Welcome!

Introduction

When it comes to talking dogs, there are endless topics that I could choose from for my first chit chat – I’ve been asking myself which it should be for a while now. You see, I have so much to tell you… there is quite the list building up in fact! I suppose we could call this one ‘a not-so-boring introduction’.

I am going to chat about something we always hope not to get a lot of but, my gosh, we always get oodles down here in Cornwall - rain!

I’m so sure that there is a dark raincloud that seems to wait for me and my dogs to head out the front door - quite often its rain comes at us side-on, giving me the pleasure of many refreshing Cornish facials from whipping sand, wind, and that bloody rain! Here, we are used to being battered by high winds and horizontal rain on a regular basis.

One of our dogs absolutely loves it; some time ago we decided to take on a rescue – a three-year-old wire-haired dachshund who was looking for her forever home. I remember thinking a dachshund is only a teeny-weeny dog that won’t add much more dirt to the house. How wrong I was. The fact that she is so near to the ground was an oversight on my part - Mags (or Margaret if she’s having a particularly mischievous day) attracts more things to her tummy than a Dyson! Apart from the usual mud and sand, such things have included: numerous twigs, a Tesco sticky label, a mussel, and even a mini crab (alive)!

I don’t mind the wet-towelled rub downs, I sometimes even see it as an opportunity to have a little one to one with the pooches. I tell them they are lovely and that if they give me their paws for cleaning in an orderly fashion, they will get a biscuit (or two). This also usually keeps their attention for the de-sanding process.

But there is help out there… dog coats! These have become a real game changer.  

The Dogs Coats We Use

I had never previously thought to buy a dog coat or robe of any sort for my pooches, and just embraced the drenched look - accepting the basket of towels by the back door and the many trips outside to the washing line. However, the following products truly make such a difference to the end of our wet walks/runs. They even have a designated coat hook of their own; yes, the furry kids are spoilt!

This is just a small selection and what I use for our own dogs, so I can personally recommend them (they are also available at Ruff Life, of course):

dryrobe Waterproof Dog Jackets (dryrobe® dog - Waterproof Dog Coat, Jacket UK | dryrobe®)

This superb coat is for the active dog. Our dachshund sports the camo pink, and our larger dog struts around in the black and grey. I have to say, I absolutely love seeing them in their coats – they’re super stylish and really practical. The dryrobes certainly keep them warm and dry, being waterproof with warm lambswool inners.  They have straps to keep them secure on hind legs, and a zip opening to allow a lead to attach to a harness if you so wish. Amazing!

Ruff and Tumble Dog Drying Coats (Dog Drying Coats, Dog Bed Covers Plus More By Ruff & Tumble)

Perfect for any wet dog – whether that’s after a walk, a bath, or a dip in the sea – these fabulous drying coats are great! They dry our dogs super-fast, have nice big collars to go over their ears and head, and have large Velcro tummy straps that keeps the coat in place.

The size range is fantastic, and Ruff & Tumble boast breed-specific robes so they are sure to fit perfectly!

I could go on and there are other coats I must tell you about but will save them for next month.

Til Next Time!

I really hope you will find the forthcoming monthly articles, advice, and information included in my blogs of some use to you and your pooches.

As we pass through the seasons, I will (attempt to) write one blog a month and will have lots to share, so I hope you’ll return for a browse – for now, let’s not be too hard on the rain. Our planet needs it and it’ll be spring before we know it!

Maria x

p.s.

At the end of each natter, I will be giving an interesting fact about dogs (of course):

Did you know that three dogs survived the sad sinking of the Titanic in 1912?

There were two Pomeranians and one Pekingese. One of them was wrapped in a blanket and was thought to be a baby… they all were travelling first class (as they should).