Pet owners throughout the North West are invited to come and 'Weigh Up' their pets

WITH 1 month left to go, PDSA and Royal Canin are calling on pet owners across the North West to take advantage of a free weight check for their 4 legged friend by signing up to the new:- 'Big Weigh In' initiative.

The new PDSA Big Weigh In initiative is taking place throughout February and March 2023 and is now in its final month countdown to join in! The campaign is in conjunction with veterinary practices across the UK to help the pet population shed some pounds.

A weight loss success story is Roscoe, a 13 year old American Bulldog who initially came into PDSA's care weighing a whopping 75kg and after a tremendous effort from his owner, Craig, Roscoe has managed to shed over 23kg and he is very nearly at his ideal weight!

The excess weight was affecting Roscoe's daily life through his breathing and energy levels, so losing the weight was vital for his health and happiness. Craig said:- "From struggling to walk him around the local green to seeing him run around with dogs in the park, I'm so pleased we got expert advice to kick start his weight loss journey. Roscoe has such a big personality, he's cheeky, loving, and is very intelligent, but when he was overweight, he wasn't the same dog. Thankfully, he's back to his old, happy self and I can't thank PDSA enough for giving us the support we needed to get Roscoe to where he is today. And I'm so pleased we've been able to keep the weight off, although Roscoe does get a little confused still when we don't give him any leftovers from a Sunday roast."

The main aim for PDSA Big Weigh In is to help other pets like Roscoe live a better and hopefully longer life, by maintaining a healthy weight.

For dog and cat owners in the North West; you are able to find which vet practices across the UK are taking part and inviting pets to come in and get weighed on the veterinary practice map.

In 2022, the charity's annual PAW (PDSA Animal Wellbeing) Report revealed 60% of owners regularly give their pet human food in some form, such as leftovers (26%), cheese (22%) and bread or toast (10%). Human food is often high in fats and sugar, and can contribute to obesity and weight problems as well as potentially leading to an unbalanced diet for our pets. As per PDSA calculations, feeding a dog a slice of toast with butter, is the equivalent of a human eating 2 portions of fries. Similarly, feeding a cat 3 small cubes of cheese, is the equivalent of a human eating 2 quarter pounders!

PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James said:- "Our Weigh Up campaign was popular amongst pet owners who were keen to understand more about their pet's weight, in order to keep them fit and healthy. Now we are taking the next step and launching PDSA Big Weigh In – where we are inviting owners to join in and visit a participating practice for a free weight check. We have also launched the PDSA #WeighUp Pet Weight Loss Support Group, for fellow pet owners to join, share their progress and access exclusive tips and content, including weekly Q&A's with PDSA vets and vet nurses, all to help each pet owner with their pet's weight loss journey."

If you would like to find out more before visiting your local participating practice, please visit PDSA's website.
 

New Comedy Bingo Spring Socials launch at Southport Market after 'fantastic response'

THE organisers of the brand new Comedy Bingo Spring Socials in Southport say they have had a:- 'fantastic response' to the new events, as details were revealed for the 2nd and 3rd shows. The 1st Spring Social took place at Southport Market, on:- Wednesday 1 March 2023. The events have been created by Southport Festival and Big Comedy UK Director Brendan Riley as a way of bringing people together and tackling isolation during these cold months.

The events are a way of bringing people together for an afternoon of fun, laughter and friendship. Tickets are superb value at just £3 each and include:- a free tea, coffee, wine or pint of beer, with doors opening at:- 1pm for a 1.30pm start.

Further Comedy Bingo Spring Socials will take place on:- Wednesday, 15 March 2023 and Wednesday, 29 March 2023. Comedy Bingo Spring Socials host Brendan Riley said:- "We're really pleased with the fantastic response we've had from people since we launched our new events. The 1st day was superb at Southport Market on Wednesday! People can book in advance via Skiddle to make sure they book a place, but they can also turn up and pay on the door on the day of the event. It's superb value - the £3 entry includes a free tea, coffee, wine or a pint of beer, and it's all set to be a great afternoon. If you've never tried comedy bingo come down and have a go, it's great fun! All the food outlets within the building will be open for anyone who wants to get something to eat either before, during or after the show. I'd like to thank all our sponsors, Crystal Clear Opticians, Halliwell Jones MINI Big Love and the Community Link Foundation for making these afternoons possible. If any other businesses would like to get in touch to sponsor any future events, please get in touch. I would also like to thank:- Leah, Denise, Mark and all the team at Southport Market for their support."

The 3rd Spring Social has been sponsored by Halliwell Jones MINI Big Love.  Brendan Riley said:- "Things are looking tough this year for our retired and ageing community, and indeed for everyone. This event is open to anyone, it could be young mums, blokes living on their own, people who have been widowed, those who are new to Southport. We want to include as many people as possible. These events are all about companionship and community, everyone gathering together and enjoying some real fun in a nice, friendly, warm environment."

People can book their place via:- Skiddle.Com or the Big Comedy website. Tickets can also be purchased on the door subject to availability or people, or groups, can call Brendan Riley on:- 07770591625.