IOL Pets Issue 1

HEROES FOR ANIMALS

Five young boys from Philippi set a shining example after they found a distressed dog in some bushes and walked for kilometres to take it to a safe place.

The boys found the nearest Animal Welfare Society of SA shelter and took the Labrador, which they named Champ, to its premises.

Animal Welfare said in a Facebook post: “They looked as though they had just crossed the finish line of a marathon and won first prize as they excitedly took turns proudly explaining that they had found the dog lying in the bushes. The kids went into great detail about the ingenious plan they hatched to help rescue him.”

Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast presenter Martin Bester spoke to Jacques le Roux, the nurse who assisted the boys with the dog at Animal Welfare and gave them R1 000 each towards their education.

Le Roux said: “This act has a lot to do with the upbringing of each child. The parents definitely play a vital role by showing compassion towards animals, which is then passed on to their children.”

He said he got goosebumps when he saw the boys genuinely loved the dog. He said the boys’ actions “serve as an eye opener because it shows how a child under the age of 12 can make a difference”.

The boys will also be awarded certificates from the society.

Bester said: “I believe that children love being around animals, especially if that is how they are educated or brought up by the adults around them. The more kind and compassionate children are towards pets, the more it will play a role in making them great adults.”

If the public would like to make any form of donation, please visit awscape.org.za

EDITOR’S NOTE

As my daughter Kimaya bleated relentlessly about wanting a puppy, I chorused even louder that two children, running a home, a high-pressured job and everything else in between was more than enough for me. I was not going to take on the responsibility of a pet.

Fast forward three years… I cannot remember life without my darling English cocker spaniel, Toby, and Lord knows, my heart won’t let me think of life without him. Toby is not my pet, he is my child, in every sense of the word. And, I’m certain, many ardent lovers of animals feel the same way.

In times of sadness, I can feel his soulful, brown eyes reaching deep into my heart as he moves in close to ensure I feel safe.

In times of joy, his big floppy spaniel ears tell a story of a child, running free, sharing in the happiness of the family he so loves. Then there’s his primordial wolf howl at the sound of the passing ice cream truck – bringing home what a baby he really is. Gets him every time.

Today, IOL Lifestyle launches Pet Magazine to celebrate the four-legged babies who own our hearts. In this inaugural issue we look at pet health and nutrition – from vegetarian diets for pets to the most wonderful recipes from a new cookbook for dogs, to pet-friendly restaurants across the country. We even share tips on dining with your pets.

We also look at how the coronavirus pandemic has affected animals. Lockdown resulted in a rush to buy pets for the sheer pleasure of their company and a flood of returns to animal shelters because many people could no longer afford to care for their pets.

However, there was light at the end of the tunnel as South Africans rallied to the call from shelters and signed up as foster carers.

The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch had all its 115 dogs and 20 cats placed in homes.

We would love to hear about your pets. Send your stories, pictures and videos to nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za. Your pet could feature in our next issue. We also want to hear about heroes for animals, a regular feature celebrating those going the extra mile for animals. We’re all barking mad about our fur babies over here.

Nelandri

ADOPTING A PET

IS FURRY REWARDING

From a boom in adoptions to an increased rate rather unusual circumstances for animal

in returns, lockdown has created some shelters and pet adopters alike

SACHA VAN NIEKERK

THOSE who have them will attest that pets have the charming ability to paw their way into the very core of family life. From the dads who insist that they don’t want a puppy, only to immediately soften up and allow them a spot at the foot of the bed, to children who grow up with a companion that’ll see them through various stages of life – having a pet at home can be a truly wonderful thing.

Whether it was to seek company from the love of a furry friend or to relieve shelters of the pressure of having to look after a growing number of animals during the lockdown – many South Africans volunteered to assist shelters in whatever way they could. With that, the number of pets being taken into homes soared across the country as people adopted and volunteered to foster animals.

Luke Kruyt, Animal Care and media manager at Tears Animal Rescue, said that after issuing an appeal for foster homes on social media, Tears received thousands of emails offering support and care. “We were able to empty our kennels and placed 120 dogs and puppies into loving foster homes for what we believed would be a three-week lockdown.”

Tears was not alone in achieving such success, the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch had all 115 dogs and 20 cats placed in a home in what was a historic accomplishment for them. Announcing the amazing news on social media they said: “Never in our 64 years of operation has our shelter been empty; we cannot thank our fosters, volunteers and incredible staff enough.”

Adopting a pet can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. Adopting from a shelter or rescue group means you are directly saving two lives: when you bring home a rescue pet you’re freeing up a space for another animal who needs a second chance at a happy life. However, as many animal welfare organisations warned, pet adoption should not be a spontaneous decision and requires serious consideration, planning and family discussions.

