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Posts Tagged ‘dog bed’

Five reasons to love Harris Tweed

Friday, January 20th, 2017
Watney Duffle Coat, £145

Watney Duffle Coat, £145

Harris Tweed is a hallmark of LoveMyDog designs, used on everything from coats to carriers, collars and blankets. But what’s the story behind this wonderful woolly fabric? Here’s five things you might not know…

1 Made from pure wool, Harris Tweed is a breathable, non-allergenic fabric with amazing insulation qualities, so it will keep your dog warm all winter long. LoveMyDog founder Lilly Shahravesh has been working with it for over 13 years – her dog coats, blankets, beds and carriers all make use of this cosy material in cool tartan, checks and plain shades. The Watney Duffle Coat is a classic example, in Highland-chic red tartan.

Watney Duffle Coat, £145

Watney Duffle Coat, £145

2  Known in its native Scotland as ‘clo mor’ – or ‘big cloth’ – Harris Tweed is super practical, even for pooches who love to get into muddy scrapes. Just let the mud dry, then remove with a dry brush. Or, if walkies has been a really serious affair, a little soapy water and a damp cloth should do the trick. Our tweed is Teflon®-coated to repel stains – treat it well and it will last for years.

3 Harris Tweed is one of the most ecologically friendly fabrics in the world. It’s been made in the same way for over a century, using only hand looms. Almost zero energy goes into its manufacture and it’s made from all-natural virgin wool.

The Outer Hebrides, home of Harris Tweed®

The Outer Hebrides, home of Harris Tweed

4 So iconic is the fabric that it is protected by an Act of Parliament. The 1993 ruling decrees that Harris Tweed must by dyed, spun and woven in the home of an artisan weaver in the islands of the Outer Hebrides.

5 Despite its homely origins, Harris Tweed has made it onto the catwalks of Chanel and Prada – the ultimate example of heritage chic. LoveMyDog’s canine couture is just as carefully crafted, with tweed coats and carriers tailored to fit every size and breed. Why have anything else this winter?

Walkies (and drinkies): the UK’s best dog-friendly rambles

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

Wilderness rambles and an English country pub: it doesn’t get much better. Unless you’ve got a dog trotting alongside. Here’s our guide to the UK’s best pet-friendly pubs and nearby walks.

walkiesLead

From Cornwall to Cumbria, there’s little to beat stretching the legs and lungs in the good old English countryside. Add the tempting lure of a traditional pub garden on a sunny afternoon and all’s right with the world.

Here’s our edit of the best dog-friendly pubs with a handy stroll close at hand.

 

The King’s Arms and The Rattlebone Inn, Didmarton and Sherston, Cotswolds

thekingsarms

Image source: King’s Arms Didmarton

There’s a two-for-one on this circular walk, with the Rattlebone Inn at beginning and end in Sherston, with the King’s Arms at Didmarton marking the half-way point. And they’re both seriously chic.

The King’s Arms is all leather armchairs and picture windows, looking out onto a voluptuous country garden for sunny days. And they know their weekend market: supper is served until 10pm on a Friday night, so you can whiz down straight from the office after a long week and not go hungry.

It’s got spot-on canine credentials too. Resident dog-in-chief Spoof the Jack Russell is on standby for playtime and they even serve a doggy beer, Snuffle (yes, really). If you decide to hole up here for the weekend, four-legged guests are as pampered as their two-legged pals, with dog beds and treats available in the super chic rooms.

As for the Rattlebone Inn, no-one can say it lacks pedigree. A former favourite haunt of Prince Harry and friends, its modern bistro cuisine and real ales continues to attract the smart set. If you’ve any energy left after your walk, there’s a skittles alley and three boules pitches in the garden.

Ramble route: Start your walk at picture postcard-pretty Sherston, taking a circular route, mostly through open farmland. The walk follows the River Avon upstream through the gentle slopes of a valley.

Grab a leisurely beer at The King’s Arms and you’ll head back towards Sherston on a different path, ending up back at the Rattlebone Inn. If you’re lucky, they’ll have fired up the spit roast and be serving Argentinian Lamb Asados in the garden.

 

2. The Black Bull Inn, Coniston, Cumbria

walkiesblackbullinn

Image source: http://www.geog.port.ac.uk/

 

Thirsty travellers have been stopping in (and stumbling out) of this historic coaching inn for more than 400 years and they’re more than happy for pooches to pop through those historic doors, too.

The Black Bull doesn’t have the Farrow and Ball chic of the Cotswolds pair but it does have one big plus point. Out back, the pub has its own brewery, the home of Bluebird Bitter.

