Pet Prints November/December 2022

Wow! It’s difficult to believe it’s almost the end of another year and that summer is finally here.

If you’re living close to a body of water, this means tourist season, and that life gets a little busier.

This also means that we take our K-9 counterparts to the beach and dams to help them cool off. What we need to keep in mind is that all dogs are not naturally drawn to water or natural swimmers. We have an article all about water safety on page 14. Please read and share this with your friends far and wide.

We are also very honoured to feature Jules from Good Luck on our cover for this issue. Good Luck has become a household name in South Africa. Their songs can be heard on every radio station and their music is every bit as authentic as they are. What most people don’t know is that Jules and Ben are also the proud cat parents of George and Ella, two Maine Coons

The Project Earth Mission

that have personalities for days. To read about their jetsetter lives, you can go to page 8.

As always, we also have some great gift ideas and community stories to share with you in the lifestyle section. This is where you can find the follow-up piece on Roo the Bi-pedal working dog that raises funds for New Beginnings Animal Shelter.

From our team, we would like to wish our readers a blessed holiday season and a beautiful New Year. If you are traveling, please take care on the roads and keep your pets buckled in. If you see anything that looks suspicious, please use our Emergency directory on page 52.

Until next time!

Each person has the power to make a difference in this world. As a magazine focused on animal welfare, we firmly believe in this statement. Our passion for animals has taken us on a whirlwind adventure and we are proud to say that we have been actively involved in paying vet bills, donating food and shelter and even volunteering our time to help the animal welfare organizations that work tirelessly to fight for animals. You can be part of this project by supporting us. The bigger our network, the more animals we will be able to help.

“The universe does not give you what you ask for with your thoughts; it gives you what you ask for with your actions.” Dr Steve Maraboli

EDITORIAL

Marise Burger Gerhard Maritz Nelda Cilliers Gaironesa Atkins PHOTOGRAPHY Emma O’Brien Photography

PRINTING

Optic Printers

CONTRIBUTORS

Get-to-Know Dr Megan Wassung from Vet On Main

Top Tips for keeping your pets water safe - Bryony van Niekerk

Dancers love Dogs - Brigitte Reeve Taylor

Fantastic Felines - Jennifer Davies

Fascinating Pangolin Facts - Bill Aston

PDSA The people’s dispensary for sick animals (SA) - Patrick Harrigan

Pets Need a Break Too - Brian Berkman

Over the Rainbow Bridge - Jennifer Davies

Dr Travis Gray - Tygerberg Animal Hospital

COPYRIGHT:

Marise Burger 071 382 7795

All rights reserved. Pet Prints is published by Umsebeni Emhlabeni (Pty) Ltd t/a Project Earth. All profits go towards assisting non-profit animal welfare organisations in need. The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this magazine. While every effort is made to ensure editorial and factual accuracy, no responsibility is accepted for any errors.

LOVE DOGS

FANTASTIC FELINES

So, you’re a cat guardian (everyone knows that cats don’t have owners) wanting the very best for your fantastic feline? We found out more about the fantastic felines that grace our lives with their presence.

ROO EARNING HIS KEEP AS A BI-PEDAL WORKING DOG

Roo is a tiny creature with a huge job. While his bloodline is unknown, like nearly all rescue dogs, he became a mascot and celebrity for a cause much greater than he could have ever imagined.

Get to Know from Dr Megan Wassung

Iwas fifteen when I decided I wanted to be a vet, the decision being cemented during the very early hours of an extraordinary school morning. I had been awake all night with my colicky horse. I’d paced the field with her, occasionally resting against her sweaty, warm body. The vet had already been out to us three times, and my parents prepared me for what seemed the inevitable. I was beyond devastated when the vet arrived. Despite being exhausted, my obvious distress spurred him on to keep persevering. My beloved horse went on to live for many years after that, and I decided I wanted to be that vet.

It’s been years of travel and “vetting” with many a story to tell, and now finally I’ve opened my own practice.

Vet on Main is the new clinic on the block. My two walking, talking kids may actually refer to it as my new baby. Poor neglected vet kids! We incorporate a clinic, hospital, pet boarding and doggy day care all in one, and it’s been such fun! I love getting to know my new patients and their peeps in a warm and friendly environment.

Vet on Main is primarily a private companion animal clinic, but for 10 weeks of the year we also have a group of final year veterinary students join us for ‘in practice’ experience. We help them gain confidence in their skills and guide them through surgical

procedures that they need to be competent in. We do this in association with Khula Vet Training, an organisation dedicated to educating veterinary and paraveterinary personnel. We are also hosting a great kennel assistant training day later in the year. Vet On Main aims to practice at an excellent standard, training students, techs and assistants to do the same.

The highlight of our student week is ‘Outreach Day’. With vehicles packed to the brim, we all head into the rural communities to vaccinate and deworm community pets. Last year we vaccinated more than 2000 pets, thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim, Hills Pet Nutrition and Khula Vet. It was a dear friend, Peter How, who passed away in 2020, that inspired both the founder of Khula Vet and me to contribute to the welfare of community pets. He was a good man who voluntarily started vaccinating pets in the needy areas he came across whilst riding his bush bike. We work alongside organisations present in these communities and are always so pleased at the condition of the pets. Sadly, when we move to the outskirts, where education is lacking, the difference in pet condition is strongly apparent, from the low body conditions, the presence of old unattended wounds and poor owner handling.

There is still so much to be done, but by having made a start with treating the pets we have reached, we hope to significantly reduce the transmission of rabies and worms. Worm treatment is frequently neglected, even though it is a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in people. Next year is even more exciting, with our aim being to incorporate these vaccination drives with 5 annual sterilisation drives. So, watch this space!

WASHABLE TRAINING PAD

G i v e A wa y

This cutie needs a name!

Pet Prints Magazine and M-Pets are giving away a Washable Training Pad to a lucky new pup parent in our ‘Name the Puppy’ competition!

To enter, follow these steps: Follow the @petprintsmag and Instagram pages Find the post with this precious pup and comment with a suitable name. (The cuter the better your chances )

Competition closing date: 20 December 2022

The winner will be announced on Facebook and Instagram.

FROM OUR READERS

glowy

My name is Glowy, and I am just over a year old. I love to eat anything and everything green such as cucumbers, lettuce, and apples. Sometimes a juicy carrot will also do. I joined the family as a birthday gift to my 9-year-old human Mia. I love to squeak at the sound of the fridge opening and I enjoy running up and down my cage, just for fun! From Mia and Rebekah Bruiners.

s po TT y

This is my beautiful best friend, Spotty. She is a 5-year-old Welsh pony who enjoys taking selfies with me and we both love being outdoors and in the sun. - Melike Louw

gypsy

Hi, my name is Gypsy and I’m almost 12 years old. I’m very cheeky and most people are scared of me, but when they get to know me, I become everybody’s friend. I like going for walks and now that I’m older I like taking naps on everyone’s bed. - Lee Daniels

Zia

Zia is a female Yorkshire Terrier, 3 years old. She is sweet, loves cuddles and taking naps in the sun. The only thing Zia hates is bath time and getting wet. Favourite toy is a teddy bear. From the Arendse family.

pixie

Pixie is 1 year old Yorkshire Terrier. She has loads of energy, gets up to all kinds of mischief and loves chasing birds. The only thing she hates is car rides - she gets all nervous when she is in the car but excited when we stop. Her favourite toy is our socks - she steals them and hides them outside under the beds. She is the love of our lives. From Phoebe and Cassidy Arendse.

Cuddles

This is Cuddles, she is 3 years old. She is full of energy and very playful. She has a fear of birds and mice. Her best friend is Rusty. - Lyndell Daniels

y

Very passive but still loves a good game of catch. I think in his past life he was a high jumper because he can jump super high. He loves his belly rubs and I think he believes he is human at times. - Lewis Daniels

Getting To Know

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA O’BRIEN WORDS BY MARISE BURGER

It was a very big honour to meet Good Luck and their beautiful feline counterparts, Ella and George. The studio they’ve designed in Cape Town is every bit a masterpiece, just like their music. From a cargo net hangout spot to a cassette backsplash in the kitchen, it is a treat!

Here’s what we learned about the Good Luck team: You guys have an amazing studio! Assuming your love for the ocean inspired the location, but the décor is quite authentic. What is the main inspiration behind it?

Ben: We started building this space in 2018 and we really wanted to create the “Google of music studios” as Jules likes to call it. A place that was creatively free, but also crazyinspiring! Almost every artist who steps into this space comments on the energy and how wonderful it is for creating music. We poured so much love into it and being close to the ocean also helps, of course.

The studio is home to two feline band members as well, but who do they go home with after a long day at the office?

Jules: Yes, they come home at night. They are travelling cats, very used to the car! I think it is nice and stimulating for them to have two different, spacious homes.

Best description of their personalities?

George: This cat is super intelligent; he also has a very high EQ and sometimes it really feels like he understands what you are feeling. He is quite a feisty one when he wants to be, but overall, he is a soulful animal with lots of love to share with the world.

Ella: She is just a bundle of love. A little skittish sometimes and nervous around people, but when she gets to know you, she will hound you for attention! She has a funny little meow which sounds more like “meh” and one day we will record that and put it in a song.

If the cats were a reflection of your band members, who would Ella and George represent best?

Jules: George is DEFINITELY Ben, and I am totally Ella! George is intelligent, independent and a bit complex, and Ella is extremely loving and has a short attention span.

The three of you probably

experience qualify as the band’s best ‘high’ or were there other memorable moments?

Jules: For me, performing at one of our first festivals in London was a very memorable experience. We had 15,000 people attending and we weren’t sure how they would react to our music (as it was one of the first times we had been there) but all 15,000 went completely crazy. I guess I was taken by surprise a little, but it was one of the most incredible feelings to have that many people loving your music. Of course, it was also amazing to sing in front of 40,000 rugby fans, and the whole world, at Kings Park Stadium too.

George is DEFINITELY Ben, and I am totally Ella! George is intelligent, independent and a bit complex, and Ella is extremely loving and has a short attention span.

Ben: When we packed up our studio and went to record an entire album in the desert in Namibia. Something I will never forget.

