Every year, as Bonfire Night rolls around, our house goes into “calm mode.” 🎆

Fireworks might be fun for people, but for many animals they’re frightening – the loud bangs, flashes and unpredictable noises can send even the most confident pet running for cover. With seven cats and one small dog in our house, keeping everyone calm takes planning, patience and a bit of creativity.

Here’s what works for us and might help your pets, too. 💛🐾

Create a safe, cosy space

Each of our cats has a preferred hiding spot, so I make sure those spaces are ready before dark soft blankets, favourite toys and somewhere quiet where they won’t be disturbed. For Casper (our Pomchi), we build a little den in the lounge blankets, his bed, and one of my jumpers for scent comfort.

The RSPCA recommends giving pets control over where they go, some will hide, others will want to stay close to you. Let them choose.

Drown out the noise

Background noise makes a huge difference. I close all the windows and blinds and put the TV or music on a little louder than usual. Soft, steady sounds help mask the unpredictable bangs.

Casper seems to find classical music or low, rhythmic sounds calming, I often play a playlist called “Calm Pets” on Spotify (they even have one made in partnership with Battersea). The cats prefer the hum of the TV and gentle chatter.

Stick to your routine

Animals feel safer when things stay familiar. So even if fireworks start early, I keep feeding times, walks and cuddles roughly the same. Casper still gets his evening walk before dusk never once the fireworks start and we settle down together for the night.

A quick note for dog owners: the RSPCA and Dogs Trust both recommend walking dogs before dark and keeping them safely indoors once fireworks begin. Always make sure microchips and ID tags are up to date, just in case they panic and bolt.

Use treats and distractions

Treats go a long way on nights like these. Casper gets a long-lasting chew or lick mat while the cats get something extra tasty – Thrive treats are always a winner here. It keeps them busy and helps associate the noise with something positive.

For very anxious pets, pheromone diffusers such as Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) can help too. I plug them in a few days before Bonfire Night to take the edge off.

Stay calm yourself

Probably the hardest but most important part. Pets pick up on our emotions, so I try to keep my voice soft and movements slow. If Casper jumps at a bang, I don’t fuss too much, just speak gently, give him space or a cuddle if he asks for one, and act like it’s nothing unusual.

The cats usually retreat to their safe spots, and by now they know I’ll check in quietly and leave them be until they reappear.

Stay home if you can

I know how tempting it is to go and watch the fireworks, but honestly, I’d rather stay home. It’s quieter, calmer, and I know they’re not scared and alone. The reward of seeing them relaxed and settled is far better than any display.

Final thoughts

Bonfire Night can be stressful, but with a bit of planning and reassurance, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your pets. Whether it’s soothing music, cuddles on the sofa, or a quiet hiding spot, the goal is the same, helping them feel safe.

If your pet’s fear feels extreme, it’s worth chatting with your vet. They can advise on calming aids or medication to make nights like this easier.

So tonight, the curtains will be closed, the TV turned up, and Casper will be curled up by my side while the cats snooze upstairs. That’s our version of Bonfire Night – safe, warm, and full of love.

References (UK)

• RSPCA: Fireworks and Pets
• Dogs Trust: Fireworks Advice for Dogs
• Battersea: Fireworks and Pets
• Blue Cross: Fireworks and Your Pets

Can you believe Poppy is nine today?
Nine! Where has the time gone?

Our beautiful Ragdoll hasn’t changed a bit when it comes to personality, still the same madam she’s always been, with her princess ways and that look that says, “Don’t you dare move me.” She carries herself like royalty and somehow always gets exactly what she wants.

She’s still completely devoted to Ellie. If Ellie’s around, you can guarantee Poppy won’t be far behind, either sitting elegantly beside her or stretched across her bed as if she owns it. Their bond is really lovely to see, and Ellie wouldn’t have it any other way.

Of course, Poppy’s favourite part of any birthday is the treats, especially her beloved Thrive ones. She’s already had a few extra today and definitely knows there are more hidden somewhere. That determined little look in her eyes says she’ll find them before the day’s out.

