About Animals Spring Issue

Animals About

Spring/Summer 2013 Issue 24

magazine ÂŁ1.50

SOCIALISING YOUR PUPPY understanding canine social etiquette

Plus: Keeping Pet Chickens - caring for and handy hints, Now is the time to give a pet a home, A Will is the Way - make a difference to an animal charity, Cats’ Miscellany - famous people and their cats

A charity registered in Scotland No SC 037536 and in England and Wales No 290356

E M I T T X NE T F I G A E V GI E H T H T I W ’ H H H H ‘AHHH .

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T Y E C K N A O F A HORSE OR D ADOPT

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To adopt a horse or donkey call us ure future to look forward to.

With your help can give them a sec TO ADOPT call us or to donate text: now on FREEPHONE 0300 999 99 PONY33 followed 9 by the amount in 3 £’s to 70070

Mountains Animal Sanctuary, Milton of Ogil, Glen Ogil, Forfar DD8 3SQ. TO FIND OUT MORE CALL US: 01356 650258.

YOU CAN ALSO DONATE AT: mount ainsanimalsanctuary.org.uk SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

JEANNIE

NELLIE 2 PM. TO 4.30 PM. S, AY D 7 EN OP E WE AR A90 SITUATED CLOSE TO N) SIGNPOSTED (DUNDEE/ABERDEE (B957).

FROM TANNADICE

Editor’s Letter & Contents

4

Editor’s Letter &

Contents Welcome to the Spring/Summer issue of About Animals, the first edition for 2013.

CONTENTS

No matter what your lifestyle, your puppy should be sociable with your family, friends and members of the public. On page 4 read about some basic guidelines and tips on the best way of introducing your puppy to new people.

4 Socialising your puppy – meeting people

It is becoming more and more popular for people to keep chickens, as they make great pets! They are low-maintenance and easygoing, they will thrive in small urban gardens, and what’s more provide you with a fresh supply of eggs. On page 7 we give you an insight into just how simple it can be to enjoy the pleasure of keeping poultry.

Is it an irrational fear of tempting providence?

A wish to avoid commitment of pen to paper? or quite simply brushing the need to do the deed under the carpet until a later time. The sad fact is that continual postponement could mean we never get round to leaving a will at all and die intestate. On page 12 Mike Francis writes about the importance of making a will to ensure beneficiaries, loved ones and charities receive exactly what the will maker intends.

The UK is considered one of the most animalloving nations in the world, and research has shown that getting a pet can improve the quality of life at any age. On page 14 read about the benefits of owning a pet and how animal rescue charities are struggling more than ever before with the vast amount of unwanted or abandoned animals needing homes.

7 Keeping Pet Chickens

7

9 Charity News 12 A Will is the Way 14 Now is the time – to give a pet a home

9

17 Animals needing homes 18 Cats’ Miscellany 19 Subscription

17

14

See just a selection that need a home on page 17.

Some people are cat people. You may not be one yourself but there is at least one cat person in everyone’s life. On page 18 we highlight some famous people and their cats.

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.

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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. 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.

18

Socialising your puppy

Socialising your puppy

Adult interaction

Family and friends will want to meet your puppy. Ideally, you should prepare in advance and advise people as to how you want the interaction to go. For example, you might like them to crouch down and allow your puppy to approach, or you may prefer them to wait until he is sitting before they greet him. Provide them with treats and a toy to make the encounter pleasurable for your puppy.

Forward planning

Meeting People

Encouraging Relaxed Interaction No matter what your lifestyle, your puppy should be sociable with your family, friends, postman and delivery people, members of the public and, of course, veterinary staff. Although dogs are a social species and their ability to interact with humankind has led to their incredible success, relaxed interaction is not a certainty, so the more people with whom your puppy becomes familiar, the more readily he will accept strangers. A puppy used to a quiet owner can be startled by a loud talker who uses exaggerated gestures – if this is the case, incorporate different gestures and ways of talking and walking into games, so that your puppy becomes accustomed to a variety of interaction styles.

Timescale

Humans are unusual

Although the sensitive period for socialization finishes at 12 weeks of age, when interacting with humans it is important to continue Socialising your puppy throughout his first year in order to develop the best humaninteraction skills.

An experienced puppy learns to understand that humans interact in ways that may not be in line with canine social etiquette. For example, humans often use direct eye contact.

We lovingly gaze at each other and our puppies and directly look at them when we call to them.

However, continuous direct eye contact is used as a threatening gesture between canines.

These distinctly different messages could cause your puppy to feel stressed or confused if he does not learn to interpret them correctly, so the more contact he has with humans, the better his understanding will be.

4

About animals

Think about the behaviour you want your adult dog to exhibit and try to guide your puppy towards this goal.

Do not expect him to get it right immediately.

Making mistakes and finding out what works and what doesn’t are part of the normal experience for a baby of any species. The important message from socialization is that new people are nothing to be fearful of, so if your puppy makes a mistake try not to get cross.

First impressions Many adults will have prior experience of dogs and will be extremely confident around them.

However, they should remember that this is your puppy’s first experience and they will leave an impression.

Soothing tones of voices, slow movements and avoiding rough play or physical reprimands will create a positive learning experience for him.

Involve people of all ages sizes, skin and hair colouring, clothing styles and mannerisms in your puppy’s socialization process.

Settling down quietly No time to say hello?

Not all visitors will have the time or the desire to meet your puppy, so put him away in his secure place. This is a good lesson in itself since it will not be appropriate for your dog to meet absolutely everyone who comes to your door. Get him accustomed to settling down quietly in his bed or distract him with a toy or chew.

