Rescue and Animal CARE Magazine 29th September - 29th October 2020 - Issue 158 ISSN 2050-0572

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RESCUE and ANIMAL CARE 29th September - 29th October 2020 - Issue 158

Tips for tackling dog anxiety and stress in all pets Pet Remedy – page 15

From Police Officer to The World of Rescue!

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Saved Boo’s life, a gentle Clydesdale horse Cover Image

FREE COPY Please take one

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

ISSN 2050-0572

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

In s ide .. . See Mayhew’s

Christmas Gift Guide Walking Your Dogs in a relaxed, kind and safe way – Dogmatic Headcollars – page 22

How to find the Best Dog Grooming Scissors – page 10

A dog bed company that ticks all the boxes!

George Barclay - England

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Autumnal Must Haves

Now that the summer holidays are over, and winter is fast approaching, it’s an ideal time to look at those ‘must have’ products that make wet & soggy winter walks a little easier. George Barclay’s MuttMOP dog drying products are an ideal choice, this comprehensive range of drying jackets, mats, towels and mitts will dry and clean your dog with ease. All items are machine washable and are available in a good choice of colours and range of sizes.

Deluxe Dry Mat MuttMOP – Deluxe Dry Mat

Sizes: Medium & Large MSRP: £13.99 - £24.99.

Deluxe Drying Jacket/Robe MuttMOP – Deluxe Drying Jacket/Robe

Sizes: XXS & XXXL MSRP: £13.49 - £27.99.

A dog bed company that ticks all the boxes!

Premium dog bed company, George Barclay – England, not only produce one of the most comprehensive ranges of dog beds, that are arguably the most comfortable; they’re also packed with great features, making them easy to keep clean and maintain.

Available in a range of different styles and sizes, you’ll be able to find the correct bed to suit your dogs’ needs. There’s an easy to use ‘dog bed selector’ on the George Barclay website: www.georgebarclay.co.uk to make the selection process even easier. Customers then have a good selection of colours to choose from, and can even choose their new beds filling, when opting for a dog mattress or dog sofa bed. With generously sized x-large and xx-large beds, the George Barclay bedding range also caters for owners with more than one dog in their household, who’s dogs like to share.

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29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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Deluxe Pet Blanket All beds produced by George Barclay are fitted with a removable outer cover, this can be machine washed, then air dried. The outer covers are available to purchase separately, a great option for those who require a spare cover, or would like to refresh their existing bed.

The fill components of a George Barclay dog bed are protected by their Moisture ShieldTM inner liner. This helps prevent the ingress of moisture, and can be wiped down with a fabric freshener to keep those unwanted smells at bay.

The superior design, quality and comfort, combined with the practicality and functionality, makes a George Barclay bed, an ideal choice for both dog and owner alike.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Winter Warmers What better way to show your dog how much you love them this winter, than with an Aran Knit – Deluxe Pet Blanket. Lined with an opulent faux fur, these blankets are oozing snuggle appeal. Available in a choice of 4 colours, in either a size large or x-large.

MSRP: £19.99 - £35.99 n For more information call 01722 712203, email sales@georgebarclay.com or visit www.georgebarclay.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Mistress says I’m a Couch Potato!!!

Dear All Creatures Great and Small.

Do you hug your owner enough? Since Mistress is not allowed to hug humans during the pandemic I make sure that every morning I clamber onto her bed and put my paws on her shoulders and squeeze. I also make a little groaning sound at the pleasure of doing that. This lockdown thing must be hard for our owners with things they can do and then things they can’t do and then they can do and then they can’t! So confusing for my little brain.

Having been somewhat lazy of late which I blame on my lovely long walks and getting home ready for a snooze I have been told that I am a Couch Potato!!

I’ve heard some things in my doggie years but POTATO! How on earth can I look like one of those! Here I am laying on a settee for you to let me know if in fact I look anything other than Treacle Prowse Border Collie looking rather pretty. Any minute now I am waiting for my mad Mistress (yes mum – sorry I did say mad) coming at me with a potato peeler. She will change my name soon to Maris Piper or Charlotte or worseKing Edward!

It looks like we have come to the end of our amazing sunny and warm weather and entering into a cold spell but Mistress says that if anything we will have even more walks than in the summer months because it will do us all good. I am looking forward to running around in the woods and hearing the sound of leaves crunching beneath my paws and hiding behind trees then jumping out to make Little Mistress scream. I will get her back for hiding my toys especially my favourite Miss Piggy!

Me being a Couch Potato!

Having seen Mistress recently laying on her bed trying to zip up her jeans, which fitted her a few months ago I think she wants to burn off a few calories and walking will help both her body and mind ☺ I don’t think I am over weight but our bathroom scales weren’t made for four paws and I can only get half of me on them at a time. I have tried sitting on them but then I can’t see the screen because my bottom is covering it.

What I am not looking forward to my furry friends are the awful sounds of Fireworks as we approach bonfire season. We don’t have them in our house and Mistress and Little Mistress do not like them either.

They scare animals so much and they should either be silenced or totally banned! Thank goodness for www.petremedy.co.uk for natural de stressing and calming.

Keep safe

Follow us on facebook Rescue and Animal Care www.facebook.com/rescueandanimalcare Troublesome Treacle

Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Heathway, Colton, Rugeley, Staffs WS15 3LY Tel: 01889 577058 www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk Reg Charity No1053585

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29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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RESCUE and ANIMAL CARE 29th September - 29th October 2020 - Issue 158

Tips for tackling dog anxiety and stress in all pets Pet Remedy – page 15

ISSN 2050-0572

FREE COPY Please take one

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Inside ... See Mayhew’s

From Police Officer to The World of Rescue !

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Saved Boo’s life, a gentle Clydesdale horse Cover Image

Dear Readers,

Christmas Gift Guide Walking Your Dogs in a relaxed, kind and safe way – Dogmatic Headcollars – page 22

How to find the Best Dog Grooming Scissors – page 10

A dog bed company that ticks all the boxes!

George Barclay - England

On this Month’s Cover

George Barclay – England

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare PUBLISHER: Jennifer Prowse FEAtURE CoNtRIBUtoRS: Dean Hart, Animal Behaviourist Mary Lloyd, Bio-Life International Juliet Abrahamson DESIGN: Vicki Barnes WEBSItE: Crosland Digital

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHERS. ANY OPINIONS STATED WITHIN THE TEXT OF RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS. ANY PRICES QUOTED MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. SOME OF THE ANIMALS FEATURED WITHIN THIS ISSUE MAY NOW HAVE BEEN REHOMED.

Jennifer Prowse As we say goodbye to the lovely summer Director and Publisher weather we have had and pull on our jumpers, it would be easy to become a Couch Potato like our rescue DOG Treacle! (page 4). But it is important to keep you and your pet active over the coming months.

The current situation of restrictions in our lives has been hard, hasn’t it, and sometimes a cause for depression or at least feeling low especially if we have been on our own.

So wrap up warm and plan a long crisp autumn walk at least once a day to keep yourself fit and cheery whilst spending that special time with your dog. This month’s article by Juliet Abrahamson gives you a few ideas to keep you and our pets sane during the ever changing lockdown measures.

We are heading for bonfire night! The sound of a nearby firework going bang must be as surprising to our pets as if someone crept up on us with a bucket of cold water. Imagine how we would jump up in surprise in shock. Imagine that happening thirty of forty times in one night! Awful. Find a few calming tips and products to help our animals inside this issue.

Meet HorseWorld’s resident mule Mowgli who is tackling the next stage of his training as he takes a step further towards his new ‘job’ helping vulnerable children learn essential life-skills.

Get a dog-friendly space like Monty Don’s garden. Find the perfect Christmas gift for you and your pets. Read our heart-warming animal charity stories and news!

I hope you enjoy all our articles, news and features and thank you for reading

Keep safe!

Love Jennifer

x

Nina Ottosson Dog Finder Interactive Dog Toy. Visit

Contact us

https://www.petcetera.co.uk/

O T E M I T PL AY!

(01787) 228027 Jennifer@jspmedia.co.uk RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE: JENNIFER PROWSE MEDIA, 21 THE MALTINGS, BURES, SUFFOLK CO8 5EJ Follow us on facebook Rescue and Animal Care www.facebook.com/rescueandanimalcare Troublesome Treacle

p44 Read Mayhew’s Christmas Gift Guide online (see centre pages)

www.rescueandanimalcare.com www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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NEWS

Blue Cross pet charity stars in new national TV series Blue Cross in Victoria, London and Grimsby are set to star in a brand new, primetime, ITV1 series.

Narrated by actress and animal lover Felicity Kendal, Inside Animal A & E highlights the work of the charity’s animal hospitals, mobile clinic and ambulance services. The series shows how the charity helps care for sick and injured pets and the dedication and hard work of staff and volunteers.

N

atalie Everett, Deputy Nurse Manager at Blue Cross in Grimsby said; “We were thrilled to be involved in the making of these programmes and are very excited that the series is going to show our work to so many people tuning in every Monday. We are proud to show the behind-the-scenes work we do and hope it encourages more animal lovers to support us in the future.”

Inside Animal A & E begins on Monday 7 September at 8pm. Episode one features London animal ambulance drivers Sonia and Angela pick up a 50 kilo Dogue De Bordeaux who has a mysterious bedwetting problem, which vet Cristina must get to the bottom of. Vet Lawrence is trying to find out why guinea pig Noel is feeling anxious and upset. In Grimsby, volunteer Helen is giving round the clock care to tiny orphan kitten Oliver.

Felicity Kendal said: “I was delighted to be invited to narrate this wonderful series about the work of Blue Cross in Victoria and Grimsby. I’ve long supported the charity and it was a delight to see the incredible work they do to help pets in need and their devoted owners.”

Helen Leary said: “It was very

exciting to have the film crew in the hospital following us while we got on with our work and I cannot wait to see the series and the finished programmes over the next few weeks.

The team at Grimsby work incredibly hard and this will be wonderful for the clients and supporters to see for themselves.”

Blue Cross is a charity that relies on

animal lovers to support their work caring for sick, injured, unwanted and abandoned pets. Visit www.bluecross.org.uk to find out more and make a donation.

Cats Home Alone Conscise Manual

There are around 10 million pet cats in the UK according to the PDSA, and while the majority of these come and go as they please, some owners – concerned about bird numbers, traffic accidents, cat fights, pet theft or because their cats have medical problems– decide to keep their animals indoors. These home-alone cats need something to do, and this book is packed

with ideas, tips and projects to help you create fun activities, specially designed furniture, sleeping nests and dens to keep your pet stimulated, exercised and happy while you’re out.

(ISBN: 9781785217357, book reference: H6735, RRP £12.99. Available from Haynes.com and all good book retail outlets)

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 6

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.dogmatic.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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FREE PET REMEDY CALMING WIPES FOR EVERY READER

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RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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‘Keep your pet’ supports International Older Persons’ Day 1st October 2020 York-based organisation ‘Keep your pet’ (KYP) is supporting International Older Persons’ Day on 1st October. KYP is a charity unique to York which emphasises the special bond between older people & animals, & works to keep owners & animals together at times when owners experience illness.

O

lder people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities & over the next three decades the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double. By 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children under 5 years. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for the older people and their families but also for society as a whole.

Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or a longneglected passion. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: the health of those involved & those around them.

Keep Your Pet, run in collaboration between Age UK York and RSPCA York and Harrogate Districts, provides support for older and vulnerable pet owners with medical difficulties.

Support includes dog fostering, cat & other small pet feeding, dog Millie & Sparky

Bessie & Amadeus

walking, and help with visits to the vet.

During the Covid 19 pandemic KYP continues to support those who need our services and will do so as long as we have sufficient willing and available volunteers.

KYP works in three ways in that it benefits animals, their owners, & the volunteers, particularly those who are unable to keep an animal of their own but wish to have contact, or those whose own animals have recently died.

Whilst the services are provided by volunteers, the scheme is dependent on paid management and administration.

KYP seeks to raise funds from donations and fundraising events although, since the latter invariably

Sheila & Jimmy involve getting people together, they have been severely hampered this year.

We seek to make sure that people know of our service, & are reassured that is still operating. We also need to appeal for financial help. n For more information visit www.keepyourpet.co.uk

Safe and secure pet transpor t ser vice 7 days a week l

Door-to-door within UK mainland

l

Temperature-controlled air conditioning

l

Experienced, calm & empathetic handler

l

Dog first-aid trained

l

Fully insured and licensed

Please ring us with your requirements on our free phone number 08000 315 930 or alternatively visit our bookings page at www.ukdogtransport.co.uk 8

29 SEPTEMBER – 28 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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Environment registered and Safe contractor member.

Commercial Pet Waste Removal

We provide a professional pet waste removal for businesses of all sizes and can arrange the collections of dog bins from Rescue centres Kennels and Catteries Dog day centres Breeders

Email: info@petwastesolutions.co.uk Contact 07907136300

140 litre wheelie bins ... with a sealed lid

Fully insured. Proud winners of 1066 Environmental Awards.

www.petwastesolutions.co.uk

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Making The Cut!

By Sian Somers

Visit our new Website-

https://www.abbfabbgroomingscissors.com/collections

Providing dog groomers with the very best scissors at affordable prices.

This is the home to the exclusive Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Range. Family owned since 1990, our scissors are designed, tested and loved by our expert dog groomers.

Easy to navigate, helpful information to explain some dog grooming terminology and the correct uses for your valuable dog grooming scissors.

Collections

An Award Winning Company Abbfabb Grooming Scissors has recently been awarded Best Dog Grooming Scissors Retailer 2020 UK and awarded the Customer Care Excellence Award.

We are so delighted to have received these awards as our passion Sian and her dog Maggi and ethos is and always has been, to provide all dog groomers, right and left handed, with the very best dog grooming scissors at affordable prices.

All Abbfabb Grooming Scissors are ergonomically designed from 440c Japanese Stainless Steel which means they are all perfectly balanced, lightweight regardless of length and extremely comfortable to use. Our vision is to continue to provide the very best customer service and the very best dog grooming scissors available to dog groomers all over the world.

How to find the Best Dog Grooming Scissors Understanding the difference between each type of dog grooming scissor, is extremely important.

Whilst all dog grooming scissors have one thing in common in that they cut dog hair, these scissors are made in many different designs and they all have specific uses. That is not to say that the dog grooming scissors are not versatile but, they only perform to their best when used for the task they were originally designed for.

A dog grooming scissor’s sharpness, smooth cutting, comfort, durability and suitability are all key components to what makes a great pair of scissors.

There are however, so many dog grooming scissors available today and it can be difficult to know which scissors you should purchase.

What Makes A Good Dog Grooming Scissor?

How do you know which dog grooming scissors you need? There are so many different types of scissors, not to mention a wide variety of brands that make each type.

