[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

In this two-minute read, we look at what yesterday’s Christmas announcements mean to households in <\/span><\/i>Walton On Thames<\/i><\/b>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This year has been filled with anguish and anxiety for many of us.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the news that came out last week around successful vaccines and yesterday’s announcement of the temporary relaxation around social distancing rules over Christmas has cheered up many of us.<\/span><\/p>\n

And in true Christmas miracle fashion, it’s got the four national governments of the UK to take a united approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

For five days, people have the option to celebrate the festive period with selected families and friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is some of the Government’s guidance for England around the rules for 23 to December 27 as reported by the BBC.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
• Up to three households will be allowed to stay together and form a “Christmas bubble.”<\/span><\/li>\n
• You can form a different Christmas bubble from the people you live with usually – so you can choose to stay with different people for the five days.<\/span><\/li>\n
• You can meet people outside your Christmas bubble. But only outside the home and in line with the rules for the tier in which you are staying. Places you can meet those people include parks, beaches, open countryside, public gardens, allotments and playgrounds<\/span><\/li>\n
• Children under 18 years-old whose parents do not live together may be part of both parents’ Christmas bubbles.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Existing support bubbles count as one household towards the three-household limit.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Students are considered to be part of the household to which they have returned.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Look out for the announcements tomorrow (Thursday) about the different tier levels which will come into effect when this lockdown ends on December 2.<\/span><\/p>\n

  According to the BBC, the decision will be based on several factors, including case numbers, the reproduction rate – or R number – and the amount of pressure on local NHS services.<\/span><\/p>\n

  For some families, it will be a difficult choice around who to share Christmas with.<\/span><\/p>\n

  There’s always the option to stay within your established bubble (AKA your immediate family).\u00a0 This way, you won’t fall out with the in-laws, and you’ll be keeping seriously safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

  So, what will you be doing?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

  Will you be planning a three-family bubble with all the traditional works?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

  Or are you going for a lower-key approach, with a smaller turkey and Michael Bubl\u00e9’s Christmas songs providing the backdrop?<\/span><\/p>\n

  Whatever you plan, we hope you have a safe, memorable, and happy time.<\/span><\/p>\n

  From all at <\/span>Rochills<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

  PS: Here is the link to the Government’s Advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

  https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/y5czwlkc<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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  In this two-minute read, we look at what yesterday’s Christmas announcements mean to households in Walton On Thames. This year has been filled with anguish and anxiety for many of us. But the news that came out last week around successful vaccines and yesterday’s announcement of the temporary relaxation around social distancing rules over Christmas […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":35721,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

  Do you find moving home stressful? It\u2019s very likely you do, and this is only natural.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Now imagine how your dog might feel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  In the weeks running up to the move, all aspects of your dog\u2019s normal life will become uprooted; from their normal routine, to their belongings, even to the smell of their home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Unfortunately, you cannot explain to them why everything they know is suddenly changing, but you can help to make the transition from one home to another less stressful for them, and here\u2019s how you can do it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Consider using a boarding kennel\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

  If your dog is of a nervous disposition or if they are known to react badly to changes in their normal routine, then you may want to consider placing them in a boarding kennel for the duration of the packing and moving process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  If you do decide to go down this route, then make sure you choose a kennel that you have either used before or one that has been recommended by a friend or family member. The last thing you need is additional worry about your dog\u2019s wellbeing when you are moving home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  You will also need to ensure that the necessary vaccinations are up to date if you choose this option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Keep your dog safe<\/b><\/p>

  If you decide to keep your dog with you as you move, then on moving day itself you should shut your dog in a room within your home in which they feel most comfortable. Make sure they have access to water and feed them as normal. Your aim is to keep them as calm as possible, and save them unease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Choose a guardian\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

  It can be a good idea on moving day to nominate one family member to care for your dog. This way you know that someone is always looking out for them and ensuring that they are safe and content throughout the moving home process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  It is also recommended that you keep your dog on a lead or in a secure cage when you move, so to minimise the risk of them escaping or running off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Travel safely\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

  It is advisable to transport your dog in a secure cage, however, if this is not possible, then ensure that they are safely fastened in your vehicle with a purpose-made seatbelt or dog harness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  You should never drive with your dog unsecured in the boot of your car or in the removal van as this can be extremely dangerous for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Always make sure your car is well ventilated especially if the weather is warm, and stop to give your dog a drink and comfort break if the journey is long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Make your dog feel at home<\/b><\/p>

  Once you arrive at your new home, it is a good idea to transfer your dog\u2019s scent into your new property before you let them in to explore. Simply gently rub a blanket or a cloth over your dog\u2019s face and then transfer their scent into several areas of your new home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Another easy way to make your dog feel at home is by unpacking their belongings, and by regularly feeding them so that they associate their new surroundings with a positive and familiar activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Go for a walk when you are ready<\/b><\/p>

  Unlike with a cat, you can take your dog out for a walk to explore its new surroundings as soon as you want to. Although, even in suitable, off-lead open areas, you will probably want to keep your dog on a lead for the first few walks at least, just until both you and your dog are more familiar with the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  You should also ensure that your dog is microchipped and that their contact details are up to date. Failing that, a traditional collar and tag with your name, address and contact phone number will be sufficient.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  Discourage visits to your previous home<\/b><\/p>

  If you have not moved very far away, you may find yourself walking similar routes with your dog and they may try and direct you towards your old property. This is not a good idea as you want your dog to bond properly with your new home, which can be made even more challenging if they are reminded of your old one!<\/span><\/p>

  Instead, focus on forming positive associations with your new house by feeding your dog frequent meals and giving them lots of attention, both when in your new home and when out and about in the local area. You should also focus on playing with your dog more than usual if possible and spend time grooming them so that they feel relaxed and at ease in their new surroundings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  For impartial property advice contact our expert team at Rochills on\u00a0<\/span>07930 408 527<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and we will be delighted to assist.<\/span><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-articles"],"yoast_head":"\n