LUCKY DOG'S GIFT SERVICES -" AUGUST" BOX

Hello there to all our friends around the world!

Some time ago I was asked to review one of the boxes from the new, fun, on-line doggie-gift service in South Africa -

  LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES. 

Well, I've been following their FACEBOOK page for a while now and, by chance, entered one of their Friday give-away competitions.  Regular readers will remember my joy when my dear friend DARRYL won that particular competition.  This week, my own doggies received their parcel. We couldn't wait to open it!

"Wait Lexi!  I have a few things to say first..."

The beauty of LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES, in my opinion, lies in a number of things:

*1. There is an awesome 'SURPRISE' in the post every month for you and your pooches to enjoy

*2. The opportunity to try out some FANTASTIC products.

*3. The touching PERSONALISED MESSAGE that goes with each parcel.

*4. The idea of a parcel arriving for your pooches prompts such EXCITEMENT.

Our "August' parcel was filled with treasures!  

(Be sure to go to LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICE's ONLINE SHOP to read more about their AUGUST PARCEL).  

"OK dogs! Let's unpack the box..."

 ABOVE: Our personalised message

"Mmmm...Tammy, something tasty from MAXHEALTH perhaps?

...MAXHEALTH...

an alternative to meat-based dog foods in South Africa ! With ocean fish as the sole animal protein, MAXHEALTH is an ideal solution for dogs suffering from allergies, sensitive skin, dull coats and endless itches. Described as “a vet in a bag”,.

---xXx---

"Or would you dogs perhaps like to try out one of these YUMMY TREATS from ISLE OF DOGS?"...

ISLE OF DOGS TREATS

 ISLE OF DOG TREATS (above) ...

are comprised of ingredients sourced from whole foods and boosted with the likes of blueberries, peanut butter, toffee extract and organic apples.

"Yummy!!!"

---xXx---

WALKIES TINY BITES

WALKIES TINY PITES

may be tiny but the look sooo yummy!  The doggies were quick to sniff them out.  Apparently Walkies come in fish, lamb or chicken flavour and are loaded with vitamins and minerals including omega oils, parsley and kelp. 

---xXx---

"Look what else was in the box..." 

POOP BAGS!!! (Yay!)

 I don't know about you, but in this house we can't have enough Poop-bags.  

This gift is VERY welcome!

BIO-GROOM WILD HONEYSUCKLE SHAMPOO

 I have heard so much about the amazing range of  Bio-Groom products, but somehow haven't got around to trying them. Well the opportunity is here now.   I can't wait to get Toby in the bath with this gentle shampoo.  It smells wonderful and doesn’t strip a dog’s skin and coat of natural, protective oils.  This shampoo is soap-free and contains Aloe Vera and Chamomile. It can be used for sensitive puppies and adults alike.

---xXx---

"Lexi, this is one of SHINGA’s new new range of eco friendly, non-toxic dog toys! 

 You LUCKY PET!!!"

Eco Pet toys are made from natural materials including leather, jute, coconut and cotton. They are free of artificial colours and flavours, as well as toxic chemicals that are often found in other toys. 

Let the games begin...

What fun!

Thank you LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES and SHINGA !

BELOW: The brochure illustrating SHINGA's extensive range of fun toys, etc

(order a once-off gift box or sign up for a 3 month or 6 month subscription to receive a box every month. From R179 per month, which includes postage. Courier is available for an additional fee.)

"VISIT LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES STORE!"

Sending lotsaluv to all our friends around the world.

We hope that you are having as exciting a time as us.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN TATTOO 2O13 - A spectacular event!

It was a beautiful, clear evening with only a few stars peeping through the haze of the Johannesburg sky. There was a slight chill in the Spring air, so we wrapped ourselves in our jackets and waited patiently for the show to begin. The attractive architectural background of the MONTECASINO skyline was all lit up for the big event   There was hardly a breeze in the air and, thankfully, no sign of rain either.

The South African Tattoo has been hosted by Montecasino, in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a number of years now.  It is just around the corner from our home, yet we have somehow let the opportunity of attending this event slip through our fingers.  Not this year though! We purchased our tickets well in time and they've been smiling at us from our fridge's door ever since then.

After a light supper at one of the many restaurants at MONTECASINO, the "Boss" and I made our way to the outdoor arena and grandstand.  It is the perfect venue for a Tattoo and there was a buzz of excitement in the air.  A  number of stalls selling souvenires were dotted along the pathway.

We stopped to chat to an old friend - our daughter's Irish/Highland dance teacher.  It brought back happy memories of various Celtic dance competitions and pretty costumes. One of her pupils was performing to a gathering audience along the pathway. What dazzling, precise footwork!

Finally, we made our way to our seats in the grandstand. Can you believe it, we were in the front row! It was a packed/sold out audience. Relaxing/jovial music pumped across the loudspeakers and we watched the clock on the clock-tower move closer and closer to 8pm. Excitement was building!

Well, I'll let the photos speak for themselves.  The line up of events was world-class.  Well done to the Executive producer - Simon Carter, the general manager of MONTECASINO - Glenn Joseph, the production team and musical director, the organisers, various bands, drummers, dancers, Johannesburg Youth orchestra, and over 600 Tattoo participants.  It was a privilege to attend this event. Thank you! Let the games begin...