Whilst each dog groomer has their own preferences, straight shears are fantastic at creating shape and finishing off a trim and are typically the best all-around or the most versatile of 10

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Left Handed 4.5" Detailing Dog Grooming Scissor

the dog grooming scissors family, you can own. If you are a pet owner and only wish to invest in one style of dog grooming scissors, then this scissor should be straight shears.

Why are straight dog grooming scissor the most versatile of the dog grooming scissors? Well, a dog groomer can create a rounded line with a pair of straight shears and it can be used on all areas of the dog’s body.

However, curved, blending and texturising scissors cannot create a crisp straight line and they have more specific purposes. https://www.abbfabbgroomingscissors.com/blogs/new s/best-dog-grooming-scissors Please click here to view our full collection https://www.abbfabbgroomingscissors.com/collections Email: Sian@abbfabb.com Call: 07971680023 https://www.facebook.com/SianSomers30/

Best Dog Grooming Scissors Retailer 2020 UK

Benefitting from being extremely lightweight, this scissor is perfect for all those small trimmed areas such as feet, ears, small breed faces and around the eyes.

Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Rainbow 6� 10 Tooth Chunker

This 6" 10 Tooth dog grooming scissor has been ergonomically designed from 440c Japanese stainless steel, offering the ultimate comfort with correctly balanced handles and lightweight feel. This dog grooming chunker will help a dog groomer create a choppy or chunky finish on a correctly prepared coat.

Abbfabb Grooming Scissors Left Handed 7.5" Texturising/ Chunker Scissor with Pretty Jewelled Screw Featuring a very pretty jewelled tension screw, this dog grooming shear is lightweight and ultra comfortable due to the ergonomically shaped handles and correct balance. This dog grooming scissor will leave a soft texture on a suitable prepared dog coat.

le ersib v e .5" R ssor 6 s r i cisso ming Sc S g o in Gro oom r g o G fabb ur ved D b b A C eme r t x E This style of dog grooming scissor is perfect for Asian Fusion style grooming and creating roundness on the dog's heads, feet, legs and rib cages, especially on small to medium sized dog breeds and cross breeds. It is excellent for producing a beautiful finish when used on a correctly prepared dog coat.

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A second chance for Boo A desperate phone call to Redwings Horse Sanctuary saved Boo’s life, a gentle Clydesdale horse who had become the victim of an imaginable act of cruelty.

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n early 2009, heartless intruders entered Boo’s field and shot him in the eye with an air rifle at point blank range. This horrific attack was doubly distressing for Boo as he had already lost one eye to cancer, which meant he was left completely blind.

Boo’s owner was devastated to find him after the attack and called a vet who advised that due to Boo’s size (he stands at 16.1 hands high), it would be safest for others around him if he was put to sleep. It was a heart-breaking decision but it seemed there was no other choice.

If it hadn’t been for heavy snowfall that winter, Boo’s story may have ended there. But the bad weather delayed the vet’s visit and Boo’s owner began to reconsider his future. Hearing about Redwings and its specialist care facilities, they made a phone call.

With years of experience in caring for blind and partially sighted horses, the charity offered Boo a home. Even before Boo arrived, he had already learnt to adapt to voice commands and would even ‘back up’ when asked – a risky move for a large, blind animal.

It was this truly amazing trust Boo demonstrated for those who cared for him, despite the cruelty he had suffered, that showed the Sanctuary he needed a second chance.

Now, 11 years later, Boo, 23, continues to live happily at Redwings and is to become the face of the charity’s 2020 Christmas appeal.

While the Sanctuary loves to share

Boo and Flynn

stories of its most recent rescues, Boo is a reminder of the continued love and care it gives to its long-term residents so they can enjoy the peaceful and fulfilling lives they deserve.

Since the day he arrived, Boo has required dedicated care. His fields are carefully chosen to ensure he is given the safe space he needs and his carers spend a lot of time guiding him around the boundaries and making sure he knows where his water, feed and shelter are.

Boo has an incredible talent for being aware of his surroundings and still amazes his carers with his ability to find any treats hidden in their pockets!

Friendship is also really important for Boo so the team at Redwings has dedicated time in finding him the right companions.

Boo was inseparable from his best friend and ‘seeing eye’ horse Oliver for seven years. When the Sanctuary sadly

lost Oliver suddenly to colic in 2016, no-one knew how Boo would cope without him. But amazingly, he soon took to a new friend, called Flynn, and the pair have lived happily together ever since. Flynn plays an integral role in Boo’s care by providing a reassurance presence and accompanying him on routine vet checks and farrier visits.

To this day, Boo’s carers are astounded with the trust he places in them, always standing quietly for examinations and injections, and following them wherever they go in the hope of a tickle. He truly is a special boy.

Boo is just one of 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules living at the Sanctuary and everything the charity does is 100% funded by donations from the public. To support him and his friends at Redwings, you can donate by calling 01508 481000 or visiting www.redwings.org.uk/donate.

Redwings Christmas Cards Forest Tree

Boo 12

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All your favourite forest animals converge on a beautiful star lit Christmas tree in this card, even the forest trees have been decorated! This card does feature foil but is still fully recyclable.

Message inside reads ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’. Pack of 10 cards with envelopes in a fully recyclable cellophane packet. £4.00.

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Shop the full Christmas Card range here https://www.redwings.org.uk/shop

Lady and Holly in the snow

Friends at the manger

Christmas sunset

A stunning winter scene featuring Redwings Adoption Star Lady and her companion Holly Blue at the charity’s beautiful Oxhill site in Warwickshire. The greeting in this cards reads ‘Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year'. Made using FSC card stock and are fully recyclable! All packs contain 10 cards and envelopes in a recyclable cellophane bag. £4.50.

Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes as shown in this stunning card, bound to be adored by all animal lovers!

The greeting reads ‘Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year'. Made using FSC card stock and are fully recyclable! All packs contain 10 cards and envelopes. £4.50.

This truly stunning card depicts a beautiful wintry scene as the ponies gather to enjoy a Christmas sunset together, just as they do at Redwings.

The greeting in this cards reads ‘Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year'. Made using FSC card stock and are fully recyclable! £4.50.

All packs contain 10 cards and envelopes.

Boo and Friends

A Donkey’s Christmas Donkeys love to play and explore, so Santa has left them some special toys under the Christmas tree.

The greeting in this cards reads ‘Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year'.

Made using FSC card stock and are fully recyclable! All packs contain 10 cards and envelopes.

Size 14 x 17cm. £4.50.

Brimstone in the snow Handsome Brimstone is the star of Redwings’ photographic Christmas card for 2020!

The message inside reads ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New year’. Pack of 10 Cards with envelopes in a fully recyclable cellophane packet. £4.00.

Clydesdale cross Boo is a very special Redwings resident. Despite having lost his sight, friendly Boo enjoys a happy and healthy life at the Sanctuary thanks to the love of his carers and best friend, guide horse Flynn.

With their help, Boo has the confidence to explore his surroundings and even enjoy a canter around his paddock, especially when there is the chance of a cuddle over the fence.

This image was painted from scratch to include beautiful Boo. The greeting inside reads 'With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year'. Pack of 10 cards with envelopes. £4.50.

Robins and Red Wellies

Dog’s Christmas

One of our favourite symbols of the festive season takes centre stage in this lovely festive card – perfect for keen gardeners and birdwatchers!

Message inside reads ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’. Pack of 10 cards with envelopes in a fully recyclable cellophane packet. £4.00.

This card is a little bit of fun for the dog lover this Christmas!

Message inside reads ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’. Pack of 10 cards with envelopes in a fully recyclable cellophane packet. £4.00.

Nordic Ponies Designed exclusively for Redwings, this stunning Nordic themed scene has everything!

Message inside reads ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’.

Pack of 10 cards with envelopes in a fully recyclable cellophane packet. £4.00.

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Keeping your pet Calm during Firework Season The sound of a nearby firework going bang must be as surprising to our pets as if someone crept up on us with a bucket of cold water. Imagine how we would jump up in surprise in shock. Imagine that happening thirty of forty times in one night! Awful.

W

ith some pets, it is easy enough to ensure that the evening goes by relatively unnoticed.

Dogs can be kept in and occupied with a bone or a few treats with the curtains closed and the telly on. Pets that live outside in a hutch, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, could be brought into the house or an outbuilding and settled into a large airy comfy box for a few hours, again with some distracting nibbles.

Cats are harder, unless they are the type that comes in quite happily and you can provide a litter tray and encourage them to stay in. A cosy lap or a ball of wool and a game may help.

If you can get your cat to stay in, then you’d be well advised to do so. Again, close the curtains and perhaps pop the telly on. Pay particular attention to

14

‘roaming’ pets such as cats if there is a bonfire planned near you and if you are worried, ask the organisers or neighbour to make sure that the bonfire does not harbour any dozing pets before it is lit.

Horses and equines should be considered if their grazing is urban or near somewhere with a display planned. (Though it’s unlikely any responsible organiser would plan a big event near grazing or not clear it with landowners.) If you have stables, put your horse away as normal and perhaps shut the top door. If they horse is young or easily spooked, consider staying at the stables for the night to handle any panic though take care not to put yourself in danger, for example between the wall and a very nervy horse. A reassuring pat over the door plus a juicy carrot or two may help.

29 SEPTEMBER – 28 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Your should consider wildlife in general. If you are having a bonfire yourself, then make sure that there are no dozing hedgehogs in the fire before it is lit (you could put some mesh around the bottom to stop them getting in while it is lit) and make sure your bonfire cannot ruin any habitat such as trees or hedges.

And if you are having firework night fun, be considerate to those around you.

A word to neighbours with pets will give them warning so they can get Tiddles in before the fun starts. Or if you live in a place with numerous pets around you, including your own, consider a quieter evening that’s just as much fun – sparklers for the smaller children, traditional games such as apple bobbing for the older ones and adults, and a tasty barbecue instead of a bonfire.

Enjoy bangers of a different type this year.

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Staying at home with our dogs during the lockdown- helping and preventing separation problems

By Andrew Hale. Andrew is a Certified Animal Behaviourist and the in-house behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy. His business website is www.trainpositive.co.uk

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ne of the few positive about the current Government guidance in the UK regarding staying at home is that we get to spend more time with our family, especially our pets. This is a good time to start helping dogs with separation related issues, and to ensure dogs who have historically been ‘ok’ being left, do not struggle once we all go back to our old routines.

If your dog does not usually have separation issues It may be that you feel your dog does not usually struggle when left home alone. It is worth remembering that most dogs do not like time away from us, and although the dog might not present with the usual signs (barking, destruction etc) it does not mean they are fully relaxed when we are absent. It is always a good idea to install a Wi-Fi camera so you can easily check in on your dog, or do a trial absence and leave a recording device on (laptop, tablet etc) to see what Fido gets up to whilst you are gone.

Even if your dog has coped well in the past, an important consideration now is that they may have you home with them for many weeks, even months. They will

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Have set times of the day when you leave your dog in a room (with something to do) so they continue to be used to being without you. get very used to this lovely new routine but may be faced with a ‘cliff edge’ when you return to work and your old routines. To limit the chances of your dog developing separation related issues when this happens consider the following: 1. Give your dog some activities to do during the day that don’t involve you. When you feed them leave the room, if you give them a stuffed Kong or a bone leave them settled in an area that you can leave them to it.

2. It is nice to have the dogs in the garden with us, but consider keeping them in sometimes whilst you do some gardening etc 3. Keep your dog at home when you do your shopping for essential items instead of taking them with you in the car.

4. Have set times of the day when you leave your dog in a room (with something to do) so they continue to be used to being without you.

If your dog already has separation issues If your dog already has separation related issues you can use your time at home with them to help start to build their confidence at being away from you. It is important to always seek professional support from a suitably qualified professional if your dog is really struggling and many leading behaviourists offer distance support for this topic so you can still access help during this period of lock down. On the next page are some points that may be of help.

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Visit www.petremedy.co.uk RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Visit www.petremedy.co.uk 1. Think about creating lots of fun activities your dog can engage with that don’t involve you. When they are getting stuck in quietly leave the room (keep door open) for a few minutes (or even just a few seconds) and come back in. If they follow you that is ok – don’t force them back in the room. Think about ramping up the activity for them – yummier food, more enjoyable activities etc and try again later.

2. Identify a room in the house you would like to get the dog used to being in, even whilst you are in the home with them. Make this the place the dog gets all the good stuff, and as in point 1 give them things to do in there that they can engage with. Stay in there with them but start to give ‘return cues’ and leaving them for very short periods of time – this might be saying ‘back soon’ and then leave the room gently closing the door or child gate – just for a few seconds if needs be – and then come back in.

No big ‘hellos’ when you come back in! Keep it calm and matter of fact.

If your dog shows clear signs of not coping (crying, barking, scratching at the door) return to the room quietly and stay with them whilst they settle. Try the exercise later. If your dog is coping with these micro absences, gradually build up the time the dog is left alone whilst you do other things around the home.

The keyword here is gradually- build

up absence in increments of seconds and then minutes. As you build the time consider adding more things in to help as predictors of you coming back such as turning a radio on, shutting blinds, couple of sprays of Pet Remedy if you have it, and then give your return cue ‘Back soon’. Over time the dog should identify this routine as a safe indicator that although you are leaving you will be back.

3. You can use this time to desensitise the dog to some triggers that used to predict you leaving. Still get dressed for the office but do the vacuuming. Put your coat on but just to put the trash out and come straight back in. Put the expensive cologne on you use for work but wear it at home. Think about your usual leaving ritual and expose the dog to aspects of it but without the long absences.

4. If you can get the dog used to being in their safe place whilst you are in the house, try popping into the garden or going out the car. See how the dog responds whilst you build those small absences.

5. If you need to leave your dog for more than a couple of hours when you return to work, or any length of time you know the dog may struggle with, consider getting support with their dog-care. Reach out to neighbours and family members who might be prepared to help out.

When the restrictions have been

Pet Calming Spray A new and natural way of tackling dog anxiety and stress in all pets and animals. £18.50. Visit www.petremedy.co.uk

lifted think about professional services such day care centres, home visit services or dog walkers.

Use this time off to plan better dog-care arrangements for when you return to work.

This is not an exhaustive list, or a treatment plan for dogs who suffer with Separation related issues, but some helpful points that might make a difference for some dogs with mild presentations.

Here are some further resources: Treating Separation Anxiety in Dog by Malena DeMartini-Price Amazon: http://amzn.eu/1FjhIB5 I'll Be Home Soon: How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety by Patricia Mcconnell Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1891767054 https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/how-to-help-a-dog-with-separation-anxiety/ 16

29 SEPTEMBER – 28 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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Help! My dog is struggling with the house so quiet Now that we're a few weeks into the school term after the longest summer holiday ever, it’s not only the human family members that are facing an upheaval in what had become the normal routine. For dogs who are used to having the whole family at home, things have changed.

