Pet Prints July/August 2022 by Pet Prints Magazine

JUL | AUG 2022

Lfound ennie... Love

Get to Know Dr Peter Johnston from Midlands

THE PROCESS OF BLOOD DONATION IN PETS What is a blood transfusion and when is it needed?

Joy

Top Tips

on how to Keep

your pets warm this winter

for with Win

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JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Welcome

Happy Birthday to us!!!

As all celebrations of milestones go, I often find myself reflecting on past decisions and how grateful I am to be where I am today. On this occasion, I had to wonder what my life would have been like if I decided to pursue a career in veterinary care or if I decided to open that pet shop I really wanted. I must giggle at the thought, because I am pretty sure we would have been flat broke due to my inability to separate myself from taking in more animals than I should. I would also have “tested” all the stock I had in a pet shop, rendering it impossible to sell anything, had I chosen that option. I love all things animal and I’m very grateful to be able to share the stories and products we feature with all of you without driving my household to the verge of insanity – well, for the most part.

ISSUE 4, 2022

Jameson, who was photographed running on the beach in early January along with his wonderfully unique sibling, Sambuca. To read about these spoilt pooches and their incredibly compassionate mom, you can head on over to page 8. We also have a superb selection of products and travel suggestions in the Lifestyle pages, not forgetting the excellent advice given by our doctors on things like blood donation, reptile care and answers to questions asked by our readers. Thank you for supporting us through another year!!

Marise Burger Gerhard Maritz Nelda Cilliers Gaironesa Atkins

PHOTOGRAPHY Emma O’Brien Photography

PRINTING Optic Printers

CONTRIBUTORS

Happy reading!

Get-to-Know Dr Peter Johnston from Midlands Veterinary Clinic Top Tips for how to keep Pets Warm - Bryony van Niekerk

So, on this wonderful occasion, I would like to share with you all our dapper-looking cover model,

Love found Lenie - Jessica Perrins The Process of Blood Donation Dr Abby Warren

The Project Earth Mission 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

ON THE COVER

EDITORIAL

CONTACT DETAILS Marise Burger

FEEDBACK AND LETTERS mail@petprints.co.za

071 382 7795 marise@projectearth.org.za

@petprintsmag

Reptile Care Cole Hay Over the Rainbow Bridge - Jennifer Davies Pets need a break too - Brian Berkman Encownter - Bill Aston Dr Travis Gray - Tygerberg Animal Hospital

COPYRIGHT: 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. JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

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CONTENT JULY/AUGUST 2022

04 GET TO KNOW YOUR VET

Get to know Dr Peter Johnston from Midlands Veterinary Clinic

06 FROM OUR READERS

Write to us and stand a chance to win a Red Dingo Leash & Collar Set

08 FEATURE ARTICLE

32 FASHION PAGE

Especially Fur You

34 MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank

36 PETS NEED A BREAK TOO!

Jumping for joy with Jameson

Hemelsbreed in Greyton and Pringle Bay Protea Cottage

14 TOP TIPS

42 OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Top Tips on how to keep your pets warm

The practicalities of saying goodbye

16 LOVE FOUND LENNIE

45 HORSING AROUND

As animal lovers, it’s hard to imagine how anyone could mistreat a vulnerable animal.

18 THE PROCESS OF BLOOD DONATION

What is a blood transfusion and when is it needed?

20 THE UNDER DOG PROJECT

Canega Deworming Horses

46 ASK THE VET

Dr Travis Grey from Tygerberg Animal Hospital answers your questions.

48 ADOPTIONS 50 BREED SPECIFIC ADOPTIONS

Promoting a non-violent society by uplifting the lives of youths and dogs through education and training.

Adopt a Border Collie

22 REPTILE CARE

52 WELFARE DIRECTORY

Raising reptiles

24 EN-COW-NTER

Cows are good swimmers and seem to take to the water naturally.

26 FASCINATING ALBATROSS FACTS 28 COMMUNITY PAGE

32 The Cali Pet Bowl

I am Phoenix

30 B-WELL RECIPE

Golden Milk Tart JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Get to Know

Dr Peter Johnston from

Midlands Veterinary Clinic

eet Dr. Peter Johnston. Dr. Pete opened Midlands Veterinary Clinic in Howick in the beginning of 1994, in a small, humble house on Howick Main Street. In 1996, he built the current hospital at 103A Main Street in Howick. Dr. Pete has a passion for small animal surgery, including orthopaedic and spinal surgeries on small animals. Dr. Pete is also a poultry veterinary consultant, and travels globally consulting the poultry industry. To

date, he has travelled to the USA, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Mozambique, and more. Dr. Pete is also a poultry veterinary consultant, and travels globally consulting the poultry industry. To date, he has travelled to the USA, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Mozambique, and more. Some of the services offered at the Midlands Veterinary Clinic Poultry consultancy include: • Farm visits and audits of biosecurity and disease surveillance programs. • Vaccination program design and updates • Laboratory test interpretation, and report generation.

• Post mortems, disease diagnosis, and control. • Nearby Laboratory facilities, with a full team of Veterinary Pathology specials • Regular consultations with farm and poultry business owners (these services can be offered on a retainer basis). Dr Pete lives in Howick with his wife Shelley, and their four pets; Penny (a Jack Russel), Charlie (a dappled Daschund), and two Cats (Bandit & Ginger). They also have two older sons. Pete is an accomplished triathlete, and enjoys cycling.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Pet Prints and Westerman’s are looking for the most creative little songbirds out there! Design a new bag for Westerman’s Wild birdseed and show us your work of art by tagging @westermansza and @petprintsmag with a photo of your creation on Instagram. Follow both accounts to see updates and find out if you are a winner! THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE AN AMAZING LEGO HAMPER AND A FEATURE IN THE UPCOMING ISSUE OF PET PRINTS

JULY2022 2022| |PETPRINTS PETPRINTS JULY

FROM OUR READERS Chole This is Chole, she is two years old and loves being around people. Chole loves long walks in the parks, and on the beach. Even though she looks big and scary, she’s not. Chole loves playing with kids, and just having fun/playing around. She can be very demanding sometimes when she wants your attention, but she’ll do it in a way that you just can’t ignore her! Chole has been part of our family from when she was born, and we can’t imagine our family without her. - Kaashiefah

LOUIS “I’m Louis – I’m a little bunny with a big personality. I love napping, snacking and doing zoomies in the early hours of the morning. My favourite lunch-time snack is hay. I’m great at tossing my water bowl, and I have a reputation for something I can’t mention here. Spending time with my human is the bees-knees too, though she can be a bit clingy sometimes. But with a face like this, who can blame her!” - Louis (via his human Sajidah)

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Kali - Ma My name is Kali-ma. My gentle, sweet, and friendly nature means you can find me cuddling up on a warm lap or fishing treats off the side of an unsuspecting dinner plate. My best friend is my brother Malko, and I bring absolute joy to everyone I meet, especially my mom! Ruth Frances

@petprintsmag JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Ziggy His name is Ziggy, nicknamed the Black-Bat, and he is one year and five months old. He loves to sleep and snore. He’s a very energetic dog, but when it comes to his walks, after five minutes, he wants to sleep.- Tania Petersen

Picasso Belly rubs, meaty treats, and little trots make Picasso’s tail wag. He’s a brand new addition to our family, and we simply cannot get enough of his cute face. – Fidelia

My name is Don, and I am six years old. I am full of life and love playing catch with the ball. My owner thinks that I should be a circus dog, as I can run fast and jump high. Who knows, I might enter to be a show dog! I lost my girlfriend Shively last month, and I can say I feel the loss, but I still have lots of fun with my family. - Beatrice Bruiners

TOBY

DON Toby, the little chihuahua with the biggest personality. He brings joy & a smile to all who meet him. Loves to be out walking in nature. Favourite snack is cheese. Loves wrestling with his Siamese cat sister Milli. Drew Goldie – Natalie Landsberg-Goldie NATALIE

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA O’BRIEN WORDS BY MARISE BURGER & LUCY PORTER 8

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Joy

Jumping for with

Jameson

Remember when you were five years old, and you would run around the playground splashing in puddles, waving at people going by while smiling from ear to ear? When everything was new and bright, and you could hardly contain yourself at a passing butterfly, and you didn’t have a care in the world? That is who Jameson reminds me of. He reminds me of the friendliest toddler you can find on a playground. He is playful and messy and curious and just all kinds of carefree. You couldn’t find a friendlier dog if you tried!

