Pets Magazine April/May 2022

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April/May 2022, FREE

FKO? Fur Kids only?

Why that could be the ultimate selfless act

& MUCH MORE INSIDE

Fur Kids only?

Pope Benedict XVI has railed against the ‘selfishness’ of those who prefer to have pets over kids. Leading psychologist Dr DAVID CLIFF argues the opposite might be true.

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ncreasing numbers of people are apparently opting for cute fur ball kids, instead of the occasionally quarrelsome human variety.

The Western birth rate is declining and some may worry that it’s leading to a top heavy elderly population. The young would be paying taxes to support the increasing number of seniors, or so it’s reported. Earlier this year, Pope Benedict railed against the ‘sel shness’ of those who prefer pets over kids. Leading psychologist Dr David Cliff explores the issues.

It was fascinating to see the controversy in the press about the Pope’s view of people’s relationship with cats and dogs with the inference that people were substituting these relationships instead of having children.

Digging deeper into the actual papal press release. one could see that the Pope was trying to advocate the rite of passage that occurs when somebody makes a commitment to a child. He was also specifically referring to Joseph’s capacity to effectively adopt a child born via immaculate conception and not of his own efforts, selflessness prevailing over the

selfishness of the genes (with apologies to Richard Dawkins)!

The Pope seems to suggest that a relationship with a cat or dog does not reflect the lifelong commitment involved in parenting, yet curiously, in changing times, it has some real parallels and perhaps distinct advantages.

Some have decried the Pope’s comments as coming from a celibate, unmarried person who is not a parent, I have no clue as to his pet owning status in this debate! Rather than join the melange of censoriousness about the issue, a few observations occur to me.

Firstly, we have progressive people seek to be in the different, people are on a over population well beyond moment with their pets, this is spiritual journey, religious, our ability to feed people over for many a defining experience secular or otherwise and that is the next 50 years, further and it is a poor judge of not one single experience, and complicated by increasingly diversity that would gainsay the we are allowed to make choices irreversible climate change care of humans over the care of on the way. impacts. In this context it is animals.

I do find myself now a moot point as to whispering a quiet whether a person is prayer that we et owners who choose selfish by not having increasingly make children. Eight billion alternative lifestyle options the right ones is rapidly increasing to may actually be undertaking, towards all creation, twelve billion on an not just ourselves. already unsustainable whether by intention or otherwise, As Charles Darwin planet that is facing a put it, “The love for a sel ess act climate crisis. Indeed, all living creatures is overseas aid now the most noble primarily targets the attribute of man,”(or In a post-modern world, we education of girls as this is woman)! known to increase life chances have to be very careful of speciesism. This has allowed us and diminish family size.

Dr David Cliff is MD of to love dogs and cats, (pet Gedanken, a company Whatever moral, spiritual or speciesism), yet cruelly exploit specialising in religious journey the Pope other animals through coaching-based advocates, pet owners who intensive farming, habitat support and personal choose alternative lifestyle incursion, experimentation, development. options may actually be and a long list of other offences undertaking, whether by against the animal world. It is intention or otherwise, a truly a pity that the selfless act, even if it does anthropomorphism that bonds preclude certain key us to our pets is not extended to experiences in life that other species. Certainly, Henry parenthood of Homo Sapiens Mance in his book “How to love actually brings. animals in a human shaped world” contends many species Secondly, love has multiple would get an infinitely better manifestations and deal in their lives were thus so. relationships with pets can bring a sense of ‘here and As always, when somebody nowness’ that is not always significant in the public eye, experienced when responding makes comments, the world to the often-sophisticated sits up, takes notice, and reacts. demands of reciprocity from The important part that strikes other human beings. When me in this is that everyone is

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Pigs delight at their new lives as pets

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couple who found old allotment space in the garden of their new home decided to put it to good use, by adopting two adorable pet pigs!

Sam has even taught the porky pair some tricks, including 'come'

Sam White and Emily Pridham are now caring for hilariously named Ham Solo and Piggles in their back garden, after adopting them from ethical micro pig breeder Kew Little Pigs five weeks ago.

The couple from Slough came up with the unusual idea after visiting Kew Little Pigs for a

and 'spin' just a like a dog. day out, and learning about the centre's pig keeping day.

Software engineer Sam, 27 said: "We first went to Kew Little Pigs just for a day out as it isn't far from where we lived, we heard about the pig-keeping courses and were heavily interested, I couldn't believe how easy it was for the whole thing to actually happen.

"There are lots of rules to follow, but everyone is really helpful, they are just like any other pet.

