only go there as a special spaniel treat when we have time to spend the two hours there that I like to occupy chasing squirrels into trees, and generally scaring the wildlife with my instinctual insanity. I'm also partial to a wander at a slow (normal for most other dogs) pace if it means I get snacks out of it. I do love spying on the pigeons in the town center, although they aren't a fan of me. Mum's top tips for walking a spaniel, puppy, or other crazy dogs are: 1. Bring treats -essential for when that sniffer takes you far away into a bush, and you require an incentive to come back. 2. Bring a ball - because they are the best invention EVER!!! 3. Undergo whistle training - sometimes us spaniels have selective hearing. Not even I, King Simba, can ignore the singing of a whistle. 4. LONG LINES! - Mostly for puppies, but these are wonderful for older dogs who have a tendency to get distracted.. like me! 5. Don't wear anything nice! - It will end up covered in mud, regardless of whether you're in the desert or the rain forest. Track suit bottoms and wellies are perfectly suitable when accompanying a spaniel on a trek. I hope you enjoy the photos of me on my favourite walks. That's all from us for tonight!! Simba (and Milla) Fairlands parkThe Woods in generalTown Centre & King George'sExtra...2/28/2017 3 Comments Easy Doggy Pancake RecipeIn order to celebrate Shrove Tuesday- or more commonly recognised and appreciated as 'Pancake Day', I decided to try to create my own recipe for dog-safe pancakes. These are Simba approved: Simba and Piper watched my every move as I prepared the delicious treats for my favourite pooches, and both gulped their two size-appropriate pancakes down as soon as they were set down in front of them! These are simple pancakes to make, and kind to a sensitive tummy if not accustomed to eating 'human' food. Prep: 5 mins Cooking: 10 mins Recipe (makes approximately six small pancakes) 80g of plain flour (gluten free, coconut or chickpea flour is preferable) 150ml of milk 1 egg 1 tbsp peanut butter 1 tsp clear honey Method 1. Sift the flour into a medium sized bowl. Add milk gradually, and whisk the ingredients together. Add 1 egg, peanut butter and honey, and whisk the mixture by hand for 60 seconds, or until the consistency resembles that of double cream. It should pour easily. Let your dog lick the spoon! 2. Heat the pan on a medium to high heat. Heat a teaspoon of coconut of olive oil at the bottom of the pan to grease the surface and prevent the pancakes from sticking. Transfer the batter from a bowl to a jug. Once hot, pour a small amount of batter into the pan, and allow it to cook for around 15-30 seconds, then turn the pancake with a spatula and cook for a further 10-20 seconds until it is 'spotty' (see the image below!) 3. Serve in their bowl or on a regular plate. Top with peanut butter, honey, fruits, natural yogurt, or ham. Do not give sugar, lemon, or nutella!!! I personally used 1 piece of ham for each pancake, and drizzled with honey. Milla, Simba & Piper
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