Diary of a

Dog Mum

National Pet Month: The Five Fundamentals of Responsible Dog Parenting

Join me as I explore the five key pillars of responsible dog parenting outlined in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Jennifer Somers

Apr 95 min read

Celebrating the Highs & Lows of Dog Motherhood

National Pet Month: Celebrating the Highs and Lows of Dog Motherhood

To celebrate National Pet Month, join me as I reflect on the highs and lows of my life as a dog mum of two.

Jennifer Somers

Apr 24 min read

The Human-Canine Bond: How Dogs Detect Our Emotions

Can dogs truly sense and understand human emotions? Join me as I explore the fascinating science behind the human-canine bond.

Jennifer Somers

Mar 264 min read

More Secrets of Sleep: An Owner’s Guide to Doggy Dreams

Do dogs dream? If so, what do they dream about? Join me as I decode doggy dreams and the signs your fur baby is dreaming.

Jennifer Somers

Mar 193 min read

✨️💇‍♀️ Cool Auntie Alert 💇‍♀️✨️
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When I'm not busy being a dog mum, I'm the proudest auntie you'll ever meet! 😍
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Yesterday, my three not-so-little amigos (and their older cousin who went away before the photo was taken 🤣) surprised me with my very own Easter trail and a bunch of flowers at the end. 🥹
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Okay... It might have been a bunch of weeds they'd picked from my mum's garden, but it was the cutest gift nevertheless!
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In all honesty, this is the only picture I posed for yesterday as Vivienne and Trixie had a tough time with so many people in one place. Vivienne ended up having to go home, and as much as I hate not having her join in the fun, I'm slowly coming to realise that that's the best thing for her - she's not a social butterfly like her little sister! 🦋
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Dog parenting is hard - even on special occasions - and it's a great reminder that, even though we think of them as our babies, they have very specific, individual needs that we need to tailor their care to. 💖

✨📋 Keep Your Pup Safe This Weekend With My Easter Safety Checklist 📋✨
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❌ No chocolate - even small amounts can be harmful! Opt for carob-based doggy chocolate instead.
❌ No raisins, currants, or sultanas - commonly found in hot cross buns and Simnel cake, and extremely toxic to dogs.
⚠️ Watch out for toxic spring bulbs and flowers - daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths all pose a risk. Check my Seasonal highlight for the full list.
❌ Skip the roast dinner table scraps - fatty foods can cause tummy upsets. Instead, treat your fur baby to their own dog-safe alternative.
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And remember, if you think your dog has ingested something dangerous or toxic, contact your vet immediately for advice.
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Have a safe and happy Easter everyone! 🐰💖

✨️🔙 Throwback Thursday 🔙✨️
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With the Easter weekend finally in touching distance, I couldn't resist sharing these gorgeous pictures of Vivienne and Trixie in their matching bandanas from last Easter. 😍
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After an incredibly busy few weeks, I'm really looking forward to switching off and spending some quality time with my girls this weekend.
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I've been working really hard behind the scenes on an exciting new project, and I can't wait to share it with you all!
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Keep these > 👀 < peeled!

✨ Introducing Diary of a Dog Mum: The OFFICIAL Action Figure ✨
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I’ve absolutely LOVED seeing everyone’s ChatGPT dolls on Instagram this week, so I just had to join in the fun with my very own!
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Featuring all the essentials: one border collie, one west highland white terrier, a pink laptop, and a “dog mum” mug (filled with coffee, of course ☕️)!
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I had SO much fun creating this - even if I did blow ChatGPT’s mind with a few of my very specific requests (she has red lipstick and a beauty spot 🤯).
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But on a *truly* important note... What accessories would your doll come with? 👀

✨️💘 Happy National Pet Day 💘✨️
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Without Vivienne and Trixie, my home would be cleaner, and my bank account would be healthier, but my heart would be a whole lot emptier.
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I'm so thankful for the love, laughter, and chaos my girls bring into my life - today and every day. 💖
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P.S. How cute are these throwback pictures? 🥹 Vivienne looks like a little teddy bear. 😍

