VALGRAY’S PROJECT CUDDLES & CRUNCHIES! A STORY TO GET TAILS WAGGING
August 13, 2021
Valgray’s charity initiative Project Cuddles & Crunchies did it! We successfully facilitated an incredible donation to a wonderful organisation. Your love and support for Valgray is a blessing in more ways than one, just ask the recipients of Project Cuddles & Crunchies.
We have spoken about our phenomenal experience with F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue and a number of their resident doggos who are currently up for adoption. For those who have not yet driven out to the F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue farm, we're bringing a little piece of the farm to you. So, without further ado, let us jump right in!
WHEN YOU THINK OF A HERO, WHO COMES TO MIND?
We may have felt like heroes a few weeks ago when we arrived at the F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue farm with our Project Cuddles & Crunchies donations, but the real heroes are ALL OF YOU!
We would not have been able to give back on the scale that we did if we didn't have your support. So many of you have faced some very tough financial times over the past year and a half, yet you still managed to support Valgray, which in turn has provided full bellies and warm blankies to hundreds of dogs in need.
Earlier this year, we decided it was time for another blanket drive to help keep some beautiful shelter souls warm during the cold winter months. We asked YOU, our online audience, to recommend a shelter in need.
Clearly, the heavens shone their light on F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue because we got an overwhelming number of recommendations for this domestic animal rescue charity. And we understand why.
As a registered NPO, Fallen Angels focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of domestic animals. Any Forgotten, Abandoned, Lost, Lonely, Emaciated and Neglected animal is a FALLEN Angel and is important to this organisation. F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue devotes its entire existence to living up to its mission: From Torn to Reborn!
Following an outcry for blankets and dry dog food, we launched Project Cuddles & Crunchies to help all the animals in the care of the F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels team. During June and July 2021, we urged you to support us in our pledge to donate a portion of every Valgray sale to the project fund for blankets and food for the fur babies in need.
AND SUPPORT US YOU DID!
We arrived at F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue farm on Saturday, 31st July 2021, with an awe-inspiring amount of cosy blankets and dry dog food. This donation was all thanks to every single person who supported us over those past two months. It was also thanks to everyone who came before them, all of you who have helped us grow and enabled us to achieve all the fantastic things we have set our minds to so far.
WE CANNOT SAY THIS ENOUGH, THANK YOU!
We spent the day on the F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels farm getting to know the fantastic volunteers and the dazzling doggos who currently call the farm home. Luckily, we managed to snap some sweet shots, so you can get to know the pooches too.
At F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue, the team takes care of more than 200 animals at any given time. The charity relies heavily on the helping hands of volunteers and charitable donations. The property is well-kept, large, and there isn't a single doggo who does not have a space big enough to run around. But what these fur babies really need is a safe, warm home and a loving family.
THIS BRINGS US TO THE NEXT BIT OF EXCITING NEWS…
For the remainder of 2021, we are sponsoring a Valgray designer Collar & Leash Set to every doggo adopted through F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue. We feel these good boys and girls have suffered enough, and they deserve a little bit of luxury in their lives.
It was simply impossible to feature all the angels at the farm, but these are a few of the beauties we met. There are so many pups at F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue who are looking for loving homes.
If any of the doggos we have featured above steals your heart, please get in touch with F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue.
Download an Adoption Application Form and send it through to the F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue team straight away! Or, if adoption is not an option for you, consider fostering a lonely soul while they look for a forever home. Send through your Foster Application Form when you are ready.
Last, but not least, please consider donating to shelters and charities in your area. No matter how small, every little bit helps more than you know. A little spring-cleaning moment can really assist a charity. Get rid of old and unused collars, leashes, bowls, beds, blankies, and heck, even those old toys are a huge help and greatly appreciated by the pups.
Thanks to the success of Project Cuddles & Crunchies, we have more drive than ever before! We want to serve our community not only with designer pet products but also by providing help to shelters that are in desperate need. As a business in the pet industry, we have a duty to take care of our four-legged friends.
A HUGE THANK YOU for the incredible support from each and every one of you. Please keep on supporting small, local businesses through purchases and on social media.
We hope you found this project as inspiring as we have! We would love to draw even more inspiration from your fantastic rescue experiences and stories. Start a conversation and share your stories in the comments below or talk to us on social media.
Click here to learn more about Valgray and our story.
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Valgray for Dogs
When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around.
We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!
Sign Up for our newsletter for heartwarming stories, exciting articles and news regarding our furry loved ones! Remember to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest Valgray news, happenings and fun!
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.
Teaching your dog to swim offers numerous benefits, enhancing their physical health, mental well-being, and strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Swimming provides a low-impact workout that is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues. Additionally, it keeps dogs mentally stimulated and can be a life-saving skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to swim:
Preparation: Choose a safe and calm location like quiet lakes or designated dog pools. Gather essential equipment such as a well-fitting life jacket, floating toys, and treats. Make sure your dog is wearing a water-friendly collar like a Valgray splashproof designer collar in case they get lost.Conduct a health check with a vet to ensure your dog is fit for swimming and learn basic safety precautions.
Teaching Basic Commands: Ensure your dog knows basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. Gradually get your dog comfortable with water through positive exposure and practice these commands in different environments.
Swimming Lessons:
Start with shallow water introduction and let your dog explore.
Gradually increase water depth and encourage swimming movements using toys.
Use a life jacket initially for safety and confidence.
Track progress and adjust the training pace as needed.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Fear of Water: Provide gradual exposure and create positive experiences.
Distractions: Choose quiet locations and use high-value treats.
Anxiety: Use calming techniques and allow breaks.
Overexcitement: Set clear boundaries and use commands to manage excitement.
Consistency: Regular, short training sessions are more effective.
Advanced Techniques:
Teach diving and retrieving objects.
Practice in different water bodies to enhance adaptability.
Gradually introduce more challenging environments.
Enhance endurance and strength through extended sessions and vigorous activities.
Always prioritize safety during advanced training.
Remember, the journey of teaching your dog to swim is about building confidence and comfort at each stage while ensuring safety and making the experience enjoyable for both you and your pet.
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.
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.
