All About Animals

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HELP FUTURE GENERATIONS

Leave a Legacy

Plus: Socialising your puppy - basic rules and tips, National Vegetarian Week tempting recipes, Nathan's story - one cats struggle, The older dog - when is a dog an old dog?

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T Y E K C N O A D F R O E S R HO A charity registered in Scotland No SC 037536 and in England and Wales No 290356

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Mountains Animal Sanctuary, Milton of Ogil, Glen Ogil, Forfar DD8 3SQ. TO FIND OUT MORE CALL US: 0135 6 650258.

YOU CAN ALSO DONATE AT: mountai nsanimalsanctuary.org.uk SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

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FROM TANNADICE

Editor’s Letter & Contents

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Editor's Letter &

Contents Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of All About Animals, the first edition for 2012.

We look at the importance of socialising your puppy, whether in the home, in the car, or generally with other people.

On page 4 read about some basic rules and tips to help you create an ideal dog.

Perhaps you have a dog that is now out of the puppy stage, but when is a dog an old dog? Read on page 18 how the speed of decline varies in different breeds and the changes that take place as your dog gets older and what to look out for.

We all have felt the effects of the recession, not least charities. On page 7 read about how animal related charities are trying to cope, and how you can help make a difference.

CONTENTS

4

Socialising your puppy

7

A Forever Gift

11 Book Review; National Pet Month; The London Pet Show 12 Charity News

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15 National Vegetarian Week

National Vegetarian Week takes places in May, and we have a couple of delicious vegetarian recipes for you to try, see page 15.

16 Nathan’s Story

If you buy one animal book this year, make it ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’, an inspiring true story of James Bowen, a Big Issue seller and his cat Bob. See page 11 for review.

18 The Older Dog

Some unwanted cats are sometimes difficult to re-home if they have behavioural problems, and therefore need a certain type of place to reside.

On page 16 read about ‘Nathan’ a gorgeous ginger cat that although he was incontinent, found his perfect home at Catastrophes Cat Rescue, albeit a short time.

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19 Subscription

16

15

Finally, we would like to say a big thank you to all those who have subscribed and hope you all enjoy reading this latest issue.

Cover image © Elisa Perusin - Fotolia

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability. All About Animals would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.

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SOCIALISING YOUR PUPPY

• Progress slowly and deliberately, and, if you sense an emerging problem, go back a step and work up again more slowly.

• Do not introduce more than two or three new experiences each day.

• Obtain an indoor dog crate or playpen and give your puppy a suitably sized comfortable bed to which he can retreat. This will enable you to put the pup out of harm’s way if you have to leave him for a short while.

The crate will also serve to keep the puppy away from temptation and avoid the need to have to correct any wrong-doing that occurred while your back was turned.

Cars

It is particularly important that your puppy becomes familiar with, and accustomed to, your car. Start by sitting in the front seat with your puppy on your lap. Make a fuss of him for about five minutes, on five to six consecutive days, while the car is stationary on the driveway with the engine turned off. Progress from this by getting your puppy used to sitting on the back seat, or in the passenger footwell, and to the sound of the engine being started.

Then try travelling a short distance,

SOCIALISING YOUR PUPPY

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dequate habituation and socialisation is fundamental to the prevention of behaviour problems. We cannot overemphasise just how important this step is in creating an ideal dog. With an understanding of how dogs learn and the stage of their development, it is possible to use this information to socialise your puppy to maximum effect.

Naming your dog

If you haven’t already decided on a name for your puppy, you need to do so. The sooner your pup becomes accustomed to his name, the easier training will be.

Choose a name that is short and snappy and that cannot be easily shortened or varied. It is best not to have an alternative affectionate name, as this can lead to confusion for your puppy. Ensure that everyone in your family realises the importance of calling the puppy by name at all times; this will greatly help the habituation, socialisation and training processes.

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Basic rules and tips

Listed below are some basic rules and tips that will help you to socialise your puppy without any problems.

• Plan ahead. Use your imagination, to try to understand what your puppy is thinking and experiencing, and you won’t go far wrong.

• When he is forthcoming and shows no fear, always reward your puppy promptly with lavish praise and/or a titbit. Speak in a kind voice, with feeling – “Well done!”, “There’s a good dog” etc.

• Make sure you cover all contingencies and particularly all sorts of people and other animals, one by one, during this critical time. Take special care that the puppy is not likely to be frightened by any new experiences.

• Habituate your puppy to the sounds and smells of towns and country, to suit your planned lifestyle.

• Make all new encounters cheerful and fun occasions, accompanied with lavish praise and jollying.

perhaps just around the block. Jolly the pup and reward calm behaviour with lavish praise and titbits.

Dogs that become fearful, overexcited, or those that bark continually or suffer from car sickness are not just a nuisance but can be the cause of road traffic accidents. Aim to make your car a second home to your dog – a place where he can be left quietly on his own if necessary. If you have a secure drive, leave the car door open and let the puppy jump in and out on his own and sit on the back seat several times during consecutive days. Alternatively, let the puppy do this while you are present so that you can supervise the exercise. When the pup jumps in and sits or lies quietly, give lots of praise and a titbit.

When you have trained your puppy to behave in this ideal way, teach him to wait quietly and calmly in the car on his own. Firstly, leave your pup shut in the car for only a very short time and observe him from a convenient hiding place nearby. This will allow you to return promptly if your dog shows signs of being anxious,

SOCIALISING YOUR PUPPY

or if he starts to behave inappropriately.

Good behaviour should, of course, be lavishly rewarded on your return.

