Wafcol Golden Tickets Found in All Corners of the UK

Golden Ticket Winner

Nero, the Chocolate Labrador, is the fourth lucky winner in our 'Find a Golden Ticket' competition. With Golden Tickets previously found in England, Ireland and Scotland, Nero from Cardiff now puts Wales firmly on the map of winners.

Nero's owner, Karen, was understandably delighted with the prize and said of Nero

"Nero is a typical Labrador - friendly, bouncy and always ready to eat! Unfortunately his skin is not so forgiving and he has multiple sensitivities. His fur has been so much more glossy since he has been on Wafcol."

As the competition now draws to an end, a lucky pup somewhere in the UK has a Golden Ticket awaiting them but the key question is ...where will it be found?

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Third Golden Ticket Found in Bonnie Scotland

Golden Ticket Winner

The lucky winner of the 3rd Golden Ticket in the Wafcol 'Find a Golden Ticket' competition is Hamish, a West Highland Terrier from Argyll and Bute.

Owner, Janet Docherty Griffith said, "In 68 years this is the first prize I have ever won and it is Hamish who has actually won it!" Hamish, like many West Highland Terriers, suffers from severe allergies. According to his Dermatologist, it is believed that Hamish has around 50 allergies, the most severe being a weed known as Golden Rod and cut grass. "Our Dermatologist recommended to feed Hamish on Wafcol Salmon and Potato and this, together with regular medication, means that I am able to manage his allergies effectively." Janet continues "Hamish is a very intelligent little dog, he understands lots of words and likes watching television, particularly if a dog or cat is on the screen".

So it's congratulations to Janet and Hamish. And with Golden Tickets now found in England, Ireland and Scotland...where will the next ticket be found?

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Christmas Photographic Competition

Christmas Photographic Competition

Does your dog or cat have the X factor this Christmas?
If they love to pose in front of the camera send us your festive photos and enter our competition.

We want to see the nations dogs and cats enjoying the festive season and will send a Christmas gift box of goodies to the winner of the best dog photo and best cat photo.

The Competition will open for entries on 1st September 2011 and will close on 11th December 2011.

For more details please go to our competition page.

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Can you help find Brook?

Brook - Chocalate Labrador

Armitage Pet Care have joined the 'Find Brook' campaign to help return Brook, a four year old Chocolate Labrador, to his family home in Lancaster where he was stolen from four months ago.

As you will see from his photo, Brook is handsome dog of medium build, has a small white fleck in between his front legs and a slight kink in his tail. Unfortunately he is not micro-chipped.

Brook's owner Caroline told us "We are so very desperate to find him. Brook is a huge part of our family, and he will be missing us, as much as we are missing him. We really do need to find him."

If you have any information about Brook, please contact Caroline on 07765 785880. Alternatively, help spread the word about Brook and follow the 'FIND BROOK' campaign on facebook and twitter.

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Second Golden Ticket Found!

Bailey and BJ

Nichola Cockerill-Smith is the second lucky winner to find a Wafcol Golden Ticket in the Limited Edition Wafcol 15kg Adult Salmon & Potato Gold Bags!

When asked about her Bichon Frises, Nichola told us "One very sad day our adorable boxer dog Eric had to be put to sleep he was 13 and been with us since 8 wks old we were devastated. A few weeks passed and we missed having a dog so much we started to look for another. We couldn't get another boxer dog as we couldn't replace Eric, so we looked at smaller breeds.

On a rescue website I saw an advert for 2 Bichon Frise - Bailey and Bj, aged 3 and 4. I rang up and was told they were in a foster home. I rang up and said we were only after one dog and explained our circumstances, the foster carer arranged to bring one at the weekend for a home visit. She told me about how the previous owners had bought them and they were left in a shed and very lonely and shows signs of stress, particularly Bailey's paws.

We didn't sleep well that night and I decided in the night to ring the foster carer to tell her to bring both the dogs but before I rang her the phone rang and she said she would like to bring both dogs..... and we have never looked back!

