A more serious note - Part 1

Most of the time my blogs trend towards the humorous side of life and the fun I have most of the time as a carefree doggy living the dream with my own kids lifestyle clothing brand. They say that people (personalities) hide behind humour and I believe this is the case for most part of my life. We are all a little naughty at times and many of us have issues and this edition of my blog will give you a little in site to why I am naughty at times. It´s not just down to my breed.

Mummy and I are extremely close and we hold each other very dear. We look to each other for support and have helped each other through difficult times. We are survivors of domestic violence and as it´s been a few years since our abuser left we still have a sense of co-dependence in order to get through our trauma. I was a young pup of only two years old when our abuser left. The first two years of my life was difficult. I was witness to Mummy being hit and shouted at and even hospitalised and when Mummy wasn´t around the attention was drawn to me. Mummy has no idea what happened to me and I have no words to tell her, but she can see in my eyes the fear and trauma that I endured. She was witness to the occasion beating that took place in front of her, but she always scooped me up into her arms to protect me, so for the most part the beatings were done without her knowledge.  A lot of my time was spent hiding behind sofa´s or growling at Mr Abuser in the hope he would stop his torment and the state of stress and hyper sensitivity I currently live in is what I have only known. Mummy loves me very much and shows me a lot of love and encouragement to help me with my fears of Human men, but she feels that my anxiety is getting out of control and beyond any help she is qualified to give me.

I have seen over the years that there are a lot of help for survivors of domestic violence of the human kind. You can just Google it and where ever you look help is available. There are regular cases  in the news where women speak out as survivors to show encouragement  and help to those still enduring their traumatic experience.  Mummy has had much human support and has been able to work through her issues and come to some sort of peace and moved on. I, on the other hand can´t seem to move on and ask, but what about the dog? What about the family pet? We have emotions and feelings. We have trauma and issues. We have flashbacks and memories that we need to come to terms with.

 

 I am the silent witness and feel that I have been forgotten about throughout this whole healing process, where is the help for me? How do you help a dog that for 99% of the time shows love and goodness and affection yet for the 1% is fearful and anxious and has no trust for Human men? How do you help a dog who is a survivor of domestic violence?

A question for Cesar Milan I believe or perhaps we should look a little closer to home? I have a feeling some of my questions are about to be answered.

Much Love

Zuma XX

 

 

Strange time of year

The season of change and love is upon us, while we look towards the spring, we reflect upon the birth of new life, new growth and a new wardrobe of clothes. It’s a strange time of year really, for many of us the sun is shining brightly and we can feel the summer is just around the corner. We want to get out those t-shirts and shorts and hang out at the beach. Come out of our winter hibernation, but it’s still not quite warm enough. I see Mummy getting ready in the morning pausing at her summer dresses and trying on her t-shirts only to opt for the warmer style of long sleeve tops layered with a sweater or cardigan and wishing for the cool wind to give way to the hot summer sun.

 

The stores are now moving into their spring ranges and in just a few weeks the summer ranges will be available to buy. For many the weather is still cold and although you want to bring some colour and sunshine into your wardrobe it seems just a little too early. While we are working on new products all the time at Zuma the Dog HQ and our summer styles have been ready for many months, some of our classic styles are still great for this time of year.  Your little ones can still be warm yet still have a summer look about them and still stand out in a crowd.

We are pleased to announce that our classic range is still going strong and with its launch in stores across Lisbon, Portugal we know our bright yellow and orange hoodies and tops have got a lot of mileage yet. Torino, moda infantile e juvenile on Avendida da Igreja in Lisbon were the first to acknowledge the bold style of our brand and saw the value in our bright colours for all year round. With more following suit, soon children all over Portugal will be glowing in the excitement that wearing Zuma the Dog styles brings.

 

 

Of course we sell our brand worldwide and also via our website www.zumathedog.com. Visit us on Facebook and even Tweet us we love to hear from you.

Much Love

 

Zuma XX

Zuma's Christmas

Jingle bells, Zuma smells, Mummy flew away............ tra la la la la la do be do be doooooooooo..........Hey!