Gradually increase the duration of the time the dog is left until you’re happy that he will be quiet and safe for at least the time it takes to do the week’s shopping. By all means teach your dog to raise the alarm if someone touches the car, but do not encourage him to bark hysterically at people simply passing by.

It is extremely useful to be able to leave your dog safely in your car, without any anxiety on your behalf, for up to 1½to 2 hours. To have a place where your dog can rest comfortably, out of the way, is particularly helpful when you have, for example, workmen in your house coming and going with tools and tins of paint, etc, or visitors who do not like dogs.

Whenever your dog is left in your car always ensure that: • The car is not left in direct strong sunlight.

• There is an adequate amount of ventilation by leaving the windows open an inch or two and that the sun roof, if you have one and the weather is suitable, is left open.

• Your dog has access to water if he is possibly going to be left for more that 1½ hours.

• There is no way that your dog can escape.

• Your dog’s lead is not left attached to his collar – it is only too easy for the lead to become caught around the handbrake or gear lever, which could choke your dog or see your car running away!

Dogs should never be left on their own in a car with children. Although they may be trustworthy, they can cause serious injury simply by pacing actively, backwards and forwards if they fear that someone is going to invade ‘their’ territory or harm ‘their’ children.

When travelling with your dog never let him put his head out of the window. Not only is this dangerous, but you could end up having to seek veterinary help in respect of sore or damaged eyes.

People

When introducing your dog to people, again, go slowly. First, use friends who are familiar with your house.

Tell them, in advance of a visit, not to knock loudly on the door but to enter quietly. Ask them to speak to the dog, call him by name, and approach slowly; letting the puppy ‘lead’ the encounter as far as possible. If your puppy seems at all fearful, start by introducing him to newcomers from the safety of your arms. Jolly him along, praising the desired behaviour.

Introduce quiet children one at a time, and, when successful, progress to noisy ones and bigger groups.

Anticipate the arrival of the postman and refuse collectors. Let your puppy hear the sounds they make, from the inside the house initially with the doors and windows shut. During subsequent sessions, you can expose him to these experiences a little more close by. Encourage these and other workmen to get to know your dog as a puppy. Again, get them to speak to your pup, calling him by name and letting him make the first moves. If such encounters are left until the dog is older and bigger, the workmen may show anxiety, which will inevitably be picked up by your dog. And the encounter can end up being totally counterproductive.

People walking with sticks, carrying loads and wearing clothes that rustle can all be cause for concern to a dog.

They may possibly invoke a fear reaction in your puppy, leading to shyness of such sights and sounds, or even aggressive behaviour. Act out the situation and roles yourself before you let your puppy see strangers acting in these ways. When your puppy knows the meaning of ‘leave’, teach him that chasing people on bicycles is not allowed and that obeying another learnt response is more rewarding.

Other Animals

Introduce your puppy to other animals, particularly other dogs and cats. Go carefully and thoughtfully.

Start with small dogs that are known to be friendly, and try to arrange the initial encounter on your territory.

With cats it may be better to wait until your puppy has learned the meaning of the words ‘leave’ and ‘sit’ to avoid any chance of him realising that chasing cats can be fun and rewarding! It is better to introduce a cat to a puppy while you are in control – i.e. the puppy can be restrained while the cat is free to leave should she be alarmed by the puppy’s presence. Work slowly, taking one step at a time.

When out for walks with your dog, and while he is learning about other animals, think ahead and cross the road if you see another dog approaching, especially if the dog looks as though he might be aggressive to your puppy.

This will avoid any risk of conflict or a fear-invoking incident. Remember, prevention is your watchword – don’t risk failure. When your dog is a little older, introduce him to known-to-befriendly dogs. Joining training classes or puppy classes can be a useful way to accustom your dog to other dogs.

An extract from Puppylopaedia A Complete Guide to Puppy Care, by J.M. Evans, published

by Interpet Publishing.

Ensure that everyone in your family realises the importance of calling the puppy by name at all times; this will greatly help the habituation, socialisation and training processes. a l l a bout Ani ma l s

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Large or small, your legacy will make a big difference.

Sometimes it’s hard to decide who to help.

But you don’t have to choose between saving a helpless animal from suffering or saving a human life when you choose the Dr Hadwen Trust. You will be helping both.

For 42 years, the DHT has funded ground-breaking medical research that does not harm any animals and has helped in the fight against cancer, heart disease and mental health disorders, to name a few.

We rely solely on voluntary donations and legacies from people who are compassionate about animals and want to support our valuable and essential work.

By leaving us a legacy, however large or small, you will help us create a world in which all life is precious.

Help us continue to save lives, both human and animal.

To receive your legacy pack: Call: 01462 436 819 or Email: info@drhadwentrust.org

Registered Charity No. 261096

For more information about our work visit www.drhadwentrust.org Suite 8 | Portmill House | Portmill Lane | Hitchin | Hertfordshire | SG5 1DJ | United Kingdom

A Forever Gift

A Forever Gift A legacy is one of the ways of making sure your love of animals makes a difference beyond your lifetime.

Animal charities need your help now more than ever.

isit a supermarket or shopping centre and there is a very good chance there will be somebody on the door or in the foyer, asking you to contribute to one charity or another. Switch on the TV and thousands of pounds are being raised from television viewers while they sit watching ‘fund-raising’ programmes.

Pick up any newspaper and read about the millions of pounds that are handed out by the lottery commission to all sorts of causes, deservedly or otherwise. So what is the effect of all this visible fund raising having on the general public?

Could it just be making everyone believe that all charities are well supported, well funded and generally doing very nicely thank you!