✨🐾 The 5 Fundamentals of Responsible Dog Parenting 🐾✨
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With National Pet Month in full swing, this week’s blog is going back to basics and exploring the five key fundamentals of responsible dog parenting, as per the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
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1️⃣ The Needs for a Suitable Environment
2️⃣ The Need for a Suitable Diet
3️⃣ The Need to be Housed With, or Apart From, Other Animals
4️⃣ The Need to be Able to Exhibit Normal Behaviour Patterns
5️⃣ The Need to Be Protected From Pain, Suffering, Injury, and Disease
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Swipe through these slides 👉 for a quick rundown, and head to the link in my story to read the full post. 💻✨

✨️🐾 Happy National Pet Month 🐾✨️
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As it's National Pet Month, I wanted to tailor this month's content towards responsible pet ownership and, more specifically, what that means to me.
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So, for my first blog of the month, I'm sharing some of the highs and lows of my life as a dog mum of two - including insights into some of the lesser-discussed struggles of dog parenthood.
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As always, my aim is to create a safe space where fellow parents can share their stories and receive advice from others. We may not be experts in any professional sense, but our love and dedication speak volumes!
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Head to the link in my bio to read this week's blog. 💻✨️ And let me know in the comments which highs and lows you would have included.

✨️🐾 April is National Pet Month 🐾✨️
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If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know I'm reluctant to use the word "pet" when referring to Vivienne and Trixie.
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To me, they are so much more than that - they are my companions, my best friends, and my reason for being. 💖
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Having Vivienne and Trixie in my life has given me the confidence to pursue my writing endeavours and introduced me to so many incredible businesses and individuals.
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So, as it's National Pet Month, I want to hear from YOU - my fellow pet parents!
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What topics would you like to see on the blog this month? Drop your suggestions in the comments. 💬

🌸 A Different Kind of Mother’s Day 🌸
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I’m beyond excited to share my latest guest article for @pets_mag: ✨ A Different Kind of Mother’s Day: Why I’m Proud To Be A Dog Mum! ✨
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The term “dog mum” isn’t always taken seriously, but to me, it’s the greatest testament to the bond we share with our dogs. Vivienne and Trixie have taught me so much about responsibility, companionship, and unconditional love - they may not be human, but they are my family, and I wouldn't have it any other way! 💖
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A huge thank you to Marie Carter-Robb for trusting me with this piece (and making it this weekend's featured story 🥹)! I’m endlessly grateful for your ongoing support and loved every moment of reflecting on the incredible bond I share with my girls.
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Head to the link in my story to read the full article. 💻✨ And let me know in the comments - what does being a dog mum mean to you? 🐾
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*example cover created by me*

✨️🐾 Exploring the Human-Canine Bond 🐾✨️
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Research suggests that dogs are incredibly in tune with human emotioms, using a combination of sight, sound, and even smell to detect our moods.
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In fact, studies show that they can actually recognise six basic human emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust.
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And, thanks to thousands of years of domestication, they’ve even learned to respond in ways that offer comfort, support, and even joy. 🥰
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Swipe through these slides 👉 to learn more about the incredible ways dogs detect human emotions, and head to the link in my story to catch up on this week's blog. 💻✨

Nobody:
Vivienne whenever I'm feeling sad: 👆
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Have you ever had a tough day, only to find your dog staying a little closer than usual?
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It's something I've experienced countless times with Vivienne. And after a particular hard day at work recently, it got me thinking: am I imagining it, or is she really in tune with my emotions?
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In this week's blog, I'm diving into the fascinating science behind the human-canine bond and exploring whether our dogs can actually recognise and respond to our emotions. (Spoiler alert: they’re even more intuitive than we think! 😉)
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Tap the link in my story to read the full post. 💻✨️ And let me know in the comments - does your dog respond to your emotions?

✨️ Together Is My Favourite Place To Be ✨️
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I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little bit emotional making this Reel. 🥹
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After a tough week, I’m feeling beyond grateful for the unwavering love, support, and companionship of my girls. 💖 I truly believe our dogs are in sync with our emotions - and it’s something I’ll be diving into in this week’s blog.
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Vivienne and Trixie serve as a constant reminder that even the hardest days are worth pushing through. Where I once might have let self-doubt creep in, they remind me to focus on what truly matters. No matter what, there’s always a little sunshine after the storm. ☀️
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So, here's to a much more positive week, lots of cuddles, and taking time to appreciate the little moments that make life so special. 💕