Socialising your puppy

Babies

Meeting different people

Unless there are babies within your family or circle of close friends, regular encounters are highly unlikely. However, including these in your puppy’s socialization programme creates a reference for his future experiences. When introducing babies to him, always:

Introduce your puppy to as many new people as possible, not just close family members, friends and neighbours. He needs to feel comfortable around all sorts of people of different ages, personalities and appearances. This involves meeting: • Trades people and delivery people who visit your home, such as refuse collectors, postmen

• Try to appear calm and confident, so that both your puppy and the baby’s mother remain relaxed, too.

• Familiarize your puppy with baby scents via blankets or toys to reduce his excitement during the actual meeting.

• If you have permission, allow him to approach and sniff the baby.

Then call him away for praise and offer a different game.

• You can teach him what an infant sounds like via sound-tracks and what it looks like using a baby doll (ideally dressed in some clothes and blankets from a real baby). Carry the baby doll during some training exercises and extend the experience by including borrowed baby toys and a pushchair.

Safety tip: Your puppy should wear a training-line, so that you can gently prevent him from rushing forwards or jumping up at the baby.

Children A child is not just a mini-adult.

From a dog’s perspective, children look, move, smell, and sound different to an adult. They are notoriously unpredictable and use sudden highpitched noises that can startle and excite a dog. The more positive experiences your puppy has with children, both male and female, the more likely he will be to behave well around them.

• People in uniforms, e.g. policemen, the military • Elderly people • Ensure that the child is sitting either on the floor at puppy level or a low chair beside a supervising adult when the puppy is introduced.

• Allow your puppy to calmly take some tasty treats offered by the child and enjoy the gentle petting and then encourage him to come away calmly.

• Repeat this short exercise a few times, so that the child and your puppy both have an enjoyable time without either being overwhelmed.

• Repeat the exercise with the child standing and in a range of different locations.

Safety tip: Ideally, during the first meetings, your puppy should wear his house-line or lead to allow you to control the speed of his approach. An enthusiastic puppy may overwhelm a small child, no matter how friendly his intentions are. A frightened child is likely to squeal, leap up and wave their arms. All these events could cause your puppy to feel scared or trigger over-excitement.

Outdoor opportunities It is helpful if you walk your puppy in a range of different locations where he can see children playing. Always make sure that you are ready with praise and rewards whenever he responds in a calm manner around children.

Caution! Do remember to ask permission from parents before you allow any interaction between their child and your puppy. Equally, feel free to say ‘No’ to children who ask to stroke your puppy if you think that he may be overwhelmed by the attention.

• Men as well as women • People with beards or spectacles • Strangers in the street or park • Babies, toddlers and young children • Teenagers and young people.

Parents should supervise all initial encounters between children and a new puppy and ensure that these are positive, friendly experiences.

Encourage your child to be gentle with your new puppy and not to overwhelm him or tease him – they can form a special relationship.

Postman Take your puppy outside to meet the postman as often as possible in the early days. Keep some treats to hand, so the postman can offer him a tasty morsel each time.

This will reduce the likelihood of territorial barking or aggression when your post is delivered, which could even lead to the withdrawal of your postal service.

Your puppy must always be handled gently – never allow children to chase, grab or tease him.

An extract from Puppy Bible by Claire Arrowsmith & Alison Smith, published

by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. ISBN 978-0-600-62461-5 www.octopusbooks.co.uk About animals

5

I AM NOT DINNER

In the Philippines, up to 500,000 dogs are brutally slaughtered and eaten every year.

Network for Animals fights to end this barbaric trade.

This dog is ‘Vaya’. She was snatched off the streets, her legs and muzzle tied, stuffed into a suffocating van with many others. Her destination, if she survived the journey, a backstreet slaughterhouse where she would be cruelly butchered to Imagine your supply the illegal dog family pet meat trade.

Our team seized Vaya from dog meat traders. She has recovered well and is being cared for until we find her a permanent home.

stolen, tortured and served as dinner

Thanks to our supporters, we help dogs like Vaya.

We raid and close illegal markets and restaurants, and fight for better law enforcement and tougher penalties.

Please help us end the cruel Philippine dog meat trade by sending a donation today. Thank you.

S

tray and abandoned dogs like me arrive daily at our kennels from all over the West Midlands usually in desperate need of love and attention. This they receive in plentiful from Birmingham Dogs Home but their greatest need is a new loving home.

YES I WANT TO HELP STOP THIS BRUTAL TRADE Please make cheques / postal orders payable to Network For Animals

I enclose a gift of £ Your name

If you can’t rehome a dog, could you open your heart to help us.

We are a charity that receives no Government funding and depends totally on donations from the general public. Food and blankets are also greatly appreciated.

Address

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Please send your completed form and donation TODAY to: Network For Animals, PO Box 503, Witney OX28 9DX Or donate NOW: 0208 471 7666 /www.networkforanimals.org Imperial House, 2 Heigham Road, East Ham, London, E6 2JG Registered In England, Registration Number 3285050 Registered Office: 35 Harley Street, London W1G 9QU All gifts represent a contribution to our entire mission. Donations will be used where they are most needed to stop animals from suffering.

