Rescue And Animal Care Magazine

RESCUE and ANIMAL CARE

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28th July - 28th September 2018 - Issue 137

ISSN 2050-0572

FREE COPY Please take one

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Welfare

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A Pain In The Grass Ear-MitesWhat Are They?

The Thrill of The Chase When Your Dog Won’t come back!

Make A Difference To Animal’s Lives

Ask Wood Green Anything About Owning A Pet

The Tailchaser Times from Burns Pet Nutrition inside this issue

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Ask Wood Green

Anything about owning a pet

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Wood Green, The Animals Charity know that rescuing a dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Giving a dog that second chance of a loving home that they deserve, whilst also gaining a new best friend who will bring lots of love to your home.

hat’s why Wood Green vow to bring pets and people closer together and will provide support and advice to ensure the benefits of the relationship are mutual for both pets and owners.

Whether you are considering having a pet in the future and need guidance on pet choice, or you already have a pet and need some general advice or intense support, Wood Green, The Animals Charity has a free dedicated service to help all pet owners with any questions they may have about pets. You can talk to them about pet advice, pet care and pet behaviour.

If looking for a pet, Wood Green carefully match every pet looking for a new home with the personalities and lifestyles of owners. They help and guide you through the homing process with knowledge of each pet’s individual lifestyle needs, any training needs and any medical issues he or she may have - a pet they have taken the time to know.

The support doesn’t end there.

Wood Green’s dedicated teams are there to listen and give you the help

you need. From behaviour tips to health and wellbeing advice, coping with a new puppy, to advice about preparing a pet if you are about to move home, Wood Green has years of experience and will be there throughout your pet’s life, and beyond. Their experts continuously help pet owners and their pets to live in harmony and get the best out of life.

Linda Cantle, Wood Green’s Director of Animal Services explains; “Our 90 year history of caring for pets means we have a huge bank of knowledge and our team of experts are a trusted source of advice about every aspect of pet care. Everything we do is about keeping pets healthy and happy in their homes and we do all that we can to help.”

Wood Green encourages responsible pet ownership and aims to set the best possible standards for pet care in the UK. The charity takes the welfare of the pets in their care very seriously and has limited visitors to the kennels only to people who are actively looking to rehome a dog thus

preventing any distress related to lots of people walking past. As part of responsible pet ownership, the charity promotes cat neutering and is an active member of Rabbit Awareness Week, which encourages educating people on how to care for rabbits properly.

The Wood Green team can also deliver pets’ health and wellbeing checks near you and help with practical advice to ensure your pets are in tiptop condition. Based on the Animals Welfare Acts’ ‘5 Welfare Needs’ they can help ensure your pets are getting everything they need to be happy and healthy.

Recently Alfie, an elderly Border Collie, was petrified of going to the vets after a scary experience. And Alfie’s owner was concerned he hadn’t been checked over in a long time, especially in his old age, nor had anyone been able to clip his claws, which were too long.

After attending Wood Green dog health and wellbeing checks and receiving some initial training advice from their experts to get Alfie used to being touched, Alfie

returned for a second check, where, with a little encouragement using the aid of hot dog sausages, the Wood Green team were able to clip two of Alfie’s claws! Using their advice and guidance, Alfie’s owner went on to practice nail clipping at home, and when they returned for their third visit Alfie had the perfect pedicure, and was a happy, healthy dog.

Of course, life can also be unpredictable and if pet owners are no longer able to care for a pet, Wood Green offer help with that too. To contact Wood Green’s pet advisors, call 0300 303 9333 ext.

1281 or email pet.support@woodgreen.org.uk n Wood Green, The Animals Charity rely on donations from the public to help support the work that they do and receive no government funding. You can support this worthy organisation by donating, fundraising or volunteering, please visit www.woodgreen.org.uk to find out more.

HISTORY OF WOODGREEN

in 1924 Fom humble beginnings quarter ad and the subsequent he move from London to een, Cambridgeshire, Wood Gr in The Animals Charity me one Godmanchester has beco ing om of the largest pet reh care of centres in Europe for the The ts. pe dogs, cats and smalls d an d nte charity takes in unwa d an er elt lost pets, provides sh ing lov d care, finds secure an e and homes, and provides advic und Aro rs. guidance to pet owne ry eve ed 5,000 pets are rehom be in year and up to 650 pets can e tim their care at any one s in between their three centre d London, Heydon an Godmanchester.

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28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Wood Green’s Behaviour and Training Specialists (BaTS)

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HS2 Rebuild Fund PLEASE HELP US

To rebuild an EVEN better centre for the care of Border Collies Due to the planned HS2 High Speed Railway, the loss of land and the long term effects on our work, we need to Relocate and Rebuild our facilities at a NEW location.

Full details can be found on our website www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk or by emailing info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

01889 577058

Registered Charity No. 1053585

We hope that all those who Support our work are able to Donate towards this HS2 Rebuild Fund

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Troublesome Treacle CATCH UP EACH MONTH WITH OUR OFFICE DOG'S ANTICS!!!

‘I hate water and if I drop my ball in the water you will have to dive in and get it!’

Hello My Hot Furry Friends!

Mistress is going on holiday and she can’t take me with her as she is going on a plane. Actually I don’t want to go in one anyway because if they fly like the pigeons in my garden I’d rather have all paws on the ground!

The only runway I would ever venture on is A ‘Cat Walk’ if and when I become a model!

When I go away (I am staying with Uncle John), Mistress packs all my things (including soggy piglet) and then writes a list of my likes, dislikes, habits both good and bad.

As she is so busy getting out the summer magazine for you guys to read, I am writing a list for Uncle John myself.

Dear John, First, thank you for having me stay with you in your house by the lake (I hate water so if I drop my ball in the eater you will have to dive in and retrieve it).

I am so excited to be able to spend time with you and when I think about it I nearly wet myself, thinking about all the fun we will have together!

I love a cuddle so don’t be surprised if you wake up in the middle of the night and find I have crept in your bed and laid next to you on the other pillow.

You will find that I eat well and get wet food for breakfast, then complete dried food for lunch and dinner with lots of water. I’m not very good on human’s food left-overs although I do like the odd treat and bit from any watery lolly you may be enjoying.

If you have chocolate in the house you had better put it on a very high shelf. I know it is poisonous to us dogs but the smell is very tempting.

At the moment I am moulting so Mistress is packing a brush and if you can catch me and manage to groom me you may find enough fur to make another dog!

When you hoover, I will try and attack the machine. Mistress finds

Troublesome Treacle

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28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

this really annoying but I find it fun. I hope we both have the same sense of humour!

My toilet habits are pretty regular. I like to wee in holes or in a puddle of water. Mistress thinks I am odd to do this but I think it’s just good manners. Poo wise, I like to walk along making a row of Stonehenge shapes for you to pick up. They are easy to see And it’s more fun doing it that way.

I will keep with you on a walk, as long as there is my ball involved so have no fears I will run off. I’m a bit cautious with other dogs but as long as I am off the lead when I meet them and have my ball in my mouth I

usually give them a nod or ‘Hi five’ and walk on. Should you invite another dog in your house I may not be very friendly but outdoors I’m fine.

Oh dear John, I hope I haven’t put you off! We will have such a laugh together and we can talk about all sorts of interesting things and sit on the settee together and put the human and doggie world to rights.

Your new best friend Treacle.

Happy Holidays and See you all in September.

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

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In this issue ...

www.rescueandanimalcare.com 51

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KONG SPORTS BALLS

BOW TIES

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Dear Readers, Welcome to our Summer Issue!

I hope you enjoy reading your copy be it the hard copy, or our even bigger on-line version on www.rescueandanimalcare.com with a copy of The Tailchaser Times from Burns Pet Food tucked inside.

See our Vet’s Column, Pet Behaviour Article, Holidaying With Your Pet, Wood Green our Animal Charity of the Month.

Plus Pets Looking For Homes, Products for You and Your Pet, News, Animal Rescue Stories and more..

Happy Holidays!

We will back in September.

Jennifer x

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22 31 On this month’s cover

Animal Jobs Direct

BOW TIES

CONTACT US PUBLISHER: JENNIFER PROWSE RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE MAGAZINE: JENNIFER PROWSE MEDIA, 21 THE MALTINGS, BURES, SUFFOLK CO8 5EJ TELEPHONE: (01787) 228027 FAX: (01787) 228236 EMAIL: Jennifer@jspmedia.co.uk WEBSITE: www.rescueandanimalcare.com GRAPHIC DESIGN: VickiB DESIGN PRINTER: REFLEX LITHO, THETFORD, NORFOLK 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.

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RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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The nonweight-bearing environment enables the dog to move freely, increasing circulation and reducing pain and stiffness, as well as leading to muscle relaxation.

Animal Jobs Direct offers Ofqual regulated animal hydrotherapy qualifications designed for learners preparing for a career working in animal hydrotherapy as a Small Animal Hydrotherapist or in a Veterinary career utilising hydrotherapy as a treatment.

A

nimal hydrotherapy is a treatment that uses the properties of water to rehabilitate and improve an animal’s function in a heated, sanitized pool. Dogs that are suffering from a medical condition or have had surgery benefit greatly from hydrotherapy. The hydrotherapy pool allows an animal to exercise in a nonweightbearing environment which relieves pressure on joints, reducing pain and encouraging movement. In the aquatic treadmill, the water height can be adjusted to precisely

control the amount of weight bearing as the animal strengthens or recovers whilst re-educating the gait. It is difficult to move quickly within water and it has a cushioning or protective quality reducing the risk of injury. This same quality means that the dog has to work hard to move forward and in turn this helps to increase muscle mass and strength.

Within water, animals are also subject to hy-drostatic pressure and this can help to reduce swelling and pain, especially in the lower limbs.

In conjunction with veterinary

Animal Jobs Direct has been improving animal welfare through education since 2005. Animal Jobs Direct over 150 affordable and accredited animal care courses in a variety of subjects including Hydrotherapy, Canine, Feline, Wildlife, Equine, Reptile and Veterinary Care & Nursing courses. We are accredited as a recognised course and training provider by 5 National Awarding Bodies.

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28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

treatment, hydrotherapy can improve the quality and rate of healing following surgery and traumatic injury while also helping with the treatment of medical conditions by reducing pain and swelling, and creating an anti- inflammatory effect due to hydrostatic pressure, which leads to an increased range of movement in water.

A nonweight-bearing environment can also help reduce pain and swelling following surgery or injury. It enables the dog to move freely in the water increasing the circulation and reducing stiffness. As the warm water increases the circulation of the blood to the muscles, it increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients and flushes away waste products. This leads to muscle relaxation and a reduction in pain and stiffness.

Improved circulation reduces swelling around the injured area and enhances healing.

Starting Out While treating a variety of breeds and temperaments, it is extremely important to introduce every patient to the water correctly. If dogs are fearful of swimming out of their depth, then they are usually going to find the clinical environment of the hydrotherapy pool stressful to start with. As the patient does not go out of their depth in the hydrotherapy treadmill, hydrophobic patients often prefer this method of treatment.

However, if they are suffering from a condition for which we cannot use the treadmill, then we would introduce the pool very slowly, incorporating very short periods of swimming and acclimatizing them to the ramp of the pool as a safe place. Quite often, dogs will surprise you and will quickly want to interact with their owners and toys from the poolside. Our sessions are purely based on positive www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Photo credit: Woozelbears

Photo credit: Woozelbears

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Photo credit: Woozelbears

How to Qualify

Photo credit: Woozelbears

Animal Hydrotherapists qualify by completing either the ABC Awards Level 3 Certificate: Hydrotherapy for Small Animals or the ABC Awards Level 3 Diploma: Hydrotherapy for Small Animals.

Animal Jobs Direct offers these as online Moodle courses with intensive practical training included towards the end of your theory studies. This is a great way to put your theory knowledge into practice and ideal for anyone working full time or needing to fit their studies around their other commitments. The theory elements of these courses includes subjects such as; the management of medical conditions in hydrotherapy, small animal first aid, anatomy & physiology for small animals and water management. The practical can be undertaken either in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Aberdeen or Newcastle. Please visit www.animal-job.co.uk or phone 0208 6269646 for more information.

Dogs are gradually acclimatized to the treadmill without water, when water is added staff ensure the level remains low enough for the patient to be comfortable

reinforcement and taking the session at the pace of the patient. We mainly find we have the other extreme of dogs, i.e. those who thoroughly enjoy their pool sessions and the hydrotherapist has to manage their excitement rather than any fear or stress responses.

Furthermore, there is a huge demand for qualified animal hydrotherapists, therefore working as a qualified animal hydrotherapist or setting up an animal hydrotherapy business can be a good career option.

For those wishing to be involved in the medical care of animals, learning more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and hydrotherapy treadmill therapy is incredibly important.

To address this need, there is now a specially tailored qualification that has been designed to teach students all they need to know about using hydrotherapy with animal patients. The ABC Awards Level 3 Diploma course in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals equips students with the knowledge and expertise they require to deliver safe, competent and beneficial hydrotherapy to animals under their care.

The qualification is extremely comprehensive and is offered

by Animal Jobs Direct as a blend of online and practical training. n For further information visit www.animal-job.co.uk

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RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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Q&A

Jennie Gallaher Answers some of your common Questions As you all probably know Kora, Twiglet and I attend many shows each year with our company trade stand.

The shows are a mix from pure agility shows, breed shows as well as a few larger public shows like “Paws in The Park” and “DogFest”. On our trade stand we take all of our dog products, so the stand has a lot to see and read about. Kora and Twiglet help out on the stand by finding places they can pop through the stand and say hi to our customers! I prefer them to be behind the stand so I can focus on the customers as they generally ask for advice. So I thought I’d share with you the most common questions and answers on which of our products will suit their dog best.

Q. My dog has really itchy patches on him/her? I try to find out more to see if the cause can be found? Have you changed the dogs’ diet recently? Is it on wheat gluten free diet? Has anything at home changed (moved house, changed your job therefor routine, changed cleaning products) as stress and anxiety can cause dogs to over grooming. Does the dog get itchy at this time of year normally? If so it may be an allergy? The most common of our products for itchy dogs is “Soothitch” a Tea Tree & Lavender cream that you apply topically. The other is “HyperCoat Prime” supplement, our customers have found dogs with allergies suffer less after taking this

supplement daily. It is 87% Omega oils 3, 6 & 9 to help encourage better skin and coat condition.

Q. My dog’s got bad teeth and breath? This can be caused by a poor diet as well as us not looking after our dogs teeth with regular brushing. I am guilty of this like many of us owners we should do more for our dogs teeth. In fact whilst at the vets with Twiglet this morning, my vet Carly said I need to brush her teeth more.

Our most popular tooth products are a Tea Tree tooth powder, which you make into a paste and brush their teeth with a rubber finger thimble. The other is our Seaweed powder which you add to the diet, it’s great for gum health.

Twiglet poking her head through the stand Kora & Twiglet

Q. My older dog is quite stiff in its joints, especially when he/she gets out of bed. As our pets get older, like us they can get arthritis and sore joints.

We sell two joint care products Devils Claw and Caniflex. Both are liquid supplements containing Devils claw. Devils claw root has been used for centuries in humans for its anti-inflammatory properties. I do advise getting a vet diagnosis so you know what the cause of the lameness is.

Q. My dog is nervous &/or anxious? This could be just on occasions like travelling, fireworks, trips to groomers etc. or it could be all the time with a constantly nervous dog.

So if your dog is sensitive on occasions it’s important to have something you can do and or give them quickly. For fireworks, staying with your pet inside with curtains shut and TV or radio louder, try treat games to distract them, a t-shirt or bandage wrap can help, see image. Orally you

can try a natural calmer to help settle them, there are fast working ones for short term use and some you can give daily for dogs that are anxious/nervous all the time. We do both a short term and a daily of these which are both valerian based.

Q. One of the most common questions though, is when Twiglet pokes her head through the stand display I get asked “What breed is she?”. Not many people have seen a Podenco in the UK and they have a unique look with their “wing nut” ears.

Jennie Gallaher runs The

Animal Health Company with her husband Paul.

See their website

www.animal-health.co.uk for their product range

which includes Westcotts Premium Dog Food.

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FOOD, GROOMING & HYGIENE FOR ANIMALS

www.animal-health.co.uk

Tel: 01787 476400 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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A pain in the grass…

During the summer months, here at Agria one of the more common claims we handle is in relation to grass seeds.

Formed like little spears, often with tiny ‘micro-barbs’, grass seeds can get caught in the animal’s coat - most commonly on long-haired varieties frequently around the ears or feet. The seeds’ design means they only travel forwards, working their way towards and

Last Chance Animal Rescue

Bazil M8-9 He likes nothing more than playing ball and long walks.

Poppy Jack F10 mths She loves lots of cuddles and kisses.

Many Tears Animal Rescue

into the skin where they can become embedded and cause problems.

When they’re picked up by fur on the ears, the seed can travel along the ear canal towards the ear drum. If this happens, the animal will be in a lot of pain and likely to be scratching at their ear or rubbing it against the ground or the furniture.

In the paws, again by burrowing deep into the tissue, a grass seed can cause pain, infection and lameness. And if left, the seed may keep moving – some have been found to have travelled from the paw to the chest – even as far as the heart.

Eyes and noses can also be target areas for a grass seed to get stuck. Here, it will cause

For a quote for lifetime insurance for your dog, cat or rabbit

visit www.agriapet.co.uk/raac or call 03330 30 83 68 and you’ll get your first two months cover half price!

pain, ulcers and infection.

Seeds lodged in the nose can cause sneezing and rubbing of the area. Animals with a seed in their eye will rub it and you’ll notice the eye is watery and often closed.

Ludo, a two-year-old Springer Spaniel was found to have a grass seed lodged within his chest. The grass seed had been inhaled and had travelled to the muscle between the lungs. The cost of removal at a specialist referral centre came to £2,850.

April, a three-year-old cat developed an ulcer on the cornea after a grass seed was trapped under her eyelid. Her treatment cost £244.

Fortunately, both Ludo and April have Agria Pet Insurance

policies, so their owners were able to claim towards the cost of this unexpected treatment.

It’s best practice to check and groom cats and dogs whenever they’ve been out in long grass to remove any grass seeds before they cause a problem. To prevent grass seeds attaching, you could avoid walking your dog in fields with long grass that’s in seed and keep fur on the ears and feet clipped short throughout the summer.

