It can’t be easy waiting at an animal shelter for your forever family, but when the winter chill sets in, it’s got to be positively miserable. It’s why we run our annual animal rescue charity drives during winter and share tips on how you can make a difference too!
Helping doggos in need is a cause that’s really close to our heart, which is why we have a Valgray charity drive every year. Over the years we have been proud to donate much needed blankets and dog food to the incredible animal rescues you recommended, as well as gifting designer dog collar and leash sets to newly adopted pooches so they can start their new lives in style.
What we’re doing
This year we’ll be donating a blanket to F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue for every Valgray designer collar and leash set we sell. And to spread the warmth, we have a winter special running where we’ll be giving you a FREE dog snood with each set too.
If you haven’t heard of F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue, this incredible organisation is situated on a farm in Melkbosstrand in the Western Cape and is run by a group of women who are devoted to rescuing, treating and rehoming dogs in need. Not only does this team ensure that the animals in their care get love and attention, they also provide animal therapy to help heal broken souls.
If you’re ready to find your new best friend or are willing to foster a pup in need, we encourage you to check out their website and visit their farm. We know you’ll be as inspired as we were!
What you can do
There are so many ways to help out your favourite animal shelters, even if your budget is stretched. In fact, some of these ideas won’t cost you a cent.
Clear out: We all have unnecessary items stuffed away in cupboards that we haven’t got around to getting rid of. Well now is the time to track down those old blankets, towels, pillows, cushions and dog beds. While you’re at it, gather together old pet collars, leashes, jerseys and toys – there’s an animal out there that will be delighted with your contributions.
Leftovers: Pulling up an old carpet, taking down a fence or doing renovations? You’ll be surprised at how much an animal shelter will appreciate your leftover building materials and unwanted furnishings. If you don’t have a bakkie to take the materials yourself, give your favourite shelter a call to see if they can collect.
Reusables: Tossing old newspapers, boxes and bags away? Find a dry corner in your home to store them instead. You’ll find doing a monthly drop off will warm your heart as much as theirs.
Contribute: We all know that animal shelters are financially strained, but there are ways to help out. Whether it’s setting up a monthly EFT on your banking app, or donating pet food, cleaning material or toys, your contribution may feel small, but it will make a big difference.
Participate: We all know how much our pooches love cuddles, walkies and playtime and the furry souls in animal shelters are no different. Got specialist skills? Speak to your local organisation about contributing a few hours of your expertise a month.
Take in: Whether it’s providing a fur baby a forever home or a temporary place to stay while they settle down and adjust to being in a loving environment, bringing an animal into your home will change your life as much as theirs. Speak to your local rescue about whether your family is ready for a new addition.
Spread the word: One of the easiest ways to make a difference in today’s world of social media is in helping to share the message. Make a point to share posts of your favourite rescue organisation, their animals up for adoption and fund-raising events. While you’re at it, encourage your friends and family to get involved too.
We hope you’ll join us in this winter drive for our animal shelters. Trust us, making a difference will warm your heart just as much as it improves the lives of the cats and dogs in need.
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Maintaining your dog's hygiene is crucial for their health. Regular grooming prevents skin infections, parasites, and other health issues. DIY dog washing is cost-effective, strengthens bonding, and offers flexibility. Essential supplies include dog shampoo, brushes, and towels. For a thorough clean, follow steps to wet, shampoo, rinse, and dry your dog. Professional dog washing services offer expertise, high-quality products, and comprehensive care packages. Choose between DIY and professional services based on cost, time, quality of care, and your dog's comfort. Prioritize your pet's well-being for a happy, healthy dog.
Teaching a dog to stop pulling on a leash involves understanding the cause, using a well-fitting harness, and consistent training with positive reinforcement. Start in a calm environment, gradually introduce distractions, and seek professional help if needed. Regular practice and patience will ensure enjoyable walks. In this article we take you through some of the steps to help you get your dog to stop pulling on lead.
Winter poses significant challenges for dogs, making it crucial to keep them warm and healthy. By taking proactive measures, owners can ensure their pets remain comfortable throughout the cold months. Here are ten effective strategies to keep your dog warm in winter:
Create a Warm Environment: Ensure your dog has a heated, insulated indoor space and consider safe indoor heating options like space heaters or heating pads. If your dog spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house with proper insulation and dry bedding.
Dress Your Dog for Winter: Use winter clothing like sweaters, coats, and booties to help retain body heat and protect against cold conditions. Choose breathable, water-resistant materials and ensure a proper fit. A Valgray dog snood is great for helping to keep them warm in moderately cold conditions.
Adjust Diet and Nutrition: Increase caloric intake to help maintain body heat. Incorporate high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and supplements like fish oil to support overall health while maintaining a balanced diet.
Provide Comfortable Bedding: Use insulated, cushioned beds, and add fleece or thermal blankets for extra warmth. Place the bed in a warm, draft-free area.
Practice Safe Exercise: Adjust exercise routines to include indoor activities and shorter, more frequent outdoor walks. Dress your dog appropriately for cold weather.
Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's health and address any winter-specific issues like arthritis or respiratory infections.
Use Pet-Friendly Heating Devices: Utilize electric blankets, heated pads, or microwaveable heat packs to provide consistent warmth during very cold times. Ensure safety features like automatic shut-offs and avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Monitor Your Dog’s Condition: Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, lethargy, and seeking warmth. Address any signs of discomfort or health issues promptly.
Proper Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to maintain its insulating properties. Avoid shaving your dog’s fur during winter to retain natural warmth.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated, which is essential for maintaining body temperature and overall health.
By following these tips as needed, you can ensure your dog stays warm, healthy, and comfortable during the winter months.
Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward.
It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar.
Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.
DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?
No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here.
Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.
PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION
We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.
