April Newsletter
News from Leo Charley and Me HQ
Welcome to our April Newsletter!
This month we have two small businesses to recommend to you,
We will be showcasing our Coronation Collection and giving you a sneaky preview of what’s coming this summer.
Living with a Spaniel
When we were looking for a companion for Leo we decided a spaniel might be a good choice.
Charley was only 14 months old when she was surrendered to Spaniel Aid UK. When she came home with us she was very quiet and shut down.We wrongly thought this was just her character but over the following 3 months as she settled and became more confident her true nature came to the fore. We now have a totally adorable, mucky, madcap spaniel in our midst!
She and Leo are like chalk and cheese!
Leo snoozes whilst Charley constantly patrols the house and garden. Leo is happy pottering indoors whilst Charley wants to be ferreting in the bushes in the garden looking for birds. Leo is a really picky eater who is difficult to feed but Charley is a gannet who will eat anything. We call Leo the Teflon dog because nothing much sticks to his coat whilst Charley can be a nightmare to keep clean and groomed.
So despite doing research before adopting Charley we didn’t really expect her to be so very different to Leo. To help other potential spaniel owners I have put together a new lighthearted blog about the ten things spaniel owners know. It just might give some insight into what you get when you have a spaniel in your life.
10 Things You Know If You Have A Spaniel
Coronation Fever
With just under a month to go before the historic Coronation of King Charles III all our attention has been focused on making our commemorative accessories.
The bandanas and bows are available in two designs. The first is Coronation Days, which is a royal blue poplin printed with Union flags and tiny crowns. The second is Coronation Crowns, which is a sumptuous purple fabric covered in golden crowns. Which ever you choose your dog will be pawty ready on May 6th.
They are selling so fast, be sure to get your order in whilst stocks last to avoid disappointment.
The Spring10 discount is still valid until May 1st and can be used across all products on the website including the Coronation bandanas and bows.
Gertie and Winnie from Dotty4Paws have been marvelous models for me this month and the photos of them in their finery were taken by their talented mum Kate.
Two small pet businesses that provide excellent service
Many small businesses are struggling at the moment so it feels like the right thing to do so shine a light on the brilliant products and customer service that small businesses provide. so here are my favourites this month
East Ruston Cottages
This holiday cottage company specialises in providing wonderfully dog friendly accommodation in Norfolk.
It is easy to see why they have been winners of Best Cottages and Self Catering at the Dog-Friendly Magazine Awards for FOUR years running!
We had a fab week away last month and stayed in one of their cottages on the coast at Eccles-on-Sea. It was literally a two minute walk to the beach from the front door!
The cottage was really cozy and warm and we were delighted to receive a welcome pack which included wine, cake and tasty biscuits for the dogs. There were throws for the sofa so the dogs could snuggle with us in front of the TV. Towels were provided for the dogs and outside there was a shower for washing off sandy paws once back from beach walks.
There are lots of cottages to choose from. We picked one that had a secure enclosed garden at the end of a quiet lane as Leo is reactive.
It was a really relaxing week away and we loved visiting the beaches at Walcott, Winterton and Sea Palling.
Out of season it is really quiet so lovely for Leo and Charley to be able to have fun on the empty beaches without the fear of off lead dogs approaching us.
Check out East Ruston Cottages
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Friends and Canines.
This is a business close to the dog’s hearts or should I say bellies and is one buy from again and again.
Sarah from Friends and Canines is our local natural dog treat specialist. We discovered her amazing range back in 2018 and have been regular customers ever since.
One of Sarah's 6 dogs inspired her to start the business when she needed to find additive free treats that wouldn’t upset her dog's delicate tummy. She gained a qualification in canine nutrition and started sourcing high quality preservative free treats. Over the past 5 years her range has grown and her comprehensive website means you can order from anywhere in the UK.
Leo and Charley love the tripe training treats, the dried chicken hearts and the liver sausages best. Sarah continues to find new products so there’s always something interesting to try. We are so lucky to have discovered Friends and Canines as they supply us with treats that always get Leo and Charley’s tails wagging!
Check out Friends and Canines Natural Treats
Sneaky preview of what’s to come this summer
In May we are excited to be adding some fabulous dog shampoo bars, and paw balm to the website. We found a brilliant small business in Cumbria who hand make all their products using natural ingredients, including infusing oils with flowers from their garden. Humble Bumble make a wonderful range of shampoo bars and balms for humans and canines alike.We are really delighted to be able to add them to our range of products.
In June we will be releasing our 4 new fabrics for summer.
There will be a new nautical themed fabric in red and navy which is perfect for the holidays, plus a gorgeous water colour batik in lilac and turquoise and a pretty
lilac lazy daisy print. You can see the fabric swatches below.
There will be collars, leads, bandanas and bows available in all four fabrics and we will be adding brand new sailor bows in the nautical prints for summer too.
SPECIAL OFFER
10% off
Full collection of dog collars, leads, bandanas, bows and flowers
Use code: Spring10 at checkout, or click the link below to automatically apply the discount to your order.
We will be back after the Coronation in May with more news.
Bye for now
Leo Charley and Kim
xxx