While many of the families fell in love with their fosters, opting to officially adopt resulting in thousands of dogs and puppies finding their forever homes, some as the length of lockdown was extended, the number of foster fails increased. According to Maryke van Rensburg of the Domestic Animal Rescue Group: “It created somewhat of an unnatural situation for adoptees and their pets who were around one another 24/7 after coming straight out of a shelter environment. With the emotional stressors individuals have experienced due to Covid-19, I think quite a few adopters took on more than they could handle. Many dogs would not have known a regular ‘home’ environment so there were most likely a lot of new things for them to adjust to, like the commotion of vacuum cleaners. Dogs need to be introduced slowly to novel things if they have only known life in a shelter. What often happens is some sort of fallout occurs from a dog being overwhelmed by too much too soon which can play into why they may have not settled in a home and thus been returned.”

With the easing of lockdown levels, many dog owners are now worried that their pet will be anxious when they return to work. Tears Animal Rescue shared some tips on how to get your dog into a new routine and used to being home alone (again) – avoiding as much stress as possible: l Invest in food-dispensing toys and long-lasting treats/chew toys, which will keep your dog busy and occupied while you are not at home. l Make sure your dog has a comfy bed. l Leave the radio on, it’s better than dead silence. l Start getting your dog used to you not being around. Practise leaving home for short periods of time, and gradually increase the length of time spent away from home. l Consult with a registered animal behaviourist for more advice in dealing with separation anxiety.

WHAT’S AILING

FIDO OR FLUFFY?

JUST like people, our pets can be sensitive to environmental factors. Many pets experience sensitivities that can show up as tummy upsets and a dull coat with dry, itchy, flaky skin. In fact, up to a third of pet parents report seeing skin flare-ups once in a month in cats and dogs, and “skin issues” is a commonly internet-searched pet topic.

What can cause sensitivities Your pet’s itchy, flaky skin may be caused by many factors, among them parasites and fleas, environmental allergens such as dust, pollen and mould, bacterial and fungal infections, lack of skinspecific nutrients and sensitivities to certain kinds of proteins in their food.

Cats may also experience hormone imbalances that can make them prone to skin problems.

Digestive disorders also have a variety of causes, ranging from eating something inappropriate or new to food intolerances or sensitivities, infections, inflammation of gastrointestinal organs and even stress.

Some breeds are more prone to particular digestive problems and flatulence, including German shepherd dogs, Labradors, Pugs and Bulldogs, and Sphynx, Rex and Ragdoll cats. What to watch out for Ideally your pet’s coat should be clean; for cats fluffy, soft and smooth and for dogs shiny and relatively soft and smooth, even on short or wirehaired breeds. Signs that your pet may have a skin condition:

● Red patches, spots or pimples

● Scabs, crusts or thickened skin

● Dry, flaky or scaly patches

● Dull hair with excess hair loss

● Bad skin odour

● Itching, scratching, licking or rubbing

● Ear infections

Symptoms of digestive problems:

● Vomiting or regurgitation

● Diarrhoea or soft stools

● Change of appetite

● Flatulence

● Stomach gurgling

● Constipation

● Weakness

● Sudden inactivity or depression

Hill’s Pet Nutrition recommends that you consult your vet for any persistent or severe symptoms or if you are in any way concerned.

Ruling out more specific conditions, even healthy pets can experience occasional tummy upsets or flatulence or show signs of dry, flaky or itchy skin and a dull coat. It’s not uncommon for sensitive stomach and skin issues to occur at the same time. The right food can help Even when the cause of your pet’s sensitivity is not related to nutrition a high-quality food formulated especially for sensitive stomachs or skin can help. Hill’s, studies pets’ biology to understand how nutrition impacts digestive and skin health.

Prebiotic fibre is important for the gut microbiome, the unique mix of bacteria essential for a healthy digestive system. vitamin E, Omega-6s and other nutrients help maintain and protect skin.

Hill’s Science Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin, from Hill’s Special Care range, is one delicious food ideal for pets with sensitive skin, sensitive stomachs – or both.

It’s balanced to support healthy skin and gentle digestion with easy-to-digest ingredients and fibres to encourage nutrient absorption and stools that are easier to pick up.

BONE APPETIT!

From pupcakes to salads, the Bake and Bark doggy cookbook is filled with recipes for the perfect treat for your beloved pooch

SACHA VAN NIEKERK

CURATED by the Domestic Animal Rescue Group (Darg), Bake and Bark consists of tried-and-tested recipes by the rescue dogs and tweaked to suit their taste buds.

The team behind the cookbook, Maryke van Rensburg, Marcus Viljoen and Darg managing director Faustina Gardner, said each dog available for adoption had the liberty to choose their favourite recipe, which was then named after them in the book.

