Gear Up Your Dog For The Summer with Houndworthy Accessories

 

Have you ever had trouble finding travel friendly accessories for your dog? A big bed isn’t easy to take on a day or weekend trip, and plastic drinking bowls do not fit nicely into most handbags. That is why we here at The Amazing Blog were so thrilled when we heard about Houndworthy. It is a UK based online retailer that has us and our pets in mind. The most luxurious, unique and handmade pet accessories from around the world are being sold on their website. Over 150 unique and wonderful products are currently available, so there is much to choose from. They are very conscious of the brands they choose, and what the products are made out of because they know how much we care about our furry companions.

Even if you are just taking your dog out for a long day at the park or to an outside café for lunch this summer, having the right travel pet accessories will make the day much more enjoyable. Cloud 7 is a German-owned label that has created some of the most unique and essential products found at Houndworthy. One product in particular we love is the Ultimate Tote Travel Bed (£80). At first glance it is a nice canvas tote bag with a fuzzy interior, but it actually converts into a perfect dog-sized bed! It is made from 100% Organic Cotton Canvas on the exterior and 100% un-dyed sheep's wool for the lining. This travel bed is absolutely perfect for many situations including patio or café sitting as well as lobby waiting. This could work perfectly well for a day or weekend away too. It is an absolute essential for summer travel with your loved pet. Houndworthy is also the only UK retailer to stock Billy Wolf dog apparel and accessories; an American made label. One particular stand out product from Billy Wolf is the 100% Cotton Canvas water bowl (£33). It can be taken absolutely anywhere, because the bowl neatly folds up and tucks into a purse-sized pouch. Perfect for the pooch on the go!

Houndworthy is a wonderful online destination shop for pet owners who want classic, luxurious pet accessories. With products retailing from £10-£125, they really have something for anyone, and any dog. Check out their website to find the travel bed, water bowl, and many other wonderful pet accessories!

Best Paw Forward 2013

The weather forecast for this upcoming weekend looks surprisingly gorgeous. All of us here at The Amazing Blog are anxiously waiting to soak up some sun. Fortunately, we have found the perfect philanthropy event to do just that with the added accompaniment of 100 cute four-legged friends. This is not a wild stampede but rather a leisurely charitable dog walking event called Best Paw Forward. Taking place in the Highgate Woods, Best Paw Forward is a sponsored dog walk in aid of supporting Cancer Research UK. 

Beginning at 10am this Sunday, June 9th, local dog owners will gather to trek through the leafy woods as they walk to raise money for a brilliant cause. This is a great way for you and your favourite pet to take a lovely 4km stroll while benefiting a life-saving organisation. Weaving through the beautiful Green Heritage Site, the walk will last about an hour giving you plenty of time to soak up some sun and enjoy the natural surroundings. In addition to the forest hike, Dima Dogs (from ITV's 'That Dog Can Dance') will host a live dog display performance that is sure to be fascinating. Also, there will be a raffle and awarded prizes to those who raise the most sponsorship as well as the best dressed dog. All participants will also receive a goody bag for them and their pooch to take away.

Nowadays, it seems that just about everyone knows someone in their life who is fighting cancer. Supporting cancer research organizations is surely something that we at The Amazing Blog proudly advocate. Cancer Research UK is an excellent foundation that hosts many charitable events. They are up to date and seem to be one of the leaders of the pack in cancer research, resources, and support. To learn more or donate do visit their website.

While advanced registration is required and limited to 100 participants there may be a few open spots left! To register visit their website or call 08701 60 20 40. Registration is only £8 per dog. If it is completely full do not be discouraged. You may still attend the lovely dog walk and donate time and money to a powerful and life-changing cause while seeing some sure to be adorable dogs, pooches, and puppies.  For more information including some photos of a few four-legged participants view the Best Paw Forward facebook page.

The Riding Club London

Every summer my friend and I would go to her horse stable and ride for hours on her horses. Those were the memories that can never be replaced and will always remind me of the carefree summers I used to have. After moving out and looking for horse riding places, I found The Riding Club in London. They provide exactly what I am looking for to regain my childhood memories.

The Riding Club of London is a private member’s club and equestrian concierge service run by Rosie Ruck Keene and Ashley Parasram. They provide access to quality horses for advanced rides in London, riding lessons, and various trips every year. The Riding Club allows their members to get involved in different kinds of riding lessons from show jumping in St. John’s Woods, to several clinics that teach you the safety in cross country riding and dressage on the Grand Prix Schoolmaster.