How Vivienne sleeps knowing it's the weekend and she's about to have my undivided attention for 3 days... 😴
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After a difficult few days, I'm looking forward to fully switching off, resetting, and enjoying some quality time with my girls. 💖
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Time for lots of belly rubs, long walks, and a few extra treats - calories don't count at the weekend, right? 😉

✨💤 An Owner’s Guide to Doggy Dreams 💤✨
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Ever watched your dog twitch, wag their tail, or let out a sleepy little woof while napping and wondered what’s going on inside their head?
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Like us, scientists believe that dogs experience dreams - and while we may never know exactly what they dream about, research suggests they relive their daily experiences and even dream of their favourite humans. 🥹
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In this week's blog, I’m diving into the fascinating science behind canine dreams – exploring what happens in a sleeping dog's brain and whether you should ever wake a dreaming pup.
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Swipe through these slides 👉 for a quick rundown, and head to the link in my story to read the full post. 💻✨

✨️🌜 First They Steal Your Heart, Then They Steal Your Bed 🌛✨️
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Guess who's feeling footloose and fancy free after being signed off by the vet? 🙌 No more surgical suit! 🥳
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We didn't make it to the park yesterday as I was busy with a VERY exciting phone call. 🤫 But trust me, it was worth it!
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The future is looking bright for Diary of a Dog Mum, and I can't wait to share the news with you all! Stay tuned! 💖

West Highland White? More like West Highland Beige... With a sprinkling of mud and dirt. 🙈✨️
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Someone is DEFINITELY due a groom! But first, it's time for Trixie's post-op checkup and (hopefully 🤞) a much-needed walk in the park.
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A.K.A. the perfect opportunity for Vivienne to add even more “natural highlights” to her already very colourful coat. 🤣

Is it just me, or is there something slightly therapeutic about watching your dog drift off to sleep? 😴
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As I was taking this photo, I could see Trixie’s eyes slowly closing and breathing steadying as she slipped into a truly restful sleep, and it genuinely made my heart happy. 🥹
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Seeing my girls feeling so comfortable, contented, and safe is honestly one of my favourite parts of being a dog mum. Especially when one of them is a total adrenaline junkie who doesn't understand the idea of rest. 🤣
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Just two more days until she's (hopefully 🤞) signed off by the vet following her spay, and we can head to the park for a proper walk!
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I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to get outside in my life! 🤩

✨🌷 Spring is (Almost) in the Air 🌷✨
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Longer days, warmer weather, and beautiful blooms - what’s not to love? 😍 But did you know that some of the season's prettiest flowers are also toxic to our fur babies?
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From daffodils to bluebells, this week’s blog covers 10 common spring blooms that can cause serious illness if ingested. It's a must-read if you're planning a garden refresh or picking up a seasonal bouquet for your home!
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Swipe through these slides 👉 for a quick roundup, and head to the link in my story for the full blog. 💻✨
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Let’s keep our pups safe this season. 💖

✨️💙 Move Over Tiffany... There's a New Blue Box in Town 💙✨️
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With Mother's Day fast approaching, there's no better time to treat the dog mum in your life to their very own personalised jewellery from @pupring.
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These stunning pieces arrived yesterday and were exactly the pick-me-up I needed after a weekend of full-time nursing duties. 😍 I’m absolutely OBSESSED with the quality and how beautifully they captured my girls – they’ll definitely be my go-to pieces from now on!
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Oh, and can we just have a moment for the box? One word: I C O N I C 👏✨️
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ad | gifted

✨️🩷 Vivienne Appreciation Post 🩷✨️
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Today's post is dedicated to my gorgeous Vivienne, who has been an absolute champ since Trixie's spay on Friday. 🫶
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After several unsuccessful attempts at sniffing her little sister's bottom (🙈), she's given her the space she needs to relax and recover while still enjoying plenty of kisses from mummy.
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I was so nervous about how she'd react to Trixie coming home smelling strange after a whole day apart, but she's taken it all in her stride. Watching her grow into the best big sister over the past year has made me prouder than I can put into words.
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Mummy loves you, Vivienne, and as soon as Trixie is back to full zoomies, we’ll celebrate with a long walk in the park - just like old times. 💖