Your rescue organisation can give the animals you rehome – even the oldies – 5 Weeks Free insurance cover from Agria!

Find out how at www.agriapet.co.uk/rehoming-centres-and-charities

www.lastchanceanimalrescue.co.uk

Louie M8

Robert M1

Jack M6

Woody M3-4

Duke M9

Ben M4

Absolutely LOVES water. He loves to dive and splash about.

We are looking for an adult only home for our handsome boy.

A lovely, beautiful sweet boy who loves lots of fuss.

Loves to play and having open space to run around in.

Duke is really playful and he LOVES his squeaky toys!

Such a friendly, happy dog you would think he had a secret twin!

www.manytearsrescue.org

Padlock M5

Flapjack F5

Marley M2

Tilly F4

Shasta F2

Arry M2

Zaira F11 mths

Anwen F1

He is a delight and full of beans although he can be stubborn at times.

She is a sweet soul who really deserves her forever home.

When he gives his trust to someone he will be the most loving and loyal boy.

Your reward will be a loving and faithful friend who will love you forever.

Very timid and is by far much happier in the company of other dogs.

He loves to have a fuss and has a really friendly personality.

A very sweet and calm little lady who cannot wait to be your special girl.

She would love to go for long walks with her new family.

Scottish SPCA

www.scottishspca.org

Bailey M4

Billy M2-3

Cadbury M3-5

Deilius M2

Floki M5

Honey F5-9

Legend M5-8

Scout M8

He can be shy at first but soon becomes comfortable, loves nothing more than playing with toys, particularly balls.

He'll need plenty of exercise and long walks too, otherwise he will become bored and create his own fun.

Cadbury generally walks well on his lead and will require plenty of regular exercise.

Super friendly lad, will require his owner to be home for the majority of the day as he gets worried when left alone.

He loves going for adventures and sticking his head in all the rabbit holes so an active home is a must.

Honey needs a quiet home, with a fully enclosed garden that can be her safe haven to wander about in.

A typical husky and loves to hear the sound of his own voice. He is quite an affectionate boy who enjoys a bit of fuss.

Scout is looking for a nice balanced home that involves cuddles, food and naps.

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For more information please visit www.iams.co.uk or IAMS UK on Facebook.

IAMS Naturally Adult Dog Rich in New Zealand Lamb & Rice:

IAMS Naturally Adult Cat New Zealand Lamb & Rice:

Available in tasty New Zealand Lamb & Rice, IAMS Naturally Adult Dog is packed with naturally sourced, highly digestible ingredients to help dogs absorb the nutrients from their food, ensuring visibly healthy, strong and happy pets.

With no artificial colours or flavours, IAMS Naturally Adult Cat is made with highly digestible, naturally sourced ingredients and nutritious animal proteins in the form of New Zealand Lamb for healthy, strong and happy cats.

IAMS Naturally Adult Dog North Atlantic Salmon & Rice:

IAMS Naturally Adult Cat North Atlantic Salmon & Rice:

With no artificial colours or flavourings, IAMS Naturally Adult Dog contains nutritious animal proteins in the form of freshly frozen North Atlantic Salmon & Rice to support strong muscles and a healthy immune system.

IAMS Naturally Adult Cat contains nutritious animal proteins in the form of freshly frozen North Atlantic Salmon and is packed with highly digestible, naturally sourced ingredients to provide visible benefits, ensuring your cat looks and feels great.

IAMS Minis:

IAMS Minis is a range of healthy and delicious dog treats. Made without gluten, low in fat and with no artificial flavours, IAMS Minis are available in three mouthwatering varieties, including Beef & Apple, Chicken & Carrot and Lamb & Cranberry.

IAMS Delights Land & Sea Collection in Jelly:

With an irresistible meaty taste, IAMS Delights provides cats with a 100% complete and balanced diet. The Land & Sea Collection in Jelly includes Wild Tuna & Herring, Delicious Salmon & Trout, Roast Turkey & Duck, and Succulent Lamb & Liver.

The trovanÂŽ microchip-ID is recommended worldwide, for its outstanding technology, quality & reliability. Used by rescues and professionals all over the world.

Now we also have All-in-Ones! in both sizes

www.pet-detect.com 12

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

UNIVERSAL SCANNER Detects ALL microchips

MICROCHIP TRAINING AVAILABLE Tel: 01962 813554 email: info@pet-detect.com www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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#w Join oo th fol e uti on

wwFor m w.m ore ore info tha rm no atio ne n wa vis y.c it o.u k

There’s more than one way to crack a nut.

There is a reversible, alternative to surgical castration which offers the same benefits as surgery

There are many reasons why you may choose to castrate your dog:

Urine marking

Hypersexuality

Unwanted social behaviour

Unwanted litters

Testosterone related diseases

See the effects of castration without the permanence of surgery.

Ask your vet about the choices for your dog.

Brought to you by Virbac, manufacturers of SuprelorinÂŽ. Use medicines responsibly. www.noah.co.uk/responsible.

For further information, please contact Virbac: Virbac Ltd, Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP. Tel: 01359 243243 Email: enquiries@virbac.co.uk

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FUNKY POO BAG DISPENSERS Say goodbye to boring poo bag dispensers and step out in style with these beautiful handmade holders. Each one is individually made so they do cost a little more than mass produced items.

They make a great way to carry poop bags on your lead or clip to your waist. Visit www.bigpaws.co

CATIT FLOWER FOUNTAIN The Catit Flower Fountain uses running water to encourage your kitty to drink more.

Drinking regularly is important for your cat's health, as it helps ensure proper kidney function and prevents crystal formation that can lead to urinary diseases. The Catit Flower Fountain includes a Triple Action Filter (refill sets available separately). The filter continuously purifies and softens hard tap water, while also retaining stray hairs, sediment and debris. The fountain can hold up to 3L of water meaning when you leave the house your cats have a constant supply of fresh water all day Visit https://www.catit.com/shop/flower-fountain/

Great Pro du cts for yo u an d yo ur Pets

INSECT SHIELD® BREATHABLE DOG VEST

DESTRESS AND CALMING ATOMISER

The active ingredient is odourless and invisible, effectively protecting your dog against: Mosquitoes, Fleas, Ticks, Flies & Ants.

Visit www.petslovescruffs.com

The special Pet Remedy blend of essentials oils works alongside these natural relaxation pathways to help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets.

Visit www.petremedy.co.uk

FAB COLLARS & DOG JACKETS Specialise in Harris Tweed dog jackets and accessories for Great Danes through to miniature Chihuahuas.

Visit www.dramadanes.co.uk

DOODLEBONE BOLD DOG COLLAR The Bold Dog Collar from Doodlebone is a stylish plain coloured adjustable collar. Available in 5 sizes and 10 colours to suit all breeds. Matching leads & harnesses available. £4.00.

Visit www.rhubarbandco.co.uk

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28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

DOG AGILITY TUNNEL The Naylor dog agility tunnels. Are available in 600mm diameter with ten standard colours, five different lengths and three weights (Light, Medium and Heavy Duty).

Contact us on 01709 872574 or info@naylor.co.uk to discuss your dog tunnel requirements.

Visit www.naylor.co.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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Product Videos for The Pets you Love!

Click on the below education video

https://youtu.be/cxbMZh9Jc0U

Quistel http://education.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk/teaching-resources/

Quistel's world famous pet Ear Cleaner available via www.quistel.com

Greyhounds in Need Educating the next generations is important. Helping children understand the plight of the galgo and recognising them as sentient animals that make wonderful pets, will perhaps one day mean that the numbers of galgos in need of our help will decline.

Visit www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alHhibO7NwU

Catit Flower fountain The Catit Flower Fountain uses running water to encourage your pet to drink more, with 3 water flow settings to satisfy picky drinkers! Visit www.catit.com

http://petremedy.co.uk/pet-remedy-brochure/

Pet Remedy Pet Remedy works alongside the brain’s natural ‘messengers’ called neurotransmitters, which work by telling the nerve receiving the message either to calm (via GABA pathway) or get ‘fired up’. In times of stress or anxiety the nerves get over stimulated, which leads on to the many different signs of stress we see in our pets.

Visit www.petremedy.co.uk

http://biolife-international.co.uk/how-to-use-biolife-products/

How to Use Bio-Life Products Click on the link above to view the Pet Remedy brochure

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28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

The cleansers for pets, soft furnishings, laundry and carpets are simple and easy to use and based on carefully selected ingredients that are safe for even the most sensitive users.

Visit www. biolife-international.co.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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COMPETITION NEWS Rescue Centre of The Month Quistel will be running a competition from April for the Rescue Centre of The Month The winner will get a 1L Quistel organic Bio-restoring shampoo and a 500ml Quistel soothing ear cleaner. Worth over £70 and a certificate saying ‘Rescue Centre of The Month’ Both of these products are invaluable to restore the health of rescued animals.

Quistel appreciates the great work that the rescue centres do and regularly sends donations of products to help them raise money for their charities, but by doing this award each month they can help them use the best products on their rescues that need it, free of charge and promote themselves and the great work that they do, so fueling their fund raising activities.

Quistel intends to use their social media in particular their Facebook page and blog to feature the rescue centre and promote its good work,

18

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

with maybe advertising their fund raising events, and also before and after photos of their rescued animals waiting for adoption.

We are open to ideas to benefit all concerned.

More pets in the long run will be helped and rehomed.

We will select the rescue centre and make sure we reward as many as possible eventually in time. n For more information visit www.quistel.com

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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NEWS

Two Good to Resist

Fish4Dogs is launching two new tasty treats: doubly delicious goodies that are healthy, low in calories, with a real woof factor!

Salmon Cookies and Redfish & Lavender Crunchers are grain-free, contain no artificial preservatives or colourings and are a great alternative to those naughty human biscuits.

Canine companions are bound to be ‘hooked’ by their lip-licking fishy goodness. They are the ideal ‘guilt-free’ treat that can be given every day.

Salmon Cookies are a great daytime treat. The crunchy biscuits contain 50% salmon, 39% whitefish and 7% sweet potato.

The golden-brown discs are slightly rough in texture – making them suitably abrasive for doggie dental health.

The Redfish & Lavender

20

Crunchers are made from responsibly sourced, delicious redfish which is high in Omega 3 – great for eyes, skin and bones.

The lavender and chamomile ingredients are known for their calming effects and so, are perfect for a comforting evening nibble.

They are light and easy-tobreak into smaller pieces and contain 96% redfish, 2% lavender and 1% chamomile.

The new products, which are available in August, are presented in attractive recyclable cartons, containing 75g of product, within a sealed sleeve.

Fish4Dogs has produced an wood effect, cardboard countertop

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

display which allows retailers to show all the packs side-by-side with their stablemates Squid Bites and Calamari Rings.

Said Jo Little, Fish4Dogs Head of Marketing: “We love to treat our dogs but it’s important to feed them with the right things in order to keep them in tip-top condition and avoid diseases that can be brought about by pet obesity.

“At the same time, we want to give them something special to

show them how much we love them and our new products are the perfect solution. They are treats that grandma can give when she’s looking after them without fear that they will return home looking a little heavier.” n For more information visit www.fish4dogs.com available online and from selected retailers.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Freshfields Animal Rescue

www.freshfields.org.uk

Lola F6

Billy Bob M5

Skye F6

Cleo F2

Lola is a very friendly little girl who loves attention, she will happily be picked up.

He is ball mad and is at his happiest with a ball in his mouth!

Skye is a sweet girl with a lovely, placid temperament.

Cleo is such a sweet girl, she adores people and is very affectionate.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Alfie M2

Will M8

Ozzie M9

He loves other dogs. He is a sweet boy who He loves attention He could live with a is super loyal and has and he loves walks so compatible dog in his so much potential. an active owner is a new home. must for this boy!

Rikki M4 This boy is such a character. He will make such a fun, active friend.

www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

Lily F6

Nell F1

Abby F1

Annie F1

Leon M7

Mambo M3

Russell M10

River M8

I enjoy people cuddles and attention enormously.

I am looking for a calm, quiet home with my best friend Abby.

I am looking for a calm, quiet home with my best friend Nell.

Wiling away the afternoon with a big comfy bed to rest my weary head.

I love playing with my toys, especially tennis balls but they don't always last long.

Once I get to know you, I am a bit of a snuggle bug!

I love to potter around the off lead exercise field.

I could live with another dog and possibly a cat too!

Ashbourne Animal Welfare

www.ashbourneanimalwelfare.org

Benji M5-6 mths

Cassie F2

Harmony F4

Jack M8

Jasper M1

Max M6

Nala F2

Tallulah F2

He will need a home with people who are around a fair amount of the day.

Cassie does have the soft staffy personality, and enjoys a cuddle.

Needs an active home that can provide her with plenty of exercise.

Would suit a home with people who have lots of time to keep him company.

He loves to run around and have a 'mad 5 minutes'!

Will need knowledgable owners who have Rottie experience.

She loves to play, she's very athletic, so agility would be great to keep her stimulated.

Tallulah is an affectionate dog and loves a fuss. She enjoys playing and can be quite lively.

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

21

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SALMON COOKIES They are grain free, contain no artificial preservatives or colourings, are low in calories and are a great alternative to naughty human biscuits. Visit www.fish4dogs.com

FOUR SEASONS NATURAL CAT/DOG/RABBIT WORMER Conventional treatments are not able to offer continuous protection against re-infection, the only apparent option being regular treatment against re-established infestation.

Visit www.catsanddogs-online.com

REDFISH & LAVENDER CRUNCHERS They are grain free, contain no artificial preservations or colourings, are light and easy to bite and the lavender and chamomile additions make them a lovely comforting treat, perfect for tea time and evenings. Visit www.fish4dogs.com

JO MABONE POMEGRANATE NOIR

Great Pro du cts for yo u an d yo ur Pets

If you are looking to give that someone special something different, we offer this limited edition unisex dog perfume in a 30ml glass bottle with fine mist atomiser.

Visit www.petperfume.co.uk

HOLISTIC DOG & CAT FOOD Celtic Connection Holistic Dog & Cat Food.

Grain-free, natural dry foods for dogs and cats.

A wide range of novel flavours containing high levels of fresh meat and beneficial botanicals.

A healthy option that is also suitable for pets with allergies and sensitivities.

Visit www.thoughtfulpets.co.uk

TOP DOG MEDICATED SHAMPOO Soothing and cooling, antibacterial and antifungal concentrated Shampoo.

Recommended for dogs with greasy or smelly coats, dry or dull coats, scurfy or flaky skin or irritated skin or if they've rolled in something unpleasant!

Visit www.catsanddogs-online.com

KONG SPORTS BALLS KONG Sports Balls. These toys are tough enough for serious games of fetch.

Visit www.petcetera.co.uk

NATURE DIET Naturediet produces high quality natural pet food that is both healthy and nutritious. Visit www.naturallyhealthydogs.co.uk

BOW TIES The Teddy Maximus range of handmade British dog bow ties are perfect for every occasion. Each bow tie attaches easily to your dog’s collar, so whether you’ve got a Dachshund or a Great Dane, your dog will look dapper. There’s a print to suit every pooch! The Teddy Maximus Dog Bow Ties are available from £13.95 at www.teddymaximus.com

22

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

ZIPPY BURROW MICE 'N CHEESE HUT DOG TOY Great for dogs who love puzzle games, and ideal as an interactive toy for you and your dog. £9.99.

Visit www.dougalsden.co.uk www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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NEWS

PETKIT UK PROVIDING SOLUTIONS TO GROWING PET OBESITY CRISIS

PetKit UK, specialists in wearable tech for pets, are helping to solve the growing pet obesity crisis in the UK

Use Code WUFF2017 for 10% discount online

24

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

Almost half of pet owners are unaware of their pet’s weight or body condition score according to recently released PDSA Annual Paw Report. Pet obesity continues to be one of the top concerns facing British pets and their owners, with lack of daily exercise and over-feeding being the main causes of the problem.

50% of veterinary professionals predict that lack of knowledge and understanding around pet obesity will have huge implications for British pet owners in future years.

Almost every veterinary professional interviewed for the survey (98%) also said that there should be more focus placed on preventing obesity rather than treating it, as lack of action is creating a “ticking time bomb” for dog owners.

PetKit UK is a range of products which promotes a healthy lifestyle for pets and aims to educate owners how they can ensure their pets are as well cared for as they can be. All products link to a single mobile phone application which contains a dashboard on your pet’s health.

Using the PetKit application and products pet owners can see health information based on breed, size and activity levels which they can then use to make

Wearable tech for pets

informed decisions regarding their pet’s lifestyle. Owners are encouraged to understand their pet’s lifestyle to ensure their pet does not suffer from health complications related to obesity.

“Many pet owners believe that their pets are getting enough exercise, or that the only way to keep them happy is to give them treats. This isn’t the case, and could be proving more harm than good.” commented Rachel Barrass, Product Developer at Pet Brands, “The Fresh and Fresh Metal pet bowls with built in electronic scale and the Fit P2 fitness tracker are perfect for pet owners looking to improving the health of pets.

“By combining the pre-installed feeding plans, careful portion control and encouragement of activity owners can make an informed decision on how to improve the health of their pets. n Visit www.petkit.com www.rescueandanimalcare.com

Interkokask

®

Concentrate & RTU An environmental treatment ideal for use in dog kennels, quarantine or breeding kennels, runs and exercise yards

EFFECTIVE AGAINST: Bacteria (e.g.: Salmonella, E.coli)

Bacterial Spores

Viruses - Enveloped & non-enveloped (including Parvovirus & Kennel cough)

Fungi (including Ringworm) Protozoa (including Coccidia & Giardia) Mycobacterium

DEFRA Approved

“Break the cycle of re-infection ”

Not to be used on animals. Please consult your veterinary surgeon for further information.

Always read label & product information before use. Interkokask RTU is a convenient ready-to-use 4% solution of Interkokask Concentrate which is DEFRA approved and is available through your veterinary surgeon or direct from Hysolv Animal Health UK Limited.

Interkokask RTU is a convenient ready-to-use 4% solution of Interkokask Concentrate which is DEFRA approved.

