Tag: dog blog


Jan
2020

From The Barkery Product Review

categories: Product Reviews

When From The Barkery asked if they could send us a few goodies to make Zara feel better, I had no idea what we were about to receive! From The Barkery did not disappoint and made Zara forget that she was ever sick… 

Zara had been feeling a little under the weather when From The Barkery contacted us. We seem to think she has a little bit too much fun in the pool and as a result she feels quite sick the following days. 

the barkery dog treats

Fast forward a few weeks and let’s just say all those yummy treats have worked their magic!

We have never received such a big box filled with goodies before. Zara was in her element, and since unboxing is a family affair, of course baby Gia was there to help too. My mind was blown at the sheer generosity and thoughtfulness that went into this gift for Zara! 

the barkery blanket

In our box we received a beautiful blanket, which was an instant favourite for Zara! She couldn’t stop nuzzling it. Despite Zara having her own dedicated bed fit for a queen, she insists on sleeping on our bed so I decided to put her new From Barkery Blanket over our duvet and she absolutely loves it. At least I get to sleep with some of my own duvet now- haha! 

Zara also received a super sweet personalised collar! We all know Zara is a sassy diva so now she has the collar to prove it! 

personalised dog collar

The best part of our gift box was of course the unlimited supply of treats we received!! Zara was sent ten packets of beautifully handmade treats. Each packet is a different flavour, some of which I would like to try-haha!! 

From The Bakery has a very natural and holistic approach to their treats, each one is handmade using only the best ingredients sourced! There are zero artificial sweeteners, flavourings or preservatives in their treats and they only use unbleached flour. The other ingredients added are what you should find in every household fridge… Healthy fruit and veggies! 

the barkery

I would say Zara’s favourite are the blueberry and kale treats and I quite like the smell of the chamomile and honey treats. Zara has enjoyed tasting all the different flavours of the treats she received. Included in our treat stash were two packets of CBD/Hemp treats which Zara LOVES too. I’m all for treats that will help ease anxiety and in the long run help her hips, joints and legs. 

the barkery dog treats

All in all we would highly recommend From The Barkery and all their treats!! You can shop via their website or visit one of the many stockists listed on their website. Your pups will thank you and you won’t regret your purchase, only the fact that you didn’t buy enough 🙂 They also make cat and horse teats so there is something for everyone…

the barkery dog treats

THANK YOU to From The Barkery team for such a gorgeous and generous gift for Zara! 

the brakery

Be sure to follow From The Barkery on social media | Facebook | Instagram and visit their website.

There is a full video of us unboxing Zara’s beautiful gift on Instagram so be sure to watch!

Thank you for reading


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Dec
2019

Product review: Eau De Pooch

categories: Product Reviews

As the name suggests, Eau De Pooch is a posh range of grooming products for your pooch. Everything about Eau De Pooch is posh, from the name to the packaging to the actual products. Eau De Pooch is simply fabulous darling…

When Eau De Pooch wanted our opinion in their products, of course we were super excited and couldn’t wait for them to arrive! I was extremely impressed and nicely surprised with their products. I love the black and gold look of the entire range. The smell of each product is strong yet subtle. 

We received one of each in the entire range – Zara sure is a lucky pooch! 

The moisturising nose and paw butter, The feminine perfume, The masculine perfume and The natural room and linen atomizer. 

I wish I could crack the secret to applying nose and paw butter and keeping Zara calm for long enough for it to soak in and work its magic. She allows me to apply it and is rather intrigued by it but that lasts all of three seconds then she’s up, slipping around the house looking for a surface to scrape it off. But I have been applying this one to her elbow callus’ and it’s working wonders.

The feminine perfume has a lovely scent. It’s perfect for in between bath days or when your pooch just needs a fresh scent sprayed on them. Made with coconut and avocado extracts which nourish and moisturise the skin and fur. I quite enjoy this scent on Zara.

I wish my boy Oscar was here to enjoy the masculine perfume because he would totally rock it! It’s strong and manly but not OTT! It’s perfect for a stud muffin like Oscar 😉 

The room and linen atomizer is my absolute fave! We can try as hard as we like, Zara simply will not sleep on her own bed for the entire night. She sleeps for a short while then sneakily jumps up and steals our bed and duvet… So I love the linen spray because I can spray it on our bed to keep it smelling beautiful and fresh! I know it’s meant for Zara’s bed, but hey our bed is Zara’s bed-haha!! 