The others including Casper all know to give her a wide berth. She’s very much the queen of the house, and they’ve all learned it’s easier to just let her be. Casper still tries to play with her sometimes, but one regal flick of the tail usually ends that quickly!

Even at nine, she’s graceful, sassy, and full of personality. The perfect mix of diva and sweetheart.

Happy 9th birthday, Poppy 💛🐾
Forever the princess of our little kingdom.

It’s hard to believe Tiny and Kiki are two today.
Two! How did that happen so quickly?

They’ve both grown up so much this past year, especially Tiny, but he’s still the smaller one of the pair. What hasn’t changed is his appetite. He’s absolutely obsessed with food. If he hears so much as a packet rustle, he’s there in seconds, eyes wide, hoping it’s something for him.

Kiki’s still my affectionate, purry girl. She loves a cuddle and will happily settle next to me the moment I sit down. She’s gentle and loving, but she’s got plenty of energy when it’s playtime,especially when she and Tiny decide it’s time to chase each other around the house.

Tiny’s also taken to chasing Casper around the garden lately. He thinks it’s the best game ever, darting after him with his tail up while Casper runs in delighted circles trying to join in. It’s pure chaos, but the kind that makes you smile every time.

And then there’s Tiny’s proudest new hobby: catching mice. He’s very pleased with himself every time he brings one in (I’m slightly less thrilled, but it’s hard not to laugh at how smug he looks).

Kiki’s much happier to sit back and purr while all that excitement goes on. She’s calm, sweet, and the perfect balance to Tiny’s energy.

Two years in, and they’ve truly settled into life here. They’ve grown, changed, and filled the house with even more personality and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy 2nd birthday, Tiny and Kiki 💛🐾

Today, my little gremlin turns five. 🎉

Five years of tiny paws padding across the floor, five years of mischief and cuddles, and five years of learning just how much a small dog can fill a whole heart.

Casper came into our world surrounded by cats, and honestly, I’m still not convinced he knows he’s a dog. He copies their habits, curls up beside them like he’s one of the gang, and gives me the same unimpressed look when I tell him it’s time to move.

He’s a Pomchi – part Pomeranian, part Chihuahua – but I think his personality is about 90% attitude and 10% fluff. He barks at other dogs, tries to boss the cats around, and still manages to look completely innocent five seconds later.

But underneath all that sass, he’s got the gentlest heart. He’s been with me through so many ups and downs, always there on the hard days, when anxiety or sadness tries to take over. Somehow, he just knows when I need him close. He’ll nudge my hand or curl up on my lap like he’s reminding me to breathe.

That’s the thing about animals, they don’t need words to show love. They are love.

So today, we’re celebrating five years of Casper:
Five years of chaos, cuddles, loyalty, and laughter.

Happy birthday, my little gremlin. 💛

The sun’s out, the days are longer, and summer in the UK has finally arrived. But while we’re soaking up the sunshine, our dogs may be struggling, especially when it comes to daily walks.

Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Their main way of cooling down is through panting, and in hot, humid weather, it’s simply not enough. Overheating and heatstroke can develop quickly and can be fatal without fast action.

So, what’s the safest way to walk your dog when the temperature rises?

1. Walk early or late

Vet experts including the PDSA and Blue Cross recommend walking your dog during cooler hours, ideally before 8am or after 8pm in a heatwave. These times reduce the risk of burned paws and overheating.

 2. Check the pavement temperature

Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5–7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Burned pads are painful and can take weeks to heal.

Instead, choose shaded grass or woodland paths, or skip the walk entirely on very hot days and focus on indoor enrichment.

3. Hydration is essential

Always carry fresh, cool water and a portable bowl. Offer drinks regularly and encourage your dog to take breaks in the shade. Add water to your dog’s meals during the hotter months for an extra hydration boost.

4. Rethink what a “walk” means

Your dog doesn’t need a big outdoor walk in extreme heat. Try enrichment activities indoors instead, like:

• Licki mats with frozen yoghurt or wet food
• Snuffle mats and scatter feeding
• Simple training games or puzzle toys
• Short toilet breaks in the garden with a paddling pool

5. Learn the signs of heatstroke in dogs

Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. According to the RSPCA and VetHelpDirect, early signs include:

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Lethargy or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wobbly movements or confusion

If you notice any of these, cool your dog immediately with tepid (not ice-cold) water and get to a vet urgently.

