A Dog's Life with Anna Webb

Latest Episodes:

A Dog's Life Archive: Rupert Sheldrake Dec 25, 2022

Show notes

Merry Christmas from A Dog's Life. To celebrate Christmas Day, Anna brings you her favourite episode from the archive. The pre eminent Cambridge professor and author of Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Hone, Dr Rupert Sheldrake from 2020.

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

The All Dogs Matter Christmas Carols Dec 18, 2022

Show notes

This week we bring you highlights of the All Dogs Matter Christmas Carols at St Anne's Church in Soho, London. Anna spoke to old friends like Ira Moss, founder of the charity and Peter Egan and new friends like Regan Armani, Director of the Young Talent Academy whose choir was once on Britain's Got Talent, and provided the main entertainment of the night, and Simon Buckley, Rector of St Anne's, who told her of the church's history.

Support All Dogs Matter here

Learn more about St Anne's Church here

Check out the Young Talent Academy here

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

The Haute Dogs Calendar Dec 11, 2022

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Milliner Awon Golding and top Photographer Lucy Reeve, talking about this year’s Haute Dogs calendar which is in aid of the Jai Dog rescue. For the first time Awon and Lucy flew out to Thailand to take the stunning photos captured for the calendar. Featuring 12 amazing rescued street dogs who all have their story to tell. Jai Dog works tirelessly to neuter and offer medical assistance to hundreds of dogs living rough on the hectic streets of Thailand. The crowning glory of the calendar is the range of glorious hats designed by twelve milliners especially for the calendar. We discuss the idea behind the calendar, now in its fifth year, and the enormous funds it raises annually for a different dog charity in need. We chat about the photo challenges and how the Thai dogs were gradually de-sensitised to the photo experience, add training and enrichment at the same time. So if you’re thinking about gifting a calendar - think no further!

Instagram: @hautedogscalendar

Awon Golding's website

You and the Dog website

Jai Dog rescue.

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

The Christmas Stocking Stuffer! Dec 04, 2022

Show notes

This week we chat to select handful of British companies that offer sustainable, natural, and value for money products as stocking fillers that both you and your dog will love this Christmas.

We talk to Lee Sargent, co-founder of the award-winning grooming and lifestyle brand Sniffe & Likkit. He discusses why the brand fulfills a huge gap in the market for a grooming range that contains no hidden nasties and is based on years of living with dogs, truly understanding what you and your dog really want.

Emma and Lu, from Dog Ear, talk about their innovative Frankenball soft toy. As artists, Emma and Lu have ‘sculpted’ this toy from up-cycled fabrics and stuffed with sheep’s wool. It's 100% natural and safe - there’s no plastics, and the Dog Ear Frankenballs are gifted in delightful re-cycled packaging that ensures your dog has hours of fun with a minimum carbon paw-print!

Ashleigh Hunter from Frogg talks about this range of sustainably sourced and produced rubber interactive toys that are tough, offering timeless enrichment, and without a squeak, Frogg encourages a dog to settle without exciting them.

Christmas is not complete without a festive dinner, so we catch up with Esther Logue from Paleo Ridge to chat about the companies celebrated Christmas Dinner, with a delicious mix of pheasant, turkey and lamb. Not only mouth watering, it's ethically sourced ingredients are species appropriate and perfect for dogs to tuck into on Christmas Day.

For the humans Anna chats to Calah Singleton from Souvenir Press about the re-print of arguably the world’s most iconic dog book called A Dog Day. First published in 1902 and written by Walter Emanuel, it's set apart with illustrations by Cecil Aldin. As the diary of a day in the life of a cheeky terrier, the book is funny and heart warming. Despite being 120 years old, this book is as relevant today as it was then as depicting dogs being dogs!

Follow them all on Instagram:
@profile.books
@sniffeandlikket
@froggpets
@dogear.uk
@paleoridge

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Dr Sean Wensley Nov 27, 2022

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by PDSA Vet Sean Wensley chatting about his book Through A Vet’s Eyes. As a candid exploration of how we live with animals in the modern world, Sean explains why we mustn’t lose touch with nature and all animals in the natural world. They offer stark contrast to our farm animals and pets being kept in captivity. We discuss the importance to understand the Five Domains: Nutrition, Behaviour, Physical health, the Environment, and the Mental Health of all animals. In the wild animals these domains are provided naturally through survival, but Sean argues we can all do better to ensure the well-being of all animals in our care. He chats openly about his experiences as a bird watcher noticing how captive birds display behaviours that indicate stress, unhappiness and boredom. We talk about why play with dogs and cats is better than food as a way of engaging them and tapping into their natural instincts. We talk a lot about farming and how our perceptions of food, and meat have changed in the past few decades. How consumers can drive change creating a demand for ethical rearing and practices; about understanding the natural collaboration between animals and humans, and why we could all do better especially under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, itself a radical step change, the details of which are often misinterpreted, overlooked, or ignored. We also chat about Government and the new Sentience and Kept Animals Bill that still awaits its airing date.