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Registered Registered Charity Charity No: No: 222436 222436

Keeping Chickens

KEEPING CHICKENS The first day at home

Buying a Chicken Where to find chickens It is unlikely that your local pet shop will sell chickens. Try instead the classified adverts in your local paper, specialist magazines and asking your vet or a local supplier of chicken feed. If possible, it is always better to go and see the chickens for yourself in their surroundings and you can ask the seller any questions you might have. Choosing chickens that have been reared together and are of the same age should ensure that they are already good friends and unlikely to fight. Before you go along, you should decide how many chickens you want, whether you can keep a cockerel and if you want a chicken that will be easy to look after and lay lots of eggs (a hybrid or crossbreed) or a pure breed that looks exotic but will require more attention.

Bringing your chickens home You can transport your hens home in a spacious cardboard box, lined with straw and with holes cut in the side for ventilation. Alternatively, you could use a wire pet carrier such as you would use for a small dog. Make sure that the container you use has plenty of ventilation; you can cut holes through a cardboard box for this purpose but make sure you do it before you put the chickens in the box!

On long journeys check that the chickens don’t get too hot, warning signs are panting and trying to cool down by spreading their wings. You should stop every couple of hours to give them some water.

What to look out for A healthy chicken will have bright eyes, glossy feathers and be perky and active. A pullet will not yet have a big red comb, this will develop when she begins to lay. The legs should be smooth and the breast firm. You should check the bird’s beak and avoid any that have a discharge; watery eyes and a dirty vent area are also signs that the bird is not 100 per cent fit.

Other pets As a general rule chickens get on fine with other pets, such as cats and dogs. Try to let your chickens settle in for a few days before introducing them to other family pets and make sure that you only introduce them gradually when they are safely inside their run. Initially the chickens may flap around making them even more interesting for an inquisitive dog, but given time they will usually get along fine in the garden, pottering around with a healthy respect for one another.

What age to buy Adverts may describe a chicken’s age as being at point of lay – often abbreviated to POL. This means that the chicken is about to start laying but doesn’t necessarily mean that this will be the chicken’s first laying period. You should always ask the age of the chicken as some people will sell their chickens after two years to make room for new hens. A chicken that has notyet laid an egg is called a pullet. It is possible to tell the sex of some crossbreeds at just a day old, while others can only be reliably sexed when they are at least four weeks old.

Ideally buy your chickens when they are at least 16 weeks old as at this age they can still be tamed and there can be no doubt as to whether or not they are male or female.

Wing clipping Although most chickens are unable to fly high or over long distances, it is quite common and painless to clip their wings. It is only necessary to clip one wing to unbalance the chicken and prevent it from being able to fly onto or over fences. The person you bought your chickens from may have already done this for you. Alternatively, ask someone to help you by holding the chicken while you trim the long primary flight feathers on the edge of the wing. Using scissors cut the first six or seven feathers back to the point where the next line of feathers starts.

Handy Hints Looks or eggs?

Don’t just go for the prettiest bird you see – often the chickens with the most amazing plumage don’t lay very well. Remember as well that chickens with feathery legs will get muddy and you will have to spend time cleaning them.

Who are the parents?

If you are buying a pure breed hen, ask to see the parents. It will give you a good idea of what your chickens will look like when they are adult and whether they will have a friendly, docile character.

From box to run If you are unsure about handling your chickens, open the box you brought them home in inside their new run. This guarantees that you won’t spend the afternoon chasing chickens round the garden if one leaps out of the box unexpectedly.

Bedtime The first night your chickens may not know where they are supposed to sleep; to solve this try putting a torch inside their house. They should be drawn to the light and once inside you can close the door and take the torch out.

The first few days To make sure that the chickens know where to roost, keep them inside the house and run for around five days. Now if you let them out into the garden, they will have learned that the coop is a nice safe place to roost and will come back to roost at dusk.

About animals

7

Food and Water

Your legacy is our future

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

Anatole France If you have ever loved an animal you will know how important their health is. Everything the Animal Health Trust does has the health and welfare of companion animals at its heart.

Thanks to previous legacy gifts, the AHT is constantly finding new ways to prevent and reduce the suffering of present and future generations.

For your FREE Legacy Guide please fill out and return the form below For further information please call: 01638 555648 or email us: legacies@aht.org.uk or visit us online: www.aht.org.uk Send today for your FREE Legacy Guide Title

Initials

Surname Address

Postcode

Tel

Email Please return to: Fundraising Dept., AHT, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU. Registered charity no. 209642 AAA13

Chickens like variety Instinctively good at foraging, chickens are quite capable of finding a good proportion of their daily intake of food if they are given enough space and a variety of surroundings.

They will eat grass and other greenery, worms and insects, as well as finding water in empty flowerpots and puddles. However, laying an egg takes a lot of energy and so it is a good idea to provide a laying hen with the correct balance of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals, especially if she is not allowed complete free range. The best way to ensure she gets this is by using a specially prepared feed for laying hens.

Clean water is important It is very important that your chickens have a supply of fresh clean water. You should refill the container every day, and in especially hot or cold weather check it at least twice a day to make sure that the hens have water to drink. On a hot day a single chicken can drink around 500ml of water. You can use either plastic or metal containers – look for ones which prevent the chickens from being able to tip the water out or stand in it, and make sure that they are durable and easy to clean.

Handy Hints Be consistent with the feed A fully grown chicken needs about 130g of feed a day. Chicken food for laying chickens is called layers mash or layers pellets. They are a mixture of wheat, barley, oats and maize. A good quality feed will contain soya and not other forms of protein, and it should say on the label that it is vegetarian. Layers pellets are the same as mash except that they have been formed into neat cylinders and are very easy for the chickens to eat. If your hens are confined to a run, it is better to feed them mash as they will find foraging for this more interesting and will normally split up their feeding times with other activities. You should store the food somewhere sheltered so that it doesn’t get wet.