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Sadly though, this is often not the case! To just survive another day is a constant struggle, with many charities working for animal welfare still fighting for every penny they can lay their hands on, and certainly without lottery funding. Even more so with the current economic climate, whereby people are losing their homes and families are breaking up, making it impossible for people to keep their pets. Others, because of the recession cannot afford the up-keep of pets and

therefore more and more animals are being abandoned or taken to animal sanctuaries. There is often no certainty for charities that the next month’s rent on property, accommodation or stables can be paid.

The weekly food bill, for a resident animal population that can be counted in the thousands, is a nightmare to find every week. Add, on top of that, the cost of staff and vets fees, surgery, hospitalisation and veterinary medicines.

Some charities are fortunate in owning or having had bequeathed, properties that are home for both the animals and the administration.

But, as every house owner will know, the upkeep of any building will, in itself, cost a small fortune.

Most animal homes or sanctuaries rely on their full time members of staff, whose training is essential, to look after the sick or injured animals.

Being full time usually means that this is how they earn their living, so however dedicated they may be in animal welfare and most of them are, the charity has to pay them a living wage or risk losing them to other forms of employment.

So just how do these animal charities that do such sterling work all over the country survive? The answer most will tell you, is their reliance solely on work done and income raised or donated by a loyal group of ‘friends’ and ‘supporters’.

It’s not just charities running animal sanctuaries that are in need of your help. Many organisations are struggling to raise funds to aid animal welfare. Help is needed to continue developing techniques and procedures for medical research into human disease without the use of animals or animal tissue, and to eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research a l l a bout Ani ma l s

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A Forever Gift

How can you help the financial way?

We would be churlish, to say the least, if we didn’t state that money is what it’s all about, after caring for the animals, that is. But without that so vital ingredient, the loving care that all charities give to every resident animal, research and development, or the conservation of wildlife, would be impossible.

Although it’s a subject many people don’t like to deal with, it is essential to keep your affairs in order.

A legacy in a Will left to your favourite animal related charity will ensure your love and affection for animals can be continued by another generation. and testing. Funds are also needed to help organisations in their research work, to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injury in animals, enabling them to live happier, healthier lives. Being an animal lover you may at some time have had to have a much loved pet operated on and will appreciate the importance of ensuring animal hospitals remain at the forefront of veterinary medicine and vital up-todate equipment is at hand, to provide care to thousands of sick and injured animals every year, as well as the training of veterinary personnel.

As well as family pets, organisations

Charitable organisations work silently and constantly purely for the benefit of others and although donations are welcomed by most charities, it is legacies that really can make a difference. There may be an economic downturn, but leaving even a little money to a charity, after taking care of loved ones, can make a vast difference.

Of course, family and loved ones should always come first, but donations to charity in Wills can sometimes mean your family avoids paying inheritance tax on your estate, as a legacy to charity is a tax-free gift, which means the charity receives the full value of

Charitable organisations work silently and constantly purely for the benefit of others and although donations are welcomed by most charities, it is legacies that really can make a difference. are constantly striving to raise money to help conserve wildlife. Many work closely with local people abroad offering training and education to protect the environment and preserve many endangered species. Many people overseas, particularly in parts of Africa, rely heavily on animals for their livelihood. Very often, due to a lack of education many have very little understanding of animal welfare and it’s only with the support of charities working to educate owners, giving advice and practical support together with essential veterinary treatment and training, that communities are encouraged to treat all animals with respect, thus improving animal health and well being.

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the gift. By contributing in this way everyone benefits – the charity by receiving the gift and the donor because legacies are not subject to Inheritance Tax. It’s not just the rich and wealthy that leave money to charity when they die.

Anyone can leave a legacy to charity however big or small. What matters is the end result, which is playing your part to help the good work live on, as without the gifts left in Wills many of the charities we know and support today would not even exist.

But also remember, the next time you go to your local supermarket or shopping centre and you’re asked to contribute to an animal charity, don’t

just give money and forget about it.

Say to yourself ‘I could help make a greater difference here”! Then, do something about it. Please!

Gift Aid and Inheritance Tax Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt welcomed an initiative to encourage more people to leave a charitable gift in their Will. “Times are tough at the moment and while people are feeling the pinch, more than half the population still give to charity each month,” he said.

“What’s surprising is that only seven per cent of people ever leave money to a charity in their will.

Including a gift to charity in a will is a great way to recognise an organisation that’s been there for you during your life.”

Anyone leaving 10 per cent of their estate to charity in their Will from 6 April 2012 will benefit from a reduction in Inheritance Tax from 40% to 36%.

Rob Cope, director of Remember A Charity, welcomed the tax incentive but said that the "collective challenge is now to reach beyond the top 3% to help create a social norm".

David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband are supporting the campaign encouraging people to leave 10 per cent of their estate to charity in their wills. The leaders of the three main political parties have pledged to leave at least 10 per cent of their estates to charity as part of the Legacy10 campaign, set up by Roland Rudd, chairman of the PR firm RLM Finsbury.

Large and small, they need our support We asked some of our patients about our work.

They barked, miawoed, neighed, grunted, chirped, mooed and baaed.

We think they meant ‘thank you.’

Please help us to keep the tails wagging by making a donation or remembering our work in your will.

We can’t do it without you.

If you would like further information on donating to the Trust or leaving us a gift in your will, please contact the Animal Care Trust on 01707 666039 or alternatively, visit www.rvc.ac.uk/act.

Funding research, educating vets and supporting the hospitals that save lives.

Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust Hawkshead Lane North Mymms Hertfordshire AL9 7TA Tel 01707 666039 Fax 01707 666382 Email act@rvc.ac.uk

Because Animals Matter

The Animal Care Trust

Registered charity no: 281571

UK Registered Charity No. 328176

Many animals are at risk from threats including poaching and habitat loss.