They have a very good diet of Wafcol Salmon and Potato. Bailey's paws recovered in about 4 weeks and they are both thriving. They love their food and sure if they could understand would be delighted that they won the golden ticket.

I was so chuffed to have won the golden ticket - it was a real Charlie from the chocolate factory moment"

What a wonderful real life story and I'm sure everyone will agree - a worthy prize winner!

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Plenty more fish in the Wafcol bowl!

Armitage Tradestore 2011

Wafcol, the dog food at the heart of the sensitive market for over 30 years, is re-launching it's sensitive range of Salmon & Potato products this summer, with a new and improved sensitive recipe and new packs sizes (2.5kg & 12kg) to lower price points for consumers.

With one in ten dogs being diagnosed with food intolerance, Wafcol Salmon & Potato can have a significant impact in changing dogs' lives. "Our Salmon & Potato recipe was developed with Sue Paterson, a Leading UK Dermatologist, and British Veterinary Association President Harvey Locke back in 2000 and has stayed in the affections of British pet owners as it changes dogs' lives - you can see that from a selection of success stories on our website" said Claire Astle, Wafcol Senior Product Manager. "Unlike many of the other 'sensitive' foods available, Wafcol Salmon & Potato is a true, sensitive diet as it is formulated to be gentle on sensitive digestions with Salmon as the single protein source and Potato as the main carbohydrate source. We also use only the minimal ingredients necessary to help lower the risk of an allergic response – our recipe is formulated with no cereals, dairy, other fish or meats, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives – all known allergens which may trigger food allergens or intolerances."

The new and improved sensitive recipe changes include; increased amount of the Salmon & Potato ingredients (Adult Large/Giant is packed with a hefty 71%), addition of Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for joint health and the use of two prebiotics (MOS and FOS) proven to work together to improve digestion.

For more information call 0844 3757002 or visit www.wafcol.co.uk

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Autumn/Winter TradeStore Available Now!

Armitage Tradestore 2011

The Autumn/Winter edition of TradeStore - the exciting combined product catalogue and price list - is available now to retailers.

As well as detailing our fantastic range of market leading products and brands, look out for our new innovative product ranges. We are particularly proud to launch in this issue the exciting new range of Next Generation Rotastak Wire Cages to complement the brand leading modular Rotastak housing we currently offer - all made at our Pinxton factory in Derbyshire.

Retailers are invited to register to receive a copy at www.armitages.co.uk/registration and enter the free prize draw to receive £500 (at RRP) of free stock.

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Armitages Sponsor Companion Dog Show - Sunday 10th July

Companion Dog Show at the Ashby Show

Armitage Pet Care are sponsoring the Companion Dog Show at the Ashby Show on Sunday 10th July.

The Show is based around the Cattle, Sheep, Horse & Pony and Show Jumping classes which attract exhibitors from all over the Country.

With over 200 trade exhibitors including; British Farm Produce, the latest tractors & farm machinery and cars to anything for the garden. From clothing and jewellery to hand made cards, there is something for everyone. Combine this with vintage and modern machinery, dog show, rides and stalls for children, a beer tent and much more, the show is a great family day out.

For more information, visit www.ashbyshow.com

- July 2011

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First Golden Ticket Found!

Kodi - Wafcol Golden Ticket Winner

Kodi (right) with her brother Freddy

Alan Wilson is the first lucky winner to find a Wafcol Golden Ticket in the Limited Edition Wafcol 15kg Adult Salmon & Potato Gold Bags and his Newfoundland Kodi will now enjoy a years supply of Wafcol absolutely free!

Asked why he feeds Wafcol, Alan from County Down, said "I feel Wafcol gives Kodi the complete balance, a good shinny coat, she has great energy levels and of course healthy teeth, and what is reassuring is that Wafcol had been recommended by my Vet so no other endorsement is necessary. Kodi is also very well received at my local Pub/Restaurant where she continues to turn heads. She is such a sociable animal, loves people and she has a tremendous presence with a soft face, and that cheeky 'take me home look'."