6. Cooling tips that actually help

• Use a cooling mat or damp towel for resting
• Offer frozen treats or ice cubes
• Use fans indoors and keep curtains closed to block direct sunlight
• Never leave dogs in a parked car, even for a few minutes, the temperature inside can rise dangerously fast

Final Thought: It’s okay to skip a walk

You are not being lazy, you’re being responsible. Dogs can suffer and even die from heatstroke within minutes. On hot days, less really is more.

Be kind to your dog, and to yourself. Choose shade, water, and rest – the zoomies can wait.

Sources

• Blue Cross
• PDSA
• RSPCA
• VetHelpDirect

We did something a little different today, and I’m so glad we did. 💛

On 8th June, we went to a small Fun Dog Show. I don’t usually go to events like that, my anxiety often makes it hard to be around crowds – but I was having a good day and decided to give it a try. My dad, mum, sister and my nephew Rusty all came along too, which made it feel really special.

Casper was in his element from the moment we arrived — tail wagging, ears up, greeting everyone like a little superstar. He soaked up every bit of attention and absolutely loved the atmosphere.

And then the best part…
He only went and won first place in “Most Handsome Dog”! 🏆🐾

There were 31 dogs in his category, all of them gorgeous. Honestly, every single one could have won. The whole show was full of happy faces (two-legged and four-legged!), and it was such a lovely, friendly day out. Rusty wasn’t in Casper’s class, but he looked so handsome, too; he definitely deserved a ribbon of his own!

Seeing Casper standing there with his bright red rosette made my heart burst. He looked so proud of himself, and I was just as proud of him. It might seem like a small thing, but for me, it was a big step, pushing through the anxiety, getting out with my family, and having such a joyful day together.

Well done, Casper, officially the most handsome dog 💛🐾

People often ask, “Are you a cat person or a dog person?”

But I’ve never been able to choose, because for me, animals aren’t just pets. They’re home.

Every pawprint, every whisker, every feather or fin each one has left a lasting mark on my life. My heart has made room for hamsters, mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even fish. Some were with me for only a short time. Others grew old by my side. But all of them mattered.

Some were tiny companions whose lives passed in a blink, yet in that brief time they taught me what loyalty looks like in stillness. What comfort sounds like in silence. What it feels like to be unconditionally accepted.

Others became my shadows through life’s messier moments – anxiety, heartbreak, loss. They were there when I couldn’t face the world. They sat with me in the quiet, somehow knowing when I needed company without words.

They weren’t just animals.
They were my stability when everything else felt uncertain.
My mirrors when I couldn’t express what I was feeling.
My reminders to eat, sleep, rest, laugh — to live.

This isn’t just one story.
It’s a thread that runs through every chapter of my life.
A quiet knowing that animals have always been more than part of my life, they are part of me.

I still remember naming my very first hamster.
The softness of my cat’s fur when I cried into it as a teenager.
Writing letters to the ones I’d lost because the grief was too big for words.

Each one gave me something I didn’t even know I needed.

And together, they’ve woven a life full of paws a life that’s never been lonely, even in the silence.

Meet Rusty, my furry nephew and one of the most lovable toy destroyers you will ever meet. At 10 years old, this Cockapoo has perfected the art of charming you with his big brown eyes… then ruthlessly dismantling any plush toy you dare to hand him.

Rusty is a connoisseur of squeaky toys, but not just any old chew thing will do. He’s got standards. The toy needs to be soft, plushy, and ideally contain an oversized squeaker. The kind that lets out a gloriously obnoxious noise with every bite. That’s the dream.

While we wish we could find something that would last, the sad truth is: most toys don’t survive longer than a day in Rusty’s paws. He gets sheer joy from tearing into them, pulling out the stuffing, and silencing the squeak once and for all. If it’s marketed as “tough” or “indestructible,” you can bet Rusty will turn up his nose. He knows his textures and anything too rubbery, weird, or resistant? Instant rejection.