Freephone:

0800 028 0780

www.interkokask.com | www.hysolvuk.com

p26.qxp_Layout 1 06/08/2018 15:30 Page 26

Mr Pets

4

www.mrpets.co.uk

HELP PROTECT YOUR PETS TEETH FROM GUM DISEASE

PROTECT AGAINST FLEAS AND TICKS

8 1

2

3

5

7

6

1. Enzymatic Toothpaste for Cats - Fish Flavour (43g). Virbacs Enzymatic Toothpaste specifically designed for cats. 2. SERAQUIN. One of the UK’s leading joint supplements. Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin which support joint function. 3. Droncit Spot On Wormer for Cats Pack 4.

4. Frontline Spot On Large Dog 20-40kg. Protection against fleas and ticks and controls biting lice. 5. ProDen PlaqueOff for Cats and Dogs 60g.

ProDen Plaque Off is an easy way to help care for your pets teeth. 6. Harrisons Suet Pellets Variety 2kg. 7. YuMOVE Active Dog. To support your dog's joints. 8. Tubtrug Tidee (Manure Scoop and Rake). An essential stable tool, available in 5 colours.

26

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Safewater Alarms Limited Family Protection Products since 2005 We offer “Tried and Tested” products used around the World to safe guard children and Pets SAFETY TURTLE Personal Immersion Alarm for Pets It's an alarm system that alerts you when your pet falls into the water.

Pets wear the lightweight, turtleshaped sensor on their collars, which registers a really loud ring at a base station when submerged.

Safety Turtle

SKAMPER-RAMP is the only true pet water safety ramp Protects pets from drowning by allowing them to get out of the water on their own.

For further information please Email: sales@safewateralarms.co.uk or call 08007720663

Skamper-Ramp

www.safewateralarms.co.uk

28

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

r e s a h c l i a T Times

The

The official

magazine

Issue 4

Special Anniversar y Issue Heritage content galore!

The Adventures of

Meet the amazing

Search and Rescue Dogs of Scotland

We spent a weekend on the Isle of Skye with SARDA

Sir Sidney the

superstar

Discover what it’s like to be a celebrity dog

#PoweredByBurns

www.burnspet.co.uk

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#PoweredByBurns #PoweredByBurns #PoweredByBurns

Welcome!

side Inthis issue: 04. Powered By Burns Hall of Fame 06. The History of Burns 13. Match the Dog to the Owner 16. Meet Instagram Sensation

Sir Sidney the Pug 18. John Burns 25 Years Interview 30. Burns in the Community

John Burns (and Gregory!)

We’re thrilled to share the fourth issue of The Tailchaser Times.

Can you believe that Burns Pet Nutrition has been running for 25 years?

Burns started in 1993, but I actually had the idea for the business in the early 80s. It took a decade of hard work and perseverance to make that dream a reality, which you’ll read about in my career interview on page 18.

The humans behind The Tailchaser Times: Editor: Rosella Pollard

Today, we employ 122 people and have a diverse clientele of thousands of happy and healthy pets, many of whom have been eating Burns since day one.

I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved here, and this issue really celebrates the people, pets and ideas that keep the Burns wheels in motion.

Get to know some of our longest-serving employees who have been working here for a combined total of 75 years (page 8 ), find out why we’re proud to be a Living Wage employer (page 15 ) and discover our unique journey (page 6 ).

Art Director: Alistair Corbett

Whenever a milestone comes along, thoughts always turn to the future.

Going forward, I see our charity work becoming more and more integral to the business. Corporate social responsibility is a bit of a marketing buzzword at the moment, but at Burns it goes a lot further. We care more about helping pets and people than money in the bank. Wherever possible, we will try to help a dog, cat or human in need and long may it continue.

Follow us:

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for supporting us and helping us to grow. It is my dream that one day every cat and dog will consume a natural, healthy diet based on home-cooked food, that allows the body to get on with what it does best. That is what we set out to do back in 1993 and will continue to campaign for long into the future.

BVMS MRCVS

Words & images: Dean Reynolds, Dogs for the Disabled, Emma Butler, Forever Hounds Trust, Kirstie Jones, Helen Anslow, John Burns, Laura Crotch-Harvey, Rebecca Gardener, Rob Jones, Sir Sidney the Pug.

Instagram.com/burnspet Facebook.com/burnspet Twitter.com/burnspetfood Use #PoweredByBurns on Twitter or Instagram for the chance to be featured

Say hello:

Marketing@burnspet.co.uk Burns Pet Nutrition Ltd, Ferry Road, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales, SA17 5EJ Est. since 1993

burnspet.co.uk •

3

#PoweredByBurns

The very best thing about running a pet food company is being introduced to your superstar pets and learning about their unique qualities.

Whether you have a busy Border Collie or a lazy British Shorthair, it warms the cockles of our heart to receive your pet pictures and notes of appreciation. That’s why each issue, we hand the floor over to your beloved pets, without whom, we simply wouldn’t have a paw to stand on...

Cooper Cooper the Cocker Spaniel has been #PoweredByBurns since his puppy days and wakes up every morning at 6am to devour a Burns breakfast.

Maisie Mo Ciro

Ciro the Border Collie is 9 months young. He is hard of hearing and is currently mastering the art of sign language. As well as being super friendly and sociable, Ciro’s hobbies include playing chase and scampering off with the household toilet roll.

4 • burnspet.co.uk

Introducing the canine mascot for Swansea Pipe Band. Maisie enjoys the jet-set lifestyle and is often on tour with her human who is a piper in the band.

In her spare time, Maisie loves chasing cats, helicopters and planes.

Marilyn 8-year-old Patterdale Terrier, Marilyn is a bit of a glutton. When she’s not chomping on Burns she swallows kebab sticks, whole!

Her human told us that this has resulted in a £989 vet bill to remove the sticks and the incident has happened twice! Despite this, Marilyn is a loving, loyal dog who is adored by her owners.

Harry and Joey Harry and Joey are Jack Russell brothers from another mother. Harry has a favourite song that he sings to called Girl on a Bicycle and Joey is obsessed with tennis balls. They love their daily walks and holidays (they have their own suitcases) and are the most spoilt pooches on planet earth.

Put your pet in the spotlight Use the #PoweredByBurns on Instagram and Twitter to be featured on our social media channels.

Wally

Last issue’s competition winner is Sinead Murtagh and her dog Wally. Sinead says “Wally deserves to win because he has had such a rough start in life. We adopted him from the DSPCA here in Dublin Ireland. He was straying and had to have lots of his teeth removed because he was eating stones when he was hungry.

Poor Fella. He is happier now and is in training to be the best pup there is.”

Wally has won a 2kg bag of our new grain-free puppy food, Burns Duck & Potato. burnspet.co.uk •

5

Celebrating 25 Years of Happy and Healthy Pets

Our History To celebrate our 25th anniversary milestone, we thought we’d share a potted history of the brand from 1993 to the present day...

1993

1993 - 1995 Early newspaper coverage demonstrates the uniqueness of healthy pet food at the time of business inception.

The Very First Bag and First Show with Gazebo!

1997

Burns Becomes First Chemical-Free UK Pet Food Manufacturer

6 • burnspet.co.uk

The Second Batch of Bags These rather retro-looking bags came into production in the late 90s and were in circulation until 2010 when a new logo was introduced.

2001 Flying the Nest Rapid business expansion meant it was time to move to a bigger premises.

2007

The Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation Charity is born.

Our in-house charity exists to improve the lives of people and pets across the UK through funding, grass-roots projects and community outreach.

Penlan Farm

2009

2009 saw John’s ambition to develop a complete moist food - based on his original home-cooked recommendations - become a reality. The award-winning wet food is manufactured at Burns’ own Burry Port factory and created with a field-to-plate philosophy. The range includes free-range eggs and vegetables produced at Penlan Farm and other locally sourced human-grade ingredients.

Carol Lincoln Community Liaison Officer

2018

John Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

2015

Burns Becomes an Accredited Living Wage Employer

Present and Beyond Today, we are a thriving family business employing 122 members of staff.

We currently deliver our brand of pet food to countries all over the world including Ireland, Hong Kong and Portugal. From field to dog bowl, farm shop assistant to senior manager, we believe in an ethical and transparent approach across all areas of the business.

Photo credit: Rob Melen

Looking to the future, John says “Since pioneering the healthy pet food movement in 1993, we have achieved our goal of creating natural pet food that really works to promote excellent all-round health and even manage pre-existing health problems.

It is my dream that one day every cat and dog will consume a natural, healthy diet based on home-cooked food, that allows the body to get on with what it does best.

That is what we set out to do and will continue to campaign for long into the future.”

A

Day Life in the

of

Burns’ Longest Serving Employees!

In celebration of our 25th anniversary, we’re dedicating this Day in the Life edition to 4 employees that have been with the company for a combined total of 75 years. Phew!

8 • burnspet.co.uk

Karen Armitage

Nutritionist • Years with Burns: 23 I’ve worked at Burns for a whopping 23 years and 2 months. In that time, I’ve turned my hand to many roles including event organisation, sales and marketing. Nowadays, I’m a key member of the Burns Nutrition Team and divide my time between helping pet owners with the dietary needs of their cats and dogs and spending time on the road as a regional Sales Rep. When I’m not working, you’ll find me enjoying as much of the great outdoors as possible. I’m an avid gardener and grow my own vegetables. I also love walking the coastal path, visiting gardens, climbing mountains and did I mention, gardening?

Morning 6:30 Hit the snooze button before

making tea and bringing it back to bed for some early morning reading.

7:15 Walk around the local canal and quay for 45 minutes. I have walked here almost every morning for the past 15 years, and although I recently

If I wasn’t a nutritionist, I’d love to be a… Travel photographer.

The strangest job I’ve ever had entailed... Making sausages.

My favourite dog breed is a… Springer Spaniel. They’re incredibly loyal, loving, playful and beautiful.

If I was on death row, my last supper would be… Garlic mushrooms followed by freshly caught mackerel served with new potatoes and broad beans from the garden. I’d have a dessert of lemon tart, washed down with vintage port and a wedge of Stilton to finish.

If I could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, I’d invite… Ansel Adams, Charlie Waite, Carol Klein, Gertrude Jekyll and just to add a bit of comedy, Peter Kay! If I had to listen to one song for the rest of my life, I’d choose... Because the Night by Patti Smith

lost my gorgeous collie, Katie, I don’t want to stop the routine. The views are beautiful and an energetic walk really sets you up for the day.

8:45 Arrive at work. Begin taking calls, communicating via LiveChat and responding to emails from new and existing customers. Pet owners often come to us for nutrition guidance as a last resort. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction when their cat or dog responds well to our advice.

I’ve turned my

hand to many

including roles event organisation,

sales and marketing.

Nowadays, I’m a key member of the Burns Nutrition team

Afternoon 12:30 Enjoy a 15-minute stretch of the legs in the fresh air. Our office is located in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire and there are lots of lovely places to have a stroll.

On my return I grab some lunch from the staff kitchen. Today, a lamb roast is on the menu with the meat and vegetables coming from Burns’ own Penlan Farm. We are lucky enough to only pay £1 for this.

14:00 Time to hit the road! I’m also a Sales Rep and visit shops and stockists all over the South Wales region. It’s lovely to have regular face-to-face interaction with our trade customers and it gives them a chance to learn about any new Burns developments or to ask for advice. Today I am delivering point of sale stock, samples and giving a presentation about our new GrainFree range.

Evening 18:00 It’s Monday, so I cook a big meal for the family- often using ingredients grown from the garden.

There’s usually 8 of us at the table and it’s great to get everyone together since we all lead such busy lifestyles and they’ve all left home. I have 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law and two grandchildren.

Once, while working at Burns...

A customer phoned up to complain that she had found some custard creams in a bag of our dog food. She was very miffed and insisted that she didn’t keep biscuits in the house. After apologising profusely, I asked her to send me some of the offending items to enable me to log the complaint with the factory.

A few days later she phoned with her tail between her legs to tell me that her husband actually hides the custard creams in the dog food bag!

Other evenings I love nothing more than pottering about in the garden tending to my flower and vegetable beds, going for an evening stroll with the camera, reading or watching tv.

burnspet.co.uk •

9

Rebecca Gardener

Joint General Manager • Years with Burns: 16 My working life at Burns began in the summer of 2002. I decided to swap my hectic Bristol city life for the beautiful Welsh countryside and got a job in the Burns sales team after encouragement from family to apply.

It quickly became apparent that this was a friendly and enjoyable place to work and I couldn’t get over my new, picturesque commute. On a clear day, you can see the coastline stretching as far as Pembrokeshire. This, coupled with views of Kidwelly Castle are quite spectacular.

As my working life at Burns progressed, so did my role. I managed the Retail Sales team and eventually became John’s PA. My client base changed from our retail customers to the business sector of solicitors, accountants and planning consultants. This was a steep learning curve for me but a great personal challenge as well. In December 2016 I became joint General Manager, an achievement which I am very proud of. I can’t believe I have been here for 16 years in July - it’s the best job I have ever had!

If I wasn’t a General Manager…

I would love to be a florist or jewellery designer.

My favourite dog breed is a… Terrier.

Any variety, the scruffier looking the better.

If I was on death row, my last meal would be… Welsh roast beef with a dollop of horseradish sauce, and all the trimmings washed down with a large glass of Italian red wine. In fact, I might as well have the bottle if my time is up!

My perfect dinner date is… George Clooney. He’s very easy on the eye!

If I had to listen to one song for the rest of my life it would be… Annie’s Song by John Denver. I love all types of music but this one has a special meaning to me.

10 • burnspet.co.uk

In my spare time I love interior design, working on homemade craft projects, looking after my grandson Luca and watching Game of Thrones.

Morning 8am Catch up on emails over a cuppa with Debbie, who I share my job role with.

We often work in unison and have been affectionately named, Decky by the rest of the staff.

10am Meeting with Llanelli Scarlets. We sponsor the player’s pooches and are also hosting our 25th anniversary party at their training ground. The Scarlet’s are a local team and it’s great to get together and discuss PR opportunities with them.

Afternoon 13:00 Working lunch at our local farm shop and cafe, Parc Y Bocs to discuss the summer evening menu and future events.

I headed up a large refurbishment project here last year and we recently won Best Retail Business at the West Wales Business Awards. It’s great to see the hard work pay off and watch Parc Y Bocs evolve month on month.

Burns is a very unique place to work…

One hot summer’s day, we received a message from John instructing staff to shut down their machines and go down for a swim at the local beach!

This was at the beginning of my employment and I remember thinking, this is so far removed from my life as an Insurance Assessor in the centre of Bristol!

14:30 We operate an open-door policy

where staff from all departments are encouraged to pop in and discuss any issues they may have. This brings new meaning to the phrase “no two days are the same” as one minute we could be discussing alpacas, and the next machinery faults at the factory. Today’s agenda is limited edition vintage packaging.

16:00 Catch-up on product development for 2019. We recently launched our first ever grain-free product which has been very well-received and are looking to expand our range, along with toy and small breed product lines.

Evening Finish work and enjoy a glass of wine with my husband and Season 7 of Game of Thrones.

Dean Reynolds

Warehouse and Distribution Manager • Years with Burns: 17 I’ve been working for Burns for 17 years and 6 months and am responsible for ensuring that operations run smoothly, and our retail and trade customers across the UK receive their orders in a timely manner. When I’m not working, I can be found travelling to the furthest corners of the earth, cooking or tending to the garden.

Morning 6.30am Rise and shine. The day doesn’t start until coffee starts so I always make time for a morning cuppa.

Evening 17:00 Finish work and spend time with

family. After being cooped up in the warehouse all day it’s important to get fresh air so most evenings I’ll go for a cycle, a walk or a 5-mile jog.

If I’m not exercising, I like to do a spot of gardening. I keep various types of fern and have grown Snake’s Head Fritillary for years which is my favourite flower. I’m also in the process of teaching myself to make cabinets and can often be found tinkering about in my home workshop.

If I could have dinner with anyone alive or dead...I’d invite Frank Zappa and ask him to perform Zombie Woof which is one of my favourite songs.

The best places I’ve ever visited include… Angkor Wat in Cambodia - The temples are unbelievable.

Mount Everest - Incredible to see with your own eyes and one of the toughest adventures I’ve ever been on.

New Zealand – It’s a trekkers paradise.

Indonesia - I’d return in a heartbeat for the culture and relaxed atmosphere.

8am Open up the premises before the rest of the team arrive and check everything is in working order. My next priority is to designate the orders that have come in over the weekend and overnight so that these can be distributed first. We deliver to stockists and pet owners all over the UK and can have thousands of orders at any given time. It goes without saying that organisation is key.

10am Work with the team to ensure that

If I wasn’t a Warehouse Manager, I’d love to be a… Cabinet Maker

If I was on death row, my last meal would be… A pizza buffet with every veggie topping you can think of.

My favourite dog breed is a… German Shepherd because they’re so lovely and placid and I used to own one.

c adventures!

Dean on one of his epi

everything is running smoothly, review stock levels and deal with any problems that arise.

Afternoon 12:30 Lunch time. I’ve been a vegetarian for over 30 years and love experimenting with cooking so will usually bring my own food in. Today it’s a homemade vegetarian quiche and bakewell tart.

14:00 Load pallets ready for couriers and also organise delivery for any orders that head office may require. We are located 15 minutes away from the Kidwelly head office and receive all manner of requests from putting together packages for competition winners to picking items for shows and events up and down the country.

I am

responsible for ensuring that operations run

smoothly

16:00 Review courier invoices and ensure that the warehouse is spic and span ready for the next day. burnspet.co.uk •

11

Rob Jones

Warehouse Supervisor • Years with Burns: 17 I’ve been at Burns longer than the furniture, 17 years and 8 months to be exact!

It’s World Cup season and in my spare time I like watching or playing football. I’m fortunate enough to live in Pembrokeshire and on a summer’s day, there’s nothing better than a hike around Bosherston Lily Ponds or Dinas Island.

Morning 6am You’ll never need an alarm clock at

my house because snoozing through the cockerel’s call is impossible! I’m woken by the sound first thing, dress and go for a brisk rural walk. Next, cornflakes and OJ are on the agenda before hitting the road with the company of Talk Sport radio.

8:45 Rock up to work and liaise with my colleague Dean on the order of the day.

Work through any invoices or computer tasks that need fulfilling.

10:30 Collate orders and organise new stock delivery with suppliers. I’m also a fire marshal so carry out daily checks to ensure we’re all sorted on the health and safety front.

Afternoon 12:30 Lunch on the go. Today I’m delivering local orders, so I hop in the lorry and start doing the rounds. Depending how busy we are, this can take up most of the afternoon.