Tim: The Kings Park Stadium performance was certainly a highlight for us. Watching Jules sing the national anthem to a full stadium was a proud moment for us as a band, and it was a privilege to contribute to the incredible atmosphere on the day as well as the after party! That performance will be a memorable moment in the band’s history. We have an upcoming tour to the Maldives towards the end of

October, so you will have to ask us after that if it goes down as “the best” high.

The covers of your albums (Spotify) feature a cat with a difference in terms of their theme of dress on each cover. What influences inspired the image?

Jules: A maneki-neko is our mascot and has a tremendous legacy of inspiring good fortune, good health, and good luck. So, we figured what better way to bring even more luck to the band. We always try to mix it up and make sure that each symbol has relevance to the project or album we are working on at that time.

Do any of you have any other pets at home?

Jules: No, just these 2 scoundrels.

Tim: Yes, I have a ginger cat called Tia who is as feisty as they come.

Goodluck Cares is your foundation that aids toward contributing back to communities in need. Are there any animal welfares that you support as individuals or as a band?

Jules: Besides the feeding programs, which we championed in lockdown, we always support Bridges for Music by mentoring their up-andcoming artists. We have also built houses for communities living in the Karoo and raised enough money to rescue a pangolin from captivity so that it could be re-homed in the wild at Phinda. Overall, we are big advocates for education as well as wildlife charities.

The studio is basically your home, but where is your second favourite place or space when you are not all together? And who keeps the cats?

Ben: Plett is absolutely one of our favourite places in the world. We have our summer holiday residency there (Get Lucky Summer) that has now expanded to Hermanus, Knysna and Cape Town. When we head up the coast, we often bring the cats with us to stay at the holiday house. Otherwise, we have a few favourite pet sitters who ADORE them both!

Jules

: Sometimes they come with us to our Get Lucky Summer residency shows in Plett. We keep them at the house of course, but they LOVE being that side of the world with us. We always take loads of toys, their water fountain (they won’t drink from a bowl) and their scratch pads. Maine Coons need a lot of stimulation so we do our best to play with them as much as possible!

Well, I guess the saying rings true for Maine Coons as much as it does for all other cat breeds. Dogs have owners and cats have servants. George and Ella have their serants trained to do catering, chauffering and even to take them on beach vacations!

Maine Coon Facts

• The Maine Coon is one of the largest breed of domestic cats where males weigh between 5.9kg’s to 8.2kg’s and females between 3.6 kg’s to 5.4 kg’s.

• These cats can live between 9-13 years.

• Maine Coons are known as the “gentle giants” and possess above-average intelligence, making them relatively easy to train.

Any specific/significant reason that you homed this breed of cat?

Ben: Yes, a few. Firstly, they have hypoallergenic fur which means people who have cat allergies, like me, can manage being around Maine Coons. Furthermore, I always dreamt of having a big cat. They are truly a unique breed, not just because of their size but also because of their big personalities.

George and Ella feature as much a part of the band as the three of you. Do they ever join you on any trips when you perform out of town, and do they have special accessories/get up if they do?

To find out more about where you can see Good Luck live this summer, go check out their Instagram @goodlucklive

• While the average cat’s tail measures around 25 cm’s long, Maine Coon tails can reach up to 36 cm’s long!

• Maine Coons have a fascination with water and would probably try to ‘help’ with dishes or follow you

for keeping Top Tips

Your pets water safe

BY BRYONY VAN NIEKERK

Woohoo, spring has officially sprung! I don’t know about you, but for me winter this year was on the colder side so I am really excited for the warmer weather. I may change my tune when it’s 35 degrees plus, but for now the flowers are all in bloom, birds are chirping, and the days are longer.

And what better way is there to take advantage of the glorious weather than lounging by the pool, spending time at a dam or going to the beach. All with your trusty 4-legged friend by your side. My dogs have always hated water, so this isn’t something I have given much thought to over the years. However, with the addition of Oliver, this has changed somewhat. I would classify him as ‘water curious’- he loves a hosepipe, puddles, and shallow bodies of water, but is very cautious of anything deeper than his tummy. It has been slow going to get him to the point where he will jump into a stream or a shallow reservoir, but he is getting braver, especially when he is around his BFF Bayley, a water obsessed beagle.

Water safety is one of my major concerns (raise your hand if you are a helicopter pet parent) and while I couldn’t find any statistics for South Africa, in the USA it is estimated that about 5000 dogs drown in swimming pools alone every year. So, whether your dog makes a beeline for every water source they see, or they view water as their greatest nemesis, it is important that both you and your dog know how to be safe around water.

Know your breed

There may be a swimming stroke named after dogs, but this does not mean that all dogs know how to doggy paddle or can do it successfully. Generally speaking, brachycephalic breeds (those with flat faces or short snouts) like pugs and boxers are not strong swimmers and are at a high risk of drowning. This is because water easily gets up their noses, making it difficult to breathe and tire them easily. Other breeds who also have trouble swimming and staying afloat are ones who have deep chests and smaller hindquarters (bulldogs, bull terriers) and dogs with shorts legs (dachshund, basset hound).

So, if your dog fits any of these descriptions, you need to be vigilant around bodies of water and take extra precautions such as fitting them with a life jacket. These breeds, or mixes thereof, tend to instinctively stay away from water so do not force your dog to go into the water if they do not want to.

Never leave your dog unattended

This is the Number 1 rule. No matter if your dog is an avid swimmer or not, never ever leave them alone around any type of water. Accidents happen and things can go wrong in an instant. It is your responsibility to ensure that your dog is always safe so do not let them stray too far away from you, make sure to enforce breaks (even if they seem fine) and watch they don’t pick up and eat things they shouldn’t.

Fence your pool in

If you do have a pool at home, one of the easiest ways to keep your pets safe is to prevent access to the area altogether by fencing off the swimming pool or installing a sturdy cover that can take the weight of your pet. Just having a net is not enough – your pet could get tangled in it and end up under water with no way of freeing themselves. Additionally, provide an easy way for your pets to get out of the water by way of steps or a ramp. Be sure to show your pet where the exit points are and encourage them to use it every time they get out of the pool.

Swimming lessons

Many pet owners don’t actually know if their dog can swim or not. I didn’t know if Oliver could swim until recently when he fell into the swimming pool trying to catch his ball. If you are going to be spending lots of time in the pool/at the beach, it would be a good idea to teach your dog to swim. Some dogs have a natural affinity for water while some might be a bit nervous. It is important to start slow and build up their confidence with lots of treats and reassurance. If you want expert help, you can sign your pooch up for swimming lessons.

Water conditions

If you are going to the coast, don’t assume that you or your dog can swim just anywhere along the beach. Areas that are safe for swimming are marked out by red/ yellow flags that can be found by the water’s edge. If you choose to swim outside of the designated areas, you and your dog run the risk of being caught up in a rip current and dragged out to sea. Also remember to check the tides. It is safer to swim at low tide when there are little to no waves.

Rivers and streams can also be deceptive in Rivers and streams can also be deceptive in that they appear to be calm but can have strong currents that can easily sweep your dog downstream. Always test the current first before allowing your dog to enter.

Sunscreen and water

Just like us, your furry companion needs to be protected from the UV rays. While your dog’s fur coat does protect them from the sun to a certain degree, areas like the lips, nose, ears, and belly are particularly vulnerable to sun exposure. All dogs need sunscreen, but particularly if they have light coloured skin and fur and short coats. It is best to use a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for use on canines.

Be sure to pack plenty of fresh drinking water as well. Just because your dog is surrounded by water, it doesn’t mean they should be drinking it. Ingesting salt water can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, while water from dams and streams can contain loads of different bacteria’s which could result in a serious infection. Never let your dog swim in or ingest water that is pea-green in colour or has slime on the surface. This could be an indication that there is blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) which is highly toxic and deadly to dogs, cats, cattle and wildlife.

Rinse off

After a full day of fun in the sun and water activities, don’t forget to rinse your dog off. Chlorine from the pool or salt from the ocean can irritate your dog’s sensitive skin. When drying them off afterwards, don’t skip over their ears either. The ear canal is already a warm dark place, so adding water to it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to flourish causing ear infections. If your doggo plans to spend lots of time in the water, you may want to invest in an ear cleaner.

Dancers Love Dogs is committed to supporting animals in need of sterilization. By reducing the number of unwanted animals in the community, we can reduce the number of pets euthanized. Our philosophy is to produce an annual show, whereby all performers and people involved donate their time, talent, and amenities, allowing 100% of the profits to be used for sterilization. All our funding is paid directly to the vets involved.

“We have all been designed for something greater than ourselves and our contribution to the world needs to have meaning.”

I have rescued many strays and lost dogs in my life. It is routine for me have a dog blanket, collar, and lead, with a few treats, always handy in my car, just in case.

On 17 February 2012, I was driving in rush hour morning traffic on the highway past the airport, when I noticed a small figure hobbling along the side of the highway, so sick he could hardly stay on his feet. With the help of a wonderful man named Manie, a gentleman who stopped to see if I was “safe”, and two men from the informal settlement, it took us almost 90 minutes to exhaust the poor little boy into giving up and allowing us to catch him. Whilst driving to the vet, Dr Duncan Siegfried, holding this little mange-ridden boy, I decided I had to make a difference. We called him Miles, the little boy who made Dancers Love Dogs become a reality.

As a dance trainer and choreographer, my 42 years in the industry seemed the route to go, having done many productions and feeling comfortable with this fundraising platform. I called on all my friends in the dance world and asked them to donate a beautiful piece of choreography.

I think our success lies in the fact that anyone coming on board to assist is aware there is no payment – this is all for the love of animals. We only pay our vets directly, which makes us secure in the knowledge that all of funding is going directly to sterilizations, meaning we can assist the animals in all welfare organisations.

The main problem with pet animals is over-breeding. The animals are euthanised as there are just not enough homes for all the puppies. Sterilization is the only way to eliminate the need to euthanise healthy, adoptable puppies. Shelters are over-run with animals needing to be homed. Sterilization improves health, increases life expectancy, and improves the animal’s behaviour.

We don’t just stop at dogs –cats have been an enormous part of our sterilization programme as well and we have even sterilized bunnies and a fair number of donkeys in Wupperthal, through our wonderful vet, Dr Annelize Roos.