"When we moved into our house the retired previous owners had used the garden for allotment plots, but being busy and working we didn't really have time to keep up with it, and the pigs now have the perfect environment.”

Together with primary school teacher Emily, 28, Sam has even taught the porky pair some tricks, including 'come' and 'spin' just a like a dog.

Bucks, said: "Responsible owners like Emily and Sam are what Kew Little Pigs is all about, and we make sure that all our potential owners do the pig keeping course because they take their new pets home.

"Keeping a pig is very rewarding, and much like a dog they are intelligent, empathic and enthusiastic. We think that pigs are the perfect pets!"

Sam added: "It's early days for us, but like a dog the pigs have a 15 year life span, so we are taking our responsibilities very seriously.

"They are very food orientated so many of their skills revolve around trying to get food, this week we set up some apples on a string for them and it was fun watching them work out how to get them off, and enriching for them.

"They are also mad about watermelon, if it's food related

it is guaranteed that they are in!"

To find out more go to www.kewlittlepigs.co.uk

Piggles and Ham Solo are already a hit with the youngsters at the school where Emily works, who are shown pictures of the pets and hear about their daily antics.

(Photo credits: @piggles_and_hamsolo / Animal News Agency)

And the unusual pets even have their own Instagram account @piggles_and_hamsolo which is already gathering a strong following and promoting pig ownership.

Olivia Mikhail, who owns Kew Littles Pigs in Amersham,

The Sky’s the Limit for Oldest Search Dog Awarded

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PDSA Medal

Skye on Scafell Pike

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Commenting on the award, PDSA Director General Search Dog from the Jan McLoughlin said: “We’re Lake District who incredibly proud to be completed over 200 searches Skye, together with her handler honouring Skye with during her 11-year career has John Leadbetter (49) searched our PDSA Order of Merit. Her exceptional skills and been honoured by the UK vet day and night in all weathers, supporting the Lake District outstanding devotion above charity, PDSA. Mountain Rescue Teams and beyond that of normal (MRT) to locate missing companionship make her a very Border Collie Skye, who is people. Her unique skills have worthy recipient, and we feel believed to be the oldest helped her to clear and this is a fitting tribute to her working Mountain Rescue discount vast areas of land on lifetime of dedication and hard Search Dog in the UK when she searches in often treacherous work. finally retired in September conditions, speeding up 2020 at 14-and-a-half years searches and enabling people to “Her long and distinguished old, has today received be found quickly. career has not only seen her Mountain Rescue

the PDSA Order of Merit for her outstanding devotion to duty and service to society.

MRTvolunteer John Leadbetter with Skye

protect and help people in danger, her ambassadorial work has helped to raise important funds and increase awareness of the incredible work these Mountain Rescue Teams perform.”

Skye is the 36th animal to receive the PDSA Order of Merit, which was instituted in 2014 to recognise animals for their exceptional contribution to society. PDSA provides free and low cost vet care for pets whose owners are in financial hardship and have nowhere else to turn. The PDSA Animal Awards Programme helps to

raise the status of animals in society, in the hope that in doing so, they become better treated and respected.

mountain safety. To say we’re chuffed is an understatement!”

Reacting to the award, her handler and owner John, who has 30 years of experience working in mountain rescue, said: “Skye means everything to me, she’s my best friend on the fells and we’re life-long partners. To see her receive the PDSA Order of Merit is a truly humbling and touching experience, and it’s a wonderful recognition of the time and hard work that Search Dogs and their teams dedicate to

Born in 2006, Skye initially served as a puppy trainee with Bowland Pennine MRT before transferring to Duddon and Furness MRT. After completing her training with the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dog Association she graded, qualifying in 2009, and continued to serve with Duddon and Furness MRT as a Graded Search Dog until transferring to Langdale and Ambleside MRT, and finally

Skye’s story

Kendal Mountain Search and Rescue Team (MSRT). She and John have attended searches all over the Lake District, from the remotest valleys to the widest coastal expanses, but they were also sent further afield to Lancashire, the Pennines and Scotland.

November 2014 – a family had become disorientated on a mountain summit as darkness fell. The MRT were able to locate the family at the summit, and Skye provided support and comfort to one of the children as they descended the mountain, the light on her harness and gentle nature helping to keep the child calm.

well as meeting people at talks and giving demonstrations of her skills to schools, youth groups and scouts, as well as at Rotary Clubs and Women’s Institute events.