Friends of Conservation (FOC) works with communities, offering practical solutions for more sustainable living. Please support us in our aims to protect wildlife and improve people’s lives – now and in future. Visit www.foc-uk.com or call 0207 348 3408 to find out more...

© FOC/J Downey

Make sure your pet’s future is in Safe Hands

© The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals 02/12

What would happen to your pet if the unthinkable happened to you? As a responsible pet owner it’s important to plan for your pet’s future.

Make plans for your pet in your will By including a gift in your will for PDSA, we can look after your pet when the time comes, finding it a new home and providing you with peace of mind.

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity established in 1917 and cares for more than 480,000 pet patients

Find out about Safe Hands – PDSA’s rehoming service at:

www.pdsa.org.uk/safehands or phone us free on:

0800 591 248 Registered charity nos. 208217 & SC037585

The Humane Research Trust The first Trust to promote medical and scientific research without the use of animals

HUMAN MODELS FOR HUMAN DISEASES HELPS PEOPLE AND SAVES ANIMALS The Humane Research Trust Brook House, 29 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 2DN Telephone: 0161 439 8041 Email: info@humaneresearch.org.uk Website: www.humaneresearch.org.uk Registered Charity Number 267779

Help us prevent animal suffering A great many animals suffer unnecessarily due to our lack of knowledge and understanding of their needs and how best to meet them. UFAW promotes research and education, developing practical solutions to welfare problems, and disseminates the results worldwide through publications, workshops and international conferences.

Your support will make a lasting difference for millions of animals now and in the future. For more information about UFAW or how you can support this work through a donation or gift in your Will, contact:

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare Room AAA, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN Tel: 01582 831818 Email:ufaw@ufaw.org.uk Web: www.ufaw.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 207996 (Registered in England) and Company Limited by Guarantee No. 579991

Sc i e nc e i n the Se r v i c e o f Ani ma l Wel f are

MUST READ

A Street Cat Named Bob James Bowen

Published by Hodder & Stoughton, £14.99

A Street Cat Named Bob is the inspiring true story of how a troubled Big Issue seller James Bowen, transformed his life after befriending a ginger tom cat.

James found Bob five years ago injured in the hallway of his block of flats. After nursing him back to health he decided that it was only fair to allow Bob his freedom back, Bob had other ideas and so began a journey for both and would prove the catalyst for James’s road back to rehabilitation after drug dependency.

He takes us on a journey through the London streets where both cat and man face many potential hazards busking or selling the Big Issue. The book makes us aware of the many problems that James faces in his

daily life with his loyal friend Bob at his side. Whether it's travelling by bus, perched on his shoulder as he walks through London or sitting calmly by his feet, Bob remains the one constant in James's life.

Reading his story also transports the reader to the world of the homeless and dispossessed and gives a real insight on how it feels to be on the margins of society. His story is brave, heart wrenching and there are moments in the book when you fear for the survival of both James and Bob. Ultimately what I love about the book is that it reaffirms something that cat lovers have always known; that man’s best friend (and certainly James’s) really is his cat!

ALL ABOARD FOR LONDON PET SHOW 2012 The London Pet Show 2012 will open its gates to a wonderful world of creatures great and small on May 12 and 13 at Earls Court Two. The UK’s largest event showcasing a range of pets, sponsored by Vanish, will have four zones, Discover Dogs, Discover Cats, Discover Small Furries and Discover Animals, incorporating exotics and aquatics.

Each area will have its own live, interactive feature areas with demonstrations, talks and activities focused on caring for pets, what breed is right for different lifestyles and animal behaviour plus plenty of shopping opportunities.

The show’s programme of exciting animal displays includes dog heelwork to music, duck herding, rabbit agility, ferret racing and much more. People who love animals should look no further for a fun filled and informative spring day out and head to the London Pet Show.

Tickets are on sale at www.londonpetshow.co.uk or by phone on 0844 873 7332 and cost £13 for adults, £9 for children and under fives go free. Family tickets and concession for seniors are also available.

Pets and people make a winning team for National Pet Month National Pet Month – April 7 to May 7 2012 – is just around the corner.

With this year’s theme of Your pets and you: a winning team, National Pet Month will be encouraging people of all ages to come together and celebrate life with their pets, helping them spread the word on responsible ownership.

There will be all kinds of fun events taking place across the country where people can celebrate happy times with their pets. Alternatively, they are inviting animal lovers to stage their own event in aid of a favourite animal charity and tell them about it.

Pet owners could speak to their local vet surgery about putting on an open day, organise a sponsored dog walk or pet show, ask a local church about conducting a pet-friendly service or stage a fair or fete on a pet theme.

The only limit is imagination.

For further information visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

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Kenya’s Masai Mara region is renowned for its wildlife © FOC/J Downey

‘Animals have no nationality. They cannot ask for help in their pain.’ Dorothy Brooke In 1934, Dorothy Brooke rescued 5,000 horses abandoned in Egypt at the end of the First World War. Today, the Brooke helps over 900,000 horses, donkeys and mules working overseas every year. Providing veterinary treatment and community education, we aim to reach 2 million working animals a year, by 2016.

Please help us. visit www.thebrooke.org or call 020

11DPRLGAAA

3012 3456

Registered Charity Number: 1085760

FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION 30 YEARS PROTECTING WILD ANIMALS IN KENYA Friends of Conservation (FOC) is an international wildlife charity, this year celebrating 30 years conservation efforts in the field, operating mainly in the Greater Mara region of Kenya, close to the Masai Mara Reserve, which is renowned for its biodiversity. They aim to protect animals at risk from threats including poaching and loss of habitat by offering practical support to local communities, helping improve people’s livelihoods and ensuring that they see a real benefit from their close existence to wildlife.