Extra titbits You can supplement your hens’ diet with scraps from the kitchen. Left-over cooked pasta and rice, as well as vegetables and fruit, are usually enjoyed.

The best option is to experiment with different scraps to see what they like, as they can be quite fussy. Avoid feeding them any salty, sugary or fatty foods, citrus fruit or meat.

Grit for grinding Chickens don’t have teeth and can only digest food by first grinding it up in their gizzards using small stones that they pick up from the ground. If they can’t find stones in their surroundings, you must supply them. Leave a container of grit in the run for the chickens to take what they need.

Food for younger chickens If your chickens are not point of lay (old enough to be about to start laying) then you will need to feed them a different feed called growers pellets or mash.

An extract from Keeping Pet Chickens

by Johannes Paul and William Windham, published by Interpet Publishing, RRP £6.99.

ISBN 978-1-84286-239-1.

Charity News

Network for Animals – working to take dogs off the menu CHRIS PACKHAM TO HELP JUDGE THE 2014 PET PHOTO CALENDAR COMPETITION The 2013 Pet Photo Calendar Competition was a great success. Both the entry donations and large increase in sales of the calendar proved to be a great fundraiser, and ensured that The Humane Research Trust Pet Photo Calendar Competition is here to stay for years to come.

The exciting news for their next competition is that one of their patrons, Chris Packham (English naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author), has very kindly agreed to help judge the competition and pick the final 12 winners and runners up. They are so grateful to Chris for agreeing to help as he is exceptionally busy with various television commitments.

So in preparation for the competition, (full details to be announced in their Spring 2013 newsletter and on their website www.humaneresearch.org.uk), please can you start to think about which photo of your pet/pets will best portray a month in the calendar i.e. for a warm month, a picture taken on a lovely sunny day, a leafy scene for autumn and of course a nice festive scene for Christmas. Many thanks and they look forward to receiving lots of interest.

Network for Animals works to end the illegal dog meat trade in the Philippines. Up to half a million dogs are consumed annually.

These are defenceless, trusting dogs - many of them stolen pets - rounded up, transported and slaughtered in the most appalling conditions.

Eating dog meat was banned in the Philippines by the 1998 Animal Welfare Act. This ban was then reinforced by the Rabies Act, which upgraded penalties for convicted dog meat traders to include imprisonment and substantial fines as one way to curb the spread of rabies. Despite this, there is little enforcement, which is where Network for Animals come in.

They are committed to ending this cruelty and 2013 will be another big year for their campaign. They continue to work with local authorities to close slaughterhouses and live dog markets, raid illegal restaurants, prosecute traders and lobby for tougher enforcement and penalties.

They have fought for many years to bring about an end to this barbaric trade and they will not give up the fight until they do.

To find out more, visit www.networkforanimals.org.

Bella the Basset Hound Looks to a Bright Future Bella was born with an ocular dermoid on her left eye; an overgrowth of normal tissue on the eye’s surface. This was extremely irritating and gave Bella recurring conjunctivitis.

Struggling to keep up with vet’s bills, her owners could not afford the complex surgery required. They felt they had no choice but to take Bella to Wood Green, here she could get the help she so desperately needed.

Wood Green quickly contacted fellow charity, the Animal Health Trust (AHT). It has the largest team of ophthalmologists in Europe, and was able to perform the delicate eye surgery Bella needed. Claudia Hartley, the AHT’s clinician, said: “I’m so glad we were able to help such a deserving dog. Bella has a lovely nature, but the dermoid was clearly having a negative effect on her health and well-being. She recovered quickly and the relief Bella felt after the operation was obvious straight away - her spirits seemed to be immediately lifted!”

Helen Keen, Head Nurse at Wood Green said: “Bella came to us through no fault of her own or her owners – she needed specialist surgery which they just couldn’t afford. “They did the right thing by bringing her to us; both charities have been able to pool resources and get Bella the help she needed.

The change in Bella has been incredible, and we were so pleased to have been able to rehome her in time for Christmas.” www.aht.org.uk

About animals

9

Charity News

SWEP finds Fudge a new home SWEP is a registered charity that rescues and rehabilitates wild moorland ponies from both Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor.

The Mayhew Animal Home finds new home for abandoned cat One cold morning, a member of the public arrived at The Mayhew after finding a cat which had been tightly sealed inside a small cardboard box and dumped with the rubbish.

This compassionate stranger was only alerted to the fact it was not a normal item of rubbish after hearing pitiful meows from inside a Huggies nappy box. The lady was horrified to find that an innocent animal had been sealed up with no air holes so rushed her to safety at the rescue centre in north west London.

Cases like this are desperately sad, not only for the circumstances but also for the fact that they Project1:Layout 1 17/4/13 12:45 Page 1 are not unique. Cats, and many other animals, are dumped on a regular basis when there is clearly no concern for their life. Many cats will remain totally silent when fearful in a scenario like this and it is only due to the fact Shayla was heard crying that she is still alive and safe at The Mayhew.

In the spring many foals are born on the moor which brings problems such as mares having difficulty giving birth and foals that end up abandoned or orphaned. It is essential for these ponies that the SWEP team are available to help day or night.

Fudge was one of those foals several years ago, found wandering along a moorland road, starving and with a large abscess. Fudge was only a few weeks old and she had been abandoned by the mare and left to die. Fortunately for Fudge she was brought into SWEP where she received veterinary treatment as well as specialist 24 hour care including 2 hourly feeds. When she was old enough she was taught all the skills she needed to become the perfect pet. She is now in the most fantastic loan home where she will hopefully stay for the rest of her life, but if their circumstances change she will always be protected under the umbrella of SWEP. They rely solely on donations from the general public to support the ponies in their care.