In 2019 we held our last show before the pandemic hit the world. At this point we had hosted 8 successful shows in Cape Town, 3 in Gauteng and 4 in Durban. These shows raised over 4 million Rand and sterilized over 17 200 animals in need. Sadly, our shows had to be put on hold as Covid regulations did not allow masses in theatres and we are patiently waiting for Artscape Theatre to give us new dates for the Opera House. Artscape and Computicket have come on board and been incredibly generous and kind to our foundation and I will always be grateful for the manner in which they have allowed us to generate more funding.

During the pandemic we partnered with National Sterilization Project (NSP), which has been an unbelievable help to animals across the country. NSP have raised over R821 000 and assisted in 1932 Sterilizations in the past year.

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NSP’s mission is to target 1 small geographical area at a time. There is an initial sterilization project in the designated area, and then a follow-up project within 6 months (within the breeding cycle) to ensure that a minimum of 70 % of the targeted pet population is sterilized. Thereafter only maintenance of the area is required. One area at a time, otherwise funding goes into a ‘big hole’ with no significant impact in a larger area.

We have been blessed with so many kind people donating to assist, and this has mostly been used on rural projects for mass sterilization campaigns. Obtaining our PBO status with Section 18A was an enormous gift in 2021 as this allows any donor to claim their donation with their tax return. Our greatest wish is to have corporates invest with Dancers Love Dogs in the future.

We could not do without the support of our MySchool/ MyPlanet / MyVillage supporters. Since we were accepted as a beneficiary of the programme, we have raised R171 915 in funding to allow us to sterilize 430 animals in poor communities.

We urge anyone that has not selected a beneficiary on the MySchool card, to please consider Dancers Love Dogs.

My personal highlight was being awarded the Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year title for Philanthropy through my work for Dancers Love Dogs and last year being nominated as ambassador to the Animal Welfare Society Philippi.

NPO

Photography Ingrid Owen

Fantastic Felines

BY JENNIFER DAVIES

A short history of kitty companions

Around 12 000 years ago, a cat couldn’t decide whether it wanted to stay outside or come in. Not much has changed since cats decided in their own good time to domesticate themselves. An in-depth study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution of the DNA of over 200 archaeological cat remains, found that not only have cats been hanging out with us far longer than we’d originally thought, they chose to move in with us (unlike dogs which we domesticated).

All modern cats (Felis catus) have one common ancestor, Felis silvestris lybica (Latin for ‘cat of the forest’), and started out in the Neolithic Period in what’s known as the Fertile Crescent (now the Middle East). As these agricultural societies flourished, people began storing grain and with this, came rats and mice – an irresistible lure for any feline. Essentially, cats turned up for the free food and never left. People would have seen the benefits of keeping them around and favoured friendlier, more docile felines, and so the cats adapted accordingly. Next, they moved into Egypt where, as we know, they set up quite the empire for themselves and once they’d made their mark in the Middle East, they ook on the rest of the world, probably by boat. Throughout all these years, they’ve remained almost entirely unchanged from their wild ancestors, with the exception of the development of the tabby coat pattern.

So, you’re a cat guardian (everyone knows that cats don’t have owners) wanting the very best for your fantastic feline? We found out more about the fantastic felines that grace our lives with their presence.

What’s on a moggy’s menu?

Having changed so little over the past few thousand years, cats, like their ancestors and wild counterparts, are still ‘obligate carnivores’, meaning that they must eat animal protein to survive. Their digestive systems haven’t evolved to get the nourishment they need from plants. (Why else would they move in with us in the first place – they certainly weren’t there for the salad.) Do they sometimes eat veggies? Sure. Many cats like nibbling on grass, which provides fibre and freshness, and in nature, they would ingest plant matter when eating herbivorous prey; they may even be able to stay alive for a short while without meat in times of desperation. But if they are to be healthy and happy, meat is crucial as a source of protein, the amino acids taurine and arginine, and vitamins A, niacin, and thiamine. A cat’s dream diet is composed of small prey, including rodents, birds, and reptiles.

But what about the kibbles and cans in our pantries? Ideally, this wouldn’t be part of their diets - we’d feed them meat-only meals. But in today’s world, this is neither practical nor affordable. If commercial food is the only option, select products with the highest amount of good-quality protein (unless your cat is on a special diet for a health condition), lowest amount of grains, and with added taurine. If your vet okays it, you can treat kitty to unseasoned lean chicken, beef, venison, or other meat; cooked is safer (particularly mince) due to the risk of contamination with bacteria like salmonella. Stay away from cooked bones, raw egg, dairy products, and seasoned or fatty meat, and of course, fast foods, sugar, bread, etcetera.

And what should the discerning feline be drinking? Water. That’s it. Yes, some cats love milk, but it’s not good for them and can make them sick because they can’t digest it. And they most definitely should not be drinking tea, coffee, alcohol, juice, or sodas. As we’ve chosen to make them part of our lives, it’s our responsibility to do what’s best for them and provide them with what they need to live their best kitty lives.

Water woes

Cats should drink around half a cup of water per 2.5 kg body weight per day, depending on things like activity levels, diet, and weather, or they can become dehydrated and develop urinary tract infections. But some cats are remarkably stubborn about doing what’s good for them. If your feline turns up its nose at the water bowl, try these tactics:

• Keep it clean.

Clean and refill the bowl with fresh water every day. You wouldn’t want to drink stale water from a dirty glass and neither do cats.

• Try different water.

Your cat may

prefer tap water or still bottled water, or a colder or warmer temperature. Add a little flavour in the form of water from tinned tuna (this is high in salt so keep it minimal) or very diluted wet food, or pop in some ice cubes to make it more interesting.

•

Give them options.

Some cats dislike having water and food near each other, so separate them. Your cat may be stressed by a change in circumstances (for example moving house), in which case, place the water in a quiet, dark, safe area. Children and dogs can make cats nervous when they try to drink, so move the water to a higher area like a kitchen counter. If the water is high up but the cat has arthritis, it may be struggling to jump up. Get several bowls and place them throughout the house to see which they prefer.

• Try different water sources.

Cats with whisker fatigue may prefer wider, flatter dishes, and some cats love running water, which you can provide with a pet water fountain.

•

Add wet food.

If your feline is on a dry diet, incorporate wet food (tinned or sachets) to up the moisture content of the overall diet.

What’s whisker fatigue?

Whiskers are more than just a cute facial feature – they’re actually an important part of a cat’s sensory system, helping them navigate their world. Scientifically called vibrissae, whiskers are known as ‘coarse touch receptors’. The whiskers themselves don’t contain nerves like paws or ears do; instead, they connect to the cat’s nervous and muscular system and, when the whiskers are touched, the movement sends messages to the brain about the cat’s surroundings, such as the space they’re in (which is why they can wiggle though narrow spaces even in the dark), and air vibrations (which helps them chase prey, measure distance, and detect danger). Which brings us to ‘whisker fatigue’. When whiskers are touched too much, the sensory system is overstimulated. This onslaught of sensation can cause stress and eventually, lead them to avoid the thing that triggers it. The most common trigger? Food and water bowls. They may refuse to eat or drink, try to paw the food out of the bowl, or stand or pace in front of the bowl looking hungry and meowing, but not eating. If this sounds like your cat, the solution is simple: try wider, flatter dishes, such as plates or saucers so that their whiskers don’t touch it.

Is your cat a dope fiend?

We’ve all heard the jokes about kitty ‘drugs’ and catnip dealers lurking in the suburbs. But why do some cats get so carried away when the herb comes out? It seems that Nepeta cataria, the Latin name for catnip, contains a substance called nepetalactone, which is responsible for the strong smell. This chemical activates their internal opioid system, causing the body to release endorphins (‘happy hormones’) – but don’t worry, it’s not addictive. Around two-thirds of felines (and that includes big cats like lions and tigers) respond to the herb and, if they’re going to do so, they’ll develop this hereditary response after about 6 months of age. Cats that do respond, may vocalise, salivate, rub against it or paw at it; some eat it, and others just roll around in it. This effect only lasts about 5 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, they may be either sleepy and relaxed, or anxious and active. They’re then ‘immune’ to more catnip for a little while (usually at least 30 minutes). If your cat loves it, it’s perfectly safe as a treat. Keep their stash in a dark, airtight container so that it doesn’t lose its smell, and let your kitty enjoy its catnip a couple of times a week.

Danger ahead

Cats seem to love taking a walk on the dangerous side so it’s a cat guardian’s responsibility to look out for their safety – and that can mean looking at some things you’d never even think of. House plants and flowers may look lovely, but some cats enjoy nibbling on them and this can prove deadly. Some of the most common plant causes of cat poisoning are all lilies (including peace lilies), sago palms, amaryllis, and pothos, but there are many more. So, if you have green thumbs, double-check if what you’re planting is safe for curious cats. Air fresheners, cleaning products, and vapourised essential oils are also best avoided around cats or used only in a well-ventilated area. Most medicines for humans are not okay for cats as they have very different ways of metabolising them. Paracetamol is particularly dangerous for our feline friends and there is no safe amount- even a few crumbs of a tablet can kill. Never give your cat any medicine without checking with your vet first.

Know thy cat!

Cats are still fairly wild at heart and, as such, they retain many of the instincts of wild animals. Although cats are predators, because of their small size they’re also prey animals. Any sensible predator will look for weaker animals as they’re easier to catch. For this reason, small animals like cats instinctively hide signs of illness and injury as they’re a sign of weakness. Many a cat owner has experienced guilt when they finally realise their moggy isn’t well, not understanding that cats generally make a concerted effort to hide it. The key is to look for changes in behaviour, from how they move or breathe, to what they eat and drink. That means spending time with them, observing them, getting to know them, and learning as much as possible about general cat care. They’re creatures of habit so even the smallest change in your cat can be a red flag. If you know your cat, subtle signs will be easier to spot.