16:00 Return to warehouse and make sure that the local vans are loaded ready for dispatch the next day.

Evening 18:00 Arrive home and do a 3-4 mile loop around my village before heading to the local pool for a swim and sauna. I try to go a few times a week, it’s a great way to unwind after a busy day. If I’m not swimming I’ll usually go for a game of tennis before catching up with food and tv and crawling into bed

I’ve been at

longer than Burns the

furniture

Likes to...

Keep in shape, football (World Cup sweepstake), tennis, walking and hiking Pembrokeshire Coast (Bosherston lilyponds and Aberreidy) and Dinas Island.

If I wasn’t a Warehouse Supervisor, I’d love to be a…

Search and Rescue Pilot My favourite dog breed is a…

Miniature Schnauzer- they’re so loyal, friendly and loving.

If I could have dinner with anyone alive or dead... I’d invite the legendary Welsh footballer, John Charles and grandparents on my father’s side as I never got the chance to meet them.

The one song I could listen to every day for the rest of my life is…

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Andy Williams.

If I was on death row, my last meal would be… A proper beef roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding, roasties and all the trimmings.

The best 3 places I’ve ever visited have to be…

Ireland – The Ring of Kerry is an outstanding place and the people are so friendly.

Egypt – Seeing the pyramids and sphinxes is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Rob, ready to make deliveries in one of the Burns vans

12 • burnspet.co.uk

Edinburgh – The architecture is out of this world including the castle and landmarks.

Match

the

to the

They say that pets and owners often resemble each other. To put this to the test, we coerced a few of our staff members (and their pooches) into a photoshoot.

Have a go at matching them up and turn over the page to see if your instincts were correct...

Rhian • Export Manager Laura • Nutritional Supervisor

Chris • Production Manager

Gemima

Millie Moo

Sweepen

Kirstie • Nutritional Adviser

Rosella • Content Coordinator

Amber

Daisy TURN OVER FOR THE ANSWERS...

13

KIRSTIE & MILLIE MOO Describe your pet in 10 words…

Hyperactive, fun loving snuggle buddy who enjoys a wrestle.

Describe yourself in 10 words…

Sensitive, kind-hearted and loyal with a cheeky wild side.

Do you own your pet or does your pet own you?

Has everyone wrapped around her paw- we are definitely owned!!

LAURA & AMBER Describe your pet in 10 words…

Funny little drama queen, very intelligent and loves a cuddle.

Describe yourself in 10 words…

Cheerful, ditsy and chilled. Enjoys a tasty treat!

Do you own your pet or does your pet own you?

It’s a battle of wills but I’m the one in charge of the food so I think I come out on top!

RHIAN & GEMIMA Describe your pet in 10 words…

Graceful, gorgeous, funny, bossy, naughty, way too intelligent, loyal, spoilt!

Describe yourself in 10 words…

Same as above, haha!

Do you own your pet or does your pet own you?

Gemima is definitely the master in our relationship!

ROSELLA & SWEEPEN Describe your pet in 10 words…

Emperor of the bark park and all-round diva mutt Describe yourself in 10 words…

Sarcastic, food-obsessed human.

Happiest in the sunshine.

Do you own your pet or does your pet own you?

Sweepen 17/10 wears the trousers in our relationship.

CHRIS & DAISY

14

Describe your pet in 10 words…

Timid, lean barking machine who loves food, playtime and cuddles.

Describe yourself in 10 words…

Sport mad dad of two boys who loves long walks on the green, hitting balls.

Do you own your pet or does your pet own you? Definitely Daddy’s girl, but she knows who’s boss

Encouraging Fair Wages in the Workplace with The Living Wage Foundation The minimum wage currently stands at £5.90 for 18-20 year olds, £7.38 for 21-24 year olds and £7.83 for those aged 25 and over. As the cost of living rises, wages are slow to catch-up. Far too slow, in fact. It’s estimated that 60% of Britons living in poverty are working families.

Recognising the need for reform, The Living Wage Foundation has been tirelessly campaigning for change by encouraging businesses to pay what they consider to be the real Living Wage. This currently stands at £8.75 per hour and we are proud to say that at Burns, we have been Living Wage accredited since January 2014 and were the first UK pet food business to join. In 2015, John Burns won the Living Wage Leadership Award for Wales.

Paying the real Living Wage and enabling our staff to come to work free from money-related stress means the world to us, and we want to encourage others to do the same. We asked our HR Manager, Katie Roderick to explain the various incentives and benefits for employers, as well as employees.

What advice would you give to employers who are concerned about the cost implication involved in paying the real Living Wage?

Cost is the number one concern for employers, but in our opinion the holistic benefits of paying the real Living Wage outweigh the issue

of cost. We find that as a result of paying the Living Wage, staff are punctual, motivated, hard-working, high-performing and generally very passionate about working here. We have an extremely low absence rate and it’s not unusual for staff to go above and beyond their roles to meet business needs.

In addition to the Living Wage, we offer a number of additional benefits including a company car, flexible working hours and a bonus scheme. These benefits enable staff to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and in turn lead to a happier, dedicated and more proactive workforce.

What impact does paying the real Living Wage have on staff retention rates?

In addition to head office, we also have three pet shops, a farm shop, restaurant, warehouse, factory and farm. These are job roles which are traditionally associated with high staff turnover rates but at Burns, most employees stay with the company long-term (as evidenced in our Longest Staff Members piece.)

Finding and training new staff can be a very costly (not to mention time consuming) business, we’d rather invest this into our existing

Burns HR Manager Katie Roderick, and Burns HR Officer Luke Thomas.

workforce through initiatives such as training, development and the Living Wage.

Even our apprentices are paid the Living Wage from day one which helps us to attract and retain the best staff. We find that we have a better chance of retaining apprentices as they recognise that they are appreciated, and work harder as a result.

What are your plans for the future of the Living Wage?

We want to continue to raise the bar and encourage employers in the local and wider area to follow suit and pay a better wage.

To find out more about the Living Wage and how you can get involved, visit: www.livingwage.org.uk burnspet.co.uk

•

15

Adventures of Instagram Sensation The

Sir Sidney the Pug Instagram, the world’s fastest growing social media platform, is known for its community of bloggers and influencers. It’s the place to go to find the latest hip brands, or research travel hotspots.

It’s also home to a growing community of dog celebrities.

Dog celebrities?! We hear you bark. Yes, that’s right. There’s an abundance of canine accounts out there with much larger followings than the humans. One such celebrity is Sir Sidney the Pug. Sidney has 40k followers and counting. We caught up with his human JASMINE to find out what it’s like to own a bonafide dog superstar...

How did you meet Sidney?

I’ve always loved animals (especially dogs) so when I was 9 my parents got us a Lagotto Romagnolo called Bartie.

He’s a great dog but grew up to be very anti-social and hard to handle so when I turned 16, I decided to get my own dog.

By this point in my life I was incredibly anxious and was diagnosed with PTSD so I didn’t leave the house at all. I thought that getting my own dog would give me a reason to get up in the morning, go outside and live again.

I decided on a Pug as I had read that they are very easy going, friendly dogs with great personalities so I got all my facts together and gave a 20-minute power point presentation to my parents on “Why we should get a pug.” It worked!

I found a litter of pugs online and phoned the breeder straight away. When we went to see the pups there was only one left

16 • burnspet.co.uk

(Sid) but we fell in love with each other instantly. He ignored everyone else, strolled over to me and just fell asleep in my lap and from that day on we’ve been best friends. The rest as they say, is history and Sidney will be 3 in August.

Does Sidney have any quirky personality traits or funny stories to share?

Sidney’s whole life and personality is one big funny story! He’s very outgoing and has to be the centre of everyone’s attention. You can’t enter a room without knowing he’s there, and pay him any kind of attention and you’ll be greeted with the sloppiest kisses and the wiggliest butt.

I was told that pugs are very chilled out but he’s the complete opposite! He loves socialising with other pugs and when

he’s with them he has a habit of running in circles with his tail between his legs.

We call it ‘zoomies’ and its hilarious!

Whether it’s his snorts and sneezes or his waggy tail and head tilts, he’ll never fail to make you smile.

What’s your favourite place to explore with Sidney?

Sidney is very versatile and has a great time wherever we go but I’d say our favourite places to explore are cities!

I’ve always been a country girl so I find the hustle and bustle very exciting and Sidney LOVES all the attention he gets.

It makes us both so happy that we can put a smile on people’s faces just by walking past them in the streets. So far we’ve been to Manchester, London, Birmingham and a few other smaller cities!

What does Sidney eat?

Sidney eats Burns Original dry food and has done since he was a puppy!

What’s been your best Sidney adventure to date?

Travelling to London to accept the award for Dog Photographer Of The Year and seeing Sidney’s picture in the Kennel Club art gallery is up there! I took him to Buckingham Palace that same trip to get a few photos of him and we attracted a

huge crowd of people who took pictures of him, it was great!

What are your tips for starting an Instagram account with your pooch?

I would say just have fun with it! Don’t do it because you want followers or fame, do it because you enjoy spending time with your dog and love photography! It’s a great way to bond with your dog, just make sure that he’s comfortable with everything you are asking him to do.

I’m extremely lucky as Sidney absolutely loves being in front of the camera and that’s the whole reason I started his Instagram account!

What’s your advice to those who are considering owning a pug?

Do your research! I can’t stress enough how important it is to know a lot about the breed before you buy them, Pugs especially. Pugs get a bad rep because they can come with health problems because of bad breeding, but a lot of them lead very happy and healthy lives. Find a responsible breeder, get pet insurance, make sure they stay a healthy weight and you should be fine.

If Sidney could talk, what would be his favourite phrase?

It would definitely be, “WTF: Where’s the food?”

y: Follow Sidnethepug Instagram.com/Sirsidney

burnspet.co.uk •

17

“I was told; you haven’t got a snowball’s chance here” THE 25 YEAR INTERVIEW

In celebration of the company’s 25th anniversary, John Burns shares career highlights, business lessons, amusing anecdotes and predictions for the future.

I first thought of the idea for Burns Pet Nutrition in the early 80s, it took 10 years of hard work and

perseverance for that idea to become a reality.

An amusing career moment came while working as a builder… I was

a trained Acupuncturist and Veterinary Surgeon, but had chosen to sell my practice and invest in property. I was listening to Radio 1 one day and the topic on the radio station was jobs in California. They said, “the two highest earning professions are Veterinarians and Acupuncturists.” Meanwhile, I was mixing cement and doing up a wreck of a house!

I had to laugh.

Although being a vet can be quite an uncomfortable and stressful job in many ways, I can’t think

of another occupation I would have preferred to study or practice.

18 • burnspet.co.uk

I was told “You haven’t got a snowballs chance here,” when seeking advice on starting the business from the Professor of Animal Husbandry at Liverpool University. His name was Ron Anderson and he had helped Marks and Spencer manufacture their pet food. Finding somebody willing to formulate my recipe of healthy pet food was a huge challenge.

The reaction I got from countless manufacturers was, “we’re willing to take what we’re already making and package it in your branding, but that’s it.” Nobody wanted the hassle of re-tooling the production line to use my recipe. It took years of determination.

Sweden and America said no to manufacturing my food.

Ironically, it was a company in Llandovery (40 miles away) that eventually agreed.

The first thing I did was take the food to Ron Anderson. I plonked it on his desk

and he said “Wow - I never thought you would do this. The fact that you have is a tribute to your perseverance and dedication and I take my hat off to you.”

Several years later, Ron wrote to me and said, “I’m still buying your food.” I’ll never forget it.

In the beginning, it was just me and a car full of pet food. I worked

from home and would use my friend’s fax machine. I’d make deliveries to local vets and pet shops, eventually using the services of a local courier. It was local connections and minimal overheads that helped me get established enough to say, “I’ve got a business here.”

My brother once said to me, “When you sell ten bags a day, that’s it, you’ve made it”. Today,

we export to countries all over the world and I have a team of 122 staff. It’s hard to believe sometimes.

John, photographed at Burns Head Office in July 2018

John in the Burns ‘marquee’, 1994

The phone really started ringing when the editor of Dogs Today, Beverley

Despite running Burns for the last 25 years, I’m still motivated to come to

Cuddy published an article on my food titled, Back to Basics. It was this article that moved the business out of West Wales and allowed Burns to go national.

work and continue growing the business.

I could be sitting on the beach, or on a yacht in the Bahamas, but this is my baby.

The best piece of advice I’d give to someone starting their business is start slowly, start small and keep the

from the business is my family.

overheads low. Develop contacts around you, build a small, low-cost base and establish yourself in the local area.

You can have the best product in the world and the hunger to conquer the world, but if people don’t know who you are, you’ll have a hard time making it.

There’s a funny saying in business it goes, “it took me a lifetime to become an overnight success.”

My greatest achievement apart I believe that local, ethical, healthy food is the pet food of the future. That is what we have achieved with our moist food range, Penlan Farm which is made and produced in Wales using free-range eggs and seasonal vegetables from our farm and meat from suppliers in Wales. If we could grow brown rice in West Wales, that would be local too!

Obesity is a growing issue in pets, there needs to be more education

avoiding overfeeding. In addition to manufacturers changing their ways and creating better quality food, pet owners have a responsibility to feed the right amount of it. Unfortunately, part of the human condition is eating things we shouldn’t, and too much of it…

The greatest threat to the future of the pet food business is a lack of

availability of raw ingredients. We’ve had to cut product lines in the past because the Chinese economy had bought all the raw ingredients up for that particular product. As the population swells, food shortages rise. Droughts, bad harvests and climate change could also affect this.

My dream for the future of the business is for our animal charity – The

Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation - to be an important part of the business. We are in a fortunate position compared to some charities because the money coming in from the business is invested back into the charity.

We are currently expanding the charity in Ireland and I have high hopes for the future.

on feeding quality, nutritious food and

burnspet.co.uk •

19

How much protein does a dog really need?

This is a question that the nutrition team get asked frequently at Burns. In fact, it may be one of the most divisive topics in the industry. We asked nutritionist, Helen Anslow to set the record straight, tell us what a dog actually needs to survive and where the best protein sources lie.

Burns Nutritionist, Helen

Dog food protein varieties are a minefield There is an overwhelming choice of pet foods out there and determining which one is best for your dog can be a difficult decision.

Protein is a vital component of dog food- it’s made up of amino acids and these amino acids are essential for tissue growth and repair.

Protein can come from both animal or plant based sources, but high-quality animal sources often provide a better amino acid balance for dogs.

20 • burnspet.co.uk

Making an informed decision when selecting your pet’s food can be intimidating with such a variety on the market, from diets that are nearly 100% meat to vegan diets which are purely plant based we explore the options of what a dog truly needs to survive and be healthy.

Quantity vs. quality A dog’s protein requirements vary according to their life stage, health and age, each stage needs to be tailored to their current needs. A puppy for example will be needing a higher level of protein than an adult dog to support the growing needs of a pup. A healthy adult dog will need between 15 and 23% protein (dry matter).

A good diet will meet those needs by using high quality ingredients that are easily digested. Ideally a diet should contain high quality ingredients in the amounts that the dog will need so that it can easily obtain the nutrients without putting the body under unnecessary stress.

High or low protein food – which is best?

Processing excess nutrients that are beyond the dog’s daily requirements will put extra pressure on the organs to work that little bit harder. This in turn contributes to more metabolic waste products being produced in the body.

A high protein level has not been shown to be detrimental to the dog’s organs however it can contribute to further impairment of the kidneys if the dog is suffering from kidney disease.

A dog’s protein requirements vary according to their life stage , health and age

eggs are highly - digestible packed with vital amino acids

Cooked and

A more important factor than the quantity of protein is the digestibility of the protein source. The higher the quality of the protein in the diet, the less quantity will be needed by the dog to meet its needs, therefore a low quantity that is high-quality will promote efficient body function and aid healthy digestion.

What are the best protein sources for dogs?

Cooked eggs are highly digestible and packed with vital amino acids.

They also provide a good source of iron, Vitamin A and several B Vitamins as well as providing high levels of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid which is great for the skin.

Animal protein sources such as chicken, lamb, and pork all have a similar level of digestibility.

Following on from animal-based protein sources, some plant-based sources provide a high-quality protein source. Soybean is the highest followed by rice, wheat and corn.

A note on intolerances Some dogs like humans can have intolerances to certain ingredients so its important to find what suits your dog. If you do find that your dog is having issues with digesting their food the first thing we always check is their feeding amounts, but if this seems to be suitable then a change in their diet may be needed. Signs a diet is not suiting your dog could include, digestive upset, skin complaints, full anal glands, waxy ears, excessive moulting etc.

Although it can be any ingredient in a diet that might be causing an issue for your dog, the protein source is often the most likely contributor, therefore it is always best to choose a food which contains a single protein source, especially if the dog is sensitive.

To summarise, all dogs are unique and quantity depends on the individual. The main priority is choosing a diet that suits the dog, and provides high-quality, highlydigestible ingredients.

For more answers to commonly asked nutrition questions, call Helen and the team on Freephone 08082311243.

References: Canine and Feline Nutrition - A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals; Case, Daristotle, Hayek, Raasch; 2011 • Small Animal Clinical Nutrition; Hand, Thatcher, Remillard, Roudebush, Novotny; 2010 • Nutrition and Disease management; Wortinger, Burns; 2015

Soya Beans

burnspet.co.uk •

21

Born to be mild?

Satisfying your cat’s natural hunting instinct Written by Kirstie Jones, Burns Nutritionist ll humans are born with a set of primitive, natural instincts.

These include hunger, fear and survival. Natural instincts form part of our genetic make-up and are ingrained in us from birth.

Cats, on the other hand are born with a natural desire to hunt. Hunger isn’t a key motivator for a cat to go out and kill.

After all, it’s not unusual for a cat to kill a mouse and dump it on the carpet for one of the humans to clear up. For cats, it’s all about the chase. The desire to chase begins at kitten age, and through active play kittens fine tune this instinct to become first class hunters.

Is Tiddles missing out on her natural calling?

Domesticated cats that are raised indoors tend to miss out on their natural calling.

Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of hearing a cat fight in the early hours of the morning will appreciate why.

However, there are various ways we can help Tiddles to hold onto some of her instincts.

The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 cites behaviour as one of the key welfare needs that owners should provide for their pet.

This is defined in the act as, “the ability to behave naturally for their species. Eg: Play, run, dig, jump or fly.”