✨️🏥 Introducing Nurse Dog Mum 🏥✨️
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Nursing duties are in full swing this weekend after my little big girl had her spay on Friday. 👩‍⚕️
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She's recovering well, and despite strict rest orders, she's still trying to play fetch (which is definitely off-limits for the next 14 days 🙈).
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She has been a bit snappy with Vivienne when she gets too close to her back end, so we've been doing our best to give them both space and equal attention. Honestly, I've never felt so tired in my whole life. 🤣
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Despite having Vivienne spayed as a puppy, I was really worried about Trixie going through the procedure. Vivienne had hers at a different vets and her recovery was tough on her. Luckily, the team at @whitecrossvetsguiseley couldn't have been better at looking after Trixie. She had a nurse with her all afternoon, enjoyed lots of cuddles, and even came home with her very own 'get well soon' card. Hearing all the nurses saying goodbye to her as she left honestly filled my heart with joy and pride. 🥰
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We're back at the vets tomorrow for her first post-op checkup - fingers crossed she's still as enthusiastic about going as she was before Friday. 🙈
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In the meantime, we're keeping things as calm as possible with lick mats, frozen Kongs, and lots of big chews to keep both girls happy and occupied!
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If you have any tips for surviving the next few weeks, please share them in the comments - I’d love to hear them! 💖

✨⭐️ Happy International Women’s Day ⭐️✨
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Today, I wanted to share some further insights from my recent conversations with Dr. Annika Bremhorst, Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, Dr. Katie Ford, and Marie Carter-Robb - four incredible women making waves in the pet, vet, and animal health industry.
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International Women’s Day means different things to different people, and it was inspiring to hear four perspectives on what the day represents.
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While their answers varied, they were united in one common opinion - International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate progress while recognising the work still to be done.
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For me, as a survivor of childhood domestic abuse, International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing culture of violence against women. I’m proud to use my platform (however small it may be!) to raise awareness, amplify women’s voices, and keep the difficult conversations going.
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To hear more from these remarkable women, catch up on my IWD blog via the link in my bio. 💻✨
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And let me know in the comments - what does International Women’s Day mean to you? Let’s uplift, support, and celebrate each other today and every day. 💖

✨💪 Celebrating Incredible Women in the Pet Industry! 💪✨️
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International Women’s Day 2025 is almost upon us - and I’m thrilled to mark the occasion with what is by far my favourite blog yet!
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Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know four incredible women making waves in the pet, vet, and animal health industry. Their insights, experiences, and passion blew me away - and I can’t wait for you to read what they had to share!
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So, without further ado, it’s time to meet:
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🌟 Dr. Annika Bremhorst - Founder at @dogs.and.science
🌟 @katiefordvet - Founder at @vetempowered
🌟 Dr. Joanna Woodnutt - Founder at @petlearnia
🌟 Marie Carter-Robb - Founder and Editor at @pets_mag
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Each of these remarkable women has left an indelible mark on my Diary of a Dog Mum journey, and I’m honoured to help shine a spotlight on their work. From advocating for mental health to revolutionising pet education, their impact is immeasurable and deserves to be celebrated every single day!
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This week’s blog is a little longer than usual, but trust me - every word of their wisdom is worth reading!
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Tap the link in my story to check it out! 💻✨ And I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments - let’s all raise each other up this International Women’s Day. 💖

✨️💘 Belated Valentine's Date Night 💘✨️
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You know you're pushing 30 when your Saturday night out ends at 8.30pm in a dessert shop. 🙈
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After both falling ill over Valentine's Day, my husband and I finally made up for it with a much-needed date night - dinner at our favourite Italian restaurant, followed by a trip to our go-to dessert spot.
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With the girls waiting for us at home, our date nights are typically short but very sweet - because nothing beats a nice meal, a few drinks, and coming home to our babies running to greet us. 🥰
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What’s your idea of the perfect date night? Let me know in the comments! 💕

