Rescue & Animal Care - April/May - Issue 174

RESCUE and ANIMAL CARE

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30th April - 30th May 2022 - Issue 174

What are the most officefriendly dog breeds?

TV star Diane Morgan and her rescue dog Bobby

ISSN 2050-0572

FREE TO READ Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

In s ide .. .

See Mayhew’s Spring issue of tails Magazine!

Pet lovers needed to take part in the Big Pet Census

Unlucky dog let down on adoption day Cover Image

Help Border Collie Trust GB Support their vital work just by shopping online at no extra cost to you?

Bunnies celebrate first bir thday in rescue, but would love a home of their own

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Dear Readers Welcome to your latest Free to read copy of Rescue and Animal Care Magazine.

The Border Collie Trust GB are featured on our front cover with the most gorgeous dog!

Inside, you can find out how you can help raise funds for this amazing Charity on Amazon Smile. Amazon Smile features the same products at the same prices as the standard Amazon site. The only difference is, when you shop with them, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the cost of all eligible products to your chosen charity!

Dementia dogs - research reveals pets are the unsung hero when caring for someone with dementia. Dementia Read tails Spring UK findings reveal that our furry friends have a key role to play in supporting the family members who are caring for Magazine online the 900,000+ people living with dementia across the UK. (see centre pages) Read more within the following pages. Cody had spent months meeting his new adopters and getting to know them - but was let down on the day he was due to go home. Find out what happened on page 20.

New research from Dogs Trust suggests new approaches to understanding our special bond-Read their feature “Man’s best friend” – but is the feeling mutual?

A cat owner from Truro who fought in vain to help an underage kitten that she purchased over the Internet is the focus of a new Cats Protection documentary. Learn more on page 26. Read more interesting articles and news inside this issue!

Until next month

Love Jennifer x

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

THE TEAM PUBLISHER: Jennifer Prowse FEATURE CONTRIBUTORS Mary Lloyd, Bio-Life International Juliet Abrahamson DESIGN Vicki Barnes WEBSITE WDL Website Design Ltd ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHERS. ANY OPINIONS STATED WITHIN THE TEXT OF RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHERS. ANY PRICES QUOTED MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. SOME OF THE ANIMALS FEATURED WITHIN THIS ISSUE MAY NOW HAVE BEEN REHOMED.

In this issue ...

10 8 TV star Diane dog Bobby. Morgan with her rescue

gs ude has his ba Rescue dog D to go… but nowhere

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packed

RAC Travel Food & www.redwings.org.uk Water Box

Contact us

12 Bunnies celebrate first birthday in rescue, but would love a home of their own

On this Month’s Cover Border Collie Trust GB

24 Mini Pet Calming Spray www.petremedy.co.uk

PHONE: 07885 305188 EMAIL: Jennifer@jspmedia.co.uk TWITTER: Troublesome Treacle

Follow us on facebook Rescue and Animal Care www.facebook.com/rescueandanimalcare RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE: JENNIFER PROWSE MEDIA, 21 THE MALTINGS, BURES, SUFFOLK CO8 5EJ

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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I have developed a new habit when I am given my food. It is a bit of a game which I have invented and fellow Furries you really should try this out.

It’s such fun!

Dear Lovely Animals and Humans!

I’m in the dog house at the moment and it’s all thanks to a horse who inadvertently got me in trouble!

This Morning we went for a walk in a different place than usual and there were lots of new smell for me to bury my nose in.

As Mistress sauntered ahead of me as we walked along a country road I came across this dried brown stuff which I started chewing.

Turning her head she spotted me eating this tasty treat and shouted at me to drop it!

She explained that it was horse dung and started to gag as she wiped my mouth with a tissue she found buried in her pocket.

Thank goodness I didn’t have much before I was caught as Mistress told me it can cause a toxic reaction.

A couple of hours ago I was sick on Mistress’s new trainers hence why I am in the dog house.

She’s not really cross with me as I explained that I thought I was eating some beef jerky and not horse poo!

Talking of eating. I have developed a new habit when I am

given my food. It is a bit of a game which I have invented and fellow Furries you really should try this out. It’s such fun! See my photo for a guide.

I have to have at least two balls and Miss Piggy placed around my bowl. They need to be positioned and then re positioned until I am satisfied which can take some time and makes Mistress sigh a lot.

And then I will dig in.

I will be ten in June! That is pretty old for a dog but I am healthy, lucky and happy. I have a lovely and caring Mistress (she can be a bit odd at times though!)

There are so many of you gorgeous animals out there waiting for kind new owners and I do hope you find your forever perfect home – I did.

Love and licks

Follow us on facebook Rescue and Animal Care www.facebook.com/rescueandanimalcare

Follow us on twitter Troublesome Treacle Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Heathway, Colton, Rugeley, Staffs WS15 3LY Tel: 01889 577058 www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk Reg Charity No1053585

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Donating at no cost to you The last two years have seen even more appeals from charitable organisations for support from the Public. Coronavirus hit the ability for any charity to operate in our normal way. Face to face meetings have been dramatically reduced and the overall effect on our work has hit income.

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s we now come out of the pandemic we are all being hit by financial increases in everyday life, fuel, energy, food, the list keeps going on. And of course that means we as a charity are facing exactly the same increases. We are particularly hit by rises in electricity and changes to heating oil taxation.

And so the pleas for your help continue. If you are able to donate with one off, occasional donations or regular monthly donations we are very grateful but there are ways that you can support our work without having to donate from your own reduced disposal income.

Online shopping has been growing over the last few years and especially since 2020 and did you know, you can help Border Collie Trust Great Britain generate additional funds to help support our vital work just by shopping online at no extra cost to you?

By signing up to Give as you Live Online, we'll receive a donation every time you shop at any of their 5,500+ registered stores, including John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Currys, Booking.com, Marks & Spencer and Just Eat. The best bit? It's completely free!

As well as generous donations for Border Collie Trust Great Britain, when you shop via Give as you Live Online you'll also have access to top offers so you can save as well as raise!

You can join those who are helping to raise valuable fund in this way by signing up, follow the link in Support Us Online on our website or visit https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/bc tgb If you use Amazon, have you signed up to Amazon Smile? Amazon Smile features the same products at the same prices as the standard Amazon site. The only difference is, when you shop on Amazon Smile, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the cost 6

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

of all eligible products to your chosen charity.

There are millions of eligible products available – look out for ‘Eligible for smile.amazon.co.uk’ on the product’s details page. To sign up and support Border Collie Trust, follow the link in Support Us Online on our website or visit https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/10535 85-0 The Support Us Online section of the website has other ideas as well - thank you for any support you can offer, it's very much appreciated.

Ben Wilkes Border Collie Trust GB www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Karnlea Boost from TV’s Diane TV star Diane Morgan has given start-up pet brand Karnlea her seal of approval after the Belfast company gifted her a case of its nutritious Bone Broth for her rescue dog Bobby.

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he toy poodle – stage name, Robert Bovril Morgan – loved the beefy supplement which is made from 100 per cent natural products and has high levels of protein, collagen and minerals.

Karnlea’s owners, husband and wife team Lara and Ken McCullough were thrilled when they heard back from the comedy actress who features in TV favourites After Life, Motherland and Mandy.

Diane Morgan and her rescue dog Bobby

She told them that the product was just what she had been looking for: “Bobby is ten now so I'm always looking for something to keep his joints supple, and he LOVES this!!!,” she told them in a thank you note, accompanied by photos of her with Bobby.

The couple contacted Diane after seeing an interview with her in Your Dog Magazine in which she talked about adopting Bobby through the Blue Cross charity and how she loves sharing her life with him.

Said Lara: “We were delighted when we saw the article as we have been big fans of Diane’s since she first appeared as Philomena Cunk on Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe. We approached her to ask if she would like a case sent for Bobby and she replied to say it was just what she was looking for.”

“It was lovely that she took the time to thank us in this way. We are so pleased that Bobby enjoyed Karnlea Beef Bone Broth. It's so good for joints and bone health, and easy to digest, so ideal for older dogs.”

Karnlea recently launched the UK’s first ‘ambient’ liquid bone and a new flavour variant is planned for later this year. Although the brand is new, Lara

and Ken are not newcomers to the pet industry having previously run other successful pet businesses over the past 15 years.

n Karnlea Beef Bone Broth is sold through independent retailers and its website: www.karnlea.com

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 8

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www.dogmatic.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022

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Dude

Rescue dog has his bags packed but nowhere to go…

Dude has been waiting for 10 months but has had only one application

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sweet little dog who has had a difficult start in life is desperate for a home of his own after spending more than 10 months patiently waiting to be adopted - with only one application.

Two-year-old crossbreed Dude has packed his bags ready to go off to his new family - but he sadly has nowhere to go.

He was rescued from the streets of Romania and lived with his owner until her tragic death. Sadly, her family couldn’t cope with his challenging behaviours around strangers and asked the RSPCA for help.

The RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch took in the little dog and their behaviourists spent months working with him to boost his confidence and get him used to a new setting and new people.

Mandy Broadhead, from the centre, said: “Dude is such a sweet little chap but he can be complex. He needs really understanding owners who are experienced with dogs and can give him 10

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the time - and space - he needs to get used to a change in circumstances.

“He’s such a friendly, affectionate and loving lad once he knows you but he’s incredibly anxious around strangers.

We’re really hoping to find him a home with a single person who he can spend one-on-one time with and build a strong bond.

“His new home will need to have few visitors as Dude finds it really difficult when new people come into the home.

He finds it hard to trust new people and it takes him a long time to build a relationship with someone so any new adopter will need to be willing to put in the time to gain his trust.

“We understand this can be a challenge but Dude is certainly worth it and we really hope there’s someone out there who can give him the chance he deserves. We’re certainly not ready to give up on him!”

Sadly, in the 10 months Dude has been waiting for a new home, he’s only had one application and that didn’t work out as Dude found it difficult to bond

with the wider family. Now staff are pulling out all the stops to find him his perfect match.

“Dude is ready for a fresh start and he’s got his bags packed to go off to his new home but sadly he has nowhere to go,” Mandy added. “It’s heartbreaking that nobody seems to want him.”

Dude walks with a limp due to a historic injury so this may need medical attention if it causes him problems later in life. He’ll need an adult-only home without other pets.

He walks nicely on the lead and is very bright and intelligent so would thrive with training. He can be left for short periods of time. n Find out more about Dude online https://www.rspcayorkhome.org.uk/adopt-ananimal/dude1/ or contact the team at RSPCA York Animal Home on reception@rspca-yorkhome.org.uk or 01904 654949.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Dementia dogs - research reveals pets are the unsung hero when caring for someone with dementia To mark the launch of the campaign, Dementia UK is set to release new data - and the findings reveal that our furry friends have a key role to play in supporting the family members who are caring for the 900,000+ people living with dementia across the UK.

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he charity polled family dementia carers to better understand what help is required, and pets emerged as a strong source of support.

Almost half (42%) of those polled said that playing with a pet is their favourite activity to do with their loved one suggesting that a little bit of animal affection can go a long way.

Admiral Nurses: Dementia specialists widely recognise the positive effect that animals can have on people with dementia and some of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses have been involved in research into how animal therapy could be a permanent feature in care homes.

We could set up an interview with one of the charity’s specialist animal therapy nurses, who can tell us more about the role pets play in dementia care.

