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Please mention Darlington Monthly when contacting advertisersPlease mention Darlington Monthly when contacting advertisersHealthy food for contented petsAll Breeds & Lifestyle dietsGluten Free RangeFree Nutritional Advice Weight Management DietsLocal ServiceMade in BritainFamily Owned BusinessHonest Label PolicyHigh Quality & Value for MoneyVinnie from ManchesterIf you would like more information, or a free taste trial in thecomfort of your own home please contactSara Burgess on 01325 460610 / 07748933627sara.burgess@oscars.co.uk*Minimum order may applyProtect Pets on Bonfire NightBeautiful night skies filled with dazzling colour, sparklinglights and exciting bangs are thrilling. But spare a thoughtfor our cats and dogs. A staggering 61% of our pets arescared of fireworks* and demonstrate visible signs ofstress. Every flash and bang can bring alarming surpriseto them. Fireworks often go on for several weeks. If youare concerned that your pet is stressed at this time ofyear, please follow our advice to help your pet feel moresafe and secureTop Ten Tips1. Exercise your dog before it gets dark to reduce therisk of experiencing fireworks whilst you are out. Makesure your cat is safely indoors. Sunset is around 4:20pmin November.2. Once home, close all windows, cat flaps, and doors anddraw curtains to help drown out the sights and soundsof fireworks.3. Put some background noise on, such as the TV orradio. Playing music with a strong beat can reduce yourpet’s worry over loud or unpredictable bangs.4. Put your pet’s bed in a safe place, or make a den tocomfort them. A crate or simple cardboard box filledwith soft bedding and a blanket over the top is an easyand quick solution. Remember that cats often feel morecomfortable when they are up high.5. Try to stay relaxed! Pets are very in-tune with ouremotions, and if we appear anxious, this may make thingsworse for them.6. If your pet does become distressed, do comfort andlove them! Don’t worry, it’s not possible to reinforce theemotion of fear.7. Distraction with a fun game or their favourite toy canhelp, or try offering treats or a chew.8. Beaphar Calming Spot is designed to help alleviatestress and anxiety. It contains Valerian extract, a herbalsupplement noted for its calming properties.9. Stay at home with your pet on bonfire night. They willalways feel more relaxed and secure with you around.10. If you are concerned about the degree of anxietyyour pet shows during bonfire season, speak to your vetabout anxiety treatment.*PDSA, Online survey 2013Planning To Prune Properly?The leaves have fallen, so it’s time to start pruning trees andshrubs both large and small. With bare branches, it’s easierto see what needs to be done. As well as putting in shape,we need to carry out some basic maintenance. The way Iwas taught to ensure that you’re pruning correctly was toremember “5DWC”;The Five D’sDead, Dying, Dangerous, Diseased, Damaged.WCWeak, Crossing.I agree, it’s pretty obvious stuff, but one of these is oftenoverlooked and it can actually cause every single one of theother problems! Crossing branches will rub against eachother, causing weakness and damage in the form of woundswhich can allow disease to enter. Branches then becomedangerous and will eventually die. By tackling this issue asit arises, you can prevent future loss of branches. Followingthe 5DWC process will ensure your trees and shrubs are ina safe, healthy, well maintained condition. After winter yourtrees will definitely be relieved!For a longer version of this pruning guide and other gardeningtips, please visit www.willowtreegardens.co.uk/blog. Wouldyou like to choose the topic for December’s edition? Sendyour suggestion to info@willowtreegardens.co.uk.TAKEAWAYSERVICEAVAILABLECafe SpiceIndian Restaurant & Take Away5 STARFOODHYGIENETraditional techniques coupled with years’ of experiencein the delicate art of cooking with herbs and spices,along with creative cooking and added twistT: 01325 468 783 M: 07809 11379419 Clarks Yard, Darlington, DL3 7QHOpen 7 days a week, 6.00pm - 11.30pmWillow Tree GardensWe will transform your garden andmake it a space to be proud of!Let us know how we can help youachieve your perfect outdoor space01325 360888 / 07942 332244@WillowTreeGdnswww.willowtreegardens.co.ukinfo@willowtreegardens.co.ukM & N Pinkney LtdMNBuilders & JoinersAll aspects of building workundertakenNew buildsExtensionsConversionsAward winners in roofworkTraditional • Trussed • DormersTiling • LeadworkCall for a free quotationT: 01833 640020M: 07899 898508T: 01325 720412M: 07880 7448268 To Advertise Contact Darlington Monthly Email: sales@darlingtonmonthly.co.uk Tel: 07980 006910Find us on Facebook: DarlingtonMonthly Visit us online: www.darlingtonmonthly.co.uk 9