Diary of a

Dog Mum

Jennifer Somers

11 hours ago3 min read

Spring Safety: 10 Common Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs

With spring just around the corner, join me as I share 10 common seasonal plants that are potentially toxic to dogs.

4 Women to Watch in the Vet, Pet & Animal Health Industry

Jennifer Somers

Mar 515 min read

IWD 2025: 4 Women to Watch in the Pet, Vet & Animal Health Industry

To celebrate International Women's Day, I've caught up with 4 inspirational women to watch in the pet, vet, and animal health industry.

8 Dog Sleeping Positions and What They Mean

Jennifer Somers

Feb 195 min read

Secrets of Sleep: 8 Dog Sleeping Positions & What They Mean

Join me as I explore 8 common dog sleeping positions and what they can tell us about our dogs' emotional and physical wellbeing.

Jennifer Somers

Feb 124 min read

I Woof You: Signs Your Dog Loves You

Ever wondered if your dog loves you? Join me as I share 9 key signs that prove you’re your fur baby’s favourite human!

✨🌷 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! 💖

✨️💘 Happy Valentine's Day 💘✨️
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Today and every day, I'm so grateful for my little family - my wonderful husband, James, and my two gorgeous girls, Vivienne and Trixie. 💖
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Raising two dogs isn't always easy - there are challenges, chaos, and a LOT of fur - but the love, laughter, and joy they bring into our lives makes it all worthwhile.
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Thank you, Vivienne and Trixie, for filling my heart with so much love. You make me the proudest and happiest dog mum every single day. 🫶
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Wishing all my fellow dog mums and dads out there a Valentine’s Day filled with tail wags, wet noses, and unconditional love! 🥰

✨🩷 Does Your Dog Love You? 🩷✨
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They say actions speak louder than words - and when it comes to our fur babies, this couldn’t be more true! 🫶
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While we might not speak the same language or even share the same species, years of research into animal behaviour have only confirmed what every good dog parent already knew: our dogs DO love us.
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From maintaining eye contact to showering us with excited greetings, this week’s blog highlights 9 key signs your dog loves you.
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Head to the link in my story to read the full post. 💻✨ And let me know in the comments - how many of the signs does your dog show? 💖

Growing up is hard. Growing up with an alcohol-dependent parent is even harder.
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From a very young age, my father's drinking dictated almost every aspect of family life.
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🚘 Family day out? There had to be a pub.
🍕 Picking up a takeaway? There had to be a pub.
✈️ Family holidays? You guessed it. Pretty much spent in a pub.
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As a child, I found solace in my collection of toy dogs - each with their own name and made-up personality. And even now, if I'm having a bad day, Vivienne and Trixie's calming presence is all the reassurance I need.
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According to @nacoauk, 1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by a parent's drinking - yet we are still made to feel like society's dirty little secret.
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For years, I was ashamed of my childhood. Now, I'm thankful for it.
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It was hard. It was lonely. At times, it felt shameful. But it shaped me into the strong, empathetic, and hardworking person I am today - and ignited a love and compassion for dogs has transcended the years.
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If you or someone you know has been affected by a parent’s addiction, Nacoa UK offers free support on 0800 358 3456.
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Remember: No matter how lonely it might feel, you are NOT alone.
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A special shoutout to @katiefordvet for sharing her own experience and inspiring this post.

✨🐶 Did you know that 28.2% of dogs who show aggression do so because of an underlying medical condition - such as pain? 🐶✨
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Dogs are experts at hiding discomfort, which means it’s up to us to recognise the subtle signs that something isn’t right.
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If your dog has recently started showing signs of aggressiveness, irritability, or even just a reluctance to be touched, this could be their way of saying, "I'm hurting." 💔
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As dog parents, the best thing we can do is educate ourselves on the signs of pain and seek veterinary advice if something feels off. That’s why I’ve put together a blog post on key signs every dog parent should know - because our pups deserve to feel their best every single day.
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Head to the link in my story to read the full post. 💻✨
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And if you’ve ever spotted an unexpected sign of pain in your pup, share it in the comments - I’d love to hear your experiences! 💖

✨️👑 Freshly Groomed Princess 👑✨️
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Vivienne could be covered head to paw in mud, and I'd still think she's the (joint) most beautiful girl in the world... But there's something extra adorable about her post-groom glow. 😍
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It's been three days since she visited @bladesdog, and somehow, her fur is still as white as when she left.
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The real question is... Will it survive the weekend? 🙈💖

🤔 Them: "How do you work from home with two dogs?"
🐾 Me: ...
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Does anyone else's border collie like squeezing into the smallest spaces? 🙈