Fred: Fred Caygill is 62 and lives in Exmouth, Devon. He lives close to the beach and has two Labradors, which have been a source of comfort since his wife Lynn (who lives with vascular dementia) has gone into a nursing home. Fred says: “Dementia has taken over my life. It didn’t just happen to Lynne, it happened to me too. Moving Lynne to a care home was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. It was heartbreaking. My Admiral Nurse, Trace, re-assured me that I was

making the right decision which made the transition a little easier.”

Dementia UK has launched its #ILiveWithDementia campaign to highlight the vital support it offers through its specialist dementia nurses, known as

Admiral Nurses – who provide lifechanging care and support for families affected by all forms of dementia. To find out more, visit dementiauk.org/ILiveWithDementia or search social media with the hashtag #ILiveWithDementia.

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

www.dogmatic.org.uk RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022

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Rabbit Residence Rescue - Mum Coors with her babies in 2021

Bunnies celebrate first birthday in rescue, but would love a home of their own They are five half-wild rabbits at Rabbit Residence Rescue, near Royston, Hertfordshire.

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he five adorable half-wild rabbits were born at Rabbit Residence Rescue in April 2021. Their mums had been dumped separately in the wild and their dads were wild rabbits. Both mums and siblings have now found their new families, but these five are still looking.

Lux, Winona and Shay are sisters were born to mum, Coors, after she was found straying on a roundabout. Lux and Winona are looking for a home together while Shay is looking for a “husbun” of her own to be bonded with. The rescue will help with the bonding process if you have a single neutered boy rabbit looking for a friend.

Gregory and Sean were born to mum, Marilyn, who was found in a local park.

They are two of eight babies, their siblings have now found their new homes, Gregory and Sean are still

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Rabbit Residence Rescue - Lux and Winona are always up to mischief

Cont. on p14 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Rabbit Residence Rescue - Sean and Gregory are a friendly pair of brothers

Rabbit Residence Rescue - Mum Marilyn with her babies in 2021

Cont. from p12

looking for a home of their own. They are lovely cheeky boys.

Lea Facey, Rabbit Residence Rescue’s Manager says: Domestic pet rabbits and European wild rabbits are the same species, which is how they can crossbreed. The wild genetics are very strong and mean that both litters arrived looking most like their wild counterparts, except for one or two white markings. As the babies looked very similar, we use non-toxic marker in their ears to tell the difference. This is not harmful and wears off.

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The risk of pregnancy is one of the plethora of reasons why domestic rabbits should never be dumped in the wild. They do not have the skills to live as wild rabbits and will not survive long, easily being picked up by predators or suffering from exposure. Coors and Marilyn were very lucky to be found by members of the public before they came to the same fate.

All five are very inquisitive and friendly rabbits. They are looking for large, secure homes with lots of places to explore, hide, and play in. The rescue can offer lots of advice on housing and they follow the Rabbit Welfare Association’s “A Hutch is not Enough” guide to housing. All of the rabbits have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and vet checked. n If you think you could offer any of these rabbits a new home, please contact Rabbit Residence Rescue on rabbit_residence@hotmail.com or visit their website at http://www.rabbitresidence.org.uk

Rabbit Residence Rescue Shay enjoying some grass www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Hope and Larnie

Hope hoof - before

Rescuing Hope

Hope hoof - after

Hope was rescued alongside four other horses in August 2021. Unfortunately, her owners were suffering with their own health issues and were unable to meet her needs. A neighbour provided as much support as they could, but after a year of struggling the owner contacted the Mare and Foal Sanctuary for help. We provide no-shame advice and will support people to find the right care for their horses whatever their circumstances.

Thankfully, we were able to offer a solution and bring the horses into the care of the sanctuary.

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n arrival it was clear to see that the horses had multiple health issues including laminitis, muzzle burn and painful skin conditions. Additionally, two of the horses, including Hope, had body scores that indicated they were overweight putting their health at further risk. Hope also had bot fly eggs on her legs, which had to be carefully removed.

But perhaps the most shocking discovery was the terrible condition that Hope’s feet were in. All four hooves were misshapen and overgrown altering the way she walked and causing considerable pain. Hope’s feet needed urgent attention. When there is so much excess hoof wall it can be difficult to fully assess, so the initial trims were just

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to remove the huge overgrowths. Her feet were then x-rayed to check for any further problems. She then saw the farrier every two weeks for remedial work.

It takes around ten months for a horse’s hoof to grow out from the top (coronet band) to the bottom, so it will take a long time for the cracks in Hope’s hooves to completely grow out.

Overgrown hooves can alter the way a horse moves, cause them to trip and put considerable strain on tendons and ligaments. It is crucial that farrier work is done slowly rather than all at once.

Expert hoof care and suitable grazing were also vital to help Hope reach a healthy body weight. Overweight horses can be at a higher risk of laminitis, heart and lung problems and damaged

leg joints.

Hope has coped well with her treatment and is now enjoying life living out in the fields. Thanks to our supporters we were there to answer the call of an owner in distress and support them to find the right care for their horses. Hope is safe, but there are other horses and ponies who urgently need our help. So please, if you can afford to, send a gift today to help horses and ponies in need. n You can donate via our website www.mareandfoal.org/hope-appeal where you can also find out more about Hope and watch a video from our patron John Nettles.

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Pet lovers needed to take part in the Big Pet Census Blue Cross is calling on pet lovers to take part in a nationwide survey to help pets and people of the future.

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he Big Pet Census will help the charity better understand the UK’s 34 million-strong pet population and the role pets play in their owners’ lives, shaping the support that the charity offers to pets and their families.

The online survey asks everything from views on the pressing animal welfare issues of our time to questions about how owners show their pets that they love them and how their pets demonstrate that reciprocal love. Blue Cross is also keen to find out how having a pet improves lives and how their pets supported them during the pandemic.

Chris Burghes CEO at Blue Cross said: “We are really proud to have changed millions of lives in our 125-year history

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but the need for our help is growing all the time.

“No one knows your pet quite like you do and now you can share your knowledge to help make this an even better world for pets and the people who love them by taking part in our Big Pet Census. Your responses to the census will help us learn as much as possible about pet ownership to inform our work to improve pet welfare and support people.”

This year Blue Cross is celebrating 125 years of helping sick, injured and homeless animals.

Every month the charity helps thousands of pets and people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and finds homeless cats, dogs, small animals and horses

happy homes. Set up in 1897, it is estimated that Blue Cross has helped over 38 million pets and people.

2022 is the 125th anniversary of Blue Cross, originally ‘Our Dumb Friends League’. The charity formed to help vulnerable pets and their owners and we continue this work today across our rehoming, clinical, animal behaviour, pet bereavement support and educational work. We are striving to be able to help even more pets in the future live healthy lives in happy homes. Blue Cross relies on the support and donations of pet lovers to continue our vital work, to find out more and make a donation visit www.bluecross.org.uk/125-years-ofblue-cross

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Teddy

Fast multi-disciplinary efficiency solves puppy’s foreign body ingestion emergency Three departments at Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) in Hertfordshire, demonstrated multi-disciplinary efficiency with an emergency foreign body ingestion case last month. Within two hours the poorly puppy had been admitted, diagnosed, operated on, and recovered from surgery.

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eddy, a 10-month-old miniature Australian labradoodle puppy with a penchant for scavenging had been vomiting and lethargic for four days. His local practice suspected foreign material was present which prompted emergency referral to Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists.

Teddy was admitted by the on-call Soft Tissue Surgeon. The radiologist identified a foreign body in the small intestine. The anaesthesists were able to simultaneously stabilise Teddy and prepare him for surgery. The surgical team then got to work to remove the culprit and check for any damage or infection.

“The longer a foreign body remains

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lodged in the intestines, the greater the risk of fatal consequences such as septic peritonitis,” explained said Rufus Hammerton, Resident in Surgery at Davies.

“As a multi-disciplinary practice, we were able to manage the case very quickly and efficiently. Smooth teamwork between the departments meant we could effectively treat Teddy and avoid potentially fatal consequences.”

Teddy recovered well and was discharged two days later. He is now back to being a normal, happy bouncy labradoodle puppy.

“I knew Teddy was deteriorating by the hour and had voiced my fears that if we didn’t get specialist help he wasn’t going to make it,” said Teddy’s owner Gemma

Geddes. “I’ll be forever grateful I pushed for Davies’s help. Within five minutes of arriving, I knew he was in competent and safe hands when they confirmed they’d already established where the blockage was and were preparing him for surgery.

“Davies were professional, caring, communicative and allowed my husband and I to ask a multitude of questions without ever feeling we were taking up their time. Most importantly I never felt like Teddy was just a ‘patient’ to them, they understood how important he was to us.” n To find out more about the services at Davies visit https://vetspecialists.co.uk/

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Cody

Unlucky dog let down on adoption day Cody had spent months meeting his new adopters and getting to know them - but was let down on the day he was due to go home

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terrier who was excitedly waiting to go off to his new home was let down on the day of his adoption due to a change in circumstances.

Cody, who is almost two, has spent a total of 15 months in RSPCA care almost his whole life - waiting patiently to find his forever home. He was moved to Martlesham Animal Centre nine months ago and the team has been working hard with him to prepare him for a new home.

Staff at the centre - run by the RSPCA Suffolk Central branch - were thrilled when their longest staying resident was reserved.

Kennel supervisor Sarah Welham said: “Cody’s adopters spent months visiting us regularly to get to know him and build up a bond with him so he’d be ready for his fresh start. So we were absolutely gutted when Cody’s adoption fell through the day he was due to be picked up.

“Although we were devastated that it 20

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

fell apart at the last minute, it gave us and Cody great opportunities to meet new people and it was great to see how he adapted to the meetings and has given us great insight to start looking for another home for him.

“Now, Cody’s hunt for a new home begins again.”

Cody has some challenging behaviours so is looking for experienced owners who can commit to ongoing reward-based training. He can be reactive towards unfamiliar people, dogs and some vehicles but has been responding well to his training.

Sarah added: “Cody is such a fabulous little dog and he’ll thrive in the right home.

“He finds strangers frightening but once he gets to know you his true soppy side comes out! He’s super affectionate and really playful.

“He absolutely loves his toys and will often greet you with one in his mouth, while his whole body wags with excitement!

“He’s incredibly intelligent and picks up new things very quickly so he’d love to continue with fun training in his new home.”

Cody will need to be muzzled and kept on the lead when out and about but the team has been working hard to get him used to this.

He’d like a quiet, rural home in a low-populated area where he can enjoy remote walks away from busy footpaths and roads.

To find out more about sweet Cody please visit his online profile or contact the team on info@rspcasuffolkcentral.org.uk or 0300 999 7321. n RSPCA Suffolk Central branch is an independent charity that relies on donations. To help the team rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more animals, like Cody, please donate online: https://rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk/donate/.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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s g o D 0 1 10 Dogmatic out of

prefer

d ollar stops dogs pulling on the lea Dogmatic’s Revolutionary Headc the unique strapping under and at and gives you back control. The atic stays in place and the nose sides of the chin ensures the Dogm the eyes which causes distress band does not ride up under or into 52 245330 and discomfort to your dog. Tel: 019 www.dogmatic.org.uk

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‘Man’s best friend’ – but is the feeling mutual?

New research from Dogs Trust suggests new approaches to understanding our special bond

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ogs Trust has released new research which shows we still have a way to go in exploring whether dogs invest in the human/dog bond in the same way their owners do.