It’s important as owners that we allow our precious felines to exhibit their natural behaviour and provide them with fantastic mental stimulation to avoid a build-up of stress and frustration.

environmental enrichment by offering mental stimulation, therefore reducing boredom. Feeding puzzles come in two forms: rolling and stationery. You don’t have to go out and purchase one either, homemade will do just fine.

Below, we have shared our ideas for creating your own feeding puzzle. These are quick, easy and will result in a very happy kitty.

Say no to the bowl The easiest way to satisfy your cat’s natural hunting instinct is to do away with the traditional feeding bowl. The bowl makes cats lazy, and laziness breeds boredom. Feeding puzzles are brilliant alternatives. They provide great

Stationary Feeding Puzzle 1. Egg cartons, muffin pans and ice cube trays are all ideal starting points.

2. Keep it simple in the beginning by awakening your cat’s sight and smell senses.

3. As they learn to forage, make the

puzzle more challenging by concealing the food and watch how your cat engages their brain and hunts the feast.

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Rolling Feeding Puzzle 1. Recycle the inner tube of a tissue roll.

Fold off one end, fill the tube with food and partially fold the second end.

2. Watch your cat in amusement as they

try to paw the tasty delights inside and portions fall out. The challenge is for them to figure out that moving the tube gets the best results.

3. Continue upping the ante as your cat develops their hunting skills.

Nip obesity in the bud, one challenge at a time It’s estimated that around 40% of UK cats are overweight or obese. A lack of exercise and overfeeding are the most common catalysts. This makes an even stronger case for feeding puzzles, toys and stimulation. By encouraging cats to use their natural instinct and hunt, they’ll burn more calories and be less likely to gain weight.

Instead of feeding Tiddles a handful of extra treats as a reward for good behaviour, use puzzles and creative play to satisfy her needs.

By meeting and addressing these instinctive needs, we are doing the best job we possibly can for our beloved pets.

Meet

Sylvester

the

Office Moggie

If you were a stray cat, could you imagine anything better than chancing upon a literal pet food palace? Well, that’s exactly what happened to Sylvester the black cat some 7 years ago.

After rocking up to the Burns Sales Office one afternoon, Sylvester was invited in for a cuddle and some treats.

He was nervous and feisty at first, but as the weeks rolled on, he kept popping in for an afternoon snack while on his travels. Eventually, Sylvester moved in.

The staff built him a little house with his own bed and during weekends and Christmas they would visit him with food and water.

Fast forward seven years and Sylvester is a full-time member of the Burns family, providing cuddles and fun to the staff on a daily basis. He hasn’t lost his feisty nature, or his appetite for Burns. Just as well, really.

Sylvester is a full- time member of the Burns family

burnspet.co.uk •

23

chews the fat!

This issue sees Veterinary Surgeon, John Burns, discuss the need for experience-based shopping with focus on the independent retailer.

Supporting the Independent Retailer in a High-Street Apocalypse Each week, we are reading about a new high street casualty. It’s currently the turn of fast fashion retailer, New Look who reported an annual loss of £235M. This crash is partly due to the lure of the internet, but it’s also related to the “experience economy”, or lack thereof.

As a nation, we are spending more on meaningful experiences such as eating out than material items. If we do venture into shops, it’s usually for specialist advice or an experience that we can’t find on the internet.

The trouble with the high-street is that many big retailers have been slow to grasp this. After all, how many times have you walked into a high street shop and not been so much as acknowledged?

One good thing about all this doom and gloom is that the independent retailer - which has often been snubbed in favour of the high street - is finally being given the opportunity to thrive.

24 • burnspet.co.uk

Top: Burns Pet Shop in Narberth, Pembrokeshire.

Left: Our pet shop in Carmarthen Market

If we do venture into shops, it’s usually for specialist advice or an experience that we can’t find on the internet.

Pet shops are multi-functional spaces where owners can often take their pooch to be weighed, groomed and fed with the guidance of a professional.

Many shops also run their own events, harnessing the power of social media to attract new customers and spread the word. Events can range from free microchipping to dog walking schemes to pet and and owner meet and greets.

When it comes to my own bread and butter, I can’t think of a better place to start than the independent retailers. If you are a new pet owner, the choice of pet food on offer can be truly overwhelming. When we started Burns back in the nineties, nobody was offering natural pet food.

In fact, the concept was unheard of.

Now, everyone and their dog claims to be making “natural” “wholesome” “nutritious” food. Pet shop owners have the knowledge and experience to cut through the noise and really help owners to choose the best food for their dog.

One of the biggest challenges we face at Burns is that customers buy our food

and move their dog onto something else because they haven’t sought appropriate advice. Perhaps they’re not feeding the correct amounts, or they’ve chosen a variety that’s unsuitable for their pooch. By taking a trip to bricks and mortar shops and taking advantage of the bespoke advice and services available, this can save time and money in the long run.

I read a fantastic article by Simon Jenkins in The Guardian recently on the decline of the high-street. Jenkins makes the point that customers don’t necessarily want to sit in on their phones all day, they’re just want to find meaningful experiences and character.

“The truth is that a screen is not a life. We don’t want to sit at home all day punching glass. There are no “experiences” to be had in a bypass car park.”

Independent retailers champion community spirit and many offer bespoke services that are impossible to mirror online. We must cherish these spaces, the streets would be a lonely place without them.

Pet shops are multifunctional spaces where owners can often take their pooch to be weighed, groomed and fed with the guidance of a professional.

burnspet.co.uk •

25

Meet the

Search and Rescue Dogs of Scotland

Cranna, Kaniq and Jess are life - saving pooches...

Jess

26 • burnspet.co.uk

The Burns delivery van, parked infront of the Cuillin.

Tony preparing a working harness on his dog , Walter

Phil and Jess, with Loch Harport behind

e had the absolute pleasure of visiting SARDA Scotland on the Isle of Skye recently.

SARDA is a charitable organisation which trains dogs and their handlers to search for missing persons in Scotland.

The charity operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and runs principally on donations. All handlers are trained mountain rescuers. Search dog teams are used by mountain rescue teams and police all across Scotland.

We joined SARDA during an assessment weekend and it was fascinating to watch the dogs and handlers working as a highly-efficient team.

Ken, Phil and Angus explained that dogs are trained to use their acute sense of smell to detect human scent in the air.

A dog has more than 220 million scent receptors, while humans have 5 million in comparison.

Handlers and dogs carry out missions that can take all day or all night, often in the harshest of weather conditions.

SARDA handlers are all volunteers and receive no payment for their contribution. The team is made up of people from all over Scotland who may receive a call on a Saturday afternoon and would then have to travel several hours to the location and work through the night on a search and rescue mission.

Without a doubt, dogs are a key part of mountain rescue.

Aside from potentially saving someone’s life, handlers say that the human and animal bond gives them a great deal of satisfaction.

Burns are proud to support SARDA Scotland and it was a great privelege to be invited to witness the team in action on the breathtaking Isle of Skye.

Phil Ken Jess

Kaniq Angus Cranna

We are proud to sponsor SARDA’S hard-working dogs with complimentary food and accessories. Would you like to make a donation? Visit www.sarda-scotland.org burnspet.co.uk •

27

The Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation

In Praise of our Volunteers Regular readers of our humble magazine will know that we’re pretty active in the community. We have our own charity, The Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation and a team of 6 superstar staff members who are responsible for driving this forward.

They’re known as the Burns in the Community team.

What we also have, is an incredible pool of hardworking volunteers who help us every step of the way. Without our volunteers, it would be impossible to do what we do.

Their skills, dedication and experience are second to none. To show our appreciation, we’d like to shine a light on the difference that these special individuals make.

Burns By Your Side

Our award-winning, flagship project has been active for just shy of 3 years. In a nutshell, BBYS involves trained volunteers and their pets helping children to improve confidence and literary skills through reading-to-dog sessions.

The idea is that a dog creates an aura of calm, allowing children to feel at ease and communicate more effectively. From Snoop the Chihuahua to Hoola the Whippet,

28 • burnspet.co.uk

BBYS Volunteers Angie and Kim pictured with their dogs, Fernlea, Willow, Robin and Toby

the range of dogs taking part in the scheme are as varied as their owners.

To become a volunteer, keen participants and their pooches undergo a 3-month training process before graduating to classrooms, schools and colleges to put the hard work into action. At the time of writing we have over 40 volunteers based in West Wales, Ceredigion, Swansea and Carmarthenshire who deliver weekly reading sessions.

In the first half of this year alone,

the team has delivered 880 reading sessions in 40 educational settings.

Commenting on the effectiveness of the project, Mrs A Davies, Deputy Headteacher at Pembrey Primary School said, “Implementing the Burns Reading Dog Scheme has had a positive impact on the well-being, self-esteem and confidence of our pupils.

Reading with Cariad [the dog] is relaxing and as she is naturally non-judgmental, pupils feel more comfortable reading to their attentive, supportive companion.”

Would you be interested in becoming a Burns By Your Side volunteer? To find out more, visit: www.burnsbyyourside.org

Magic Minibus Drivers

Social isolation is a real problem, particularly in rural areas such as Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire where the Burns head office is based.

We want to reduce the potential of loneliness and social isolation by connecting people with local groups and activities. We have been working in partnership with Ty Golau, the Kidwelly Community Hub, and Dolen Teifi. We have a small, committed team of volunteer drivers who give up their time to provide free transport using our community minibus.

Through our partnership with Dolen Teifi, a local community transport organisation, we have now developed a mutually beneficial way of working which means, our bus is used to help Dolen Teifi meet the demand and both charities benefit from the bus being hired out.

Coffee in the Cwtch

Leading on from the last objective, we have been piloting a monthly Coffee in the Cwtch session to socially engage members of the community. The Cwtch is based at Parc Y Bocs Farm Shop and is a purpose-built community events space.

Volunteers Roy And Rod from Dolen Teifi pictured with Abbi, Katie and Chris from our Community Team.

I’ll often receive a call at the last minute and wherever possible will do my best to help out, it gives me a great deal of satisfaction knowing I am making a difference. In addition to my community work in Wales, I also volunteer as a driver in Australia 3 times a year.

- Roy Davies, Burns in the Community volunteer

From music quizzes to gardening, there is a different theme each month which once again would not be possible without the help of a friendly volunteer who ensures that everyone who attends receives a warm welcome with a hot cuppa and cake.

These are just a few ways in which our volunteers help to keep the Burns in the Community wheels in motion, we really cannot thank them enough.

Hello, is it me you’re looking for?

Coffee in the Cwtch

We’re looking for Carmarthenshire - based volunteers to dedicate a couple of hours a week to help us out with various community initiatives. If this sounds pawsome, drop us a line at abigail@burnspet.co.uk burnspet.co.uk •

29

The Burns Pet Nutrition Foundation

It’s Harvesting Season for

Burns in the Community The last 6 months have flown by in a whirlwind of exciting community events and projects.

We’ve been busy bees laying the foundations for new initiatives in Ireland and tinkering away on existing projects in Wales. Now that it’s summer, the fruits of our labour are beginning to show.

Let’s pawse for a moment to reflect on our community news.

Graduation Day for Irish Pooches

You’ll have already read about our Burns By Your Side work in Wales on the previous page. Well, we have exciting news to share for Irish readers. As of September, Irish reading dogs will be scampering into schools across County Wicklow.

5 volunteers and their companion dogs completed training with the help of Wonder Paws Training School and graduated at our recent Dogs’ Day Out event. This marks an exciting new chapter for Burns By Your Side as we evolve across the sea.

Charity of the Year 2019

We’ll be extending a helping hand to 3 more fantastic animal welfare organisations in 2019. Chosen charities will each receive a year’s worth of financial funding, free pet food and joint PR opportunities.

We’ve received a record number of entries and are currently dealing with the rather tricky job of shortlisting. We’ll be announcing next year’s chosen ones in the September issue.

To give an example of the benefits chosen charities can receive, we recently raised €2,303.62 at Dogs’ Day Killruddery which was shared between current charity, Dogs for the Disabled and The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

30 • burnspet.co.uk

Myrddin Special Unit pictured with their Alice in Wonderland themed project

Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork for Local Schools Our Community Garden Project is back with a bang this summer as 4 local schools work together to create themed raised beds.

Both mainstream pupils and pupils with learning difficulties are collaborating on fun and unique designs that put their creative skills to the test.

This year, the theme is celebration in conjunction with out 25th anniversary and will be judged by John Burns.

The opportunity encourages children to build their confidence and socialise with pupils from different schools while giving back to the community.

Alun Owen Jones, Teacher at Myrddin Special and Autistic Unit said, “My class is made up of 8 pupils aged 8 to 11, all of which have learning difficulties, emotional and behavioural problems and/ or autism. They benefit greatly from being out in the community, learning new life skills whilst having fun at the same time.

Pupils and staff alike have worked to together to learn about nature, how to care for plants and animals and how to make the garden the best it can be. It’s wonderful seeing

my pupils take a pride in what they have created whilst working hard to improve their practical and social skills. I’m convinced our involvement has improved wellbeing and helped improve their quality of life.”

Pioneering for a More Dog Friendly UK

Last year, we were approached by Pembrokeshire Tourism to join forces and launch the UK’s very first Dog Friendly Tourism Awards for the West Wales region. Any award scheme which champions the pet and owner bond is an award scheme close to our hearts, so naturally we said yes.

Our Burns By Your Side reading dog teams went out and about to judge categories such as the most dog friendly pub, beach, town and accommodation provider and the awards were a great success.

We’d also like to note that the award plaques were bone-shaped - what’s not to love?!

Now, in our second year of running the awards, we have garnered attention from Visit Wales and the UK at large. It’s our collective aim to encourage owners to take their pets on holiday, rather than leave them in kennels, safe in the knowledge that there will be an abundance of dogfriendly providers at their chosen destination to support them.

Here’s hoping that this is the start of something pawsome and we can encourage not just Pembrokeshire, but the UK as a whole to commit to being a more dog friendly place.

The Butterfly Project Grows Wings

Effect seeks to change this. We are working in partnership with NHS Board Hywel Dda Complex Neurological Therapy Service to deliver a rehabilitation programme which empowers individuals and improves wellbeing through meaningful activities.

From constructing and developing community polytunnels to growing and harvesting vegetables to varied craftwork, the group have developed practical skills while forging new relationships and integrating into the community.

Leeks and Radishes grown by participants are now being used in dishes at Parc Y Bocs Farm Shop where the project takes place, with a large harvest expected in late summer.

Those who suffer with chronic health conditions often find themselves socially isolated, The Butterfly

The Butterfly Effect Team

To stay up to date with our charitable foundation, follow Burns in the @BurnsPetNutritionFoundation Community on Facebook burnspet.co.uk •

31

The

Burns Pet

r a e Y y t i Char of the

Programme

In 2015, we decided to permanently offer a year’s supply of financial support, pet food and promotion to the UK animal welfare organisations that need it the most. We called it The Charity of the Year Programme.

Learn about this year’s chosen ones, Forever Hounds Trust and Dogs for the Disabled...

Finding Forever Homes for Doers and Dozers Since 1996, Forever Hounds Trust has found loving new homes for over 9,000 dogs.

The Oxford-based charity specialises in rehabilitating and rehoming Greyhounds, Lurchers and all other Sighthounds.

Although all dogs that come into Forever Hounds’ care are unique in terms of looks and personality, they can usually be affectionately described as either ‘doers’ or ‘dozers.’

If you’re thinking about committing to a pooch, it’s important to consider whether your lifestyle matches the needs of the dog. Luckily, Forever Hounds are here to help.

Doers If you love the great outdoors and can commit to plenty of high-energy exercise, a doing dog could be the right match for you.

32 • burnspet.co.uk

Callie and Pixie are two older dogs currently in the care of Forever Hounds Trust who are described as ‘dozing’ dogs and would like to find a fairly quiet home.

Dr Fiona Cooke heads up Homing and Kennelling for Forever Hounds and explains, “The dogs we describe as doers are the ones who will really enjoy an active life. Some of the dogs we have found forever homes for are now agility champions! Others are competing in canicross or bikejor with their new owners.”

Both bikejor and canicross – which is cycling or running while connected to your dog on a bungee – are particularly active sports that you can enjoy with your dog, but there are many, many more dogs who just enjoy being out and about with their new families, enjoying long walks or playing games in the garden.

Dozers Would a less active pooch suit your lifestyle better? Greyhounds are usually known for sprinting around a racetrack, but in fact, this docile breed loves nothing more than retiring to bed for some rest and relaxation.

Forever Hounds Trust has found loving new homes for over 9,000 dogs.

Since 1996

Big Hound Chill Out nds in Forever Hounds Trust are celebrating the dozing hou Out’, their care this August by holding a ‘Big Hound Chill raise which is a great excuse to relax with your pooch and some money to save the lives of hounds in need.

Abbi is one of Forever Hounds Trust’s ‘doing’ dogs that is currently looking for an active home.

Fiona says, “Our dozers will generally be our older dogs, and often our greyhounds!

The gorgeous and gentle creatures are affectionately known as the forty milesper-hour couch potatoes!

They like nothing better than a comfy sofa or warm bed and although they do like one or two short walks a day some of them can be very lazy indeed if the weather isn’t to their liking!

These dogs are particularly well suited to older people or those that want a wonderful companion animal without the demands of a dog that needs a lot of exercise.”

your own, To find out how you can join a Chill Out event, or hold hillout/ visit: https://foreverhoundstrust.org/support-us/c

There’s a Lurcher for Everyone Looking for a lurcher? Lurchers are a cross between any type of sighthound and any other breed of dog, which means they can look like and have the personality of almost anything!

But, it also means that there is likely to be a lurcher for everyone! Whether you are after a small dog, large dog, smooth coated, rough coated, dark colour, light colour, snoozy or bouncy and playful, there’s a lurcher that would fit the description!

Teddie is known as ‘Super Ted’ by the volunteers at Forever Hounds Trust and is currently looking for a fairly active home.

Fiona says, “With such a multitude of dog personalities we really do have a dog for everyone, and our matching service helps those coming to us find the right dog for them, whether that’s a doer or a dozer!”

Could you offer a home to one of Forever Hounds Trust’s ‘doing’ or ‘dozing’ hounds?

Call them on 03000 111 100 or email enquiries@foreverhoundstrust.org to find out more.

