August, 2017
MY PETS: LADY CHICHESTER’S CAMELS
ALISON COLEMAN TALKS TO THE ‘FAIRY DOGMOTHER’ OUR CHOICE OF THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR Pets Magazine PET, MARIE CARTER ON HOW TO BECOME AN EXPAT WITH
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Sophie & Nell’s Choices Premium pet products, destinations & activities for you & your pet chosen by Sophie & Nell, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, assisted by Marie. Four-legged Fancies Four Legged Fancies is a beautiful bespoke dog bakery near Bath, which specializes in handmade, organic and wheatfree treats for dogs. In addition to homemade baked goods, Four Legged Fancies (FLF) now supplies dog accessories, toys and a newly launched ‘Party Package’ which includes an edible pass the parcel, birthday cake and doggy music playlist. The brand has been featured on ITV’s This Morning and has a growing list of celebrity clients including 'Buster' the gorgeous greyhound from Gogglebox. We love these super tasty treats including the yummy ‘pupcakes’ (pictured). The biscuits are perfect for treats and the party packs are a great idea for pooch birthday parties. www.fourleggedfancies.co.uk
‘Peamutt Butter’ for Dogs Duerr’s Peamutt Butter is a peanut butter for dogs that can be added to Kong’s for a special treat. It’s produced by well-known preserves company Duerr’s who decided that pets should be treated too. It contains heart-healthy vitamin B, niacin and vitamin E. www.petscorner.co.uk
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Pet Teepees We love these beautiful beds or dens for pets. The pet teepees are both quirky and cute and will provide a snug little bed for the pampered pooch or feline in your life. www.myweeteepee.co.uk
PS/ We’re always looking for premium products to review both for pets and people. Please get in touch with the boss at editor@petsmag.co.uk. Love,
Sophie & Nell
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Become an expat with your pet! Sick and tired of the wet and windy UK weather? Moving abroad is something we’ve probably all considered at some point. Sick and tired of the wet and windy UK weather? Moving abroad is something we’ve probably all considered at some point. For those that do make the move, the opportunity to take the much loved family pet along on the adventure is an added bonus. Of the pet owners questioned in a recent survey by http:// www.ixpvisas.com/ the most common pets that people wanted to take with them were dogs (42 per cent), cats (36 per cent) and rabbits (16 per cent). The pets people were most likely to leave behind were fish (29 per cent), and guinea pigs (22 per cent). “Working out the right rules for the family pet is often described as the most difficult part of relocation, but thankfully help is available from a number of specialist companies,” says Nigel Ayres, CEO and founder of World of Expats – the first destination for expats. Taking pets abroad does require detailed planning and sometimes there are pre-travel veterinary requirements which need to take place up to six months prior to the intended export date - so early research for
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your individual destination is advisable. Also remember that not every country will accept every breed of pet - for example Australia will not allow the importation of rodents, among others. When shipping your pet, it is essential your animal is properly looked after by professionals and you are comfortable with the company you choose. Check out their reputation and make sure you understand what is included in the quote and what will be your responsibility.
• Your pet’s ticket price is directly related to the volume of the crate.
Pets are normally transported as ‘live animal’ cargo - but your pet will be carried in the specialist cargo hold of the plane, which is heated and pressurised. Pets can also be shipped to some destinations as ‘accompanied baggage’, but only if you are on the same flight as your pet. Points to remember: • Crates must meet current IATA regulations.
• Make sure that the carrier has sufficient quantities of water for the journey. • Food is not permitted during the flight, as it can be deemed as a choking hazard. • Pets are not permitted to be sedated for travel, but there are some natural remedies you can use.
sides. •The more exotic your pet is – the more complicated the paperwork; you may have to contact a more specialist shipper. “For many of us, our family pet is just that – a very real part of the family,” says Nigel. “But, the good news is, that with planning and research, there’s every chance they can make the trip with you.”
• Ensure that the crate is For more information, visit: marked with all appropriate www.worldofexpats.com/ details and has ‘this way up’ moving-pets labels clearly visible on all
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Shelley’s Big Adventure... Katie Wood, originally from London, who works for a global engineering company recently relocated with her job from Sydney, Australia to Toronto, Canada. Here’s her and husband Rob’s story of successfully relocating their pet cat, Shelley. Katie and her husband, Rob, had taken in a rescue cat Shelley, while living in Sydney. Shelley been incredibly nervous when
Toronto, she was adamant that Shelley would make the move with them. “We’d spent too much time making Shelley part of our family and she had grown to really trust us during those months – it didn’t seem fair to send her back to the rescue centre or even try to get neighbours or friends to take her on,” says Katie.