If you would like to know more about their work visit www.swep.org.uk or call 01822 854823.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE UNEXPECTED?

If something unexpected happened, do you know who would look after your dog? Would your chosen carer know how much to feed your cat, what medication to give your guinea pig or whether your furry friend likes to be tickled behind the ears?

Only half of the nation’s pet owners have an idea about who would look after their pet should something unexpected happen to them. And just 6% of them have actually written it down and notified those concerned.

The Humane Research Trust first On her initial arrival, Shayla wasThe petrified and Trust to promote trying to escape view of anyone in the and Cattery.scientific research medical Dedicated volunteers at the centre spent quietthe use of animals without time sitting with Shayla in her cabin until she was confident enough to come out and enjoy cuddles HUMAN FOR HUMAN DISEASES and interaction. MODELS As soon as she was confident and HELPS PEOPLE SAVES relaxed The Mayhew found her aAND loving new home ANIMALS where she wouldResearch be safe and well cared for.

The Humane Trust

Brook House, 29theBramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Regular funds are lifeblood of charities Stockport, 2DN and can helpCheshire thousands ofSK7 innocent victims, Telephone: 0161 439 8041 Project1:Layout like Shayla.

Email: info@humaneresearch.org.uk To find out more about The Mayhew visit Website: www.humaneresearch.org.uk www.themayhew.org

Registered Charity Number 267779

Dog Aid Society of Scotland Their future is in your hands Giving a donation or leaving a legacy to the Dog Aid Society means you will help us continue to find loving new homes for dogs all around Scotland.

Every dog deserves the right to be wanted The Society re-homes dogs of all breeds and ages.

www.dogaidsociety.com – 0131 668 3633 60 Blackford Avenue, Edinburgh, EH9 3ER Reg Charity No SC001918

1

As well as finding new homes for hundreds of domestic animals a year,National Animal Welfare Trust has advice and information to help you put an easy care plan together whether for the short or term.

17/4/13long12:45 Page 1 For further information visit www.nawt.org.uk/ tailsoftheunexpected

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

Dog Aid Society

• Stunning Countryside • Restaurant/Tea Room • Home Cooked Food • Fun Packed Nature Trail • Over 300 Animals • Open 7 Days a Week • Childrens Play Areas • A Unique Family Experience Our Restaurant and Tea Room Open 10am -4pm Daily

Tel: 01460 65214

Email: info@ferneanimalsanctuary.org

ADMISSION IS F R E E Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Wambrook, Chard, Somerset, TA20 3DH One and a half miles outside Chard on the A30 Guided Tours, Coaches and Groups are welcome by prior arrangement (Open daily except Christmas Day and New Years Day)

Have you left anyone out of your Will?

We’ve been dedicated to the health and happiness of pets since 1897. Abandoned or unwanted, ill or injured, we do what’s needed to give every pet a healthy life in a happy home. We’re a charity, so the more help you give us, the more help we can give pets.

A gift in your Will can help secure the future for thousands of pets.

If you need us, we can also be there for your special friend.

Return the coupon or write to the address below to receive our free advice and information pack on Will writing.

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

Name (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Address

Postcode Telephone No. Room L533

If pets have a place in your heart, please find a place for them in your Will.

www.bluecross.org.uk 15997_AboutAnimals_135x185_L533.indd 1

Send to: Carole Bankes, Blue Cross, Freepost OF224, Room L533, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4BR Or please call 0300 777 1757 and quote L533 Email: legacy@bluecross.org.uk Blue Cross is a charity registered in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154).

04/02/2013 12:15

A Will Is The Way

W

hen William Shakespeare died he left to his wife Ann Hathaway his second best bed and furniture. Quite what Mrs Shakespeare thought of this bequest history does not record but importantly despite a busy life of writing 37 plays William had also taken the time to write his will as well, something that over half the UK population old enough to make a will have yet to do. Why do we consign one of the most important things we should do in our life to another day? Why do we have this lack of willpower? Is it an irrational fear of tempting providence?

A wish to avoid commitment of pen to paper? or quite simply brushing the need to do the deed under the carpet until a later time. The sad fact is that continual postponement could mean we never get round to leaving a will at all and die intestate. This brings quite a few headaches for members of the family we leave behind and could very easily result in the sole beneficiary being HM Government.

Pitfalls of not leaving a will

If a person dies without making a will searches have to be made for all surviving relatives. I have personal experience of this. A few years ago I suddenly received out of the blue a letter from a company called Traceline who were trying to find a person with my name who was a beneficiary in a will and to get in touch with the solicitors handling it. Naturally enough and with great speed I did and discovered that an aunt of mine had died intestate.

According to the solicitors they had been trying to find me for 6 months and were on the point of giving up the search. If they had failed I would have lost my share of the inheritance which was considerable. A properly drawn up will written clearly and precisely avoids all this trouble because it ensures the named beneficiaries, the loved ones, the charities, receive exactly what the will maker intends. Every year despite searches there are about 1,000 estates where no relatives are found and around £18 million goes straight to the Treasury.

Not making a will can also attract the attention of heir hunters who legitimately surf through public records, censuses and registries to delve into people’s lives for clues about their family tree and possible wealth. Such firms finding a distant relative often claim 40% finders fees of the discovered relatives’ share of the estate which can amount to tens of thousands of pounds.