When the UK’s largest canine charity carried out a series of interviews with different types of dog owner to explore this bond, it found that current methods used to measure it focus on the human side and all too often fail to capture the dog’s perspective.

Understanding the bond between owners and their dogs, and the reasons why it sometimes breaks down, is an important aspect of the charity’s work in trying to reduce the number of people who give up their dogs because they are no longer to cope, or no longer want them.

Through a series of interviews conducted with different kinds of dog guardian, including owners of a single dog, multiple dogs, and assistance dogs, the charity’s research team discovered several seemingly common themes in establishing a bond between dog and owner – particularly understanding the dog’s perspective.

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These included adaptation; respecting boundaries (set by both human and dog); understanding (and being empathetic to) a dog’s preferences, likes and dislikes in order to support them emotionally and increase the “quality time” spent together. A full summary can be read here: https://www.mdpi.com/20762615/12/7/805 Some of the best ways owners can establish a special bond with their dog include: l Establishing trust and carrying out activities that generate a positive association can promote an increased closeness and a unique bond, which may well be closer than the dog’s bonds with other members of the household l Positive reinforcement during dog training and other aspects of management are great ways to establish a bond l Games and dog friendly activities, to enjoy fun time together l Sticking up for your dog - supporting

your dog appropriately when they find situations challenging Dogs Trust Head of Research, Dr Melissa Upjohn, and Dr Lauren Samet who lead the research said: “It’s easy to assume that dogs feel the same way as we do about our special bond - but we’ll never really know unless we start asking the right questions and start to really look at it from the dog’s perspective.

“The more we understand the dog’s point of view, the better equipped we are to support both dogs and owners in building and maintaining healthy bonds in their lives together.” n To find out more about using positive reinforcement-based training methods visit Dogs Trust’s Dog School pages. Dog School is Dogs Trust’s affordable inperson and virtual training course that offers small group classes, reward-based training to encourage positive behaviour and help you to understand your dog and prevent future problems. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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The Labrador Lifeline Trust is a charity dedicated to rescuing, rehoming and helping Labradors They are now in their Twenty seventh year of helping Labradors in need of new homes and their main priority is placing the right dog in the right home.

They cover the areas of Berkshire, Hampshire, Lincolnshire, Middlesex and Surrey

Registered charity number 1076061

Tel: 01256 884027 / 07860 691251 / Email: info@labrador-lifeline.com

www.labrador-lifeline.com www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022

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Colloidal silver Unlike other pet products, colloidal silver is a negatively charged solution, making it effective in treating various problems. As it interacts with positively charged single-cell microorganisms, it disrupts the functions of these microbes. Colloidal silver for pets stops these microorganisms from receiving enzymes and oxygen, killing them effectively. Unlike other pet products, colloidal silver does not affect good bacteria nor interfere with other body processes, limiting any side effects your pet may experience from other medications. Furthermore, some specialists say that Kupfer cells in the liver store silver ions, allowing the body to fight off opportunistic microorganisms and infections. Visit www.naturesgreatestsecret.co.uk

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Height Adjustable Double Feeding Dog Bowl This double feeder has a quick-release mechanism to easily adjust the level of the bowls to suit your dog. Each of the 1400ml capacity bowls is fitted with a silicone bead around the rim to eliminate sliding and noise during feeding. £39.99. Visit www.georgebarclay.co.uk

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www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022

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Samantha Webb showing photo of Franky on phone

Franky the kitten, now deceased Photo credit: Cats Protection

Brave cat owner warns of kitten con artists in new documentary A cat owner from Truro who fought in vain to help an underage kitten that she purchased over the Internet is the focus of a new Cats Protection documentary

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amantha Webb, 32, tells the emotive story of her kitten Franky in a documentary entitled “The Big Kitten Con” which sheds light on kittens that are traded online at less than the legal age for commercial sale which is eight weeks old.

Her unfortunate experience began when she was browsing the Internet in May 2021 looking for a new pet. “I saw a photo of playful kittens on Facebook with a caption saying ‘10-week-old kittens ready to go, mum can be seen’, says Samantha.

“I sent the person a private message to discuss further, and on the day that my husband and I went to collect my kitten, the seller messaged me to say there would be a charge of £30.

“We arrived outside a chaotic household and could see several noisy dogs and a number of adult cats and kittens wandering in and out,” said Samantha.

“The seller handed me a frail and limp kitten who wouldn’t open his eyes. He looked quite different to the kittens in the photo.

“I handed over the money just so we could get this poor kitten to the vet. My vet confirmed he was just four weeks old and a few weeks later confirmed he had a neurological condition called cerebellar hypoplasia caused by his 26

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

mum having a virus during pregnancy.

“I had to treat this kitten, who I called Franky, as a new-born and so I was up day and night with him to get his strength up and did other things to help him.

“Sadly he took a turn for the worse one morning. He was drooling and became very unstable on his feet and he kept pressing his head against the wall. My husband and I rushed him to the vet but sadly Franky’s condition continued to deteriorate. With a heavy heart, I had to have Franky put to sleep.”

Last year, 340,000 of the 500,000 cats that were purchased in the UK were found online on sites like Facebook, Gumtree, Pets 4 Homes and Preloved but Cats Protection fears that this has allowed some unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of the anonymity of the Internet and deceive unsuspecting buyers like Samantha.

A recent survey of 2,000 people conducted by Cats Protection showed that around four in ten (42 per cent) had noticed a suspicious advertisement for a cat or kitten across Facebook, Gumtree, Pets 4 Homes or Preloved.

Veterinary surgeon and star of CBBC’s The Pets Factor Dr Fabian Rivers also appears in the documentary to give advice to consumers, which include asking to see the kittens with their

mum cat at least twice and asking for clear evidence that the kitten is eight weeks old.

“Every day as a vet I see more cats come through my door that are set up for failure from the very start,” says Fabian.

“It’s so important that we take these living, sentient, amazing beings much more seriously, especially when they are young and vulnerable. They are not accessories or toys and they have to be treated with much more respect.”

Cats Protection is calling on cat lovers to sign a petition calling for the regulation of cat breeding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, bringing it into line with Scotland who introduced a law late last year.

“We want anyone who breeds two or more litters of kittens in a year to be licensed which would make them subject to regular inspections,” says Madison Rogers, the charity’s Acting Head of Advocacy and Government Relations.

“This will bring unscrupulous sellers out of the shadows and help protect helpless and innocent kittens.” n To watch Cats Protection’s “The Big Kitten Con” video and to sign Cats Protection’s petition, please visit www.cats.org.uk/kitten-con

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Viisit catit.co.uk

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Decrease your carbon pawprint, charity advises As Earth Day approaches, a leading animal charity is offering advice on how to become an eco-friendly pet owner.

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ats Protection, the UK’s largest feline charity, says that investing in a greener future can start at home with a few simple changes to pet care routines.

Alison Richards, Cats Protection’s Head of Clinical Services, said: “Cats are generally very low maintenance pets, and they don’t need lots of expensive toys, bedding, or equipment to be happy and healthy. There are a lot of single-use plastic products on the market that we just don’t need to buy.

So instead of diving into our coin purse and spending money on products that are harmful to our planet, we can swap the plastic for easy-to-make recyclable options.”

Cats Protection’s eco-friendly tips include:

• Avoid plastic packaging: Every year billions of plastic and aluminum food 28

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pouches end up in landfill sites. Look out for products with recyclable packaging and make sure to clean out the packet or tin and recycle it once empty. Some pet shops even offer the opportunity to bring along a container to refill dry cat food, saving considerably on packaging • Get crafty: New toys are expensive and come with a heavy carbon footprint. You can create plenty of homemade playthings that will be just as exhilarating for your cat. Toilet rolls and eggboxes make great puzzle feeders. Old socks can be upcycled into a thrilling cat toy – just fill the sock with a few spoonfuls of dried catnip, tie it off at the end and give to your cat to enjoy. Fashion a fishing rod toy from a length of string and a garden cane for your cat to grab onto and play with. Cats also love boxes, so before you throw out a cardboard box, try cutting out a couple of holes for your cat to dash through.

• Abandon luxury treats: Cats don’t need fancy treats in addition to their regular meals. Instead, try taking some dry food out of your cat’s daily food allowance to offer as treats. However, if you do want to give your cat the occasional posh treat, then try making your own. Homemade treats are not only more cost-effective, but they also save on the production of single-use packaging. Check out Cats Protection’s homemade meaty treat recipe here: https://youtu.be/Q3GIahkM0ck • Watch out for palm oil: Palm oil production is incredibly harmful to wildlife and the environment, but it can still be found lurking in a large number of our foods. Make sure you read the label on all food products and either steer clear of those that use palm oil or research carefully to Cont. on p30 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Cont. from p28

ensure the palm oil is sustainably produced.

• Make your own cat bed: Cats don’t need expensive beds – a cardboard box and a blanket or old jumper work just as well. If you’re feeling creative, try using felt tip pens or paint to give the box a unique and fun look.

• Safely dispose of poo: Never flush cat waste down the loo. Sewage treatments are not able to treat the parasites found in cat waste, which can make their way into our water system.

• Check your cat litter: Swap litter that contains environmentally harmful chemicals for an eco-friendly litter brand or use materials such as sawdust or shredded paper.

• DIY scratching stations: All cats need access to somewhere they can scratch to keep their claws in tip-top condition.

Try replacing shop-bought posts with old carpet samples which are often cheaply available or even free at carpet shops.

Cats Protection is committed to working towards a greener future and making eco-friendly swaps wherever possible.

Lesley Cross, Cats Protection’s Head of Retail and Trading, said: “We have put a number of measures in place to minimize our carbon footprint and we will keep making improvements wherever we can. Currently, we use a ‘zero to landfill’ recycling company who last year collected 621,814kg worth of rag items from our retail stores. We also run a printer ink cartridge recycling scheme across all shops, which helps to reduce the number of cartridges that are sent to landfill as well as reducing the amount of energy used in making new

cartridges from raw materials.

“We have removed plastic wraps from our cards and calendars, all of our donation bags are recyclable, Cats Protection branded clothing and tote bags sold online are made to order out of certified organic cotton and the packaging is plastic-free, the website is carbon neutral and the factories used are powered by renewable energy.”

To find out more about caring for cats, please visit www.cats.org.uk

A specialist team of animal lovers with almost 50 years’ experience in meeting the unique insurance needs of rescues and other animal-related trades

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www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Chase

Milo

Cat biscuits

‘Poisoning’ alert over ‘suspicious’ treats after two cats are found dead in Hull streets Owners urged to be on alert as cats are ‘being targeted’ in Hessle

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he RSPCA is warning owners to be vigilant over discarded food after cats were found dead in an area of Hull.

The suspicious incidents have centred in and around Hampshire Street in Hessle with two cats, belonging to the same owner, discovered in a garden and an alleyway.

The body of another cat is also reported to have been discovered in a nearby street.

Chase, a three-year-old black and white cat (pictured on the right), was found on February 25 with a vet confirming the cause of death was a result of ingesting rat poison.

His owner, Sophie Ahmed, was left devastated when the family’s second pet, a ginger and white cat called Milo (above left) was found dead in an alleyway nearby on April 13. It is thought the pet is also likely to have been poisoned, although this has not been confirmed yet.

Afterwards the owner spotted some cat biscuits discarded in the area (pictured above), which appeared suspicious as they were matted together with an unknown substance.

RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell, who was contacted by Ms Ahmed after the latest incident, is appealing for any

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information.

She said: “We need to make owners aware that in this area of Hull we believe cats are being targeted. Residents need to be on the lookout if they see anyone putting down food stuffs or they see anything suspicious.

“The cat that died in February was taken to the vets who confirmed he was poisoned. That hasn’t been confirmed in the second case, but Milo was found in the same area and the owner also found some food with something in it.

“It suggests someone is trying to tempt the cats to ingest this substance. It’s a dangerous thing to do when you consider children may be running around here too.”

The RSPCA says it is difficult to determine if cases of poisoning are accidental incidents or deliberate. But poisoning an animal deliberately is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Signs of poisoning can be seen from 30 minutes after an animal has ingested a chemical and include vomiting, uncoordinated movements, seizures and breathing difficulties.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned go to a vet immediately and, if possible, take a sample of what they have eaten.

Mrs Ahmed says that another cat was

found dead in an alleyway last week and another has been reported missing locally. She says all the incidents have taken place around Hampshire Street, Hereford Street and Huntingdon Street.

She added: “It was heartbreaking to lose Chase and then to have it confirmed he had been poisoned and to find the food in the alleyway seems to suggest someone is deliberating killing cats in this area. Why would someone want to do that?

“Chase went out in the early hours of the morning and by 10am I was told he’d been found dead. Milo escaped from the house late at night and he was found the next morning.

“Both of the boys were house cats. My baby daughter is one year old and she has grown up with Milo. He used to sleep in her bed and play with her, so this has all been very upsetting.”

Anyone who has any information on the poisoning incidents in Hessle should ring the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018. n To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website http://www.rspca.org.uk/give or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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THE UK’S PREMIER CATTERY AND KENNEL MANUFACTURERS www.lindee-lu.co.uk

01275 853800

Champion Penthouse

Walk-in Chalet The standard unit you will need for your licenced cattery, also used and approved by leading rescue groups throughout the UK. The fully lined and insulated walk-in sleeping quarter measures 4ft wide x 4ft deep x 6ft high and has a vinyl floor for easy cleaning. Two removable UPVC shelves, a fully adjustable air vent, lockable cat flap and a fully opening window leading to a sunning shelf and ladder, make this a firm favourite with customers and cats alike!

A 6ft long exercise area gives your cats plenty of space to explore and relax. A second sunning shelf provides another area to watch the world go by as it is near the front of the pen.

With a fully lined and insulated raised sleeping area, our Penthouses have extra run space underneath. There is a large viewing window in the front door of the sleeping compartment, a white, removable uPVC internal shelf and a fully adjustable air vent. A cat flap leads to sunning shelf one which has a detachable ladder leading down to the exercise run and a second sunning shelf is at the safety porch end.

Lift out shutters are fitted to the top half of all exterior walls which, when removed leave just the galvanised mesh allowing your cats to enjoy a truly outdoor experience.

If you are having more than one pen, full height sneeze barriers will be fitted between each pen and you will have the choice of solid white or clear acrylic for these. Our Champion range of cat pens come in standard 3ft and 4ft widths

Premier Champion Penthouse Our Premier Champion range of cat pens come in a 3ft or 4ft width and, to the naked eye, look exactly like our standard Champion range. These though, are fitted with a seamless fibreglass module, exclusive to Lindee Lu, in the sleeping compartment offering ultimate hygiene and durability.

These pens are perfect for breeders, private cat owners and charity fostering pens, being an absolute necessity if you have elderly or unwell cats or kittens who cannot manage a ladder.

The Premier range is also available with an additional downstairs module, so each pen has two sleeping areas, both of which are able to accommodate a panel heater.

CLASSIC HOUSE CAT PENS FOR BREEDERS Our hand made Catteries are manufactured in the UK 4ft Classic House Our Classic House has a full-height walk in sleeping quarter – much the same as our standard 4ft Chalets but these are manufactured for those wanting a single pen which will be installed up against a fence, hedge or boundary wall.

The Classic benefits from a full, solid insulated roof and a solid timber back wall providing ultimate protection and ‘classic’ good looks!

The sleeping area of the Classic House has an additional opening window to the 4ft Chalet, for added ventilation, which is secured using galvanised mesh when open. Two sunning shelves in the exercise area and two, removable uPVC shelves in the sleeping area give your cat plenty of choice on where to hang out.

Our Classic House also benefits from a raised floor throughout, fully covered with vinyl which not only looks very smart but it’s warm underfoot and very easy to clean.

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Tiger

Hernia surgery success for road traffic accident cat A young cat with a diaphragmatic hernia caused by a suspected road traffic accident has made a complete recovery following emergency surgery at Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) in Hertfordshire.

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iger checked into his home much later than normal on Boxing Day and his owner became concerned when she noticed he seemed weak and unable to jump. Apart from a slight scratch on a back paw and some discomfort when he was picked up, Tiger didn’t have any other obvious signs, but he was clearly not well. Tiger's owner took him to their local vets who performed a radiograph and detected a tear in his diaphragm. The severity of the Injury prompted emergency referral to Linnaeus-owned Davies Veterinary Specialists.

Tiger was quickly admitted to Davies, where he was stabilised by specialist anaesthetists prior to surgery.

“We found a 5cm rupture in Tiger’s diaphragm,” said Rufus Hammerton,

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Resident in Surgery at Davies. “We retrieved sections of the liver and spleen from the chest and repaired the diaphragm.”

Tiger recovered very well from the surgery and was carefully monitored for 24 hours to make sure there were no respiratory concerns. He was discharged the following day and has made a full recovery, much to his owner’s delight.

“Davies were excellent with the care they provided for him,” said Tiger’s owner Lindy Windmill.

“We had a long drive from our vet in Surrey to Davies and I was so impressed with the speed with which Davies were able to fit us in for an appointment. The veterinary surgeon we saw already had all the information and still gave Tiger a thorough check up and explained the

required procedure and risks to me.

“It was very reassuring receiving calls from him before and immediately after the operation letting me know how Tiger was doing, as well as later in the day to let me know when discharge could be expected and what we would need at home to care for him. When I collected Tiger, the nurse told me how he had been since his operation and gave me the details regarding his medication.

"My family and I, especially his sister, Lynx, are very grateful to the surgeon and all the staff at Davies for their wonderful care which has given us back our warm, cuddly and purring Tiger.” n To find out more about Davies visit their website www.vetspecialists.co.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Issue 16 | Spring 2022 | themayhew.org

The power of a gift in your will Mayhew Afghanistan: saving dogs’ lives in Kabul

Behind the scenes in our cattery |1

Welcome to your new look Tails newsletter Packed with stories about the difference your support has made...

You might have noticed something different about this new issue of Tails – it’s smaller than usual. Less of a Great Dane and more of a terrier!

At Mayhew we love sharing our stories, ensuring supporters like you see the impact of your kind donations. But we’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint, cut waste and put as many resources as we can towards helping as many animals as possible. So, we’ve trimmed the size of Tails, while still making sure it is packed with great stories for you to enjoy.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the love we have for animals. This love is in the heart of everyone who makes Mayhew what it is, from the staff and volunteers to kind people like you whose support make our work possible.

I’m immensely grateful for your support of Mayhew. Our wonderful supporters have enabled us to weather some turbulent times and keep caring for animals who needed us.

We’re taking that same spirit with us into the future, and we know that, with your help, we’ll be able to change – and save – many more little lives.

Howard Bridges Interim Chief Executive

Thanks to @Pooch&Pineapple and Francesca Palmacci for front cover photography

What Mayhew achieved in 2021 55

dogs happily rehomed 2|

270

cats found loving new families

1,099 10,678 17,005 animals neutered in clinic

dogs neutered in Afghanistan & Georgia

dogs vaccinated in Afghanistan & Georgia

“She’s truly the third member of our family” After a long wait, Janey has been happily rehomed

Some of you may have followed the story of Janey, the friendly cat who was proving hard to rehome. We’re delighted to report that she’s found a forever home…with her foster family!

Janey’s foster carers had been caring for her for longer than usual, due to her medical issues and the resulting lack of adoption interest. As time went on, they realised that they could offer her that long term stable home that she needed and of course had already fallen in love with her.

They enquired and applied to adopt her permanently – to their delight, their application was successful.

Her adopter, Katherine, says, “We fell in love with Janey’s sweet personality, and we’ve loved seeing her settle in and grow more comfortable with us. She is truly the third member of our family. We already can’t imagine life without her!”

“He brought so much joy to so many people” In his short time with his adopters, Chocy gave – and received – a lot of love

In last year’s Christmas appeal we shared the story of a dog named Chocy. It is with great sadness that we need to tell you that this lovely dog fell ill and passed away in December, shortly after spending a wonderful Christmas with his new adopter.

Even though they were only together for a short time, Chocy’s adopter says that this sweet dog made a big impact on their household. “Chocy brought so much joy to so many people – to me, my girls, my mum and other friends and family. It was a wonderful five months with him. I feel so privileged I was able to spend this time with him and have the opportunity to show him love and make him happy.”

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What we do

Kayleigh Kilcommons – Head of Cattery

56 cabins and never a dull moment! Our Head of Cattery describes the range of vital work your support makes possible…

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Intake

Sometimes when we arrive in the morning, we find an animal has been left outside our door.

So we’ll take them in.

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Behavioural work

Some of the cats in our care need help adjusting to being held, stroked, or transported in a carrier.

Evaluation

It’s important for us to examine new arrivals for possible health issues, so our Veterinary team can give them treatment.

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Kayleigh in her element

Feeding

The cats love this bit! Not only do we feed them several times a day, but we check that they are eating well, going to the toilet, etc.

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5

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Cleaning

The busiest part of the day. Cats can be quite messy, so it’s important for us to disinfect their living space regularly so it’s nice and comfortable for them.

Socialising

Interacting with each cat is a great way to keep them happy, as well as allowing us to keep an eye out for any possible issues they may be having.

Mayhew Afghanistan: saving dogs’ lives in Kabul With your kind support we’re carrying out vital work with animals around the world

2021 was a challenging year in Kabul, with Covid-19 restrictions and then a change in government in August, which led to the temporary suspension of our mass rabies vaccination and dog population management programmes. In September, the new authorities asked us to resume our operations and with their written permission to operate our vehicles in the city and follow up on residents’ concerns, our programmes gradually got back on track.

Our Country Director, Dr Mo, returned to Kabul in November, which was a massive boost to our staff on the ground. From early December, having welcomed some new team members, we were almost back to full capacity, helping to improve the lives of the free-roaming dogs in Kabul and protecting both dogs and people from the deadly disease of rabies.

We had a target of neutering 10 000 dogs in 2021 and despite the severe disruptions, by the end of the year, we’d neutered 9,468 dogs and vaccinated 14,530 dogs against rabies. In addition, there have been no recorded cases of rabies in dogs since April 2021 and no recorded deaths from rabies in humans for a year in the city.

Thank you for your generosity and thanks also to Brigitte Bardot Foundation, Dogs Trust Worldwide and Edgard Cooper Foundation for their support which enables us to continue our vital work delivering our services to help the dogs and people of Kabul.

Read more about our work overseas at: themayhew.org/international

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Leave a legacy of love and care The power of a gift to Mayhew in your will

More and more of our supporters are finding that a gift to Mayhew in their will is a wonderful way to ensure that their compassion for animals lives on.