For more information on homing a rescued dog, and to see the dogs currently in need of a home with Forever Hounds Trust, visit www.foreverhoundstrust.org or call 03000 111 100

burnspet.co.uk •

33

Paws Up for the Coolmine Project Dogs for the Disabled has been working to improve the lives of children and adults living with disabilities since 2007.

Located specifically in Ireland, the charity relies on volunteers and donations and receives no government funding.

Assistance dogs are expertly trained to help adults and children with everyday practical tasks, so that they can achieve greater independence. Some of these tasks include opening and closing doors, helping a person dress and undress, emptying the washing machine and switching the lights on and off.

That’s not all. Dogs for the Disabled has just started working with the Coolmine charity in Dublin on an innovative new pilot puppy scheme.

Coolmine is a drug and alcohol treatment rehabilitation centre and provides residential services to men, women and their families in Ireland. Therapy is provided by way of community where each individual is responsible for their own recovery with the support of peers and staff.

Recovery is generally made by participating in educational activities, group and individual therapy with abstinence being the main goal. This is where Dogs for the Disabled come in.

New Dogs for the Disabled puppies, Leon and Lacey have been placed with two male Coolmine clients who are training the pups up in the first stages of becoming assistance dogs.

The clients are currently enrolled in an 8-week training programme where they are teaching the puppies basic obedience and learning to read their body language to work out what they need. Clients are educated in canine learning principles, which helps them to develop their own awareness of the importance of patience, consistency and routine.

assistance at a with reduced Leon and Laceydogs pictured Burnscost. staff Laura, Carol and Rory at Dogs’ Day Out Killruddery recently

The project is achieving very positive results. Dogs for the Disabled CEO Jennifer Dowler commented, “These men are so committed to turning their lives around and with the staff and support of Coolmine, they are looking at a different future for themselves.”

Once the 8-week period is complete, Lacey and Leon will go on to their next stage of training before becoming full-time assistance dogs for children and adults living with disabilities.

Puppies Leon and Lacey

34 • burnspet.co.uk

Dogs for the Disabled also have a similar scheme in place which is active at a female prison, The Dóchas Centre, in Ireland. Participants benefit from socialisation, wellbeing and structure and the charity benefits from being able to train more

To learn more about the pawsome work that Dogs for the Disabled do, visit: https://dogsfordisabled.ie/

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p29.qxp_Layout 1 01/08/2018 20:35 Page 29

Bransby Horses Secures Future Work with Land Purchase The Lincolnshire-based equine rescue and welfare charity, Bransby Horses, has agreed to acquire 800 acres of land to secure the future for thousands of horses that suffer from abuse, neglect or abandonment.

G

range Farm, Barlings at Langworth, is a vital investment in the charity’s 50th anniversary year to relieve pressure on its site in the village of Bransby, which is at capacity due to the high number of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that require a safe haven.

Bransby Horses said the acquisition was made possible "thanks to the generosity of donors over the last 50 years who have now enabled its rescue

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

and welfare work to continue for the next five decades and beyond”.

“Sadly, welfare issues aren’t going away, so we need to work together with our supporters to look at what is projected to happen in the long term so we can use this land resource in the most effective way to meet our core purpose.”

Said Bransby Horses’ CEO, Jo Snell: “We are developing a long term plan for the stewardship of

this picturesque landholding to ensure a beautiful environment in which to keep our horses and to continue to deliver on the aims of the charity for the future.”

Operating nationwide, Bransby Horses, plays a crucial role in tackling the equine welfare crisis in the UK and has seen the number of intakes increase significantly over the last ten years, sadly the need for rescue and rehabilitation is greater than ever.

The charity relies entirely on public support and wouldn’t exist without donations and gifts in Wills. The Visitor Centre in the village of Bransby is open to the public seven days a week and incorporates a gift shop, café, play park and 50th anniversary exhibition. n For further information please contact Bransby Horses on 01427 788464 or visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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Bob The Dog is partnering with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to provide training & motivational treats to support effective management of arthritis. See more at www.cam.co.uk 30

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

p31.qxp_Layout 1 03/08/2018 14:12 Page 15

Dear Animal Lover

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ANIMALS’ LIVES As someone who cares about animals, we would like to appeal to you UFAW is an animal welfare charity but one with a difference. We help millions of animals around the world, from pets to wild and farm animals, and have done since 1926.

Good animal welfare is about more than ensuring good health. It’s also about the quality of animals’ lives – their feelings. Discovering, and then sharing, the knowledge unlocked by science is key to advancing animal welfare. It’s a huge challenge – and that’s why we need your help.

Quite simply, we need your help to be able to continue to be a significant force in advancing mankind’s www.rescueandanimalcare.com

knowledge of animal welfare there’s so much more to do and we can’t do it alone. As a charity, we rely on voluntary donations and new members in order to continue.

How your support makes a difference Just £3 a month could help us to provide educational materials to improve animal welfare in developing countries. £10 a month could help us to progress our outreach work to help animals around the world.

A £20 donation will help us to

fund initiatives like the garden wildlife health project. £50 helps us to fund projects such as our research into lifetime indicators of animal welfare.

UFAW helps to educate tomorrow’s animal welfare advocates by promoting and supporting education in animal welfare in a variety of ways.

We also bring together veterinarians, animal care staff and others involved in animal care to share knowledge and best practice to drive forward advances in animal welfare.

Please help UFAW We need your support

Please help us to continue our vital work by sending a donation or becoming a member – you can make a difference. You can find out more and donate on line at https://www.ufaw.org.uk/donations/make-a-donation.

Thank you.

Charity Registered in England No. 207996 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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Birmingham Dogs Home

www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk

Penny F6

Ruby F2

Jess F8

Captain M5

Oonagh F3

Henry M8 mths

Lisa F5-6

Rex M1

A family with no children and other dogs would suit Penny.

Ruby is a sweet girl who is a little shy at first so would suit a quieter family.

Sshe is quite happy to be walked and then chill.

Captain is a lovely looking lad with loads of potential.

Will make a wonderful pet once settled into her new home.

Henry will make a lovely pet, with some work, he has lots of potential.

This beautiful girl walks well on the lead and knows how to sit and give both paws.

A very sweet lad who is happy to have lots of fuss and cuddles off everyone.

Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre

www.foalfarm.org.uk

Charlie M2

Lynx M10

Lester M2

Hugo M4

Kai M3

Gem M4-5

Dolly F4

Oreo M4 mths

Charlie likes to get to know people before he trusts them.

Ready to retire to a sofa! Likes nothing better than to fall asleep on a sofa!

Needs ongoing training meeting dogs out and about as he can be reactive.

Hugo can possibly live with a female dog, subject to introductions.

He is a very happy, chilled boy who just needs a sofa to snuggle on.

LOVES bouncy balls, a very happy boy and equally happy lazing around sleeping.

Looking for someone that can exercise her twice daily for good, long walks.

We’re looking for a calm household where Oreo can learn acceptable play.

Jerry Green Dog Rescue

www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk

Fifi F9-10

Sammy M6-7

Alfie M8-9

Anna F2-3

Flash M1-2

Lola F7-8

Inca M9-10

Max M6-7

I enjoy a run and a play then I'll just snooze the day away in the sunshine.

I love going on my walks and playing catch with my ball, I especially like my squeaky toys!

I am looking for a quiet home with one or two people who have the time and energy.

I am a very friendly, affectionate girl that loves to have cuddles and belly rubs. I also love to play with my ball.

I am Flash. Flash by name, Flash by nature. I am a speedy little thing looking for an active home.

I am looking for a quiet home where I can be the only pet and have all the fuss and attention.

I am a very good girl and can quite happily amuse myself sleeping, sleeping or sleeping whilst you are out.

I'm such a love bug and I just love new people, long walks and snuggles on the sofa!

32

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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TOP TIPS to keep your dog safe:

NEWS

Vets urge caution after increase in reports of toxic blue green algae An increase in reports of toxic blue green algae in locations across the UK this summer is prompting the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to urge pet owners to take extra precautions while walking their dogs in the vicinity of affected water bodies.

Blue green algae blooms may appear as green or greenishbrown scum on the surface of water and can contain toxins that can be harmful for animals if ingested, even in small quantities.

Dogs can swallow this algae by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.

Symptoms of exposure can appear within a few minutes or hours, depending on the type of toxin ingested, and commonly include: vomiting, diarrhoea,

drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures and blood in faeces. If left untreated, it can cause liver damage and ultimately be fatal within days.

The presence of blue green algae has been confirmed in water bodies in Scotland, Wales, the Lake District, North Lincolnshire and East Northamptonshire, among other locations.

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Gudrun Ravetz said:

• Look out for any warning signs put up by the local council near water bodies.

• Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have bluegreen algal bloom – don’t let them swim in it or drink from it.

• If your dog has been swimming outside, wash it thoroughly with clean water afterwards.

Rush your pet to a vet immediately in case you’re concerned it may have ingested toxic algae. There is currently no known antidote for the toxins, so prompt treatment is essential to ensure that your pet has a good chance of recovery.

“We know that some dogs enjoy nothing better than a paddle in a cool lake while on a walk in this hot weather, but my advice to pet owners would be to keep your dog on a lead during walks near water confirmed to have toxic algal blooms. While not all blue green algae are poisonous, it is impossible to tell the difference

visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

“Prompt veterinary treatment is key to tackling the effects of the toxins and ensuring a good chance of recovery, so if you suspect your dog has been exposed to blue green algae, rush it to your local vet without delay."

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Thermal wraps for small animals

NEWS

Charity pleas for water for hedgehogs With temperatures continuing to soar and Britain’s landscape drying out, an animal charity has issued a plea to the public to think about helping wildlife. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) reports an influx of calls from members of the public who have found dehydrated poorly hedgehogs in need of help.

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS said “With the very hot dry weather hedgehogs and other wildlife are struggling to find natural sources of water, and the ground is so dry and hard that their natural food is hard to come by too.” The Charity is asking that everyone takes a few moments to ensure there are some shallow bowls of water in their gardens and, if possible, some hedgehog food or meaty cat or dog food for

prickly visitors to enjoy as well.

Fay continues “We all know how horrible it is to be thirsty, but this goes beyond that, there is so little natural water around at the moment, the hedgehogs are having to rely on us being kind enough to leave a drink for them - it must be like an oasis in a desert!” n More information about helping hedgehogs can be found at www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Trovercoats, designed and made on the tiny Channel island of Alderney has, after 15 years of producing the well known Bone Dry® drying coats for dogs, developed veterinary thermal wraps for small animals. Toni, the managing director, said that she had been approached by small animal veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who had used a Trover® Bone Dry® on a number of occasions over the years. The challenge of solving the issue of maintaining patient body temperature before, during and after surgical procedures is a topical subject in the veterinary profession right now. Trovercoat’s UK made fabric, used on the drying coats, is being used for the new intra-op wraps.

To date the products are: Cat Spay Wraps in 3 sizes with a window to facilitate surgery, used under the operating drapes.

Wrap Ops™ with many different sizes making them ideal for thermal maintenance during

Wrap Ops™

dentals and other procedures for cats, dogs and rabbits. Wrap Ops™ could become an important part of Pet First Aid kits helping to maintain core temperature ‘in the field’ and on the way to the veterinary practice.

Thermal under surgical drapes are being designed and developed using Trovercoat’s fabric which is tough, forgiving yet soft for your pet.

Trovercoats manufactures its own products, and can produce bespoke items or sizes.

These are exciting times for Trovercoats. n Visit see www.trovercoats.com

Naturally Healthy Dogs

We Provide: High Quality, well priced food supplies for RAW and BARF diet. Support and Help in changing animals over to a Natural Raw Diet. High Quality Range of Natural Supplements, Health Aids, Remedies and Natural Healthy Treats which Enhance Your Pets’ Diet. l Raw Meats/Fish/ Bones/Offal/Whole Prey

Suitable for Cats, Dogs, Ferrets, Reptiles and Raptors l l

Natural Treats Natural Healthcare Products

Giving pets a natural diet and naturally/holistic healthcare for them to live a long, healthy and happy lives as possible!

We deliver to the whole of East Anglia

Tel: 07590 621636

01763 243533

www.naturallyhealthydogs.co.uk @NHDLtd 36

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Gunner on arrival 2013

Rescued horse finds new role working with disadvantaged children

A

horse rescued from horrific neglect is now happy, healthy and working alongside vulnerable children at HorseWorld in Bristol.

Gunner, a Welsh Section D gelding was rescued in March 2013 in an emaciated state with terrible rainscald (sore and infected skin caused by being

left cold and wet for long periods). He was less than 3 years old at the time and should have been full of energy but the young cob showed no interest in life.

His digestive system was under-developed and struggling due to prolonged malnutrition.

Despite the best efforts of the vets, it took weeks to settle his stomach. He didn’t start putting on any weight until this was under control.

Once finally fit, healthy and old enough, the young cob was assessed by the HorseWorld training team to see if he could start work. It soon became evident that he would be well suited to working with children in HorseWorld’s Discovery Courses as part of a team of horses of various breeds and sizes.

Discovery is a unique programme that boosts the confidence, emotional well-being and life-chances of vulnerable young people through bringing them together

with gentle rescued horses.

Many of the children who take part are at risk of exclusion due to their social, emotional, mental health and learning needs.

Being with horses is proven to reduce stress and promote calmness, concentration and empathy. The children are partnered with ponies in a beautiful outdoor space, surrounded by nature. They undertake carefully designed activities that engage them in learning and help them to realise what they can achieve. The range of skills that they can develop are transferrable to many areas of their lives such as collaboration, communication and leadership. They learn to build positive relationships based on trust and improve their self-esteem.

“Gunner has a calm and caring nature.” Said Discovery Course Leader, Sharon Howell. “Having come from the terrible start he had, it’s remarkable how far this horse has come. He knows when the children are nervous and looks after them, a rescued horse paying it forward to rescue young people. Gunner is very popular and really enjoys the attention. He’s a really valuable team member.” n For more information about HorseWorld’s Discovery Courses please visit: www.horseworld.org.uk/discovery

GUNNER WILL BE AT HORSEWORLD’S OPEN DAY ON SATURDAY 11TH AUGUST The event in Whitchurch, Bristol is FREE to enter from 10.30am until 4.00pm and visitors will be able to meet many of the rescued horses, see demonstrations and take tours around the farm. For more details, please visit www.horseworld.org.uk/events or call 01275 832425.

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Bath Cats and Dogs Home

www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk

AJ M13

Baggy M9

Blanche F18 mths

Casey F12

Foggy F12 mths

Harley M5

Lucy F13

Josie F7

AJ is an older lad who would enjoy pottering about the house and garden with you.

Would love a home where someone is around most of the day so he can get lots of attention.

Blanche needs time to come around at her own pace, and space to boost her confidence.

Casey will need regular grooming and isn't opposed to some play time with fishing rod toys.

She needs a quiet, adult only home with plenty of rural surroundings and space.

He has been an indoor cat so we would like him to have a safe garden but no busy roads.

A friendly girl with a really cute squeak for a miaow. She is happy to be picked up and loves a cuddle!

Has a sweet nature and can live with children. Friendly and loving, would be ideal for first time owners.

Battersea Cats

www.battersea.org.uk

Drew F2 mths

Justin M2 mths

Millie F9-10

Pushkin M2-3

Enid F3 mths

Mork M2-3

Immy M6-7

Tiger M8-9

Naturally inquisitive, and likes to know what is going on!

You'll probably catch her sitting somewhere up high.

Handsome boy Justin is a friendly and affectionate kitten who enjoys having strokes as much as he enjoys play time.

Millie is a loving girl with a loud voice.

She loves to chat away with her new owners, gabbing about her day.

He enjoys a game with a string toy and will happily chase it around as you wiggle it about for him.

Enid would love a fun and exciting home where she'll have plenty of strokes and lots of toys to chase.

He loves to be stroked and he will roll around purring when you stroke him.

He adores chasing and pouncing on his toys and will show off his prowess by "catching" his favourite monkey toy.

He will make a great companion for his new owners as he loves a lap to snooze on too.

Blue Cross

www.bluecross.org.uk

Sheba F12

Budge M3

Phoebe F3

Alfie M8

Malcolm M7

Millie F10

Dex M4

Lola F12

She loves her home comforts cuddled on the sofa watching tv.

I am looking for a quite home where I can spend the rest of my days. Could that be with you?

I do like to spend time outside when the weather is nice so I would love my new home to have a garden I could explore.

Meet Alfie. He is an 8 year old male Domestic shorthair.

He can live with children and a dog.

Malcolm would like to be the only cat in his new home, but could possibly live with dogs or children in the future.

I must admit the cattery environment isn’t my thing, there are just too many things going on. I’m on the lookout for a calm home.

Meet Dex. He is a 4 year old, male Domestic shorthair.

He can live with children.

I'm a beautiful tortie girl with a winning personality. I just love people and am so affectionate with everyone I meet.

Scottish SPCA

www.scottishspca.org

Aaron M3-5

Barney M2

Caitlyn M3-5

Cheeky M5

Felix M6

Ford M1

Garfield M10

Joey M7

We feel this gorgeous man would suit a family home without any young children, being the only cat to soak up all the TLC

We feel he will be best suited to a farm or small holding where he can wander out and about and do his own thing as he pleases.

She is a lovely lady who will require a quiet home with no other animals or young children.

Cheeky is a lovely boy who loves nothing more than a cuddle and a scratch behind his ears.

He loves to play with all his toys and will never say no to a treat.

He has a skin condition which will require him to be on a special diet for the rest of his life. Any potential owner will need to be willing to accommodate this.

This sweet little lad can be extremely shy and often likes to hide under his bed, so we think a quiet home would suit him best.

He will happily purr away and rub up against you for attention when he's in the mood for it but he changes his mind quickly.

He will require a patient owner who has the time to bring him out his shell. He is a lazy boy who loves to cuddle up in his bed after a good scratch.

Wood Green

www.woodgreen.org.uk

Teagan F7

Smudge F3 mths

April F10 mths

Squeak M12

Nacho M2

Angel M8-9

Zebby F4-5

Jeff M3

If you do happen to have any chicken for her she may just be your best friend.

Smudge is looking for a home where she can be the only pet so she can be centre of attention.

She is looking for a quiet home so she can grow in confidence in her own time.

He is a little shy at the shelter at present but has really been enjoying a fuss.

A rural home where he has lots of space to hunt would be purrfect!

I love being outside during the summer and I don’t really go far as I do not like roads.