As Australia does not have rabies, import requirements were reasonable, with only current certificates for the usual vaccinations required. Shelley was required to be chipped, but she already had one from her registration in Australia. Pet passports do not exist outside the EC.
Once Katie had found a house to rent, the couple sorted out the Globe-trotting cat Shelley necessary paperwork to Shelley travelled in a Late at night in a deserted relocate Shelley comfortable crate with a customs office, Katie says from one side of blanket and a water bottle, she had the surreal the world to the but no food. She was not experience of being asked other. drugged and the crate sat to confirm that this was her It was surprisingly in a special climate ‘personal use cat’. easy, as many pet controlled section of the relocation plane hold. Finally, Shelley arrived in specialists now her new home in Toronto. exist. The firm Katie went to Toronto After an initial spell hiding they used made airport to collect her cat. under the bed, she settled all the This did involve some down happily and seemed arrangements, paperwork; firstly Katie had none the worse for her long collecting Shelley to collect the arrival trip. Rob taking Shelley to the vets in Tortonto from her home in paperwork from Air Sydney, arranging Canada’s cargo area, then “I’m so glad that we took she first moved in. But over her long journey (flying from she had to drive across to the months, Katie and Rob Sydney to Vancouver, then the customs offices, obtain Shelley with us,” says Katie. “All being well, she had gained her confidence onwards from Vancouver to approval and pay a fee, will be moving with us and the playful feline had Toronto), providing her then go back to Air Canada again when we (hopefully) become very much part of travel crate, arranging to finally collect Shelley. move back to the UK in a the family. paperwork, and the vet This was frustrating as she few years time.” inspection on arrival in had been traveling for over When Katie was offered the Canada. 24 hours by this point. opportunity to move to Pets Magazine
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Lady Chichester’s Pet Camels
We meet LADY CHICHESTER and her wonderful camels, Therese and Temujin. © Lady Chichester
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Thérèse and Temujin
BY MICHELLE WOOD
Lady Chichester is an active supporter of a number of It’s estimated that four out of animal welfare charities and ten households own a pet with she thrives on keeping herself many of us having a fondness busy. When she is not for a particular animal. While committed to her hectic work you might be attracted to the schedule in the performing faithfulness of a dog, or the arts, Lady Chichester is contented nature of a reptile or passionate about all her pets even the docile habits of a and likes to take full chicken, it’s not every day that responsibility for their care you find yourself up close and and wellbeing when she is at personal with two, very home. friendly pets that stand well over six feet tall! As an animal lover myself, it was a truly fascinating Traditionally nicknamed as experience to interview Lady “ships of the desert” because of Chichester and of course meet their ability to survive in very her beloved camels. This is harsh climates, Thérèse and what she had to say about the Temujin are two camels who not so secret life of Thérèse belong to Lady Chichester and and Temujin… live in the spacious grounds of her home near Salisbury.
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Q. Who are Thérèse and Temujin? Thérèse (18) and Temujin (12) are two domestic Bactrian camels who are still very much in their prime. Thérèse joined my family in Wiltshire when she was just 10 months old and was later joined by Temujin. Temujin is a handsome creature and from first sight he became enamored of Thérèse and wooed her with tact and diplomacy. After a long courtship by camel standards, Temujin finally won the heart of Therese and they are now very close and enjoy a very rewarding friendship. Thérèse and Temujin are extremely conscious of their appearance and Temujin in particular loves bright colours!
Thérèse © Lady Chichester
Q. Where are they originally from? Thérèse is of Mongolian descent and was born in Ireland where her parents were with the Chipperfield Circus. She was weaned at 10 months in Middle Wallop, Hampshire and then came to join my family.
Q. What are your thoughts need our help and have about wild animals in you ever been involved captivity? yourself? It is sad to see animals in captivity and I personally feel that to keep animals this way in an attempt to educate people is no longer justified. I also think that there are times when keeping animals in captivity is necessary and justified especially if it involves a breeding program that aims to preserve endangered species.