The Old Man mountain serves as a dramatic backdrop as you enjoy a fresh pint with your dog at your feet. But go easy, you’re going to be climbing that bad boy.

Ramble route: This circular walk is a proper hike, rather than a Sunday stroll, so it’s not for wimps or pups. You’ll zig-zag up the side of Stubthwaite Crag and finally peak the Old Man of Coniston, which clocks in at 803m. The stunning views are worth it though – and you’ll welcome that drink when you head back to the Black Bull.

 

Strike out into the countryside kitted out in the best of British design.

Treat your dog to a little something from the Appleby range, made from genuine Harris tweed. There’s a reason this fabric’s an enduring fashion favourite: as well as being super stylish, it’s tough enough to cope with snags from thorns, lasts for ages and washes beautifully.

Perfect for the four-legged countryside gent (or lady).

Appleby dog collar (from £52)

Appleby lead (from £62)

The Red Lion, Burnsall, Yorkshire Dales

walkiesredlion

Image source: Red Lion

Looking for the authentic Yorkshire Dales experience? Burnsall’s just the baby. Historic stone buildings, Instagram-wowing river views and a slightly bonkers feast day (with games) every August.

The Red Lion is in the heart of the village, where it’s been packing ‘em in since the 16th century. The food has an AA rosette and the menu goes on for ever… (fussy eaters take note).

There’s a resident Jack Russell called Totty (what is it about pubs and Jack Russells?) and say hi to the Grayshons; they seem to rope in every generation to work in this genuine family business.

Ramble route: This is proper walking country. Wharfedale is on your doorstep and Burnsall is the first stop of the Dales Way, which runs from Ilkley to Windermere.

Ask the right people in the bar and they’ll tell tales of trolls that haunt a nearby limestone gorge, a wolf-infested ravine that inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles and caves housing flesh-eating boggarts (no, we don’t know either). Personally, we’re more nervous of the mad fell runners, who race up Burnsall Fell every August.

Instead, strike out along the side of the glittering River Wharfe, with plenty of spots to jump in for doggy paddling. There’s a set of notoriously-slippery stepping stones (don’t worry, there’s a creaky but fun cable bridge if you don’t want to get wet) but other than that, the going is easy.

There’s a circular 2.4 mile journey that takes in the best views in Burnsall, or press on to Bolton Abbey, the gorgeous, sprawling Yorkshire estate of the Duke of Devonshire. Dogs on a lead are welcome in most areas – check out the exclusions here.

4. The Boathouse, Falmouth, Cornwall

walkiesFalmouthHarbour

Falmouth Harbour from the Boathouse

Image source: The Boathouse

It’s a clamber up to the Boathouse but the view down across Falmouth Harbour makes it worthwhile. The hearty seafood-with-a-twist menu is a pretty good incentive too.

They’re big on live music and guest ales. Oh – and apparently they’ve got a bonsai tree that looks like Kim Kardashian’s most famous asset.

Ramble route: There’s no wilderness quite like the Cornish coast, with the unpredictable sea making it a different experience every time. There are dozens of walks, from town strolls to clifftop excursions, via beach safaris but we like the unique views from the historic Pendennis headland

Seven signs you’re a Whippet owner

Friday, June 17th, 2016

Fast and curious: here’s what life is like when you share it with a sighthound (clue: they’re not for everyone).

BEANS 2-018_f1

Whippets are far from a poor man’s greyhound. Though they strongly resemble the breed they originate from, they’re a creature of very unique quirks.

Elegant, powerful, shapely and sweet, the beautiful dogs are just as up for snuggles as they are for adventures.

It’s these precious idiosyncrasies that present a series of life lessons, hilarities and heartfelt moments for Whippet owners. Here are just a few.

1. Unleashing your Whippet is always a hysterical affair

The Whippet is independent, often aloof and never lost his prey drive. Should anything small, moving and furry catch his eye – he’s off. Leaving you to enjoy a long romantic walk on the beach… with yourself. They are racing masters, after all. However, they do have two speeds: lightning and out cold on the sofa. Which brings us to…

2. You’re used to living with two shadows

Hands up if your furry friend follows you from room to room like he’s attached to your calf? Or cosies up under your blanket? We thought so. Whippets love nothing more than being snuggled up – and are extremely adept at finding cosy spaces where none seem to exist, much to our constant bewilderment.

 

WhippetBed

Whippets love: With their slender physique and sensitive skin, Whippets need luxuriously soft, padded beds to catch up on their beauty sleep. Treat yours to this tweed dog bed with thermo-regulating filling.

3. You’ve experienced a proper tail whipping

Any Whippet owner can relate to the eye-watering lash of the dog’s tail as they pelt pass, Speedy Gonzales style. Like a whip across the thighs. And as for the furniture? That happy tail can clear lampshades, coffee tables, you name it.

