Welcome to NewsHound, the new weekly round up from Team PAAW and Friends. We will be showcasing our favourite brands and services, updating our members on animal welfare campaigns and parliamentary pets. Plus, we will have lots of gossip, fashion and fun tips from the wonderful world of animals.
Anna Webb – Dog Expert, Broadcaster & Author shares her experience of a visit to trendy, dog friendly Mama Shelter in London.
I couldn’t wait to check out Mama Shelter, Shoreditch. Combining edgy cool with classic chic it’s the newest dog friendly destination in Hackney. Welcoming both Prudence and Mr Binks, the dog friendly staff provided water bowls for them in the main dining area. We put our ‘doggy dining etiquette’ to the test while I got stuck into the simply delicious Bottomless Lunch. Being sure to save Prudence and Mr Binks a succulent slice of roast beef for being good. I toasted to a great afternoon out with a fabulous Expresso Martini!
PAAW Vinnie has been getting his relaxed groove on as we approach the dreaded fireworks season, with his new favourite gadget, RelaxoPet.
There are two things little Vinnie despises, other than not being the centre of attention! Thunder and fireworks, he is absolutely terrified of both. Every year when firework season starts, we build a camp with pillows, duvets and speakers in the bathroom, and we all spend our evenings there. When we recently heard about RelaxoPet we placed our order with a mixture of hope and scepticism. Verdict, IT WORKS. Vinnie seems to gravitate towards the soothing sounds, it really has chilled him out. One more gadget for our evenings in the bathroom, with a hopefully happier and calmer doggo this year.
October been an important month for animal welfare and pets in Parliament. It’s wonderful to see significant cross-party support and empathy for our voiceless companions.
On October 23rd the Bill to increase the maximum sentences for animal cruelty was backed by the House of Commons. Victoria Prentis MP summed up “This Bill has the full support of the Government and we will do all we can to support its swift passage without amendment through Commons and the Lords as soon as possible” We sure hope so! Thank you, Chris Loder MP, retired PD Finn, PC Dave Wardell and all who worked towards these long overdue changes. It would be good to see the theft of a beloved pet, ripped from its family also duly recognised as an act of cruelty to the animal.
On October 19th the evidence-based debate led by Tom Hunt MP for Pet Theft Reform was shockingly rejected. The campaign steered by the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance has massive public and cross parliamentary support. A number of MP’s including Sir David Amess called for the Theft Act 1968 to be amended in order to make pet theft a specific offence with a custodial sentence and for microchipping of pets to be compulsory. Victoria Prentis MP said “We do not currently think that the creation of a specific offence for pet theft with a two-year custodial penalty, would really help much” however she went on to say “We think the way to go is to continue the discussions on sentencing guidelines. To that end the Government are very willing to work with interested parties. We are keen to act in this area, and I look forward to taking that forward with Members from across the house” Not the desired outcome but some progress!
Petition to create a single database of microchipped cats and dogs and make scanning mandatory
On October 14th Andrew Rosindell MP successfully introduced a Private Members Bill to Parliament, introducing legislation that would place strict limits on the ability of landlords to include “no pets” policies in tenancy agreements. The legislation, backed by animal lovers and animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, will prevent landlords banning “responsible owners” from bringing pets into rented accommodation. A topic very close to our hearts, having experienced the heartache of pet discrimination first hand. PAAW house was founded on the basis that ‘Pets Are Always Welcome’, its core purpose has always been to end pet discrimination. We are so grateful that Andrew has elevated this important issue to parliament, we will continue to do everything we can to support #JasminesLaw #APetInEveryHome.
Petition to end pet discrimination
PAAWstival 2021 Awards, a Dog Show with a difference.
PAAWstival is back, and this time we are planning a live event in addition to our online shenanigans. One of the key events on the day will be the PAAWstival Dog Awards, with great prizes up for grabs. Online entries for the PAAWstival Dog Awards will be opening very soon, all proceeds will be split between our charities. We are thrilled to announce a fabulous judging panel including, Anna Webb, Awon Golding, James Greenwood, Jo Good, Joseph Sinclair, Ken O Rourke, Marcel Le Corgi, Nikki Tibbles and Russ Kane, with a few more surprises in the pipeline. The live event will be hosted by our very own Burly Bear Pom, think Oscars/Golden Globes for dogs. We can’t wait.
Dog Charity Volunteer wins publishing contract.
Author Richard Attree has been shortlisted for the Page Turner Awards, eBook Award and won a publishing contract and audiobook production for his cozy mystery novel Somebody’s Doodle. Somebody’s Doodle is about a couple of mismatched petty criminals who find they’ve bitten off more than they can chew, when they dognap the canine co-stars of a blockbuster movie, are tracked through cyberspace by a quirky, big-hearted female pet detective, and discover what we can all learn from Man’s Best Friend. Richard co-writes with his wife Nikki assisted by their rescue dog Gizmo. Since moving to Tenerife in 2007 they help local dog charities with their fundraising. Check out our book club on social media @paaw_house, for our favourite reads.
2020 has been a tough year, not least for animal charities. As the holiday season approaches, we will be bringing you some quirky gift ideas, including gifts that give back. Our stocking filler picks this week:
Haute Dogs calendar 2021, in aid of The Wild at Heart Foundation, created by award winning milliner Awon Golding. The calendar showcases 12 custom made hats designed by some of the world’s leading milliners, including Phillip Tracey and Stephen Jones. The hats are modelled by 12 Wild at Heart Foundation rescue dogs with all proceeds going directly to the charity. PAAW House are proud to sponsor this year’s calendar. Calendar photography by celebrated photographer Aurelie Four.
ByBenji x Woof and Brew, have teamed up to bring you the ultimate brew and chew. A limited-edition canine combo of the legendary ByBenji Biltong and canine favourite, Bottom Sniffer Beer. A fitting treat for your pooch to share with Santa Paws this year.
Gabby, Vinnie & The PAAW Crew
If you have something you would like to share with our members relating to pets, pet/animal welfare, pet friendly or your favourite pet brands get in touch at newshound@paaw.house
For updates and information on getting involved in PAAWstival you can contact paawstival@paaw.house. We welcome like-minded brands and businesses, who may like to feature on our online PAAWstival marketplace, take a stand at our live event or join our pack of sponsors.