A delighted Alan said "When I found that I had won the Golden Ticket I couldn't believe it and thought it was a wind up but I am absolutely thrilled to have done so it, certainly brightened up my day, so thankyou Wafcol."

With four Wafcol Golden Tickets still to find, the hunt is still on.

- June 2011

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Win a years supply of Wafcol!

Dog owners around the country are already enjoying the benefit of seeing their dogs' thrive on Wafcol. Well now five lucky owners will also benefit in saving £££'s by winning a years supply of Wafcol dog food!

For your chance to win, look out for a 'Wafcol Golden Ticket' in our Limited Edition Wafcol Golden Bags at your local stockist.

Please click here for full terms and conditions.

- June 2011

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Rotastak – Interior design with a difference – as seen on TV!

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Rotastak Space Command and a multitude of additional accessories were shown on 20th April on BBC1's top rated show – DIY-SOS The Big Build. Having been approached by the show last Autumn, Rotastak was supplied as part of a space-age bedroom project. The huge layout was actually built through the walls to create an amazing set-up that inter-linked the boy's bedrooms! Watch now!

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Good Boy Space Lobber - As Seen On TV!

Good Boy Space Lobber, the must have gift for pets 2010 made an impact nationally on 23rd December when it was hailed as the must have toy for 2010 by Paul Ross, Eamonn Holmes & Ruth Langsford on ITV 1's favourite day time show This Morning. Watch now!

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New Tradestore Catalogue & Competition

The new TradeStore catalogue from Armitage Pet Care is available now showcasing the latest innovation in toys, chews, exciting new pack design for Good Boy Choc and the stunning Sherwood range of collars and leads.

Retailers are invited to register to receive a copy at www.armitages.co.uk/registration and enter the free prize draw to receive £500 (at RRP) of free stock.

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Aid for starving birds

Armitage Pet Care is located on the south side of Nottingham, close to the River Trent – less than a mile from the beautiful Colwick Country Park, with it's network of woodland, grassland and lakes.

The extreme weather conditions have caused major problems at the park; not only are the lakes frozen and the ground covered in snow and ice; but crucially, visitor numbers to the park have dwindled down to virtually nothing because of the treacherous conditions and severe cold. 

Visitors help the park, by feeding the birds and over the years, the birds have come to depend upon humans feeding them to help them survive.

Just before Christmas the Colwick Park Rangers put out an appeal on local BBC television and radio for food for the birds which were close to starvation. 

The very next day, Armitage Pet Care were able to arrange 300kg of bird seed to be made available immediately for the Park Rangers, who collected the seed in their vehicle.

Over the next few weeks, the food will be distributed around the park, ensuring park birds will have the food they need to see them through the winter.

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BBC Feature Armitage & Space Lobber

Armitage Pet Care where featured at length on the BBC East Midlands Today news program, for their innovative must have dog toy the Good Boy Space Lobber. 

The item also featured the history of Armitage Pet Care from their early years and their heritage of holding the royal warrant. 

Chief Executive Paul Bousfield was interviewed in the Good Boy Choc factory and talked about Armitages innovation culture. Pauls' dog Chester also featured chasing and squeaking his beloved Space Lobber.

 

Find out more about the Good Boy Space Lobber

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See how Wafcol is changing dogs' lives with website re-launch

Wafcol Homepage

Developed with Leading Dermatologist Sue Paterson and BVA President Harvey Lockes, Wafcol has always claimed that it can change dogs' lives and the re-launch of their website will allow you to see just how this happens. Along with the all the dietary information and range details you would expect to find, the new website has a section dedicated to customer testimonials featuring stories like Rocco's.

