Cath's Cutz

14/07/2025

So true..!!!

***I am a 21st century dog.***
-I'm a Malinois.
Overskilled among dogs, I excel in all disciplines and I'm always ready to work: I NEED to work.
But nowadays I get asked to chill on the couch all day everyday.

-I am an Akita Inu.
My ancestors were selected for fighting bears.
Today I get asked to be tolerant and I get scolded for my reactivity when another approaches me.

-I am a Beagle.
When I chase my prey, I raise my voice so the hunters could follow.
Today they put an electric collar on me to shut up, and you make me come back to you - no running - with a snap of your fingers.

-I am a Yorkshire Terrier.
I was a terrifying rat hunter in English mines.
Today they think I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

-I'm a Labrador Retriever.
My vision of happiness is a dive into a pond to bring back the duck he shot to my master.
Today you forget I'm a walking, running, swimming dog; as a result I'm fat, made to stay indoors, and to babysit.

-I am a Jack Russell.
I can take on a fox, a mean badger, and a rat bigger than me in his den.
Today I get scolded for my character and high energy, and forced to turn into a quiet living room dog.

-I am a Siberian Husky.
Experienced the great, wide open spaces of Northern Europe, where I could drag sleds for long distances at impressive speeds.
Today I only have the walls of the house or small garden as a horizon, and the holes I dig in the ground just to release energy and frustration, trying to stay sane.

-I am a border collie
I was made to work hours a day in partnershipwith my master, and I am an unmistakable artist of working with the herd.
Today they are mad at me because, for lack of sheep, I try to check bikes, cars, children in the house and everything in motion.

I am ...
I am a 21st century dog.

I'm pretty, I'm alert, I'm obedient, I stay in a bag...but I'm also an individual who, from centuries of training, needs to express my instincts, and I am *not* suited for the sedentary life you'd want me to lead.

Spending eight hours a day alone in the house or in the garden - with no work and no one to play or run with, seeing you for a short time in the evening when you get home, and only getting a small toilet walk will make me deeply unhappy.

I'll express it by barking all day, turning your yard into a minefield, doing my needs indoors, being unmanageable the rare times I'll find myself outside, and sometimes spending my days sunk, sad, lonely, and depressed, on my pillow.

You may think that I should be happy to be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work, but actually I’ll be exhausted and frustrated, because this is absolutely NOT what I'm meant to do, or what I need to be doing.
If you love me, if you've always dreamed of me, if my beautiful blue eyes or my athletic look make you want me, but you can't give me a real dog's life, a life that's really worth living according to my breed, and if you can't offer me the job that my genes are asking, DO NOT buy or adopt me!

If you like the way I look but aren't willing to accept my temperament, gifts, and traits derived from long genetic selection, and you think you can change them with only your good will, then DO NOT BUY OR ADOPT ME.

I’m a dog from the 21st century, yes, but deep inside me, the one who fought, the one who hunted, the one who pulled sleds, the one who guided and protected a herd still lives within.

So think **very** carefully before you choose your dog. And think about getting two, rather than one, so I won't be so very lonely waiting for you all day. Eight or ten hours is just a workday to you, but it's an eternity for me to be alone.

30/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BbZD2Ndem/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I didn’t know there was anything wrong……..

How often do you visit your vet with your dog – every year for his/her booster jab?

Your dog visits the groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for a bath, trim, and tidy.
But sometimes, they leave with something even more important than a fresh look-a warning sign you didn’t know was there.

Dog groomers aren’t vets, and they don’t pretend to be.
But they’re often the first person to notice when something’s not quite right.
A lump under the skin.
A sore spot under the leg.
A red rash behind the ears.
An ear infection that smells off.
A cracked pad. A bald patch. A behavioural change.

They work so closely with your dog-physically and emotionally-that they often spot small but important changes. The ones that can be easy to miss at home, especially on long or thick coats. And because they see your dog regularly, they know what’s normal and what’s not.

These aren’t just observations - they could be early signs of:
• Skin infections
• Ear mites or yeast infections
• Growths that need checking
• Eye problems
• Tooth or gum issues
• Joint stiffness or discomfort
• Stress or anxiety

And when a groomer mentions something they’ve noticed, it’s not to scare you.
It’s because they care. They want your dog to be happy, healthy, and comfortable-long after they’ve left the salon.
That’s what makes a good groomer more than a stylist. They’re part of your dog’s care team.

They clean. They clip. They calm nervous dogs. And they keep watch over every inch of your dog’s body and behaviour-every time they visit.

Professional groomers take their responsibilities seriously. Many are trained to recognised industry standards, hold Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications, and are members of the British Dog Groomers' Association (BDGA) - a division of the Pet Industry Federation (PIF).

That means they don’t just work with love and care-they work with knowledge. And they commit to professional development, safe practices, and doing what’s best for every dog in their care.

So the next time your groomer quietly mentions something they’ve noticed - listen. It could be nothing. But it could also be the early warning that helps you take action before a small issue becomes a big one.
Your dog can’t always tell you when something’s wrong.
But your groomer might.

And never forget-they’re doing far more than making your dog look good.

Why not subscribe to the BDGA new monthly digital magazine – its totally FREE and is designed to keep you up to date on dog matters, what happens at the pet groomer, legislation and offer you reader offers .
Get Issue 1 now, and thereafter your free copy will arrive via email every month
https://subscribepage.io/waggytales

22/04/2025

Jarvie has a brand new favorite toy- gifted to him by a friend 💜🙏

17/03/2025

11/03/2025

URGENT UPDATE!

Hi all,

I need to give an important update - as of this evening, I am no longer based at The Pet Retreat in Holmes Chapel - this is due to serious differences of opinion between myself and the owner Rachel, which are not resolvable.

I am now looking for alternate premises, and will be in touch with clients who are booked in going forwards, and as soon as I have news regarding a new location, I will post details here

For now, huge thanks to the many clients I have contacted about appointments in the next couple of weeks, all of whom have responded so positively and been so supportive this evening- it is very much appreciated 😊

10/03/2025

NEW CLIENTS are very WELCOME 😎

Last few appointments left for next week !
So… if you are looking to get your beloved Pooch pampered, then send me a message to book in:
Mobile : 07702 558238
Email : [email protected]

05/03/2025

Interesting read….

Ultra-processed pet food is responsible for the premature deaths of more than one million cats and dogs in the UK each year, a leading vet has claimed.

04/03/2025

NEW CLIENTS are very WELCOME 😎

Last few appointments left for next week !
So… if you are looking to get your beloved Pooch pampered, then send me a message to book in:
Mobile : 07702 558238
Email : [email protected]

02/03/2025

Hi there, I’m Cath, a self employed dog groomer based in Holmes Chapel at the Pet Retreat, I am trained in canine first aid and hold a level 3 IPet in dog grooming & salon management.
below are my last few appointments left for next week ! So, you are looking to get your Pooches pampered then send me a message to book in x

18/02/2025

My little dufus giving his best puppy eyes today, whilst being the ‘cuckoo’ in Ollie’s bed..!! 🥰😎

17/02/2025

Hi all, Start of another busy week, a few gaps left, so if you would like your favourite pooch to be pampered, just get in touch with me!
Tel: 07702 558238
Email: [email protected]
Also via WhatsApp & Messenger
Looking forward to seeing you very soon 😊