All Eau De Pooch products are natural and made from plant based ingredients. They have been created out of love and pure passion for all things fabulous for our darling furry loves. To make you love Eau De Pooch even more, a percentage from each sale goes to two special animal charities close to the brands heart. HONEY’S GARDEN – MEDICAL ALERT DOGS SA: whose mission is to place quality service dogs with people within South Africa who are under privileged, fighting with disabilities or diseases, and veterans who have lost use of limbs or hearing.  They also help with animal rescue and educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places. The other charity they love is TEARS Animal Rescue and their mission; to help animals in distress with medical assistance, humane education, rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming.

All in all we love Eau De Pooch products! They smell fabulous, they look fabulous and the are fabulous. 

You can follow Eau De Pooch on Facebook | Instagram as well as browse their website

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Aug
2019

Petqwerks FLiPST!CK

categories: Product Reviews, Zara

Petqwerks is without a doubt our most favourite international doggy toy company around! Not only do they constantly spoil Zara with the most amazing surprises but their toys are always interactive and extremely innovative! 

Petqwerks

I am always excited to test out their latest and greatest inventions. This time Zara and I were asked to review their latest interactive toy… The FLiPST!CK. Let’s just say I don’t know who has more fun with this toy, Zara or myself-haha! It is hugely entertaining for both of us and a serious workout for Zara. 

I particularly love the fact that the FLiPST!CK interactive toy is so different compared to any other toy Zara has. I also love the fact that it is slightly easier on her body compared to playing ball which can get quite rough. Because of her two TPLO surgeries I am always mindful when we play and never allow her to push herself too much. I rather pack the toy away and let her rest then bring it out later again for another play session. 

Petqwerks flipstick
Petqwerks FLiPST!CK

The FLiPST!CK allows Zara to literally go wild, but in a good, safe way! I love the fact that I have a lot of control over it and can bob it as hard or as soft as I like. I can keep it low to the ground so Zara doesn’t have to jump up all the time but I can throw a jump in here and there. I also cannot believe how strong the FLiPST!CK is. Zara weighs 53kg, and the FLiPST!CK sure measures up to her rottie strength. Any toy that can withstand Zara and her strength gets an extra bonus point in our ours eyes! She doesn’t quite understand why she can’t take the FLiPST!CK from me which makes playing with it more fun. 

Petqwerks FLiPST!CK
Petqwerks flipstick

We received our FLiPST!CK during our winter months so I cannot wait for the weather to warm up so we can play with the FLiPST!CK in the pool. The water is easier on Zara’s joints and will allow us to have a different kind of fun- I’ll keep you posted! 

Of course Petqwerks loves to spoil Zara A LOT so we also received TWO new chew bones! The Boar BarkBone in pork chop flavour plus the BarkBone STICK in peanut butter flavour. We’ve had a few BarkBones in the last couple of years and I will be completely honest in saying they are the best nylon chew toys around! Again they can withstand Zara’s intense chewing for hours on end. She loves nothing more than getting herself comfy and chewing. 

Petqwerks
Petqwerks

Since having baby Gia, I cannot always be there to entertain Zara. Gia is far too small right now for us to all play together so it is amazing for me to know Zara is relaxed, happy and entertained while gnawing on her favourite chews! 

Thank you Petqwerks for always making us feel so special and part of the Petqwerks family! We absolutely love testing out your new products and giving you our honest opinions. We look forward to some more fun and interesting toys… 

Petqwerks

If you would like to spoil your pooch with fun and unique toys then Petqwerks is your place to shop! Visit their website and social media pages NOW! Don’t forget to use our DISCOUNT code “ILOVESTYLISHPAWS30” to get 30% off your order….

www.petqwerks.com

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And don’t forget to tag them in your social media posts for a chance to be featured. 

