If you've been following Ettinger for a while, you might already know Phoebe, Meg's loyal companion, and a beloved part of our Walsall factory for the past 12 years.
To celebrate the launch of our new Capra Pet Pill Case, discover the story of Phoebe, one of the inspirations behind this new product.
How old is Phoebe and when did you you get her?
Phoebe was born on the 25th January 2013, so has recently just turned 12. Meg met her for the first time when she was only a few weeks old and had to wait a couple more months before finally bringing her home.
"I first held her when she was only 2 weeks old, and I visited her weekly until she came home on the 23rd March 2013. Gary (our Factory Manager) and I were supposed to collect her but we had the heaviest snowfall Walsall had had for many years, and we couldn't get the car off the drive. Her brother was adopted the same day and lived 2 miles away, as they managed to get off their drive, Phoebe came home with him and we picked her up there."
What is her breed and what made you want to adopt her in the first place?
Phoebe is a Wire Fox Terrier, a breed known for its sharp wit, independent spirit and intelligence. Meg has always had a soft spot for them, her very first companion was a push-along toy dog that helped her take her first steps.
"I always loved terriers, they are not for the faint hearted, and have a lot of character. They are cute as puppies and become very charismatic adult dogs."
What is your favourite activity to do together?
Living in Walsall offers the advantage of being surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful national parks like Attingham Park, perfect for long walks, something Meg especially enjoys with Phoebe by her side. When adopting Phoebe, Meg ensured she would be a perfect match for her lifestyle, with enough stamina to walk a few miles.
What is your most memorable memory with Phoebe?
Meg has shared many lovely moments with Phoebe over the years, but one of the most memorable was during their first group walk, an event organised through a Facebook group that brought together dozens of terriers at Kenilworth Castle.
"Phoebe became known as the bog snorkeller because she just plunged into a huge muddy puddle, my face was apparently a picture as I couldn't get to her to get her out!"
This eventful first walk laid the foundation for lasting friendships, some of which have even led to shared holidays. One of them was with Patricia, and her two terriers, Sid and Sally, in Yorkshire. The Putney office was lucky enough to welcome all three of them for a quick visit a couple weeks ago.
Does Phoebe have any special needs or health considerations that require her to take any pills or supplements?
Since August 2024, Phoebe unfortunately started to develop a form of dementia, called Canine Cognitive Disfunction (CCD).
"She is fine during the day, but cannot settle at night. She paces, and pants until she is totally exhausted at around 4am. We have tried calming treats, but they were not sufficient, so she now takes medication to help her settle and rest at night. She takes a tablet, and a supplement to help with the blood flow to her brain, as well as a calming chew in the morning. Then, at tea time, she takes two tablets to help her rest and settle for the night."
How do you see the new pill case fitting into your routine with Phoebe?
Our Capra Pet Pill Case is the perfect solution for managing a pet's medication, and for Phoebe, it has been especially useful as she requires multiple pills throughout the day due to her condition.
"The new pill case has been great in helping me organise Phoebe's medication, and as a check in to make sure she's had the correct pill at the right time."
Shop our new Capra Pet Pill Cases HERE.