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arolyn Menteith, Behaviourist and Trainer for Agria Pet Insurance, offers some advice on how to help your dog cope with 'back to school', and remember the important skills they might have forgotten.

For the past few months, dogs have had far more social contact than usual, plenty of stimulation and quite probably a lot more walks – which was lovely for them! But, the downside of this unusual time, with its struggles of home schooling and adjustments to home working, has meant there’s been little time left to think about training the dog.

So now, with that bit more headspace, is the perfect opportunity to take time to give your dog the opportunity to remember what life before lockdown was like, and look at what might need a bit of brushing up.

Go right back to basics Look at all the training exercises your dog already knows and practise these with some great rewards every time your dog remembers their training and gets it right. These may be as simple as sits and downs - or as important as recalls.

While you might be worried that your dog has ‘forgotten’ some of their training, with plenty of rewards and only a few training sessions, they will soon remember.

Once you are happy your dog remembers the exercises, you can practise them in lots of different places and at different times - both as a training reminder but, far more importantly, to work on the relationship between you that might have taken a back seat while you have been dealing with so many demands on your time.

Is your dog feeling lonely?

Be very aware that while you may enjoy the daytime peace and quiet of having the home to yourself again, your dog might well be missing both the company and the stimulation of having people www.rescueandanimalcare.com

around all the time and having plenty to keep them occupied.

Take time to get out in nature and walk your dog - several times a day if possible. Play games, practise training and reconnect. When you are at home, think about interactive games you can play with your dog as well as enrichment opportunities so that they don’t feel the absence of the rest of the family too keenly.

Some more introvert canine characters however might be as glad of the peace and quiet as you might be, so be sensitive if for a while if it seems like your dog is trying to catch up on sleep.

They very probably are!

If the return of the children to full time education means that you are also going back to work, be very aware that this may be very difficult for a dog who has become used to their family all being at home with them. Consider finding a dog walker or a family member or friend who can visit your dog while you are at work and take them for a walk or play games with them.

Once again our lives have changed, but it is important that you don’t underestimate how much you need to support your dog through this change.

Back to School tips: 1. Spend time reconnecting with your dog and doing things to strengthen your bond between you again after the upheavals of the summer 2. Brush up on your dog’s training - and don’t forget to practise everywhere when you are out and about 3. Give your dog plenty of interactive games and enrichment to prevent them getting bored after a few months of constant activity If you are concerned with any behaviour problems, such as separation related problems, consult an accredited behaviourist who is experienced in these kinds of issues. https://www.agriapet.co.uk/hub-agriablog/2020/september/my-dog-is-missing-the-children-and-forgotten-their-train ing/ Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 4258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW.

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Keeping You and Your Pet Active over the coming months The current situation of restrictions in our lives has been hard, hasn’t it, and sometimes a cause for depression or at least feeling low especially if we have been on our own. The relief of being able to be with friends and family at last, even if curtailed or kept to a minimum, has helped, but things are far from normal as we try to enjoy the autumn and approach the winter. Juliet Abrahamson tells us more

Plan a crisp “morning walk

through falling leaves.

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t seems to me that good health for ourselves and our pets is essential to stave off the feelings of isolation and depression; to keep us fit and to lose weight is a big part of approaching this in a positive way. Online statistics in various studies show that we are eating or snacking and drinking more, exercising and sleeping less. Mental health has a tendency to decline without support, or without actively being positive and working out ways to combat low morale.

Walking it through

Our outdoor time has been vital for many of us during this time. Even if you dislike exercise you fortunately still need to walk the dog. To set you up for the day plan to walk every morning with your pooch, perhaps through falling leaves and in the crisp morning air. Then another afternoon walk can re-energise you, particularly if you go to another area, or meet friends with their dogs outside. Finally, a late evening trot, looking at the stars and enjoying being out in the fresh air when everyone else 18

is sitting behind closed curtains watching the telly can make one feel both healthy and virtuous.

And of course, getting outdoors in sunshine helps with the level of Vitamin D that we need. Find different areas to explore; go a little further each day and be mindful of the sights around you – architecture of houses, or the falling leaves. Maybe even keep a journal. And look up local walks to have some variety and new interest- there’s nothing worse than a trot round the same old route day after day, both for you and your dog!

Have your dog off-lead for part of your walk if possible, so that he can run and burn off energy – if your dog pulls on the lead why not get a Dogmatic Headcollar to help. If you are keen to watch both your pet’s and your own movements perhaps invest in a PetPanion which is a new Activity Tracker designed to follow your every movement and help you reach new levels of fitness.

it’s a good idea to have different plans for rainy days. Playtime with dogs and other pets is a great pick-me-up. A quick couple of the necessary shorter walks followed by exercising indoors with your pet, maybe going up and downstairs a few times more than usual, chasing your dog and rewarding her with treats when she fetches things or does stretching exercises with you will help, and may keep you both off the sofa!

Dogs are ideal companions for when one is low, as they seem to feel one’s pain, sitting by you and looking up with soulful eyes. Having a companion, and being able to look after a puppy because of working from home have been stated as the main reasons for people acquiring pets in lockdown, with many rushing to buy without really researching where the puppy may come from. No-one wishes to harm pets, but buying a dog unseen can unwittingly encourage cruel puppy farms, so it is good to make careful checks before buying. It’s now possible, of course, to go and see some lovely animals in rescue centres that are waiting for you to give them a new home.

A good cuddle with your dog is certainly therapeutic, but even better is to be active and high-spirited, throwing balls and going on plenty of walks, improving our mental and physical health, and better for us than baking!

Photo credits: ©Adobe stock

Playtime

Of course, we can’t arrange for it to be beautiful sunshine the whole time, and

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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PetPanion Tackles Human and Pet Obesity Crisis with New Activity Tracker - New feature helps improve pet’s ‘Wellness Score’ PetPanion Tackles Human and Pet Obesity Crisis with New Activity Tracker

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ew pet App, PetPanion, is on a mission to get Britain’s pet population walking, as it adds an activity tracker to its functionality, which both pet parents and pets can tackle together, to fight off their common enemy of obesity.

PetPanion’s activity tracker feature allows the user to set daily exercise goals for their pet, which can then become their shared goals, if they pound the pavement, park or promenade together, or indulge in exercisefocused play with their pet.

Exercise goals can be set on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and can be defined in terms of either duration of exercise or distance walked. Duration is particularly useful for those building exercise activities into their daily routine with their cat, although cats have been known to take to a treadmill!

The tracker logs the activity that was undertaken and presents it in graph format, so the App user can see how they have performed in relation to their exercise goal, over a defined period of time.

This activity performance contributes to the overall Wellness Score that the App creates for each pet that has a profile uploaded to the PetPanion App, by helping with weight reduction, happiness and health, three key areas within an eight-aspect wellness spectrum.

Other aspects of wellness making up the overall score, are breed, age, vaccination record, parasite control record and dental health.

The activity tracker is launched at a critical time for the health of both pet parents and their animals. The 2019 Pet Food Manufacturers Association report, ‘Pet Obesity Ten Years On’, found almost three-quarters of vets feel obesity to be prevalent in dogs and cats and more common than five years ago.

Vets believe 51% of dogs and 40% of cats are felt to be overweight or obese.[1] However, 68% of owners felt their pet was the right size and only 8% believed it needed to lose weight. 67% were not www.rescueandanimalcare.com

concerned about pet obesity and 57% had not discussed their pet’s obesity with a vet. 80% of vets but only 44% of owners believed lack of exercise contributes to their pet’s obesity.

PetPanion’s statistics show that 34% of the App’s current users describe their pet’s body shape as “chunky” and 8% as “rounded”. But 56% rightly or wrongly believe it to be “just right”. 17% say their pet has joint issues and 7% have noted their pet’s cardiac problems. Not one has described their pet as obese, perhaps because, as the PFMA report notes, this is associated with blame.

PetPanion says it is vital the obesity health issue within pets is addressed and has launched its activity tracker to assist. This function can not only help a pet get trim, but also tackle human obesity. Whilst 29% of British adults were already said to be obese and another third overweight, recent research by Cambridge Weight Plan shows that 59% have compounded the obesity crisis by gaining a considerable amount of weight during lockdown, due to over-eating, consuming too much alcohol and lack of exercise.[2] Both pets and humans can suffer similar health impacts due to obesity, such as heart issues, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and hypertension. Both pet and human lives have been proved to be extendable through exercise and, as obesity has proved a major issue for those contracting coronavirus, there has never been a better time for Brits to literally take the lead and get walking or playing with their pet.

PetPanion’s creator, Qian Huang, says: “If we wish to demonstrate our love of

our pet, we need to prevent them becoming obese, or tackle any obesity that has set in. It may be tough love to put a pet that has been used to lazing around on an exercise programme and challenging for their owner too, if they too are not used to exercise, but when it is so instrumental to the overall health of both pets and people, it is vital.

“Setting goals is a great way to go about changing behaviours, which is why we have added our activity tracker to the PetPanion App. Long-established pet parents, and those who have recently become first-time owners, taking a pet into their home during lockdown, need to show parental responsibility by exercising their pet and working hard to gain it the best Wellness Score that they can. Shedding the pounds together can be much more fun than going it alone and guess what? You will also be rewarded with PetPanion Coins, if you stay healthy with your pets and hit your daily target. These can be redeemed as cash or donated to a charity, with options to choose from on the App.” n PetPanion can be downloaded for free from https://apps.apple.com/us/app/petpanion/id1493403817 or from https://play.google.com/store/apps/de tails?id=com.siyatech.petpanion&hl=en _GB by users of android smartphones.

[1] https://www.pfma.org.uk/_assets/docs/White%20Papers/PFMA-Obesity-Report-2019.pdf [2] https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-uklockdown-diet-report-brits-struggling-as-they-pile-on-thepounds-reveals-the-1-1-diet-by-cambridge-weight-plan-81 0594872.html

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Warm Winter coats No need to be stuck inside during the cold winter months, just put on your ‘big coat’ and continue with your adventures! Our winter coats are 100% waterproof, wonderfully warm and are made to order with a choice of shape, size and colours.

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29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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World Mental Health Day 2020: Celebrating the unsung heroes of Britain – our pets This World Mental Health Day, a leading pet care brand, Webbox, is teaming up with Mind to celebrate and raise awareness of the benefits of pets to mental health.

Statistics from Mind show that one in four Brits will experience a mental health issue in the space of a year. A further one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem like anxiety or depression in any given week.

Studies have shown that pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while easing loneliness, encouraging exercise and even improving cardiovascular health.

n For further information, visit www.webbox.co.uk. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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n example of how a pet has improved its owner’s mental health is twenty-four year old Shauna Murphy, who had been struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and generalised anxiety for more than four years. When she introduced Alvie, a Labradoodle puppy, to her home earlier this year, it changed her perspective on life.

Fear of mess, contamination, worrying and repetitive behaviour are all symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a relatively common but serious anxiety disorder that affects 1.2% of the UK population.

“Getting a puppy naturally added some mess and disorder to my house, which helped me relax and learn to accept that things can’t always be perfect,” Shauna said.

“Simple activities like stroking him and playing with him distracted me from my intrusive thoughts and compulsions. On really bad days, I can struggle to leave the house, but knowing I need to take Alvie out for a walk not only motivates me, but gives me an extra hour of enjoyment every day that would otherwise be spent ruminating and carrying out compulsions.

“I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the emotional support Alvie has given me in some really tough times. He’s been a lifeline to me, and I only wish I could tell him how much I adore him.”

Camille Ashforth, Senior Brand Manager at Webbox, said: “From the sense of wellbeing induced by stroking a pet to the daily walks that improve fitness, all of these things can provide comfort, structure and happiness to many people in unpredictable circumstances.

“Furry companions also have lots of inadvertent benefits too. When you take a dog out for a walk, you get chatting to other dog owners, and that might be the only social contact an isolated person has that day.

“Pets really are unsung heroes, not least during the COVID-19 pandemic, but for helping to get us through many challenging times.”

Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind, said: “Lots of people say that playing with their pet or taking their pet for a walk helps them switch off from everyday pressures and relieves stress. However, if you’re thinking about getting a pet, it’s

Shauna and Alvie important to make sure your living environment and personal circumstances are right for the animal as well as you. If you don't own your home, it's also important to check if you're allowed to keep pets.

“Bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. For example, doing things like connecting with animals, growing food or flowers or exercising outdoors can have lots of positive effects.”

If owning a pet is unattainable, Mind have provided a list of other ways people can spend time with animals and nature: Watch out for wildlife. If you don't live near open countryside, try visiting a local park to look for squirrels, fish, insects, ducks and other birds. l Hang a bird feeder outside a window. If there's space, you could build a small wooden nesting box on a tree or under a windowsill. l Try birdwatching. You don't need any special equipment. (See the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk for more information on feeding, sheltering and watching birds.) l Take part in a nature survey. This might involve counting birds, animals or insects in a particular time and place, or reporting individual sightings of wildlife. (See the Big Garden Birdwatch, Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Big Butterfly Count for examples of nature surveys.) l

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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PET BUSINESS PROFILE OF THE MONTH

Take the lead with Dogmatic With many of us under local lockdown, being allowed to walk your dog is one way of keeping active and getting some fresh air. We believe that exercising your dog/s is crucial to both dogs and their owners’ wellbeing both mental and physical and Dogmatic wanted to reassure our Customers that we will continue with deliveries as usual as long as we are within Government advice.

It is essential that dogs are kept under control in order to keep both dogs, owners and other members of the public safe and at a suitable distance during these unprecedented times.

Dogmatic understand the problems of trying to walk dog/s when they pull/lunge on the lead.

It is important to enjoy a relaxing experience when taking your dog out so why not try The Dogmatic Headcollar?

The Dogmatic Headcollar helps give you control of your dog in a kind and safe way – helping you stop them from pulling, lunging, jumping up whilst not riding up near their eyes. The Dogmatic still allows your dog to be comfortable so that you can both enjoy the limited amounts of exercise some of us are currently able to take.

Even the strongest dogs will be much more manageable on the lead and whilst you have control, both you and your dog can enjoy all the benefits a nice stroll in the fresh air can offer. Your dog can still pant, eat, carry a toy etc., You will have much more control and can look forward to a walk with your dog without dreading your arms being pulled out of their sockets thus making life during these times a little more bearable for everyone!

The Dogmatic Headcollar has been voted ‘Product I can’t live without’ for the seventh time and was born out of necessity when Susan Lewsley (Designer of the Dogmatic) had back/leg and neck pain for 36 years due to disc/nerve problems and widespread arthritis resulting in nine major back operations and two major neck operations. She has had her spine rebuilt from pelvis to neck.

Having owned Dobermanns for 26 years (including Tommy, Top Dobermann in the UK 2000), Susan could no longer walk or even hold her dogs let alone be involved in showing them.