With a gift in your will, you could help us carry on doing this lifesaving work year after year, caring for vulnerable dogs and cats across our communities both in the UK and overseas.

Did you know around 60% of our income comes from Gifts in Wills?

There are so many ways that Gifts in Wills make a huge difference. For example, one of our supporters left a gift that helped to pay for a new roof on our cattery. This keeps our cats in comfort and ensures that we have the facilities to house sick, injured and abandoned cats. It also helps keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

But the truth is that a gift of any size has an impact. Once you’ve made sure that your nearest and dearest are taken care of, it’s very straightforward to set aside any sum, or a percentage of your estate, to help Mayhew build a firm foundation and save more cats and dogs in the years ahead.

If you’d like to find out more about the difference you could make with a gift in your will, please email our dedicated Legacies department at legacies@mayhewanimalhome.org and a friendly member of our team will answer any questions you may have.

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You can also learn more and download our handy Gifts in Wills guide online at themayhew.org/legacy-guide.

Why I’ve decided to include a gift to Mayhew in my will

- Anne, Mayhew supporter

I have loved animals all my life and have always wanted to make sure they are cared for properly. One of my earliest memories is taking our cat Peter to the vets when I was a little girl. I’ll never forget how gentle the vet was and how he made sure Peter had all the care he needed.

Now that I have retired, I want to make sure that other animals get that same love and attention. That’s why I am supporting the work of Mayhew with a gift in my will. They do so much for animals and I know that by helping them in this way that my love for animals will live on.

Millie’s marathon

One dedicated young Mayhew supporter – 21-year-old Millie – explains why she ran the London Marathon to help raise funds for animals I’m a huge animal lover, so when I did the Great North Run in 2019, I chose to raise money for Mayhew. I was still living at home and sadly our dog Missy had just passed away. I wanted to fundraise in her memory, as well as for my family cat, Rusty.

I chose to run for Mayhew because I love the work they do with dogs and cats in the UK, but also because they work internationally and within communities to change people’s attitudes, which has a long-term impact.

I raised just over £500 back in 2019. When I saw that Mayhew had spaces available for the 2020 London Marathon, I knew I wanted a bigger challenge and to fundraise again.

This was my first marathon. It was a real mental and physical challenge for me. I’d never run that far in my life and I’m quite proud I managed to do it. The best thing for me was the people – the crowd, and even other runners, cheering me on and helping me keep on going.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who supported me and helped me raise over £1,000 for Mayhew!

|7

Ask Mayhew...

Mayhew’s animal experts share some of their top pet care tips Beware of grass seeds!

As we head into spring, it’s important to be aware of the danger of grass seeds, especially for dogs. These little seeds can become caught in dogs’ fur as they run through long grass, then work their way through the skin, causing infection. Check your dog after walks and keep an eye out for warning signs including limping and licking paws.

We’re not quite there yet, but when things start hotting up, it’s good to know how to look after your pet. On our website we have plenty of important tips to keep your animals cool, comfortable and hydrated when the temperature starts to rise.

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Easter safety

Easter should be fun for all the family, so make sure you watch out for hidden dangers to pets. Chocolate can be poisonous to dogs and cats, so watch out for dropped treats or eggs not found during the egg hunt. Raisins are tasty in hot cross buns, but can also be very harmful to dogs and cats alike. Lastly, if someone gives you daffodils, keep them on a high shelf – the lycorine they contain can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain in pets.

Find more tips online about your pet’s health and wellbeing at:

advice.themayhew.org

Printed in partnership with Woodland Trust’s Carbon Neutral Scheme

Summer First Aid

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Cabins

Catteries

n 4 standard sizes n Perfect for any size dog n Secure locks and door hooks

n PVC insulated walls and ceilings n Solid or mesh run panels n Multi level internal raised platforms n Boarding or domestic use

Puppy/Holding Pens n Standard and bespoke sizes and designs n Optional integrated and removable whelping areas n Easy to assemble n Durable and easy to clean

Walk-in Kennels n PVC insulated walls and ceilings n Standard and bespoke sizes to meet breeding, boarding and GBGB specifications n Multiple run sizes and designs n Secure, robust and easy to clean

Quality and durability n Bespoke design service n Fully thermally insulated n Easy cleaning and hygenic n

Plastic insulated walk in dog kennels and catteries for breeding, boarding and domestic use. Chicubes offers a wide range of products designed and built in the UK. Chicubes animal housing for dogs and cats and other small animals brings the full package, quality and durability, value for money and helpful customer service.

Chicubes offer standard and bespoke design services, so finding the rights system for you when setting up or renewing your establishment couldn’t be easier. Built to last and meet current regulations for boarding, breeding and GBGB licensing. Delivery and fitting nation wide.

www.chicubes.co.uk

01782 499915

sales@chicubes.co.uk

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Naylor Agility Equipment Naylor Agility are pleased to introduce their new range of dog agility equipment to complement their popular range of Dog Agility Tunnels. Naylor Agility Equipment is manufactured using high quality materials in the UK. The new range of dog agility equipment is ideal for agility training at home and at club level.

The new range comprises:

• Wobble Board – a 60cm diameter board with paw print design and a secure wobble dome in the centre.

Fantastic for building confidence on unstable surfaces, promotes balance and co-ordination and is great for rehabilitation exercises. The wobble board is also fully rubberised for safety.

• 4ft Contact Trainer – for training stop and 2 on 2 off contacts at home. Fully resin bound rubberised surface with contrast colour contact area. The contact trainer is 4ft in length and 1ft wide with the contact end angled to sit closer to the ground when in use.

• Stacking Blocks – ideal for posture and form training. The stacking

blocks are fully reversible with wider and narrow sides for big and little paws, both sides are rubberised. Suitable for creating a still position for standing pose and can also be used to grow confidence and teach paw awareness.

• TanGo Mat – a 180cm x 90cm resin bound rubber surface on rubber backing with durable plastic buckles to fix to Marker Poles. Rolls up for transportation.

• 4ft Rocker Board – a 4ft long x 1ft wide fully resin bound rubberised surface with angled ends to sit

600mm-diameter-rainb

ow-dog-tunnel

closer to the ground when in use.

Each end of the rocker board has contrasting colour contact sections.

The rocker board is ideal for building confidence in movement under foot for young and nervous dogs and is a perfect introduction to seesaw movement.

• Competition Standard Jump Wings – supplied with 2 pairs of removable jump cups and weighted pole.

Made using high quality treated timber with removable feet for easy transportation and storage. All 4 KC standard heights, with 200mm available on request for UKA select height the specification allows use in KC and UKA competitions.

Can be ordered directly via the webshop www.nayloragility.co.uk or phone our sales team on 01226 444378 to discuss your exact requirements.

Full Agility 600 5M Red Tunnel 36

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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4ft Rocker Board

Competition Standard Jump Wings

TanGo Mat

Stacking Blocks

Wobble Board

The Agility Equipment is on a 10 working week lead time.

Agility Tunnels and Straps are on 10 working days lead time.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022

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The beach at Jaywick Sands

Brown Tail Moth Caterpillar

'Outbreak of toxic Brown Tail Moth Caterpillars' found on Essex beach - and they could be toxic to dogs Whether you have the luxury of having the beach on your doorstep, or if you're taking a trip to one of the UK's sandy hotspots this spring; you may come in contact with a Brown Tail Moth Caterpillar that could be potentially toxic to your dog.

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eports have suggested there is an outbreak of Brown Tail Moth Caterpillars across Essex beaches, and they could pose a real risk to Brit's pets. Dog expert Kennel Store has commented on the risks associated with these caterpillars, the dangers they can be to dogs, and what to do if you suspect your dog may have ingested one.

“When it comes to identifying a Browntail Moth, they have some features that make them easy to identify. Browntail Moths are brown, have a white dotted line down each side, and have two red dots on the back of their tail, making them easily

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distinguishable.

They can be harmful to humans as they can cause itchy skin. They release irritant hairs in the air, which can cause a severe reaction to some. But dogs can also be affected and the effects can be devasting.

In the instance that your dog ingests a browntail moth caterpillar, the toxins released by these caterpillars can cause digestive issues, diarrhoea, and even lesions.

If you have a dog that has little to no hair on its tummy or muzzle, they could be at risk of breaking out in rashes or dermatitis, if a caterpillar attaches itself to your dog. Fur will mostly protect them

from suffering from irritated, itchy skin.

Dog owners should remain vigilant and avoid beaches and areas that are reporting outbreaks of Brown Tail Moth Caterpillars to keep dogs safe.

If you notice your dogs behaviour or health change, and you suspect they have ingested a Brown Tail Moth Caterpillar, we advise taking your dog to visit a vet to get a check-up. Your vet will be able to advise further in terms of treatment and the course of action moving forward.” https://www.essexlive.news/news/esse x-news/outbreak-toxic-brown-tail-moth6999136 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Coping with Pet Bereavement So many of us have enjoyed the company of pets during our lives. There are the run of hamsters and gerbils, or rabbits and cats when one is young, and there are favourite dogs, horses, budgies and many other animals to love and look after if one is lucky.

There is no question that if animals have touched your life then you will sadly have to deal with their death at some point too.

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e have had many beloved cats and dogs as part of our family. Our children had their own cats and spent hours playing with them, trying to teach them tricks, then dealing with their loss through a very natural period of tears and grieving.

Children are very resilient of course, though they may also be very sad for a long time. I believe it’s always important to be honest about the death of a pet – it may be hard to explain but it is confusing to pretend the animal ‘has gone to sleep’. It is also helpful to talk with children about their pets as much as they like; sharing photos and memories and perhaps arranging their own little memorial for their pet.

Of course it’s not just children who can experience a real sense of loss on losing a precious pet, and to lose a companion who may have been with you for some time can often be overwhelming for any adult. In fact, the more important your pet was for you, the more the emotional pain you may experience. It’s ok to cry, to be sad for a little or a long time; it’s ok to tell friends and to expect their sympathy and it’s ok to write on Facebook how much the animal has meant to you. Sharing the loss of a pet on social media is a very good way of telling friends and family about the loss of a precious pet, and most of us who are on Facebook will do this for the wonderful support and sympathy it can generate. People do www.rescueandanimalcare.com

emphathise about pet loss, so one should not be afraid to say how hard it may be to come to terms with the loss.

All of these things help the grieving process.

It may not be such a good idea to replace the animal very quickly. I remember a vet who warned not to get another dog of the same breed and colour: doing so can be like trying to replace the one you’ve lost which is always impossible. (He then said he was never able to take his own advice, but that’s another story!) A period of healing time may be needed to think about what kind of pet, or what breed, if you would have time to care for a rescue animal, or what may suit the family at this particular moment in time.

If you rely on an animal for help, however, such as a service dog or a support animal, or if you are elderly and need the company of a cat or dog, then it’s important to find another animal reasonably soon – your needs will probably ensure that the animal will become loved and cared for as much as your previous pet. Not the same, perhaps, but you can have room for other animals in your life too.

One way of helping to ease the loss of a special pet can be marked by giving a gift to an animal charity in their memory.

The RSPCA even have a Garden of Memories where you can have a plaque displayed in memory of your pet. Or perhaps you can plant something

special, like a rose or a tree in your garden or maybe even, with permission, in a public space.

We all take a different amount of time to get over the loss of a favourite pet.

