November 2021

I haven’t seen the Coca-Cola lorry yet (in fact I remember it was banned from appearing in Guildford a couple of years ago because the council were worried that everyone’s teeth would drop out if they so much as looked at the lorry!) but I do like the Aldi advert with the lovely Kevin the Carrot back again. And it’s obvious now that we are on the big push towards Christmas.

As I type, I am looking out of the window of my new office (and dog boutique) at Smithbrook Kilns. After all this time, I am finally able to work in my own space and see clients plus get topped up with tea from the café next door! It’s long been a dream of mine to have a shop and I have been loving spending time decorating, buying stock and putting everything together. Most of October ended up being busy and the Howl-o-Ween social session went brilliantly with 14 dogs and owners turning up! We all had a walk round and everyone did “tricks for treats” as well as taking home some treats for the owners. My friend, Kathy, dressed up her two Bedlington Terriers - Tate and Poppy - and Rupert and Edie wore bandanas. It was such a lovely day and I was so happy to see everyone. But since the opening, I’ve found myself spending more and more time in the office with Rupert and Edie who have taken to the work space really well. They play with all the toys, sleep in their crate and generally relax despite other dogs coming in and the smell of other dogs when they aren’t here.

With Christmas looming, it’s been exciting to get the stock in and start to plan on the decorations for the windows. It’s not quite finished but we are having a Christmas Shopping event here at the Kilns on Saturday 4th December 2021 and I’ll be open all day. In fact, as some of you may remember, I used to hold a Christmas party so I’ve decided to do another social on the day at 11.30am plus give you the chance to buy your canine pals their Christmas presents from the vast selection I’m accumulating. Rupert and Edie have been very selective with the stock and have been trying everything out to make sure it is Christmassy, suitable for dogs and lovely and chewy!

And, after moving into the marketing department from sales (he sold loads at the car boot sales last year), Rupert thought I might like to make some personalised Canine Christmas Stockings! If you want to buy your dog a stocking for Christmas Day but don’t like the ones from the large stores (too many colourants and rawhide for my liking) you may like to consider a personalised one with your dog’s name on it! The stocking will include a large Sea Treats dog treat, a toy and something from the Dorwest range (toothpaste or paw balm). I’m offering to make this up for you for just £25 which includes a donation to Salt’s Helping Hounds Rescue who I’ve been working with recently. If you would like to order one for your pooch, please let me know as soon as possible.

Finally, thank you all for your kind messages about Edie. She had three teeth removed in the end and it turned out she had been suffering with an abscess under one of them for sometime. Bless her, she never even whimpered or showed any sign of pain. However, since the surgery she’s found a new lease of life and is very happy playing with Rupert and the toys and generally much more like herself. She’s due a haircut this weekend so will look gorgeous by Christmas.

Woofs from windy and dark Cranleigh.

Sara, Edie and Rupert

Coming up in 2022

BRONZE course - bookings for January being taken, limited places available.

PUPPY PLAY SESSION - Thursday evenings at the office places will be limited to allow for a relaxed and controlled environment. Dates to be confirmed.

SOCIAL SESSIONS - monthly sessions on Saturday mornings for Small Dogs, Teenagers and Reactive Rovers