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

ife has a funny way of giving us exactly what we need when we need it, and on the day we met Jameson, I needed that little rascal to help pick my spirits up. His little, but older, brother Sambuca was also part of our beach shoot for the day, which made the visit even more special seeing that both dogs had been runners-up in our annual cover model competition on two separate occasions, and we finally got to meet them along with their mom who, let me tell you, is one of those people who has so many inspiring stories to tell. Her stories are so inspiring, in fact, that we will feature some in our upcoming issues. So, to give Emma her fix of beach sand and a healthy dose of Cape Town South Easterly, we headed to the beautiful, but busy, Sunset Beach close to Blouberg. Jameson, being his boisterous self, greeted everyone he could. Sambuca on the other hand, just trotted along like a little steam engine, knowing that he would get his chance to play in the water as soon as his mom found the appropriate spot. When we finally made our way past the adrenaline filled kite-surfers, we found a spot to give the boys their moment to shine. While the boys were a little nervous and a little distracted, they did brilliantly. It also doesn’t hurt to have such a wonderful photographer doing the shoot! Once the headshots were done, it was time to play. And what a sight that was. Happiness incarnate!

Here’s what you need to know about Jameson, Sambuca, and their mom, Lucy.

Lucy grew up knowing exactly what she wanted to do with her life from the tender age of five. She was raised by a family that adored animals, and couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else.

“I have always had a strong passion for helping and caring for animals, and improving their wellbeing and health. My second year out of school, I worked for the

“When we head to the beach, Jameson loves to run zoomies, and swim until he’s tired.” 10

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

When I can help the local rescue centres, I do bottle-feeding of abandoned kittens. I love giving this dedication to help the defenceless babies that really rely on you for everything.“ Since welfare is such a big part of Lucy’s life, I’m sure no one will be surprised to find out that both Sambuca and Jameson were adopted. “Sambuca was adopted from Animal Welfare Society Philipi. I saw his post on Facebook on the Friday, and by the Sunday he was sleeping in my bed. He was surrendered at three months old with his brother.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA where I learnt a lot about the importance of vaccines, sterilisation, and general animal care. I went over to the UK to study veterinary nursing in 2002. This is where I discovered that I was truly passionate about post op care and special care nursing. This was due to a case of Parvo I was assigned to. I pulled a Doberman puppy through the terrible virus, and to see the best results in the end was fantastic and very rewarding. Unfortunately, due

to family circumstances, I had to come home. On return, I was offered a job to work for Steenberg Veterinary Clinic. In the sixteen years I worked for them, I was their practice Manager, and for ten years I ran their Vetshops. In late 2020, I was very fortunate to be employed by Animal Travel Services. I help the young babies get to their new homes, and some of the oldies find their forever homes. I really enjoy uniting families with their fur babies! 11

Jameson was adopted from a local rescue, Aid 4 Animals in Distress. He and his five siblings were surrendered at six weeks old. Three were fostered by Aid 4 Animals, and three were fostered by Rescue is Life. Jameson was fostered by a friend of mine. He posted a photo on Facebook, and I fell in love with the cute little heart on his nose. They said his mom was a knee-high mixed wirehaired terrier, and were told that his father was the Maltese on the property (ha ha ha). I think Mom had a night out, and made the most beautiful boy. Mommy isn’t biased at all!” Sambuca will be celebrating his sixth birthday at the end of the year, while Jameson has just turned two, meaning that he’s just made to through the puppy stage! While being a teenager, he’s still a verykeen gardener, but the biggest hurdle of the terrible twos seems to be a thing of the past now. Instead, he enjoys the outdoors and playing with his brother Sambuca whenever he gets a chance. JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

“Jameson definitely helped both Sambuca and myself with the loss of my previous rescue, Guinness. Who unfortunately passed in a freak accident.” Jameson is also an avid runner, who prefers cooler weather. Rain is not a problem for this pooch, leading his mom to believe that there might be some Husky in his lineage. Water sports and the beach are his favourite pastime. “When we head to the beach, Jameson loves to run zoomies, and swim until he’s tired.” Since Lucy works for Animal Travel Services, we asked her if she had any advice for those wanting to take their pets along on holiday, since so many institutions are opening their doors to visitors traveling with their pets. “When heading out on a long or

short distance road trip/weekend away with my boys, they are always clipped-in with their car seat harnesses, for safe travelling. Extra water is always essential for the trip. I always keep a collapsible water bowl in the car, in case of an emergency. If heading into mountainous areas, it’s always good to have some tick protection. We also pack in their beds for comfort on the other side, and it is also has their familiar smell for them. Some pets can suffer a little bit from anxiety, so it’s good to give them some natural calming medicines a few days before travelling. I will always pack an emergency pet first-aid kit, containing some antihistamines, bandages, creams, and wipes for just in case. Jameson is a bit of a goofball, and accident prone. If there are 12

no vets close by, at least we have something in case of an emergency. If you are going to be flying locally with your pet, it is important to keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date. This is a requirement from the airlines. It’s always good to fly with a blanket with a familiar smell of home on it, this also helps to reassure them. If they are regular flyers, you could always crate-train them. This will make the process easier on both you and your pet.” I’m sure our pets would love to go with us on holiday if they could, and how wonderful wouldn’t it be if they always could! I’m definitely making this one of my resolutions going forward. We’ll keep an eye on Jameson and Sambuca for some more pointers.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Jameson or Sambuca Who is more needy?

Sambuca is definitely more needy than Jameson. If he could sit on my lap all day, he would. He must sleep under the duvet in winter, and he cannot wait to lie in front of the heater.

Who loves treats more?

Jameson will do anything for treats and his food. He even talks before every meal. His favourite treats are chicken slivers, and he will do anything for popcorn.

Who sleeps in latest?

Jameson is always up at the crack of dawn. So definitely Sambuca is the late sleeper who prefers to laze in in the morning.

Who is more rambunctious?

I would say Jameson is more rambunctious. Though if Sambuca is on an agility course, he is like a little bullet.

Who is more afraid of getting a bath? Jameson will tolerate a bath but is definitely more scared of the whole process. Sambuca really enjoys it, even the blow dries afterwards.

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JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Top Tipson how to BY BRYONY VAN NIEKERK A strange phenomenon happens every winter, whereby my normally spacious queen bed transforms into a very small single. The cause of this magical bed shrinkage is the fact that I find myself sharing it with a male human, 2 dogs and at least 3 cats. And don’t think they spread out- oh no! They all congregate around me on my side, turning me into a human burrito, so tightly wrapped I can barely move. All while my partner snores away happily. The upside is that I save on electricity with no need for hot water bottles, electric blankets or heaters

(save the planet, cuddle a dog). The downside is that I wake up with aches and pains that a 35-year-old has no business having. I can already hear a few of you tutting ‘Why don’t you just move them?’ and ‘This is why I don’t allow the pets to sleep on the bed.’ And I get it. I could move them. But the bed is the warmest place in the house, and it’s only for a few months of the year, so I put up with it. However, some people simply do not have the option to have the pets on the bed or even in the house, therefore it is important to be able to keep them warm. Pets may have fur, but they are still susceptible to the cold. Remember, if you feel cold, so do they.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Provide your pet with adequate shelter if they spend prolonged periods of time outside. The kennel or doghouse should preferably be placed in an area that is dry and as draft-free as possible, such as the corner of a covered patio. The kennel should also be raised about 10-15 cm off the ground to avoid the cold seeping up and removing the heat from the kennel. You can also insulate the inside of the kennel by nailing old carpet, towels, or even plastic sheeting to the floors and walls.