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Jun
2019

Acana Dog Food: Zara’s Flavour of the Month

categories: Product Reviews, Zara

Zara’s flavour of the month this month is Acana Yorkshire Pork which is another flavour within the Singles range. Acana Yorkshire pork is suitable for all life stages of your pooch and is loaded with fifty percent pure pork! What’s not to love…

Acana dog food

It’s no secret that Zara absolutely LOVES her food! In fact Zara lives for food. Most times I watch her eat and think to myself, did you actually taste that? I love how much Zara enjoys her food because it means I can use her food as a means of rewards for training and good behaviour. 

Zara gets fed twice a day, morning and night. When it comes to meal times she will do a back flip if you ask her to. Her excitement level goes through the roof when she sees me start preparing her meal each time. It was through this excitement that enabled me to teach her how to eat appropriately because for a good few months with us Zara guzzled her food in less than 30 seconds-yes we timed her! 

Acana dog food

To start off, I placed a big clean blanket on the floor and I would scatter her food all over the blanket. At first she panicked and vacuumed her pellets at the speed of light, but slowly she learnt that actually her pellets don’t have legs and will not go anywhere. Then I introduced an interactive food dispenser ball which meant she would have to work to get to her kibble. At first she got immensely frustrated and she would throw it all over the place, but she slowly learnt that by being gentle and slow she gets more kibble out. And finally I introduced her to a slow feeder bowl. Again she was seriously frustrated by the obstacles in the way of her gobbling her food, and slowly she learnt the technique. 

Fast forward almost three years and she eats like a true lady! She even pauses during bites and if I call her she happily stops to look at what I want or what I am asking her to do, this of course gets her extra treats! I am so proud of how far she has come with her eating habits. 

Acana dog food

Acana Singles range means each flavour is a single protein based food. Acana Yorkshire Pork forms the main base of this food along with other hugely nutritious ingredients such as garbanzo beans, whole green and yellow peas, red lentils, fresh pumpkin, dried brown kelp, whole blueberries, turmeric root, burdock root and milk thistle just to name a few. 

yorkshire pork
yorkshire pork

I love being able to change up Zara’s food and give her different flavours. Acana sure does have a variety to choose from so stay tuned for next months flavour!

If you would like to find out more information on the entire Acana range, you can contact PackLeader South Africa on Facebook or Instagram or simply visit a reputable outlet. 

Thank you for reading 


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Jun
2019

Dogs and Babies

categories: Zara

On 30 September last year, we found out that we were going to be parents to a tiny human! Nothing can describe that feeling of utter happiness and excitement. That day will always be extra special to myself and my husband because that same day is Oscar’s birthday, and it will always be Oscar’s birthday! 

dogs and babies

Our biggest wish was to make Oscar a big brother, unfortunately the universe had other plans but I now understand why. In Oscar’s eyes I belonged to him and only him. My husband will even admit to that-haha. I am not entirely sure Oscar would have been able to share me, let alone get through the eleven weeks of separation. 

dogs and babies

Most of you know that we live in Zambia, but I travel to South Africa fairly regularly for various business and personal engagements. Because the medical facilities are not up to scratch in Zambia, we decided as a family that I would give birth to our nugget in South Africa. This also meant that we would all have to endure eleven weeks of separation… 

On 17 May, our beautiful daughter Gia came into this big bright world! We could not be happier and more proud of our little angel. Gia means “A gift from God” and I do believe she is our gift from God and Oscar, who is by my side making sure I look after our tiny human in the best way possible. 

dogs and babies

Zara on the other hand is going to be the best big sister we could ever have asked for. Zara is extremely intelligent, loyal and a little OTT on the affectionate side, but we love that about her. From the moment we found out about our little Nugget, we spoke to Zara and explained what was happening inside my tummy. Believe it or not Zara would just sit and listen to every word. She stopped body slamming me in the middle of the night when she jumps on the bed for a cuddle. She became mindful of my growing tummy and was careful not to bump me or push me. That’s how clever she is. 