Rocco after WafcolRocco before Wafcol Rocco is a 5 year old chocolate Labrador who was given to The Labrador Lifeline Trust because his owners were unable to cope with the endless vet bills for his skin condition. 'His face was sore and all under his chest and tummy was dry and crusty…he looked thoroughly miserable and depressed' comments Pennie Medland, Area Co-ordinator for The Labrador Lifeline Trust. As part of Rocco's treatment by the Trust's homeopathic vet, his food was changed to Wafcol Salmon and Potato and after just a few weeks he became a different dog. Pennie continued 'The hair on his face has grown back, the awful itching has stopped and his general demeanor is so different from the sad depressed boy I first saw. He has cheered up no end and is really bouncy – it's fantastic to see. Our thanks go out to Wafcol.'

To see more testimonials like Rocco's or for further details about the Wafcol Sensitive range of diets, visit www.wafcol.co.uk or call 0844 375 7002 now.

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Bella Continues Her Winning Streak

Bella, the Tibetan Terrier, has continued her winning streak. After being chosen as the Good Boy Dog Model for 2010 earlier this year Bella has been perfecting her party tricks.

Her owner, Christine Bacon, recently entered her in the Chiswick House annual dog show where Bella was awarded second place in the Best Tricks class.

Andrew Tyers, organizer of the Good Boy Top Model competition said 'We are delighted that Bella is doing so well. She is such a lovely dog and Christine has been great at keeping us updated on her progress.'

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Armitage Pet Care picks PDSA charity

PDSA Charity

Armitage Pet Care is helping to keep tails wagging across the UK by announcing veterinary charity PDSA as its charity of the year. Best known for its Good Boy choc drop treats for dogs, Armitage will be supporting PDSA in a number of ways.

To raise awareness of the charity, selected Armitage products will carry the PDSA logo when sold in supermarkets, pet stores and veterinary surgeries. Other activities include sponsorship of PDSA events, appeals and staff fundraising.

A range of Armitage products including toys and treats is also on sale in PDSA’s charity shops UK-wide.

PDSA Director of Marketing, Mike Crossley, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Armitage. Their pledge to support PDSA is fantastic news and will contribute towards our vital work in caring for the sick and injured pets of people in need.”

Armitage Chief Executive, Paul Bousfield, said: “Armitage Pet Care is delighted to be supporting PDSA. We are dedicated to pets and admire the good work the charity does throughout the UK.”

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity and provides free veterinary treatment to the poorly pets of people in need. The charity receives no HM Government or lottery funding, and so relies on the generosity of the public to raise the £50 million plus needed each year to provide the service.

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Bella Is Best In Show

Bella the Tibetan Terrier

Bella the Tibetan terrier has fought off competition from hundreds of hopeful pooches to be crowned the ‘Good Boy Dog Model 2010.’

The seven month old will now front a national poster campaign for Armitage Pet Care’s ‘Good Boy’ www.armitages.co.uk/goodboy range of retro dog toys. Judges were impressed with her faultless performance on the runway and felt she looked the most natural when photographed playing with the toys. Stan, a cross-breed terrier came second with labradoodle Rufus finishing third.

Bella’s owner Christine Bacon, mother of BBC Radio Five Live presenter Richard Bacon, said she never thought in her wildest dreams that her dog would win the competition. Christine, from Mansfield said: “I heard about the competition on local radio and had always thought Bella was an attractive dog, so I decided to enter her. “I wasn’t that hopeful and having once entered Richard into a beautiful baby competition and getting nowhere. I knew that with so many entrants, the chances of her winning were slim. “Like babies everyone thinks their dog is good looking and it’s great to see that other people agree with me.” She said with a grin: “Finally one of my offspring has won a beauty competition.”

Winners Podium

Retired radio reporter Christine, 61, said Bella had always been a fan of toys and enjoyed causing mischief with whatever she can get her paws on. She said: “Bella’s got about 30 toys at home and loves to play with them. She’s got a really mischievous side and I regularly find her playing with my make-up, looking back I suppose that was a sign that she was destined for a career in modelling.” “She’d never done anything like this before but after stepping onto the red carpet she settled down and put on a great show in front of the judges – maybe she realised what was a stake. “When they announced that she’d won I was ecstatic, I knew she’d done well but there were some fantastic dogs in the competition and I’d told myself not to get carried away. “Now I know how people feel on the X-factor when they’re told they’ve made it through, for a few minutes I was lost for words.”