Sadness for the loss of fun we had or the times shared on walks, on being there when they gave birth, or when we needed them, cuddled them or looked after them– all these things and more for a pet owner are real and part of a life with an animal as one of the family.

Take all the time you need to miss them and to remember how important they were to you.

Organisations that give help and support in bereavement • Pet Loss Grief Support: www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-petloss. Support line: Freephone 0800 096 6606 • Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: www.aplb.org • Cats Protection Paws To Listen and Grief Support: www.cats.org.uk/whatwe-do/grief/paws-to-listen. Phone 0800 024 9494 • Animal Samaritans Pet Bereavement Service: http://animalsamaritans.co.uk Phone 0203 745 9859 • British Horse Society – ‘Friends at the End’: www.bhs.org.uk/our-work Juliet Abrahamson Image: Adobe Stock RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022

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End of life, we know it will happen As much as we would prefer to ignore the trauma of an end-of-life situation, we know it will be something we will go through. I wouldn’t recommend that this becomes a regular subject of conversation but some thought and some planning is always a sensible and strangely comforting thing to do.

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aybe you will discuss whether to let your pet die naturally at home or taking them to the vet’s clinic for a planned euthanasia? The decisions you make will be personal and based on the health of your pet and their quality of life. My German Shepherd does not like visiting the vet, (luckily she has not had to do it often) but when she does, the anxiety is obvious and distressing, she looses hair becomes nervous and generally stressed. In an on-line survey arranged by Cloud 9 Vets over 90% of respondents would prefer to organise a home euthanasia. This means avoiding potential pain and risk for clinic anxiety, in other words a peaceful, controlled and stressless passing in the safe environment of your own home.

Do’s and don’ts

When this discussion becomes unavoidable, do:

• Talk to your vet practice in good time: there is no 40

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

advantage pushing things to the last minute. Sadly we have too often seen a situation that the owner appears to be in control of, suddenly turn into a crises, when the situation controls you, it may turn into an emergency, when the peaceful and gentle goodbye becomes a rush to avoid pain and distress.

• Discuss pet euthanasia with family or friends: this is a major decision, get everyone on the same page before making that final decision.

• Run through a quality of life assessment, do it several times if necessary.

• Consider the environment, being at home will reduce stress.

However:

• Don’t be scared of making that call or booking that appointment, when you are facing the inevitable it is comforting to talk to experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate people, who can help and support you. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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• Don’t push things too far, in an end of life situation remember the sentiment that “a week too early is so much better than a day too late”.

• Don’t blame yourself, considering euthanasia is something you do as an act of love for your pet, to save them from pain and distress.

• Don’t let other people make the decision for you, you know your pet best.

• Don’t forget about aftercare, do you want to bury at home? Or perhaps organise an individual cremation with the ashes returned in an urn?

Time is always a factor

When it is time, you will likely know as an owner, after all you know your pet better than anyone else. They often send us subtle signals, maybe they are hiding away, maybe they just look at you in ”that” way, asking for some help if their quality of life is not what they or you would want it to be. Don’t feel guilty, those who contemplate putting their elderly or sick pet to sleep do it through love, nothing else. Make sure you say a proper goodbye before the vet’s appointment, there will also be time after you meet the vet, but you may want those few private moments, before the vet arrives.

A gentle-euthanasia needs time, do not be rushed, make sure you can go through the process carefully and calmly, without being hurried or too focused on the clock. Be clear with the vet, how much, or little do you

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

want to know about the process? Make sure you get the closeness and compassion you and your pet need. Even in times of Corona this should still be possible, ask before, because it is too late afterwards.

All of these decisions are personal. Should I order an individual or communal cremation, a burial at home?

There is not a “right” decision, just a decision, that is right for you and your family.

We don’t talk about end-of-life do we? Well we just did!

And planning what to do, in good time, makes the process, gentle and dignified, making sure that you celebrate the wonderful life of your pet rather than just mourn their passing.

One of our vets, Charlotte recently said to me, “putting a pet to sleep is such an emotional and sad time but if you plan that process with respect and dignity, their passing can actually be something very special and very loving”. n Amber Synnott, Amber is co-founder, Director and Practice Manager at Cloud 9 Vets visit cloud9vets.co.uk

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL– 30 MAY 2022

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Cavapoo/Poodle Cross

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

What are the most officefriendly dog breeds?

Is there anything better than having a furry companion to melt the stress away during your working day? Workplace solutions specialist, Adam Butler, CEO of Officeology spoke with Dr Linda Simon, Vet at Pooch and Mutt, to find out what breeds make the best office dogs and her top tips on how to introduce them to office life.

A

Cavalier can get through the day quite happily by resting on the sofa or by your desk. Given you still exercise them on your lunch break.

But what dog breeds are the best to have in the office?

2. Cavapoo/Poodle Cross If you want a dog that thrives in company, consider a poodle cross like a Cavapoo. The Cavalier/Poodle mix inherits some of the best traits from both of its parents. They’re a loyal and outgoing breed that loves nothing more than being around people. The Cavapoo rarely drools too and has a low tendency to bark, making them ideal for bringing into the office.

dam said: “Over a quarter of the UK population owns a dog. That is a significant proportion of the workforce. Allowing dogs in the office can be a very enticing benefit that boosts employee retention and happiness!

"In fact, studies have shown that dogs offer social support and reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace. Other research goes as far as to suggest that office pets can help increase productivity."

When it comes to an office-friendly dog, we want one that is “low energy and not too needy”, Dr Linda explains, “depending on your work environment (and proximity to co-workers!), you may also want a small enough dog that doesn’t shed or drool too much.”

Top 5 Most Office-Friendly Dog Breeds

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavaliers are known for being affectionate and gentle, making them an ideal office companion. They’re also one of the easier breeds to train, which can be very beneficial if your job keeps you on your feet. Bred as a lap dog, the 42

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

3. Shih Tzu Shih Tzus have been kept as loving companions throughout the ages. They’re a devoted breed and relatively low energy, making them a good choice of pet for people who are not overly active or sit at a desk Monday through Friday. Shih Tzus are also very intelligent and appreciate learning new things.

4. Greyhound If you want a slightly bigger dog with all of the love and affection of a smaller breed, then consider a Greyhound. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Greyhound

Shih Tzu

Cavachon

Their loving nature and enjoyment of company make them an all-round great companion. Whilst their low maintenance grooming schedule keeps things relatively fur-free in the office. Ensure that you make the time to take long walks, either before or after work, if you choose to adopt a Greyhound, as they appreciate off-lead runs of an hour.

5. Cavachon A cross between a Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavachon is an easy-going, low exercise dog, only requiring around a 30-minute walk a day. They also don’t shed much, with some people with dog allergies even finding that they can tolerate their presence more than other breeds. A huge plus if your coworkers have allergies.

Dr Linda Simon from Pooch and Mutt Q&A:

1. At what age is it best to bring a dog into the office?

Get your dog used to the office environment from puppyhood, ideally during their socialisation period. This means we are aiming to have them in before 16 weeks of age. At this time, dogs are learning what is ‘normal’, and it is important we introduce them to the office so they view it as somewhere calm and familiar.

If your office is carpeted and you are toilet training, this may be tricky. Bring along puppy pads, and you’ll have to let your dog out regularly. Reward your dog when they are being calm and quiet by offering treats and praise, so they know what is expected of them when at work.

2. What tips would you give to someone bringing a lockdown puppy or dog to the office for the first time?

If your dog has not been exposed to the office and/or has been poorly socialised, you may have your work cut out for you. It’s sensible to bring them in when you are not working for several visits, so they can get used to the office while having your full attention. Keep visits short and sweet and www.rescueandanimalcare.com

try to make them a pleasant experience. This may mean having co-workers offer treats and bringing your dog’s favourite toy along. Build up the length of visits gradually.

3. What toys, activities and training do you recommend for office dogs?

We want office dogs to know how to relax. Teaching a ‘settle’ command early on is imperative. Your dog should have a bed or blanket they always have with them where they know to ‘settle’ when you give the command.

To train your dog to use it, have them beside you and the bed on a short lead. Whenever they sit or lay on it, quietly drop treats. Over time, gradually reward more relaxed behaviours -perhaps when they lie fully down or stretch out.

Increase the time they need to stay on it before rewarding and build this up over several sessions.

4. What measures should be taken to ensure an office is dog-friendly?

Offices can be hazardous places for pets, so always perform a risk assessment before bringing your dog in. Ensure co-workers are not leaving food or drinks unattended on the floor. Toxic plants, such as sago palms and daffodils, must not be kept in the same room as the dog.

Beware of munching on wires or chewing through furniture. If your dog is a chewer, you’ll need to have eyes on them 24/7 at first. It can be worth crating mischievous dogs, at least in their younger years. n Visit www.officeology.com and www.poochandmutt.co.uk RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2021

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Sarah Hallsworth and Piggy March filming 3 for PR

Cooley Lancer aka Swiss Roll filming 2 for PR

Piggy March gives support to Strangles Awareness Week 2022 in new video One of Britain’s leading event riders Piggy March has given her support to this year’s Strangles Awareness Week and is encouraging all owners to take part in the ‘Temperature Check Challenge’ in a new video

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eading equine welfare charities, vets, researchers and higher education institutions from around the world* have come together to organise the week (2nd – 8th May) now in its third year – with the aim of educating people about the highly contagious equine disease strangles and helping to prevent an outbreak.

This year, owners are being asked to take the ‘Temperature Check Challenge’ by taking their horse’s resting temperature each day and inputting the reading into a free online checker which will help them get to know their horse’s normal range - something that fluctuates by a fraction of a degree through the day according to a range of factors. A high temperature is an early warning sign that your horse may have been infected with strangles – and will become infectious to other horses - so

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getting to know what your horse’s ‘normal’** temperature, and variation, is could prevent an outbreak.

Piggy’s video, which aims to give horse owners tips and confidence if taking their horse’s temperature for the first time, and featuring Cooley Lancer aka Swiss Roll, was launched across the #SAW2022 social media platforms.

Piggy said: “It does take a bit of pre-planning the first time you take your horse’s temperature and owners might be nervous, but it is such an easy, and effective, way to monitor your horse’s health once you’ve done it a few times with attention to making it a positive experience for the horse.

“A lot of horse owners only take their horse’s temperature when their horse is unwell but it’s such an important indicator as to your horse’s health and, whilst fever can indicate ill health for a

range of reasons, it is an early warning sign that a horse has a contagious disease like strangles.

“Strangles can be very serious for a horse, and an outbreak can be debilitating for whole yards, so it’s essential that we take every opportunity to limit its transmission and allow activities to continue while responding promptly and responsibly to ill horses.

“That’s why I wanted to lend my support. I have some great people who usually do this for me in my yard, so it was the first time I’d taken one of my horse’s temperatures myself for a long time and never with Swiss Roll! I hope it gives others confidence to do the same and use the temp check challenge to hone a new habit.”

People taking the challenge will be entered into a free prize draw and contribute to a database of www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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temperatures that will help to understand what a normal healthy range is in horses.

Strangles is the most commonly diagnosed equine infectious disease worldwide with around 600 cases reported in the UK every year. Symptoms of the contagious respiratory illness range from high fever, thick nasal discharge, depression, cough, painful abscesses, laboured breathing and difficulty eating. In severe cases strangles can pose a risk to the horse’s life.