FOC’s ‘Rhino Walks’ enable school children to experience the incredible variety of wildlife and wonderful scenery in the Reserve. Recently a group was lucky to see a number of rhino, a rare sight and a tremendous encouragement, especially for the Maasai community scouts who conduct regular patrols, looking out for any potential threat to these vulnerable creatures.

New enterprise schemes will provide training in skills like beekeeping – a potential source of income. And FOC’s community workshops aim to offer advice on topics such as business skills and focus awareness on key issues including HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria.

FOC also supports like-minded organisations in their efforts to conserve endangered wildlife, for example through tiger conservation in India and rainforest protection in Costa Rica.

For more information visit www.foc-uk.com, email focinfo@aol.com or call 0207 348 3408.

SWEP helps abandoned Stallion

Sam’s Got Something Serious To Say Do you, like me, tend to live in the here and now? I had spent most of my time just thinking about what ball to chase next or when my dinner will be arriving. But coming back from my last adventure to show my owner the stick I had found, he wasn’t there. I didn’t understand where he had gone.

But thankfully, my owner had thought about my future, if something happened to him, and had made provision for my care through The Mayhew, where I will be looked after until I am found another loving home. To help more animals like Sam and for more information about how to leave a gift to The Mayhew in your Will, please contact us.

South West Equine Protection is a small Devon based charity run mainly by volunteers. The charity takes in wild moorland ponies from Dartmoor and Bodmin moor that have been abandoned or need urgent medical attention.

They were recently called to a coloured stallion that had been abandoned in someone’s field. It had become very lame and was partially sighted. An owner for the stallion could not be found and was destined to be shot unless taken in by SWEP. Their Welfare Officer attended the situation with the SWEP horse lorry and removed the pony, bringing him back to the rehabilitation yard.

Thank you.

The stallion has since had his feet seen to, which has helped with his lameness and been castrated. He is a super little pony but will be looking for a special kind of home taking into account his partial sight.

The Mayhew Animal Home Helping animals and their carers since 1886

SWEP have had a very busy start to the year and the stallion’s story is just one of their many cases this year. The charity never sells any of their ponies, but they loan them out on a loan scheme.

020 8969 0178 www.mayhewanimalhome.org

For further information on SWEP visit www.swep.org

Charity News Dorothy Brooke with a war horse outside in Old War Horse Memorial Hospital in Cairo © The Brooke

DEAF AND BLIND RESCUE DOG IS GIVEN GIFT OF SIGHT

BY ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST

Real-life War Horses

With the release of Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed adaptation of War Horse earlier this year, there has been much talk about the real-life war horses. One charity in particular has been sharing its history and archives.

The Brooke's history dates back to the First World War, when founder Dorothy Brooke, rescued 5,000 ex warhorses in Egypt.

Following the war, it is estimated 20,000 horses belonging to the British, Australian and American forces were sold into a life of hard labour in Egypt alone.

In 1930, Dorothy Brooke travelled to Egypt with her Brigadier husband and she discovered many ex warhorses were still alive, but these once proud animals were hungry and weak, lame, ill-shod, blind and suffering effects from the extreme climate. She sought out the remaining war horses and organised an appeal in The Morning Post (now the Daily Telegraph). The public were so moved they sent her the equivalent of £20,000 in today's money to help end their suffering. Within three years, Dorothy had set up a committee and bought 5,000 ex-warhorses.

Aware many more working horses, donkeys and mules were in need, Dorothy set up the Brooke Hospital for Animals in 1934 and opened the ‘Old War Memorial Hospital’ in Cairo, which remains operational today.

Dodger, an 18-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was born completely deaf and with severe cataracts in both his eyes, has been given the gift of sight by Animal Health Trust (AHT) vets.

The Mayhew Animal Home come to Bernard’s rescue Although Britain is supposedly renowned as a nation of animal lovers, The Mayhew Animal Home in London certainly sees that when it comes to abandonment people don’t discriminate and, sadly, animals of all shapes and sizes, colours and ages get turned out through no fault of their own.

In February, four year old Bernard, was brought to The Mayhew having been found limping and confused outside one of London’s busiest rail stations, Wembley Central. First taken to a local vet by a concerned member of the public, Staffy Bernard, arrived at The Mayhew the next day to be treated and looked after as he had nowhere else to go. Their veterinary team investigated the cause of Bernard’s severe limp and discovered an old untreated knee problem and that his left hip was dislocated. Their Chief Vet established that both conditions had led to severe muscle wastage around the limb and significant levels of pain from the hip joint rubbing on the pelvis.

As Bernard had already adapted to getting around using just three legs, Mayhew vets decided to amputate the limb. Bernard recovered amazingly quickly from his operation and remains an upbeat chap with love and affection for all. It is difficult to comprehend how an owner can have left their pet with such a painful injury for so long.

The Brooke is now a leading international animal welfare organisation, dedicated to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in Africa, Asia and Latin America, through veterinary treatment and community programmes.

It costs around £3400 a day to keep The Mayhew operational and all support to care for their animals comes from public donations.

For further information visit www.thebrooke.org

www.mayhewanimalhome.org

‘Genetic welfare problems more extensive and serious than expected’ says UFAW. The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is an internationally recognised, independent scientific and educational animal welfare charity.

