17 April 2020 Breed Notes

If someone had told me a month ago that the highlight and excitement of the day would be to receive a Sainsbury’s delivery, I would have laughed at them. But here was I with excitement mounting watching the clock hand reaching the ultimate moment of the pending arrival of the orange Sainsbury van. It was like Christmas without the wrapping paper and tinsel.

Knowing I had to leave the groceries out there for a least a couple of hours was having a birthday present two days before and having promised you would only open on the day. As you stalked around the bags trying to see what had been delivered, was that Vegan chocolate cake there for your Easter celebration. One must get their priorities in order!

Two hours later with the kitchen top disinfected down the treasured bags were brought in. Carrier bags put on the bad gremlin side and once wiped down or washed, each item was lovingly graced with being introduced to the good side, how exciting was this.

The disappointment of the day was alas no chocolate cake, I guess it was the universe saying “ah, ah not today sunshine”.

Hope you are all being industrious whilst at home self isolating. There has been more paint and paint brushes sold these last few weeks than ever before. For those wonderful people that are keeping this country going from day to day in these turbulent times there can be nothing but praise. Life is being tested to its fullest globally.

For those of you that feed Lily’s Kitchen here is a notice from the Nestles and Lilly’s Kichen. This gives a glimpse of the history behind the company.

Nestlé Purina Acquires Lily’s Kitchen Lily’s Kitchen’s CEO and Management Team to Remain in Place for Company’s Next Chapter of Growth April 1, 2020 – Lily’s Kitchen (the “Company”), creator of proper food for pets, today announced that it has been acquired from L Catterton by Nestlé Purina, a world leader in pet care. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Established 12 years ago in founder Henrietta Morrison’s kitchen in London, Lily’s Kitchen has become an internationally recognised £85 million1 retail brand offering its natural recipes for dogs and cats across 6,000 stores in 30 countries. Last year the company was awarded The Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales. Lily’s Kitchen has experienced rapid growth in both international expansion and continued product innovation, and in the last year alone saw a 30% increase in revenue. In its next chapter of growth, Nestlé Purina will help to build upon the Company’s momentum by further increasing Lily’s Kitchen’s brand awareness and supporting the continued expansion of its global footprint to reach more pet parents. The Company will continue to operate out of its offices in London as a standalone entity led by Lily’s Kitchen’s CEO, David Milner and the existing management team. Lily’s Kitchen’s employees, both junior and senior, who own a stake in the Company, will also be able to share the success. “I created Lily’s Kitchen in the belief our pets deserved better, more natural food that would make them healthier. I was inspired to do this by my own dog, Lily, who was ill and is happily now nearly 17 years old,” says Henrietta Morrison. “I’m proud we have been able to bring the business this far and by working with Purina we will accelerate Lily’s Kitchen, becoming truly global so that pet owners worldwide can have access to really healthy, natural pet food. I have always believed passionately in growing the business by doing the right thing by our people, our consumers and the planet. We have created a brand that people and their pets really love. I’m so proud of what we have achieved and know the brand will be taken good care of in its next chapter and beyond.” “We are greatly humbled to have been acknowledged and backed by L Catterton and now Nestlé Purina,” said David Milner. “From the ingredients we use in our recipes, to the relationships we have built with our partners, retailers and consumers, our Company remains committed to this awardwinning formula for our loyal customers around the world. Our vision, purpose and values will always be at the heart of who we are and what we do.” “Lily’s Kitchen has done a brilliant and unique job of creating a wonderful brand with its ethical approach to business. We are very excited to help bring the brand to the next level and to continue to make a positive impact,” said Calum Macrae, Regional Director, Northern Region, Nestlé Purina. “We are proud to have partnered with Lily’s Kitchen over the last four and a half years to grow the business and provide more pets and pet parents access to natural and wholesome pet food of the highest quality,” said Michael Farello, Managing Partner, L Catterton Growth Fund. “We are excited to watch the company continue on its exciting trajectory.” Media Contacts Nestlé Purina: Burson Cohn & Wolfe: Mark Sands Lily’

Breeding and selling during covid-19. The movement of animals is not currently under restriction and necessary medical treatments have not been restricted; owners should contact their vet practice in this regard. We do advise that you only travel with animals when necessary and please practice good bio-security, maintain safe distancing, and wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the puppy and do everything possible to minimise the risk of transmission to other humans. You will need to make sure that any equipment (including the cage) is disinfected and that you are both (yourself and the new owner) wearing the appropriate PPE, sanitize your hands after removing the PPE and sanitize your hands and wash them fully at the first available opportunity.

In the attached document there is some guidance on additional precautions you can take when delivering the puppies to their new homes.

The current situation is constantly changing and APHA is unable to provide warrants or licence individuals or organisations to continue operating. We advise that you keep in touch with current guidelines regarding continuing to travel by visiting GOV.UK. We are seeking more clarity and will provide further advice to the public when this becomes available.

We appreciate that everyone with any species of animal is extremely concerned about their continuing welfare. It is one of the primary concerns of APHA especially during these difficult times. Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that the wellbeing of your animals will not be compromised.

Have a lovely Easter everyone, enjoy the good weather BUT stay at home in the garden. Think of how much concentration you can give to eating Easter Eggs. Only a small benefit but savour every last bite. Take care and stay safe, wherever you are in the world.

IRENE ROBB