Vax Your Cats

The cat’s meow

Did you know that adult cats almost never meow at each other? This sound is specially for us. If you watch a litter of kittens, you’ll notice that they meow to get their mother’s attention, for example if they’re hungry or scared. Once they’re older, they use other forms of communication with each other, such as scent, body language, touch, and facial expressions, as well as noises like chirping, hissing, or growling. But with us, they’ve figured out that the baby-like ‘meow’ bridges the human-feline language barrier. According to research by ethology (animal behaviour) Professor Bjarne O Braastad of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, when kittens move in with people, they keep using those mom-andbaby sounds. “If the kitten senses that we’re responding, it continues talking [and refining],” he says. “But if we ignore [it] then it eventually stops, because it realises that humans are stupid animals that don’t understand them.” Through trial and error, says Braastad, cats have worked out how to adjust their meows according to what works for the people around them, by altering pitch, volume, and emphasis on vowels and consonants (yes, cat language has those too). Food-demand purrs even have a subtle background meow with a frequency similar to a human baby’s hunger cry. So, next time you feel silly for having a cat chat, remember they really are chatting back.

Can my cat be vegetarian?

Absolutely not. Trying to force an obligate carnivore to become vegetarian or vegan is unfair, unethical, and dangerous, and will ultimately result in health problems, suffering, and/or early death, no matter what it says on the internet (not even if you give them supplements). What could go wrong? Firstly, lack of animal fat and protein means your cat won’t have enough energy as they’re not adapted to get this from plant sources. Next, debilitating deficiencies can arise. Taurine deficiency can lead to blindness and fatal dilated cardiomyopathy

heart muscle), while lack of vitamin A can cause night blindness, weak muscles, and poor skin and coat. Without niacin, they’ll lose their appetite, and develop inflamed gums and even haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Starving an animal of proper nutrition and enjoyment it requires to survive and thrive is a form of animal cruelty. No true animal lover would want their cat to be miserable and sick because of choices we make. Rather choose ethically sourced animal protein (such as free-range) or opt for keeping herbivorous pets instead.

Here’s your recommended core cat vaccination schedule (but remember to check with your vet for your kitty’s specific needs):

1. Core: 6 – 8 weeks old of age

2. Core: 4 weeks after the first vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age. Note that, if the rabies vaccine was given before 12 weeks, it will need to be given again.

3. Core + Rabies: 4 weeks after the second vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age.

4. Core + Rabies: 12 months old

5. Thereafter, Core + Rabies every 1 - 3 years, or as advised by your veterinarian.

*Core: Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) caused by feline herpesvirus-1, Feline calicivirus (FCV), and Feline panleukopaenia (FPL) caused by feline parvovirus (FPV).

Kitty check list

Food: Always feed the best quality you can afford daily. You can leave out dry food (“free feeding”) or feed on a schedule. Scheduled feeding allows you to see if your cat is under- or over-eating, or has a special diet different to other pets, whereas free feeding is ideal for nibblers but not for gluttons that don’t stop until it’s all gone.

Water: Fresh water daily is a must for cats.

Identification: Microchipping is a must - the majority of lost pets are cats. A break-away collar and tag are an added bonus but many cats will lose them so they should still be microchipped.

Vaccinations: There are some really nasty (but preventable) diseases that can make cats very ill so stick to their scheduled shots. And, of course, it’s a legal requirement to vaccinate your pets against rabies.

Litter boxes: If your cat doesn’t go in your garden, they will need a litter box – one per cat in the household. Keep it scrupulously clean at all times or kitty may refuse to use it (and end up going elsewhere).

Grooming: Cats generally shouldn’t be bathed or shaved (unless it’s by a professional for a medical reason such as matting or skin conditions), but they should receive regular anti-tick and –flea treatments. Brushing/combing them daily will get rid of lose hairs and reduce the chances of hairballs forming.

Spay/Neuter: With female cats having 2 to 3 litters per year, from the age of 4 to 6 months, for their entire lives, males being able to father hundreds of kittens, and millions of homeless cats around, this is a no-brainer. Plus, it reduces nuisance behaviour related to mating like spraying, roaming, and fighting, reduces the chance of mammary and prostate cancer, reduces the likelihood of transmitting/catching Feline leukaemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (cat ‘AIDS), eliminates the chances of testicular and ovarian cancer, and more.

Note: This article is intended to inform and does not replace the advice of a veterinarian. If your cat refuses to eat or drink, or eats or drinks too much, displays uncharacteristic behaviour or seems unwell, or if they’ve ingested something toxic or been injured, it is crucial that you take them to the vet as soon as possible.

THE PEOPLE’S DISPENSARY FOR SICK ANIMALS (SA)

The PDSA (SA) is a non-profit Animal Welfare Organisation that receives no government funding. It relies heavily on the generosity of sponsors and donors to continue in its efforts to provide primary healthcare to those animals whose owners cannot afford the cost of a private vet.

PDSA (SA) was established as a branch of the PDSA (UK) in 1937, and began operating from a converted stable in District Six. There are now 3 branches across the country with hospitals in Cape Town, Soweto and George. Our various satellite clinics and mobile vehicles reach hundreds of needy animals each day across a wide range of communities.

The number of years PDSA has been operating in SA. Permanent employees at PDSA.

Communities served by the PDSA countrywide.

Mobile clinics on the road.

Cases treated by PDSA in the past year. Vaccinations administered. Hospital admissions. Sterilisations performed.

Although the PDSA does not partake in rehoming we actively network with rescue organisations to ensure that any animal who deserves a second chance is granted the opportunity.

Our happy story begins right at home with our resident dog, Wallace.

Wallace was found in the township of Wallacedene (hence the name), Kraaifontein in 2018 while the PDSA was involved in a sterilisation campaign in the area. He was found amongst the houses in poor

conditions and the community begged us to take him as he didn’t belong to anyone and the kids in the area were abusing him. Wally as he’s affectionately known, was brought to our hospital to be humanely euthanised as he was found huddled into a ball and emaciated with almost no hair but only red skin. A group of us decided otherwise and we started treating him. He looked no different to many of the animals we have seen before with the amount of cruelty he faced. Wally had severe mange and he was literally just a bag of bones with hanging flesh, worst of all, he had lost his will to live and he had no spirit to carry on. Fast forward to the present, Wallace conquered the mange, his recurring skin problem, his cancer that was treated with rounds of chemotherapy. Most importantly, he has learned to love and he has learnt what it is to be loved, he thrives on affection and he has taught us through his strength, courage and endurance that giving up is not an option. We would like to thank Scientific Veterinary Diets and Hills Pet Nutrition for their contribution of prescription diet food during Wally’s treatment.

For more information, go to www.pdsa.org.za

Find us on Facebook at PDSA-SA

“He was found amongst the houses in poor conditions and the community begged us to take him”

FASCINATING

THE WORD PANGOLIN COMES FROM PENGGULUNG, THE MALAY WORD FOR ROLLER. IF IN DANGER, A PANGOLIN WILL ROLL INTO A TIGHT BALL, HENCE THE NAME.

The main reason for the pangolin’s ability to roll itself into a ball is because it has a soft, slightly furry underside without scales. They can squirt an obnoxious smelling fluid from the base of their tails to send predators away.

The Cantonese name for the pangolin is chun shua cap, which means “scaly hill-borer.”

Chinese folk law believes that pangolins travel all around the world below ground.

The pangolin’s popularity is growing, but for the wrong reasons.

PANGOLINS ARE POACHED MORE THAN ANY OTHER MAMMAL IN THE WORLD.

It is estimated that around 10% of pangolins are killed in the illegal trade of wildlife.

Their scales are used in traditional medicine and their meat is favoured by people in the Far East.

PANGOLIN SCALES ARE JUST LIKE HUMAN FINGERNAILS, BOTH ARE MADE FROM KERATIN.

Ants are the pangolin’s favourite food. They use their long, sticky tongues (up to 70 cm) to catch them.

Pangolins are indigenous to Asia and Africa.

THE CHINESE, SUNDA, PALAWAN, AND INDIAN PANGOLINS LIVE IN ASIA.

The white-bellied, giant, ground and blackbellied pangolins live in Africa.

Pangolins can be various shades of brown from light to dark.

Most pangolins are ground dwellers, but the Black-bellied pangolin uses its sharp claws and its tail to climb trees.

Pangolins are very good diggers, using their sharp claws to demolish the nests of termites and ants.

MANY PEOPLE THINK THAT PANGOLINS ARE REPTILES, BUT THEY ARE MAMMALS.

A pangolin baby is also fully covered in scales but for the first few days the scales are soft.

No other mammal is wholly covered in scales.

For the first three months, a pangolin baby uses its mother as a form of transport by riding on her back.

You can find pangolins living in a variety of places from rain forests to deserts.

Pangolins like to live alone and are mainly nocturnal.

Pangolins’ size ranges from the size of your pet tabby to over 30kg.

Pangolins need a strong sense of smell to find their main diet of termites as they have poor eyesight.

Just as a bird’s gizzard is used to mash and grind its food, a pangolin has stones and spines made from keratin in its stomach.

SOME PANGOLINS SLEEP IN BURROWS THEY DIG IN THE GROUND.

Despite their covering of scales and short muscular legs, pangolins can run very fast, and they can swim.

It is estimated that a pangolin eats around 70 million insects in a year.

EATING ANTS CAN BE A TRICKY BUSINESS – PANGOLINS CAN SEAL THEIR NOSES AND EARS TO STOP ANTS GOING IN.

BY: BILL ASTON

FACTS

It has been known even for lions and hyenas to give up on trying to break through the pangolin’s hard scales.

Pangolins sometime eat other foods such as flies, worms, and crickets.

Unlike African pangolins, the Asian varieties have bristles between their scales.

Muscles in the mouths of pangolins prevent ants and termites from escaping after being caught.

PANGOLINS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PEST CONTROL WHICH BENEFITS THE ECOSYSTEM.

AT BIRTH, PANGOLINS ARE ONLY ABOUT 15 CM LONG AND WEIGH ABOUT 350 GRAMS.

THERE IS NO DATA TO

BUT THEY HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO LIVE UP TO 20 YEARS IN CAPTIVITY.

Incredibly, pangolins are quite picky and prefer to consume only one or two species of insects.

It is very difficult to breed pangolins in captivity.

POACHING IS CAUSING PANGOLINS TO BECOME AN ENDANGERED SPECIES.

It is forbidden to own a pangolin as a pet.

Pangolins are also unique in another way, as they have more vertebrae than any other animal. The black-bellied pangolin has 75 vertebrae - the most of any animal.

There are 46-47 vertebrae in the tail of a pangolin.

Pangolins don’t smell great. Special glands near the pangolin’s anus secrete a pungent fluid that is used for both marking territory and defence, like a skunk.