Dodger’s story hit the headlines after his owner was caught hitting him, and the footage was posted online. His owner was subsequently prosecuted for animal cruelty and banned from keeping dogs for 15 years.

Following his rescue the RSPCA team sought advice from the AHT’s Ophthalmologists to see if Dodger’s sight problems could be rectified.

Claudia Hartley, Head of Small Animal Ophthalmology at the AHT, said: “Dodger is the most adorable dog. As soon as he arrived I fell in love with him and it wasn’t long before he’d work his charm on the rest of the vets and nurses here!”

The AHT’s vets initially performed cataract surgery on Dodger’s right-eye and it became apparent very quickly that he was able to see again.

Kirstyn Gaunt, Deputy Manager at the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre, where Dodger is currently staying, said: “Dodger is such a loveable character, and when it was discovered he was deaf and unable to see clearly, we wanted to do all we could to give him a second chance.

We were all in tears when we heard the AHT could carry out the operation for him and give him the gift of sight again – we are so extremely grateful to them for their help.”

Dodger returned to the AHT in February 2012 to have his left-eye operated on and initial signs are very good.

For more information about the AHT visit www.aht.org.uk

During the past two years, UFAW has been developing a website to provide clear and comprehensive information about the welfare consequences of hereditary problems in companion animals: to explain how these problems affect the quality of animals’ lives. While undertaking the work it has discovered that the levels and extent of adverse welfare effects is even greater than was anticipated.

The purpose of the UFAW website on genetic welfare problems (www.ufaw.org.uk/geneticwelfare problems.php) is to help people who are thinking of acquiring a pet to decide which species, strain or breed to choose – to be aware of problems and know the right questions to ask when buying in order to help avoid perpetuating the problems. The site also provides information relevant to helping breeders avoid or tackle problems. It is unique in providing comprehensive and detailed information, presented in a readily understandable way, not only on the genetic conditions themselves but also, most importantly, on their effects on the pet’s welfare, and in its aim of covering many other types of companion animal in addition to dogs and cats.

As such it provides a valuable resource not only for the public, breeders and veterinarians, but also for other websites relating to pet choice, breeding and welfare. www.ufaw.org.uk a l l a bout Ani ma l s

13

PARK HOUSE ANIMAL SANCTUARY (supported by Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund 283483)

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The sanctuary helps a variety of animals, domestic, farm, wildlife, etc.

No animal is destroyed unless terminally ill.

Also provides veterinary clinics for people on low income.

Homes sometimes needed for dogs, cats, equines and small animals.

Supported only by your donations and legacies.

For further information please write to:

Mrs M Todd MBE (Founder) Tel. 01303 862 622

Park House Animal Sanctuary, Stelling Minnis, Nr Canterbury, CT4 6AN

Please visit our new website www.allaboutanimals.co.uk

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A fight for

Survival Thanks to Redwings, Dean not only survived but is thriving Dean was one of 36 emaciated young ponies rescued from Wales.

Exhausted and desperately ill, he needed our help to survive.

Despite the odds and with Redwings’ care and expertise, Dean gradually overcame his ailments and survived, he has made a complete recovery and is now full of life.

Redwings provides permanent sanctuary care for over 1200 horses, ponies and donkeys, rescuing around a further 200 from abuse or neglect every year. Please consider leaving a legacy to give ponies like Dean a second chance, thank you.

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For more information please contact; The Legacy Officer (Inheritance Matters) Redwings Horse Sanctuary Hapton, Norwich, NR15 1SP 01508 481030 • legacies@redwings.co.uk www.redwings.co.uk

Registered Charity Number 1068911

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We believe every horse deserves a second chance

National Vegetarian Week Monday 21 May - Sunday 27 May 2012 Now in its twentieth year National Vegetarian Week (NVW) is the annual awareness-raising campaign promoting inspirational vegetarian food and the benefits of a meat-free lifestyle.

A varied vegetarian diet will supply all the essential nutrients you need to help you keep fit and healthy. In fact, a vegetarian diet can offer a wide range of health benefits. Research has shown that vegetarians suffer less from obesity, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, certain diet related cancers, diverticular diseases, appendicitis, constipation and gallstones.

For further information visit www.vegsoc.org

CARROT AND CASHEW FAN (On a Bed of Hot Puy Lentil and Dill Salad with Orange and Cardamom Sauce)

St Petersburg, Russia The original version of this impressive dish was created in honour of Count Stroganoff by a Czarist chef for a cookery competition in the 1890’s. Since then Stroganoff has been served at celebratory banquets the world over, and this stunning gourmet vegetarian version will give any occasion a little Imperial magic.

Serves 4

Mash 750g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 20g butter or margarine 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 150ml milk or soya milk 1 tbsp chives, chopped Stroganoff 40g butter or margarine 3 shallots, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic finely chopped ½ tsp paprika 500g assorted white mushrooms, roughly chopped 1 tbsp brandy 150ml double cream 1 tbsp dill, finely chopped To taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

© The Vegetarian Society – (recipe created by the Cordon Vert cookery school) www.vegsoc.org.

Ingredients

Garnish 2tbsp parsley, finely chopped Method 1 Boil or steam the potatoes until tender.

Drain and return to the pan.

2 Mash and add in the butter, mustard and chives.

Heat the milk, pour over the potatoes and beat in well.

3 Melt rest of the butter or margarine in a pan.

Add shallots and garlic and cook gently for 5 minutes.

Add the paprika and the mushrooms and cook until just soft.

4 Add the brandy and stir in the cream and dill.

Season to taste then heat gently - cover and keep warm.

5 To assemble, serve individually by placing equal portions of the mashed potato on each plate.

Spoon the stroganoff over the top, and garnish with parsley.