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About animals

A WILL IS THE WAY

By Mike Francis

Get Expert Advice

Although there are online and other cheaper packages for making a will there is no substitute for getting reliable expert advice because a badly drawn up will is a potential minefield and could result in the will being made invalid. The obvious choice is to get a solicitor. You may have one already but if you haven’t get in touch with the Law Society for England and Wales* or the Law Society of Scotland* who will give you a list of the approved solicitors in your area.

An alternative source is the Institute of Professional Will writers based in the Midlands. You should bear in mind that there are considerable differences in law, practice and procedure between the Scots law of wills and succession and the law that applies in England and Wales. The Scottish Law Society can give you details. about this.

Useful contacts The Law Society (England and Wales) 113 Chancery Lane,London WC2A 1PL Tel: 0207 242 1222 www.lawsociety.org.uk The Law Society of Scotland 26 Drumsheugh Gardens Edinburgh EH3 7YR Tel: 0131 226 7411 www.lawsot.org.uk Institute of Professional Willwriters Trinity Point, New Road, Halesowen West Midlands B63 3HY Tel: 0345 257 2570 www.ipw.org.uk

Giving to Charities

Apart from leaving bequests to your nearest and dearest you may consider leaving a legacy to your favourite charity.

In the bleak economic weather we are enduring at the moment, charities are under great pressure to ensure they continue getting sufficient support for the good work they do while competing in an increasingly difficult market place. Take the Animal Health Trust for example who fight disease and injury in animals. One third of their income comes from will legacies. Without it they would cease to be effective. A leading medical research charity in the UK, the Dr Hadwen Trust, funds and promotes humane research to replace animal experiments. They get no government grant and rely solely on donations.

Leaving a legacy is vitally important to their work. Amazingly a large percentage of people fail to specify a charity in their will. You may decide to choose a favourite charity which you have been concerned with in your life. Whichever you choose it is important in the will to get the name, address and charity number correct otherwise the donation could be invalidated. This may seem obvious but there are charities with similar names. As a safeguard just in case the charity you have earmarked is not in existence when the will is read, have an alternative mentioned as well.

And remember gifts to charities are free from inheritance and capital gains taxes.

Once you have made your will you can put the worry of making one behind you,get on with enjoying your life and sleep easy in your second-best or even best bed.

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 43 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

Now is the time check-up and vaccinated before they are rehomed, as well as, microchipped, wormed and neutered. When you take your pet home, that’s not where it finishes as they offer ongoing advice and support.

Now is the time - TO GIVE A PET A HOME

W

e have all heard the saying ‘an apple a day may keep the doctor away’, but what about an animal a day? When it comes to pet ownership, there are a number of proven health benefits for people, including physical, mental and emotional improvements, from enhancing social skills to decreasing a person’s risk of heart attack.

For those of you who already own a pet, have you considered getting another one? The UK is considered one of the most animal-loving nations in the world, however animal rescue charities are struggling more than ever before with the vast amount of unwanted or abandoned animals, so please bear them in mind if you were to consider another animal. All animals have a few basic needs, but rather than seem a burden, they can be a pleasurable responsibility if the benefits are welcomed by the owner.

Many people think getting a rescue dog will be more difficult than starting from scratch with a puppy. However, with the right care and patience from new owners a vast number of rescued dogs can be transformed into great companions, with the added benefit of routine exercise. If the thought of owning a dog is not for you, perhaps you would be more suited to giving a home to a cat. Particular those who have suffered bereavement or illness 14

About animals

or who simply want a presence to welcome them home can benefit from a rescue cat. Healthy cats can live on into their twenties but some can have conditions that require a slower pace of life or have special needs which mean they have to remain indoors and therefore benefit greatly from having company around the house during the day with perhaps older owners, rather than the hustle and bustle of noisy family life.

Many animal charities, such as The Blue Cross who have been dedicated to the welfare of pets since 1897, do whatever is needed to give every unwanted, injured or abandoned animal a healthy life in a happy home.

They have 12 rehoming centres and 4 hospitals, along with pet welfare clinics. They find homes across the UK for unwanted cats, dogs, smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs and even larger animals such as horses and donkeys. All the animals at the Blue Cross are given a full

The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT), founded in 1971 is one of the largest animal welfare charities in the UK. They give homes to a surprisingly wide variety of animals primarily dogs and cats but farm animals, horses and donkeys, ducks, poultry and small domestic pets too. Their London and Home Counties Rescue Centre is just outside Watford in Hertfordshire and they also have centres in Berkshire, Somerset, Cornwall and Essex. As the NAWT never puts a healthy animal to sleep, this makes caring for elderly animals even more important as they are often overlooked by animal lovers looking to adopt a pet. Older dogs, for example, ask just to be loved, fed and talked to, needing much less exercise than a younger animal, happy to sleep the day away in a warm comfortable bed. Help and advice is always available on the welfare of a new pet and owners are encouraged to keep in touch with the Trust.

One of the busiest animals sanctuaries in London is the Mayhew Animal Home, helping thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals escape a life of abandonment, neglect and cruelty each year. Potential adopters are able to meet individual animals which are judged to be suitable for their particular circumstances by an adoption officer. They will not reserve an animal unless they feel it is the right match and before you can take the animal home, they carry out a home visit and will ensure the animal has a final veterinary heath check, before you can take your new pet home.

Birmingham Dogs’ Home, founded in 1892, has a long and notable history in the care and protection of rescuing strays from the city streets of Birmingham and surrounding areas, ensuring that abandon dogs are rescued from their plight and reunited with owners who may have lost them or rehomed to families that will respect and nurture them. They operate a rehoming procedure which is designed to be practical and fair, with a desire to find the best possible home for each individual dog in their care.