Skye’s final callout was on 11 September 2020, for a search co-ordinated by Kendal MSRT. During her 11-year career, Her team credited her with which also places her among being the oldest and longest the longest serving Mountain January 2018 – Skye provided serving Search Dog in the Lake Rescue Search Dogs in the assistance in a 72-hour search District, and quite possibly the country, she attended whole of the UK. around 200 search Now aged nearly callouts. She operated 16, Skye is enjoying ‘For an 11-year career of mainly in a full and happy distinguished service with mountainous, remote retirement with areas, but also John and his family.

Mountain Search and Rescue sometimes supported She still loves to get local Police in semiout on the hills and Teams in the Lake District, rural and urban areas fells, her pace is just 2009-2020’. to locate vulnerable a little slower these people missing from days! care homes, the young for a missing lone walker on and the elderly.

The citation for Skye’s award England’s highest mountain, reads: ‘For an 11-year career of Scafell Pike. She and John were distinguished service with Some of Sky’s most notable able to search and clear vast Mountain Search and Rescue searches include: tracts of land in treacherous Teams in the Lake District, conditions, until the walker was 2009-2020’.

September 2012 – a family finally located. Without her and were reported late returning the other MRT members’ from a walk during worsening efforts, the outcome would weather. Skye and John were have been very different. assigned to a remote valley, heading into bad weather she Throughout her career Skye has searched for 20 minutes before also provided valuable indicating she had found the community outreach as an family, ending what could have ambassador for Search Dogs. been a long and complex She has helped to raise vital search. funds for the Search Dogs and Mountain Rescue Teams, as

Missing pet?

Here’s what to do!

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s a nation of animal lovers, most of us will share our home and our lives with a furry best friend. We house them, we feed them, we clean them, we walk them, we play with them, we talk to them, we cuddle them and we love them. Above all, we do our best to keep them safe.

But sometimes, the worst does happen. We lose them.

Your dog goes missing on a walk chasing a squirrel.

Your cat is spooked by fireworks and runs away.

Your dog is attacked by another dog and distraught runs to find safety.

Your cat isn’t familiar with your new home address and can’t find their way home.

Whatever the circumstance, if you lost your pet- would you know what to do?

the public to be better prepared.

So, what can you do if your pet goes missing?

Here is a handy guide to follow if your pet has gone missing.

Following this information will Animal Search UK are the UK’s give you the best possible chance of a speedy reunion leading lost and found with your beloved pet. organisation, specialising in reuniting lost and found pets.

With the dramatic rise in missing pet cases on their free website, they are calling out to

• Have a tracking collar on your pet if possible.

Please note the reliability of these devices are still up for debate.

Become a member of your local community groups across social media.

Ensure your home is safe and secure, especially outside space and gardens.

When moving address, take time to ensure your pet has adjusted to the change.

Rosie, the terrier

Keep your pet inside when there is excessive noise pollution/disruption in your area.

Things every pet owner should do BEFORE your pet goes missing:

• Ensure your pet is microchipped and keep the contact details up to date. Checking this information with the microchip company every six months is vital. You can also have the vet scan their chip at your routine check ups to ensure the chip signal is reading correctly.

• Pre-register your pet at www.animalsearchuk.co.uk

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Be mindful of change in your home that could for free to ensure all contact spook your pet and keep details and information them inside longer to including a picture of your adjust to any differences. pet are accessible to speed up the process.

Be aware of behavioural changes in your pet that Become part of Animal could indicate they are Search UK’s Petwatch nearing the end of their life Campaign – where you or are displaying signs of can access lost and found sickness. alerts immediately for pets in your local area. Help For rescued pets, ensure them to help you. you take longer to monitor the behaviour of your pet Have your pet wear a to determine if they are collar with a name tag safe in their space. and contact details.

Things every pet owner should do at the point their pet goes missing: Contact Animal Search UK for free advice over the phone on 0800 4 320 340 or online at www.animalsearchuk.co.uk.

Obtain a publicity campaignthis can often be secured through your insurance policy at no extra cost. Please see www.animalsearchuk.co.uk for more information.

Distribute posters and leaflets in areas of key interest- for Let the microchipping company example, bulk leaflet drops in know immediately. shops, schools, businesses and alike.

Contact your local veterinary practise and those in the Place posters on areas with a surrounding areas. larger footfall- such as outside supermarkets, swimming Contact your pet insurance baths, main roads and built-up provider to let them know your locations. pet has gone missing.

Physically search areas of interest – for example wooded areas and overgrowth.

Engage with online communities in your local area to share your missing pet far and wide.

Engage with the local community in your area to get the word out there and to get the community onboard.

The key to a successful reunion is to act fast and to get as much awareness in as many areas as possible.