PANGOLINS HAVE 5 TOES ON EACH PAW AND 3 CLAWS ON EACH FRONT PAW.

The gestation period differs based on species, but typically ranges between 70 to 140 days.

AFRICAN PANGOLIN FEMALES GIVE BIRTH TO A SINGLE OFFSPRING.

Asiatic species give birth from one to three.

At two years of age when the offspring are sexually mature, they will be abandoned by the mother.

THEY HAVE NO NATURAL PREDATORS EXCEPT HUMANS.

THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE IS STILL A

NEW TO BIZZIBABS: Lewis ‘s Fugly Friends

We couldn’t say no when we saw a box of Fugly Friends looking for a forever home, so we fostered all of them! Their large eyes, unique shapes, and tough fabric them super cuddle buddies. Dash over to Bizzibabs.com to see Bizzy’s Fugly fosters looking for a forever home. Adopt, buy, order one today. Lewis’s Fugly Friends are handmade with love. Sizes and prices vary. Lewis’s Fugly Friends support rescue dogs all over South Africa.

More than 35 animal rescue organisations gathered together at the first ever Rescue Expo organised by The Rescue Collective’s on 8 October 2022 in Greenside, Gauteng.

This date was chosen to align with World Animal Day - an International Day of action for animal rights and welfares to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards – it is celebrated annually on the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Rescue Collective

bringing together as many of the NPO’s as possible to shed light on all animal welfares, not just dogs and cats and to educate the general public on their great work in the community.

This was an opportunity for the public to meet the incredibly dedicated people who give their lives to improve the welfare of the animals among us and as “Joburger’s” we really rose to the occasion. Entrance fee for the event was a food donation to a charity of choice – and more than 1 ton of

Among the organisations were Greyhound Welfare, Friends of Rescue Animals, Community Led Animal Welfare, Friends of Free Wildlife, Brainy birds, Rat Angels, Rest ur Ass Donkey Rescue, Animal Allies, Asher’s Farm, Dachshund Haven, Border Collie Rescue, Pug Rescue, Animals in Distress, Furry Fosters and so many more. These organisations successfully raised much-needed funds from a very generous public and created massive awareness including educating the community on animal welfare.

The expo was made possible with the support of Lionel’s Choice pet food, Ultradog, Pets Elite, Vitozol, Budz Bites, Cool Dogs ice cream, Bravecto, Emperor Dog Food, McMac pet products, One Plan pet insurance, Pets Eats ‘n Treats, Pepper & Co and Pegasus Homeopathic pet products.

Started by three people who have spent most of their lives involved in animal welfare – Dean Bush, founder of Greyhound Welfare SA, Jennifer Gerner, former vet nurse for Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) and Cheryl Hunter, who has been involved across all aspects of animal welfare for more than 30 years. The Rescue Collective will be back in 2023 and aims to be bigger and better – this is just the start of organisations working together to achieve more.

PET FIRST AID COURSE

This course is designed for all pet owners who want to upskill themselves to react in the best way possible in an emergency involving their pet. No prior knowledge on animal anatomy or medical care is required.

Join Dr Bronwyn Thomen (BSc. BVSc.) for two evenings of virtual theory (2 hours each) followed by an optional 4-hour practical session, for those based in Gauteng, to get hands on experience in the techniques discussed

Course Dates:

Online Theory: 9 and 10 November 2022; 18:00-20:00 (via Zoom)

In-Person Practical: 12 November 2022; 08:00 - 12:00; Parkwood, JHB

Course Prices: Online Theory Only: R600 | Theory & In-person Practical: R800

Book the full course before 12 October 2022 for R750

To find out more pleae email melissa@kineticspa.co.za before Friday 4 November 2022. Spaces are limited.

SO-XTRA FESTIVE TRIFLE

This is the true definition of indulgent healthy food. This trifle is 100% plant based, layered with luscious flavours from the deeply, chocolatey brownies, dollops of smooth and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a spiced berry compote with vanilla chia pudding to bring it all together. Xmas has never tasted so divine and been this healthy.

What You’ll Need:

THE BROWNIES

• B-WELL Baking Spray

• ½ cup B-WELL Pure Canola Oil

• 1 tbsp B-WELL Thick & Creamy Mayo

• 2 cups quinoa flour (or other plant-based flours)

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed/pureed

• ½ cup cacao powder

• 1 ½ cups almond milk (or other plant milk of choice)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup coconut nectar sugar

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

• 2 ripe avocados

• 4 tbsp cacao powder

• 1 ripe banana

• 3 tbsp honey/molasses

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

BERRY COMPOTE

• 150g of your favourite berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mix)

•

50ml orange or berry juice

• 1 tsp cornflour / chia seeds

• 1 star anise

• 1 cinnamon stick

CHIA PUDDING (can double if prefer a looser, creamier trifle)

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 tbsp rose water

• 1 tsp cardamom powder

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 1 tbsp honey/coconut nectar

How to make:

THE BROWNIES

1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cacao powder, salt and baking powder and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas till slightly smooth-slightly chunky. Add the B-WELL Canola Oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar. Stir well.

4. Take the medium bowl with dry ingredients and add to the large bowl with wet ingredients, mix and stir until all the ingredients are blended.

5. Allow mixture to rest for 10 minutes.

6. Spray cupcake moulds or cake tray with B-WELL Baking Spray.

7. Pour batter into moulds or greased cake tray and put into the oven.

8. Bake for 20 mins, or until toothpick comes out clean.

9. Remove from oven

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until mixed. mixed.

BERRY COMPOTE

1. In a small pot on medium heat, add in the berries, spices, and juice. Gently mix, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

2. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise, stir in the cornflour, and remove from heat to thicken and cool.

CHIA PUDDING

1. Mix all the ingredients together and allow to stand and set in the refrigerator for a few hours before using. Blitz in the blender to make smoother and creamier.

BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

Brownies > mousse > chia pudding > berry compote > brownie > mousse > chia pudding > berry compote > toppings. Layer your trifle as suggested or as you wish, ending with delicious toppings for decoration (e.g., edible flowers, rose petals, berries, mint leaf, nuts, choc chips, coconut shavings, etc).

Happy Celebrations, enjoy this Xmas treat!

Happy Hounds

Bark By GretHe Bark Bucket Bed

pet plus

DL CAPE - LET’S HAVE SOME PUPCORN

What can be more blissful on a chilly winters night than settling down on the couch to watch a movie, wrapped up warmly, with hot chocolate and popcorn, and of course your best canine buddy dressed for the occasion in their trendy Pupcorn Cape?

R285.00 www.petplus.co.za

pet Heaven M-Pets Vigo Eco Plush Dog Toy

Ready for a game of tug-ofwar with your best friend? Then get yourself this crackling M-Pets Vigo Eco Plush Dog Toy.

R260.00 www.petheaven. co.za

pet Hero

Zippy Paws Popcorn Bucket Burrow Pop-Pop! A dog friendly popcorn plush toy that’s ready to win over your pup’s heart. The Zippy Paws Popcorn Bucket Burrow is the toy your dog will enjoy day or night. Spoil your dog, because you can.

R285.00 www.pethero.co.za

old kHaki

CADY DOG JUMPER

Give your pooch some puppy love with the warm and snug Cady Dog Jumper, perfect for keeping your best friend comfy & cosy this season.

R140.00 www.oldkhaki.co.za

FaitHFul to nature

Pannatural Pets Snout & Paw Butter

Pannatural Pets Snout & Paw Butter is a 100% natural way to minister to your doggies cracked, dry or rough tootsies, which could be causing them more pain and discomfort than you realise and could even lead to limping.

R65.00 www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

ROO EARNING HIS KEEP AS A BI-PEDAL WORKING DOG

ROO IS A TINY CREATURE WITH A HUGE JOB. WHILE HIS BLOODLINE IS UNKNOWN, LIKE NEARLY ALL RESCUE DOGS, HE BECAME A MASCOT AND CELEBRITY FOR A CAUSE MUCH GREATER THAN HE COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED. AS A SYMBOL OF HOPE, HE IS NOW A WORKING DOG WHO EARNS HIS KEEP BY TEACHING THE LIFE LESSONS IMPORTANT TO HUMANS.

ROCKY START

Roo took his first breath next to a tavern in an informal settlement. For the first four months of his life, he was teased due to his birth defect. It was also this deformity which later became his superpower. His then owner, fortunately, asked for help from a local shelter, called New Beginnings. While New Beginnings saved Roo from a, most probably, difficult life, they were merely doing what they do best, and that is to help people and animals in need.

Roo was born with only two legs. Like a kangaroo, he learned to walk on his hind legs, while his front legs were merely a pair of stumps. At New Beginnings, his sad start took a turn for the better and he was launched into an inspirational journey. He stole the hearts of the extended community and received a rover. The rover is a buggytype vehicle in which Roo can rest his torso while propelling himself with his hind legs. Fittingly, its numberplate is Roo Rover 007.

After a two-month stay at the shelter, the Kotze family took Roo in for a short stay. Another lady adopted him, but the Kotze family suspected that the match wasn’t a perfect fit. It wasn’t up to them to interfere, but Bernard insisted that his wife, Nataly, should check up on the little guy. Coincidentally, the lady phoned a day later to return Roo.

The Kotze family arranged to hold on to Roo for five days, but the dog crept into their hearts and now, five years later, they are the best of friends. Roo plays with his dog friends without being restrained by his disability and they don’t treat him any differently.

NECESSARY TREATMENT

Although treated by dogs as an equal, Roo has special needs. Since his front legs aren’t functioning, the rest of his upper body still needs exercise. Bernard explains that Roo needs more attention to motivate him to stay active. The Kotze family has love in abundance and shares their angling shop with him freely. They fear that if Roo stays at home, he will not be stimulated to stay healthy. Nataly took it a step further by involving Roo in New Beginnings’ quest to improve the lives of pets and people alike.

The little dog quickly earned his celebrity status. He teaches young and also disabled people about hope.

ROO’S TEACHINGS

People, especially children, can be cruel to each other. They don’t hesitate to tease or repeatedly point out the differences from the norm. At the same time, children aren’t

always educated with enough knowledge to be compassionate or how to properly take care of pets. New Beginnings cannot stamp out poverty on their own, but they help wherever they can. While teaching children how to properly care for pets (and thereby avoiding more animals landing in shelters), they also help with food and school supplies in rural areas which alleviates social indifference.