Temujin’s grandparents were originally from Russia but he was born at Martin Lacey's Great British Circus. As a youngster, he performed liberty Q. Animal lovers may be acts with his troupe with great unaware that the wild aplomb. Bactrian camel is critically
endangered. Are there any protection programs that
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Although the wild camel is the bravest, hardiest beast on the planet there are less than 1,000 of them alive today. They have been hunted ruthlessly for their meat and illegal miners have been known to poison their scarce water supply with potassium cyanide in their attempts to extract gold. Mine shafts that are left open but hidden are also agonisingly slow death traps for the wild camel. Wild camels are on the verge of extinction and it is a shocking
fact that they are more endangered than the giant panda. I became a patron for the Wild Camel Protection Foundation in 2011. I’m an active supporter and fundraiser of the captive wild camel breeding programme in Mongolia and this is now well established with captive bred camels being released into the wild which means the wild population is slowly increasing. However, the foundation is always in need of funds in order to continue their valuable work.
Q. Are Thérèse and Temujin intelligent creatures? Thérèse and Temujin are extremely intelligent on many levels. On a human level they have a huge vocabulary of words and sentences and a better memory than most people. They have great musicality and the ability to recognise pieces of music; for instance they quickly learn any musical cue for a performance knowing immediately how and when to appear and moving in time to that music. Every day we are fascinated (but no longer astonished) by their ability to understand us and demonstrate their powers of logical reasoning.
come to acknowledge that they Q. Do you, Thérèse and have many forms of intelligence Temujin have any future that people tend to be unaware plans for social events? of as existing in the animal world. Temujin enjoys performing and will enthusiastically join Q. What would you Thérèse wherever she goes. describe as Thérèse and People often associate camels Temujin’s special talents with the three wise men and while Thérèse and Temujin Temujin has always danced enjoy taking part in Nativity well to music and despite his plays, these events account for large feet he can daintily mount just a small fraction of their and dismount from a pedestal. appearances. Thérèse and He has been trained to a very Temujin have also performed at high standard and will lie down The Camel Conference and the and allow a llama to jump over Lord Mayor's show; they have his neck. had starring roles at The Royal Opera House and in the Horse Guards Parade in front of the Q. Thérèse and Temujin Queen. I am sure they will have taken part in continue to make public pantomimes, parades and appearances as long as they are happy and it’s for a good cause. fetes. They have met
royalty and celebrities like David Beckham and Bear Grylls. Do they enjoy meeting people? Thérèse and Temujin now appear in public as a couple and take part in many fund raising activities. Peoples reactions to Thérèse and Temujin varies enormously but they do receive a huge amount of affection and admiration which they thoroughly appreciate.
Yes. I have alpacas, horses, llamas, chickens, three tiny ponies, three small dogs, two sheep, two pygmy goats, two pigs, two miniature donkeys and a turkey called Sebastian! They are all unique individuals who are very affectionate - just like Thérèse and Temujin. To find out more about the wild camel visit: www.wildcamels.com
Having the privilege to know these camels so well, we have
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Q. Do you own any other pets?
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The real fairy dogmother Vet
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Adopting a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding experiences for any dog lover, says author ALISON COLEMAN, herself a proud owner of rescue whippet Dash. No one knows that better than Pat Senior, a lady who, over the last 38 years, has rescued around 8,000 dogs from council pounds, cruel owners, and puppy farms, and given them a fresh start in life. She has worked undercover for the BBC exposing the cruel side of greyhound racing, and even faced criminal charges for breaking into a puppy farm to rescue the occupants. Along the way she has seen some dreadful sights. “It never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be to their dogs,” says Pat. Alison with her rescue dog Dash
“Some that I’ve rescued were more dead than alive; badly beaten, burned with cigarettes, starved, but the feeling you get when you are able to turn their lives around is indescribable.”
shepherd who was recently rescued from a house where he had been left for days without food or water, lying in his own mess. Life for PJ looked as though it was coming to an end, While the majority of dogs that until Pat got involved. He was brought to her home, terribly she rescues are successfully underweight, his fur matted rehomed with loving new owners, some of the worst cases and flea ridden, and following a have stayed with Pat, including visit to the vet, with a diagnosis of testicular cancer. Two PJ, a 14-year-old German
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months, and a huge fundraising drive later, PJ is a different dog, happy, full of life, gaining weight, growing a beautiful new coat, and with a clean bill of health. “I have found some wonderful new homes for the dogs I’ve rescued, but PJ is going nowhere; he’s staying with me,” says Pat.
