animal tales
a special advertising section of the bermuda sun
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May 31, 2013
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page 29
n image courtesy of Libby cook-toppan
sharing: Libby Cook-Toppan’s ‘Bermuda Lost & Found Pets’ Facebook page, above, has attracted more than 500 followers in less than two months, to help find lost animals.
How social media is reuniting pets with their families By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
A Facebook page set up to reunite lost pets with their owners in Bermuda has attracted more than 500 followers in less than two months. Already the social media site is helping to find missing animals and return them to their families. Libby Cook-Toppan, a pet owner who set up the Facebook page, said she believes it has a 50 per cent success rate.
Overwhelmed
And she said the more people who join, the more successful it will become. Mrs Cook-Toppan, a beverage marketing manager at Dunkley’s Diary and a graphic designer and photographer, specializes in social media. She manages Facebook pages for various organizations including BFAB (Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau). Mrs Cook-Toppan said: “Someone approached us
at BFAB about a lost cat The Facebook page but the charity is no longer ‘Bermuda Lost & Found involved in finding lost Pets’ was set up on April 2. pets, so it was a case of, “It provides a central ‘Well, why don’t I do it?’. connection for residents of A friend then encouraged Bermuda who have lost or me and so I set up the Facefound pets,” said Mrs Cookbook page. Toppan. “It is purely dedicated “Though the picture on to lost and found pets, and the header depicts a cat and it’s been quite amazing a dog, the page is for any just how many people have pets. For example, there joined in such a are currently two short space of time. lovebirds on the “We’ve had more page, one lost and than 500 people ‘like’ one found. the page in less than “Users are two months. I’ve encouraged to feel been overwhelmed free to post and at the response.” share informaAs of yesterday, cook-toppan tion about lost and the page had 542 found pets. You ‘likes’, or Facebook never know who followers. might see the post and Mrs Cook-Toppan said: recognize the pet.” “The more people who Mrs Cook-Toppan also like the page, the more creates mini-posters with reach people’s posts will a photo and the details of a have, and the greater the missing animal, to share on chance that someone may the social media site. know something that could “The mini-posters seem reunite a pet with their to be more easily shared family. and therefore get more “The ultimate goal is attention. I did one for a to have as many ‘likes’ as dog which was shared 102 possible.” times and seen by 6,341
‘I have lost pets in the past and it has been traumatic. The worst part was not knowing what had happened to them... ’ libby cook-toppan Bermuda Lost & Found Pets
people, which is incredible,” she said. Unfortunately D’zoro, whose poster accompanies this article, has not yet been found. Although ‘Bermuda Lost & Found Pets’ is non-profit, Mrs Cook-Toppan said she hopes to attract sponsors. “There is Facebook advertising available for the mini-posters about a lost animal. It’s not expensive — for $50, a pet’s poster can be seen by more than 8,000 people. “Facebook can inform the sponsor of the number
of people who have viewed the ad.” She said there are up to 30,000 registered Facebook users aged over-13 in Bermuda. “The Facebook page is such a simple way to help people,” she said. “All you have to do is share a post on your own Facebook page. It will then feed into your news feed and be seen by your friends. “If I was to share a post appealing for information about a missing pet, I have 800 friends who have a
chance of seeing it.” So far, the Facebook page has helped to reunite six dogs and cats with their owners that Mrs CookToppan has been told about. She said: “There is probably more who have been found through the page, which I haven’t been told about. “Whenever I hear about a pet being found I move any mini-posters into the ‘Found — Good News album’. This then shows up automatically wherever the post has been shared, so users can see that the pet has been found. “I will also hide posts on the Facebook page so people are no longer looking for the animal.” Mrs Cook-Toppan said: “The feedback from the site has been fantastic. People think it’s a great idea and are really grateful there is a dedicated place to go for lost and found pets. “I think a lot of people in the commnity care when it See missing pets, page 30
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Animal Tales: a special advertising section
May 31, 2013
THE BERMUDA SUN
missing pets: Social networking on the Internet can also help animals Continued from page 29 comes to missing pets. “For many people, their pets are family members. Imagine how it would feel to lose a family member? “Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows how awful it feels. You just feel so helpless. “I have lost pets in the past and it has been so traumatic. The worst part was not knowing what had happened to them.
