Top Ten Tips for Keeping Fireworks Night Stress-Free...

1. Make sure your home is escape-proof. Many animals choose to flee when they are frightened. Make sure your pet is inside, secure windows, doors and cat flaps. Also ensure dogs and cats are wearing collars, and that all animals are microchipped so that if they were to go missing you can be reunited as soon as possible. Foal Farm can microchip your pets for a small fee.
2. In the run up to Fireworks Night, give your animals opportunities to go to the toilet before the bangs start. Walk your dog in the morning or early evening, and make sure your cat has a litter tray if used to toileting outdoors.
3. If your pet has a bolthole where they choose to hide when frightened, give them a den in that place. Put a bed in there, and something impregnated with your sent. Leave them in there and do not attempt to coax them out, as this may cause them to behave defensively. Pad and cover their den to reduce sounds. Draw the curtains, play music or put the television on to mask the lights and noises of the fireworks.
4. Try not to leave your pet alone during Fireworks season. Your pet may harm themselves in attempts to escape or cause damage at home. They may develop separation-related problems or compound existing problems.
5. Check your own behaviour - do not respond to fireworks yourself, and avoid reassuring your pet if they are fearful, as this can reward the behaviour and increase it.
6. Do not punish your pet! This will increase their anxiety and make them more distressed. Reward relaxed behaviour.
7. Play with your pet, or have a few fun training sessions whilst the fireworks are going off to occupy them and give them something else to think about. But do not expect miracles!
8. Speak to your vet about dietary supplementation that may reduce anxiety. For example dogs can be given wholemeal pasta 2 hours after each main meal to reduce anxiety.
9. If your pet shows extreme distress, speak to your vet about drug support to help through the Fireworks season. There are both conventional and homeopathic remedies available.
10. Do not leave the problem! It will only get worse, and can generalise to other noises and other experiences they associate with the bangs. Ask your vet about referral to a Pet Behaviour Counsellor.

Yummy New Menu

Have you tried the food in our re-vamped Tea Room yet?
Last week I tried the mozzarella, sun dried tomato and basil panini and it was absolutely scrummy. All paninis are served with salad and a few crisps.
Just to be really naughty I followed it with a big slice of coffee cake. The cakes are home made by a local supplier and are absoutely delicious.
I hope to see you in there soon.
Lisa
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Country Festival Day 2010

What a fantastic day we had this year at the Country Festival. The weather was perfect and our supporters turned up in droves. Over £13,000 was raised for the animals, so a big thank you to all who came along and supported us. Thanks also to the many volunteers and the Foal Farm staff for all their hard work in putting the day together.

A extra special thanks to Robert Alleyne from TV's Dog Borstal for giving up his valuable time to be our dog show judge again this year.

If you missed out, why not visit Foal Farm for lunch in our newly refurbished Tea Room. We are open from 12 noon over the summer holidays (closed Tuesdays).

Country Festival 2010

A big "Thank You" to all you lovely customers who supported our Pet Shop on Country Festival day.
We were busy serving all day and hopefully many of you managed to get a bargain particularly with our donated items.
Another big "Thank You" to Chriss, Sylvia, Pat and Anne who all worked so hard. Without them I would not have been able to open the shop all day.
Country Festival is always a lot of work for lots of people but always worth it.
Hope to see some of you in the Pet Shop soon.
Liz

Country Festival Day 2010

Hi All
This year's Country Festival Day is going to be great fun, with plenty of animal related events for you to enjoy and to join in.
There will be plenty to eat and drink and lots of craft and second hand stalls for you to browse and buy.
See you on Sunday 11th July at 11am.
Lisa
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Sponsored Dog Walk 2010

What a wet and cold day it was! Despite that, we had a great turn-out at the dog walk this year. The countryside is so prettyin May, with bluebells everywhere.

Many thanks to all who turned up and for the money that you raised.

Lisa

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Bunny Sunday

Well done to all the staff and volunteers who helped to make Bunny Day at Foal Farm so successful. It was a lovely afternoon with lots of families enjoying themselves. We were lucky with the weather and fun was had by all.

Liz