Andie McPherson, Coordinator of SAW and Campaigns Manager at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said: “We’re thrilled to have Piggy’s support and hope this video will help to show people who haven’t taken their horse’s temperature before how to stay safe and gain confidence with a technique that is gaining more emphasis after last year’s large and wellpublicised EHV-1 outbreak. On that occasion, it resulted in the death of 18 horses normally known for their high health status, but is just as relevant for strangles and our leisure horses and

family pets. It’s now a requirement for horses competing to be tested twice a day for the three days before an FEI event, as well as during the event itself.

“The temp checker, collaboratively developed by the organisations behind SAW, gives horse owners a place to record their temperatures daily and calculate an average. It aims to educate horse owners about what is normal resting temperature for their horse so they are better placed to spot a spike. If a horse rests at around 37.2 degrees for example, an increase of a degree within a 24 -hour period, especially with behavioural signs of being off-colour, could indicate fever. Horse owners may not consider 38.3 degrees as a warm horse and overlook fever so knowing your horse’s normal resting temperature is so helpful.

“A strangles outbreak can be financially and emotionally devastating for owners and equestrian businesses.

Meanwhile the cost of a thermometer and building in a regular routine of checking for fever is comparatively inexpensive and, as it could indicate

other infections, inflammation and give insight into health issues that explain poor performance, has benefits far beyond the identification of strangles.

“We’ve produced a SAW thermometer that people can purchase for just £5 and have produced lots of guidance on how to take your horse’s temperature safely and comfortably for the first time – just head to our website.” n To find out more about Strangles Awareness Week, the Temperature Check Challenge and other ways to get involved, please follow the SAW Facebook page or go to www.redwings.org.uk/strangles/strangles-awareness-week If you’re a horse owner, yard manager, vet or equine professional and would like to join a list of ambassadors to help promote the SAW through social media, please sign up here or email campaigns@redwings.co.uk

The Pit Pony Sanctuary STAMP APPEAL- Please help us!

We would like to appeal for “used postage stamps” Cut/torn off the envelope with ¼” or 1cm of paper showing all around. Also any old stamp albums/ collections. Also used jewellery!

Please send to us at the Centre: Fforest Uchaf Horse & Pony Centre & The Pit Pony Sanctuary Penycoedcae, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, Wales CF37 1PS Thank you Visit www.pitponies.co.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022

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Create A Wildlife Friendly Hub In Your Garden Easy Tips To Create A Wildlife Friendly Hub In Your Garden It is lovely to look out into your garden and spot creatures of all shapes and sizes but have you thought about making a few changes to ensure your green space is completely wildlife friendly?

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ot only to ensure they keep coming back but to provide much needed support and a safe haven, that birds, mammals and insects can make use of throughout the year. Ensuring your garden is wildlife friendly doesn’t have to mean making huge changes to your outdoor area! But if you don’t know where to start then here are a few tips to help: Build a shelter A bird box or two in your outdoor space will provide a safe place for birds to protect their chicks across spring/ summer and shelter from the harsh conditions of the winter months.

Ensure you place it at least two to five metres above the ground, to keep birds safe from garden predators. Don’t forget about insects, they may be small, but they need somewhere safe to call home as well. An insect hotel is great fun to build with the kids, but simply putting together a pile of rocks, bricks, logs, leaves and twigs will be just as good.

Provide food for the birds Your garden creatures will appreciate the easy access to food, when the 46

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

winter, and sometimes even summer, makes it hard to come by. For birds the ideal treat is sunflower hearts, like the variety found at Kennedy Wild Bird food Ltd. With high energy and calorie content, birds don’t need to eat as much to fill them up.

When looking for new plants at the garden centre, think about whether the ones you choose will have any benefits for wildlife. For example, blackberry, gooseberry and redcurrant plants will feed you as well as pollinators, such as butterflies, bees and hoverflies. Trees, flowers and even weeds, can be a great source of food for garden creatures as well as offering shelter at the same time.

Water for birds It is essential to provide a source of fresh water, for garden wildlife to drink and bathe in. Remember to top it up daily, keep it clean and place it away from bushes, where predators could be hiding.

A birdbath is ideal, but a pond is even better. A pond will not only provide a source of water, it will also offer living space for wildlife, attracting a variety you may otherwise not have seen.

Compost bin A compost bin will feed your soil, keeping plants healthier and will also provide a habitat for all sorts of wildlife from worms to frogs. Put raw food waste in and turn it each week with a fork, when it is ready you can spread it across your beds.

Allow for easy access to your garden You garden may be the perfect place for creatures great and small to find shelter, food and water but they need to be able to get to it.

Obviously your fence is there for privacy, so to allow them access without having to sacrifice this you could create tiny holes at the bottom.

Making these few small changes to your garden, could make a big difference to the wildlife that passes through it. *Kennedy’s is a UK-based family run business, which has been trading for over 30 years. They pride themselves on having ethical, premium products that are the best that you can buy. For more information on wild bird food visit our home page.

https://www.kennedywildbirdfood.co.u k/news/wildlife-friendly-garden-hub/ www.rescueandanimalcare.com

p43 Kennedy advert.qxp_Layout 1 24/03/2021 17:14 Page 43

www.kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk

Supplying the UK with high-quality wild bird food and bird seed We are a family run wild bird food and wild bird seed supplier based in rural Lincolnshire. We supply only the finest quality products.

SUITABLE FOR ALL YEAR ROUN D FEEDING FROM BIRD TABLES

Ground feed mix Our orginal ground feed mixture that's so adored by Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and all other ground feeding birds. Suitable for all year round feeding.

Either scattetered on the floor or placed on a table or ground feeder. Contains no wheat. £35.90/25kg

SUITABLE FOR ALL SMALL BIRDS

Split Peanuts

Economy wild bird mix

Small blanched, split peanuts (skins removed). Extra rich in both protein and oils, thus making an excellent and essential food for all year feeding. Peanuts are suitable and liked by most species of birds, and have long been the most popular of wild bird feeds. All our peanuts are certified as nil detectable signs of aflatoxin. £42.99/25kg

ADORED

BY ROBINS, BLACKBIRDS AND SONG THRUSHES

With our specialised blending of a number of nutritional seeds, this mix is suitable for a large variety of birds. High in black sunflower thus providing oil and protein and meeting all essential feeding requirements. Suitable for all year round feeding. £26.25/25kg

Superior high energy mix An extremely high energy mixture blended with the highest quality seeds.

Suitable for all small birds and ideal for all year round feeding. Best fed from a seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table.

Contains nowheat. £38.25/25kg

ATTRACTIVE TO ROBINS, BLACKBIRDS AND THRUSHES

Dried mealworms Dried mealworms are a tasty treat for garden birds with all the nutrition of live mealworms without the 'worm factor'.

Attractive to robins, blackbirds, thrushes and all other insect eating birds.

Available in sizes ranging from 250g to 10kg. £33.50/3kg

ALL YEAR ROUND FEEDING

Sunflower hearts Bakery grade premium sunflower hearts.

No unsightly husk. A food that is loved by most species of birds being high in both protein and oils. Makes a most desirable all year round food. £39.99/25kg

SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANG E OF WILD BIRDS

Suet special blend mix

Small fatballs The best, fattiest fat balls on the internet. Small Fat balls (no nets) offer a wide range of wild birds a nutritious and important source of energy specifically during winter and nesting season. Each fatball at approx 95g available in either boxes of 150 or 2 boxes of 150. £45.80/ 2 x 150.

This blended suet mixture is packed full of highIy calorific ingredients, it is ideal for all year round feeding and will attract a great variety of both small and medium sized birds to your garden. No re-growth under feeding station. Contains no wheat. £47.70/25kg

5% DISCOUNT on all orders OVER £50 Tel: 01778 342665

FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY

info@kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk

Won’t grow mix Blended with 60% bakery grade sunflowerhearts, this energy rich mixture has been blended to ensure no re-growth under your feeding station. Suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seed feeder, scattered on bird table or from ground feeder. Contains no wheat. £42.75/25kg

Superior finch mix This classic mixture was blended specifically with finches in mind.

Contains a wonderful selection of the finest seeds and is suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table. Contains no wheat. £40.75/25kg

10% off first order for new customers use promo code NEW10 at checkout

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The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (The Donkey Sanctuary)

The Donkey Sanctuary welcomes crucial new UK animal welfare law The Donkey Sanctuary has welcomed today’s announcement that the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill has passed into British law after receiving formal Royal Assent (28 April).

T

he Animal Welfare Bill recognises that animals are complex living and feeling beings and as a result their welfare must be taken into consideration and protected.

Ian Cawsey, Director of Advocacy & Campaigns at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “This is a great day for animal welfare in the UK. Donkeys and mules are amazing animals and they have the capacity for sensing and feeling, including positive emotions such as joy and happiness, as well as pain and loneliness. Acknowledging sentience means these issues can be part of future developments in animal welfare.

“The Donkey Sanctuary will always advocate for policy and legislation that helps to protect donkeys. This law

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30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

means we can also build the case for their wellbeing, which is a great opportunity to take animal welfare to a higher level. We look forward to playing our part to ensure this new law leads to better outcomes for donkeys, mules and other animals”.

The Donkey Sanctuary is part of a coalition of over 50 animal protection organisations known as A Better Deal for Animals, which has been working hard to progress the bill and make it a duty for the government to consider animal welfare needs in its decision making.

In the European Union (EU), Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU sets out that Member States should pay full regard to the welfare requirement of animals when

formulating policies in certain areas ‘since animals are sentient beings’.

However, this principle was not incorporated into UK law following Brexit.

In the UK, once a bill has completed all the parliamentary stages in the House of Lords and the House of Commons, it is ready to receive Royal Assent, when the Queen formally agrees to make the bill into an Act of Parliament (law). n The Donkey Sanctuary is a global leader for equine welfare, research and veterinary care. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation.

Visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Training Essentials Kit

Leather Dogmatic Headcollar

1x 60 Day Diffuser 1x 15ml Calming Spray 1x Medium size Luxury Bandana 830 x 250mm (32.5″ x 10″) Simply plug in the 60 Day Diffuser and let the de-stressing properties slow release into the surrounding area, starting to help immediately, Luxury Bandana simply spray Pet Remedy a couple of times onto the bandana and the calming effect will start to help instantly, lasting up to 4 hours (depending on the individual dog). £28.00 Visit www.petremedy.co.uk

HorseWorld Eco Jute Bag This is our HorseWorld Branded, Eco Jute Bag. These sturdy shopping bags come in either blue or purple and are very helpful when you need to do a big shop. These bags are sure to last you a life time and also you can show the other people at the supermarket that your are a HorseWorld Ambassador! From £5.00 Visit www.horseworld.org.uk

Leather Dogmatic Headcollar The New Luxurious Soft and Lined Leather Dogmatic Headcollar.

Our unique Registered Design means it will not ride up, under or into the eyes which causes distress to your pet and as it is much more comfortably and securely fitted, it avoids any potential dangers for you or your dog. £39.99 Visit www.dogmatic.org.uk

The ultimate dog toy for shakers and movers!