We wanted to prep Zara for what was about to happen, because ultimately her life is about to change forever too! So here are the things we did to help ease Zara into the role of becoming a big sister… 

Baby Room Prep

We had to shuffle things around and swap the spare rooms to make Gia’s room closer to ours. While sorting through a pile of things we didn’t need anymore, Zara was right beside us! We never once chased her out or got mad because she dug through a pile of rubbish we just sorted through. After all this is a readjustment for her too. Once the nursery room was cleared out we painted and began furnishing it-the fun part! 

dogs and babies
Doll Practice

We decided to buy a doll and introduce it to Zara. We wanted Zara to get used to us holding something in our arms quite a lot. She needed to learn that sometimes there will be an extra person in the bed in the form of her baby sister, and she needed to be a little careful. At first Zara was unsure especially when the doll made a noise. But with patience and time Zara began to recognise that this little thing is quite special and lives in the newly decorated room. 

dogs and babies
Our Scent 

When I left Zambia in April, I left behind a shirt that I had worn to remind Zara of my scent. My husband says she loves sniffing that shirt! After Gia was born I sent my hubby home with another shirt that smelt like me and baby Gia. We decided to do this so Zara can get used to the scent of me with someone else. Zara is so intelligent she knows exactly what we are trying to do, I just know it! 

Zara’s Gifts

Often articles will tell you to separate your pets from your baby and to never allow pets into the nursery. We have been the total opposite with Zara and have allowed her to walk in and out of Gia’s room as she pleases. As a result, Zara now delivers one of her toys (her most prized possessions) and leaves it either on the rug, the chair or in a corner for her baby sister. When Zara gifts you with one of her toys, you know she loves you! It is something she started doing all by herself, we did not teach her to do it. So by Zara leaving presents for Gia I know that they are going to be the best of friends! 

dogs and babies

Of course this chapter is not complete yet because Zara still has to meet her tiny human. I am in South Africa until the end of June so I will be sure to post an update when Gia and I have settled back home…. But for now we continue to video chat, where Zara is most intrigued by her baby sister especially when she moves or makes a sound. 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the goings on.

Thank you for reading.

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Apr
2019

Oneplan Pet Insurance

categories: Product Reviews

For most of us our pets are our family. We celebrate their birthdays, we take them on holidays and we include them in every aspect of our daily lives. 

But when it comes to them getting sick and needing treatment, are you covered so you can offer them the very best care that is available? 

one plan pet insurance

Pet Insurance is a pretty new thing in South Africa. Back in 2003 when I got Oscar he was terribly ill and nearly died. For the first year of his life we were back and forth to the vet more times than I could count! Vet bills as you all know can quickly add up, and this is where pet insurance steps up to the plate. 

one plan pet insurance

At Oneplan Pet Insurance you can insure your household goods, your car, have your own medical scheme through them and include your pets insurance too! Oneplan Pet Insurance truly cares about the safety and wellbeing of your beloved pets. They understand just how much our pets mean to us, be it a dog, a cat or a bunny. They’re more than just an animal. The love is the same and the care they receive should be the same too. 

What exactly is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is like human medical insurance. It covers your pets for various accidents and illnesses that may need treatment, both in hospital or out of hospital. The reality of life is that accidents do happen. Hundreds of pets are run over by their pawrents accidentally and the vet bills involved in an accident like that can be tremendous. At Oneplan Pet Insurance they cover accidents like these for up to R50 000 depending on your chosen plan.

Why Is Pet Insurance Important?

Some of you may feel that pet insurance is a waste because your pet is fit and healthy. I am pretty sure you have medical insurance even though you are fit and healthy too? We all need to visit various doctors at some points in our lives, and our pets need the same. It is no secret that a simple vet consultation costs more than your standard human GP visit. At Oneplan Pet Insurance they cover four of these visits per year to the value of R1400 depending on your chosen plan. 

How Pet Insurance can save the day…

When we got Zara we never in our wildest dreams imagined she would have to have two major surgeries before the age of three! Everyone assumes Rottweilers are strong, fit and healthy dogs. Lets just say Zara should have been wrapped up in a cottonwool ball. There is nothing you can do to stop a cruciate ligament from tearing. Unfortunately it goes back to breeding and the bloodline of your pup. Another thing we learnt is when one goes there is an 80% chance the other one will too. Zara has had two TPLO knee surgeries in the span of twelve months, would pet insurance have helped, oh absolutely! 

one plan pet insurance

Don’t make the same mistake we did, get your pets covered today from as little as R142 per month and sleep easy knowing Oneplan Pet Insurance has you covered should your pets fall ill, injure themselves or be involved in an accident of some sort. 