Ingredients 500g carrots, peeled and diced 110g onion, sliced 220g cashew nuts, finely ground 125g white breadcrumbs 7tbsp chopped fresh dill 3½ tbsp vegetable oil 150g dried puy lentils, washed 3 large, juicy oranges 12 cardamom pods, split down one side, but not opened 2 – 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2½ tsp pomegranate molasses To taste salt and pepper Garnish Dill and pomegranate seeds to garnish

© Cordon Vert school, recipe created by Marise Maddison 2008.

Visit www.cordonvert.co.uk to find out more.

MUSHROOM STROGANOFF WITH MUSTARD & CHIVE MASH

Vegan Serves 4 Preparation time 40 minutes Cooking time 40 minutes

To make the fan Preheat oven to Gas 6 / 200C. 1 Finely blend carrot and onion, mix with nuts, crumbs, 4tbsp dill and seasoning, until moist and clumping together.

2 Divide mixture between two 20cm, greased, lined sandwich tins, press down, brush each with 1½ tbsp oil.

3 Bake for 35 mins until firm and crispy.

Stand for 5 mins, turn out to serve.

To make the lentil mixture 1 Put lentils, peel of ½ an orange and 6 cardamom pods into a pan.

2 Cover with boiling water, add salt, cover and simmer for 15 – 20 mins until ‘al dente’. Drain, removing cardamom pods and orange peel.

3 Mix garlic, 3 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp pomegranate molasses, 3 tbsp chopped dill and ½ tbsp vegetable oil.

Season well and mix with lentils.

For the sauce 1 Grate zest of 1 orange into a saucepan.

2 Add juice from remaining oranges, 6 cardamom pods, 1½ tsp pomegranate molasses and 2 tbsp water.

3 Boil then simmer until mixture reduces by about two thirds.

To serve 1 Cut each fan into 8 wedges.

2 Top each mound of lentils with 4 overlapping wedges, crispy side up.

3 Drizzle with sauce, garnish with dill and pomegranate seeds. a l l a bout Ani ma l s

15

Nathan

Mr. Smiley on look-out duty

Nathan’s Story

Nathan’s Story

I couldn't stop thinking about Nathan as I watched my own three cats curled up in various chairs in the sitting room, in particular my big ginger cat Sid. I tried to imagine how I would incorporate Nathan into our domestic arrangement. Perhaps he could live in the shed, but could I have my three cats living like little princes indoors while the door was firmly shut in Nathan's face. I had to do something, I knew that most of the animal shelters would have problems rehoming an incontinent cat but I remembered Liz Varney who runs Catastrophes Cat Rescue a charity in East Sussex. Liz rehomes cats when they have little or no hope of finding a home elsewhere, giving them freedom and comfort in idyllic surroundings, where they can live out the rest of their lives in the peace and comfort they deserve, exploring the countryside and hunting in the nearby fields. Nathan’s situation was explained and Liz agreed that he should move in with the rest of the feline inhabitants in the blissful setting of Half Moon Cottage.

After a period of adjustment Nathan began to relish his new home. However this is one story that doesn’t have a happy ending. After a short time of residing at Half Moon Cottage, Nathan started to get really low, not eating and being sick. After visiting the vets and having extensive tests, it was discovered that Nathan was suffering from Aspiration Pneumonia, a condition in which the cat’s lungs become inflamed due to the inhalation of foreign matter. Everything possible was done for Nathan but unfortunately the condition had gone too far and he sadly passed away. Both Liz and Cindy, not to mention myself and my colleagues in the office that had followed Nathan’s journey, were saddened to hear of his passing, Set up in the 1970s, the aim especially as he had of Catastrophes is to help any finally found his cat that is in need and they ‘forever’ home. believe that every cat deserves

How an incontinent cat came to find his ‘forever’ home at Catastrophes Cat Rescue

By Maria Hann

L

ike many small communities, we have a neighbourhood forum where people can find information from the best plumber to what type of fruit makes the best jam, and much more inbetween. Towards the end of last year, I opened up a round robin email, which had a very different message. An urgent appeal went out for a home for a cat called Nathan, who was an adorable long haired ginger cat with a wonderful temperament. He was currently residing at the Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue with one of the volunteers, Cindy. There was only one problem, Nathan unfortunately was incontinent, making him extremely difficult to rehome. He had been found as a stray, and Cindy felt that there was a strong possibility that he had been locked up for long periods, even kept in a rabbit hutch or similar and with the right surroundings his condition could certainly improve. Nathan needed to be an outdoor cat, a farm with outbuildings with regular food and cuddles was needed. The situation was becoming critical, the charity was overrun with cats and kittens and they were having to turn them away due to lack of space. .

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Set up in the chance of a good home. the 1970s, the aim of Catastrophes is to help any cat that is in need and they believe that every cat deserves the chance of a good home. Liz leads a team of volunteers, including a vet, vet nurses and experienced trappers in helping cats

Scooby surveying his land!

Have you left anyone out of your Will? regardless of age, temperament or any behavioural problems they may have, whether tame or wild. The cats in their care are given a high standard of veterinary care and they strongly believe in spaying and neutering as a responsible part of pet ownership. Many of the cats in their care have been abandoned or ill-treated or are simply in need of a new home because of a change in people’s circumstances. But one thing that they all have in common is that they are all in need of love and care.

Cats that cannot be rehomed live out their days in the freedom and peace of the country garden that surrounds the sanctuary. The cats live in warm comfortable cat houses scattered throughout the sanctuary gardens. They are free to come and go as they please, so they can bask outside all day long in the summer sunshine or take refuge by the fire on cold winter days. Many of them need regular medication for ailments or illness, some are on special diets because of their age or their health.