Now is the time Based at Chard in Somerset, Ferne Animal Sanctuary rehomes cats and dogs within a 30 mile radius of the Sanctuary, subject, like most charities, to an approved homecheck.

Wherever possible Ferne’s Volunteer Home Visitors will visit adopters on an annual basis throughout the life of their pet. It’s not checking up on the adopter, but a reminder that the Sanctuary is there to offer support.

For example, should an unexpected change occur in an adopter’s life which results in them being unable to continue to offer the cat/dog a home, the animal is guaranteed a place at Ferne; it need never be homeless again.

It’s not just small animals that are in need of re-homing. Do you currently have a horse or pony that may need companionship? South West Equine (SWEP), a small charity based in Devon, rescue moorland equines on Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor who are abandoned or suffering from neglect and cruelty. Once fit and well, their horses are rehomed within their local counties rather than being sold on.

Obviously there are many more things to consider when rehoming this kind of animal and a lot more regulations to be met too. SWEP run a scheme of six monthly inspections to keep a check on the equine, offering any advice or support needed.

Since 1956 the Dog Aid Society of Scotland has been providing support and assistance for families throughout Scotland who face the difficult decision to re-home their much loved pets. The Society does not have kennel facilities so owners are asked to hold on to their dog until a new home is found. Details of the dogs are then placed on their website. Prospective owners can visit the website and put their name forward for the dog they are interested in. The Welfare Officer checks all the applicants and if she thinks there is a good match, the possible new owner is contacted to arrange a house visit.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary based in Norfolk, provides permanent specialised sanctuary care to horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that no longer have a working life but retain a quality of life, offering them a safe and secure home for the rest of their days. However, they do have some horses and ponies that are ready for a life outside the sanctuary and they offer a guardianship scheme, whereby they

The following case study highlights the advantage of using charities like Blue Cross to rehome a pet, as they have animal behaviourists who are able to step in if a problem arises.

find the right guardian home for the rescued horse or pony, whilst staying in contact with the guardian to ensure the equines needs are being met.

All animal charities ask for a donation when adopting one of their animals to enable them to continue their work and help with funding, but regardless of which type of animal you chose you can be certain you will help provide a safe and secure home, and at the same time gain a new friend.

Blue Cross

When Teresa and Jim Foley adopted their new dog Jack they couldn’t wait for their grandchildren to meet him.

But the introduction didn’t go as well as they’d hoped when Jack continually jumped up at them, flashing his teeth. Fearing for the children’s safety the Foleys were concerned and, after discussions with Blue Cross staff, returned him to them. Heartbroken, they quickly regretted their decision and asked them for help.

First a Blue Cross animal behaviourist had to get to the bottom of what Jack was trying to tell them. He discovered that he was simply overjoyed to see the children and overwhelmed by the excitement of the situation. This exuberance had been misinterpreted as aggression.

The Blue Cross gave them advice on how to manage Jack in these situations and they were delighted to take him home again. Teresa says: “Now he’s perfect and we wouldn’t be without him for anything.”

About animals

15

Animals in need of Homes

National Animal Welfare Trust Charlie (Watford) 7 years old, a handsome chap who loves a fuss.

A long haired cat who needs regular grooming. Can live with adults or families with children aged 16 and above. Would be best suited to a home with no other cats or dogs and will require access to the outside.

Wally (Cornwall) A 2 year old male black and white DSH. Loves being fussed when in the mood.

Enjoys exploring outside so would prefer a rural home if possible. Used to living with other cats and a dog but not young children. Litter trained and used to a cat flap. www.nawt.org.uk

Dog Aid Society of Scotland (only re-home in Scotland)

Chico 1 year old Jack Russell cross Fox Terrier, male.

Friendly nature and loves other dogs. He loves to play and is a very affectionate boy. Ideally his new home will have another dog for company.

Lucky 4½ year old Jack Russell, female. A small dog who loves cuddles and has a lot to give. She is an active dog and would like a home where she has company for most of the day. www.dogaidsociety.com

Blue Cross

Mayhew Animal Home

Ice A sweet natured 10-year-old girl. Very affectionate and loves fuss. Can be a little shy initially in new situations; however as long as she is given some time and patience during her settling in period she quickly turns into the affectionate girl that she has become here at the centre. Best suited to a home with slightly older children that will be nice and calm around her. Best suited as the only pet in the home.

Gabby 10 year old female, semi long haired cat. Like many older cats, Gabby has a mild heart murmur which is currently not causing her any problems. She is litter trained and a well behaved girl who enjoys her own space but also loves a good fuss once she gets to know you.

Cosmo A very friendly cat, outgoing and sweet natured and loves a fuss. At 10-years-old he still has plenty of life in him and lots of love to give. He could potentially live with sensible children, must be the only pet and needs access to a garden. www.bluecross.org.uk

Storm 9 year old, brindle and white Staffordshire Bull Terrier, male. A lovely boy, full of character and extremely affectionate. He likes to lean in to people for cuddles, sit on laps and makes sweet grumbling noises when he’s spoken to. Storm is full of beans despite his age. Can be homed with cats and children aged 12 and upwards. www.themayhew,org

Animals in need of Homes Ferne Animal Sanctuary Willow 4 year old female neutered German Shepherd.

Due to bad experiences with previous owners she can be nervous when meeting new people, but soon becomes friendly and affectionate. Needs an experienced owner, who has time and patience, and will give her attention and training. Good with other dogs but can be a little dominant. Wary of men and any children in the home would need to be older. House trained, not destructive, travels well.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Daisy A 13.3hh 4 year old New Forest pony. Sweet natured mare, very affectionate and loves having a fuss.