Whether your pets sleep indoors or outside, they need a cosy place where they can curl up and sleep. You can’t go wrong with a soft bed and a nice, thick blanket. These can be placed in their kennel or in a designated spot in the house. Once again, don’t place the bedding directly on the floor, but rather on a mat or piece of carpet. If you have a dog who likes to drag their blanket around the house or yard, you can get a bed where the blanket is attached. This is also a good option for dogs who like to burrow under the covers. I highly recommend you invest in a good quality ‘human’ blanket. The blankets marketed for dogs are often thin, flimsy, and can be ripped up in seconds, whereas the blankets you buy for yourself last for ages.

Not all dogs like wearing jerseys/jackets and if that is the case, don’t force them. They could injure themselves trying to remove it. In my house, if I put a jersey on Linc, he simply refuses to move, so I gave up on that idea years ago.

There are various heating elements that ou can use to make your pets’ bed/ kennel toasty and warm if you feel it is really cold and a blanket alone won’t do. One of the safest options is a self-heating mat that you can place in their bed/kennel. It works by absorbing their body heat and reflecting it back to them, keeping them warm. Other alternatives are the microwavable heating pads or a hot water bottle. Just take care as the water bottle may leak. Lastly there is a heating lamp. These are an excellent source of heat but once again, care must be taken when installing it. Make sure you use one with a red light as a white light can hurt your pets’ eyes. The lamp should also be mounted well out of reach of your pet.

As tempting as it may be, do not use heaters. Especially if unsupervised. Your pet can so easily burn themselves and their blankets could also be a potential fire hazard.

Who doesn’t love a good sunny spot on a inters day? From the moment the sun rises to about 10 am every morning, you can find all my pets lounging on the bed, soaking up the sun’s rays. Place a few beds around the house in all the sun spots and guaranteed they will be occupied within minutes!

I am no pet nutritionist, but I have noticed hat my cats in particular eat more during the winter months. We even have a running joke about Tinsley’s ‘winter body.’ The fact is that animals burn energy in order to maintain body heat and this energy comes from the food they eat. It may be a good idea to increase the amount of food you feed your pets in winter, but it would be best to discuss this with your vet first. You don’t want the winter body to become a summer body.

Dog breeds with thick fur coats, such as uskies and Malamutes, can handle cold weather better than breeds with short coats, e.g., Jack Russel, Pug, Great Dane. For these dogs, a jersey or jacket can help to keep them warm when they are outdoors or on a particularly cold day. Make sure you measure your dog properly and follow the sizing guide to ensure that the jersey fits correctly and is not too tight. While it is tempting to get the super cute and fashionable jersey/jacket, try to avoid ones with potentially scratchy zippers or add-ons that could be choking hazards.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Love

found

As animal lovers, it’s hard to imagine how anyone could mistreat a vulnerable animal. Yet all to often we take in and hear of animals who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned.

Lennie...

Some of the lucky ones find their way to AWSS. Lennie (previously called Ouzo) was one of the lucky ones. Elizabeth, a kind Samaritan, spotted this poor boy roaming aimlessly and immediately pulled over and came to his aid. Lennie was a sorry sight – his skin so red, rough, and itchy. Ears were thick and scaly, the cracks painful, and his eyes irritated. It was clear that he had never experienced a kind touch and his chance of recovery poor. Though despite all odds, Lennie clung to life and proved everyone who had doubts wrong. Within 2 weeks, Lennie blossomed into a happy and cheerful dog, trusting of humans and with so much love to give.

021 883 9129 info@awss.co.za AnimalWelfareStellenbosh animal_welfare_stellenbosch

Lennie’s story touched the hearts of many, but it was Michi’s heart he stole. She shares his one-year journey with us: When we fetched OUZO from AWSS on 30 May 2021, we had already seen him the day before and were firmly committed to adopting (and not fostering) this little old bundle of mange. He was immediately renamed to LENNIE, after Leonard Cohen, our favourite artist. From the minute we got into the bakkie and he sat on my lap, he accepted us as “his safe people”, and showed us his loving nature right away. He accepted his big dog bed as his home and safe space from the moment we laid him down there. However, it took him two months and more to move around the house and garden without fear, to venture further than his safe spaces, to start barking, and for his lovely fur coat to develop. His first “friend” was our very old cat SLOFFIE. It was so easy to love him from the first day onwards! Lennie loved warming himself in the sun! (These days his coat is so thick, he hardly needs it!)

(not small children) for months, and needed constant encouragement and attention, he was always curious and full of joy, and willing to try walking another street, another path and even around a new block. He accepted a leash without any problems, but (still!) ran and pulled in zigzags all the time, not to miss anything! However, he quickly learned to obey verbal instructions, and after a few months we were able to take him almost anywhere, and safely take him off the leash, which he enjoyed. He still prefers places that are not too crowded with people or too many other dogs, but absolutely loves walking freely in the veld.

LENNIE loves being at home with us. He is (still) food-driven and loves his meals and regular snacks. However, he has never begged for food. He “supervises” me for hours while I work in the garden and cannot wait for Hans to wake up in the morning to dish up his breakfast. He “talks” a lot, all day long, and to think that in the first 3 weeks here with us he never even uttered a single sound – incredible! He is always joyful and loving, waiting for the next adventure, be it a bone brought by a neighbour or one of his dog blankets getting a wash. He has never understood the point or meaning of games and toys, but he enjoys being active. Lennie has grown from being a timid, submissive

and fearful dog into a confident, noisy, loving and lively character. We love him! A month ago, we adopted his friend from across the road, also an old dog, named LUKE. They are like loving brothers, and it is wonderful to see that LENNIE is still top dog, and in charge!

LENNIE is our 4th dog adopted from AWSS since 1981, so we decided that we would introduce him to the same adventures that Lucy, Toffie and Jakkals enjoyed before him. Even though Lennie was always timid and fearful of people

Thank you very much for the opportunity.

The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) is involved in all aspects of animal welfare. Providing shelter for unwanted, stray, and abandoned animals, promote an efficient adoption programme, prosecute animal cruelty cases, and regularly address schools and communities on the challenges of animal welfare and the benefits of a healthy, sterilised pet population. The Society also run a busy on-site animal clinic for lower income groups and frequently visit underprivileged areas to treat and admit sick and injured animals and pets for sterilisation. MISSION: We recognise animals as living beings with the right to a good quality life. 17

We all know that humans can donate blood. Whether you’re a regular donor, an occasional donor or uneasy at the site of blood, each donation can help save lives. The same goes for our furry friends. Blood donations are often critical to save another dog’s life. As a dog’s blood donation has a life span as short as four days, it is critical for veterinarians to get regular blood donations. I’m sure you have many questions, and we’ll try to answer them all.

WHAT IS A BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND WHEN IS IT NEEDED? A blood transfusion is the process of giving another dog the blood donated from a healthy patient. In emergency situations, when there is acute blood loss in a patient, a blood transfusion can save their life. Other examples of when it may be needed to give a patient blood are when certain parasites attack the red blood cells (the basic building blocks of blood) or a dog’s body ‘attacks’ its own red blood cells with an auto-immune condition called Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia. Although there are many other times a blood transfusion may be needed, these are some of the more common situations.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

BY: DR ABBY WARREN FROM: GREENSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Most importantly, what are the risks of blood donations in pets? There are certain criteria for a dog to be able to donate blood in order to make the process safe for both the donor and the receiver. Most dogs donating blood will have no side effects. Dogs may feel tired, as humans do, after donating, so we ask that patients take it easy and don’t do any strenuous exercise over the next day or two.