Susan and her daughter and business partner Zoe Lewsley were using the known makes of Headcollars but found, not only did they not stop them pulling or escaping, they were all rubbing and riding up into their dogs’ eyes. They found neither the Headcollars or harnesses were taking the strength or weight out of the dogs and, in fact, the dogs were putting their weight against

Zoe Lewsley with Bertie and Freddie

the harnesses thus making them even harder to hold on to with some makes even rubbing them raw.

Admirably, rather than give up, Susan decided to experiment with a Headcollar that would work by turning the dog’s head in a kindly manner which would ensure the body would have to follow, yet was comfortable to wear and would stop your dog pulling and lunging.

With a local saddler’s help with prototypes the Dogmatic Headcollar evolved into the present design and the finished product not only is comfy but does not ride up or go near the dog’s eyes. It works on all breeds/sizes of dog and ensures your dog will immediately follow where you want to lead. An extra bonus is that, in an emergency, the Dogmatic can be used to close the dog’s mouth and turn its head to enable the owner to keep their dog safe but immediately releases again allowing the dog to pant, drink, carry a toy etc., The Dogmatic is very comfortable for the dog to wear and offers complete control for the owner. Susan and Zoe have even been able to help other disabled owners with their dogs and also dogs in rescue who were previously untrainable and, therefore, unable to be rehomed.

They had three black leather Headcollars with brass fittings made for their dogs and this meant both Susan and Zoe could now walk them together and Susan could hold them when Zoe was in the ring etc., This was a major lifestyle change.

The name Dogmatic and the strapline (Automatically Leading the Way) literally came to Susan in the middle of the night and she jotted them down on a pad by the side of the bed together with a few less desirable ones before going back to sleep!

Susan and Zoe started using the

Headcollars on their dogs and were astounded at peoples’ response. They kept getting stopped wherever they went, be it in the field, training, walks, Shows, at the Vet etc., etc., People would ask if they could make them one for their dog and so it began!

Their name started to grow through small adverts and ‘word of mouth’.

Finding they needed to expand they found a larger Equestrian Leather Manufacturer, organised packaging, labelling, printing etc., and gradually grew to such a degree Zoe Lewsley went full time time in 2001. Since then, this great mother and daughter team have gone from strength to strength introducing the Padded Cushioned Webbing range which is vibrant in different colours as well as the Leather. The Dogmatic Headcollar, collars and leads are now in Shops, Vets, on Trade Stands, being used by Police, Prison Officers, Rescues, Behaviourists, Trainers, Clubs etc., as well as individual dog owners. They try to help small Businesses, Clubs, Rescues etc., by offering low minimum orders at trade prices so any profits can be put to good use. The Dogmatic is also endorsed by famous dog Behaviourist Dr David Sands and recommended as his Headcollar of choice in his books.

Over the years Susan and Zoe lost their Dobermanns but had fallen in love with the Italian Spinone and had Kofi who became their new mascot and model for the Dogmatic. They lost their wonderful boy, Kofi, at the age of 12 years, his son Archie at almost 11 and Archie’s Son Norman at 11 ¾ years but they now have Bertie who is Kofi’s Great, Grand Nephew (Archie’s Cousin and Norman’s Second Cousin) who was a good friend for Norman and a link to their Boys. They have recently introduced Freddie who is from Poland and a great friend for Bertie. They look like a Father/Son combination as they are so similar.

It has been an amazing journey which has been a learning curve, but Susan and Zoe could never have imagined how an idea could have changed their lifestyle in such a way!

Call to join the ever growing number of people changing to Dogmatic 01952 245330 www.dogmatic.org.uk

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Collectively, dog owners across the world have united to raise vital funds for charity With support from the likes of Prue Leith, Carley Stenson and Michaela Strachan, on September 1st 2020, the organisers of the Big Dog Walk, launched a virtual dog walk: The World Big Dog Walk, setting dog walkers the challenge of walking across the world – a distance of 40,075km. The target was set to be completed by the end of September, but over half way through and the organisers are now looking to lap the world AGAIN, with dog walkers already having completed the world’s circumference!

D

og walkers from all over the world have signed up and are completing their walks independently, getting involved via the World Big Dog Walk Website: http://bigdogwalk.co.uk/world-walk As the miles start clocking up, Pip, the walk’s Virtual Dog, moves around the world map on the website - which is updated in real time - depicting the miles walked by fundraisers. Supporters have signed up in their hundreds, which means more adventures walked, more exploring, more fresh air, improved fitness all with the added benefit of raising thousands of pounds for charity and the dogs we all love.

Carley Stenson, World Big Dog Walk Champion says: ‘’You guys are all pawsome!! Both humans and furries alike! They mean the world to us and now collectively we’ve walked THE WORLD for those that need it. How amazing is that! You should all be so proud.”

It is not too late to still sign up and is free to get involved. All money raised will go directly to charities that support dogs in need. Dog walkers can make pledges to walk a certain distance or raise a target amount for one of the canine charities featured on the website, or a charity of their choice, examples include Battersea Dog Homes, Dogs Trust, Mayhew and Streetvet.

Nicole Cooper, Managing Director of the Big Dog Walk series says: “We look forward to welcoming our dog walking community to the Big Dog Walk series taking place across the UK in spring 2021 but in the meantime are delighted to be able to raise money for dog charities during this difficult time with our virtual dog walk challenge. It is essential that they get the help that is desperately needed.”

Following months of lockdown and

24

continued social distancing, the next Big Dog Walk series will take place in 2021 in March, April and May across several sites in the UK, including Harewood House, Hylands House, Chatelherault Country Park, Loseley Park and Belvoir Castle, but in the meantime, organisers are delighted to be able to raise money and get dog walkers involved in their own virtual dog walk challenge.

Nick Daniel, Marketing Director at Dogs Trust said: “Like many, Dogs Trust has been hard hit hard by this crisis, with many of our usual fundraising activities and income streams interrupted. We are seeing a huge drop in our fundraising income.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this crisis on dog welfare, but the long-term impact of this emergency is yet to be felt. It is likely animal rehoming centres will come under increased strain due to coronavirus in the coming months, at a time when charities are facing greater financial hardship.

“Now more than ever we will be relying on the generosity of the ‘pawsome’ dog-loving public to help us through these uncertain times. Our supporters mean the world to us and they always go above and beyond in service of dog welfare, so we are positive there will be lots of willing participants who can help Pip make his trip around the world.”

homelessness is going to rise and the need for StreetVet will be greater.

Consequently, we want to thank the Big Dog Walk series for their support, it is needed more than ever.”

Mayhew Charity, CEO, Caroline Yates, commented: “The pandemic has hit the most vulnerable people in society the hardest, pet owners included, and Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers have been working non-stop throughout lockdown to support those in our community who need a little extra help.

They are delivering food, litter, and flea and worming treatments to animals in need, and continue to work on the frontline rescuing and rehabilitating lost, abandoned and injured pets and strays.

We receive no government funding, and rely on donations to keep going.” n For more information and to sign up visit: http://bigdogwalk.co.uk/world-walk To donate to Street Vet or Mayhew please visit: Street Vet https://www.justgiving.com/streetvet Mayhew https://www.justgiving.com/mahome

Chosen charity, Street Vet’s co-founder Jade Statt, states: “Like all charities this pandemic has affected our funding streams with StreetVet seeing a 60% reduction in donations. The need for our services has intensified with calls to our teams increasing by over 100%. Looking to the future, we have real concerns that as a consequence of the pandemic, the number of those experiencing

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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For The Love of Labradors Who would have thought it!

From Police Officer to The World of Labrador Rescue Meet Anne Carter from The Labrador Lifeline Trust

Anne and her gorgeous Bramley

A

s a child I grew up with Dachshunds as my parents had a succession over the years. I had a great love of animals and my chosen profession would have been a vet, however I was far more practical than academic! I was an active member of the Young Farmers Club for 20 years and helped out on a local farm when time permitted. My skills at that time included Pig judging at County level for the Young Farmers.

In 1994 I retired as a Police Officer after 25 years service. I owned a yellow Labrador called Bumble who used to accompany me on my School Liaison visits however she went blind at the age of 3. I retrained her and she was one of the most independent dogs I have ever owned. I wanted to give something back to this wonderful breed of dog and upon retirement I volunteered as a helper with Jamie Lee-Judson the founder of Labrador Rescue in this country. It was not long before my family grew and a succession of rescue dogs came into my life.

I soon realised the need for a breed rescue in the Surrey area and in April 1994 I started Surrey Labrador Rescue and homed my first dog called Sheena.

In 1997 Surrey Labrador Rescue became Labrador Lifeline Trust, a registered charity with three trustees.

The late Sally Morris became our first Chairman together with Vernon Garner www.rescueandanimalcare.com

as Treasurer. I was appointed the Administrator and dealt with the day to day running.

By February 2003 we rehomed our 500th dog which was Abby, an ex-breeding bitch who I had saved from a notorious puppy farm in Wiltshire whilst working undercover. She was the first of many to come from there and with our help and evidence the local authority closed the kennels down.

It has been a long journey over the last twenty plus years since we started and together with a band of dedicated helpers who have all given their time freely we have homed many Labradors who have needed to move on for one reason or another. Slowly but surely our area has grown and now encompasses Lincolnshire, some of Nottinghamshire Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire. The northern area is now run by two Trustees Joan Falvey and Nicky Boyer with their own team of helpers.

It had been a long ambition to have our own kennels where dogs could be assessed ready for rehoming or be rehabilitated. Through the kindness of Jim and Karen Walsh at Lone Valley Kennels we were able to achieve that dream using a grant from Pets at Home Charitable Trust. A block of four double kennels was built within the grounds of the boarding kennels which is totally separate and has all modern amenities for comfort and welfare of our dogs whilst being assessed.

The world of Labrador rescue has changed dramatically over the years and reached its peak in 2018 when demand for pure bred Labradors outstripped dogs being placed into rescue. The reasons for relinquishment have also changed from, bereavement, change of circumstances through divorce, loss of

home etc. Nowadays dogs are placed in rescue that have been unsocialised, have medical conditions that the owner can no longer afford or simply bought on a whim and discarded as soon as problems arise like chewing, lack of training.

The advent of the Coronavirus presented rescue with many more problems. Literally hundreds of people wanted to adopt or foster a Labrador for lock-down as it was their ticket to being allowed out for exercise and to keep bored children occupied. Many rescues homed their existing dogs very quickly and the demand for puppies was beyond belief. People are paying over £3k for a Labrador puppy and many of these are from unknown origins.

It did not take long before breed rescues were not getting the calls for help to rehome unwanted dogs and hundreds of adverts for ‘second hand’ dogs starting appearing on the internet.

Sadly, some of these dogs were being sold for the second, third and fourth time each time attracting a premium.

The welfare of animals has seen a dramatic decline in recent months by them becoming just another commodity to be bought and sold for a profit. One can only hope that once Covid comes to an end sense will return and people will turn again to breed rescue for their next companion.

n To find out more visit Labrador Lifeline Trust www.labrador-lifeline.com info@labrador-lifeline.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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We provide High Quality, well priced food supplies for RAW and BARF diet

Support and Help in changing animals over to a Natural Raw Diet l Raw Meats/Fish/ Bones/Offal/Whole Prey

Suitable for Cats, Dogs, Ferrets, Reptiles and Raptors

A High Quality Range of Natural Supplements, Health Aids, Remedies and Natural Healthy Treats which Enhance Your Pets’ Diet.

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Natural Treats Natural Healthcare Products

SHOP ONLINE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR SOME OF OUR PRODUCTS

Chicken wing tips

Pigs trotters

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www.naturalhealthypets.co.uk 26

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Whole sardines

Whole prime quail

Bone broth

Tel: 07590 621636/01763 243533 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Christmas Gift Guide 2020 Christmas ideas for pets and pet lovers all wrapped up!

ct e f r nts r u P ese er pr r und fo £10!

MAYHEW Christmas guide 5pp.indd 1

Paw stocsome �llerking s!

22/09/2020 12:44

Christmas Gift Guide 2020

Welcome to the Mayhew Christmas Gift Guide 2020, a fantastic selection of gifts, cards and seasonal items, specially chosen for animal lovers and their pets. Every purchase you make helps us continue our work to improve the lives of dogs, cats and communities, at our Home in London and around the world.

Thank you for your support – and Merry Christmas from all of us at Mayhew!

How to order Online

Visit shop.themayhew.org – open 24 hours a day.

By phone

Place your order by calling 020 8206 5870 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Cards, wrap and calendars

Purrfect Christmas

Christmas Westies

Playful friends

Twas the night before Christmas in a cat lover’s house… Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Pack of 10, H15 x W15cm.

The only thing sweeter than one Westie in knitwear is two! Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Pack of 10, H15 x W15cm.

An adorable festive scene for dog and cat lovers alike. Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Pack of 10, H17 x W12cm.

Product code: MS070 £4.99

Product code: MS071 £4.99

Product code: MS072 £4.99

Festive cat gift wrap

Dogs in jumpers gift wrap

Mayhew 2021 cat calendar

Christmas signpost

All signs point to cute this Christmas!

Greeting: With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Pack of 10, H15 x W15cm.

Sold in support of Mayhew International

Product code: MS073 £4.99

Mayhew 2021 dog calendar

No one could resist this stylish Christmas kitty-themed gift wrap in festive red! Made from top-quality recycled paper; includes �ve sheets of H70 x W50cm gift wrap and �ve tags.

Make your presents stand out with this jolly red gift wrap covered in sweaterwearing pups. Made from top quality recycled paper; includes �ve sheets of H70 x W50cm gift wrap and �ve tags.

Treat yourself to twelve months of beautiful Mayhew cats and make sure you never miss an important date again. Wire bound with hanging hole.

Opens to A3.

With a stunning photo of a di�erent Mayhew pup to enjoy every month, getting organised has never been so much fun. Wire bound with hanging hole. Opens to A3.

Product code: MS075 £3.99

Product code: MS074 £3.99

Product code: MS068 £7.99

Product code: MS069 £7.99

Order online at shop.themayhew.org

Order by phone: 020 8206 5870

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Gifts for dogs

Bamboo dog bowl

Reduce your carbon paw print with a recycled bamboo bowl – available in two stylish designs! Material: bamboo composite (60% bamboo, 35% melamine, 5% cornstarch); BPA- and phthalate-free. Dishwasher safe; not microwave safe. Capacity: 400ml; dimensions: H5 x W17 x D17cm.

Pink product code: DG043 £5.99 Blue product code: DG044 £5.99

Gifts for cats

Bamboo cat bowl

Ideal for the eco-conscious cat owner, these recycled bamboo bowls come in two fab Feline Fine designs. Material: bamboo composite (60% bamboo, 35% melamine, 5% cornstarch); BPAand phthalate-free. Dishwasher safe; not microwave safe. Capacity: 400ml; dimensions: H5 x W17 x D17cm.