✨️🔙 Throwback Thursday 🔙✨️
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You've met baby Trixie, now it's time to introduce baby Vivienne - A.K.A my little cloud! ☁️
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Compared to Trixie, Vivienne was an absolute dream of a puppy (I love you, Trix, but it's true! 🙈). She might have evaded crate training in favour of our bed and taken a good few years to fully housetrain, but to me, she has and always will be my perfect first born. 🥰
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Vivienne came into my life just as I was rebuilding my mental health after an incredibly difficult year - and I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without her (and her wonderful dad, of course). She gave me a purpose, a reason to keep moving forward, and I’ll forever be grateful for the love, comfort, and lessons she’s brought into my life.
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It’s hard to believe she’ll be 9 in June (where has the time gone?! 😭), but no matter how many birthdays she celebrates, she’ll always be my baby. 💖

✨☠️ Did You Know That March is Pet Poison Prevention Month? ☠️✨
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With that in mind, I’m resharing my roundup of 9 common foods that are toxic to our fur babies!
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From chocolate to raw potatoes, many of these are household staples - which is why it’s SO important to keep them well out of reach and sniff distance!
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Swipe through to check them out 👉 and let me know in the comments if there are any other toxic foods you think should be on this list!
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🌟 PLUS: Keep your eyes peeled for my super exciting International Women's Day content dropping on Wednesday 5th March! 👀 I've been busy catching up with some INCREDIBLE women in the vet, pet, and animal health industry, and I can't wait to share our conversations with you all! 🌟

✨🍂 Autumn Leaves & Wagging Tails 🍂✨
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If I could bottle up a single season, it would definitely be autumn - crisp air, golden leaves, and my two happy girls exploring the great outdoors. 🧡🐾
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These gorgeous photos were taken at Trixie’s first birthday party back in October at @dragonfly_products, beautifully captured by my talented friend @liam_in_leeds. I couldn’t let them go unshared before we step into spring (another favourite of mine 😍).
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As much as I love cosy season, I’m SO ready for longer days, warmer weather, and hopefully a lot less rain! 🌧
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So, here’s to the brighter days to come and all the new adventures that lay in store. ☀️

✨️🩷 Every Day Is Love Your Pet Day 🩷✨️
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I may be a day late, but let’s be honest - every day is #NationalLoveYourPetDay in our house! 💖
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To me, Vivienne and Trixie are so much more than just pets - they are the heart of our little family. They each bring so much unconditional love, joy, and happiness into our home, and I honestly couldn't imagine life without them.
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Whether they're making me smile on a tough day, keeping me company while I work, or simply being their unique and wonderful selves, they remind me every single day why life is better with dogs. 🐾
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So, here’s to the fur babies who make our lives whole. Drop a 💖 in the comments if yours means the world to you!

✨️☕️ A Coffee With My Younger Self ☕️✨️
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When I first came across this trend on Instagram, I immediately pictured my 16-year-old self.
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If that lost, insecure girl could see me now, I honestly don't think she'd recognise me - and she definitely wouldn't believe me if I told her about the life we live today.
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As a child, I always dreamed of a happy home, a loving husband, and, of course, dogs of my own. But when I was battling depression at 16, simply making it through each day felt like an uphill struggle, and those dreams seemed completely out of reach.
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Now, I’m living the life I once thought was impossible. It’s not perfect, I still have bad days, but I am happier than I ever imagined I could be.
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What would you say to your younger self? Let’s share some kindness in the comments. 💖
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#imetmyyoungerselfforcoffee

✨😴 Secrets of Sleep 😴✨
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Every dog parent knows that there are only three certainties in life:
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🚽 Being followed to the toilet.
🍽️ Never eating in peace.
📱 A camera roll filled with photos of your fur baby sleeping.
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But did you know that your dog’s favourite sleeping position can also reveal a lot about how they’re feeling – both physically and emotionally?
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In this week's blog, I’m decoding 8 common dog sleeping positions and what they mean. From the playful “Sploot” to the protective “Lion’s Pose,” each position offers a unique glimpse into your dog’s health, wellbeing, and emotional security.
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Head to the link in my story to read the full post! 💻✨
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And let me know in the comments - what’s your dog’s go-to sleeping position? I’d love to hear about your fur baby’s weird, wonderful, and downright adorable sleep habits! 💖

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Dog Mum

National Pet Month: The Five Fundamentals of Responsible Dog Parenting

National Pet Month: Celebrating the Highs and Lows of Dog Motherhood

The Human-Canine Bond: How Dogs Detect Our Emotions

More Secrets of Sleep: An Owner’s Guide to Doggy Dreams

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