4. Your favourite shoes are hidden out of sight, always

If there’s one thing Whippet owners know (and have probably learnt the hard way) it’s to keep your favourite items up high. Waaaay up high. Your lovable critter will chew everything you own and you’ve come to accept that that’s just the way life is now.

5. Bike rides are out of the question

You know those dog owners that breeze by on their bicycles, leash attached to the handlebars, as their pooch gracefully gallops by their side? You are not one of those dog owners. As the fastest accelerating dog in the world, Whippets challenge even Greyhounds for top speed – and you’re likely to hit a bush at 80mph if you even attempt such a thing.

6. You get more excited buying outfits for your dog than you do yourself

Due to their svelte figure and lack of body fat, Whippets get cold easily. To a Whippet owner, this can only mean one thing – a complete and utter fashion frenzy. Wrapping your pooch in a properly-cut coat feels as momentous as Prince Charming bestowing Cinderella with her glass slipper.

Whippets love: End shivering in style with this hand-woven Whippet dog coat in pure wool tweed. Ultra smart, with a soft fleecy lining especially for sensitive Whippet skin.

 

WhippetCoat

7. Your dreams of having a watchdog are well and truly quashed

All strangers are welcome in a Whippet’s world. Great for when you have company – not so great if you ever wanted a guard dog. If you were ever burgled, you know fine well the criminal in question would be met with a friendly wagging tail and the soulful smile of your little whip. If they hear a can of dog food opening, however, that’s another scenario entirely…

 

 

 

Pressies for pooches? We’ve got five of the best.

Friday, May 27th, 2016

Buying a treat for a very special dog? Fit the gift to the owner with our guide.

LMDPressieLEAD

Whether you’re seeking a quirky fashion statement, the ultimate pet-tech or a personalised treat for home-comfort cravers, our gift guide features five of the best – and there’s one to suit every owner’s personality.

1.    The gadget geek: FitBark

FitBark_Dog_Activity_Monitor_Green_grande

Image source: FitBark

Know a dog owner who’s crazy about their FitBit? The FitBark (£59.95) is already a hit stateside and making headway this side of the pond too. Track the pooch’s health and behaviour, while the accompanying app lets them share the data and photos with their friends and vet.

Available in five lovely colours – we like ‘free spirit’ green.

Fetch it: Amazon UK

 

2. The fashion fan: Hoxton Tartan Bow Wow dog bow tie

Who’s your best-dressed friend? Treat their equally elegant hound to a touch of sartorial style. This dog bow tie (£22.95) is made from the finest pure new wool and is perfect on its own for a jaunty touch of class – or as part of the Harris Tweed Hoxton collection – a design exclusive to LoveMyDog.  Just make sure they head somewhere busy for walkies, as there’ll be plenty of admirers.

bow-tie-hoxton

Fetch it: Love my dog

 

3. The hungry hound: The Barking Bakery carob ‘woofin’ with pink yoghurt icing

Thebarkingbakery

Image source: Fetch

Which foodie is likely to turn up their nose up at run-of-the-mill doggy drops? This ‘woofin’ (£3.49), straight from Ocado’s pet patisserie will take your furry friend’s taste buds to new levels of delight. The fluffy carob sponge is complemented by a generous dollop of pink yoghurt icing and decorated with bone-shaped biscuits. It might only last ten seconds but it’ll be ten seconds of unadulterated doggy bliss.

Fetch it: Fetch online

 

4. The chill-out queen: Spencer corduroy dog bed

spencer-orange-bed-new

Image source: Love my dog

Curling up for a nap will never be quite the same again once their pup can revel in the luxury of the Spencer dog bed (£155), crafted from soft needlecord and finished with Sherpa fleece. If you know an owner who takes creature comforts seriously, this is one gift which will score big. It comes in three sizes, an array of colours (we love perky orange) and you can even personalise it, for extra brownie points.

Fetch it: Love my dog

 

5. The pamper pro: The Pet Spa treatment

images

Image source: The Pet Spa

The Pet Spa in Chelsea is an unrivalled retreat for the pampered pet – and has plenty of treatments to choose from, including mud baths, reiki or a simple canine massage. Book a frazzled owner in for a spa treatment and whisk their pet off for his own spot of TLC.

Fetch it: The Pet Spa

Canine Couture Collection: Sidworth

Saturday, May 30th, 2015

LoveMyDog AW14 lookbook

In the 1970’s, Knightsbridge was awash with ‘ladies who lunch’ sporting tweed skirts with a fur jacket. Lilly’s mum was one, and provided the inspiration for this stylish daywear Sidworth Collection.