Yellow product code: CG029 £5.99 Red product code: CG030 £5.99

Gifts for animal lovers

Reusable face covering

Masks that will raise a smile – choose from two fun designs to keep yourself and others safe while out and about.

Double-layered with cotton lining and polyester outer. Washable up to 60˚C. NOT MEDICAL GRADE. Dimensions: H13 x W23cm.

Masks and other face coverings are a complementary protective measure to social distancing and current government guidelines must still be followed.

Dog nose product code: DL071 £3.99 Cat print product code: CL079 £3.99

Festive cat hot-water bottle

Give the gift of kitty cuddles this Christmas with a super-soft hotwater bottle. Not suitable for 0–3 years. Material: polyester outer, natural rubber bottle. Capacity: 1 litre; dimensions: H31 x W19 x D3.5cm.

Product code: CL071 £9.99

Feline Fine cat eye mask

These �u�y kitty eye masks are the ultimate in relaxation, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘cat nap’! Not suitable for 0–3 years.

Material: polyester, elastic. Dimensions: H10 x W18 x D 0.5cm, strap L30cm.

Jolly Doggy farmyard sheep

With its 100% cotton �lling and unbleached rope legs, this soft but strong squeaky toy is the natural choice for the discerning dog owner.

Dimensions: H25 x W10cm.

Product code: DG046 £5.99

Mayhew x Freak Meowt catnip hearts

Handmade felt hearts stu�ed full of high-strength, premium quality Canadian catnip and guaranteed to make your cat go wild. Dimensions: H8 x W9cm.

Purple product code: CG015 £3.50 Orange product code: CG027 £3.50 Pink product code: CG026 £3.50

Feline Fine gel hand sanitiser with cover

Keep clean on the go with this squeezy hand gel in a cute silicone holder. Ingredients: alcohol (62%), aqua (EU), carbomer, glycerine, propylene glycol, triethanolamine and perfume. Size: 29ml; dimensions: H8.5 x W4 x D2.5cm.

Product code: CL073 £2.99

Black cat product code: CL076 £3.49 Ginger cat product code: CL077 £3.49

Feline Fine ceramic oil burner

A pretty addition to any home – just add water and your favourite essential oils. Candle and oil not included.

Dimensions: H9.5 x W8 x D8cm.

Black product code: CL074 £3.99 White product code: CL075 £3.99

Mr Twister Delia Duck

With tough rope limbs plus a built-in squeaker for playtime and a �u�y plush body for cuddling afterwards!

Dimensions: H41 x W13cm.

Product code: DG045 £5.99

Grumpy Cat door dangler

Dangle Grumpy Cat from a door handle and watch his extralong tail tease your pampered puss.

Product code: CG031 £4.99

Simon’s Cat reusable bottle

Keep tea or co�ee hot and soft drinks icy cold: our thermal-insulted bottle makes eco-friendly easy! Materials: stainless steel, BPA-free plastic. Not dishwasher safe. Capacity: 500ml; dimensions: H26 x W7 x D7cm.

Product code: CL072 £9.99

Cat bottle stopper

A serene seated kitten bottle stopper to keep wine fresh and lasting longer.

Material: cork, resin. Dimensions: H8 x W4.5 x D4.5cm.

Product code: CL078 £2.99

Last order date for Christmas delivery: 14 December 2020

MAYHEW Christmas guide 5pp.indd 3

22/09/2020 12:45

ATION

Hypoallergenic, antibacterial and 40% more absorbent than cotton, these breathable bamboo socks are a real treat for feet. Shoe sizes 3–7.

EW I

Women’s bamboo socks

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M A L. A

Mayhew International gifts

E NT R N

Stripes product code: MS063 £5.99 Kittens product code: MS066 £5.99 Hounds product code: MS067 £5.99 Black cat product code: MS078 £5.99

Fizzing bath bomb

Looking for a stocking �ller or two? Kids and adults alike will love the �zz and bubble of these bubblegum-scented bath bombs! Vegan, SLS- and SLESfree. Size: 160g.

Dog product code: MS076 £2.99 Paw product code: MS077 £2.99

Order now!

Visit shop.themayhew.org Call 020 8206 5870

Sponsorship gifts

(These gifts support our Mayhew Animal Home projects.)

Sponsor a Dog Room or Cat Cabin at Mayhew to help provide our animals with a safe, stress-free environment to live in until they �nd their permanent home. Or, to give our cats and dogs even more, opt for the Dog Room Deluxe or Cat Cabin Deluxe.

You will receive:

• Personalised certi�cate

• Pro�le of one of our current dog or cat residents • ‘Who We Are’ booklet

• ‘A Day at Mayhew’ lea�et

• Mayhew Oyster card holder • Mayhew pen

• Mayhew collection box

• Mayhew cuddly dog or cat toy

• Mayhew cotton tote bag (Deluxe option only) Sponsor a Dog Room

Dog Room product code: VG038 £60.00 Dog Room Deluxe product code: VG039 £120.00 Sponsor a Cat Cabin

Cat Cabin product code: VG036 £60.00 Cat Cabin Deluxe product code: VG037 £120.00

Order online at shop.themayhew.org

MAYHEW Christmas guide 5pp.indd 4

Pictured: Cat Cabin Deluxe sponsorship pack.

Order by phone: 020 8206 5870

22/09/2020 12:45

Gifts that make a di�erence

These virtual gifts have been chosen because they play a vital part in our work. Every virtual gift includes a special card explaining the lasting di�erence your contribution will make to our work, so you have something in hand to place under the Christmas tree!

Gifts in aid of Mayhew

Christmas dinner for a cat or dog

This gift could provide an extra-special dinner with all the trimmings for a Mayhew cat or dog on Christmas Day.

Gifts in aid of Mayhew International

Fleece blanket for a cat or dog

This gift could provide a Mayhew dog or cat with a �eece blanket to make them feel cosy in their cabins.

Flea and worm treatment

This gift could provide medicated baths, �ea treatment and worming medication for one animal, to help ensure cats and dogs abroad can bene�t from having a healthy and disease-free life.

Cat dinner product code: VG027 £5.00 Cat blanket product code: VG064 £10.00 Dog dinner product code: VG018 £5.00 Dog blanket product code: VG065 £10.00 Product code: VG056 £5.00

Heat pad for a sick or injured animal

Help the dog of a homeless person

This gift could provide an essential heat pad for animals to maintain their optimum body heat, eliminate the risk of infection and speed up recovery when receiving veterinary treatment at Mayhew.

This gift could provide a free general health check for the animal of a homeless person, including �ea and worming treatment and microchipping, as well as a collar with tag and lead and a coat.

Product code: VG049 £15.00

Product code: VG051 £25.00

Help the pet of an owner in crisis

Our Pet Refuge programme is a lifeline for pet owners facing personal crisis, providing a safe place for their pet to stay while they get back on their feet.

This gift could provide temporary shelter and care for an animal in need, helping us keep people and their pets together.

Product code: VG053 £50.00

TheraPaws visit to a care home or hospital

Give the gift of joy to the elderly and to patients in hospitals and care homes across London. This gift could provide a TheraPaws visit to provide cheer and companionship to those who need it most, especially over the festive period.

Neuter a street animal

This gift could provide vital surgery to help combat the street dog overpopulation crisis overseas, where unwanted animals are left to survive on the streets and often end up leading unhappy, short lives subject to disease, starvation and cruelty.

Product code: VG050 £25.00

Surgical supplies

Rabies prevention and vaccine package

This life-saving gift could immunise one street dog against rabies and stop the disease from being passed to other animals or humans.

Product code: VG045 £15.00

Dog-catching net and pole

This gift could provide our International team with a dog-catching net and pole to catch street dogs with minimal distress, so they can be vaccinated quickly and easily.

Product code: VG057 £50.00

Help train an overseas vet

This gift could provide our team of vets in Afghanistan and Georgia with essential surgical supplies and instruments to perform life-saving surgeries and neutering operations.

This gift could help towards funding Mayhew International’s Veterinary Training Programme to promote safe and secure veterinary practices abroad.

Product code: VG032 £100.00

Product code: VG034 £250.00

Product code: VG055 £150.00

Last order date for Christmas delivery: 14 December 2020

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A good catch – reuniting Tuna and her kittens Our Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs) are out in the community every day, helping animals in need and supporting pet owners. Recently, they came to the rescue of stray cat Tuna and her newborn litter.

T

wo-year-old Tuna had delivered her kittens in a garden shed, and all was going well until a stray male cat discovered her hiding place and attempted to chase her away. In desperation, she moved two of her kittens behind a garage wall, intending to create a safe space away from prying eyes and peeping Toms. However, the male cat continued to hang around the shed, preventing poor Tuna from returning to collect her two remaining kittens. She was only able to feed and care for the two kittens behind the wall, and was effectively forced to abandon the others.

Luckily, the owner of the house soon noticed what was going on and called Mayhew for help. Our AWOs went straight out to investigate and found the two tiny kittens all alone in the shed.

After picking them up and carefully placing them in our van, they then went

Tuna paw under garage wall

to look for Tuna and her other kittens, who were still hiding behind the garage wall.

Despite Tuna’s obvious worry for her kittens, she was so nervous it took an hour to coax her out. After many attempts, it was an open tin of tuna that finally proved too delicious to resist!

With Tuna out in the open, there was enough room for our AWOs to reach under the wall and scoop out the last two kittens. They named the litter Mackerel, Anchovy, Sardine and Koli, and brought them all straight back to Mayhew where Tuna was delighted to be reunited with all four of her babies.

Our Cattery team settled the young family down in our kitten block with food and blankets before conducting a gentle intake exam. Thankfully, apart from being extremely hungry, Tuna and all four kittens were in good health, and after a couple of weeks of being cared for by our expert Cattery team, they were ready to go on foster to prepare for finding their forever homes. Tuna is an incredibly proud and affectionate mum and is happily settled with all four charges back under her. When she is ready and her kittens are old enough, they will be neutered before they are placed up for adoption.

Tuna’s kittens in foster care

Can you help us rescue more cats and kittens in need?

Please donate to support our work, helping animals like Tuna and her kittens feel safe and loved. To make a donation visit themayhew.org/donate or simply text ‘MAYHEW’ to 70085 to donate £5* *Standard network rates apply

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NEWS

Help The Pit Pony Sanctuary E SEND PLEASR USED YOU MPS STA

Please Send Them Your Used Stamps. It would be so much appreciated!

Just cut them off the backing with 0.5cm (1/4� inch) of paper around them and pop them in the post.

Registered address, Fforest Uchaf Farm, Penycoedcae, Pontypridd, Rhondda, Wales. UK CF37 1PS. Charity No 1002933

You can also shop on-line and help the Ponies without any cost to you www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/pit pony www.pitponies.co.uk www.sponsorapony.co.uk www.visitpitponies.co.uk You can view their last Newsletter online here: www.issuu.com/pitponyman/docs Tel 01443 480327/ Emergency 07798584735.

Pet Remedy Plug-In Diffuser The Pet Remedy Diffuser provides constant slow release of its natural essence that starts to work instantly to help your pet with anxiety & other stressful situations. Simply plug in where your pet spends most of its time. Shop now at https://www.petcetera.co.uk/ or call Petcetera on 01948 668100 to order yours.

Snoozer Cozy Cave Bed A comfortable & cosy nesting dog bed that allows your dog to snuggle down & feel safe & warm. Perfect for dogs who enjoy enclosed spaces & sleeping under the covers. Features a soft Sherpa lining & the cover is machine washable.

Shop now at https://www.petcetera.co.uk/ or call Petcetera on 01948 668100 to order yours.

Christmas Stocking for Dogs from The Golden Paste Company The pawwfect present for dogs this Christmas, The Golden Paste Company has a festive stocking which your four-legged friends will love.

The Christmas Stocking includes specialist turmeric supplements in the form of Golden Paste and a trial pot of TurmerEase (12 day supply for a small dog). Plus a Christmas dog toy, a discount voucher for your next order and a pack of delicious CobbyDog Treats.

The high quality products from The Golden Paste Company provide dogs with optimum levels of bio-available turmeric to support healthy joints, mobility, digestion, skin and coat. Available online for ÂŁ6.99 while stocks last, visit www.goldenpastecompany.com to treat your pet to the benefits of turmeric this Christmas.

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5 ways to get a dog-friendly space like Monty Don’s garden If you love Monty Don's gardening style and seeing his dogs following him around, you’ll like our dog-friendly garden tips by Sarah Warwick, contributor at GardeningEtc.com, the home of outdoor living.

I

t is possible to have a gorgeous garden and a dog. Or two even. Gardening guru Monty Don is proof of that. Dogs can't believe their luck this year as they've never spent so much time in the garden with everyone working from home. This means your space might be looking a little frayed around the edges, particularly if you have a young dog that you've recently acquired during lockdown (constant nagging from the kids has clearly paid off on that front). It's easy to get things back on track though with a few easy tweaks to keep your garden both dog friendly and looking good.

To get you heading in the right direction, GardeningEtc.com looked to Monty Don for some garden ideas to inspire your dogfriendly garden makeover. Read on these top tips, and if you want to see even more of Monty and his canine companions, take a look at his site.

1. Make sure your garden is escape proof Look at your boundaries, checking behind trees and shrubs too. Fences need to be secure and in a good state of repair, as small dogs can wiggle through the narrowest gap.

Big dogs can jump and small dogs can climb so make sure your fences or walls are high enough to keep them from hurdling over.

Check gates regularly to see that they are fastened securely as it’s easy for clever canines to nose them open.

2. Choose plants carefully Flowers in the summer garden may look lovely but some can be a hazard for dogs so it’s best not to plant them in the first place in case your dog is tempted to nibble. Sweet peas, delphiniums, foxgloves, hydrangea and chrysanthemum are all potentially toxic so should be avoided. When it comes to shrubs, give yew, oleander and pieris a miss for the same reason.

3. Opt for raised beds to avoid trashing Young dogs in particular will love to run riot through your carefully nurtured garden borders, leaving a trail of destruction behind them. You could try to partition areas off but an easier option is to lift your plants up to protect them. Fill raised beds or large troughs with any delicate varieties that won’t take being trampled on at ground level. If all else fails, you could also try distracting your dog with a sprinkler...

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29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

I have lived with dogs all my life and so it is absolutely natural to me that wherever I am in the garden I should be accompanied by my dogs

4. Go chemical free Make your garden as green and eco-friendly as possible. Not only your dogs but wildlife too will thank you for it. In particular, don’t use chemicals to zap nasty slugs and snails, as dogs aren’t averse to hoovering these up and will ingest the poison. Instead choose organic pellets or other non-toxic methods.

Avoid chemical weed killers too and don’t add cleaning products to water features and ponds in case your dog is tempted to drink from them.