SOME OF THE CRITERIA TO DONATE BLOOD ARE:

5. Donors need to weigh more than 25kg. 6. Vaccinations. Patients donating blood

should be up to date with vaccinations and deworming as to minimise any risk to the patient receiving the blood.

7. Dogs need at least 2 months between donations. Dogs that have donated less than 2 months prior are not eligible candidates although it is unlikely that such regular donations are required, and pets will rather be called in when a donation is required.

1. Temperament. Although it isn’t a difficult procedure to draw blood, it does make it easier if your pet is able to lie calmly for the duration of the blood collection, even if it is only 5 to 10 minutes. Dogs that are anxious will most likely find the donation process stressful. Even if your dog is lively, they’d still make a good candidate, as long as they are obedient or can be given a light sedation.

BLOOD MATCHING - DO DOGS HAVE BLOOD GROUPS? Yes, dogs have over 13 blood types and they can have more than one blood type. Blood matching is the method used to determine a blood group which determines the compatibility of the donor to the recipient, although it’s not typically needed for the first transfusion the patient receives.

2. Health. Patients that have any health issues or are on any medications are not good candidates for donations.

Not all dogs are able to donate blood, but if you own a large breed dog with an easy nature, why not help save a life and let your pet be a superhero.

3. It’s important that the

dog has never received blood before as this can lead to complications for the other dog receiving the blood.

4.Donor blood will be checked

to ensure their haematocrit is above 35% but this isn’t something an owner will need to worry about. 19

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

PROMOTING A NON-VIOLENT SOCIETY BY UPLIFTING THE LIVES OF YOUTHS AND DOGS THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING Bringing joy to troubled youths, one dog at a time. The Underdog Project is a registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation working with vulnerable youth and dogs in Cape Town, South Africa. We provide a safe and caring classroom environment where supportive adult role models can teach positive interpersonal skills such as empathy, trust and personal accountability through the training of shelter dogs. Our vision is to promote a nonviolent society in which children and youth feel safe and connected to the world around them, living in mutual-respect and harmony with both people and animals. We know that kindness to animals predicts empathy and kindness to others. We also know that domestic abuse and gang-related violence go handin-hand with animal cruelty and our programmes are designed to address this in a gentle, non-invasive way that encourages kind behaviour, positive coping skills and respect for all life.

At our programme, at-risk and vulnerable youths participate in therapeutic workshops that provide psycho-social support and functional skills development via the subject of humane education and animal assisted activities (AAI). AAI have been proven to have long term benefits and lasting impact in both educational and therapeutic spaces.

and children. Our organisational philosophy is built on the belief that the mistreatment of animals and changing of human behaviour can be addressed best by education and long-term interventions, rather than by once-off or ad-hoc visits or activities.

While the youth learn invaluable 21st Century skills the dogs receive much needed mental and physical stimulation meaning our programme is mutually beneficial to two vulnerable groups: positively impacting the lives of at-risk youths, whilst socialising and training shelter dogs to improve their lives in the shelter and their chances of adoption. It has been shown that positive relationships between people and animals can help to promote a nonviolent society, reducing domestic violence directed against women 20

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

How does it work?

The Underdog Project Youth Builder programme is made up of eight to twelve modules, broken up into two hour long, weekly sessions. The first hour provides hands-on positive reinforcement dog training and positive animal interactions. Working with untrained shelter dogs as therapy partners, positive reinforcement dog training techniques are taught to the youth as a form of non-invasive group therapy. Positive-reinforcement training is a force-free, non-violent method of training that builds confidence in both dogs and trainers. The second hour is based in a classroom space with a focus on humane education and skills development activities. These activities provide the youth with a range of invaluable like skills such as team work, communication, time management, accountability and much more.

increase their chances of adoption. Through highly individualised engagement with the participants, the Underdog team aims to create a student-led, preparatory programme that will support its participants on their way to adulthood. These individuals specifically, are recognised in their communities for their training and life skills and act as animal kindness ambassadors who lead by example in caring for animals. In this way our programme ripples out and reaches more individuals, spreading awareness and more kindness.

and dogs. You can check out our upcoming Mandela Day auction and get some incredible items with every cent going to our programmes or you can simply follow us on Facebook or Instagram and show your support through engaging with us there.

There are many ways you can get involved. Check out our website www.underdogproject.org to see what events we have on the go. You can get involved in our Underdog Sport’s Hero Campaign and do your next sporting event in aid of our youth

After graduating from the Underdog Project Youth Builder, graduates apply to join the Underdog Connector. The Underdog Connector consists of weekly sessions focusing on life skills, goal setting and career guidance, while continuing to work with the shelter dogs. It includes more intricate training working with more challenging dogs that need higher levels of patience, perseverance, and consistency. These sessions are focused on more advanced humane education activities for the youth and higher level training for the animals to help FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT, GO TO WWW.UNDERDOGPROJECT.ORG 21

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Raising Reptiles 22

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

BY: COLE HAY FROM: GREENSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Keeping reptiles as pets:

What to consider.

Cold-blooded, enigmatic, scaly, and fascinating – a wide range of reptile species are kept as pets. Social media sharing has also increased the appeal of exotic reptilian pets, ramping up the ‘cool’ factor without new potential pet owners understanding the behindthe-scenes requirements of not only keeping these pets alive, but also ensuring their optimal wellbeing.

Is it legal?

South Africa has bylaws and regulations that govern which reptile species may be kept as pets, and in many instances, pet owners need to apply for and obtain the necessary permits before keeping these animals in captivity. Permits are necessary for many different reptiles, but which province you live in will also determine whether the permit applies. It’s important to do your research before obtaining a reptile as a pet, since there are hefty fines that come as a consequence of keeping the reptile without the required permit.

Is it safe?

Is it economical?

Is it humane?

Is it eco-friendly?

Keeping a pet iguana is like having your own baby dragon, right? Well, if that dragon ran the risk of giving you a salmonella infection, or was aggressive as it became sexually mature, then perhaps. Snakes are also high risk for giving you salmonella, and keeping pet snakes requires plenty of hand-washing and sanitising in between feeding and interaction. It should also go without saying that keeping venomous snakes come with severe health risks!

The industry for captive-bred reptiles is firmly established in South Africa, but there is still a huge demand for wild-caught species. Even so, most reptiles are not domesticated (they don’t seek out affectionate and symbiotic contact with humans) and need

to be kept in specially outfitted tanks, vivariums, and enclosures that poorly mimic their natural environment. When not correctly researched and carefully built, these enclosures can seriously harm and even kill their occupants. If they had the choice, reptiles would prefer to be far away from humans.

Aside from the cost of buying a reptile as a pet (including the licences, where relevant), there are many different habitat requirements to give pet reptiles that home-away-fromhome experience. From tanks, heat pads, basking lamps, special food, and variety of diet (which include dead mice, live crickets, mealworms, etc.) to medicine, supplements, and specialised veterinary care – raising reptiles is expensive compared to a domestic pet.