He goes crazy for catnip and enjoys a good fuss! Zebby is FIV +ve so is looking for a rural home.

A very affectionate and friendly cat who loves nothing more than to potter around the garden with you!

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Lindee Lu is the UK's Premier Cattery and Kennel Builder Lindee Lu have been designing and manufacturing Catteries and Kennels for licensed boarding, rescue groups and private individuals for over 40 years.

www.lindee-lu.co.uk

Supplying Catteries and Kennels for over 40 years

Manufacturing Catteries is what we do We don’t build sheds, or garden furniture, we design and build premium bespoke living accommodation for cats.

This is a new era for animal housing. Expectations have risen dramatically over the last 5 years meaning customers want larger, lighter, luxurious living spaces for their beloved animals and what better way to ease the wave of guilt you might feel when leaving home watched by two large, sad eyes, than to know your furry friend will be enjoying five star luxury in your absence. Each individual cat house or run is made from scratch by the team of expert joiners in our factory near Bristol. Some weeks we are busy manufacturing enormous 30 pen catteries ready to be delivered and installed in Scotland, other days we will be putting together a bespoke garden run for a cat lover a couple of miles away. Whatever we are doing, we are doing it with the love, care and attention to detail that people have come to know and expect from a Lindee Lu building.

Whether you foster, breed or have been thinking about running a little business from home with a boarding cattery, we are here to help you make your dreams a reality. Why not give us a call for a chat? We don’t hard sell, we don’t insist you buy a minimum number of pens and it doesn’t matter how large or small your project is.

Email: sales@lindee-lu.co.uk or call 01275 853800 Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LindeeLuLtd/

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Cat found abandoned in a box inside a bag during warm weather A cat, found abandoned in a cardboard box inside a bag with a nasty wound on his neck, is now looking for a new forever home.

The one-year-old white and tabby feline, named Lovren, was discovered by members of the public near Harlesden in North West London, who quickly brought him into London-based animal welfare charity, Mayhew.

Mayhew’s Deputy Head of Animal Welfare Community, AJ Ford, said: “Poor Lovren was discovered by two members of the public in a cardboard box that was inside a bag on the side of the road in 20 degree weather. They thought the

Lovren when found in the box

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box looked out of place, so on closer inspection they discovered air holes had been poked into the top of the box. They opened the box and found the terrified tabby inside.

“We don’t know how long Lovren had been inside the box for, but he had a nasty wound on the back of his neck. We suspect that the previous owners couldn’t afford vet care and didn’t know what else to do. We wish whoever had abandoned Lovren had called us first. We do not judge and we are here to assist and advise on the best course of action for the animal, no matter what the problem is.”

After the members of the public handed him over to Mayhew, Lovren was quickly seen to by their Vet team at their on-site Community Vet Clinic and was given a thorough health check.

Mayhew Vet, Dr Emma Robinson, said: “When the lovely Lovren first arrived he had a large inflamed

28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018 RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE

wound on the back of his neck. The fur around the area was saliva stained from where he had licked at himself, indicating that it was causing him a lot of discomfort and had likely been there for a few weeks. We suspect that the problem may have arisen from an allergic reaction, possibly in part from a flea infestation.

“We treated Lovren for fleas, put him on antibiotics and pain relief and cleaned his wound twice a day.

When he first came in he was extremely itchy and rubbed himself on his bedding constantly. As the area healed we put him on antiinflammatory steroids and the itch has now subsided. Lovren has gone from being a worried little cat that was always hiding to being a lot more confident and outwardly friendly.”

As soon as Lovren was vaccinated and neutered, he was ready for adoption and is now looking to find

Lovren

a home to spend the rest of his years in.

If you are interested in adopting Lovren or any other cats in Mayhew’s care, please visit www.themayhew.org or call 020 8962 8000.

Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers and Vet Team respond to hundreds of abandoned, neglected and abused animals every year and provide ongoing support to carers and pet owners in vulnerable situations. n Find out more about Mayhew’s work by visiting www.themayhew.org and please consider a donation to help them help even more animals like Lovren.

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Missing moggy reunited after five years A family from Derby has been reunited with their long-lost ginger cat after five years of heartbreak thanks to his microchip.

Samson went missing in October 2013 and, since then, Hannah Guy never gave up hope of finding him again.

Her faith was restored when earlier this month Hannah received a call from Cats Protection’s Derby Adoption Centre saying Samson had been handed in.

“I was so surprised and overwhelmed that it took a while for it to sink in,” said Hannah.

“When we moved house in June 2013 one of the first things we did was to update Samson’s chip details, we even did this when our mobile numbers changed. I’m so glad we did otherwise we never would have been reunited.

“We tried everything to find him, from registering him as ‘missing’ with the microchip database, making and delivering 200 leaflets

and, nearly five years on, driving past our old house on the off-chance he made his way back there.

“The whole family is so relieved to have Samson back, especially my two boys Oliver, seven, and five-year-old Elliot.

“Oliver was heartbroken when Samson went missing and helped to deliver the leaflets. To see them all together again is so heartwarming.”

In Samson’s absence, Hannah had adopted another rescue cat called Bo 18 months ago who fortunately welcomed Samson home like a long-lost friend.

Natasha Wood, Deputy Manager at Cats Protection’s Derby Adoption Centre, said: “Samson was handed into our centre and, as standard procedure, scanned for a

Samson

microchip. To our excitement, Hannah’s details popped up and we were able to call her with the amazing news that we had Samson. It was a very emotional phone call and we both had to take a minute to calm down.

“Hannah and her two boys then rushed to our centre and it was a pleasure to see them being reunited after so long.

“This really does highlight the importance of not only microchipping but also keeping the microchip up to date so more cats like Samson can be reunited with their owners.

“This year we are celebrating the centre’s 20th anniversary and stories like this make what we do so rewarding.”

Samson’s sister, Gizmo, also went missing three years ago but Samson’s return has given Hannah the hope that she too might return home one day.

Anyone interested in adopting a cat from the centre should call 01332 824 950. n More information about the work of Cats Protection’s Derby Adoption centre can be found at: https://derby.cats.org.uk/

Supplier to the best breeders, rescuers and catteries for 20 years Penthouse Products has been designing, manufacturing and supplying cat cages to breeders, catteries, rescue centres, vets and domestic cat owners for 20 years.

Our cat cages offer safe, comfortable, hygienic accommodation and we pride ourselves on an enviable reputation throughout the UK, Europe, USA and even Australia for excellent service and superior product design.

www.penthouseproducts.com We can also custombuild cat cages to your own measurements.

Call: 01780 410313 www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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LOOKING TO UNDERTAKE CHARITABLE WORK

GREYHOUNDS IN NEED CIO

We are a registered charity, based in Egham, involved in the rescue and rehoming of Galgos (Spanish bred greyhounds) used for hunting in Spain.

We are seeking voluntary Trustees to assist in the management of the charity.

If you have a management or business background and have an interest in animal welfare, you may be interested in joining our team. Experience of fundraising would be of advantage. If so please send an application letter to our email

info@greyhoundsinneed.co.uk OR telephone us on 01784 483206

Charity No. CI0/1174351

We are an English registered charity concerned with the plight of greyhounds, especially the Spanish-bred hunting greyhounds (galgos).

We work with many shelters in Spain who carry out the primary rescue work and the homing groups and individuals in Europe who promote adoption in their own countries.

This work is successful but expensive.

Please help us by sponsoring one of our rescues, donating to our work, purchasing GIN merchandise or leaving us a legacy, please contact us: Greyhounds in Need 5A, 80 High Street, Egham, Surrey TW20 9HE Tel: 01784 483206, Fax: 01784 482501 Email: greyhoundsinneed.uk@gmail.com

Please visit our website: www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

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Taking Your Dog on Holiday?

It is very tempting to take your dog on holiday and with the advent of the Pet Passport scheme, travels abroad are increasingly common. However, it is important to ensure that your dog is fit to travel long distances in a car and a ferry and not elderly, unwell or prone to distress. Pets in these categories are best left at home with responsible carers.

Holidaying in the UK Pet friendly accommodation is readily available especially in country areas but be prepared for the additional charges that you will have to pay. Ideally, a cottage with an enclosed garden where the dog(s) can exercise safely are better than more constrained facilities such as hotels. It is important to remember that many holiday lets preclude leaving the pets alone on the premises so you will need to take them with you on any excursions. All pets must be micro-chipped by law these days so that they can be traced if they get lost but it is also wise to ensure they have a disc with a mobile telephone number and the address of your holiday accommodation on them so that they can easily be returned to you if they get lost.

Before you leave, make sure that the vaccinations are up to date and they are protected from roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms, ticks

and fleas. In the current heat wave, do not leave your pet in the car for any length of time otherwise they can suffer from severe heat stress which can kill!

Travelling Abroad Firstly, it is important to ensure that the accommodation you have is suitable for your pet preferably with an enclosed garden that enables them to exercise safely. They cannot stay on a lead for a week or even more. Make sure they have an up to date passport and documented evidence of their rabies vaccination, tick and worm treatments. These certificates must be signed by your veterinary surgeon before you depart and by a local veterinary surgeon not more than 72 hours before you leave for home. Failure to comply can mean missing the boat while you find a vet at the port or worse, a long period of quarantine.

Health Precautions Overseas The species of ticks differ significantly in Mediterranean countries and the threat of Sandfly borne diseases are very real. In the past, we have taken our dogs to Spain and to our dismay, our little Bichon Fries succumbed to Babesiosis in spite of the standard systemic treatment we had used. It is wise to consult a veterinary surgeon at your destination who can advise you on any local threats to your pet’s health.

Tick borne diseases include: • Lymes disease • Babesiosis • Ehrlichiosis Lymes disease is characterised by lymphatic lesions, lameness and fever. Babesiosis results in the destruction of the red blood cells that means the pet is severly anaemic and can suffer

‘To minimise stress, be sure to take their favourite toys with you. Our Springer Spaniel, Joe, is positively neurotic if he has not got his ball.’ a fatal heart attack. The first symptom you may see is red urine which contains the remains of the red blood cells.

Both Lymes and Babesiosis can be treated with high dose, specialist antibiotics if they are caught in time but can be fatal if left untreated.

The symptoms of Ehrlichiosis include fever, anorexia, weight loss, lymphatic lesions, stiffness and bleeding. Again rapid specialist treatment is required.

Leishmaniasis is carried by sandflies and contrary to the name, are prevalent in rough grassy areas. The symptoms include skin lesions, sore and itchy skin, lameness, anaemia, fever and lethargy. Left untreated, the pet will die of liver or kidney failure. What is more, once pets contract Leichmaniasis, there is no cure and they require treatment for life.

Pets that regularly travel abroad can be vaccinated against Leichmaniasis e.g. with Canileash. This means 3 injections at weekly intervals in year 1 followed by an annual booster.

Clearly, prevention is far better than cure in all of these cases. If in doubt, consult your veterinary surgeon or please do not hesitate to call the Bio-Life Helpline on 0044 1608 686626.

Happy holidays from us all! www.biolife-international.co.uk

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Dean Hart answers your questions

Dean Hart is a Clinical Behaviourist and Tutor at the Canine Studies College and specialises in helping mature students set up and develop their own business within the canine industry.

Visit www.thedoghut.biz

My dog chases birds or squirrels My dog likes chasing birds or squirrels in fact anything that moves, when I call him he doesn’t listen to me and I can’t get him back, what should I do?

Q

This is a very irritating behaviour for owners and of course one that can cause harm or prove fatal to other species and your dog. Chasing can also cause accidents, at this point dogs may be considered ‘out of control’. You haven’t mentioned what breed of dog he is, for many dogs the ‘thrill’ of the chase is exciting, part of the hunting sequence and what they are genetically programmed to do. Therefore, chasing can be more difficult to stop. In fact, stopping is not really the answer, bringing a normal canine behaviour under control is the training objective. Obviously, if you can anticipate a chase trigger then you have chance to direct your dog’s interest onto you before he chases, avoiding ‘loss of’ control! This may help reduce learned behaviour patterns, over time but not your problem now! Your dog’s drive state is emotionally charged, and once in full ‘chase mode’ is internally rewarded through ‘feel good chemical messengers’ and through associative learning. This frustrating behaviour problem can become further established through operant conditioning (trial and error learning).

When thinking of starting dog training to help lessen this problem, imagine the ‘chase’ as a fast moving and powerful energy, you can then begin to understand that successful training is achieved by working with this not against it, not to spend every effort to try and stop it. You need to work with a professional and ethical dog trainer that can teach you a variety of ‘chase recalls’, these teach your dog to stop in ‘mid-chase’, look toward you, check what you have on offer as an alternative and then chase that instead.

This brings the chase behaviour under your direction. Also start from scratch when training basic recalls, where ‘old’ commands can be associated with new fun activities, like running past you for something to chase rather than being recalled to you to end the fun or to be ‘told off’. The old ‘come here, so I can tell you off’ saying comes to mind and this must be avoided during training. Start your training where there are no distractions, such as in the house, then in a different room, then the garden, then if possible, in an enclosed outside public area or sand school and build your training from here. Training is often too rushed, so be patient and make sure at each stage of training your dog demonstrates the desired response to your commands at least 4 times at of 5 before moving on! There are different techniques that can be employed during ‘chase recall’ training but do remember that all re-training takes time, and you need to practice every day, each session must contain fun activities for your dog. Using a spray training collar is often suggested for resolving these types of canine behaviour problems, but this approach can cause a variety of other problem behaviours, so need be used as a very last resort by a dog trainer who fully understands animal learning theories and canine communication. I would never advocate or condone the use of an electric collar in any dog training situation.

A

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Impulse control My young dog seems to ‘go deaf’ when I call her away from other dogs. She is super friendly and gets so excited barking at them constantly!

Q

Bless her, it sounds that she has a lovely temperament but lacks ‘impulse control!’

I am assuming she has been socialised appropriately and this behaviour has developed with age? Training a recall away from other dogs must start at a distance from them. To understand this approach, you first need to understand how her brain is working. Consider her brain is divided into two parts.

One part is her ‘cognitive brain’ and the part that you connect to during calmer times, her thinking, reasoning and responding to you brain. The other part is her ‘emotional brain’, responsible for responding to triggers with anxiety, excitement and all other emotional drive states. It sounds as though her emotional brain is ‘switched on’ when she sees other dogs, when this happens her ‘cognitive brain’ is switched off, effectively making her seem deaf, in some ways this is a good description as it is physically more difficult for her to ‘hear you’ at this time. She needs to learn to direct her attention toward you when she sees another dog and then carry out an alternative fun-based behaviour (desensitisation and counterconditioning training program). Try not to tell her off if she is not responding, if you are embarrassed it can be difficult to stay calm! If a simple ‘No’ does not work, she is probably switched off!

A

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

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Kennel, Cattery, Vet Cages, Operating Tables and Grooming Products etc.

The Animal House Company, Units at Coed Llwyd Bungalow, Cwmbran NP44 2DF

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Allsorts Dog Rescue

www.allsortsdogrescue.org.uk

Missie F2-5

Brenda F4-6 mths

Stan M1

She is a lovely dog and gets on with everyone and other dogs. She will chase squirrels.

As new in she is still having her checks done.

Very kind and walks nice on the lead and gets on well with his kennel mate.

Animals in Need Northamptonshire

Hercules M6-12 mths Hercules is a new boy but so far he seems very happy and jolly.

Lukaku M6-12 mths He is so extremely friendly and social to all people and dogs he meets.

Jamie M2-5

Cherry F2-5

He loves everybody and really would like to be involved in everything we are doing.

Cherry is very affectionate when she is out but she is not needy.

www.animals-in-need.org

Bobby M4

Brandy M

Sally F

Woody M5

He is a nervous boy who would like a quiet understanding home, possibly with older sensible children.

He is not comfortable around other dogs and is not suitable to be rehomed with children or where children visit often.

She is not keen on other dogs but does love people. She enjoys a gently stroll and a tummy rub.

He is great with people but not good with other dogs and is happy to make that clear.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Barnam M1-2 Barnam needs a calm relaxed home where he can be given the time to settle and relax.

Vince Munster M12 Still enjoys a walk but he would prefer a quiet home perhaps as a companion for an older person.

Tink M1

Sydney M

Raffles M5

She is a very clever girl, keen to please, OK with other dogs on a walk and she loves to play.

Would prefer not to be left alone for more than 3 hours and would be happy to have little strolls and a shaded garden.

He will need an experienced and patient home without children in it.

www.battersea.org.uk

Chelsea F10

Hannah F6

Tiger M3-4

Toppa M10 mths

Poppy F1

Milly F8-9

Mitzy F9

Aston M4

She would befit from some steady friends to go for gentle walks in the park with!

loves people of all shapes and sizes, and will happily instigate a fuss from anyone she comes across.

Tiger is sure to turn some heads with his beautiful brindle stripes. Any staffie enthusiast is sure to fall in love with him.

He really is a clown at heart and loves lots of attention and affection. He is still young and has lots to learn.

Poppy spends most of her day lounging about on her bed in a glamorous model like pose, she is full of energy and loves a good run!

Milly has some lovely social skills around dogs and would like some dog friends to walk with.

Pocket Rocket Mitzy is an energetic lady, who has a larger than life character.

Aston is super clever and fast to learn.

He knows a down and a sit and is working on a 'touch' with his nose.

Eden Animal Rescue

www.edenanimalrescue.org.uk

Willow M5

Kai M9

Nell F5

She is a very sweet and affectionate dog once she knows you and will make a very loyal pet.

He is a friendly fellow who really enjoys the company of people.

He does not like other dogs/cats. He loves playing with toys on our paddock.

Nell is a sweet natured dog who loves company but would prefer an adult or older children only home (no under 10's).

Leicester Animal Aid

Bella Swan F18 mths I’ve taken an interest in football and feel that I am a goal keeper in the making.

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Chief M6 & Gee F6 Brother and sister, they are around 6 years old. They are looking for a quiet home, preferably together. They are both friendly dogs, Chief is very friendly, Gee is a little more nervous at first but soon comes round, it would definitely help her confidence to stay with her brother.

Lady F5

Simba M3

Finley M5

She would like a quiet home where she will get lots of fuss and attention.

He is very playful with toys and loves the big plastic ball that we have on our paddock.