5. Accessorise the space Your dog enjoys spending time in the garden as much as you do so give it a dog-friendly makeover. Add a stylish outdoor bed for your pet to lounge on, for example. If you don't have any trees for natural shade in your garden, remember to create some for your pooch with a small parasol and even a paddling pool to cool their paws on a scorching day. Provide a good supply of toys outside to keep your pet amused, and you might want to create a small area for digging and hide a toy or two there to keep them occupied. Alternatively create a fun ball pit if they prefer activities of the throw and retrieve kind. We're sure Monty would approve.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

t

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WATCH NOW

Meet our Border Collie Trust GB Video Star Coming Home

Border Collie Trust GB

To watch our Animated video go to https://vimeo.com/460118359

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Cat lovers urged to support compulsory microchipping of pet cats The UK’s biggest cat charity is asking animal lovers to get in touch with their local MP to urge them to support compulsory microchipping of pet cats.

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ats Protection is campaigning for microchipping to become a legal requirement for pet cats, as it already is for dogs, to help improve feline welfare.

The charity will be hosting an online event for politicians on 20 October 2020, and is asking supporters to get in touch with their local MP to ask them to attend and pledge their support to the charity’s campaign.

Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations Jacqui Cuff said: “We need to get as many MPs as possible to support a change in the law to make it compulsory to microchip pet cats. After years of campaigning by Cats Protection, major political parties put compulsory microchipping of cats in their 2019 election manifestos. But no progress has been made and the issue risks falling off the political agenda.

“As a nation of animal lovers, we know that many people will want to see their local MP taking a keen interest in animal welfare issues. By getting in touch with your MP and asking them to join in our online event you’ll be helping us move a step closer to a law change which will benefit countless cats and kittens in the future.

"Our campaign for compulsory microchipping of pet cats is one of a number

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

of issues we're working on to improve feline welfare across the UK. We're grateful for support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, which helps make this work possible and ensures a better future for one of the nation's favourite pets.”

Microchipping is the safe and permanent way to identify a cat and reunite a lost cat with their owner. Owners of unchipped cats can suffer unnecessary heartbreak not knowing the fate of their cat if they go missing. Yet despite this, statistics show that over three million owned cats (29%) are still not microchipped (PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2019). Making microchipping compulsory will significantly drive up numbers of microchipped owned cats.

Microchipping was made compulsory for dogs in 2016 and as a result 92% are chipped. n To support Cats Protection’s campaign and send an email to your MP, please visit www.cats.org.uk/microchippingcampaign n To find out more about Cats Protection’s campaign for compulsory microchipping of pet cats, please visit www.cats.org.uk/whatwe-do/campaigning/microchips-reunite www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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If any of our wonderful supporters would like to donate to the care of all dogs in FBS including our Hungarian babies then please do, we have numerous ways you can donate. Our vet bills are huge and our dedicated team will help you in anyway they can. Every penny goes into the care of the dogs.

Cheques made payable to The French Bulldog Saviours Paypal french.bulldog.saviours@gmail.com Online Auction https://www.facebook.com/groups/1476109809289004 Bank French Bulldog Saviours ACC - 00028565 SORT CODE 40-52-40

Registered charity 1163829

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Mowgli and the Training Team

Enjoying an ear scratch for being such a brave mule!

Mowgli’s next adventure!

HorseWorld’s resident mule Mowgli is tackling the next stage of his training as he takes a step further towards his new ‘job’ helping vulnerable children learn essential life-skills.

n For more information about HorseWorld, Discovery, and how you can adopt Mowgli the mule, visit www.horseworld.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

M

owgli was a foal when he was rescued by HorseWorld in 2013.

His mum Sunny was a native pony and his dad was a very rare breed of donkey called Poitou. Their owner had over 40 horses, donkeys and Poitous on site. They weren’t being cared for and had been allowed to breed indiscriminately.

The charity which is based in Bristol, rescues, rehabilitates and (wherever possible) rehomes abused and vulnerable horses, ponies and donkeys. They also run a programme called Discovery which helps children and young people who have difficulties in mainstream education.

Through sessions with specially selected rescued horses, the young people develop the skills needed to build resilience, improve communication skills, find their confidence

and self-belief, and as a result better cope with the challenges of life.

Since being at HorseWorld Mowgli has had a brush with celebrity as he was ‘started’ by world famous horse trainer Monty Roberts at a demonstration last year. Even though people can assume that mules are stubborn and slow, Monty described how mules are actually very intelligent and quick to learn, but sometimes they need a little extra time to process new things.

With this in mind HorseWorld’s training team have continued working with Mowgli but at a pace that suits him. Whereas ponies are often quite demonstrative if they’re scared or worried, mules can appear very calm and quiet on the outside, and then suddenly react. HorseWorld’s team know Mowgli’s personality really well so have been taking their time to get him used to being worked in a round pen, tacked up, and now ridden.

“Mowgli is a firm favourite with so many of the teams as he has got such a wonderful personality,” said Meg Jackson from HorseWorld. “He was a wild, unhandled foal when he first arrived but now really enjoys being around people and will happily have his ears scratched for hours! We’ll be doing some further training with him just to be sure that he’ll be happy in his new job but hopefully he’ll go on to be a superstar Discovery team member.”

Mowgli with legendary Horse Whisperer Monty Roberts RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Autumn & Winter breaks available

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29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Pets for Young & Old Pets are a wonderful addition to every day life but selecting the right pet that is compatible with your age and lifestyle is extremely important. Dogs and cats are by far the most popular but there are a wide variety of other small pets too Mary Lloyd tells us more and destructive. Again they have a long life span. Birds are not suitable for children with allergies and weak immune systems because they can carry Psittacosis and Avian Tuberculosis.

Lizards are quiet and low maintenance but have very specific dietary requirements e.g. insects. Make sure you know precisely what they need before you take them on.

Contrary to popular opinion, hamsters are not particularly well suited for young children because they are nocturnal. If you disturb them in the daytime, they can become aggressive and bite. The beautiful chinchilla is also nocturnal and gets very stressed if disturbed during the day.

Dogs are by far the most popular choice for households with children but it is important to make sure that you and the children have the time to take care of them.

Making the children take responsibility for their care is an important part of their social education that can ensure that they become animal lovers for life.

Cats are more independent and require less care but individual personalities vary greatly. It is important that cats are socialised from when they are kittens if they are to make good companions for children. Some do not have the temperament at all and breed has a significant affect.

Rabbits are active and social but need plenty of stimulation or they can get

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Pets for Older People Dogs are excellent companions for older people and furthermore, encourage exercise and fresh air. However, we would not recommend dogs who need a lot of exercise such as Springer Spaniels.

Dogs can certainly alleviate loneliness, depression and anxiety.

Cavaliers, Shih Tzu, Bichon frisse and Yorkshire terriers are ideal companions for elderly people. So too are Labradors and Retrievers who are very people t

Child Friendly Pets

bored and destructive. Two rabbits are always better than one because they like company but make sure they are both the same sex when you acquire them. Recently, our friends acquired 2 “female� rabbits that turned out to be male and female with the result they now have 22 rabbits!!! Rabbits need bunny proof housing, room to run around and a careful diet. Some are good with children and others get very stressed and even aggressive with too much picking up and cuddling.

The children too need to know how to behave around their beloved companions.

Guinea pigs need regular grooming, cage cleaning and fresh food at the ready. Two are better than one because they are very sociable pets and like company. Guinea pigs are easily startled so need to become accustomed to being handled at an early age and of course, children need to be taught how to handle them with love and care.

Turtles are cute but complicated to take care of. They also have very long life spans so be prepared to look after them long after the children have flown the nest.

Birds arre intelligent and sociable especially parrots but they can be loud

Cont. on p36

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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empathic. You may find that some older people are afraid to take on a pet in case their life is shorter than the pets.

Re-assure them that you are prepared to look after the little one after they pass away and make certain it is a little dog that you would also love.

Cats can also be good company without the need for exercise. Ragdolls and Birmans are ideal because they are quiet and playful and love a cuddle.

However, they do need regular grooming.

Guinea pigs can be kept in or out of the house. They are “chatty” and very good company and awake for up to 20 hours a day! Similarly rabbits, gerbils and hamster can be great for older people.

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Dogs are “ excellent companions for older people. ”

Perfect Pets for Elderly People Cavalier King Charles Shih Tzu Yorkshire Terriers Bichon Frisse British Shorthaired cat Ragdoll & Birman cats Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and gerbils

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

n For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Bio-Life Helpline on 01608 686626 (Open 8am to 8 pm, 7 days per week) or ask for advice from your veterinary surgeon.

Visit www.biolife-international.co.uk Photo credits: ©Adobe stock

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Every Picture Tells A story!

Look at these Happy, Healthy Gorgeous Puppies

Salters Food for all Generations!

The only Dog Foods to contain Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tel :01728 604475

www.salterspetfood.com

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Norbert outside Photo credit: leighanne james

Bean holding a ball. Photo credit: Amy Hatton

Cookie and holly webb .

Photo credit: Holly webb

Comedian Bob Mortimer announces feline OAP Cookie as this year’s purring lockdown legend in Alternative Cat Awards!

Twenty-one-year-old Cookie, whose peaceful purring melted the hearts of cat lovers, has been crowned the winner of Cats Protection’s Alternative Cat Awards.

With its annual National Cat Awards postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cats Protection instead asked the public to send in videos of their feline friend’s antics during the past few months.

And Cookie, who is a grand 100 years old in human years, was announced by comedian Bob Mortimer as the People’s Purrfect Choice after videos of five feline finalists were put to a public vote.

n To find out more visit www.cats.org.uk 38

B

ob said: “The Senior Kitizen category celebrates why older cats are brilliant and gorgeous Cookie is a worthy winner. You’ll want to turn your sound up for this one – her purr is so soothing!”

Cookie’s owner Holly Webb, 26, of Romford, said: "Cookie is a one in a million and I'm over the moon that she's been named the People's Purrfect Choice. She’s full of character and always involved in whatever is going on. Like all cats, she's a ray of sunshine around the house and has been such wonderful company over the past few months in particular. She may be 21 but she's still a kitten at heart and goes to show that older cats have just as much to offer.”

The awards - sponsored by Cats Protection’s long-term corporate partner PURINA® received hundreds of entries from across the UK. Cookie was one of five finalists, having first won the #SeniorKitizen category with a video of her blissed-out purring to camera. The category had been judged by TV and radio presenter Justine Greene. Other category winners which went through to the public vote were:

Norbert: Catty co-worker Norbert’s adorable antics with his owner’s computer mouse made him the winner of the #PurinaPurrfectTeamwork category, chosen by celebrity beauty expert and TV presenter Gina Akers.

Charlie Roo: Footage of Charlie Roo playing, sleeping and living life to the full despite having under-developed front legs scooped him the #PurrfectlyImperfect category, judged by comedian and writer Jake Lambert Sid: Athletic Sid’s jaw-dropping leaping up the stairway bannister earned him the top

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

cat place in the #MischievousMoggy category, judged by ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman and his wife, Dancing on Ice Star Frankie Seaman Bean: Heart-warming footage of playful rescue kitten Bean enjoying her new climbing tower ensured she was named #BestNewcomer, judged by dance choreographer and ex-Strictly judge Arlene Phillips Cats Protection’s Acting Head of Media Relations Katy Geary said: “During lockdown, we heard countless stories of how the nation’s pet cats were helping their owners during such unprecedented times. Whether it was providing a welcome distraction when we were all getting to grips with homeworking, being a companion to people living alone, or becoming a playmate for children missing their school friends, our pet cats have been an invaluable support to many of us.

“There can only be one winner but our Alternative Cat Awards was all about celebrating everything we love about cats, and the joy and laughter they bring to a home, especially in difficult times.”

Calum Macrae, Regional Director at Nestlé Purina PetCare, said: “One of our key beliefs at Purina is that people are better with pets especially during these last few months, so we were delighted to partner with Cats Protection to celebrate the contribution cats have made during lockdown.”

Along with the title, Cookie’s owner will be invited to attend the National Cat Awards at London’s Savoy on 5 August 2021.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Media sensation Monique celebrates six months in new home At the start of this year, in a far simpler time, everyone was talking about a little rescue cat named Monique and the birthday party no one attended. After spending 130 days at Battersea and hitting headlines worldwide with her sad tale, the unlucky tabby finally found her perfect home.

n Visit www.battersea.org.uk to find out how you can support Battersea.

40

A

fter appearing in newspapers and on TV in the UK and beyond, the two-year-old stray quickly built up a huge fanbase including people kindly offering to fly her to homes halfway round the world, generous members of the public donating to Battersea in Monique’s honour, and cat lovers across the country sending gifts to the London-based charity.

Watching the news one evening, a gentleman named Adnan saw Monique on his TV and applied to rehome her. It quickly became clear that Monique’s perfect match had been found and she finally had a home to call her own.

On 16 March, Adnan took Monique to his home near Lewisham, South London. As a shy cat, Monique took her time to find her feet in her new surroundings and had just begun settling into her new life when the nation went into lockdown. Luckily, the pair have proven great company for one another over the last six months.

Talking of their time spent together so far, Adnan said: “It's been just Monique and me alone since March. She’s very talkative and greets me every morning and can be very bossy when she wants treats. She follows me around the house, pawing at me for scratches and giving me headbutts for

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

cuddles. She was initially keen to jump in my lap (which was interesting when I was working), but has now decided that her many napping spots are much more comfortable and will instead summon me for scratches.”

Although it has now been six months since Monique went to her new home, Battersea staff still regularly receive enquiries about the famous feline.

Lindsey Quinlan, Battersea’s Head of Catteries and Feline Welfare, said: “Over the years we’ve seen our cats appear in the media or gain fans online, but we’d never before seen anything quite like Monique’s overnight fame. We were so touched that people from all over the world wanted to help her find a home. It just goes to show how many people understand that rescue cats are special and deserve a second chance at love.”

Battersea has been here for every dog and cat for 160 years and is now able to take in dogs and cats needing homes again. Like many charities, Battersea has seen a significant drop in income as a direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Now more than ever, Battersea needs your support so they can continue to help animals like Monique. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Alley Cat Rescue Saves Litter of Four Alley Cat Rescue runs into kitten litters year-round. Four kittens recently came into our care and would not be alive today without our help. They were born in a backyard with multiple cats and had several urgent medical needs.

T

he kittens were rushed to our vet and diagnosed with calicivirus, ringworm, and pneumonia. They were all emaciated and covered in fleas which resulted in anemia and weakened immune system. It took a village to get them well, we started them on a strong antibiotic, kept them all warm and had a humidifier running 24 hours a day. This helped with clearing mucus off their lungs and constant coughing Sage the stunning tortoise shell was in the worst condition. She coughed for three weeks, and needed nebulizer treatment.

The kittens initially had no appetite due to their high fevers and awful congestion. They had to be force fed for the first week and given fluids. We were absolutely thrilled when they started lapping up the kitten milk replacer. After weeks of medication, good food and plenty of TLC, the

kittens showed great improvement, they started playing and having fun. It was so amazing to see the turnaround from the lethargic kittens with congestion and discharge to happy healthy babies.