It is a well-known fact that the red-eared terrapin or slider is an invasive species in South Africa as a result of pets ‘freed’ into freshwater river systems, which then threaten

indigenous terrapins. They carry diseases, compete for resources, and upset biodiversity in wetland ecosystems, and that’s just an example of one species. Before wanting to own a pet reptile, it’s important to consider what would happen to the broader ecosystem if your pet escaped. If you are still convinced you want your very own reptile pet, please do the proper research and consider the long-term experience – both for you and the reptile itself.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

BY BILL ASTON

EN- COW -NTER In 1989 we moved to a lovely house in Hilton, just a few kilometres away from Pietermaritzburg in Natal. There were many advantages to living there including beautiful scenery and the tranquillity of country life. Our road was extremely quiet and lacking any significant traffic flow as it was not a through road to anywhere.

can still remember looking out from our lounge window and enjoying the pleasure of seeing cows roaming in the field across from our property and thinking how lucky we were to have such a rural lifestyle. That was until one Sunday evening as the sun was going down; Carol (my wife) noticed a lonesome bovine wandering aimlessly along the road outside our house. Carol being Carol suddenly took on the persona of James Herriot and proceeded to plan a rescue mission for the stray cow by giving it shelter in the safety of our orchard overnight. At this point,

unbeknown to me, I was to be enrolled as the dependable assistant in this veterinary escapade! The first exercise was to “lure” the cow into our garden – easy? It was assumed that this would take only a few seconds. The plan was to then “escort” the animal through an average size pedestrian gate, past the swimming pool, through another gate to the safety and security of our orchard. The first gate proved to be more of a challenge than anticipated because, as everyone knows, the middle and rear end of a cow are somewhat

wider than the average human being (although I have known some exceptions!). So, whilst trying to pacify a frightened and apprehensive mass of beef, we both had to push with all our strength to try to squeeze the cow through the open gate. Things were not going well, at this point the cow was in an advanced state of trauma, Carol was distraught at seeing her new found friend in such a state and I was hastily becoming irritable and impatient.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

With my last dregs of dispirited tolerance I suggested we muster one final shove and so with all our strength we forced our shoulders solidly into the rear of the animal and “hey presto” the cow burst through the gate like a cork from a champagne bottle! Victory? Not quite! In sheer panic (or relief) the bizarre happens and the cow falls headlong into the swimming pool! Have you ever wondered whether

Cows are good swimmers and seem to take to the water naturally a cow can swim? Apparently, under normal circumstances cows are good swimmers and seem to take to the water naturally experiencing little trouble swimming to the other side of a pond or stream. In fact, most cows can cover much larger distances. Well, this wasn’t “normal” circumstances and our cow didn’t swim, but boy, did it expel unwanted waste when it

was frightened? I quickly grabbed the leaf catcher, no, not to catch the terrified creature (that would have been foolish – I would, obviously, have needed a much bigger net for that!) but I thought that if I could poke its rump with the pole of the leaf catcher then the natural reaction from the sinking beast would have been to escape up the one step at the shallow end and out of the water. Another failed theory! How was I to known that we had a really slowwitted cow that thought the best way out was to flounder towards the deep end for survival? We dashed back and forth around the sides of the pool employing various measures of encouragement, Carol with waving gestures and me with the pool net, to urge the cow to make its way to the shallow end. After several minutes of this commotion the huge beast inexplicably found the step at the shallow end and landed inelegantly on to dry land. I can hear your sigh of relief as you visualise the rescued animal trotting merrily into the orchard – you’re wrong! I am pleased to report that the beast wandered off into the sunset without a thank you – and I wandered into the pool area to start “de-dunging” the water!

Your one stop shop for ALL your pet needs! 0219828026 | Whatsapp 074 181 8811 Shop No.31, Brackenfell Centre, Old Paarl Rd,53Brackenfell

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

FASCINATING AN ALBATROSS IS A LARGE, MAGNIFICENT SEABIRD CAPABLE OF SOARING INCREDIBLE DISTANCES WITHOUT REST.

They spend most of their time gliding over the open ocean. Albatrosses, of the biological family Diomedeidae, are large seabirds related to the procellariids, storm petrels, and diving petrels in the order Procellariiformes (the tubenoses). Albatrosses, of the biological family Diomedeidae, has 22 species. Other members of the Procellariiformes family of seabirds also include petrels, shearwaters, and other seabirds. The albatross can be found in the Southern Hemisphere around Antarctica, South America, South Africa, Australia, and even in the North Pacific. The group name for the albatross is a flock.

OTHER ALBATROSS SPECIES, INCLUDING THE SOUTHERN ROYAL ALBATROSS, HAVE A WINGSPAN THAT CAN REACH UP TO 3.3 METERS.

An albatross can grow up to 88-120 cm long and can weigh up to 7-10 kg, almost the same size as a swan in terms of size. Albatrosses are powerful birds with a white, black, or grey colouring that can be seen in a variety of variations with a long orange or yellow hooked beak. Some species have a single colour, like the southern royal albatross which is almost completely white. Albatrosses may spend months or more at sea without setting foot on land, most of which is spent flying. LIVING AT SEA MAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE LIFE OF AN ALBATROSS, JUST FLYING AND SOARING.

An albatross’ size and where they live depend entirely on its species.

ALBATROSSES ONLY VISIT LAND TO BREED, LAY EGGS AND TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR CHICKS.

ALBATROSSES ARE AMONG THE LARGEST FLYING BIRDS.

THEY USUALLY CHOOSE TO MAKE NESTS ON REMOTE ISLANDS.

The wingspan of a wandering albatross measures up to 3.7 meters across, which makes it the largest extant bird on Earth in terms of wingspan.

STUDIES SHOWS THAT AN ALBATROSS CAN SOAR 800 KM IN A DAY AND CAN MAINTAIN SPEEDS OF NEARLY 80 TO 130 KILOMETRES PER HOUR FOR 8 HOURS WITHOUT EVEN FLAPPING ITS WINGS.

No other flying bird can match the distance traveled by an albatross without beating its wings. Albatrosses lock their elbow joints, which helps the bird to keep its wings extended for long periods with no energy cost from the muscles. THEY HAVE MASTERED A SKILL KNOWN AS DYNAMIC SOARING, WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO FLY ALONG A CONTINUALLY CURVING PATH IN A CERTAIN WAY THAT EXTRACTS ENERGY FROM THE GRADIENT OF OCEAN WIND VELOCITY. CERTAIN STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT SOME ALBATROSSES HAVE FLOWN ALL THE WAY AROUND THE WORLD IN AS FEW AS 46 DAYS. Although there’s no clear evidence, many believe that albatrosses must be able to sleep while flying. They have excellent eyesight and an extremely well-developed sense of smell that helps them detect potential food sources from above. ALBATROSSES ARE ONLY CAPABLE OF DIVING A FEW METERS BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE WATER, UNLIKE OTHER PROMINENT SEA BIRDS, SUCH AS PENGUINS.

ALBATROSSES ARE LONG-LIVING BIRDS THAT CAN SURVIVE FOR MANY YEARS. They can live well into their fifties, sixties, and even seventies. The oldest known banded bird in the wild, called Wisdom, was 68 years old. ALBATROSSES ARE CARNIVOROUS, FEEDING ON MARINE ANIMALS SUCH AS CRABS, SMALL FISH, KRILL, SQUID, AND CRUSTACEANS.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

They will also eat dead animals that they find floating on the surface of the ocean. They will sometimes follow ships and scavenge on handouts or garbage that is left behind. The specific nature of its food varies from species to species, according to its nutritional requirements. Albatrosses are known for being monogamous. They form a long-term bond with one partner that is rarely broken unless one bird dies. Albatross couples would normally return to the same breeding grounds every time they reunite to mate, similar to sea turtles. Nests are built out of earth, grass, feathers, and bushes.

An albatross pair spend limited time together at the breeding ground, meeting up only briefly until their egg is laid. PAIRS TAKE TURNS INCUBATING THE EGG AND SEARCHING FOR FOOD.

FACTS

A YOUNG CHICK HAS A SLOW GROWTH AND IS COMPLETELY RELIANT ON ITS PARENTS. IT TAKES A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE CHICK IS OF LEGAL AGE TO PROTECT ITSELF AGAINST PREDATORS.

ADULT ALBATROSSES GO OUT TO CATCH AND EAT FISH, BUT DO NOT FULLY DIGEST THE FOOD. When they return to the nest, they pump over 1.8 kg of the oily, un-digested food into the chick, causing it to swell. This will keep the chick filled up while the adults are away fishing. A young albatross will take another 3-10 months until it is fully-fledged (meaning that it will be able to fly) and ready to go on its own hunt to find a mate. Of the 22 albatross species recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a total of 15 are threatened with extinction and 8 of those species are listed as either endangered or critically endangered.