Christine says she can’t wait to get started on the campaign with her prize winning pooch. She said: “Bella is a fantastic dog with a great nature and I’ve always thought she’s got star potential, now she’s going to get the opportunity to show it. “She was born on my birthday and I think its fate that I found her, I feel so proud that she’s won the competition. “Now every time I see her on a poster I will be able to say, ‘That’s my dog’, and both of us can’t wait to get started.”

For more information please visit www.armitages.co.uk/goodboy

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Armitage Pet Care Launches New Trade Catalogue

Armitage Pet Care, the largest independent manufacturer and distributor of branded pet foods, treats and accessories in the UK have launched their new Trade Catalogue, Trade Store – Spring/Summer 2010 Edition. “We are a rapidly changing business always looking for new ways to talk to our customers. Trade Store has been developed to do just that – better than ever before” said Paul Bousfield, Chief Executive.

With this the first of three issues planned for 2010, Trade Store showcases Armitage Pet Care’s latest amazing innovations and consumer campaigns as well as detailing the fantastic range of market leading products and brands.

Click here to view the Armitage Trade Store Online

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Armitage Pet Care supports Battersea

Armitage Pet Care has sent a donation of 240kg of Good Boy Choc Drops to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home as a treat for all the dogs they have in their care.

Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is an organisation that has been around for 150 years. Every year Battersea takes in 12,000 dogs and cats, and with the current economic climate and the recent freezing winter temperatures, the figures do not appear to be ceasing.

“After viewing an article about the sheer amount of unwanted or homeless dogs Battersea has had to care for over the winter, everyone at Armitage wanted to help so we decide to send all the dogs our most popular treat, the Choc Drops and we hope the dogs enjoy them” said Anne Holt, Armitage Product Manager.

Good Boy Choc drops have been specially developed for dogs with a recipe that is cocoa free making it a perfectly safe, highly palatable, tasty choc treat for dogs. Laura Jenkins, Director of Operations, Animal Welfare, said: “Everyone at Battersea is really grateful for this generous donation from Armitage Pet Care and we cannot wait to start sharing the treats with our canine residents.

As the Home celebrates its 150th anniversary, help and support from organisations such as Armitage is as important as ever to make sure we can continue to work to care for the thousands of lost dogs and cats that come through our doors every year.”

The UK's leading independent pet specialist manufacturer and supplier, Armitage Pet Care, has been producing dog safe chocolate for almost 50 years.

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The new meerkat manor

checkoutthemeerkat.com

checkoutthemeerkat.com is the new and exciting consumer site launched by Good Boy to promote the release of their new Meerkat dog toy which is set to take the pet market by storm this December.

Meerkats are incredibly popular at the moment, and this toy is sure to appeal to a mass consumer base, all obsessed with the little guys. The idea behind the site is to capitalise on consumer demand. We wanted a place where we could generate interest and have plans for the site to become interactive post launch” says Andrew Tyers, creator of the Good Boy Meerkat.

The site has a dedicated page for consumers to find the toy and retailers/wholesalers to communicate they are a stockist.
Armitage are encouraging retailers to cash in on the national Meerkat craze and are promoting the super cute and cuddly plush dog toy character with a free meerkat branded dumpbin for every order of 8 cases.

The Meerkat toy also has a fan page on Facebook which is growing fast. He keeps his fans and friends up to date with all the latest news and launch developments.

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Dogs and chocolate – A deadly combination

safe choc

Good Boy launch safechocfordogs.co.uk website to further strengthen their message to pet owners; it’s dangerous to feed chocolate to your dog – FACT!