A Colourful client

Retired vet and author of ‘Pets Aplenty’ MALCOLM

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D. WELSHMAN on a rather colourful client

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y MALCOLM D. WELSHMAN

‘Miss Veronica Springfield. A nice name,’ I commented, running a finger down the list of appointments booked in for that afternoon. ‘Conjures up pastures full of meadowsweet, poppies and nodding heads of golden wheat.’

‘Can’t go by names,’ muttered my receptionist, giving me a withering look. She was probably thinking more in terms of fields full of ragwort and dandelions.

Like me

second brown head snuffled up alongside it. Both took one look at me, growled and backed out, still growling.

‘Oh, stop it boys. Don’t be so silly.’ Veronica Springwell’s voice – not quite so melodious as before. ‘Go on, get in there.’

The two dogs reappeared.

Powerful, muscular little dogs. Brindle-coated.

Short stubby-tailed. in a field of wheat with the likes Their nails skittered and of you I thought, dreamily scrabbled on the vinyl as they ‘Meet my cheri amours,’ she gasped as reluctantly ventured the ve of them milled round reception, in, all of a puff and huff.

Malcolm and Dora

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However, when Miss Springfield did step lightly into reception, she sni ng and snorted with cocking of actually summed up her name. There was legs by two, and a squat from one of the Veronica followed, a spring in her step. holding their two other three.

And she did field an leads in one hand. In exceptionally tall her other, three and willowy frame. more stretched and watching her drift out of Her hair was buttercup yellow. strained behind her. ‘Come on reception.

I was soon jerked out Her eyes forget-me-not blue. you lot,’ she said, turning to of my reverie by a cacophony of And her lips the pink of wild pulled at them. ‘There’s nothing barks that exploded from the roses. to be afraid of.’ Three more car park. heads appeared. Three more ‘I’ll go and fetch the clan,’ she brown, muscular square heads Then the head of a French said with a lilt in her voice. ‘You that instantly emitted a series bulldog appeared round the may have to excuse their of deep growls as Veronica bottom of the reception door.

A behaviour as they are rather a dragged in another three heavy brown, massive square boisterous bunch. And can get a French bulldogs almost head, medium eyes set wide little out-of-hand.’ identical to the first two. apart, rounded upright ears. A

‘Meet my cheri amours,’ she gasped as the five of them milled round reception, sniffing and snorted with cocking of legs by two, and a squat from one of the other three.

In a whirl of leads and legs and lolling tongues, Veronica’s cheris were hustled and bustled along the corridor into my consulting room where more formal introductions were made via each individual dog being hauled onto the table – his or her name announced and for him or her to be given a general check-over by me.

Victor and Hugo the two males – father and son. Zephine,

Fantine and Cosette the three females – a mother, daughter and a half-cousin. (not clear how the latter had appeared on the family tree – something to do with a randy uncle on her aunt’s side said Veronica).

I’m not sure how the subject of chromatology arose. I think it was during my examination of Zephine, the fourth bulldog. I have to admit that by then, I was getting a bit wound up listening to my fourth heart, checking my fourth set of lungs, my fourth set of teeth, looking down my fourth couple of ear canals.

‘It must be stressful at times,’ said Veronica, as I gave Zephine a clean bill of health and she was hauled off the table to be replaced by an identicallooking bitch – Cosette, the half-cousin. Fifth heart, fifth set of lungs, etc. coming up. ‘Being a vet,’ she added as I rammed my auriscope down my ninth ear canal. Just one more to go.

‘Maybe you should try a bit of this.’

A card was slid across the table as I popped my auriscope out of its last lug-hole.

I snatched it up and quickly glanced at it. Dr Veronica Springfield. Chromatologist.

Let me bring colour into your life. A mobile phone number and website were detailed.

‘Thank you, yes. Certainly worth considering.’

‘You might find it does you good,’ said Veronica, gathering up her cheris’ leads. ‘Take you out of yourself.’

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Malcolm Welshman’s memoir, An Armful of Animals, is available from www.amazon.co.uk at £7.99. Kindle price £1.99.

Bel Mooney of the Daily Mail says of the memoir, ‘A witty take on a young vet’s life that pet lovers will nd endearing.’ www.malcolmwelshman.co.uk. *****************************

Could well do I mused as I watched Veronica Springfield glide serenely back down to reception with her pack in tow.

New horizons. Fresh pastures. Yes, those pastures in particular could do me good especially with the likes of Veronica to lend me a guiding hand as she plunged through shafts of ripening wheat.

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I coloured at the thought.

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