Good to groom, well behaved with the farrier. Only for re-homing as a companion not as a ridden pony.

She is looking for a Guardian who will give her the attention she needs, and a companion who doesn’t mind if she is the boss Poppy A 12.2 6 year old Welsh X, bay mare. A sweet natured mare, very affectionate and willing to learn. Currently being ridden on the lead rein at walk and trot, and has started hacking out off the lead rein. She can be quite forward going while out hacking and is happy to take the lead. A people pony who loves being pampered.

A great lead rein pony, but with further education would make a lovely first ridden. www.redwings.co.uk

Lucky 8 year old female neutered Bengal. Very affectionate, loves human attention and has been around children of 3 years and over. Not keen on other animals, needs to be the only pet in the household. She is an indoor cat and will not cope being outside as she has no road sense and can be frightened of loud noises. Desperate for a new loving home with an owner who is home most of the day in order to give her the attention she craves. She is litter trained is not destructive in the home. www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org

South West Equine Protection Phanta 11hh, bay lead rein mare. She is 5 years old, adores being fussed by kids and is happy for the smallest of jockeys to sit on.

She does get sweet itch but this is easily managed.

Geronimo 11.3hh, 4 year old skewbald gelding. He is partially sighted so needs a confident handler and once he knows you he is very affectionate, making a good companion or pet. www.swep.org.uk

About animals

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Cats’ Miscellany

Some people are cat people.

You may not be one yourself, but there is at least one cat person in everyone’s life. They (I might, more accurately, say we) upload more pictures of their cats than many parents do of their children, and consider their pets’ desires in decisions about everything from décor – ‘Tinker really disliked the leather sofa” – to holidays “Daisy hates the cattery.

It’s better for everyone that we stay at home”.

Many well-known people from history were cat lovers. Here are a few famous cat owners.

Charles I (1600-49) This luckless King of England, Scotland and Ireland, whose obstinacy, double-dealing and lack of political nous plunged England into a long and bloody civil war (1642-6 and 1648-52), kept as a pet a black cat that he believed brought him luck – a somewhat superstitious belief for so deeply pious a man. Indeed, he was so afraid that the animal might run away or be stolen that he had it guarded day and night. On the day after the cat died, in November 1647, Charles was arrested on the orders of Parliament; on 30 January 1649 he was publicly beheaded on a scaffold erected in Whitehall, near the Houses of Parliament.

Cats’ Miscellany Sir Winston Colette Churchill (1874- 1965) (1873-1954)

Charles Dickens

Sir Winston owned a series of cats in his life, including one named Nelson who, during the Blitz (the intensive bombing of London and other British cities by the German Luftwaffe during the Second World War), showed little in common with the admiral after whom he was named, for he habitually hid under the bed during air raids.

This led his master to comment, ‘(…) despite my most earnest and eloquent entreates, I failed most utterly in persuading my friend before taking such craven action to give passing consideration to the name he bore’. In later life, Churchill owned a cat named Jock who attended many wartime Cabinet meetings.

He referred to the cat as his special assistant and rumour has it that meals in the Churchill household could not begin until the gingercoloured tabby was at the table. Jock was reported to have been lying on the bed at his master’s side when, in January 1965, the great statesman died. Churchill left a clause in his will which stipulated that there should always be a marmalade cat in residence at Chartwell, his famous home in Kent.

Churchill’s other cats were named Blackie and Tango.

The great English novelist of the early to midVictorian era, Charles Dickens, owned a white cat which he initially christened William – that is, until ‘he’ had a litter of kittens, whereupon she was rechristened Williamina.

Dickens was adamant that he would not keep any of the litter, but he was completely smitten by one female, which came to be known in the household as ‘Master’s Cat’. She would keep him company in his study while he wrote by candlelight, but would snuff out his candle with a dept paw when she wanted his attention.

This was the pen name of the French writer SidonieGabrielle Colette, whose most famous novel is probably Gigi (1944; English edition 1953), which was made into a successful musical and film. Colette adored cats, and often wrote about them in her books. She gave her own pets names like Fanchette, Zwerg, La Chatte (the French word for a female cat; it is also the title of a novel she published in 1933), and Chartreaux, who was the last cat she owned. She told a friend after Zwerg died that ‘We ought only to allow ourselves to become attached to parrots and tortoises’, both animals that are famously long-lived; she also said that ‘The only risk you ever run in befriending a cat is enriching yourself’. In La Chatte (published in English at The Cat, 1936), the main character, Alain, is forced to choose between Saha, a beautiful pure-bred Russian Blue, and his young bride, Camille. After Camille, furious with jealousy, tries to kill the cat, he chooses Saha.

(1812-70)

Top Cats Cats never feel threatened.

They are genetically incapable of accepting that anyone could possibly dislike anything as perfect as a cat.

KATHY YOUNG There are many intelligent species in the universe.

They are all owned by cats.

ANONYMOUS Of all God’s creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash.

That one is the cat.

MARK TWAIN

An extract from Cats’ Miscellany by Lesley O’Mara published by Michael O’Mara Books.

Cats’ Miscellany by Lesley O’Mara is published by Michael O’Mara Books, priced £9.99.

Readers can order it for the special price of £6.50 with free p&p by calling 01903 828503 and quoting CATS/AA (UK mainland only, while stocks last)

18

About animals

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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.

Contact Liz Varney

Catastrophes Cat Rescue

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

A4 WiltLife 5-11:Brotherwood

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