Like all charities, Catastrophes relies heavily on volunteers and donations. Why not consider sponsoring one of their cats and making a difference, giving more cats a brighter future.

For further information contact Liz on 01435 830212 or email info@catastrophescats.org www.catastrophescats.org

Since 1897 The Blue Cross has been at the forefront in animal welfare. Every year our animal hospitals provide thousands of free veterinary treatments for pets whose owners cannot afford private vets’ bills. And our adoption centres take in thousands of homeless and unwanted pets.

We look after them until loving new homes can be found, no matter how long it takes – The Blue Cross will never put a healthy animal to sleep just because it has no home.

The Blue Cross gets no Government funding and relies instead on the generosity of its supporters. By leaving a gift to The Blue Cross in your Will you can help to secure the future for thousands of animals. And of course, if you need us to, we will be there for your special companion too.

Return the coupon or write to the address below to receive our FREE Will-writing and information pack.

T

Please send me your FREE advice & information pack on making or amending a Will and leaving a gift to The Blue Cross.

Name (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Address

Postcode

Beauty Spot in her flower pot!

Telephone No.

Send to: Narelle Khan, The Blue Cross, Freepost OF224, Room L486, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4BR. Or please call 01993 825594 and quote L486

www.bluecross.org.uk Registered charity no: 224392 (England and Wales), SC040154 (Scotland)

The Older Dog

The Older Dog Dogs, even the Peter Pans, inevitably experience physical and mental wear and tear. For many of us this happens far too soon. It seems only yesterday that our dogs were pups when of out of the blue they are, well, there’s no other word for it – old. Maybe your dog decides it’s time to stop playing before you do. Perhaps it just doesn’t hear as well. Over the following months and years, your dog inexorably ages, right before your eyes, usually with grace and dignity. Our geriatric-adolescent housemates become tired and worn.

The speed of decline varies. Two dogs may be exactly the same age but behave in radically different ways, partly because of genes, but also partly because of their food and environment. All older dogs become less tolerant of any type of change.

Physically they become less tolerant of weather changes, and mentally they become rigid in their wants and routines. Old dogs thrive on ritual and a constant environment.

With time, natural balances within the body start to falter. Every cell in your dog’s body contains a biological clock that determines how long it will live. Some cells, for example those that line the intestines, live for less than a week and are constantly and efficiently replaced by new cells. This ability to create new cells eventually falters. New cell production is not as fast, as accurate, or as efficient as it once was. Other cells, for example brain cells, can’t replace themselves.

A dog has a maximum allocation when it is young, and then it’s up to the body to hold on to them as long as possible.

Both inefficient replacement and no replacement create many of the conditions associated with ageing.

With those intestinal cells, for example, this inefficiency may lead to less efficient absorption of nourishment and consequent weight loss, or poor movement in the bowels leading to constipation. If a dog “loses” its toilet training there may be a physical cause, such as sphincter muscle weakening, that leads to urinary incontinence, or the brain

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cells may no longer be overseeing body functions as they once did. Brain changes occur faster in some dogs than in others; just as with us, senile behaviour changes vary considerably from one dog to another.

In a culture obsessed with health, it can be difficult to remember that ageing isn’t an illness. Although many illnesses occur most frequently during the last third of a dog’s life, old age is natural and inevitable. Only when inevitable age-related changes happen faster than average can they be called illness or diseases. While ageing is inevitable, there is ample evidence that dietary modifications, weight management, changes in exercise routines, maintenance of good health, and routine mental stimulation cam dramatically prolong a dog’s active years.

When is dog and old dog?

There’s no specific age when a dog becomes old. Signs of ageing are almost obvious by the time a dog enters the last third of its expected life span, so large breeds with shorter lives age earlier than small breeds with longer expectancies. In my veterinary practice, I recommend a detailed preventative health check-up as early as six years of age in breeds such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, but not until nine for Labradors and Golden Retrievers, and ten for most of the smaller breeds including small Poodles and Dachshunds.

If a dog appears perfectly healthy on examination, I find no hidden problems in 98 per cent of these inspections, but in the rest blood tests reveal something amiss, such as inefficient kidney function or intestinal absorption. These agerelated changes can be discovered long before a dog starts to show clinical signs: by the time a dog is drinking more because of failing kidney filtration, it has permanently lost three-quarters of its kidney function. The earlier a problem is discovered, the earlier treatment can begin and the longer your dog will live.

An adapted extract from Dog: The definitive guide for dog owners by Bruce Fogle. Published

by Mitchell Beazley.

RSP £15.99.

ISBN 978-1-84533-671-4.

SUBSCRIBE TO

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To subscribe, please complete the form below and return with a cheque made payable to Amra Media Solutions for ÂŁ6.00 (4 issues) Subscriptions Department, Amra Media Solutions, The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES Name Address

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CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUE Over the years we have helped an increasing number of cats and kittens in distress, by taking them into our care and finding good homes for them. The cats we take in have often been abandoned or badly treated, some are simply strays who have never had the chance of a proper caring home.

Our aim is to help any cat that is in need and we believe that every cat deserves the chance of a good home.

We do not believe in putting animals to sleep unnecessarily and we actively encourage sterilisation as a vital part of pet ownership. Please remember us in your will. Your donation or legacy will help our work for the animals and save lives.

Catastrophes Cat Rescue Contact Liz Varney

Half Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane, Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9JS Tel: 01435 830212 Fax: 01825 768012 Email: lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.org Registered Charity Number: 1017304

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