Many albatrosses are dying at sea as a result of human activity like fishing lines and fishing nets as well as ocean plastic.

Due to the presence of invasive predators like cats and rats, many are also dying as eggs and chicks at their breeding grounds. The 19th of June is World Albatross Day. It was established in 2020 to raise awareness of a conservation crisis out of sight. THERE ARE MANY MYTHS ABOUT ALBATROSSES FOR SAILORS. IT’S BEEN SAID THAT THE KILLING AND EATING OR EVEN THE SHOOTING OF AN ALBATROSS WILL BRING BAD LUCK, EVEN THOUGH AN ALBATROSS WAS OFTEN ON THE MENU FOR SOME EXPLORERS OUT AT SEA.

Albatrosses lay just one single egg at a time, once per year. It is unusual for an albatross to lay an egg two years in a row, although it can happen in certain cases. It is most likely that an albatross will skip a year in between eggs. Albatross babies are called chicks. The albatross egg has the longest incubation period of any bird – it can take up to 80 days before the chick hatches. Once a chick is born, both birds must search for food to keep the growing chick fed. The male and female take turns to feed and guard their chick until it is large enough to care for itself. After the chick is old enough to survive on its own, the pair separate for the rest of the year and only reunite when it’s time to breed again.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

I AM PHOENIX At only 12 weeks old and with a very bad case of sarcoptic mange, little Phoenix found herself in the hands of a foster mom. Even at this young age, Phoenix was suffering from inflammation, itchiness, and hair loss that is synonymous with mange. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin condition caused by mites, Sarcoptes scabiei. Symptoms include intense itchiness and inflammation of the skin, hair loss, thickening of the skin, and can result in secondary skin infections. This type of mange doesn’t just affect your pets’ skin, but can also lead to lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, and weight loss. After being diagnosed, Phoenix was treated with an antiparasitic and soaked in VetMed Wound and Skin Care solution twice a day after being bathed. Within a week of using VetMed, Phoenix’s scabs had healed, and the inflammation was soothed, along with the itchiness and redness.

While VetMed products do not directly treat mites, its active ingredient, hypochlorous acid, is a powerful antimicrobial molecule that helps to fight off bacteria and other microbes that cause infections. It also relieves pain and itchiness, helps promote wound healing, and is safe for animals of all ages. Phoenix, now known as Nickey, has found a permanent place in her foster mom’s heart, and has officially become part of the family. You can learn more about her story on her Instagram page, @iamphoenixsa.

All VetMed products are 100% natural, free from all harmful impurities, and are safe if licked or accidentally ingested. The VetMed range is now available from several leading pet retail outlets, veterinary clinics, as well as online stores across the country. To learn more about the VetMed range, visit www.blulyte.com, or check out @vetmedsouthafrica on Instagram or Facebook.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

For more information 081 736 1506 kittykazzrescuegmail.com

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JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

GOLDEN MILK TART

It is the sensational story of the union of the sweet, traditional South African girl-next-door, who shared a romance with a sultry, spicy ayurvedic healer. It is the love story. The love child. The golden, aromatic sunset of turmeric, cinnamon and ginger, setting on the shores of a South African Melktert. Vegan & Delicious.

What You’ll Need:

How To Make

FOR THE CRUST

• 1 cup all-purpose flour/ gluten-free flour, sifted • 1 tsp cinnamon • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg • A pinch of salt • 4 tbsp Nuts About Cooking Coconut oil, melted • 3 tbsp agave syrup/rice malt syrup/ maple syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Sift the flour in a large mixing bowl. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. 3. Add the agave/maple/rice malt syrup and melted coconut oil, and begin mixing together. 4. Once everything has combined, use your hands to mix the mixture together crumbling it in between your fingers. 5. When it is fully combined, place in a pie dish greased with baking spray/coconut oil. Press the mixture firmly down, and up the sides to create an even crust around the whole dish. 6. Poke a few holes into the crust with a fork, and put into the oven. 7. Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C. Once golden & brown remove and set aside to cool.

FOR THE FILLING • 2 ½ Tbsp Corn flour • 3-4 tbsp agave nectar/rice malt syrup/ maple syrup • 2 ½ cups Plant Milk (Soy/Almond/ Coconut) • 1 tsp vanilla essence. • ½ tsp Turmeric powder • 1 tsp ginger, finely minced • 1 pinch fine black pepper • 1 tsp cinnamon

FOR THE FILLING 1. In a medium pot, bring 1 ½ cups of your plant milk to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and agave/ maple/rice malt syrup. Stir thoroughly. 2. In a separate little bowl, mix together the corn flour, turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon, pinch of black pepper, minced ginger and 1 cup of plant milk until smooth and no lumps are visible. 3. Add this mixture to the pot and on a low heat stir until thick. This may take roughly 3-5 minutes but do take caution as corn flour can be sensitive to heat, so ensure the stove is on a low heat. (make sure to not scrape the bottom of the pot when whisking) 4. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow cooling for a few minutes. 5. Gently pour the mixture onto the crust evenly, and dust with cinnamon. 6. Allow to set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

KIDS CORNER JOIN THE DOTS 66

63 68

58 61

59 53

51 71

48 47

74 75

43 1

7 8

20 9 19

10 11

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 4. When a cat is kneading it is called? 6. Cats are unable to taste this 7. People shaved this off in Ancient Egypt) when their cat died 8. To grin like a.... 10. To show they trust you and they are content a cat will.... 11. Cat spaying or neutering your cat prolong its life DOWN 1. Group of kittens 2. Socks was the name of which US President 3. The hissing cat in a cat fight is the.....one 5. Which country has the largest population of cats? 8. Who has less bones? Cat or Humans 9. Who wrote old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats?

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JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

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JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK

Hank, a loveable dog with a head full of dreams about becoming a great samurai, sets off in search of his destiny. Unfortunately for him, what he finds instead is the strange and unwelcoming town of Kakamucho. There, he sticks out like a sore thumb, for he is a dog and everyone else is...a cat! And as we all know, cats really, REALLY don’t like dogs. Desperate to please the townsfolk, Hank unwittingly becomes part of the dastardly narcissistic Ika Chu’s plans to rid Kakamucho of all its inhabitants. Just one small obstacle stands in Ika’s way of world domination (okay, Kakamucho-domination) and his evil plan is to trick Hank into helping him, by driving out the townsfolk forever. Step forward Jimbo, a once mighty samurai who has since fallen from grace, and Emiko, a feisty kitten who shares Hank’s dreams. Together this mismatched trio will embark on a journey that sees them overcome prejudices and learn the true meaning of friendship. Pet Prints, in collaboration with The Underdog Project, will be giving away 100 pairs of tickets to the screening of Paws of Fury!!! Keep an eye on our Facebook and IG pages for details on how you could be the first to see Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank

Paws Of Fury: The Legend of Hank hits cinemas August 5

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Break PETS NEED A

too!

“

LUXURY TRAVEL WRITER, BRIAN BERKMAN, SEARCHES OUT THE FABULOUS AND OFTEN AFFORDABLE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR PETS. JULIE, HIS RESCUED MIXED-BREED DOGGIE-DAUGHTER, INSISTS ON JOINING THEM.

“

BY BRIAN BERKMAN 37

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Brian Berkman says while Julie loves Greyton’s wide-open spaces, she barks at the many horses, cows and dogs in the village.

he Sonderend Mountain rises above the Hemelsbreed Estate, just a few kilometers outside of Greyton. And with names meaning “without end” and “heaven’s wide”, you get what you expect you will - wide, wide, wide-open spaces and a dwarfing mountain. That Hemelsbreed is just outside Greyton is, for me, one of its most charming features. It means that if you want the vibe of Greyton’s village life, charming as it is, you can easily enjoy all the village has to offer. But if you want only the sound of nearby sheep, horses and birds overhead, you have a choice of three highly recommended accommodation options on the farm.