Click here to order Sean's book and follow him on @SeanWensley

For more information go to animalhealing.ie or on Instagram @animalhealinglisatully

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Calming For Dogs Nov 20, 2022

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Dale Nash from Pawable to discuss the first collagen (Collar-gen) for dogs. As the market booms in humans for collagen (and for good reason) it's important to understand that just as it depletes in us as we age, the same is true in our dogs. Not only 100% natural, the Collar-gen is species appropriate and easily absorbed through the gut. As a very important structural protein abundant in all our cells, it helps with mobility, skin & coat and digestion. The success of Collar-gen since its launch earlier this year is testament to its efficacy, vouched for by Anna’s dogs Prudence and Mr Binks. Her cat Gremlin is also taking it, proving how it can be taken by any mammal. NEW to Pawable’s range is Calming which is a supplement packed with a combination of anti-inflammatories and anti-bacterials that combine to boost the immune system, respiration, and brain health. Like a multi-vitamin, it offers a multi-purpose supplement combining of herbs like Thyme, Chamomile, and Ginko along with Phytoplankton, Coconut oil, Gogi berries. Offering value for money per serving, it's something to think about for Christmas.

Instagram: @pawableuk

Twitter: @pawableuk

For more information go to pawable.co.uk and use the promo code adogslife for a 10% discount.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Amit and Kika return Nov 13, 2022

Show notes

This week Anna welcomes back Dr Amit Patel and his famous Guide Dog, Kika. We chat about a new programme on Cbeebies called Dog Squad which is all about teaching children just how amazing dogs are in helping their owners. For Dr Amit, Kika is his eyes. There are four other superhero dogs featured: Tinks, Sylvie, Meagaidh and Diesel. They all have amazing jobs! We chat about how the TV show also aims to break down preconceptions on disabilities, and explain why dogs can help people live independent lives. Giving an educational view on dogs and how they help people is going to inspire the next generation to understand dogs, and look at disability in a new light. Dr Amit talks about how he is an Ambassador for Guide Dogs having had his life transformed by Kika, and he speaks out as to why Assistance Dogs should never be refused access; how some venues, taxi firms and more refuse Kika entrance which is against the law. Dr Amit also chats about Kika and Me, the best-selling book highlighting their journey. As Dr Amit admits he was skeptical a dog could help him as much as Kika has. He also announces a huge piece of news: that his book is going to be made into the film! More on that in another episode coming soon!

Follow Kika on Twitter @Kika_GuideDog and Instagram @kika_guidedog and Amit on Twitter @BlindDad_UK and Instagram @blinddad_uk

For more information on guide dogs click here

Watch Dog Squad on CBeebies

Why not take us up on a special 10% discount across Dorwest’s range exclusive to our listeners by going to dorwest.com and using the code DOGSLIFE and follow them on Twitter @dorwest and Instagram @dorwest

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Lisa Tully Nov 06, 2022

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Animal Communicator and Holistic Healer, Lisa Tully. We chat about how Lisa who worked in the pharmaceutical sector for years before becoming disheartened, and looking for health solutions that resonated with her. We chat about how a trip to Mongolia and a course in Shamanism changed her pathway forever, releasing some deeper energetic force. Her aim to help pet parents and their animals overcome trauma, holding onto stress, and achieve balance mentally and emotionally. Lisa draws on flower essences, herbs and botanicals as solutions, and gives her suggestions to keep pets calm through the stressful time through Bonfire Night, into Christmas and New Year. Lisa talks about offering advice on overall well-being, which includes courses on animal communication, empowering pet parents to understand their pet better. Lisa focuses on animals as sentient beings with emotional intelligence.

For more information go to animalhealing.ie or on Instagram @animalhealinglisatully

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Trick or Treats! Oct 30, 2022

Show notes

This week Anna is joined by Roz Lishak co-founder of By Benji to chat about Trick and Treat on Howl-O-Ween. We chat about the range of unique Biltong beef treats that are made in the UK by slowly air-drying the beef in a herbal marinade for extra tenderness and palatability. And why By Benji is all about championing healthy species appropriate treats to complement a healthy natural diet for your pooch. Anna is conscious that many people forget how treats count to the overall health and calorie intake for your dog. And why using high value rewards you can train the most complex ticks, but above all it's about training the basic cues, not least the elusive recall that is essential in today’s busy public spaces. Roz highlights the range that includes enrichment chews, handy training treats, the biltong sausage varieties that are softer and crumblier, ideal for older dogs and puppies. And there’s the Biltong food topper, which is great to get fussy eaters eating. Ultimately Roz champions training and using the delicious biltong to bring joy to both the dogs and their pawrents.

Twitter: @bybenjiBiltong
Instagram: @bybenjiBiltong
Website: bybenji.com

Thank you to our parterns Dorwest Herbs. Listeners to a Dog's Life will get a discount of 10% with the code DOGSLIFE. Follow them on Twitter @dorwest and Instagram @dorwest

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Firework Season with Dr Sam Gaines of the RSPCA Oct 23, 2022

Show notes

With firework season coming up Anna welcomes back Dr Sam Gaines of the RSPCA to chat about how you can start preparing your dog now to deal with fireworks that now start at Halloween, through Bonfire Night, Dwali, Christmas and New Year by learning to see the signs of stress in your dog and to create a safe space for them. Anna and Sam also talk about the progress (or lack there of) of various animal welfare bills currently in Parliament, the increase in dog biting, and a new media campaign to add more breeds to the list of Dangerous Dogs.

For more information go to the RSPCA website.

One good way to help keep your dog calm at this time of year is by giving them natural supplements from Dorwest Herbs. Listeners to a Dog's Life will get a discount of 10% with the code DOGSLIFE and follow them on Twitter @dorwest and Instagram @dorwest

If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content.

For more about Anna go to annawebb.co.uk

Music and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions

Cover art by Jaijo

Cover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff Pawtraits

To advertise on or sponsor A Dog's Life email: info@theloniouspunkproductions.com