Ciren Scene Magazine - Establishing Local Connections Helping your dog cope


with Life after lockdown: Hello, I’m Natalie,


I live here in Cirencester with my husband and our two happy hounds, Bonnie and Claudie, who we adopted in 2018 from the Dogs Trust. Having shared our family homes with dogs since childhood, it only felt natural to welcome them into our own lives and home as soon as we were able to do so. In the last 2 years we have incorporated our love and passion for dogs and the environment, along with our pro- fessional work in product design, to launch our own online company, Smug Mutts, where our main focus is natural and plastic free toys and accessories. Our hand-crafted dog toys are now stocked in shops around the Cotswolds and beyond, and you can read more of our story or take a look at our collection on www.smugmutts.co.uk.


For many of us our dogs have been our lifeline during lockdown providing companionship and consistency in such uncertain times. They have kept us active de- manding daily walks, rain or shine, and interaction,


Below, left to right: Bonnie, Natalie and Claudie


which has helped positively boost our mood and lending daily structure to our lives. They love us be- ing around as much as we love their company and are relishing the extra attention, more playtime and new enthusiasm for walks.


There has also been a huge increase in demand for puppies and dogs during the past year which means for some, this lifestyle will be all they have ever known. Dog ownership is a wonderful thing, but it is also a huge responsibility and a commitment that spans way beyond lockdown. As restrictions ease and we slowly welcome normality back into our lives, it’s important we consider the implications for our canine companions and give them a helping hand to adjust. Few will have been able to socialise with other dogs, experience new visitors in the home - apart from the regular deliveries appearing at the door - or been left


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Photograph by Ben Jones


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