From gourmet dining to puppy playdates, it seems a dog’s life is all about the good times here in Yorkshire. Beth Windsor and Emma Chesworth join the pet set to find out more
QUEEN OF THE CASTLE
Nick and Victoria Howard of Castle Howard share the resplendent stately home with their dog, Poppy, and she is very much ‘Queen of the castle’. Nick says: ‘Poppy has always looked as if she belongs at Castle Howard, elegance and beauty perfectly suited to the stately surroundings. Now 12 years old, she has given up on chasing animals such as squirrels or rabbits that she comes across on walks but still looks at them with a longing eye, as if she’s remembering the chases of her youth.
Some days, we’ll drive to a distant wood. She’ ll spring off the back seat, twirl around sniffing and looking, as if to say: ‘Right! We have work to do’ and off she’ ll go to map out the surroundings.
Inside the house, she has made all the sofas her personal territory, exuding style as she stretches out, long and languorous. Like all Long Dogs, she’s at her most beautiful when running, legs stretching out, ears flat to her head, and a look of pure happiness on her face. She’s the Queen of the Castle.’
DINE IN STYLE
If you’re a foodie kind of family, the idea of feeding your pet some posh nosh might seem obvious. Did you know that Yorkshirebased company Dougie’s in Boroughbridge make cold-pressed dog food rich in Wagyu beef? How’s that for fine dining from a bowl? The company works with North Yorkshirebased Warrendale Wagyu for the fancy pants Wagyu ingredient that all the most discerning of dogs will love.
Dougie’s takes its name from cocker spaniel Dougie, who was born on a farm in the Dales where he started life with his mum and sisters, and now loves to explore the outdoors. His human family wanted to give him the best food possible and created a range of raw and cold-pressed highnutrition foods that aid better digestion, keep cleaner teeth, make coats nice and glossy, and make sure your dog has everything they need for a healthy diet. They recently added Wagyu to the range. Dougie’s also has a VIP club. dougiespets.co.uk >
NUTRITION KNOW-HOW
Gone are the days where you can just open a can of Pedigree Chum and expect your pampered pooch to wolf it down. Now owners are taking their dog’s dinners far more seriously and consulting nutritionists to ensure that Fido is getting his five a day.
Sally Barker, who lives in Huddersfield with her husband, five-year-old son, 13 ducks, six rescue hens, rooster, two goats and two dogs, set up her own wholefood dog treat business in 2020 after losing her beloved dog to cancer. Suddenly inundated with questions from customers about their dog’s IBS problems, intolerances, weight loss/gain, itchin