Squeaks and rattles to satisfy natural instincts Durable centre panel for vigorous thrashing Ideal plush toy for indoor play. £10.00 Visit www.labrador-lifeline.com

Big Softies Very low fat, 'not too hard' natural chews for gentler mouths. 100% natural & made in EU. Grain free with no added salt or sugar. £3.99 Visit www.cifood.co.uk

RAC Travel Food & Water Box

TO SUIT ALL YOUR DOGS’ NEEDS Customisable Whelping boxes. Any colour, Lightweight, Robust, Come pre-assembled, Easy to clean and maintain. Visit www.thedaleskennelcompany.co.uk/whelpingbox

This light and easy to carry food and water box is perfect to feed pets on the go. Two compartments and comes with a water bottle to avoid any leaking. Dimensions: 12cm x 27cm x 28cm RAC Branded. £6.00 Visit www.redwings.org.uk

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Sam before

Dog undergoes ‘facelift’ to help him see American bulldog Sam has had four surgeries since arriving in RSPCA care – all to help ease his discomfort and aid his sight

A

n American bulldog who has had three previous surgeries to help him see is now recovering from a ‘facelift’ to remove excuse skin from around his

eyes.

Six-year-old Sam was taken in by the RSPCA in February 2021 after being found living outside in a plastic container with severe eye problems.

He was taken in by the team at Great Ayton Animal Centre, in North Yorkshire, where he needed a lot of veterinary care.

Emma Cosby, from the centre, said: “Sam’s eyes were really bad due to bilateral upper and lower entropion. This is a painful condition where the eyelid turns inwards and rubs on the eye.

“Sam’s eyes were very irritated and he had lots of discharge. Our vets operated right away to correct the problem but, sadly, a few months later, he needed further surgery as the sutures that had been used to correct the eyelids were not dissolving properly.

“The entropion was still there so vets performed further corrective surgery to further reduce the problem. Sam needed a third surgery on the entropion and vets found that the excess skin around his face was causing the entropion to return so he had some of the folds removed in May 2021.”

Sam’s carers were told that if his eyes continued to bother him he may need a full ‘facelift’ procedure to remove further 50

30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

excess skin from around his eyes and head. In February 2022, Sam underwent a full facelift.

Emma added: “Large amounts of skin were removed from his face until his eyelids sat comfortably and a facial fold resection was performed. Eventually he recovered from the surgery and the cultures were removed and, finally, Sam can see without irritation.

“It’s so wonderful to think that after so many years of discomfort, Sam is now pain-free. Unfortunately the multiple surgeries have left him with scarring on his right eye which makes him sensitive to sunlight so his new owners will need to keep direct sunlight exposure to a minimum and always monitor his eyes closely.

“I’m so pleased that Sam is finally living comfortably but it’s so sad that so many dogs have these problems due to the way in which they’ve been bred for their flat faces and skin rolls.”

After 14 months in RSPCA care, four surgeries, and a lot of turmoil, Sam is now ready to find a lovely new home.

Emma added: “Sam is a lovable giant. He is bubbly, sociable and loves nothing more than a nice walk, playtime in the garden, and a cuddle in his bed!

“He’s never lived in a proper home before so his new owner will need to help him with housetraining and get him used to being inside “He’s a clever lad who loves scent work and likes to use www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Sam now

Sam now

“

After 14 months in RSPCA care, four surgeries, and a lot of turmoil, Sam is now ready to find a lovely new home.

”

his nose. He’s friendly with other dogs although he can be boisterous at times and can pull on the lead so will need an owner who is experienced with large breeds.”

Ideally Sam could live with older teenage children but would be best as the only pet in the home and he’d love a large, secure garden to play in as he’ll need to be kept on the lead when out walking.

Find out more about Sam on his Find A Pet profile or contact the team at Great Ayton on greatayton@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0743. n To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, like Sam, please visit our website http://www.rspca.org.uk/give or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

www.dogmatic.org.uk RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2021

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CiCi the dog overcomes challenging case of severe generalised tetanus Three weeks of specialist treatment and care at Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies) in Hertfordshire have saved a dog with a highly challenging case of tetanus.

C

iCi, a ten-year-old small female crossbreed dog was rushed to Davies as an emergency when her local vet spotted general stiffness a couple of days after CiCi had cut her paw. Although the cut was small and hadn’t been causing CiCi much bother she had gone off her food and her owner had become very concerned.

Neurology Specialist Emilie Royaux together with a team of veterinary nurses provided treatment and round the clock care for CiCi. “On the initial assessment, CiCi had risus sardonicus, muscle twitches worsening with excitement and a very stiff gait. CiCi also had a swelling of the toe of her right thoracic leg. The

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30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

combination of these signs made tetanus the most likely diagnosis,” explained Emilie.

CiCi was immediately given intranvenous tetanus antitoxin without any side effects and was hospitalised to receive supportive treatment of intravenous fluids, sedation, muscle relaxants and antibiotics.

“We examined her paw and found a grass seed from the swollen toe which we removed together with some purulent discharge,” said Emilie. “Unfortunately, though, despite our quick work, CiCi deteriorated severely.”

The stiffness, tremors and muscle spasms got much worse and CiCi was no longer able to walk. Under a general

anaesthetic a stomach tube and urinary catheter were placed and the muscle spasms, stiffness and tremors were managed with medication.

“CiCi remained in our intensive care unit, under close observation,” said Wards Head Nurse Laura Barham. “But unfortunately, her muscle spasms were not completely under control and she developed severe episodes of hyperthermia so we needed to change her medication until we found a way to manage them adequately.”

After two weeks of very intensive care in the ICU unit, the dose of sedation and muscle relaxants was slowly tapered.

After three weeks CiCi was finally well enough to return home. www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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“It was very uplifting to see CicC’s stiffness improving which meant we could reduce her medication,” said Laura. “Once she was able to walk and eat unaided, we were able to discharge her. CiCi regained her personality and she and her owner were very happy to be reunited.

CiCi was a sweetheart and a true fighter. Tetanus patients are very emotionally challenging to nurse; they require constant observation and a full awareness of how quickly the patient's condition can change. Cici managed to pull through with the amazing hard work of Emilie Royaux, the wards nurses and intern team.”

About tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are fairly widespread, though dogs have a high natural resistance against it. The disease develops when a wound becomes infected, allowing bacteria to grow and the toxin to be generated and to seep into the nervous system. Once there, it interferes with nerve cell communication, preventing muscle relaxation and leading to uncontrolled muscle spasms.

In some cases, the muscle spasms can be quite localised, perhaps just affecting the leg where the infection has arisen or the face. In more severe cases, the muscle spasms become generalised affecting the entire body. The legs become stiff and walking becomes difficult, the small muscles of the face become tense, pulling the lips into a forced grin, wrinkling the forehead and pulling the ears into an upright position.

Because of the muscle spasms dogs can often no longer open their mouth.

Treatment of a dog with tetanus involves neutralising toxin that is already in circulation, wound care, stopping further toxin and counteracting the impact of the toxin on the nervous system using muscle relaxants and sedative drugs. Dogs with severe generalised tetanus often need intensive

care for a few weeks. This is the time that the nerves need to recover from the damage caused by the tetanus toxin.

The prognosis for dogs with severe generalised tetanus is guarded. Once the dog has survived this difficult period, they can make a complete recovery.

CiCi’s owner Michelle Nixon said: “Emilie worked tirelessly for CiCi through the three weeks she was at the hospital and her knowledge and skills were absolutely outstanding. She really went above and beyond and worked so hard to adapt the treatment when CiCi wasn’t doing as well as everyone hoped, and I had complete trust in her.

“Another huge part of CiCi’s recovery was the care she received from the wonderful team of nurses who watched over her 24 hours a day. Each one of them played a vital part in CiCi’s survival and their skill and dedication meant they

were able to react immediately to any change in CiCi’s condition and quite frankly she would not be here without their amazing care and attention.

“After three weeks she came home and quickly recovered, so much so that just two months later we took her to the Norfolk coast for a week where she swam in the sea every day, she was full of energy and back to her usual happy self.

“It was clear right from the start that everyone involved in CiCi’s care was rooting for her and it’s wonderful that with the right treatment and care, a dog can not only overcome tetanus but live a happy health life afterwards.” n To find out more about Davies visit https://vetspecialists.co.uk/

We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

www.dogmatic.org.uk RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2021

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Both donkeys had overgrown hooves - Image

credit The Donkey Sanctuary

Penny and Chelsea - Image credit The Donkey Sanctuary Recovering - Penny and Chelsea now at The Donkey Sanctuary

Suffering donkeys Penny and Chelsea find their sanctuary A pair of grossly overweight Miniature donkeys with twisted and overgrown hooves are now thriving in the care of international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary.

D

onkeys Penny and Chelsea were discovered at a site in North Devon in June 2020. When Donkey Welfare Adviser Jenna Goldby first arrived, she could see that both donkeys were in an obese body condition and needed urgent veterinary attention to avert a potentially fatal situation.

Thirteen-year-old Penny’s hooves were in a horrendous state and showed signs of laminitis, a painful hoof condition.

Her companion, a 10-year-old donkey called Chelsea, also had overgrown hooves.

Jenna said: “I was mainly concerned about Penny’s hind hooves, as they had a considerable twist that resulted in her walking on the outside of the hoof.

“The deformity of the hooves much have been causing incredible pressure on the ligaments and tendons in Penny’s legs.

“Penny’s front hooves were also overgrown and showed abnormalities that are commonly associated with laminitis. I was concerned she was in pain, so it was important that she was examined by a vet as soon as possible.”

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30 APRIL – 30 MAY 2022 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

after observing that the donkeys had large rolls of fat covering their necks and pendulous bellies.

In donkeys, there is a much higher risk of an overweight donkey developing a condition called hyperlipaemia, which is caused by too much fat in the blood and can be fatal, especially if not treated promptly.

Obesity can also lead to laminitis, as well as putting additional strain on the organs and the joints.

The pair were living with a group of other donkeys, all of whom were overweight. But as soon as Jenna spotted Penny and Chelsea, she realised there were other issues to address as well as obesity, and immediately called an external vet to the site.

The vet carried out a full examination of Penny and Chelsea and explained the severity of Penny’s hoof abnormalities would result in her requiring years of farriery care to correct the deformities and continue to keep her hooves balanced in the correct way.

Jenna discussed Penny and Chelsea’s ongoing care needs with the owner, and it was agreed it would be in the donkeys’ best interests for them to be relinquished into the care of The

Donkey Sanctuary.

Penny and Chelsea are now progressing well at the charity’s Brookfield Farm near Honiton, Devon and now have a safe home for life in the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.

They have both gradually lost the excess weight under the guidance of a vet and have a healthy body condition.

However, the pair have been left with irreversible damage to their hooves.

Chelsea required pain relief and remedial farriery when she arrived, but her long-term prognosis is better than Penny’s, who has chronic laminitis and now wears plastic shoes to support her hooves.

The Donkey Sanctuary has also worked with the owner to make changes that would support weight loss in their other donkeys, and they continue to work with a local vet to monitor their progress. n The Donkey Sanctuary is a global leader for equine welfare, research and veterinary care. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation.

Visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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We are delighted to support the Animal Charities featured in this Magazine Tel: 01952 245330

www.dogmatic.org.uk

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Transport cages Your pets can travel in comfort, safety and style

Our range of transport cages come in a choice of colours and configurations.

These are all custom made and tailored to the vehicle and the customer’s needs and requirements.

We offer an extensive range of colours and finishes for the panels and drawers, and can colour match the vehicle if required. info@thedaleskennelcompany.co.uk

01969 666063

www.thedaleskennelcompany.co.uk