Swarthdale Stables is a small family run farm and home to Kate, Ryan and their dogs Alfie (14 year old Sproker), Izzie (15 year old Patterdale/Collie cross), Molly (16 year old Patterdale Terrier) and Bramble (10 years old). ). old Patterdale Terrier).
Kate doesn't mess around when it comes to quality. Their stables are the perfect example of this. The aim is to offer high quality DIY facilities with optional services tailored to both the horse owner and the horse.
“When Ryan and I bought Swarthdale Cottage in 2014 there was a lot to do. The tenement was in a state of disrepair and the grazing land wasn't much better. In recent years we have worked tirelessly to make our farm a paradise for horses and our dogs. It's a safe and tranquil environment where they can all relax.”
All Swarthdale regulars will be particularly familiar with Kate's dog, Alfie. Completely deaf and mostly blind, he always wears his Hi Vis. Alfie has free rein on the farm and the adjacent 20+ acres. So everyone knows to keep an eye on him. Alfie and his 'sister' Izzie (15 year old Patterdale/Collie cross) had both previously suffered terribly from osteoarthritis. Your journey with Antinol started in December 2019.
"To be honest the two had slowed down for a while by this point and Alfie's hind legs were showing signs of giving out completely. I've had them on both senior dog food and various other supplements. We gave them Metacam whenever they needed it. I have researched Antinol and am familiar with most OA therapies through my work. After reading the data on Antinol, I was keen to try it. At this point both dogs needed all the help they could get!”
With 13 horses and 4 dogs (no cats - "I'm just not that inclined!") Kate has her hands full and her time is limited.
“The biggest aspect of having all the land we own around the stables is that the dogs can regulate themselves and I never have to push them to move because I'm limited in time when I can go for a walk with them. I don't force them to take the "daily walk" that their colleagues around town might get. On good days they can do big hikes and on slower days they just potter around, but ultimately they're always on the move. With the Antinol capsules, there was no problem getting the dogs to take it (they think it's a treat) and the ordering process with my vet's code through the online store is very convenient, especially since the product is direct to come home to me."
It was amazing following Alfie and Izzie's story. As a team, we especially loved watching videos of Izzie running into the yard. 
“Izzie has never been as lively as Alfie, but she was even slower than usual last year. Antinol seems to have given her that extra bit of lubrication to help her joints mobilize. It was amazing to see her get some of her feather back. The video you saw was her coming through the gates and into the yard!”
At VetzPetz, we often hear from pet owners who struggle with the emotional turmoil of watching their cats and dogs lose their physical spark. However, OA need not be viewed as a final state. Indeed, with a multimodal approach to osteoarthritis, much can be done to support our canine and feline friends with osteoarthritis.
“The heart of our farm is camaraderie. Everyone encourages everyone and this also applies to the dogs. I don't deny it and I know the dogs get along. But for now, we can easily adapt to make the changes needed to improve their later years. I want them to live their best life and I will do whatever it takes to support that.
