PETS AND MORE

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE DR BRIAN BAKER By Patrick Baker

Dad moved to Natal from Johannesburg in the early 1960s – he had qualified from Onderstepoort and realised there was an opportunity to specialise in equine veterinary work in Newmarket, Durban. One of his first major breaks was when The Saunders family from Tongaat Sugar in those days offered him the opportunity to take care of the 800 mules that pulled sugar cane in the cane fields. Dad treated all animals – from donkeys to ducks, giraffes, zebras, yellow billed kites, owls, and all breeds of dogs and cats … but horses were his passion. Dad moved to Summerveld with my mom Janet in 1965, where he built Littlefields Farm and the first veterinary hospital of its kind in South Africa – the same practice is the international Baker and McVeigh Hospital of today. He also started a taxi service in Summerveld so

WHAT IS FREEDOM?

Some might say it’s something you’re born with, while others would say it’s something you strive for. For the millions of physically and visually impaired of this country, independence is something that dreams are made of.

South African Guide-Dogs Association understands the difference it makes to have the independence to live life to the fullest. They train guide dogs for people who are visually impaired, service dogs for people who are physically disabled and autism support dogs for children diagnosed with autism.

Grant Adams was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (a debilitating disease of the central nervous system) 15 years ago. “For about eight years life carried on as per normal, but the past few years of my life have become increasingly difficult as the MS has progressed,” says Grant, who is now bound to a wheelchair with a limited amount of mobility. He can no longer drive and enjoy life’s simple pleasures like walking.

Grant applied to the South African

that all the local school kids could get to the farm schools in the valley, all at his own cost. Dad worked with some of the best in the world, including Sea Cottage, Politician, Horse Chestnut, London News and Flaming Rock. He spent his time traveling and learning from the best, and was always so happy to share his knowledge with all those around him. He was never about the money, it was the welfare of an animal that was paramount to him. He was well known and loved in the community for his exceptional kindness.

In his later life dad spent time with American horse whisperer Monty Roberts, and was the pioneer of Equine Acupuncture in South Africa. He even went to Egypt to sort out a few pack camels, and ended up helping with some top Arab horses. Dad loved the bush and animals of the wild, loved his home and feeding the birds, loved his friends and a good braai. He was an incredible father to James, David and myself (Pucky), and extra special to his nine grandchildren.

Rest in peace, Bakes.

FOR MORE INFO: www.blackwoods.co.za Guide-Dogs Association for a service dog. “After I submitted the application, I was visited and interviewed. The process was lengthy and extremely thorough,” he says. Nine months later Grant received the call to inform him that a trained 18-monthold dog was ready for him. The dog had been specifically trained to meet Grant’s individual needs. “Leon, a trained handler, and my new dog, Pringle, road tripped to Durban to meet me for the first time,” says Grant. Leon spent three weeks with Grant and Pringle, training and assisting to develop the new bond.

Pringle is trained to assist Grant with simple tasks like picking up or retrieving a dropped item and bark on command during an emergency. “Most importantly Pringle is my new best friend, providing me with companionship and everyday purpose,” says Grant.

The South African Guide-Dogs Association helps millions of impaired people in this country experience the freedom of independence that so many take for granted. To support this organisation please visit https://guidedog.org.za.

6. Supports the immune system. Old dogs with arthritis especially benefit from collagen, they are more mobile, energetic and free from pain. It really changes their quality of life. You may need to double the dose for a few days at first, or even for a full a month, in order to see good results – especially for giant breeds.

Pop in to Muddy Dog, 11 Old Main Road, Kloof, to see a wide range of supplements and natural products to keep your pooch in tip top health.

COLLAGEN FOR PETS By Sarah Duke-Norris

Both humans and animals benefit immensely from adding collagen into their diet. Lack of this essential protein can have negative effects on skin, cartilage and bones – especially as you get older.

How can you include collagen into your pet’s diet? It can easily be fed through supplementation or bone broths to dogs, cats and even horses. Some benefits of feeding collagen to dogs especially are: 1. Improves age-related joint pain. 2. Stabilises joints and prevents injury. 3. Aids digestion and assists liver function. 4. Promotes a shiny healthy coat and skin. 5. Prevents bone loss.

DID YOU KNOW?

Raw chicken feet are full of collagen! Many people feed these to their dogs (who love them!) and see fantastic results. For those not quite as adventurous, a range of collagen products are kept at Muddy Dog.