After my previous years of digging out the Christmas gifts and tearing off the wrapping paper to eat all the chocolates that Mummy had bought for gifts. This year I’ve decided to be a lot more helpful and pose as Santa’s little helper.  I haven’t pulled down the tree once, so far and I’ve been helping to keep it alive by watering it regularly in my own special way (if you know what I mean) and keeping a close eye on the chocolate decorations to make sure Master C and Daddy don’t secretly steal them.

With only a few days to go I think we are all definitely in a good mood and looking forward to spending time with our family and friends. It’s been a busy time for Mummy, with the Christmas shopping rush and our white fluffy fleece hoody has proved to be a winner again this year. We just love that winter warmer and you do also, by the looks of it. We’ve had many promotions, business has been moving on and while you are busy buying from our winter range, Mummy has been busy working and selling the summer range. With the usual bright coloured designs and funky motifs, stripes and patterns have been added to bring you more diversity. This new range is so much fun and I am happy to be at the centre of it all.

Orders are being taken on some summer items with small minimum order quantities and to view what is available visit our Facebook page. Instructions on how to place your order is in the photo album. I’m now wondering which style in our summer range is going to be the best seller. Our winter items are still available to buy and these can be ordered through our website www.zumathedog.com.

 

The last of the Christmas presents have been bought and there is still some wrapping up to do. Mummy has asked me to help and as I’m now trying to be a reformed dog I should really go and do as I am asked. I think she wants me to hold down the wrapping paper while she cuts the sticky tape.

On behalf of me, Mummy and the Zuma the Dog team we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

 

Much Love

 

Zuma XX

 

 

Zuma's Expecting

Wow!!! With just eight week to go till Christmas we are fast approaching the busiest time of year for shopping. I'm sure you are all Halloweened out and can't wait to start your Christmas shopping. Mummy has been frantic buying gifts which I thought were for me, but found them on the dining room table this morning and Master C tearing the wrappers off them with sheer excitement and delight. I guess it must be his birthday and I’ve been forgotten about again. But that’s fine as I’m expecting Santa is going to be extra busy this year with all the gifts my fans are going to be sending me. Have you put yours in the post yet?

 

As the build up to Christmas goes on most of you are looking for gifts and ways to spend your money wisely treating your little ones and looking towards the online flash sale and voucher sites. Mummy has been busy working with many of your favourites to try and bring the best offer of Zuma the Dog winter items she can to you. This week it’s the turn of Savvy Mummys. Starting on the 30^th October we have an outfit option available to you at almost 60% off, a winter warmer that will keep your little one snug while looking stylish and bright. As in most cases with the flash sales sites they are members only, so in order to make the most of this offer pop along today and register in plenty of time and your reminder will be emailed to you in time for the promotion.

 

Remember we have other items on our own website from softtoys, to books, which make great gifts and our greeting cards are perfect for your little ones to give to their friends.

 

Master C rushed off to school quickly this morning wanting to show off his birthday boy’s badge to all of his buddies. He left the wrapping paper all over the floor and I’m now going to assist Mummy by tearing it into tiny shreds and spread it across the floor. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it as it’ll be much smaller and easier to get in the trash bin. Gosh! I love it that I’m so helpful. Wonder Dog should be my new name, Zuma the wonder dog. MMMMMMmmmmmm I like the sound of that.

 

Much Love

 

Zuma XX

 

Zuma's Flashing

For me in my little paradise I notice the nights are drawing in and a small change to the weather, mostly in the evenings. During the day we are still experiencing highs of around 25 degrees C, but the evenings are feeling much cooler. I’m sure the UK is feeling the change much more and as we move closer to Halloween and Guy Falk’s night the need to dress in warmer snugly clothes is becoming increasingly noticeable.

Autumn is a wonderfully colourful time of year, when the leaves change colour showing us oranges and browns of a vivid nature. But as the leaves fall away the colour disappears with it, we want to help bring colour back into your child’s life while the world around looses it as the winter comes and the darkness draws in.

 

 At Zuma the Dog HQ, Mummy has been working closely with the flash sales sites to help bring our snugly colourful winter warmers to the UK at affordable prices for all. Our deals offer up to 60% off selected styles and this week you can find these offers at www.mumsway.com . Mumsway is a member’s only site who carry many well know children and baby wear brands including Zuma the Dog where you have to register to join and receive weekly emails telling you what’s on offer. Register now in time to receive our Zuma the Dog offer, which starts Monday 15th October.