Devastated
“When I was seven-yearsold my beloved cat Thomas disappeared (see accompanying photo). “I was devastated and searched all over my neighbourhood for him for more than a month. “Eventually my family admitted that a neighbour had found him dead in their garden. “Although my family thought withholding the information was the best thing to protect me, I remember being upset with them for not telling me the
Advice for pet owners
‘For many people, their pets are family members.’ libby cook-toppan Bermuda Lost & Found Pets
truth and for letting me search for him knowing he was already dead. “Seven years ago we lost two silver Maine Coons (long-haired cats) within weeks of each other. We contacted the vets and the SPCA, published ads, and put big banners up all over Paget with their photos on them. “Sadly one was found dead, but we are grateful to know what happened to him. “The other one, an un-spayed breeding female (who is microchipped), has never been seen again though. “We hope that someone has her, though we are so sad that they never came
Microchips Libby Cook-Toppan says: “Make sure your pet is microchipped. This is essential! “And be sure that your vet has your updated contact information. “Please call them and make sure they have at least one contact telephone number to reach you. “When a cat of ours was run over recently, the SPCA picked his body up, scanned him and found his microchip. “They then called the vets who were able to identify who he belonged to. “The SPCA inspector Glyn Roberts was then able to contact me to let me know what had happened. “As sad as we were to lose Mercury, we were so grateful to know what happened to him and to be able to bury him in our garden.” n Collars “Though cats tend not to be fans of collars, it is a good idea to make sure that your dog always wears a collar with a name tag and telephone number engraved on it,” says Mrs Cook-Toppan. n Animal Control Herb T. Marshall of Government’s Animal Control department has said on the Bermuda Lost & Found Pets Facebook page: “Can we also remember if you lose or find a dog to please call Animal Control (on) 239-2327, or after hours (on) 295-0011 and have the police page the warden on duty. “All legal dogs should be chipped and it is usually very easy for us to find the owners. “Also if they are wearing their tags (which all dogs should) we are able to look them up in the database and again usually find the owner easily.” n n
forward with her.” Mrs Cook-Toppan’s family currently have two dogs, seven cats, 14 cockatiels and 10 chickens. She said: “Death is an inevitable fact of life. Pets can teach us so much about unconditional love and responsibility, but most importantly, pets can be the greatest teachers about death. “I am so grateful for the times when I have known what happened to pets I have lost. I have made sure not to keep such information from my son.” n
See Bermuda Lost & Found Pets on the Facebook website, www.facebook.com
n images supplied
appeal: Two of the mini-posters Libby Cook-Toppan has created for the Facebook page, and above right, as a seven-year-old with Thomas the cat.
Animal Tales: a special advertising section
THE BERMUDA SUN
May 31, 2013
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n summer healthcare
How to look after your pet when the heat is on By Amanda Dale
‘Dog wardens get very busy around the 4th of July fireworks and thunderstorms, as that’s a time when animals tend to run away.’
adale@bermudasun.bm
In the sweltering heat of summer, not only is it important to cover ourselves up but to make sure our pets are protected from the sun too. This means plenty of shade and water, avoiding non-ventilated confined spaces and keeping their hair cut short. Jonathan Nisbett, Government veterinary officer, said: “When you think about the summertime, first and foremost it’s the heat. “In Bermuda we have a very hot and humid climate, so certain problems arise from that. “Animals are subject to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so one of the ways to prevent that is to remember all animals need shade. “As the sun moves it will not be in the same place in the afternoon as it was in the morning.