Sign up online for One Plan’s Smart pet Insurance here | Oneplan Pet Insurance

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Mar
2019

My Dog Toy: Product Review

categories: Product Reviews

Zara is a Rottweiler, and it’s no secret that rotties have powerful jaws! We have had to teach Zara not to use her full force when playing with certain toys or us for that matter. She has most certainly understood the concept of gentle play when she plays with us, however she still loves to go full hooligan mode with some of her toys. 

tuffy mega dog toy

Enter three of the toughest toys I have ever seen, felt and played with… 

The first one is the super cute MIGHTY micro-fibre pig. This pig may be pink and pretty cute to look at but it is also strong and durable. There are no seam lines which makes this toy unique. It is often the seam lines that are the weak spots in plush toys for your pooch. Another great thing about the MIGHTY pig is that it is stuffing free. Zara loves to rip out the stuffing in her toys and even eats it which can cause some kind of chaos later on, as you can imagine… So I tend to shy away from toys with stuffing inside. The MIGHTY pig has four super loud squeakers throughout its body which have provided Zara with hours of entertainment, the louder she can squeak it, the crazier she goes! 

mighty pig dog toy
mighty pig dog toy

The next toy in our tough and durable toy package is the Dura Force boomerang. The best thing about this tough toy is that it can be used as a pool toy, and you all know just how much Zara LOVES swimming! The Dura Force boomerang floats which makes it easy for Zara to play with. It also doesn’t soak up too much water which keeps it light and easy to throw for her. The durable webbing around the edge of the boomerang is extremely tough, Zara has not yet managed to gnaw her way through it. 

dura force dog toy
dura force dog toy
dura force dog toy

The next tough toy Zara got to investigate is the toughest of them all… the TUFFY MEGA tug-o-war toy. Zara absolutely loves playing tug-o-war with us! This is a game where she can use her full rottweiler force and show us what she’s made of. Usually we play with flimsy little toys resulting in her winning… But the TUFFY MEGA tug-o-war toy is so much fun to play with, even if I say so myself. I can get a nice grip on it and so can Zara and we can both use our strength against each other. This toy is made with seven layers of material, additional webbing along the edges of the toy and finished off with seven layers of stitching! There is no ways Zara will puncture this TUFFY MEGA toy any time soon. 

tuffy mega dog toy
tuffy mega dog toy
tuffy mega dog toy

Each toy has a rating on the tough and durable scale. One- being your cheap plush toy and ten-  being mega strong and the most durable. My Dog Toy company only manufactures toys starting from 5 on their ranking. 

The MIGHTY pig is ranked nine- extremely strong and extremely durable. This is no lie! 

The Dura Force boomerang is ranked at nine too. It’s a toy that’s made to last. 

The TUFFY MEGA tug-o-war toy is ranked at a whopping ten! Making this the toughest and strongest toy of them all and believe me it is. 

My favourite toy of the bunch is probably the MIGHTY pig, simply because it looks cute but it is still up there on the tough-o-meter. This toy proves that dynamite does come in small packages. 

Zara of course loves them all for different reasons, the MIGHTY pig is loud and noisy which she goes crazy for. The Dura Force boomerang is her new favourite toy to swim and play water games with. And the TUFFY MEGA tug-o-war toy allows her to challenge us in a safe and controlled way, showing us just how strong she is. 

dura force dog toy

If your pooch is a heavy chewer with strong jaws we highly recommend these tough toys! Not only does playing with your pooch enhance the bond between the two of you, it also keeps them out of mischief where using their jaws is not appropriate. Providing your pooch with interesting and entertaining toys is a key part to keeping them mentally stimulated. I honestly cannot remember the last time Zara decided to chew something she shouldn’t have, and I believe it’s because she has always had a wide variety of toys to keep her entertained. 

These tough toys can be purchased at selected pet shops or from Canine & Co in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. 

To stay up to date and in the loop with new product launches be sure to follow everyone on social media

Packleader | Facebook | Instagram

Canine & Co | Facebook

Thank you for reading

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