Whether you are looking to improve your dressage in Spain or play polo at some of the best Estancias in Argentina; The Riding Club in London can arrange the equestrian holiday for you to embark on.

By having 15 experts trained specifically in show jumping, flatwork, eventing, fitness, or polo you have the best of the best at your fingertips. These experts run the clinic session and can be utilized in a one on one session to help you excel at a specific skill.

Riders Club Membership is tailored to riders with experience in the saddle and can be purchased for £335 per month. For new members there is an additional £195 fee to cover the registration costs. The New Rider membership is suitable for those with little or no riding experience who would like to learn the beauty of horseback riding and the different skills and technique that experts can teach them. If you ask me, having access to fully groomed state of the art horses, weekend trips, and weekly coaching session makes this price quite reasonable. Owning a horse can be very costly and can take up a lot of your time; so this membership offers you guidance and allows you to take you skills further.

London Pet Show

Who can resist puppy dog eyes and furry tailed cats? Come and see dancing dogs, rabbit jumping races, and a weekend full of exotic animals at the London Pet Show on this weekend 11th and 12th May at Earls Court Two. It's no secret that at we at The Amazing Blog are all dog lovers, so what better way to spend our weekend than with an array of cute and energetic dogs?

This year the UK’s largest pet showcase is right around the corner for us at Earl's Court in London. The showcase will feature animals from dogs and cats to royal pythons and micro pigs - although I'll be sure to stay far away from the snakes. The show will be broken up into four different sections: Discover Dogs, Discover Cats, Discover Animals, and Discover Small Furries. Featuring elaborate demonstrations and luxurious animals, each section is sure to provide a one of a kind experience.

The section that I'll be spending the most time at will be the Discover Dog zone - of course! And with over 50 dog breeds and a programmed event every hour it'll be quite difficult to pull me away . These dogs will be dancing around on stage, playing a fast-paced game of flyball, and showing off their skills in the agility obstacle course.

The kids will love the new “Pony Paddock” area where they can braid their mane and learn about the different types of ponies the showcase offers. Riders can also learn how to use the equipment and tools involved in caring for their pony as well as mounting, dismounting and maintaining balance on The Pony Club’s special mechanical horse. So spend time with family, friends, fellow pet lovers and some exotic animals this weekend at The London Pet Show. Tickets are on sale online for £14 for adults and £9.50 for children over five years old. Family and senior tickets are also available.

Black & Taylor - Archie Black's Dog Soap

What a wonderful discovery we made at The Amazing Blog with the handmade soap company Black & Taylor. Our dear and recently departed four-legged friend Mojai was just the perfect guinea pig for their Archie Black’s Dog Soap . In fact, you couldn’t ask for a better subject to test out a specific ‘doggy bar’ of handmade soap. Mojai was ‘super’ hairy with a rather unique double-coat, he had the most amazing undercoat which comprised of oodles and oodles of the very softest fluff.  He was also rather partial (thank goodness) to bath-time.  This dog soap contains Sunflower Oil which is rich in vitamins A, D, and E and is easily absorbed by the skin. And is scented with Lavender and Citronella Essential Oils which act as a natural bug repellent. All of which is extremely useful for those of you who have pets – with Summer approaching and with all the nasty beasties that are lurking in the long grass. It is easy to use and lathers up nicely. I was apprehensive as I wondered if it would leave a ‘knotty’ matted coat that I would spend hours combing out. But I’m happy to report that both pet and owner were extremely happy with the result – and with the price at £3.95.

Black & Taylor don’t just produce a Dog Soap they have a wonderful selection of products for humans. We were particularly taken with the Gift Sets like Gardeners and the Patchouli & Rosewood. I also love the idea of  Black & Taylor Wedding Favours.  Where you can choose up to any two soaps from their entire range of special wedding gifts for guests. i.e. Rose Geranium and Sunflower Blush for the ladies and Patchouli & Rosewood for the gents. All of which can be made into heart shapes or blocks and wrapped in a variety of coloured Organza bags to match the wedding day colours. Black & Taylor soaps are vegetable oil based, meaning they do not use animal fats and are scented using high quality essential and fragrance oils. Each of their soaps are genuinely handmade using a centuries old process that ensures each bar is of the highest quality. They will not dry your skin as they have absolutely no detergents or harsh ingredients. We are sold on this great little British soap company and their prices - starting from £3.95 on their website. We particularly love the way that these handmade soap last so much longer than commercial soaps. So throw away that supermarket brand and back British!