dr jonathan nisbett Government veterinary officer
Grooming
“Don’t keep the dog box (kennel) in the sun because it will heat up and become like an oven if it’s not ventilated. Keep it in the shade and make sure it is wellventilated. “Also ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean drinking water, and that the bowl or bucket is cleaned regularly. Clean it once a day to get the algae out and other substances that can foul the water. “Some pets even like a bit of ice in their water. Also, make sure the bowl or bucket is secure and is not something that could be kicked over by a leash or a bouncing animal.” Dr Nisbett said: “It’s also important to avoid excessive exercise. “ Unlike us, cats and dogs don’t sweat, so they can’t cool down the same. Instead, they pant. “If you’re taking your dog for a walk or your horse out for a trot, any exercise
n mct photo by ralph barerra
cooling down: Nora, a four-year-old labrador, finds some respite from the heat of summer in the Southern US, in her wading pool. During Bermuda’s hot, humid summers we should also ensure our pets are safe from overheating. should be during the early morning or evening, when it’s cooler. “Remember that the roads can also get hot, so animals can burn their pads walking on hot roads. “Also, don’t leave a dog or cat in the car, not even with the windows cracked open. “Cars can overheat quickly, especially if they have dark interiors. “Be aware that someone is also likely to call the SPCA, the dog warden or police, so you may come back to find your windows broken. “If you really have to stop, then run and do your
errand for no more than five minutes. But it’s best not to stop at all.” When it comes to looking after our furry friends in the heat, brushing and grooming is also important. “Just removing their outer coat can help to keep them cooler in the summer months,” said Dr Nisbett. “But trim a long-haired dog or cat rather than shaving them. “Some animals are subject to sunburn and can even get secondary skin cancer, like us. They tend to be the light-coloured animals, with a lightcoloured nose. “If, despite all these
precautions, your pet is overheating, then you will see signs of lethargy, weakness and exhaustion, plus heavy panting. “The animal will also have a very rapid heartbeat and a weak pulse. In this situation, they need veterinary care immediately.” In ensuring our pets have a safe summer, we should also be aware of external hazards in and around the home. In the summertime we all love a dip in the pool but if you have animals around, then make sure your pool chemicals are locked up safely out of sight. “Don’t let your dog or
cat drink the pool water, because of the chemicals in it,” said Dr Nisbett. “And water safety rules also apply for pets.” When socialising outdoors also keep an eye on food and drink. “If you’re having a summer party, keep alcohol away from animals. Don’t give your dog beer. Animals can be intoxicated just like people can,” said Dr Nisbett. Barbecue food can also contain poisons for pets. “Chocolate and onions can be toxic,” said Dr Nisbett. Other poisons to look out for are radiator coolants
and insecticides. If you are changing the coolant on your car, then flush away any chemicals on the ground or driveway. “Also be careful with insecticides, and if you see a toad, clear it off the property with a broom. Other summer hazards to look out for are thunderstorms and fireworks. “Lots of animals get very nervous around loud sounds. “Dog wardens get very busy around the 4th of July fireworks and thunderstorms, as that’s a time when animals tend to run away,” said Dr Nisbett. “And when it comes to hurricanes, don’t forget to include litter pans and pet food in your preparations.” Another — very Bermudian — hazard is fish hooks. “These smell good to cats but then they get them embedded in their paws and mouths, which can be painful. So make sure they are not lying around,” said Dr Nisbett. n
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May 31, 2013
Animal Tales: a special advertising section
THE BERMUDA SUN
BGA/Purina prize holiday to Puerto Rico takes the biscuit By Amanda Dale adale@bermudasun.bm
n Photo supplied by lisa whitehead
loving: The canine winners of the BGA/Purina Beneful contest. Rusty, left, and Gracie, right, are rescue dogs belonging to Lisa and Dennis Whitehead.
A couple have won a holiday in Puerto Rico, assisted by their furry friends. Lisa and Dennis Whitehead will spend a long weekend on the Caribbean island after purchasing Purina Beneful dog food for their pets, Rusty and Gracie. The couple had to buy two products to enter a draw organized by wholesale distributors BGA (Bermuda General Agency). Mr and Mrs Whitehead won the top prize in the contest — a trip to Puerto Rico with their dogs to attend National Dog Day, including flights, accommodation and transport. The second prize was a year’s supply of Beneful and the third was six months’ supply. Mrs Whitehead, an office manager, said: “We’ve not
been to Puerto Rico before and are very excited. “We are going to go sightseeing and also go to the casino at the hotel. “We’ve never been to a major dog show before so are also looking forward to that; it should be interesting.” Mrs Whitehead said they are unable to take Rusty and Gracie, two German Shepherd/Rottweiler crosses, as they are classed as an ‘illegal breed’ in Bermuda. The brother and sister are 10 years old and were obtained from the Bermuda SPCA. Mrs Whitehead said: “They are very loving dogs.
Rusty is mommy’s boy and Gracie is daddy’s girl. They are both very sweet.” National Dog Day was created in the US by Colleen Paige, a pet lifestyle expert and author, to honour dogs and to recognize their patience, loyalty, love and the work they do. It has taken a stand against breed bans and aims to encourage the public to adopt rescue dogs in need of a home. National Dog Day is officially held on August 26 but is celebrated throughout the year. Events have expanded to Puerto Rico, Italy and the UK. n
n Photo supplied
winner: Lisa Whitehead with her prize travel tickets.