In the 1970’s, Knightsbridge was awash with ‘ladies who lunch’ sporting tweed skirts with a fur jacket. Lilly’s mum was one, and provided the inspiration for this stylish daywear Sidworth Collection.

The Sidworth Collection’s fabric is hand-woven in pure wool from the cheviot sheep and known as ‘nature’s miracle’ as it’s extremely soft, windproof and showerproof. (more…)

Canine Couture Collection: Digby

Monday, May 11th, 2015

LoveMyDog AW14 lookbook

A huge, gilt-framed oil painting in a stately home inspired this distinguished Digby Collection in oversized check tweed.

LoveMyDog’s Creative Director Lilly comments, “It was a Victorian country scene full of people and dogs, and I loved the colours”. Soft, warm and hardwearing, this collection suits dogs with either dark or light coloured coats.

A huge, gilt-framed oil painting in a stately home inspired this distinguished Digby Collection in oversized check tweed. Lilly comments, “It was a Victorian country scene full of people and dogs, and I loved the colours”. Soft, warm and hardwearing, this collection suits dogs with either dark or light coloured coats.

Introducing the Digby Collection…

Digby dog coat from LoveMyDog

Each Digby Tweed Dog Coat is cut out by hand using one of our unique, specially drawn patterns. All the pieces are pinned and then individually sewn using top quality thread and meticulous stitching and real leather buttons.

Your dog’s coat fastens with broad Velcro straps that go around the underbelly, so it’s very easy to put on and off. Occasionally it may need a clean – after all, dogs do like to roll in some unspeakable things! When that happens, just hand wash the coat or give it a wipe over with a damp cloth, and it comes up looking like new.

Digby Pet Carrier by LoveMyDog

Carry your favourite little dog in resplendent style. Made from a stylish Scottish Tweed, with Italian leather straps, the Digby Tweed Pet Carrier is an iconic piece of British design but also very comfortable for both you and your pooch. The tweed is stain resistant, ultra-soft but also very hard-wearing woven from the wool of the Cheviot sheep.

Digby Tweed Dog Bed

LoveMyDog beds are designed to give a little height to keep your dog out of draughts while they are sleeping. Inside the Digby Tweed Dog Bed is hollow-fibre filling which moulds to your dog’s body for outstanding comfort and support. Afterwards, it springs back into shape, so your bed always looks smart.

This technologically advanced filling also has ‘thermo-regulating’ properties which help keep your dog cool in summer and warm in winter. You’re really giving your pet the best – they are going to feel so comfortable for a grand night’s sleep.

Digby Tweed Dog Collar

Hand cut in our design studios and finished by traditional British belt-makers, the Digby Tweed Dog Collar is an icon of understated design. It’s strong enough to last a lifetime, yet supersoft for maximum comfort.

Digby Tweed Dog Lead

The Digby Tweed Dog Lead is strong enough to last a lifetime as tweed is famous for being hardwearing. Yet this superb natural fibre also feels very comfortable in your hand.

Canine Couture Collection: Edison

Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

Inspired by the mod style of the 1960’s, the Edison Dog Coat combines elegant, burnt orange Harris Tweed, with contrasting brown corduroy trim.

Inspired by the mod style of the 1960’s, LoveMyDog’s Edison Coat combines elegant, burnt orange Harris Tweed with contrasting brown corduroy trim.

Luxuriously soft, the Edison Collection is exclusively designed by LoveMyDog’s Creative Director Lilly Shahravesh, with items hand cut and crafted in our East London studio for the most exquisite fit and quality. (more…)

Dog tired with Dawn Porter and Chris O’Dowd

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Journalist, presenter, book-writer (we could go on) Dawn Porter and her fiance Chris O’Dowd (IT Crowd and Bridesmaids star) announced their engagement through Twitter back in December.

Dawn has also recently posted photos of their dog Potato and cat Lilu who look very cute curled up asleep together. They apparently have about three beds each but insist on the one pictured above with Dawn saying that “they love it”.

The bed in question is the ultimate in hand-crafted luxury, a LoveMyDog Appleby dog bed. It’s edged with one of our luxury Harris Tweed fabrics, with a hard-wearing fleece top and bottom. We make the beds here in London, cutting and pinning the fabric and finally sewing on the appliqué details all by hand.

Potato also has a matching Harris Tweed blanket and an Elwin dog coat. Dawn describes the dog bed as “Amazing, it’s so gorgeous” whilst Chris says it “Looks amazing. What a lucky bastard”.

If you’re on Twitter you can follow Dawn, Chris and our very own Rabbit.

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