Cats and kittens born outdoors are often left with an immature immune system and fall victim to the plights of being unsheltered. Up to 75% of these cats and kittens end up dying when uncared for. Luckily, we came across these babies in time and we were able to get them in perfect shape. They were adopted last week to very loving homes! n For more information visit www.saveacat.org

Left: Pictured in June; right: pictured in August.

Supplier to the best breeders, rescuers and catteries for 20 years Our cat cages offer safe, comfortable, hygienic accommodation and we pride ourselves on an enviable reputation throughout the UK, Europe, USA and even Australia for excellent service and superior product design.

We can also custom build cat cages to your own measurements.

Tower

Apartment

Visit our website or call: 01780 410313

www.penthouseproducts.com 42

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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With Mayhew’s help, Tigger the tabby bounced into a wonderful life full of fun, fun, fun!

Although the number of animals being left behind is continuing to grow as people face even more challenges and hardships this year, our Animal Welfare Officers are always on hand to support, rescue and rehome dogs, cats and owners in need.

n You can meet the animals that Mayhew have available here https://themayhew.org/rehome/ and if you or someone you know would like to speak to an Animal Welfare Officer to find out more about our support services, you can call 020 8962 8000 or email awo@mayhewanimalhome.org . www.rescueandanimalcare.com

● One-year-old Tigger recently found himself all alone in a rented flat after the previous tenants moved out and locked up, leaving him trapped inside. ● Luckily the tabby and white male was discovered by the landlord a few days later, who immediately called Mayhew for help. ● Animal Welfare Officer, Tania Mazzoni, went straight out to rescue Tigger and found him hiding inside a sofa cushion where he’d curled up for some warmth and comfort.

Tania had to tear into the sofa to free Tigger and was relieved to see that he did not appear to be hurt. He hadn’t seemed to suffer any undue harm from his ordeal.

As soon as Tania had safely removed him from his hiding place she drove him back to Mayhew, where we conducted a full intake exam to make sure he was OK. Aside from being a little hungry and nervous, Tigger showed himself to be a sweet and curious cat, and so we settled him down in our Cattery with some food and blankets to rest and recover. We also made sure he was vaccinated, neutered and microchipped, and up to date with his flea and worming treatment.

Although our AWO’s routinely follow procedures to try and trace an owner when bringing animals into our care, this is very often outside of our remit and sadly not possible in all cases.

Thankfully, Tigger soon made himself at home and was extremely friendly with our staff, who knew that it wouldn’t be long before somebody fell in love with him.

Sure enough, he attracted interest as soon as we placed him up for adoption, and shortly afterwards we were thrilled to match him with a brand new family.

Tigger is now happily settled into his forever home, and has been renamed Jasper. His new owner told us that he’s a bundle of fun and still loves to climb and hide, and we all wish him all the very best as he bounces around and enjoys lots of cuddles!

Although Tigger’s story has a happy ending, we know that lots of cats and dogs all across the UK are still looking for their forever homes. If you are interested in adopting a pet, or if you’re struggling to cope with an existing animal, please get in touch with us or your local rescue and rehoming centre to see how we can help.

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Osmonds No-Stress Calming Supplement Company of Animals Anxiety Wrap Helps to reduce anxieties including fear of other dogs and of people, fireworks, thunderstorms, travelling in a car or fear of being left alone. Available in 7 sizes to ensure the correct fit. Shop now at https://www.petcetera.co.uk/ or call Petcetera on 01948 668100 to order yours.

O TIME YT! PL A

Osmonds No Stress is a natural liquid Valerian product to help calm dogs.

Can be used in times of stress, travelling, showing, fireworks, etc.

Feed the evening before the challenging event & also one hour before. Repeat as necessary.

Shop now at https://www.petcetera.co.uk/ or call Petcetera on 01948 668100 to order yours.

Nina Ottosson Dog Finder Interactive Dog Toy Simply hide treats beneath certain bones & let your dog find them & enjoy a tasty reward. Interactive games are also helpful for dogs that may be feeling anxious as it gives the brain an alternative focus.

Shop now at https://www.petcetera.co.uk/ or call Petcetera on 01948 668100 to order yours.

Osmonds Lavender Shampoo Concentrate

Christmas Swag Bag Bags are personalised with dog’s name and come with a selection of toys and treats. (available soon – customers can register to get notified). Visit www.bigpaws.co

Contains Lavender Oil that provides a relaxing aroma, for a natural, calming effect. Leaves coats soft, shiny and manageable. Dilute up to 10:1. Shop now at https://www.petcetera.co.uk/ or call Petcetera on 01948 668100 to order yours.

MuttMOP® Deluxe Dog Towel The George Barclay, MuttMOP® Deluxe Dog Towel, removes dirt and water easily from your dog’s coat.

It’s the ideal accessory for drying your dog after a woodland walk, forest trail or coastal stroll.

Availabe in grey, olive and plum. £13.99.

Visit www.georgebarclay.co.uk

TO SUIT ALL YOUR DOGS’ NEEDS Customisable Whelping boxes. Any colour, Lightweight, Robust, Come pre-assembled, Easy to clean and maintain.

Visit www.thedaleskennelcompany.co.uk/whelpingbox

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Pencil Case Lovely pencil case featuring our cartoon galgos. Made from polyester with a main zip compartment. Size 21 x 14 cms.

Available in French Navy or Red. Visit www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

Bright Ball Approx 9cm with double squeak. £3.49. Visit www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

!

K A E U Q S !

K A E U SQ

Dog Bowl in wooden stand Raised dog bowl in wooden stand. Prevents the bowl from sliding over the floor. £19.99. Visit www.labrador-lifeline.com

Galgo Soft Toy Galgo "Pietro" as featured in our Education material. Lovely soft toy approx. 20cms high.

Superplush polyester fabric, polyester filling.

All new materials. Certified to EN71 safety.

Visit www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

Labrador Mug This wonderful Labrador ‘Sit!’ mug will brighten up every cup of tea or coffee and would make a lovely gift for any Labrador owner or dog lover. £11.00. Visit www.labrador-lifeline.com

Coaster Each Coaster Measures 4.2” x 4.2” (10.5cm x 10.5cm). £2.99. Visit www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

Gift tags Pack of ten gift cards. £3.00.

Visit www.labrador-lifeline.com

Border Collie Mug Designed by Leslie Gerry fine bone china & gift Boxed.

Visit www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

Jute shopper bag Lovely jute shopper bag printed with a stunning galgo design. Premium quality and perfect for those shopping trips. £10.00 +p&p. Visit www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

Red Lightweight Mac Lovely Red lightweight showerproof Mac. Cotton lined with adjustable velcro fastening and fold down hood. Lining designs vary. Available in sizes: 26", 28" and 30". £18.00.

Visit www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

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NEWS SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT Have you got room for a cockerel in your life? If you have a cockerel you are hoping to rehome, we can help. Although we cannot guarantee a successful rehoming from our website (it's not really what we do after all), here are some recent comments from happy cockerel advertisers: “Just to let you know that we have happily rehomed our bantam cockerel and just dropped him off at his new home! Thank you so much for helping with rehoming him” “Big news, we have got someone taking our cockerel tomorrow, to go and live with six girls, lucky lad! Thanks for all the help and I will make a further donation” Our Cockerel Lonely Hearts page is full of boys looking for a new home. Check out the fellas looking for love here www.bhwt.org.uk/adopt-a-cockerel/

A Salute To Our Priceless Volunteer Team

Verm-X As summer draws to an end, and the nights close in, our natural biorhythms kick in and our eating patterns and nutritional needs change. The same is true for our feathered friends. To counter any cooler weather blues your hens may experience, we sell a variety of products and supplements by Verm-X. See the Verm-X range here www.bhwt.org.uk/news/featured-product-verm-x/

Sponsor a Hen Even if you don’t have room to rehome a hen, you can still adopt one of our girls with a Sponsor a Hen pack.

Sponsoring a hen for 12 months at only £4 a month is the ideal way to get to know a hen and learn about her adventures as she enjoys her free-range retirement. We’ll send an initial sponsorship pack containing everything you need to know about your chosen featured friend, as well as a six month update to let you know how she is getting along. You can also choose to pay £48 upfront.

These packs are lovely to keep for yourself

To single out one story about BHWT volunteers does not distinguish how much we rely on and are indebted to our volunteers.

Volunteers are like members of our family who we only see at weddings, funerals and maybe Christmas, but we know they will always be there to help and support us when we put out that call to action.

Our volunteer co-ordinators build teams of multi-talented people. They mobilise, train, empower and care for these people on our behalf. They pull together all the threads we create at BHWT and make hen rehomings happen. They defend our cause and promote our campaigns.

Multi-tasking is very much part of their DNA. You never hear “it’s not my job” from this wonderful band of people when they are asked to go the extra mile.

They ooze dedication and care, are passionate about hens and they are the face of BHWT. They are the people who the general public meet, they are the image that our rehomers/supporters take home with them and best of all they are always smiling!

Without them our charity would be a much poorer place. Click here to learn more about becoming a BHWT volunteer. www.bhwt.org.uk/rehoming-volunteer

or to give as a gift to those family members who are particularly hard to buy for! Whatever your reason for sponsoring one of our hens, your sponsorship will go towards saving more from slaughter.

Here is what is included in your pack: Sponsor a Hen story and certificate l A BHWT magnet and car sticker l Two beautiful postcards l

Simply pick your chosen hen to get started! www.bhwt.org.uk/sponsor-a-hen/

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www.kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk

Supplying the UK with high-quality wild bird food and bird seed We are a family run wild bird food and wild bird seed supplier based in rural Lincolnshire. We supply only the finest quality products.

SUITABLE FOR ALL YEAR ROUN D FEEDING FROM BIRD TABLES

Ground feed mix Our orginal ground feed mixture that's so adored by Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and all other ground feeding birds. Suitable for all year round feeding.

Either scattetered on the floor or placed on a table or ground feeder. Contains no wheat. £32.20/25kg

SUITABLE FOR ALL SMALL BIRDS

Split Peanuts

Economy wild bird mix

Small blanched, split peanuts (skins removed). Extra rich in both protein and oils, thus making an excellent and essential food for all year feeding. Peanuts are suitable and liked by most species of birds, and have long been the most popular of wild bird feeds. All our peanuts are certified as nil detectable signs of aflatoxin. £42.99/25kg

ADORED

BY ROBINS, BLACKBIRDS AND SONG THRUSHES

With our specialised blending of a number of nutritional seeds, this mix is suitable for a large variety of birds. High in black sunflower thus providing oil and protein and meeting all essential feeding requirements. Suitable for all year round feeding. £24.95/25kg

Superior high energy mix An extremely high energy mixture blended with the highest quality seeds.

Suitable for all small birds and ideal for all year round feeding. Best fed from a seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table.

Contains nowheat. £35.65/25kg

ATTRACTIVE TO ROBINS, BLACKBIRDS AND THRUSHES

Dried mealworms Dried mealworms are a tasty treat for garden birds with all the nutrition of live mealworms without the 'worm factor'.

Attractive to robins, blackbirds, thrushes and all other insect eating birds.

Available in sizes ranging from 250g to 10kg. £33.50/3kg

ALL YEAR ROUND FEEDING

Sunflower hearts Bakery grade premium sunflower hearts.

No unsightly husk. A food that is loved by most species of birds being high in both protein and oils. Makes a most desirable all year round food. £35.99/25kg

SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANG E OF WILD BIRDS

Suet special blend mix

Small fatballs The best, fattiest fat balls on the internet. Small Fat balls (no nets) offer a wide range of wild birds a nutritious and important source of energy specifically during winter and nesting season. Each fatball at approx 95g available in either boxes of 150 or 2 boxes of 150. £37.60/300.

This blended suet mixture is packed full of highIy calorific ingredients, it is ideal for all year round feeding and will attract a great variety of both small and medium sized birds to your garden. No re-growth under feeding station. Contains no wheat. £43.20/25kg

5% DISCOUNT on all orders OVER £50 Tel: 01778 342665

FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY

info@kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk

Won’t grow mix Blended with 60% bakery grade sunflowerhearts, this energy rich mixture has been blended to ensure no re-growth under your feeding station. Suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seed feeder, scattered on bird table or from ground feeder. Contains no wheat.£38.25/25kg

Superior finch mix This classic mixture was blended specifically with finches in mind.

Contains a wonderful selection of the finest seeds and is suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table. Contains no wheat. £36.65/25kg

10% off first order for new customers use promo code NEW10 at checkout

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COULD YOU ADOPT ME? Can you give any of these lovely pets a place in your home and your heart?

Bowie 15640 Once I trust you, I will love you forever. I prefer a calm environment, and will give you my heart.

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Snowy

Diesel Diesel 15559

Snowy 15421

With lots of training I have become a good boy and would liven up someone’s home with my energy.

I am a very energetic boy who loves to run and throw balls around and play.

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Bowie Amber 15566 I am a little shy at first but once I know you I will come around quickly. I come as a pair with Tabitha.

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Tabitha

Cookie Cookie 15373

Tabitha 15573

I am a cheeky, confident bunny who will keep you on your toes.

I am an affectionate girl who likes cuddles once I have got to know you. I come as a pair with Amber.

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Amber 48

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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COULD YOU ADOPT ME? Can you give any of these lovely pets a place in your home and your heart?

Ralphy M7 mths Ralphy is a sweet boy who loves to play and has now learned that fuss and cuddles are amazing from people he knows, Availabe to adopt from Forest Dog Rescue www.forest-dog-rescue.org.uk

Odin M4

Roxy F8

Odin M4

Roxy F8

I am looking for a quiet home where my owners will have lots of time for me. I wouldn't mind living with another gentle dog as a companion too

She is a fun and affectionate lady with lots of energy who loves to play fetch.

Availabe to adopt from Dogs Trust www.dogstrust.org.uk

Availabe to adopt from Blue Cross www.bluecross.org.uk

Ralphy M7 mths

PASCAL 15632 I am a chirpy, handsome boy who is looking for a lady companion for company.

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Huey

Fernando FERNANDO 15696

HUEY 15637 I am a confident bunny who likes to know what’s going on. I am full of character.

I am a little shy so to help my confidence grow, I need to be handled regularly.

