A Calmer Canine

13/01/2026

Fantastic news...NELLY has been found alive.

NELLY HAS BEEN FOUND!
Fantastic news. Discovered by beaters having buried herself deep in some brambles near a wood, not too far from where she went missing. She's been reunited with her owners. She survived 12 days and nights out in sub zero temperatures and snow on the Cotswold hills. Quite amazing. So pleased. 🥰🐾🐾🎉❤️

Nelly is still missing - have you seen her?

This tri-colour Cavalier, described as 'quite elderly' disappeared after a walk at the back of Cleeve Hill on New Years Eve morning, nearly a week ago. Despite extensive searches there have been no sightings. Have you see her anywhere? Her owners are desperate.
If you've any information please contact Matt Grimshaw on 07792 088822.

06/01/2026

NELLY HAS BEEN FOUND!
Fantastic news. Discovered by beaters having buried herself deep in some brambles near a wood, not too far from where she went missing. She's been reunited with her owners. She survived 12 days and nights out in sub zero temperatures and snow on the Cotswold hills. Quite amazing. So pleased. 🥰🐾🐾🎉❤️

Nelly is still missing - have you seen her?

This tri-colour Cavalier, described as 'quite elderly' disappeared after a walk at the back of Cleeve Hill on New Years Eve morning, nearly a week ago. Despite extensive searches there have been no sightings. Have you see her anywhere? Her owners are desperate.
If you've any information please contact Matt Grimshaw on 07792 088822.

31/12/2025

New Year's Eve help for frightened hounds and cats.

31/12/2025

A reminder that you can help your dog or cat tonight, New Year's Eve, if they're scared of fireworks.
And if your dog isn't happy or healthy in 2026 (and has been vet checked) do get in touch. I specialise in fascia release massage for elderly, anxious and reactive dogs.

24/12/2025

Have a Happy houndy Christmas. ###

Wishing all my A Calmer Canine doggy friends and their humans a loving, peaceful, healthy Christmas.
I look forward to seeing you again in 2026.
Love
Gem and me. ### 🥰🧑‍🎄❤️🐾🐾🎉❄️✨

24/12/2025

Wishing all my A Calmer Canine doggy friends and their humans a loving, peaceful, healthy Christmas.
I look forward to seeing you again in 2026.
Love
Gem and me. ### 🥰🧑‍🎄❤️🐾🐾🎉❄️✨

23/12/2025

Peace and quiet - a great gift for your dog this Christmas!

One of the best gifts you can give your dog this Christmas is some peace and quiet.
Dogs are very sensitive to us humans and to our environments. So if your home is full of noise, shouting, laughter and excitement this Christmas or maybe there's sadness, grief, stress and tears, it's highly likely your dog will feel it too.
Take some time out to sit with your dog in a quiet and calm space away from all the hustle and bustle and slowly stroke him/her without speaking for at least 15 minutes.
This will help bring their energy and/or stress levels down and avoid them being over-stimulated or stressed and anxious which can lead to snapping, nipping or even biting.
Like us, each dog is unique and reacts to situations differently depending on their upbringing, breed, background etc
Your dog has no choice but to share your home and your Christmas, so please stop to consider how it might be affecting him/her. Ensure they've a quiet space to retreat to if it all becomes too much. And never leave an anxious or over-excited dog alone with young children - however 'good' you think they are.

And always remember - Tedgonefishing rules ok!

Wishing you and your furry friends a very Happy Christmas and healthy 2026.

23/12/2025

One of the best gifts you can give your dog this Christmas is some peace and quiet.
Dogs are very sensitive to us humans and to our environments. So if your home is full of noise, shouting, laughter and excitement this Christmas or maybe there's sadness, grief, stress and tears, it's highly likely your dog will feel it too.
Take some time out to sit with your dog in a quiet and calm space away from all the hustle and bustle and slowly stroke him/her without speaking for at least 15 minutes.
This will help bring their energy and/or stress levels down and avoid them being over-stimulated or stressed and anxious which can lead to snapping, nipping or even biting.
Like us, each dog is unique and reacts to situations differently depending on their upbringing, breed, background etc
Your dog has no choice but to share your home and your Christmas, so please stop to consider how it might be affecting him/her. Ensure they've a quiet space to retreat to if it all becomes too much. And never leave an anxious or over-excited dog alone with young children - however 'good' you think they are.

And always remember - Tedgonefishing rules ok!

Wishing you and your furry friends a very Happy Christmas and healthy 2026.

14/12/2025

Book signing next Saturday (Dec 20th) in Winchcombe, Glos by Ruth McDonagh as featured with Ted the Dog and Paul Whitehouse from BBC 2's Gone Fishing.

Get your paws on an eye-opening Christmas gift for the dog-lover in your life!
Next Saturday, December 20th I'll be signing copies of my book 'They're All Barking, A Dog's Guide to Human Behaviour' in Undercroft at Winchcombe Museum from 10.30 am til 12 noon.

Written from a dog's perspective 'They're All Barking' highlights how dogs are affected by our behaviour, our emotions, our lifestyles and what we can do to avoid upsetting our beloved pets.
Nominated as a non-fiction finalist in three national book wards this year, 'They're All Barking' has been described as 'heart-warming, heart-wrenching' 'entertaining and informative' and 'a must-read' for anyone with a dog or thinking of getting one.'
Paperback and hardbacks available from £12.99.
Come and say hello!

Photo by Jo Ward.

12/12/2025

Pawfect present-wrapping radio!

That's wrapping, not rapping!

Ruth talks to Gail Voyle

12/12/2025

Pawfect present-wrapping radio

Learn about the benefits of scent and trail work for your four-legged friend while you're wrapping those Christmas gifts this weekend.
Just click on the link below to listen to The Dog Show featuring Gail Voyle from Worcester Search & Scent Dogs Ltd as broadcast on Radio Winchcombe recently.
Wrap and learn, wrap and learn!

Ruth talks to Gail Voyle