Roo’s job is to be the mascot and practical example of New Beginnings’ mission. He teaches children to embrace their unique differences instead of teasing each other.

The message sinks in better when coming from a loveable dog with a disability. Roo happily walks on his hind legs, showing that his disability doesn’t stop him from being a dog. He’s just a little different. The New Beginnings mascot also helps the team to explain how to care for pets.

While the rest of the human team does their thing in a language the audience can understand, they also create awareness that translates to fundraising for the shelter. People with disabilities tend to become depressed for being different, especially those who rely on constant medical assistance. Roo has this way of awakening a sense of hope in these patients without saying a word. His mere presence and rising from his cart to act like a normal bi-pedalling dog, paints the picture of hope on their canvasses of depression and shows them all is not lost.

Our furry friends harbour more humanity than we can expect from humans. Animals are known for their therapeutic qualities and are constantly used by psychologists. Roo’s two-month stay at New Beginnings probably prepared him for a life in therapy service. New Beginnings’ shelter sees its fair share of therapy work.

REASON FOR ROO’S EFFICIENCY

One aspect that makes lessons easily retainable is when we can relate to them. Looking at Roo, we see a broken dog, standing proud on his own two feet with a bowtie to show off his confidence. We want that. We don’t want to be judged and although we all want to fit in, we also want to be a bit special. We find friendship in those who don’t judge us for our mistakes, and Roo does all that while wagging his tail.

OTHER SHELTER PROGRAMS

It is well known that prisoners fare better when being rehabilitated before returning to society. They need to make a mental adjustment and need acceptance without judgement. Prison dogs programs efficiently merge the lives of caged dogs who did nothing wrong with caged people who need to relate to something or someone to find hope in life once more.

One lesson that struck a chord with all animal lovers, is that the animals found in shelters

exist mostly due to humans’ inability to care for their pets. Now, the same souls effectively help humans on a psychological level. Pets do harbour resentment for a while, but with rehabilitation, they help humans get back on their feet, which seems kind of ironic when people don’t often act that way.

TAKING A DAY OFF

At home, Roo plays with the other dogs. His confidence doesn’t waiver when one of the bigger dogs plays a little rough, because he usually instigates rough play.

One of Roo’s favourite uniform items is his bowtie. The gentlemen’s attire item that is now a cute dress code. Any working dog knows that there’s a time to work and a time to play. Life must be balanced, and the Kotze’s insist on a day off from doing charity work. On this day, Roo sleeps in the sun at his dad’s angling store, inside his custom nook under the counter. Watching through his window, Roo doesn’t wear bowties on his off days. He’s a puppy with a social media page, a calendar filled with school invites and fans who adore him. To follow his journey, his Facebook Page and YouTube Channel are both listed as SOMETHING ABOUT ROO.

BY BRIAN BERKMAN

Here animals and their betterment take centre stage but we humans are welcome too.

With a no-meat policy, Farm Sanctuary SA in Franschhoek, set on a gorgeous wine and fruit farm, nails its love-for-animals colours to its front gates with a request to keep animal products far away. But, there is no militancy here, no finger wagging or horror tales of animals in captivity bred to meet our human hunger. Yes, there is a message that is hard to miss, but it is delivered in the most elegant and generous way possible. And while the accommodations at Farm Sanctuary are animal friendly, dogs that might bark or chase the rescue cows, pigs, chickens, and goats, are asked not to enter the main barn area where the animals roam.

Joanne Lefson, a former professional golfer and zoologist, is a brilliant marketer and creative thinker who has not only turned her efforts into raising funds for

Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary

Brian Berkman says this animal sanctuary also has a world-famous painting pig.

further animal rescue, but also made the argument for the high level of sentience and creativity that animals have in a powerfully visual way. Pigcasso is a pig that paints and with Joanne’s help, Pigcasso is a global phenom. From the 2019 sold-out Swatch watch straps with Picasso’s paintings to a range of original artworks, NFT’s and, being launched in September, a book with a forward by Dr Jane Goodall.

Within Farm Sanctuary there are seven different accommodation offerings all accommodating two people. We stayed in Farm Retreat which looked onto a pear orchard and the Franschhoek mountains beyond. Very stylish, this open-plan room has a comfy corner-unit couch sitting room, wrought-iron bed, double basins and large yet quick-filling bath with a shower and toilet behind closing doors. Pigcasso’s paintings and other images are brilliantly displayed here and form the bed-side view which is behind the mirrors above the double vanity. It may be tricky to

explain but, take it from me, it is ingenious interior design. These are not self-catering units. There is a kettle and microwave, but no food prep or wash-up area. Within another nearby barn-like structure, there is a bean-to-cup coffee machine, a couple of well-placed pieces of high-end gym and yoga equipment, and a lap pool with sun loungers nearby. The main barn and container accommodation is some distance away on what might even be an adjacent plot of land as it is separated by a road that passes through.

Certainly, Julie would not sleep a wink (and, consequently, neither would we), if we were lodging on the open mezzanine above the barn. While this must be a special place to spend the night and lovely to do so in a romantic four poster bed above the animal pens, I can only think that dogs raised on a farm would not put up a fuss. No matter, though, as there are plenty other options on the farm for dog lovers.

And despite its rural setting, Franschhoek’s main drag is very close by so taking your meals in the village, considered a culinary capital, is certainly not a hardship. Dogs are welcome at Terbodore Coffee Roasters Café which is a charming location under the trees and next to the river on the main street as you enter Franschhoek from the Klapmuts side. Across the way is Tapasco with its classic bistro red and white check tablecloths. We enjoyed an especially fine breakfast there. The Elephant and Barrel is a local gastro pub a couple of blocks away and in a windprotected courtyard just off the main street. The fabulous spare ribs are served cut into individual ribs for ease of eating and the battered hake and chips with a tower of onion rings was pronounced excellent.

Here animals and their betterment take centre stage but we humans are welcome too.

McGregor

Brian Berkman says this charming wine and fruit-producing town is perfect for a visit with your pets. Explore McGregor with your four-legged family.

With more sunshine on account of its near semi-arid climate, the town of McGregor is a charming destination within two hours of Cape Town and in the heart of the Langeberg Mountain Range. And with the Robertson, Ashton, and Montagu regions nearby, there is much to explore.

There are a number of properties in McGregor that are managed and let by Be In McGregor. Laurel Cottage and Ons Huisie are two of the loveliest.

Laurel Cottage is a large

contemporary light fittings above the kitchen area and the brass beds and tapestry-style carpet wall hangings in the bedrooms. The old and new mix perfectly. The many windows on both sides of this property allow light to stream in and all have shutters for privacy when you want it. The front garden of Laurel Cottage is richly planted with olive trees, fruit trees and shrubs that immediately communicates a generous bounty. Inside, the home is equally generous and not only on account of the space but also the attention to detail. In the kitchen, for example, there is a large fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, electric oven, gas hob and Nespresso coffee machine and plenty work surfaces if a team of you want to cook together. Laurel Cottage

consider the quality of the cutlery, crockery, and cooking utensils they are happy to share with rental guests.

There is a wood-burning stove which successfully heats the large and openplan sitting and dining area and there is a Weber and a fire-pit outside too. Pet owners will appreciate that the large property is fully fenced so pets will be free to roam the full extent. There is also an alarm, monoxide detector as well as a smoke detector fitted. Two bedrooms have double beds, and one has two single beds. The main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a gorgeous slipper-style bath and an outside but private shower. The other bedrooms, on the opposite side of the house, share a large Victorianstyle shower room. Air-conditioning in all bedrooms will keep you cool as will the long but narrow swimming pool in the

Ons Huisie is just around the corner from Laurel Cottage and offers guests an entirely different experience.

of Ons Huisie is that it has smooth concrete walkways from the

OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE PETS GRIEVING PETS

Throughout this column over the past year, we’ve considered how we feel and what we should do when a beloved pet passes away. But what about our other animals? They, too, experience a loss and a big change in their everyday lives. While some animals may not even seem to notice anything’s changed, others really seem to struggle and may even pine or search for the late pet. So, what can we do to help them – and should we even interfere or just leave them be?

Do animals grieve?

The short answer is: yes, they do seem to grieve. Many wild animal species have been observed showing signs of grief, or something similar, although it’s still unclear if they have a concept of death or whether they just understand “loss”. Tales of elephant herds mourning when a fellow family member passes abound; they’ve been seen to gently touch their dead, comfort each other, and even cry. Chimpanzee research has shown these primates mourning their dead; they will stop eating, seem listless and withdrawn, and make sounds akin to human screaming and sobbing. Lemurs, monkeys, birds, dolphins, orcas and giraffes, amongst others, have all been documented showing signs of mourning and grief-like behaviour.

Animal behaviour researchers have

concluded that, whether or not they fully comprehend what has happened, they certainly appear to feel the loss. And our own pets experience this too.

Our animal family members bring boundless joy and unconditional love, and are an integral part of our lives. Sadly, it’s an inescapable reality that, one day, we will have to bid them farewell. This is an incredibly hard process, made worse by not knowing what to expect. This regular column aims to demystify it in order to help you when the time comes for them to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Researchers at the University of Milan surveyed 426 dog owners and found that, when dogs are bereaved of their household canine companion, they show behavioural changes, both in levels of activity (such as playing, sleeping, and eating) and emotion (such as anxiety and attention-seeking), which could continue for months. The researchers used psychologists to distinguish the owner’s feelings from the dogs’ behavioural changes to clarify if they were just projecting their own emotions onto the dogs. They found that how close the owners were with either the surviving or deceased pet did not affect the results, nor did, “…duration of time that the dogs lived together… (a relationship which one might expect if the results were simply a matter of disruption of the dog’s daily routine because their housemate has passed away). It was all about the quality of the relationship between the dogs. If the owner felt strong anger, depression, or symptoms of trauma, the dogs were more likely to seem fearful.