Take “Rock the Broc,” for instance. A jolly little broccoli toy with a smiley face. Rusty adored it… for all of ten minutes. Then the squeaker was ripped out, the fluff flung across the room, and poor Rock the Broc was declared deceased.

Despite the carnage, his love for these toys runs deep. So, the search continues, for a squeaky plush that can withstand more than 24 hours in the jaws of this determined Cockapoo.

Until then, we will keep restocking the toy box, keep laughing at the chaos, and keep documenting Rusty’s adventures as the undefeated king of plush toy destruction.

Got a recommendation for a super-tough, super-squeaky plush toy? We are all ears – well, Rusty is. And he’s ready to test it.

As our pets age, their needs change, not just physically, but mentally too. While we often focus on mobility, medication, or special diets, it’s just as important to keep their minds stimulated. A bit of gentle enrichment can make a big difference to their happiness and quality of life.

Here’s how we help our golden oldies stay bright, curious, and comforted:

🧠 1. Keep a Routine (But Mix It Up Gently)

Older pets love predictability, but adding a little variety, like a new walking route or a different toy can provide gentle stimulation without causing stress.

🧩 2. Puzzle Toys & Sniff Games

These are great for mental stimulation. Hide treats in easy-to-reach spots or use soft puzzle feeders. For dogs like Rusty, who still love their food and their toys, it’s the perfect combo of play and reward.

👃 3. Let Them Sniff and Explore

For dogs especially, sniffing is brain work. Short, sniff-heavy walks or a garden full of new smells can be better than a long run. Let them take their time.

🐾 4. Encourage Safe Movement

Even our wobbly ones like to roam. Lilly, our beautiful 21-year-old queen, still potters around the house. She may be a little unsteady, but she always makes her way to the best lap in the house, usually my dad’s.

💬 5. Keep Talking and Engaging

Talking to your pets provides comfort and connection, especially if they’re losing hearing or sight. Lilly will loudly announce her every toilet visit just to make sure we’re aware and we always respond, of course!

💗 6. Soft, Interactive Toys

Older pets may not be up for full-on rough play, but soft toys with gentle textures still offer joy. Rusty may be a senior now, but he’s still on a mission to destroy every squeaker he can, even if it’s over in less than a day!

In Our Home…

We’ve been blessed to share our lives with pets like Lilly, who at 21 is still full of sass and affection, and Rusty, who at 10 is as toy-mad as ever. Each one teaches us that aging doesn’t mean the end of play or personality, just a new way of experiencing the world.

So here’s to our golden oldies. May their minds stay curious, their routines comforting, and their hearts just as full as ours are because of them. 💕

Every gang has a matriarch – wise, vocal, full of character. For our family, that role belongs to Lilly, our beautiful, feisty, and incredibly loved cat who turned 21 this February.

Lilly lives with my sister and parents and has been a part of our lives for over two decades. She’s seen it all: new pets arriving, family milestones, changing houses, and countless cuddles. She’s truly part of the furniture (usually quite literally, curled up on someone’s lap).

Speaking of laps, her favourite spot in the world is my dad’s. The moment he sits down, she’s there, purring, settled, and looking utterly pleased with herself. It’s her throne, and we all know better than to interrupt.

Despite her age, Lilly’s still full of spirit. She’s wobbly these days, and we tread carefully around her, but she manages just fine, slowly but surely, and always with purpose (usually heading towards the food bowl).

Food is her other great love. Meal times are serious business, and she makes sure you know it. And if you ever hear a dramatic yowl echoing from another room? Don’t panic, it’s just Lilly announcing that she’s successfully been in the litter tray. She demands acknowledgment. Applause optional, but appreciated.

Lilly has taught us so much about growing older with grace, holding on to your routines, and never being too shy to ask for attention (or dinner). She might be petite and wobbly, but her presence is huge and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Here’s to our girl. Our lap-loving, food-demanding, litter-tray-announcing queen. Long may she reign. 💖