Along with our designer children’s clothes we also offer greetingcards and books, which you can find in our accessories section to our website. With all this going on why shop anywhere else?

 

The day is starting to warm up a bit today and Mummy has promised to take me to the beach. For me this is another great reason why I love the winter months here. Dogs are allowed back on the beach and I’ve certainly been making up for lost time. Frisby on the beach is my favourite game and best of all I love to see Mummy running into the sea to save the frisby after I’ve dropped it in there. It gives her a workout. Mwaaahhhhhh!!!!!

 

My lead is on and frisby in mouth ready to go.

 

Much Love

 

Zuma xx

 

P.S. If you want to know more about what we get up to at Zuma the Dog HQ come fine us on Facebook.

 

Zuma's Looking Forward

The summer holidays are over and all the kids are heading back to school. We have been very busy here at Zuma the Dog HQ during the school holidays and even Master C has been busy preparing for his first day at big school.

It seems that only yesterday the summer has started to move away giving room for autumn and already we see posts on Facebook of people looking forward to the festivities that lead us up to the year’s end grand finale.  In our household we have Mummy birthday, which marks the end of summer. Master C’s birthday which co-insides with Halloween, then Guy Falk’s night followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas (we are quite a mixed family so find ourselves celebrating everything). With all this in mind we too are ready for the new season with many new products and gifts and greeting cards.

Our latest product launched only this week is our "Adventures of Zuma the Dog" story books which are designed in bright colours and illustrated with bold images to capture your child's imagination. Based on true events, I get up to all sorts of fun and adventures, with basic learning elements of time, colours and numbers in each book. Your pre-schooler will enjoy getting to know the basics while having fun with me.

 

 

These books are available to buy online as well our greetingcards for all seasons and our winter clothing rage of kids hoodies, which is perfect for keeping your little ones snug and warm.  

Now I need to go. I’ve got some babies that need my attention and Mummy wants me to show my more caring side and take care of them. Remember, you can keep up with our day to day shenanigan's by following us on Twitter and liking our Facebook page too.

 

 

 

Much Love

 

Zuma XX

Zuma's day at the shelter

What a fun an educational day out yesterday. Mummy took me to Bianca animal shelter to show me how the other half live. I was surprised to see so many abandoned and abused dogs and the simultaneous woof from 300 dogs took me by surprise.

Bianca works around the clock to give these dogs a secure place to stay until they can be re-homed and work with animal associations all over Europe including the U.K to make sure these doggies get new homes, which can be anywhere within the EU and make sure these homes are the right place for them, so they don’t end up abandoned or abused again. Ana, the co-ordinator at the shelter was explaining to Mummy that this year has been the worst for abandonment with an amazing 56 dogs left at the shelter just last month. Can you believe that!?

                                          Me with Ana and some doggies in need of a home

All the dogs looked very happy and well looked after and all did their best to look adorable with their take me home eyes.  I did wonder for one minute that I was going to end up having to share my bed with a new dog that night, but managed to be cute enough to stop Mummy from bringing someone home and opted to sponsor a dog instead. It’s just 24€, that’s only £20 per year to sponsor a dog at the shelter. That’s enough to feed and give a dog all the medical attention it requires. That’s very little indeed and you can make a donatation via paypal at Bianca's website.

The charity t-shirts that Mummy designed for Bianca looked amazing and can now be bought via our Zuma the Dog Facebook page, www.zumathedog.com and www.bianca.pt at £10 for a kids t-shirt and £10 for an adults t-shirt  it really is very little to spend and show your support to such a deserving cause. Mummy can ship these t-shirts’s worldwide too, so there really is a great reason to buy.

 

    Mummy, Master C and me with a new friend

We had a wonderful day and the staff were really hardworking and lovely. Reliable volunteers are desperately needed, but still the dogs have such a lovely time during their stay with Bianca that we were told some don’t like to leave.  The dogs are very sweet and all they really just want is a loving home with lots of attention and walks. It certainly made me realise how lucky I am to have such an amazing family that love and adore me. Perhaps the reason Mummy took me there was to teach me a lesson. I think behaving myself more should be my priority and appreciating my family should be my priority. As lovely as the people are at Bianca, I wouldn’t like to be put in that position and loose my family.

Much Love

Zuma  XX