Although Witpeer Cottage, a one-bedroom cosy cocoon, has a low back wall under the pergola, most dogs of average dexterity will easily be able to jump over the wall. But that there is no fence in front of the cottage, or indeed the other houses on the large farm, means if you want to let your animals run loose you may. Of course, other people staying on the farm may decide to do the same thing. However, when we visited, the nearby and much larger Wildevy farmhouse was not occupied, and Julie stayed obediently nearby. For reasons I’ve yet to understand,

Julie not only barks at other dogs and baboons, both of which she sees plenty of at home, but in Greyton she barked at the many horses that seem to freely roam the streets along with cows happily meandering the Main. We also encountered many other dogs in the village, but most were on the lead like Julie. Sitting on the deep front stoep (verandah) of the Witpeer cottage, in a deep Adirondack-style timber chair with a comfy cushion, was a wonderful pleasure and we chose to have all our meals outside on the wrought-iron table which looked down into the valley. There is an outside fireplace and braai and most of the time we were sitting close by. If you don’t choose to self-cater, we can recommend Fiore near the entrance of the Greyton village, which is both a nursery, with a lovely and shaded back area, and a restaurant with a wood-fire pizza oven and a tasty menu. Dogs are welcome too. Nearby Abbey Rose is also excellent. Greyton is now famous for its Saturday morning market which we have, unfortunately, always missed. We have been there mid-week and taken a gander past the much smaller version where you can get freshly baked breads and pastries

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

And with names meaning “without end” and “heaven’s wide”, you get what you expect you will - wide, wide, wideopen spaces and a dwarfing mountain. along with some fruit and veg. There are bric-a-brac items available for sale too. If you are traveling in larger groups, The Wildevy farmhouse accommodates 12 people in total if most in your party are happy with dorm-style loft accommodation. There are three kingsized bedrooms each with an ensuite bathroom although all are not fully private. With a jungle-gym play area, a pool and swings hanging from tall trees, there is much here to keep you busy and equally important, benches under trees and many quiet corners for contemplation within the beautiful environment. The waterlily covered dam is breathtaking and guests are invited to swim in it or use the little rowboat. Owner Estelle van Loggenberg loves trees and planted over 500 of them when she and her husband bought the farm and restored the properties. Although today there is little trace of it, a devastating fire destroyed many trees and some buildings too. Estelle has decorated all the accommodation to a very high standard and has not only thought hard about what will make the guest experience better, but also provided it. Wildevy rates are R3000 for six people and R250 per person in the loft. Witpeer Cottage on Hemelsbreed is R1100 per night for two people and even less midweek. A R100 special pet-cleaning fee is levied.

www.hemelsbreed.co.za

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Julie’s dad and Pringle Bay resident, Brian Berkman, explains why life in his village is so precious.

he number of rescued dogs in Pringle Bay, a mountainous and coastal village and the last bay in False Bay, increased ahead of the Covid lockdown as animal shelters like KAWS were forced to close. The economic devastation and countless deaths caused by Covid will long be remembered, but what we remember is that was also how Julie came to be in our lives. Friends who lived nearby in Pringle Bay adopted Julie, then called Bumbi, in answer to the shelter’s plea before shuttering. But, with two large golden retrievers already, they tried to find Bumbi another home. Not long after, we invited Bumbi into our home, felt that for us she was a Julie and not a Bumbi, and that is how Julie came into our lives. That Pringle Bay is a dog-friendly place to visit is a given. Although dogs are only permitted on the kilometer-long beach on the lead, more often than not people ignore the directive and let their dogs run free.

In Pringle Bay, the best place for a pet lover to stay, is at the home of Julie’s first parent, Angela Woodward, a former professional caterer and now someone who supplies and installs fences. Both occupations are relevant as the kitchen in Protea Cottage, her house high on the mountainside of Pringle Bay, has a cook-centric kitchen with everything you will need and plenty you won’t know you’ve always wanted. An example of how well provisioned this kitchen is, is in the selection of coffee-making tools. There are a number of stove-top moka pots, in different sizes, along with French Presses if you prefer plunger coffee. There is a fabulous Smeg hob and stove, a dishwasher, great fridge and then also an indoor fireplace/braai. And, if the mood, season, skill and licence permit it, you could pick mussels from the rocks, catch Rock Lobster and make a paella for a large crowd on possibly the largest such pan you can get.

can offer. Locking gates in front of all the doors, perimeter fencing and electric fencing to keep baboons and others out of the property. I venture even the most skittish person will feel fully secure there. And, for additional peace of mind, there is an alarm with perimeter beams linked to local armed response. The fully fenced property means you can allow your dogs free rein.

As a fencing expert, the property is a showcase for what Eco Fence

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In Pringle Bay, the best place for a pet lover to stay, is at the home of Julie’s first parent, Angela Woodward, a former professional caterer and now someone who supplies and installs fences. The open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining room are perfect for a crowd and the rooms can accommodate eight people in four bedrooms. There is one full bathroom with loo and bath, a shower room, a separate loo as well as an outdoor shower with hot and cold water. Outside, there is a sundowner deck with table and chairs, and, at the base of the garden, a timber covered area with two sun loungers. As a proclaimed biosphere, Pringle Bay is a nature lover’s paradise and a special place to see fynbos and birds, including the very rare Cape Rock Jumper which you will find in Rooiels, a neighbouring village. The Stony Point Penguin colony in Betty’s Bay is a very short drive away. Places to eat out include the well-known Hook, Line and Sinker for fish, Simply Coffee and 365 for breakfast through to dinner, La Galleria for an excellent bistro menu and HRK, Hanging Rock Kitchen, named after Hangklip mountain in Pringle Bay, for pizza (currently open on Friday and Saturday evenings only). Bring your own linens to Protea Cottage. A R400 cleaning fee is applied to all bookings. Rates for two people are R1200 per night or for five to six people, R1700 per night. Contact Angela Woodward 083-650-8563 or angela@ecofencecape.co.za.

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OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

The practicalities of saying goodbye 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. In the previous columns, we looked at dealing with the emotional situation of your beloved animal family member’s passing. But what happens next? We’re confronted with having to make practical decisions about things like burial or cremation at a time when we’re often very vulnerable. We spoke to Mark Slaughter of Legacy Pet Crematorium to find out more. There’s no easy way to start an article like this, since deciding what to do with your beloved pet’s body isn’t a thought anyone wants to consider. Unfortunately, these decisions need to be made, not just for our own peace of mind, but for legal and safety reasons too. It’s an uncomfortable truth but, after death, a body can pose a danger to others. Aside from normal decomposition, if an animal had an infectious disease, such as parvo,

other animals can be infected; euthenised animals pose a significant risk to scavenging animals like birds of prey and dogs, and to the soil and water due to the lethal drugs that have been used. According to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008 (NEM:WA), you have a duty to dispose of things like this in “an environmentally sound manner that does not endanger the environment or cause a nuisance through noise, odour or visual impacts”; bodies that may be infections or contain toxic chemicals (like euthenasia drugs) are seen as “hazardous waste” and must go to an authorised hazardous waste facility. This is why a veterinarian or animal welfare cannot give the body to you once the animal has passed, and why you shouldn’t try to dispose of it yourself. But how does one know what’s best? It starts with understanding the options.

BURIAL

Burial is still one of the most common options in South Africa, but, says Slaughter, it can mean different things. “For example, Legacy Pet Crematorium offers a burial option in Johannesburg, where we bury the cremated ashes with a headstone in our memorial park. Elsewhere, we offer return of cremains for you to bury yourself. On the other end of the spectrum, in some municipalities burial can simply mean the body ends up on a landfill site,” he says. Your local municipality will be able to advise you on their policies. But what about burying your pet in your garden? There are a few issues with this, explains Slaughter. “It depends on your local council, but there may be municipal by-laws against it in urban and suburban areas (for example, it is illegal in Cape Town). Another challenge faced when burying a deceased pet in your garden, is that other animals (including your own pets) may dig up the body. A bigger problem is that if everyone did it, the ground water and soil quality would be affected by the decomposing bodies.” He adds that, if your pet passed away elsewhere, for example in a road accident, owners should take them to the local veterinarian to ensure safe processes are followed.