FANFARE...

 THE PIPE BANDS ENTER THE ARENA...

CODE RED DRUM CORPS...

 THE INCREDIBLE DRUM MAJORETTES OF ST. DOMINIC's SCHOOL FOR GIRLS...

PERFORMERS FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BAND TSHWANE LEAVE THE ARENA...

THE TALENTED PERCUSSION TEAM OF TEN DRUMS FROM TAIWAN...

  DANCERS ENTER THE ARENA FOR A DANCING FACE-OFF BETWEEN HIGHLAND AND IRISH DANCERS...

 THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NATIONAL CEREMONIAL GUARD...

 THE STARS OF THE NIGHT: 

THE AMAZING 'TOP SECRET DRUM CORPS' FROM BASEL, SWITZERLAND
(Get ready for something incredible!) :...

THE FINALE OF MASS BANDS FEATURED OUR OWN SOUTH AFRICAN BAND

'JUST GINGER'

(Unfortunately no photo - I was videoing  :) )

All I can say is WOW!

If you've not seen the South African Tattoo 2013, do yourself a favour and GO!!!  It is spectacular! There are still tickets available for the shows this weekend, so go to their WEBSITE and book...NOW!

Thank you to all the 600 performers who provided such wonderful entertainment.  I would LOVE to attend this event again, although I believe (sadly) that it may be the last to be held at MONTECASINO. Where will it be next year?  Who knows?

Sending lotsaluv

  

THANK YOU 'LUCKY DOG' and 'PET HEALTH CARE'!!! ...and a tribute to an amazing person.

Today, I would like to say thank you to 
LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES 
and 
PET HEALTH CARE,
and also pay tribute to a very special friend of mine:

DARRYL HUMPHRIS

A couple of Friday's ago, I entered my name into the PET HEALTH CARE / LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES Friday give-away competition on FACEBOOK. Guess what?  I won!!! 

I was really thrilled to win this prize because I had made up my mind, before entering, to donate it to a very, very special friend of mine (if I won) - Darryl Humphris - and his beautiful Golden Retriever, Hoby.

Darryl is one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of ever meeting. No matter what the time of the day, Darryl generates positivity beyond belief.  He is always willing to help or offer advice and exudes a calm, gentle spirit to everyone who meets him.  But the most amazing thing about Darryl is his willingness to help and add value to this world, despite his afflictions.

I met Darryl about 2 years ago after the publication of my book - Maxdog.  He was in the process of trying to write his own story during that time - a remarkable story of strength, perseverance and overcoming affliction.

A few years ago, Darryl suffered an Auditory neuroma.  The resulting surgery left him hearing- and sight-impaired.  He was in intensive care for many weeks, life-threatened and had to learn to swallow again.  He took up the challenge and is learning to live a new life that accommodates his physical impairments. 

One of the profound events in this story is that Darryl had to give up his Veterinary practice (Yes, he is a qualified vet!) and shape a new path for himself. He does this with strength, endurance and an attitude of acceptance and generosity. I am constantly amazed at Darryl's vast knowledge of Veterinary Science and his continuous willingness to advise and help any pup (without payment).  He is the most giving person I know and an example to all of us!  Quite frankly, I am in awe...

Despite all these difficulties, Darryl has a need to give back to the world.  To this end, he has become a committed Guide-dog puppy walker.  So far he has raised 2 pups.  

(Darryl and Abbey visiting a nursery school)

Abbey, Darryl's most recent pup, is now in formal training to become a guide-dog for some lucky person.  Hoby, his 3-year-old Golden Retriever, didn't quite meet the high standards of GDSA and Darryl elected to 'bring him home'.  

The first time, I met Hoby, I knew that this was probably Divine intervention and meant to happen. Darryl and he have one of the most special relationships I have witnessed between dog and human. Hoby has effectively become Darryl's personal therapy dog - a beautiful, energetic companion with a happy, willing spirit. You may remember me writing a blogpost some time ago where I dedicated this poem to Hoby:

So, you can imagine my delight when Darryl won the PET HEALTH CARE / LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES give-away competition.  I asked them to send the parcel directly to Darryl.  On Wednesday, I received a message that it had arrived, so I went along to have some tea with the family and to take some photos. 

What a joy it was to be part of this event. Darryl and Hoby were thrilled ...

 Hoby took delight in helping inspect the box of exciting goodies - many different packets of treats and a special toy too.

 There was even a personal note inscribed on the box...

 Hoby celebrated like only a golden retriever can do...

 ...and he graciously posed too...

 Thank you Darryl for allowing me to be part of this excitement...

and a 

REALLY BIG, BIG THANK YOU TO

LUCKY DOG GIFT SERVICES
and
PET HEALTH CARE

Please take the time to visit their

Lucky Dog Gift services: WEBPAGE
Pet Health Care: WEBPAGE

They certainly deserve some recognition. 

Sending lotsaluv to all our friends around the world and wishing you a wonderful, happy weekend.