Abi Titmuss is a British personality known for modelling, TV roles and most recently acting. Having been acting for five years, she’s set to break the LA scene with a busy year ahead. Some people may feel they know Abi from her time in the spotlight.

In the latest edition of K9 Magazine, Kim O’Meara uncovers the true Abi, her love of dogs and in particular one special man who stole her heart a year ago.

Tell us about your dog, Danny – we’d like to know everything about him!

He’s a cross-breed and he just turned 1 on New Year’s Day. He’s a really playful dog, a real live wire! He loves lots of fuss and cuddles and gets on really well with other dogs. He’s a little timid of children so I’m walking him past the schools every day now to try and get him used to them.

I got him from the Dogs Trust in West London and I knew at the start of last year that I was going to have a block of 3 months free so knew I wanted to get a dog and would have the time then to settle a new dog in properly.

When I went to look around I primarily thought I’d want an older dog, and to be honest didn’t think I’d see puppies in rescues, but I had a look around and didn’t see a dog that was right for me. Then on my way out I walked past an area that had puppies in. I had a look and saw Danny’s litter.

They had come in from Northern Ireland and had spent a couple of nights outside before being brought in by some local people. He had 5 litter mates, maybe more, but they weren’t too well when they came in because of their rough start.

When I saw Danny and his litter they were around 6-8 weeks old at the time and still being treated to get better.

I went home and did lots of research, went on sites such as DogsBlog.com and read lots more books about choosing a puppy. I went back in to see Danny and his litter everyday for the next 3 weeks. I felt it was such an important decision I needed to read as much as I could and going regularly I was able to take the points I’d read, such as in Dr Bruce Fogle’s book he talks about finding a healthy dog, not one that’s overly yappy, not one that’s too nervous.

I spotted Danny the first time I went and I still felt he was the one for me so I took him out every day and watched him playing from a distance with his friends all while bearing in mind what I’d learnt.

I wore the same coat every day, it had a fur collar and he loved to snuggle into it. I gave him treats and when I went to pick him up wore the same coat worn every day I’d seen him.

When did your interest in pets/animals begin and how long have you been a pet owner?

We owned a dog growing up, a Yorkshire Terrier called Blue. It still breaks my heart, he was being looked after by somebody because we were away on holiday and he got run over.

I was 9 years old at the time and I don’t think I ever got over it to be honest. Circumstances meant we didn’t have another dog growing up so I’m so pleased last year gave me that free time at home to get Danny.

Did you always know you would rescue your next dog?

I did. I think when there’s so many dogs out there looking for new homes, that’s the decision made really. I knew I wanted a cross-breed as well because they’re typically more healthy and can live longer. I also think cross-breeds are more interesting.

Danny has so much personality. I think when you rescue a dog you get so much back and know you’ve done something really worthwhile. I didn’t know this feeling I have of knowing Danny now has this live would last with me as long as it has.

It’s a lovely feeling and he gives me so much, I wouldn’t be without him for the world.

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K9 Magazine’s Thanks Go To…

Fermoy Signs for their Designer Pet ID Tags!

KennelKitchen.co.uk for their Handmade Dog Treats!

Lily’s Kitchen for their brand new Bedtime Biscuits and canned food.

Pride & Joy Pet Couture for the bundle of luxurious goodies such as a Leather Collar and Lead set with matching Harness and IBONE dog toy!

Plus, special thanks to The Mayhew Animal Home for allowing us the space and time for the fabulous photoshoot with Abi & Danny

Images by Burnt Orange Photography

Tamara Beckwith is a fashion icon, a columnist, a T.V personality and a huge dog lover. Lucky old K9 Magazine got to chat with her about her Poodles, Balthazar and Lux and her views on canine cosmetics.….

Hello Tamara, thank you for taking our 20 questions. Before we start with the questions, what can we expect to see you doing in the near future?

Hello, my new jewellery range is available from QVC. Anyone who is interested in having a look can go to www.qvc.co.uk

1) Tell us about your pets. Names, breeds and ages.

I have BALTHAZAR – he is a beautiful miniature apricot poodle who just had his 13th Birthday. My daughter Anouska has LUX a beautiful black miniature poodle who has already had a litter of 5 and has just turned 1 1/2

(more…)

Caprice became a household name for her modelling career, but has since used her name to become an established business owner, developing her own nationwide lingerie range with Debenhams and a haircare range. As an actress, Caprice has received rave reviews for her West End performances.

Hello Caprice, thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us and answer our questions….you have the sort of dream job and looks that most young girls dream about. You’ve also just moved into acting so please give us an insight into what you’re currently working on and what we can expect to see from Caprice in the future?

1) Tell us about your pets. Names, breeds and ages.

I have a Chihuahua, 10 months, called Stinker.

2) When did your interest in pets/animals begin and how long have you been a pet owner?

We always had pets growing up. When I turned 17 I left home to go to New York to start modelling. I could hardly support myself at that time let alone a pet. So I haven’t had a pet up until now.