But what about cats? They’re often accused of aloofness, preferring to be single animals and disliking other cats. Of course, there are many that are like that but there are just as many who form intensely close bonds with other cats and even

animals of different species. Many owners have observed clear behavioural changes, particularly if the cats were either related or raised together (such as two unrelated kittens adopted at the same time). An informal 1996 study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that 65% of bereaved cats showed at least four behavioural changes after their feline companion passed away, including a change in vocalisation (either meowing more or becoming quiet), eating less, becoming more affectionate or even clingy with owners, and sleeping more or in different places. In general, cat grief seems to follow a three-stage process. First the cat looks for their lost companion, often by vocalising a lot and showing searching behaviour. Then, they may withdraw and become depressed. Lastly, they seem to accept the change and may show permanent behavioural changes. The ASPCA found that it generally took no more than six months for this process to run its course.

Pet birds, such as budgies and parrots, also tend to grieve for lost companions, often quite intensely. This is particularly true for the larger, long-lived species, like Macaws, Cockatoos, and African Greys, and those that need companionship, such as love birds. They may not want to eat, become withdrawn, or sleep more; if they’re highly stressed, they could even pluck out their feathers. Just like us, animals need to be allowed to go through the process and, as much as it may pain us to witness it, this can’t be rushed.

How can we help them?

Animals often seem aware if their companions are ill and going to pass away and, as such, many people report that letting them see the body of the deceased pet seems to assist them with finding closure. Of course, this isn’t always possible but some owners feel that allowing them to greet the pet before it is put to sleep is of some benefit.

Lead researcher at the University of Milan study, veterinarian Dr Stefania Uccheddu, advises that the best thing you can do for the surviving pet /s is to maintain routine, ensure predictability to their day, and keep interacting with them as normal. Even if the pet wasn’t particularly close with the deceased and doesn’t seem to grieve, it’s still a major change, which will unsettle them. Feed and walk them at the same time, don’t move things around in the house, and try to minimise change as much as possible. Don’t take away the deceased pet’s things (bed, toys, bowls) straight away either.

You can spend more time with them, without fussing, and provide more entertainment, like toys or chewies, to distract them. It may be helpful to provide natural calming treatments, like rescue remedy, a calming collar, or pheromone spray, but avoid strong sedatives as this just delays the inevitable.

Grief has physical effects too, so it’s important to keep an eye on their health. If the surviving pet doesn’t eat for more than three days or refuses to drink for more than one day, seems very listless or weak, and is clearly struggling, contact your vet. Geriatric, very young, and chronically ill animals should be closely monitored, particularly if they’re not eating. If the deceased pet had a contagious illness, it is crucial to watch for any signs of it developing in other household animals. Supporting your surviving pet’s health during this time can only be of benefit to them and, if in any doubt, call your vet.

If we consider the above, and the fact the we as humans wouldn’t dream of trying to “replace” a loved human companion, it seems logical that it’s best to allow the pet to grieve without foisting another major change (bringing a new animal into the home) on them at a time when they’re already struggling to process things. Ideally, wait a few months to see how they adjust - you may find that your pet is actually happier on its own. Shy pets may suddenly come out of their shell, hyperactive animals may become calmer, and subdued ones may develop a new energy. However, some pets will loathe being on their own and need a companion, sooner rather than later. Either way, only time will tell. Many pet owners report that getting a new companion for their pet straight away has indeed made a difference. Whether this is because it improves the owner’s state of mind, which the surviving pets pick up on, or because it truly makes the pet happier is unclear.

Try to put aside your own emotions over the loss and really consider what is best for the surviving pet /s. Are you trying to replace their companion and stop grief (which, as we know, is not possible – it just delays it)? Or are you aiming to add something positive to their lives that they didn’t have before? You might consider consulting an experienced, qualified animal behaviourist to help you decide but, ultimately, you know your pet better than anyone else and you know what is the best for them. Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse, wisely said that, “Animals are sentient, intelligent, perceptive, funny and entertaining. We owe them a duty of care as we do to children.” And that includes helping them heal from loss.

How do I say good-bye?

We’re in this together...

We are passionate about animals and their purpose in our lives. Cremation is a necessary part of the process of loss, but cremation with dignity, integrity and compassion is peace of mind. We are committed to serving you in your grief by helping you through the process of saying good-bye to your pet, through our cremation services and remembrance products.

For more information and to see the rest of our memorabilia range talk to your vet or visit www.legacypet.co.za

Should you get another animal to comfort a grieving pet?

Q: Dear Dr Travis, I have 2 dogs. One is always finding and destroying the bone meal bag in the garden shed. Should I be concerned that he has a vitamin shortage?

A:Ingestion of organic fertilizers, such as bone or fish meal, is a common occurrence in dogs (rarely in cats). The consumption of these fertilizers by dogs is not due to a nutrient or vitamin deficiency, but rather because they find the fertilizers palatable.

The good news is that most of the time, ingestion of these fertilizers usually only results in mild gastrointestinal upsets like vomiting or diarrhoea. With large intakes, more serious conditions such as intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis or bloat can occur, so ingestion by your pet should still be avoided. If your pet starts showing signs such as projectile vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, or abdominal pain, then they should be seen by your regular vet as soon as possible.

If your dog does tend to enjoy getting into the fertilizer, make sure to check that it doesn’t have any additional herbicides or pesticides. These could cause more severe toxicity symptoms such as shaking, altered behaviour, and stiffening of the limbs. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, then urgent veterinary treatment is advised.

Q: Hi Doctor Travis, I’m having the worst time of my life trying to administer deworming tablets to one of my cats. I know cats are more difficult than dogs, who take their pills without too many issues, but my cat is borderline traumatized by the process. We’ve watched all the YouTube tutorials about the swaddling with the towel. But this little guy (13 years old) just doesn’t want to do it. He is better without the towel. By the time we are done trying to get that pill in, it’s just saliva everywhere and the pill has basically dissolved in his mouth. Does he get any of the pill in this way? I’ve tried the Broadline drops, but they don’t seem to be as effective and I’m not finding the drops that we normally used. Do we have any other options here? He’s had worms once before and I don’t want him to go through that again.

A:Pilling a cat can be a very challenging and frustrating chore. Most cats are difficult to pill, and some really put up a fight. Wrapping a cat in a towel, tilting their head upwards, and trying to get the pill as far back into the throat as you can does help, but unfortunately, this isn’t a fool-proof method. Most of the time, if you don’t get the pill in the first time, the next attempt is more difficult. Not only is the cat now aware of what is happening, but the saliva makes the pill soft, and it

Ask the Vet Q&A

tends to then stick to your fingers. Once the pill starts breaking apart, it’s impossible to tell how much has gone in, and most of it is probably drooled out the side of the mouth.

One thing you can consider is using a pill popper. This is a device that looks like a syringe that can be used to get the pill far into the mouth without risking your fingers. This helps to keep the pill off the tongue, which reduces how much the cat salivates because they don’t taste as much of the bitter medication.

A problem with the spot-on dewormers is that not all of them cover the full spectrum of worms. If you are going to try one of these again, make sure it is effective for both tapeworms and roundworms.

In our practice, we have several cats that the owners can’t pill. In these cases, the owners bring the cat in for one of the vets or nurses to help administer the dewormer. You could ask your local vet if they would be willing to help with this.

Q: Hi Doctor, I’m currently 6 months pregnant and I’m a little nervous about introducing our baby to our 7-year-old Pitbull. He is usually well-mannered and a happy dog, but I’ve heard so many horrible stories of dogs and babies not being a good combination. How do we go about introducing our baby to our dog?

A: A newborn baby in the house causes a massive shift in the routine and dynamics of the household, and these changes can be confusing for any dog. To reduce the stress that this change will cause your dog, it’s a good idea to slowly introduce some changes before the baby arrives. For example, if the dog is used to limitless playtime and interaction with you, you will have to start limiting playtime so that your dog doesn’t associate this change with the time you spend with the baby. Additionally, setting up a routine of feeding and walking that will better suit your routine once the baby arrives will help keep a sense of stability.

It would also be a good idea to teach your dog basic commands such as coming when you call, as this will give you more control when the dog and baby finally meet. Keeping your dog on a leash will give more control for the first interaction but be sure that your dog is used to a collar and leash beforehand. Be sure to treat your dog when they have good interactions with the baby, as he will then form a good association with the new arrival.

It does take two to tango, so you’ll need to be aware of how your baby acts around your dog too, especially as they become more mobile and curious. Try to keep the baby away from the dog while they are eating or playing with a toy. A baby won’t understand any “leave me alone” signals that the dog may be giving them, and this is when negative interactions might arise. Babies also like to touch and pull things, so keep an eye that your baby doesn’t do anything that might accidentally cause your dog any pain.

In general, these meetings tend to go well. Just stay calm and vigilant, and they should be good friends in no time.

Q:Hi Dr Travis, I recently got a love bird for my son who is 10 years old. She is very gentle with him, and we want to take her out of the cage more frequently, but her feathers have grown in and she’s starting to fly. How often should we clip her wings, and can we do this ourselves? Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

A:As a vet who deals primarily with dogs and cats, this question was a bit tricky to answer. One of the reasons for this is because wing clipping is a hotly debated topic among bird enthusiasts. While some argue that the procedure helps to tame the bird and protect it from household accidents, many tend to agree that it is an outdated procedure that does more harm than good.

In general, the first wing clip should ideally not happen until the bird has learned to fly and land with confidence. Once the wings have been clipped, it could take several weeks to a few months for the feathers to grow back. This all depends on where the bird is in her moulting cycle when the clipping is done. Owners will have to keep an eye on the bird’s ability to fly and take them for clipping when it becomes needed again.

Regarding owners clipping birds themselves, the answer is no. Not only can the bird be hurt by the procedure itself, but incorrectly clipped wings can cause the bird to free-fall the next time they try to take flight, which can cause serious injury.

My advice would be to contact a veterinarian in your area who is experienced with birds and discuss this further with them.

If you would like to ask Dr Travis a question, please send an email to mail@petprints.co.za

Please include as much information in the email as possible.

Dr Travis Gray

Ty g erberg Animal Hospital

Bellatrix

Bellatrix is a 1-year-old female, domestic shorthair cat. Bellatrix is a playful and talkative cat who adores human interaction and attention. She will be a wonderful companion and gets along well with dogs and other cats.

Brynne

Brynne is a 7-month-old female mix breed pup. Brynne is a very playful older pup. She would do well with a canine companion that will establish boundaries with her.