Once he knows and trusts you he is absolutely lovely, very affectionate and loyal. He is a typical collie.... loves his toys and would play all day on our paddock.

www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Raz M8 mths

Earnie Bob M6

Harry Styles M1

Taylor Lautner M2

Alfie Boe M10-11

Katie Price F5

Albert Einstein M9

A true reflection of my Razzmatazz show, a lot goes on in my life.

I am a fond hoarder of toys and can be heard playing with them in my kennel.

A busy bee, I am constantly kept on the go, whether it be socialising or learning.

I enjoy an active life whether it be agility, ball games or just running about with my toys.

I do love a good pampering and groom. Even at my age appearance is everything..

I am an active girl and love to be outdoors either playing or walking.

I do enjoy the holiday season and planning our next getaway so don’t be leaving me behind!

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Woodgreen

www.woodgreen.org.uk

Cash F9-10

Ziggy M4-5

Coco F4

Panda F11

Bentley M8-9

Smokey M2-3

Scrappy M9-10

Mylo M5-6

Cash is a sweet, affectionate lady and just loves pottering about the garden and her walks!

Meet our cuddlemonster Ziggy! He can’t wait for his new family to shower him with lots of love.

An over enthusiastic bundle of energy and will make a fun training project for her new owners.

She loves to snuggle up on the sofa with her people and play football in the garden.

This lad loves to get out and about, then spend time having a snooze on a comfy bed.

He loves his walks and would love a sofa to sleep the day away after!

An older gentleman looking for a quiet retirement home where he can take things at his pace.

He would like quiet areas to walk in where he can enjoy his walks all to himself.

National Animal Welfare Trust

www.nawt.org.uk

Mika F18 mths

Teddy M22 mths

Milo M1

Cody M8

Remy M2

Pippin M5

Glen M9

Patches M10

It will come as no surprise that I have high levels of intelligence and energy!

I love exploring new walks with all the different sights and smells; it's a good way to tire me out.

A good way to my heart and keep my attention is with tasty treats! Cheese is my favourite training treat!

A home where someone's around most of the time would be fantastic, I'm definitely a home comforts chap!

I am such a cutie with a cheeky character! I enjoy running around with my toys and showing them off to you!

I am craving the chance to chill out and truly relax in a forever home with my new best friend in front of the TV.

I've also taken to doing a bit of low level agility, my favourite bit is the tunnel!

I am working on my loose lead walking and further tricks that I can show off!

Blue Cross

www.bluecross.org.uk

Jango M8

Missy F5-6

Barkley M9 mths

Duggie M4

Scooter M10

Max M7

Sandy F4

Jake M7

I enjoy a game with my ball as well so hopefully this is something you like to do too?

Everyone always says how pretty I am, but I'm smart too! I'm playful, cheeky, and I even know how to play fetch.

Barkley loves to chase tennis balls, going for walkies and playing with other dogs.

Duggie is a very cuddly and affectionate boy who loves being around people.

I enjoy my walks and meeting other dogs and might be able to live with one if we got on well here at the centre.

I am a lovable chap who loves to be around my human friends and being out and about on my walks.

Sandy is looking for a calm and quiet home with understanding and patient owners.

A really sweet loyal boy, who loves spending time with his owners, he is looking for people who would be around good part of the day.

Dogs Trust

www.dogstrust.org.uk

Alfie M4

Buddy M1

Scruff M5-7

Baloo M1-2

Cashew M8

Pancake M1-2

Loki M2-5

Alan M2-5

Alfie loves to play with his toys and would like to have a secure garden of his own where he can play fetch to his hearts content!

He would like to find a home with a resident playful, confident dog for company and to build his confidence.

He is a very bright boy who needs plenty of activity, both physical and mental to keep him busy.

Baloo is looking for a calm and quiet adult only home where he will be given the space and time to settle.

Cashew will need a garden, this will make housetraining easier and give him somewhere to potter around.

Pancake will be a pleasure to have around as he loves human companions!

He is nice to walk and polite around other dogs as long as they aren't too OTT with him.

Alan will make a super housemate as he is housetrained and is happy to entertain himself for a while.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home

www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk

Archie M5

Billy M3

Buster M15

Darwin M8

Frank M18 mths

Ned M4

Tom M6

Watson M6

When on walks Archie can be strong on the lead when he wants and needs to wear a muzzle.

Billy has never been socialised with dogs and cannot mix with them at all.

He is a little water baby and loves his paddling pool, and also likes to learn new things.

He is friendly with everyone he meets, inviting them to play and for a fuss.

Franks is a handsome young dog looking for a fun and active home.

He is very clever, he loves training for treats and playtimes with his tennis ball.

He enjoys his walks on lead and is happy to wear a muzzle out and about.

He will lay on the sofa with you, giving kisses and will nudge you for fuss.

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If you would like to ask Simon for some pet advice then log onto their interesting site www.ardmorevets.co.uk

My puppy has been diagnosed with ‘ear mites’, what are they and is it serious?

Simon Bailey

Vet Simon answers your questions

Ear mites (or Otodectes cyanotis) as the name suggests live usually live in the ear canals of cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets, although they can survive of the skin surrounding the ears. The animal is usually infected by mites as a result of close contact with another infected animal. The mite is just about visible to the naked eye at about the size of a pinhead, and appears as a white speck moving against a dark background Ear mites are most common in kittens/puppies and juvenile animals, although any age can be affected. The signs they show are general irritation, rubbing at their ears, and shaking their heads. There is often a dark waxy discharge and occasionally the surrounding skin of the ear will have crusts or scabs present, usually as a result of excessive scratching by the affected animal.

Ear mite infestations are usually diagnosed from the history of the signs shown and by the vet identifying the mite whilst examining the ear or earwax with a special lamp called an auroscope. Treatment is usually straightforward and involves applying eardrops

I have been told I need to let my cat have a litter before it is spayed.

It has been suggested, in the not too distant past, that cats should be allowed to have a litter before being spayed. The current evidence shows there are no health benefits to the cat in allowing it to have a litter before it is spayed. If you are not planning to breed from your female cat having them spayed will stop unwanted pregnancies, eliminate the sexual behaviour when in season, and stop the risk of diseases associated with the reproductive tract later in life.

By far the most common presenting complaints from our patients at the moment involve grass seeds. Grass seeds in their ears, grass seeds in their eyes, grass seeds in their nose, grass seeds in

their feet ... Because of their shape, grass seeds tend to move in one direction and worm their way into everywhere and can be very painful for the affected individual.

As well as causing discomfort they have the potential to cause a lot of damage.

Those caught behind the third eyelid can damage the surface of the eye and those in the ears can damage the ear drum. Most grass seeds latch on when they become trapped in the fur during a walk in the fields. Therefore we would advise that all dogs should be checked thoroughly on their return home, paying particular attention to between the toes and around the ears. If there are any visible and easy to remove then do so, if very sore or difficult then get them checked at your vets as soon as possible.

Dogs being left in cars in hot weather There is always a lot of news coverage about dogs being left in cars in hot weather. Unfortunately this year has been

to the ears of any cats or dogs that have been in contact with the affected animal. The drops are usually applied for 3 weeks to ensure both the adult and developing mites are removed.

In addition some of the more modern flea treatments will treat ear mites. There is often a dramatic improvement as the animal appears less irritated and more comfortable. In addition to the eardrops it is often worth hot washing the bedding and toys of the animal, as the mite can survive off of the animal for short periods.

unusually heat for a longer period of time than usual. Consequently the practice has seen a number of cases of heatstroke and exhaustion. The advice is always the same, but it is easy to forget how hot it can get inside a car and how quickly it can occur.

Temperatures can reach over 50°C and dogs can die from heatstroke in as little as 20 minutes. It is very important never to leave a dog unattended in the car in warm weather, even with the window open and water present, they can still suffer with heatstroke very quickly. When embarking on a car journey with a pet on board, make sure they have somewhere to sit away from the sunlight, allow them plenty of access to water and take regular breaks for fresh air. Also take into account if the animal has underlying health or disease which may make the situation worse. The same applies for exercising dogs; try to do this at the coolest part of the day i.e. the early morning or evening. If it is hot for us to exercise or sit in the sun it will be so for your dog also. Remember they can only really lose heat by panting and they are always wearing a fur coat!!

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HorseWorld

www.horseworld.org.uk

Toby M23

Tequila F15

Ruby M5

Rosie F16

Primrose F6

Morris M4

Martie M5

Maggie May F16

Toby is easy to look after and gets on very well with other horses.

A good doer so can live out year round without hard feed but will need her grazing restricted.

Ruby was born at HorseWorld a month after her mother was rescued from being abandoned.

Has metabolic issues so needs a special home with grass free turn out during spring, summer and autumn.

Primrose is looking for a companion home or a home where she can be brought on to ride or drive.

Morris is easy to care for being able to live out 24/7 or be stabled if needed.

Has the potential to be brought on for ridden work or driving, or be a field companion to another pony.

Is good to handle and gets on well with other horses but cannot be left without equine company.

Lunar F5

Lily F14

Leyland M4

Dreamer F14

Appeal M24

Davina F17

Isabel F7

Cherrie F17

Lunar was born at HorseWorld not long after her mother was rescued from straying on the road.

Lily can live out 24/7 on restricted grazing or be stabled if needed.

Leyland is looking for a companion home with geldings.

Would suit a Non-ridden companion.

Dreamer enjoys human company and happily stands for cuddles and ear scratches but cannot be ridden.

Appeal has now retired from ridden work and will make an excellent companion.

A very friendly pony and can live with both mares and geldings, she is quite easy to care for and can live out year round.

This friendly mare would make a great pet for someone who wants a horse to love and pamper.

Cherrie has come from an abusive past and is looking for a home that will give her all the love and understanding that she deserves.

Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk

Truffle M6

Madoc M8

Florence F4-5

Wendy F5

Oreo M8

Chloe F9

Bobby M10

Thumberlina F8

Truffle has three balanced paces and can pop a small fence. He hacks out alone and in company and is great in traffic.

Enjoys jumping, is good to hack and is great in traffic. A lovely, sweet natured pony who is great on the ground. He is great for the farrier, dentist, clipper.

She loves hacking, is great with traffic and enjoys a canter out.

She enjoys jumping and would excel in any discipline. She currently has front shoes on.

Wendy is hacking out nicely in company, is good in traffic and is starting to build her confidence when jumping. She is well behaved with the farrier and vet.

He is a very good boy to handle and and loves to be groomed.

Oreo works very well in the school and loves to jump.

Chloe is good to load and will travel alone or in company. She is also quite happy to be clipped and plaited up. Chloe very much enjoys fuss and attention!

A real sweet boy, who will thrive on consistency and routine out in a home. He wants to please and would make a great companion pony.

Thumberlina is looking for a companion home where she can continue to build confidence and trust with her handler.

Pact Animal Sanctuary

www.pactsanctuary.org

Buddy M3

Charley M1

Caesar M1

Kingston M8

Suggs M8

Leo M1

Ben M

Dino M9

Buddy was born brain damaged but this doesn’t stop him from living his life to the full.

Charley is a very happy dog who can be mischievous, jumps up, will chew and needs a patient owner who can train her in all aspects.

This lovely one year old cross bred dog is looking for a forever home with an active couple without children.

Kingston is a loyal and loving companion, loves to play ball and is very food orientated.

Suggs is housetrained, knows basic commands and is loving towards his owners. He is nervous around new people and does not like other dogs.

He is very friendly and waiting for an energetic owner with whom to spend the rest of his life.

Ben needs a patient, understanding owner who will take the time to get the best out of this lovely boy.

Dino loves to be walked but can’t be let off the lead and does pull, so will benefit from lead training.

Pawz for Thought

Cottontails Rescue

www.pawzforthought.org

www.cottontails-rescue.org.uk

Phoebe F2

Micky M

Bertie M10 mths

Peter M

Holly F18 mths

Poppy F18 mths

Yoda M3 and Daisy F2

Would love a husbun of her own so she can get up to mischief with a sidekick of her own.

Full of beans and despite being blind in one eye he is like a duracell bunny, full of bounces and excitement.

Bertie is on the whole, a very happy bunny, he constantly does amazing binkies and wiggles his gorgeous bum.

Unsurprisingly a little shy of new humans but once he has settled in he is full of beans and quite mischevious!

Available to bond with a neutered male. She is quite a large sized rabbit (3.4kg), and very active.

Available to bond with a neutered male. She is a medium sized rabbit (2.31kg) and very active.

Yoda has the most gorgeous blue eyes.

Daisy is the livelier of the two and is very entertaining! This pair will make excellent pets, as they have just the right mix of being silly yet steady.

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Arthritis- the animal welfare issue that it too often ignored It is estimated that 80% of dogs over the age of 8 suffer with arthritis, a painful, debilitating and progressive condition which if left untreated can really compromise quality of life. It is often assumed that dogs will demonstrate pain by vocalising but in the case of chronic pain, that which continues on for months or years as is seen in arthritis, this is not often the case. Ensuring you are aware of the more subtle signs of arthritis is essential for early

recognition and treatment, which in turn will give a better outcome for both you and your dog.

example becoming more withdrawn or grumpy.

- Change in body shape due to muscle wasting

Signs are varied and numerous but include: - Reduce enthusiasm or slowing down on walks - No longer using stairs or jumping onto the sofa - Stiffness when rising - Tripping or dragging feet on walks - Limping - Change in behaviour, for

Don’t dismiss these changes as part of the normal ageing process as they are more often a sign of pain.

There is a lot that can be done to treat arthritis including the use of pain relief, joint supplements, changes to the home environment and routine and the use of complementary therapies such

as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy or massage. A holistic and proactive approach is the key to a life free from chronic pain. For more information on how you can recognise, monitor and treat arthritis visit www.caninearthritis.co.uk, a website run by vets, nurses and physical therapists filled with reliable information to help you manage your dogs condition with confidence.

Nine-week-old puppy found on the tube during heatwave

A tiny puppy was recently discovered on the London underground during the summer heatwave.

The nine-week-old Chihuahua cross, named George Michael, was found by a member of the public, sitting on the tube in North West London by himself with no lead or collar on in 25 degree heat.

The member of the public immediately brought him into animal welfare charity, Mayhew.

Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officer, Paul Grimes, said: “We don’t know how long poor George Michael had been left on the tube for in this hot weather. We can’t imagine how confusing it must have been for him.

“At Mayhew we are here to assist and advise on the best course of action for the animal, no matter what the problem is, we are here to help.”

George Michael was quickly

Mayhew Kennels Assistant with George Michael

seen by Mayhew’s experienced Vet team at their on-site Community Vet Clinic and was given a thorough health check.

Luckily he was in good health, just a little scared.

During his assessments, Mayhew’s Vet team discovered that George Michael was not microchipped to anyone, and unfortunately, no one came

Summer breaks available

www.rescueandanimalcare.com

forward to collect him.

Animal Welfare Officer, Paul Grimes, said: “We strongly advise all pet owners to have their animal microchipped to significantly increase your chances of being reunited should the unthinkable happen and your pet becomes lost or is stolen.

“It is also important to keep details up to date on the microchipping database, and to notify the chip company if you change phone numbers, address or if your pet does go missing.”

As soon as George Michael was fully vaccinated, neutered and received the care he needed from Mayhew’s Vet team and the love and sociali-

sation from their Kennels team, he was up for adoption and now ready to find a new home.

If you are interested in adopting George Michael or any dogs in Mayhew’s care, please visit www.themayhew.org/dogs or call 020 8962 8000.

Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers and Vet team respond to hundreds of abandoned, neglected and abused animals every year and provide ongoing support to carers and pet owners in vulnerable situations.

Find out more about Mayhew’s work by visiting www.themayhew.org and please consider a donation so they can continue their vital work helping more animals like George Michael.

RESCUE AND ANIMAL CARE 28 JULY – 28 SEPTEMBER 2018

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CLASSIFIEDS

If you would like to place an advertisement call our animal friendly team on 01787 228027

COURSES

Want to Work with Animals?

Animal Jobs Direct offers over 150 accredited animal care courses designed in consultation with employers to increase career and employment prospects. Please contact us for free careers and training advice.

Tel: 0208 626 9646 For more information about our Training Courses, please visit our website

www.animal-job.co.uk ASTROTURF

Prices from ÂŁ5.oo per sq.mtr.

Ideal for lawns, patios, garden sports, child and pet friendly. Self fit putting greens. Self draining.

Visit us at www.astroman.co.uk or Call 01480 493900 or 07836 325 901

Designer Kennels Ltd

WHEN IT COMES TO PLASTIC KENNELS AND CATTERIES WE ARE NO.1

No. 1 for service, quality and prices. Our kennels are constructed from tough polypropolene and edged with aluminium to make them virtually indestructable and with so many designs and sizes to choose from its no wonder so many top breeders and boarding kennels now have Designer Kennels. With 1000s of kennels and catteries installed throughout the UK that is why we are No. 1

www.designer-kennels.com 14b Swordfish Way, Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire LS25 6NG Tel/Fax: 01977 685500

CHARITY

Email: astroman.ray@tiscali.co.uk

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RESCUE CENTRES

We are an English registered charity concerned with the plight of greyhounds, especially the Spanish-bred hunting greyhounds (galgos) Please visit our website: www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk Charity No. CI0/1174351

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE WITH US PLEASE CALL 01787 228027

Since 1996 we have rescued and rehomed many needy Labradors.

Please contact us if we can help.

Contact us 0870 9917382

www.loveyourlabrador.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1059122

Visit our website: leicesteranimalaid.org.uk Tel: 01455 888257 Registered Charity No (242560)

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

DOG-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY BUNGALOW, NR. ABERAERON For holiday lets. Sleeps 2 – double bed in double bedroom. Comfortable lounge and modern kitchen. Separate bathroom with shower. In a small complex. Satellite TV and DVD player.

Sunny decking at front with lawned garden to back. Takes 2 dogs, 3 with approval. Dogs stay for free. Smoking permitted. Many woodland walks, restaurant nearby with excellent food.

Newquay and sandy beaches 9 miles.

Become our Facebook Friend on Rescue and Animal Care

www.facebook.com/rescueandanimalcare

Weekly hire, Sat-Sat £240 Low Season, £300 Mid, £360 High. £50 refundable damage deposit. First £15 electricity free per week. Towels and bed linen provided and included in price. A quiet rural retreat 7 minutes drive from Aberaeron and the sea.

Tel: 01544 340474 Email: KAYATSTORES@btinternet.com

www.glascoedretreat.wales

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