Pat with Bonnie, Halfa, and Saul
He is now one of ten dogs that Back then she was enjoying a Pat and her husband Charles successful career as a singer currently share their Lancashire home with, a “It never ceases to amaze contented, close-knit pack me how cruel people can be that includes a lurcher, to their dogs...” Saul, German shepherd cross Bonnie, who was rescued from Spain, two and an accomplished artist; Chinese Crested dogs, Halfa that was until she met Lexus and Merryweather, and two the lurcher. miniature Yorkshire terriers, Pip and Bella. She says: “I was out doing my shopping one day and I passed In the early 1980s, however, a woman on the street who Pat could not have foreseen was trying to rehome a stray how her life would pan out. dog. I couldn’t just walk away,
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so I ended up taking Lexus home.” Soon after that Pat began getting requests to take in other unwanted dogs, mainly racing greyhounds that had outlived their usefulness on the track. The lucky ones found a new home and were able to enjoy their retirement, but many were and still are despatched in the cruelest of ways by callous owners. Pat became so embroiled that the BBC asked her to help them investigate cruelty in the sport.
Pat has rescued many dogs from puppy farms
She then turned her attention to dogs, people’s pets, that had been abandoned and ended up in local council pounds, where the policy was often to destroy any unclaimed animals after a week. Pat became even more proactive. She bought a van, and made regular visits to council pounds, selected - and had to pay for - as many dogs as she could possibly fit in the van, and took them home. “I needed to get them micro chipped, neutered and vaccinated and start finding them new homes,” she says.
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When news of dogs being kept in terrible conditions at a puppy farm on the outskirts of Manchester reached her, Pat knew she had to act, and she did, carrying out a midnight raid on the property, and with the help of a group of friends, rescuing the canine occupants, but also ending up on the wrong side of the law. “There were eight of us that night,” she recalls. “We’d got inside the building, formed a line to the field at the back, and started passing the dogs out, about a dozen of them, all in a terrible state. I
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decided to go back in to bring the rest, and I was caught.” Charged with conspiring to steal a dog, Pat ended up in court, and was fined £1,500. She says: “The judge told me I’d be looking at a jail sentence if I was caught doing anything like that again – which of course I have done, many, many times. To me the dogs are all that matter.” The biggest challenge Pat has faced over the years has been finding the money to pay for food and veterinary bills, currently around £15,000 a year.
She has funded her work from her own savings, selling her jewellery, and using money she inherited after mother had died to continue rescuing her beloved dogs. She considered herself lucky to have the help and support of some very special people, including her local veterinary surgeons, and her staunch team of loyal helpers; friends, neighbours, and fellow dog-lovers, who help with the rescuing, fostering, walking and rehoming of dogs and who have also set up and run the charity Angels With Furry Coats (www.facebook.com/groups/ 560845594060484) to raise much needed funds through regular online auctions.
their time and money so generously, no dogs would be saved.” She has even managed to find time to use her creative skills to produce over a dozen books, many of them stories based on some of the real canine characters she has rescued over
“But when I see a dog that has been through a terrible ordeal get that light back in its eyes, I know it has been worthwhile, and always will be.”
Pat (centre) with some of the Angels with Furry Coats team
the years, including ‘The Adventures of Dennis the Greyhound’, ‘Smokie Whippet & The Bandits’, and ‘The Furry Dogmother’, to further help with the fundraising.
She has no regrets about the money she has spent rescuing Pat says: “Without angels like Lorraine White and Beth Betty dogs, money that could have funded a very different lifestyle Harrison, two of the for her, and she is remains powerhouses behind the resolute about what she sees as charity, and the countless her mission in life. other people who have given
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“Had I not spent all that money on rescuing dogs, I’d be living a very different lifestyle today,” says Pat.
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To help Pat in her work, visit www.facebook.com/ groups/560845594060484 Alison Coleman tweets @alisonbcoleman.
LARS B. ANDERSEN, CEO of Arty Lobster On 3D Pet Sculptures Click this link to watch the video.
And here’s two examples of Arty Lobster’s fantastic 3D sculptures. Visit their website at www.artylobster.com to order a 3D sculpture of YOUR pet!
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