Chippa

Chippa, a 5-year-old large Africanis female. Chippa is a total sweetheart who loves nothing more than to cuddle and have plenty of snacks. Her soulful eyes can melt hearts and her calm demeanour make her the perfect dog for anyone looking for a low energy, easy-going companion with loads of personality.

Sikhile

Sikhile, a 5-year-old large Africanis female. Sikhile is a lovely girl with eyes that would make anyone fall in love and she knows just how to use her looks to get your attention. She would be so happy to find a human family to love her and to whom she can be loyal, and also loves being with other dogs. She is a strong contender for best dog ever.

Cody

Cody was born on 3 August 2022. A male, small to medium mix breed puppy. Cody is an active boy that loves playtime with his siblings, but is quick to look for cuddles from his foster parents when he needs a break. He is confident and should fit well into any home.

Fred

Fred is a 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat. He is a very lovable and handsome guy, and is a true house cat. He gets along well with other cats.

Shaggy

Shaggy, a 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat. His foster parents gave him the nickname: “Slinky” because he’s got super tall legs and he is very slinky when you pick him up! He loves to play with his brother, Fred. He is such a character and brings so much joy and laughter in his foster home because of all the silly things he does.

All adoptions are subject to a basic home check and adoption fee.

Adoption fee for cats is R700 and R850 for dogs and puppies. The fee covers sterilisation, vaccination and deworming up to date of adoption as well as microchipping (Cats are also tested for FeLV and FIV).

Noodle

This is Noodle, she is 11 months old. Noodle is as big as a Jack Russel and she has the cutest bat ears when they stand up. She is great with dogs and humans and loves her walks.

Honey

Honey is going on 6 months old now. Her mom is a medium to small size cross breed. Honey has the most beautiful colour of Honey. She has been sterilized and great with humans and other dogs. She young enough to get to know cats.

Milo

Milo is a boy going on 6 months old. He is a real cuddle-baby and loves kids, dogs and cats. He also loves going on walks.

Rocco

Rocco is going on 6 months old. He is the most handsome boy and loves his runs as he runs like the wind. Rocco has also been neutered and he is great with cats, dogs and kids.

Dane

Dane is going on 6 months old. The gentlest out of his litter and loves other dogs and kids. He is young enough to learn about cats. He has also been neutered and will be small to medium in size.

Bonzo

We rescued in the nick of time. He is around 3 years old and he plays all day with the puppies in the clinic and he is so gentle with them. He deserves the most loving home. We are not sure what he is like with cats though. Has been neutered and up to date with inoculations.

Lilly

Lilly is around 6 years old. Her family was moving so they surrendered her to us. She is divine with other dogs but not great with cats at all. She would make the perfect companion and watch dog to a family. She has been sterilised and inoculations up to date.

Lola

Lola is 13 weeks old and the cutest little girl. Her mom is a Jack Russel so we estimate her to be small to medium in height. She loves other dogs and is great with cats and kids.

The adoption fee is R950 and includes inoculation up to date of adoption, deworming and sterilization at 6 months old. LEAPS Contact Information: info@leaps.co.za michell@leaps.co.za on 0837347867 for dog and puppy fostering. bronwyn@leaps.co.za on 0722837521 for cat and kitten fostering.

Adopt a

Pug Rescue South Africa started in 2008 by default. Cheryl and Malcolm Gaw who were already Pug owners heard of a stray Pug in need and took him in, and despite the owners being located, they never claimed him. He was given the name Scooby and that is where the journey of Pug Rescue South Africa began.

The Sanctuary is located in Benoni, Gauteng. We rescue and re-home pugs all over South Africa. In other regions outside Benoni we make use of our foster homes. If the Pug does not find a home whilst in foster care, we then transport them to our Sanctuary in Benoni.

Pugs that are not adopted will stay at the Sanctuary. They have cottages and their own gardens. We are constantly fundraising to ensure they have the best veterinary care, food, enrichment programme, love and attention. We believe they have a right to a quality life shelter. Our adoption process is strict but that is to ensure the Pug is placed in the right home. We do not want to have to re-rescue the Pug. We will always remain responsible for any dog adopted from us and we will take back the Pug if the

Pugadopter needs us to.

Pugs being a brachycephalic breed do come with health issues due to their build and other various factors. Within five days of the Pug arriving at the Sanctuary they are sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and given a full medical check by our appointed Vets. If any other treatment or operations are needed, we ensure the rescued dog get the medical treatment that they need. This would not be possible without the support of our amazing supporters, Vets and Specialists.

The main reason Pugs end up at a shelter is because people don’t do the necessary research on the breed. Pugs shed hair 365 days a year. Their nose folds and their ears have to be cleaned regularly as infections can occur. They snore and need lots of attention which is why they want to be in your space 24/7. Most of our Pugs were surrendered to us due to financial reasons and with people emigrating they are finding it harder to either afford the cost or find an airline willing to fly this breed of dogs. More often Pugs are being surrendered as their owners cannot afford the vet care, which is vital if you own a Pug. Often, we get the Pugs after the novelty has worn off and the owner cannot cope

with the dog. This is usually when the Pug reaches 2 years and older. We try our best to educate people to stop buying Pug puppies. Unfortunately, if breeding is not regulated in SA the breeding, neglect and suffering will continue. We currently have nearly 200 Pugs in our care. All animal shelters in SA are drowning with the influx of dogs and cats.

Pug Rescue South Africa also conducts an outreach programme in Daveyton, Benoni in partnership with GDARD and our private Vets.

We are a registered non-profit organization - NPC 2010/008170/08 and PBO930035784. You can request a 18A tax certificate from us for your donations.

We have a Facebook page- Pug Rescue South Africa Instagram- pugrescuesa

Our website is www.pugrescue.co.za Contact- Cheryl Gaw 082 449 2644

All information on our Pugs such as the adoption process and ways you can assist us or more information on Thanda Inja our outreach programme can be seen on our website www.pugrescue.co.za

UP FOR ADOPTION

Popeye Tommy Louie

Louie- fawn is a male Pug and 3 years old. He loves running around in the garden and playing with friends and toys. Louie gets on well with other small breed dogs.

Penny

Tommy- fawn is a male Pug and 6 years old. He has made loads of friends at the Sanctuary. He loves meeting new people and sitting on your lap. Tommy gets on well with other small dogs.

Chepe

Popeye- fawn is a male Pug cross, and he is 6 years old. He is a good boy that loves playing but he is gentle and enjoys chilling on the couch with you. Popeye gets on well with other small dogs.

Jude

Penny- fawn is a female Pug cross and 3 years old. She is a friendly little girl who loves attention and sitting on your lap. She did have an operation on her knee, but has been given the all clear by the Specialist. Penny gets on with other small breed dogs.

Chepe- fawn is a male Pug cross French Bulldog and 6 years old. He is energetic and loves to play. He is slightly bigger than a normal Pug but still the cutest boy you will meet. Chepe gets on well with other small breed dogs.

Pablo Spud

Jude- dark- fawn is a male Pug and 2 years old. Jude can be a little bossy at times, that is why it would be better if he was adopted into a home where there is another dog. Jude gets on with other small dogs and he is scared of the larger breed of dogs.

Spud- fawn is a male Pug and 5 years old. Spud would love a new home and he gets on well with other small dogs.

Pablo- fawn is male Pug and 6 years old. He is a super fun little guy. He loves playing with friends and Pablo gets on well with small breed dogs.

Emergency Welfare Directory

African Tails

AACL Durban & Pietermaritzburg

Brooklyn CT 021 510 7360 www.africantails.co.za

Durban 031 736 9093 www.aacl.co.za/branches-durban

AACL Epping Cape Town 021 534 6426 www.aacl.co.za

AACL Johannesburg Johannesburg 011 435 0672 www.aacl.co.za

AACL Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth 041 456 1776 www.aacl.co.za

Animal Rescue Org

Ottery CT 021 396 5511 www.animalrescue.org.za

AWS (Philippi) Philippi 021 692 2626 www.awscape.org.za

AWS (Stellenbosch) Stellenbosch CT 021 886 4901 www.aws-stb.co.za

Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Cape Town 021 700 4140 www.spca-ct.co.za

Cart Horse Protection Cape Town 021 535 3435 www.carthorse.org.za

CHAIN (Boland) Tulbagh/Ceres 072 609 1165 www.chainboland.co.za

DARG Houtbay CT 021 790 0383 www.darg.org.za

Fallen Angels Cape Town 084 688 7111 www.fallenangels.org.za

Hermanus Animal Welfare Hermanus 028 312 1281 www.hermanusanimalwelfare.webs.com

Knysna Animal Welfare Society Knysna 044 384 1603 www.knysnaaws.com

LEAPS West Coast CT 082 447 8866 www.leaps.co.za

Mdzananda Animal Clinic Khayelitsha 021 367 2302 www.mdzananda.co.za

Peanut Animal Rescue Melkbosstrand CT 076 339 5485 www.peanutanimal.co.za

People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Cape Town 021 638 5134 www.pdsa.org.za

People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals George 044 875 8300 www.pdsa.org.za

People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Soweto, Johannesburg 011 984 4340 www.pdsa.org.za

SPCA Durban Durban 031 579 6500 www.spcadbn.org.za

SPCA East London East London 043 374 1441 www.elspca.co.za

SPCA Garden Route Garden Route/George 044 878 1990 www.grspca.co.za

SPCA Johannesburg Johannesburg 011 681 3600 www.jhbspca.co.za

SPCA Mossel Bay Mossel Bay 044 693 0824 www.grspca.co.za

SPCA Port Elizabeth Uitenhage 041 992 3016 www.uitenhagespca.co.za

SPCA Pretoria Pretoria 012 803 5219 www.spcata.org.za

TEARS Southern Peninsula CT 021 785 4482 www.tears.org.za

Township Animal Rescue Somerset West CT 021 855 1824 www.townshipanimalrescue.co.za

TUFCAT Cape Town 082 433 0932 www.tufcat.co.za

Wetnose Animal Rescue Centre Bronkhorstspruit 013 932 3941 www.wetnose.org.za

Emgwenya Animal Welfare Organisation Waterval Boven 082 262 3197 www.eawo.co.za

CONTACT

info@bm.co.za