However help is at hand, don’t despair, Doggy chocoholics can also enjoy their own special chocolate. Good Boy choc is made from a specially developed recipe that does not contain cocoa and so is completely safe for dogs to eat. Paul Bousfield, chief executive of Armitage Pet Care said ‘We make 1 billion choc drops a year at our Nottingham site so dogs can enjoy eating choc that is specifically designed for them’

To celebrate Chocolate Week (12th-18th October) Good Boy are running a competition via the website www.safechocfordogs.co.uk
where dog owners can enter a prize draw to win dog goodies to the value of £25 including Good Boy Choc, chews and toys.

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Jones goes to the dogs ahead of Cambrian Rally

Neville Jones

Stone based Neville Jones will be celebrating the annual National Chocolate Week by promoting dog friendly chocolate during the forthcoming Lewis and Hunter Cambrian Rally, an event that Neville will contest in his Geoff Jones Motorsport run Subaru Impreza B13.

With the National Chocolate Week taking place from 12 to 18 October the timing of the BTRDA season finale has given Jones the perfect opportunity to come to the aid of his canine friends by promoting Good Boy Choc (the safe choc treat for dogs), a cocoa free treat that is safe for animals.

Some people might say that I have gone barking mad! quipped Jones at a recent test in Mid Wales, but the statistics show how dangerous even a morsel of chocolate is for a dog! The products from Armitage Pet Care have been carefully researched and are 100% safe for your pampered pooch!

I love the Cambrian Rally, it’s one of my favourites in the whole year and I’m really looking forward to competing with the new engine installed and comparing my times against the likes of Hirvonen!

A bit about chocolate poisoning: Chocolate contains a natural product called theobromine which, even in small doses, is lethal to dogs. Every year over 1100 dogs are affected by their owners feeding them sweet treats!

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Armitage feature in Nottingham Evening Post to promote their safe choc for dogs campaign

Kathy Daws

A NOTTINGHAM pet food firm is warning people they face poisoning their animals if they feed them chocolate meant for humans. Staff at Armitage Pet Care in Colwick have voiced concern that more animals are falling ill after consuming chocolate treats designed for their owners.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring compound found in the cocoa bean which is poisonous to dogs.
Catherine Webster, Nutritionist and Group Technical Manager at Armitage, said: "Human chocolate is so dangerous to dogs because they cannot metabolise it. If they continue to eat it than the levels of theobromine build and build.
'The frightening thing is with each dog you do not know the exact amount that's going to do damage. It's why it is so important to give dogs treats designed for them'.
The company, which makes dog-friendly chocolate treats, has made the warning ahead of National Chocolate Week, which starts on Monday.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service received 1,500 emergency calls in 2008, up from 1,166 in 2007. The most common complaints were about chocolate, ibuprofen, grapes and rat poison.
A Yorkshire terrier could die if it eats a 150g bar of plain chocolate and around 200g of chocolate could prove fatal for spaniel-sized dogs, with 400g harmful to Labradors.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, restlessness and diarrhoea. The central nervous system, heart and kidneys can also be affected.
Paul Bousfield, chief executive of Armitage Pet Care, said: 'We make one billion chocolate drops a year at our Nottingham site so dogs can enjoy eating chocolate that is specifically designed for them'.

For National Chocolate Week, Armitage is running a competition to win £25 of treats for their pets, including the firm's Good Boy chocolate drops.

www.safechocfordogs.co.uk

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Easter Treats Head to Afghanistan

104 Military Working Dog Unit 104 Military Working Dog Unit 104 Military Working Dog Unit 104 Military Working Dog Unit 

Armitage Pet Care has donated safe Easter treats for over 200 dogs serving with troops in Afghanistan.
30 cases of Good Boy Choc Drops will be flown out to Camp Bastion and cases will also be distributed at home amongst dogs recently back from operations and animals in training.