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Availabe to adopt from RSPCA The Danaher Animal Home www.danaheranimalhome.org.uk

Pascal www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Plans for first wildcat reserve to be designated in Scotland- over 800,000 supporters back the plan Wildcat Haven have found a population of at least 13 critically endangered Scottish wildcats in the Clashindarroch forest, Aberdeenshire. The whole forest is under threat from logging by government agencies. A legal submission has now been made to Scottish Natural Heritage setting out their duty to notify the site for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) making this the first and only wildcat reserve in Scotland 70 times rarer than a Giant panda

Scientific estimates show that there are as few as 30 Scottish wildcats remaining, making them 70 times rarer than the giant panda. The last known stronghold for this iconic Scottish species is the Clashindarroch forest in Aberdeenshire. Wildcat Haven, the only organisation focused solely on protecting the wildcat in the wild, has evidenced a population of at least 13 individuals. Director, Dr Paul O’Donoghue comments, ‘The Clashindarroch is the best site in Scotland for the wildcat and the population we have found there is utterly priceless and offers great hope for the future of the species’

Threatened by logging

However the publicly owned Clashindarroch, is currently being logged by the Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) to make pulp for toilet rolls and there are plans for major windfarm development which would destroy huge areas of habitat and be disastrous for the wildcats.

O’Donoghue continues, ‘It is astonishing that the last stronghold is being destroyed by the very government that is supposed to be saving it. If there were 13 pandas in there then it wouldn’t be logged and so why is the magnificent Scottish wildcat suffering this fate’.

There is currently not one single site in the whole of Scotland that is designated

50

as a protected area for wildcats. In contrast there are multiple sites designated for other species such as great crested newts, capercaillie and numerous bat species, O’Donoghue comments, ‘The wildcat has been ignored for decades and it is now on the brink of extinction. The lack of protected habitat for them is a major contributing factor. There is simply nowhere safe for them to live and breed. That needs to change immediately, otherwise we will lose the wildcat forever which is simply unthinkable. The Scottish Highlands without the wildcat just wouldn’t be the same’.

Unprecedented public support

Wildcat Haven launched a petition on Change.org to stop the logging of the Clashindarroch and make it a protected area. The petition has now been signed by over 813,000 people making it the biggest British wildlife petition of all time. O’Donoghue comments’ The support for our plans to get SSSI status for the Clashindarroch is simply unprecedented and cannot be ignored by the government. The people have spoken and the message is clear. Save the wildcat in the wild where they belong’.

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Duty to designate

Today, Living Law, a specialist environmental law firm, working for Wildcat Haven, have put the Government agency on notice that it has a statutory duty to designate the Clashindarroch as a SSSI and will launch litigation proceedings if needed to hold it to account.

Susan Shaw, founder of Living Law comments, ‘The presence of this iconic species at Clashindarroch is now irrefutable. Indeed, government publications and independent experts have acknowledged this presence.

This is a population find of National and indeed international importance.

That is why we have made the case unequivocally that the Scottish government and its agencies have a duty to now designate this site for protection. If the case can be made and we believe it overwhelmingly has been, then there is now no discretion on this matter, designation must happen’. n For more information visit www.wildcathaven.com

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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HOW RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG CAN RAISE MONEY FOR PETS IN NEED When lockdown came in, Battersea, like countless other charities, was forced to cancel its fundraising events this year

N

ow, the charity is asking animal lovers and running enthusiasts to put their trainers on for a special challenge to help raise money for dogs and cats in need.

While the British public have been stuck at home, many have enjoyed spending extra time with their pets, especially when it comes to exercise. In fact, 77% of dog owners surveyed by the charity said that walking their dog has been the highlight of their day during lockdown.[1] Battersea’s ‘My Muddy Dog Challenge’ asks participants to combine these two activities and take their dog on a minimum of 2.5k walk or run, to help raise money for dogs and cats in need.

The event, which is free to sign up to, will take place 17-23 October 2020.

Animal lovers without a dog to run with are also encouraged to take part, to help raise much needed funds for the charity.

Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Behaviour and Training at Battersea says: “Battersea relies on public donations to carry out its vital work, caring for thousands of dogs and cats every year, and helping pet owners with support and advice. My Muddy Dog Challenge is a great way for animal lovers to raise funds for our charity and help us to continue making a difference to dogs and cats in our care and beyond.

“Jogging or walking is a great activity for both dogs and owners to take part in, keeping you both happy and healthy.

However, there are some things to consider when taking your dog out for a jog.

“Consider the age, ability and fitness level of your dog before setting off, and just like humans, dogs should build up their exercise level gradually over a period of time to avoid injury. Flat-faced dogs, such as Pugs, may struggle with their breathing during exercise and always consider the temperature before taking your dog out, avoiding warm weather.

“Check with your vet before deciding to take up running with your dog, as they will be able to provide you the best possible advice for you and your pet.” www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Size up your dog

Sign up to My Muddy Dog Challenge is free. All participants will receive a Battersea t-shirt and doggy bandana, and everyone who donates or raises £25 or over will receive a special rosette.

Different breeds are more agile than others. Develop the length of the walk based on the breed of the dog. Make sure the length of the walk is in line with what your dog can comfortably complete.

To sign up, please visit https://muddydog.battersea.org.uk/mymuddydog.

The event will be supported by Seresto Flea and Tick Collars, who will be donating £1 for every photo shared to social media using #MuddyDogChallenge.

It’s important to start training at your dog’s current fitness level. This is especially true if your dog is older, or overweight. Make sure you start every session with a walk. Just like humans, dogs need to warm up too.

What to consider when running with your dog Check with your vet

Start out slowly

Watch out for tiredness

It is always wise to consult with your vet before starting an exercise programme with your dog. Vets can recommend both the length of time and intensity for the programme, and tailor this to your pet’s special needs.

Listen and watch for signs of fatigue and make sure you have plenty of water with you. Pay close attention to your dog’s footpads for signs of wear. Avoid hot surfaces and trails with sharp rocks.

Exercise at cooler times of the day and avoid extremely hot and humid days.

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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NEWS

Blue Cross issues slug safety warning after dog saved from death Blue Cross pet charity is warning dog owners to protect their pet and be vigilant outdoors after a four-year-old beagle was admitted to their animal hospital in Victoria, central London, on the brink of death. When Jessie collapsed at home her owners immediately sought help and brought her in for urgent veterinary attention. Vets discovered she was suffering from ‘lungworm’ which can quickly become fatal.

A

lison Brennan, Senior Vet at Blue Cross in Victoria said:” When Jessie arrived it was immediately clear she was in a bad way. We had to do several tests to find out what was wrong and when lungworm tests came back positive we had to act fast.”

Lungworm is caused by a parasite the lives in slugs, snails and frogs and dogs can get lungworm after ingesting them. This can happen accidentally through absorbing tiny slugs on grass, from toys or their fur. The lungworm larvae then grows inside the dog and moves through their body to live in their heart and blood vessels, causing heart and breathing problems. The worms can then produce their own larvae inside the body which leads to serious issues. The disease can spread quickly in the environment through dogs passing the larvae through their waste and infecting more slugs and snails.

Symptoms may be hard to spot but include coughing, breathing problems, lethargy and abnormal blood clotting or bleeding. Preventions are possible through worming treatment and owners are advised to speak to their vet.

Alison added: “We regularly advise dog owners of the dangers of lungworm because, sadly, we see cases every year. It is a hidden killer so we urge dog owners to talk to their vet about preventative treatments and make sure they keep an eye on pets

Jessie was suffering from Lungworm

Lungworm sample taken from Jessie

outside and wash their toys and water bowls if left outdoors.”

Despite being on the brink of death, after several days of 24-hour intensive care and the dedication of Blue Cross vet nurses, Jessie made a full recovery.

For more advice on lungworm and pet care visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice.

Blue Cross is a charity which relies on the donations and support of animal lovers to continue its vital work helping sick, injured, homeless and abandoned pets. Visit www.bluecross.org.uk to donate and find out more.

Watch Blue Cross vet teams in action on Inside Animal A&E on ITV1 at 8pm every Monday.

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 52

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.dogmatic.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Huge price hikes for popular breeds during lockdown revealed New statistics show prices for some of the UK’s most desirable dog breeds reached record levels, as some sellers exploited demand for puppies during lockdown. Dogs Trust can reveal these breeds are among those most likely to be illegally imported into the country via puppy smuggling, a cruel practice the charity have fought against for several years.

D

ogs Trust’s research has revealed that the asking price for five of the UK’s most sought after breeds and the five breeds most often smuggled into the country – Dachshunds, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Chow Chows - shot up between March, when lockdown was announced, and the end of June this year, when lockdown started easing.

The charity has reviewed advertisements from the last three years on some of the UK’s largest classified advertising websites, and prices for Pugs, Dachshunds and Chow Chows have never been higher, whilst English and French Bulldogs have also seen significant price hikes.

The most expensive of the breeds, English Bulldogs, advertised for as much as £2,140 on average in June compared to an average of £1,637 in March - although some listings reached as high as £9,000. (1) The data reveals the average price increased by: l 89% for Dachshunds – £1,838 in June compared to £973 in March l 67% for Chow Chows – £1,872 in June compared to £1,119 in March l 31% for English Bulldogs – £2,140 in June compared to £1,637 in March l 52% for French Bulldogs – £1,905 in June compared to £1,251 in March l 56% for Pugs – £1,064 in June compared to £684 in March Millions of people have been working from home and demand for puppies has soared during lockdown, with Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increasing by 166% since lockdown was announced on 23 March.

Sadly, since the beginning of lockdown, the increase in demand for puppies has meant Dogs Trust’s Puppy Pilot scheme, which rescues smuggled pups at the UK border*, has continued to be busy, despite restrictions on movement being in place. Between the beginning of lockdown and the end of June, the charity rescued 43 puppies that were illegally imported into the country from Central and Eastern Europe. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

These dogs were destined to be advertised online for extortionate prices, sold to unsuspecting buyers, while cruel puppy smugglers make huge profits. If sold, they could have fetched an estimated £80,000 for their puppy smugglers.

The charity – which has been campaigning to raise awareness of puppy smuggling since 2014 – also saved 12 heavily pregnant mums during lockdown, who have given birth to 56 puppies worth around an additional £100,000 to cruel smugglers.

Dogs Trust is urging people to be alert to the perils of buying via online adverts, to avoid being duped, or Dogfished, and to remind potential new owners to never hand over a deposit before seeing the dog in person**.

This comes against the backdrop of people contacting Dogs Trust to say they have been victims of scams during coronavirus lockdown.

Experts from the UK’s leading dog welfare charity say that experience tells them that in the coming months, and years, more dogs than ever will face the risk of relinquishment. Dogs Trust estimate that up to 40,000 more dogs could be at risk of abandonment in the fallout of the coronavirus crisis.

Together, with the support of the public, the charity says the UK public can help ‘Change the Tale’ for smuggled pups when they need it most.

They urge people to give what they can by visiting www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogcrisis.

Dogs Trust’s Veterinary Director and Chair of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group***, Paula Boyden said: “It’s shocking to see how much dogs are being advertised for sale online and

in particular how prices for some of the most popular smuggled breeds have increased during the coronavirus lockdown. While there are many responsible sellers out there, sadly there are plenty who are just looking to tug on the heartstrings and exploit the situation for their own profit.

“With puppies in such high demand, and selling for such high prices, it’s creating a lucrative market for cruel puppy smugglers and, sadly, we have rescued many dogs illegally imported into the country, destined to be sold during lockdown. It’s also creating a perfect storm for people to be Dogfished and scammed out of their hard-earned money.

“That is why it is so important to always see a pup with and interacting with their mum and to go and see them more than once. Never pay a deposit without seeing the puppy in person first and check all paperwork carefully. If something doesn’t seem right, as hard as it may be, walk away and report the seller.”

What to do to avoid being Dogfished Sadly, it is all too easy to buy a dog which may not be what it seems. Dogs Trust call this Dogfishing. Remember: l Always see puppy and their mum together at their home and make sure to visit more than once, even if it is via video call due to coronavirus restrictions. l Never pay a deposit up front without seeing the puppy in person. l Ask lots of questions and make sure you see all vital paperwork, such as a puppy contract – which gives lots of information about their parents, breed, health, diet, the puppy’s experiences and more. l If you have any doubts or feel pressured to buy, as hard as it may be, walk away and report the seller to Trading Standards.

n For more information and advice about how to avoid being misled when buying a puppy advertised for sale online, search ‘Dogfished’ or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/dogfished.

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020

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Rescue Shelter, Crete Greece Animal welfare is not a priority in Greece, there are thousands upon thousands of strays on the streets, abandoned in the rubbish, abandoned in the mountains. Chained to a barrel for life with little food or fresh water, starving. Full of ticks, fleas and worms.

By Julie Scourfield

G

eorge Orfanidis, from Crete, Greece has been rescuing dogs and cats for more than 20 years. He has devoted his life to making a difference in a world of indifference. George has 100 dogs at his shelter plus more dogs and cats at home.

Everyday, no matter the weather, he does a 70km round trip to his 2 shelter sites to take care of the dogs. There is no mains water supply or electricity at the shelters. Each day, without fail, he takes containers of water to the dogs.

It is incredibly hard work.

George is devoted to the dogs he rescues. Some have been rescued in the most unimaginable state. If you look at his face book page you will see the images of the dogs before rehabilitation started and the after images showing a total transformation.

Dias before rehabilitation

Tommy before Warning,some of the images are very graphic.

A particular dog, Tommy, is very dear to George. Tommy was found in appalling conditions amongst the rubbish in an abandoned house.

Tommy was close to death. George was horrified at what he saw. After many months of treatment, love and care Dias after rehabilitation

George Stray Dogs Non Profit Organisation George Stray Dogs Non Profit Organisation. 6.2K likes. George Orfanidis has been rescuing animals in Crete, Greece for over 20 years, he has devoted and dedicated his life to making a difference in ...

George with Tommy after treatment Tommy started to heal and flourish. Now the bond between these two is unbreakable, they are inseparable, where George goes Tommy goes.

The most gentle of all the dogs at the shelter is Dias. He is known as the Gentle Giant. He is a big 60kg Greek Shepherd dog. He was found on the highway with shattered legs, unable to move. With the care from George and two surgeries he is thriving. The puppies adore him!!

There are so many stories to read on the face book page, George Stray Dogs Non-Profit Organisation. Please have a look at the work this incredible man, George, does. Considering the dogs arrive at the shelter in such heartbreaking conditions they are remarkably well balanced and friendly. They form close bonds with each other which is a joy to see.

I sponsor Dias, the Gentle Giant, it is a pleasure to support George and his dogs. A man with a huge heart full of love and compassion for the neglected, abused, abandoned, tortured animals on Crete, Greece. True dedication. https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeShe lterCrete/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

www.facebook.com

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 54

29 SEPTEMBER – 29 OCTOBER 2020 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

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Leicester Animal Aid Association We are an English registered charity concerned with the plight of greyhounds, especially the Spanish-bred hunting greyhounds (galgos) Please visit our website: www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk Charity No. CI0/1174351

The Huncote Pet Rescue Centre Elmwood Farm Leicester LE9 6LE Tel: 01455 888257 www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk Email: info@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

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Green Gap Kennels, Far Forest Worcestershire DY14 9DX Tel: 01299 269181 www.forest-dog-rescue.org.uk Email: info@forest‐dog‐ rescue.org.uk

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