✨️🥰 Like Butter Wouldn't Melt 🥰✨️
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One of these girls had a full groom yesterday. The other just wanted to steal the spotlight during the post-groom photoshoot...
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Can you guess which is which? 🤔

✨🩷 Valentine’s Day is Just Around the Corner 🩷✨
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And as every good dog parent knows, there’s no one we love more than our fur babies. 🫶
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If you’re planning to shower your pup with a little extra love this Valentine’s Day, you’re not alone!
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According to 2024 research by @jollyesuk:
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💡 34% of dog parents buy their dog a Valentine’s gift.
💡 76% of pet owners buy their pet toys for Valentine’s Day.
💡 86% of pet owners buy their pet treats for Valentine’s Day.
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While my husband and I no longer buy each other Valentine’s gifts, I never miss an opportunity to spoil Vivienne and Trixie - and if you’re the same, I’ve got you covered!
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Head to the link in my story to check out my latest blog, Be My Valentine: Sweet Ways to Spoil Your Fur Baby. 💻✨

✨️🛶 Are You Paddling But Not Moving? 🛶✨️
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According to @marketingweeked's newly-released 2025 Career & Salary Survey:
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💡 58.1% of marketers feel overwhelmed.
💡 50.8% feel emotionally exhausted.
💡 40.3% feel a sense of ineffectiveness.
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Having worked in sales and marketing for over eight years, I can honestly say I’ve felt at least one of these emotions in the last month alone! It’s a fast-paced, demanding industry, and it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly paddling but never really getting anywhere.
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One of the biggest factors that has helped my work-life balance is working from home. Not only does it give me the flexibility to manage my time more effectively, but it also means I get to spend every day with my girls by my side. Whether it’s taking a break for a lunchtime walk or just having Vivienne and Trixie snoozing nearby, their calming presence reminds me to pause, breathe, and reset - no matter how hectic the day!
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Remember: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. How do you manage work-related stress and burnout? Let’s chat in the comments! 💬✨

✨️👩‍🍳 Make Millionaire's Shortbread With Me 👩‍🍳✨️
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After treating the girls to an afternoon at the park on Saturday, I finally put my @janespatisserie recipe book to the test and tried my hand at her Millionaire’s Shortbread. 😍
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While this particular bake isn't suitable for Vivienne and Trixie, I’ll be making it up to them with some dog-friendly treats over the next few weeks - starting with homemade pancakes! 🥞🐶
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Do you have a favourite dog-friendly pancake recipe? Hit the paper aeroplane icon to leave a note or let me know in the comments!
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P.S. How cute is my new Highland Sheep apron from @cooksmart_england?! 🥹 I need the rest of the collection pronto!
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#dogblogger #dogbloggersofinstagram #dogblog #lifestyleblog #lifestyleblogger #ukblogger #dogmum #dogmumsofinstagram #petparent #discoverunder5k #janespatisserie #janespatisserierecipe #janespatisseriebook #millionairesshortbread #homebaking #uklifestyleblog

✨️🥾 Golden Acre Park 🥾✨️
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Growing up near Golden Acre Park, I spent countless hours exploring its beautiful woodland trails (Breary Marsh) with my childhood dogs, Daphne, Mac, and Jetta-May. 💖
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So it feels even more special sharing it with Vivienne and Trixie - creating new memories in a place so close to my heart.
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Vivienne absolutely adores this park. We’ve been so many times over the years that she now recognises the drive and starts getting excited a mile before we arrive! 🙈
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As with most parks, we choose to keep Vivienne and Trixie on retractable leads, but that doesn’t stop them from sniffing, exploring, and - in Vivienne's case - rolling in every pile of leaves she can find! 🍂

✨🐶Did you know that 80% of dogs over the age of 8 are diagnosed with arthritis? 🐶✨
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When Vivienne was unwell last week, I convinced myself it was arthritis. But it wasn’t until speaking to her vet and doing some more level-headed online research that I realised just how common it is in older dogs.
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While arthritis can never be cured, most dogs still live happy and fulfilling lives with the right care and treatment. Recognising the symptoms early and taking action makes all the difference.
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Thankfully, Vivienne’s discomfort wasn’t arthritis this time, but it’s reassuring to know she wouldn’t be alone if that day ever comes. There are so many effective ways to manage arthritis and keep our dogs happy, healthy, and comfortable.
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But here’s the most surprising fact: Arthritis isn’t just an “older dog” issue! According to @canine_arthritis, 35% of dogs over the age of 1 are diagnosed with the condition. So, if you notice any signs of pain, discomfort, or unusual behaviour, contact your vet immediately.
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And if you missed my blog on key signs of pain in dogs, head to the link in my story to catch up. 💻✨