3) Your modelling career took off in New York when you modelled for Calvin Klein and were an instant hit. This then propelled you into becoming the face of Pantene, Wonderbra, Diet Coke and much more. Who were your idols while you were growing up in California and did you pursue modelling or did it come to you?

I never thought of being in the entertainment business as a child, I wanted to be the governor of California. An owner of a modelling agency found me and said I could make a lot of money so a year later I was off to New York.

4) You are clearly a huge dog lover but have also enjoyed a very busy, high profile professional career, can you ever recall times when you have wanted a period of independence, with no animal responsibilities or has the presence of animals in your life contributed positively to your personal and professional life?

Stinker is like my child. I love going home to her every night. She is such a joy. I can’t believe I went all of these years without a dog. However, it is a huge responsibility, but also the biggest joy of my life.

5) What are you looking forward to achieving by the time you reach 40?

When I am 40, I think my life will be full of children and I will probably be more involved with various charities. My work of course will remain a predominant part of my life. I am a workaholic because I am very fortunate and absolutely love what I do.

6) There’s an old adage, never work with animals or children. Can you recall any times when you wished you’d taken heed of this advice?

I remember taking Stink on a shoot with me. She isn’t very good at going to the restroom on her pee pee pad so you could imagine what happened. She made mistakes not only once …. try 4 times. It was quite embarrassing.

7) What has been your biggest professional thrill to date?

Probably when I performed in the West End production of Rent.

8: Describe an average day at home with your dog.

Last Sunday we went to Blockbuster and got 3 movies, went back home got into bed and cuddled for 8 hours watching spooky movies.

9) Match the following people with a breed of dog…

Rachel Hunter – Great Dane
Naomi Campbell – Pug
Jim Carey – Jack Russell
Vinnie Jones – Bulldog
Calvin Klein – Poodle

10) Which do you prefer and why?
    
       Big dogs or little dogs – Little dogs, easier to take care of.
       Pedigree dogs or x breeds – Doesn’t matter ….as long as they are loved.
       Days off or days at work – Days at work, I love working.
       The quickest route or the scenic route – Quickest route ….time is money.
       Lead and collar or dog running free – Lead and collar …. couldn’t imagine loosing my dog I would be devastated.

11) Time to be controversial. You are on holiday with your pets and turn up to book yourself into a nice hotel. The manager quickly ushers you outside and explains that you are welcome to stay but ‘your animals are not welcome here’. Do you…

a) Refuse to give them your custom with the theory that ‘if you don’t want my pet then you don’t want me’?  
        
 b) Drop the ‘do you know who I am’ bomb and see if they will make an exception?

 c) Accept the decision politely, making a note to find a more pet friendly hotel in the future?

 d) Explain that your pets are equally as well behaved, clean and well mannered as most young children and are less likely to get plastered in the evening, wake up the rest of the hotel by singing God Save the Queen at full volume on their way back up to their room before throwing up in the ornamental fish tank on the landing in the early hours of the morning?

Leave, C.

13) Describe the last time you…
      Had to shout at your pet –  I shouted at my pet when she went number two on my carpet right in front of me.

      Had to go to the vet – I had to go to the vet to get a rabies shot for her passport.

      Didn’t get the job you wanted – I was up for a huge campaign and asked for too much money and lost it. However that is the nature of the business …. you win some and you lose some.

      Thought about getting another animal (besides what you have already) – I am actually getting another Chihuahua soon.

14) Your job must give you the opportunities to fly all over the world, when you travel, does your dog travel with you, if so, what tips would you offer our readers when travelling with their pets?

Stinker has just had everything sorted out for her, which means she is now able to travel with me everywhere!

15) It would appear from looking at all your various business pursuits that you fit the bill of ‘not just a pretty face’, what’s your most enjoyable professional pursuit, modelling, acting, singing or do you get a kick out of the business side of life?

I love the business side of what I have created. It is the most rewarding both financially and mentally.

16) Finish the following sentence:

My dog is…..is one of the most important things in my world.

17) Earlier this year we crowned the UK’s Coolest Canine, a German Shepherd who saved her owner from a house fire. If you were entering your dog into the UK Coolest Canine competition what would be your dogs biggest claim to fame/talent/party piece etc?

This is probably her claim to fame, her first cover.

18) What is the most extravagant item that you have bought for your dog(s)?

Everything my dog has even her food is better than most humans, top of the range, organic.

19) Owning a pet, as you must know, influences lots of lifestyle decisions, where you live, the car you drive and much more, what sort of car do you drive and how does your dog travel [Boot] [Front Passenger Seat] [Back Seat] [Dog Box] [Other]

I own a Mercedes and my dog constantly plants herself on my lap and doesn’t move.

20) This is always a tough question and often requires a fair degree of thinking time but….
If your dog(s) had the ability to speak and answer one question and one question only, what would you ask them and what do you think that they would say?

Me: Stink why do you insist on going pee-pee all over the house?

Stink: Because I like to mummy.