Based in Hout Bay, Cape Town, Darg rehabilitates and rehomes lost, abandoned, abused and neglected animals. The organisation aims to educate disadvantaged communities about caring for animals. Besides the 240 animals at the facility, its community programme helps dogs and cats in the surrounding communities of Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu.

Funding goes towards sterilisations, emergency veterinary care, basic pet care and general veterinary treatments. Darg does not receive government assistance and relies on the goodwill of the public and on fundraising events.

If you’re thinking of whipping up a little canine cuisine for your favourite good boy, you won’t have to search far for ingredients.

“We wanted to make sure that each ingredient is locally sourced from any supermarket and is safe for your dog to consume,” the authors said. “There are many products that are harmful to dogs and it was very important to make sure that the recipes in Bake and Bark are not only nutritious and delicious, but also safe for your pooch to enjoy.”

A food technologist provided the nutritional information for each recipe.

“Animal behaviour therapist and expert nutritionist Jo Scott reviewed each recipe to make sure that they are safe for consumption, balanced and delicious for your dog.”

They should not be considered a meal replacement, but something to spoil your pet with on special occasions.

Visit Bake and Bark at www.darg.shop to buy the book. To find out how you can help or if you are interested in adopting or volunteering, contact Darg at 021 790 0383 or info@darg.org.za.

EACH RECIPE IS SAFE, BALANCEDAND DELICIOUS FOR YOUR

FAVOURITE GOOD BOY

KIMMIE’S CARROT CAKE Makes: 20cm cake Cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients 2 cups carrots, puréed 2 large eggs 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup unflavoured canned sardines, drained ½ cup sunflower oil ½ cup warm water 2 cups full-fat cream cheese

Nutritional Information: Fat 56% Protein 11% Carbohydrate 33%

Instructions Preheat the oven to 180°C. Coat a 20cm ring pan with non-stick cooking spray. Purée the carrots in a food processor. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, add the carrot, flour, sardines, oil, water and mix well.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and distribute it evenly. Bake for 35 minutes, until golden brown on top. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Once the cake is cooled, ice with cream cheese and garnish with grated carrots. Serve slices to your pooch.

Cover any leftover cake with foil and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months in an airtight container.

APOLLO’S CHICKEN BOWL Servings: 1-4 (depending on the size of your dog) Cooking time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 1 large boneless chicken breast, shredded 2 cups water ½ cup rice, cooked ½ cup carrots, diced ½ cup green beans, sliced ½ cup peas

Nutritional information: Fat 56% Protein 11% Carbohydrate 33%

Instructions Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Place the boneless chicken breast on a baking tray and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Bring 350ml of the water to boil, add rice and cook on a low heat for 45 minutes or until water is fully absorbed. Peel and cube the carrots, slice the green beans. Add the peas, carrots and green beans to the remaining water in the saucepan and boil for 5 minutes. Shred the chicken breast. Place the chicken, rice and vegetables into a dog bowl and mix until combined. Cool to room temperature before serving to your dog.

TIGERIY’S POOCH SALAD Servings: 1-4 (depending on the size of your dog) Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients 1 cup lettuce, chopped ⅓ cup cucumber, peeled and cubed ¾ cup carrot, peeled and grated ¾ cup sweet potato, peeled and cubed ⅓ cup plain full-fat yoghurt with live cultures

Instructions Rinse the lettuce, then peel the cucumber, carrot and sweet potato.

Chop the lettuce, then dice the cucumber, grate the carrot and cube the sweet potato, measuring approximately 1cm, and place it in a bowl.

Pour the yoghurt over the vegetables and stir all the ingredients until thoroughly coated. Feed the salad to your pooch immediately. The salad can be kept in the fridge for two days. TIP: Consult your vet before serving yoghurt to your dog. Simply remove the yoghurt if your dog is allergic to lactose.

Nutritional information: Fat 16% Protein 12% Carbohydrate 72%

KEN’S CHICKEN AND CHEESE PÂTÉ Makes: 1 cup Cooking time: 90 minutes

Ingredients 120g boneless chicken breast ½ cup chicken livers 2 tbs unsalted butter 2 tbs cottage cheese, smooth

Instructions Place the chicken breasts in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Set aside to cool. Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the liver and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Add the chicken breast and sauté for a minute. Pour the mixture into a food processor, add the cottage cheese and blend until smooth.

Using a spoon, fill a bowl with pâté. Freeze for 1 hour, then serve.

Refrigerate the leftover pâté in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. TIP: Remove the cheese if your pet is allergic to lactose. Place pâté in a hoof for your pet to enjoy.

Disclaimer The recipes provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a meal replacement. Consult with an expert, feed your dog responsibly and in moderation.