Veterinary Officer Captain Cees Bennett, from 104 Military Working Dog Unit, based at St George’s Barracks, North Luffenham, took delivery of the treats. He said: “Our thanks go to Armitage for donating the Choc Drops.
“Our military dogs have a vitally important job to do, from helping to guard bases to searching for explosives and I’m sure they will enjoy an extra treat at the end of their working day.”

Paul Bousfield, Chief Executive at Armitage, says: “Our team at Colwick came up with this terrific idea and we’re delighted the treats are being sent out ahead of Easter.  It is important to recognise the bravery and the work our troops and animals are doing overseas and this is a gift to express our gratitude.”

The donation coincides with a campaign recently launched by Armitage to alert dog owners to the dangers of feeding their pets human chocolate.

Recent figures, by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, show almost 1,500 calls were made by vets to their helpline in 2008, up from 1,166 in 2007 around chocolate poisoning.

Human chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring compound found in the cocoa bean which is poisonous to dogs. How the dog reacts depends very much on its size, any other health problems and the amount and type of chocolate ingested. The darker the chocolate and the higher level of cocoa solids, the more theobromine it is likely to contain.

The symptoms related to theobromine poisoning can include diarrhoea, restlessness, nausea and vomiting. The central nervous system, heart and kidneys can also be affected and in the very worst cases, it can prove fatal.

Catherine Webster, nutritionist at Armitage Pet Care, says: “There is a real lack of awareness surrounding the dangers of human chocolate to dogs and I’m sure the cases reported are just the tip of the iceberg.

“What worries me is that there are safe alternatives on the market, yet pet owners are still exposing their animals to unnecessary dangers. At Armitage we have been producing a wide range of dog safe choc products for many years, all of which are cocoa free and so are perfectly safe for all dogs.

“The message is, never feed your dog human chocolate. Let’s bring this figure down and stop putting our pets at risk.”

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Good Boy The Safe Choc for Dogs

Goodboy Safe Choc

Good Boy Choc has been specially developed for dogs with a recipe that is cocoa free making it a perfectly safe, tasty treat for dogs. Although there is a cost associated with having a unique pet recipe, as a responsible pet company we strongly believe in making our products as tasty as possible without compromising on safety.

So why is human chocolate fatal to dogs?
Human chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring compound found in the cocoa bean, and it is this compound that is poisonous to dogs.

Theobromine acts as a stimulant (similar to caffeine) and in humans is effectively metabolized relatively quickly. In dogs the time taken to metabolize theobromine is more than double that of humans and it takes longer to be filtered out by their liver.

Clipping

The symptoms related to theobromine poisoning can include diarrhoea, restlessness, nausea and vomiting. The central nervous system, heart and kidneys can also be affected and in the worse cases the ingestion of theobromine can be fatal.

How a dog reacts to theobromine will depend on the dog's size, any health problems, the amount of chocolate ingested and the type of chocolate ingested. The darker the chocolate the higher the level of cocoa solids, will mean that the chocolate will contain more theobromine.

So remember, NEVER give human chocolate to dogs. Treat them with a specially formulated Good Boy Choc instead. And let’s face it, what better way to treat man’s best friend this Easter.

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Armitage - Investors In People

NVQ NVQ TracyWith support from Armitage Pet Care, a number of employees have recently gained Level 2 NVQ qualifications in Business-Improvement Techniques (Process Improvement) which includes units such as Effective team working and Problem solving techniques.
It is important that Armitage employees are given all the help and guidance to develop their knowledge and skills to ensure precision in their job roles, and as a caring company, Armitage happily promotes this.
The bright employees were also treated to a bottle of wine from Armitage Pet Care's Chief Executive Paul Bousfield, for their achievements.

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25 Years With Armitage

Nigel HibberdArmitage Pet Care's Key Account Manager for the South, Nigel Hibberd celebrated 25 years with the company.

I have had a very enjoyable 25 years, helped by working with some wonderful, caring and passionate colleagues.

Nigel joined Armitage Pet Care back in 1984 as an area sales representative and has triumphed from then on.

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