✨️🔙 Throwback Thursday 🔙✨️
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Can you believe this photo was taken exactly one year ago today? 😍
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It’s hard to imagine a time when Trixie was smaller than Vivienne – especially now Vivienne can fit underneath her 🙈 – but, as they say, the camera never lies!
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Bringing Trixie into our family has been a rare and unique pleasure. Her infectious energy, cheeky antics, and crazy collie quirks have enriched all of our lives - but none more so than Vivienne's!
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While raising two very different dogs is not always easy, seeing Trixie bring out Vivienne's playful side has been nothing short of magical. 💖
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If you’d like to hear more reflections on Trixie’s first year with us, head to the link in my bio to catch up on my blog, Celebrating Twelve Months of Trixie. 💻✨

✨🏥 Is Your Dog in Pain? 🏥✨
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Today’s blog is dedicated to my lovely Vivienne, who gave me quite the scare last week when she suddenly refused to climb the stairs or jump into bed, and the wonderful team at @whitecrossvetsguiseley for taking such great care of her as always. 💖
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As dog parents, we’re typically very attuned to our dogs’ body language and nuances, so when something feels “off,” it’s hard not to worry. For me, Vivienne’s sudden change in behaviour and body language was a clear sign she was in pain, but not all signs of discomfort are as obvious, especially for new dog parents!
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With that in mind, this week’s blog highlights seven common yet subtle signs of pain in dogs that can easily go unnoticed - but are so important to spot!
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As always, I would like to reiterate that I am not a veterinary professional. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour or are in any way concerned about their welfare, contact your vet immediately.
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Tap the link in my story to read the full post, and let’s keep our fur babies happy and healthy! 💻✨

✨ Social Media ISN’T Real ✨
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My goal with Diary of a Dog Mum is to always be as authentic and honest as possible, but there are certain parts of my life as a dog mum of two that I don’t always feel comfortable sharing.
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We all like to present our best selves on social media, but it’s important to remember that there is often more going on behind the scenes that we don’t see.
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I’m so pleased I came across this trend as it’s pushed me to be a lot more transparent and share more of the real moments, not just the polished ones. Remember: Life isn’t perfect, and that’s okay.
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If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear some of your own behind-the-scenes moments in the comments. Let’s create a kind, judgement-free space where we can all be a little more honest and support one another. 💖

✨️🐾 Meet the Dog Dad 🐾✨️
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They say, "Behind every great man is a great woman," but I wouldn't be half the woman I am without this incredible man by my side. 💖
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He's supported me through my many ups and downs and always pushed me to be the best version of myself. In fact, I wouldn't be in the industry I love today if he hadn't accompanied me to my first interview for moral support (don't worry, he waited outside 🙈).
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In May, we will celebrate 9 amazing years together, and in December, 2 wonderful years of marriage. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but I wouldn’t want to share my life - or raise our girls - with anyone else. 🫶
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P.S. That's my bag for life he's carrying. 🤣

✨️🔙 Throwback Thursday 🔙✨️
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For my first-ever #ThrowbackThursday, I'm throwing it all the way back to where my love of dogs began. 🫶
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Daphne (picture 1) and Mac (picture 2) joined my family when I was just three years old and sparked a lifelong love that continues to shape who I am today.
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Despite being littermates, they couldn’t have been more different. Daphne was always full of boundless energy, while Mac brought a more calming and loving presence - a contrast not too dissimilar to the current dynamic between Vivienne and Trixie.
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Daphne later became a mum herself, blessing us with three beautiful puppies. That’s when Jetta-May (far right, picture 3) joined the family, quickly becoming her mum’s partner in crime and adding even more joy to our lives.
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Sadly, Daphne, Mac, and Jetta-May are no longer with us, but their lives, love, and lessons live on through my relationship with Vivienne and Trixie. Though their breeds, personalities, and quirks differ, they embody the same sense of companionship that first sparked my love for dogs all those years ago.
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If you'd like to hear more about Daphne, Mac, and Jetta-May and the paw prints they left on my heart, click the link in my story to catch up on my blog, To All the Dogs I've Loved Before. 💻✨️

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Dog Mum

Spring Safety: 10 Common Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs

IWD 2025: 4 Women to Watch in the Pet, Vet & Animal Health Industry

Secrets of Sleep: 8 Dog Sleeping Positions & What They Mean

I Woof You: Signs Your Dog Loves You

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