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A few companies, like Legacy, offer at-home collection as an option in some areas. He advises that it’s important to ensure that the company has a good track record and systems in place to ensure pets are treated with dignity, integrity and compassion, and that they do what they promise to do. If you wish to bury your late hamster or budgie that passed from old age, and it is legal in your municipality, this shouldn’t be a problem - if you ensure that it’s done properly, and the animal was not euthenised with drugs. But, if you can’t ensure this, it’s illegal where you live, you had a large animal or in cases of poisoning or infectious disease, take the body to your veterinarian for burial or cremation by a licensed service like Legacy Pet Crematorium.

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CREMATION

Pet cremation has become the mainstream option for South Africans in the last decade or two, but it’s really not that new, with the first recognised pet crematorium having opened in 1896 in the USA. As pets have become more family member than working animal, so the demand for a more meaningful way to bid them farewell has increased. For our human loved ones, there are cemeteries which we can visit, but this is not the case for pets, so cremation offers a way in which we can have something tangible. Many people find it gives them peace to keep their pet’s ashes at home, or to scatter or bury them somewhere meaningful. The most basic option is a communal or shared cremation. Slaughter explains that “A communal cremation is when multiple pets are cremated together, providing a dignified, environmentally compliant end to your faithful friend. However, it isn’t possible to return the pet’s ashes back to their owner.” A more personal option is individual cremation with return of the ashes – and Slaughter says this is an increasingly popular service. “The pet is cremated in a separate cremator so that our clients are guaranteed that the ashes they get back are of their pet and their pet only.” There are only a handful of dedicated pet crematoriums in South Africa, of which Legacy Pet Crematorium is the largest with three licensed facilities (Cato Ridge in KwaZulu-Natal, Kya Sands in Gauteng, and Philippi in Cape Town). Slaughter says that “Our facilities are only for pets, not humans or any kind of waste. As animal lovers, we feel it’s important that all processes, from transporting to storing to cremation and return of ashes, should be adapted specifically for moving and handling pets’ bodies ethically and with dignity.” Our animals bring us so much joy. When the sad day of their passing comes, we’re here to help you honour their legacy and faithfulness. Through our Return of Ashes service and our range of Memorabilia you can find comfort in your time of grief.

Western Cape | KwaZulu-Natal | Gauteng For more information and to see the rest of our memorabilia range talk to your vet or visit www.legacypet.co.za JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

If you’re thinking of cremation as an option, find out about the company’s ethos, track record, and adherence to standards in order to provide peace of mind. Slaughter says that a crematorium must be licensed – no different to one built for people. “This ensures that it is compliant with South African laws around Atmospheric Emissions licensing, the Department of Environmental affairs regarding Types of Waste Treated on sight and the Provincial/Municipal legislation overall. Before it can even be built, an environmental impact assessment is done and potential issues addressed with monitoring criteria and health-andsafety standards. Once built, it is inspected and audited to ensure that it is compliant with air emissions criteria, as well as the occupational health and safety standards and the national environmental management waste act. It’s not as simple as just putting up a building – it’s a complicated process to set up and maintain, and lots of behind-thescenes work with training, communications and upholding of standards outlined by the relevant acts.” Slaughter says that these things are crucial and should be top of mind, not an afterthought, which is why, “Legacy Pet Crematorium is proud to say we place the environment and legislative requirements at the forefront of our decision-making processes and will remain compliant therein.”

OTHER OPTIONS

Aside from the traditional options of burial Aside from the traditional options of burial or cremation, a few new ‘green’ alternatives are gaining interest. Bio-burial or Natural Organic Reduction (body composting) is a process in which remains are turned into compost to enrich the earth. Companies like EarthPet, a company in the Western Cape, use special ‘bio-chambers’ to accomplish this in a safe, eco-friendly way. Another option is aquamation (not yet available in SA for pets), a water-based process which essentially replicates what happens to organic matter in nature – decomposition but accelerated. Traditional cremains can also be combined with things like biodegradable urns and pods, and plant seeds and soil. Slaughter says that their most popular option is the Biotree Urn, which contains the ashes along with indigenous tree seeds and

soil so that you can plant a living memorial for your pet, indicating a strong interest in environmentally conscious options.

THE PROCEDURE

You’ve said your goodbyes and left the vet’s rooms. What happens next? A strict protocol should be followed to ensure that everything is done in a professional, legal and safe manner. The body is placed into a body bag made of strong plastic; if an owner has requested individual cremation, it will be clearly labelled as such to ensure it is kept separate. The sealed body bag is then placed into a freezer/cold storage specifically for this purpose. Most veterinary practices and animal welfares have a contracted company which regularly collects the bodies to transport them to the crematorium or burial site. From there, procedures differ depending on the company or municipality handling the bodies. In communal cremations, the ashes are taken to a neutral-waste site. In individual cremations, the ashes (also called cremains) are placed into a small plastic bag and then in a casket or urn. These are then delivered to the vet, where you collect them, usually a week or two later. These ashes are neutral so they are safe to scatter or bury. Depending on what you’ve selected, the ashes may be returned in anything from a basic terracotta urn or cardboard box, to a hand-crafted bespoke casket. Other specialist options which are becoming popular worldwide are keepsake items made from ashes, like jewellery, glass ornaments, photo caskets, candle holders, memorial stones, or even turning the ashes into a diamond.

THE QUESTION OF COST

In today’s tough economic climate, cost is always going to be a consideration and you should never feel bad for thinking of it. The least costly option is burial, followed by communal cremation, then individual cremation with return of ashes. Added extras like premium scatter boxes or jewellery, add to the cost. The size/weight of the animal will affect the costs, with smaller animals costing less, as well as whether the service collects it from you or the vet.

On average, for smaller animals (under about 20kg), prices start from around R 500 for basic vet collection and communal cremation or municipal burial. Individual cremation costs vary depending on size of the animal and choice of container, but generally start upwards of R 1 000 and can go up to R 3 000 or R 4 000 for larger animals. This is another reason why it’s best to think about these things before you’re forced to choose – it gives you time to set aside the money so you don’t have to worry about it when the time comes.

MAKING A CHOICE

Because of the mixed emotions a time like this can bring, it may prove challenging to make these decisions. We may feel guilty if we can’t afford to spend much, or uncomfortable with the idea of keeping the ashes. Perhaps we feel awkward wanting things that might seem extravagant to others, or pressured that we should. When we are in a vulnerable space, it can be exceptionally hard to think about these things clearly. If you’re in too much of a state to decide there and then, ask your vet to wait a day or two before sending the body away to be cremated or buried to give you time to consider. At the end of the day, if you can afford a premium service, there is no shame in doing so, just as not being able to afford it or simply not wanting to do so, doesn’t mean you loved your pet any less. Whatever you decide, remember that we do the best we can with what we know and can do at the time. No matter what you decide, your pet will always be exactly where they’re meant to be: in your heart.

In the next issue, we look into the importance of memorialising your beloved pet and how to go about doing this. (If you missed last issues’ columns about coping with grief, how to decide when it’s time, what the procedure of euthenasia entails, and what the disposal options are, please visit our website at www.petprints.co.za.)

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The Practical Aspects Of An Effective Deworming Program As the seasons are changing from summer to winter, it is once again time for deworming. With the resources and information available today, professionals and private horse owners alike can agree that doing fecal egg counting is a crucial part of an effective worming program. By identifying and targeting only the twenty percent of the herd responsible for shedding the eggs and sustaining the worm cycle, we can prevent the occurrence of resistant worms, and ensure that our deworming medications remain efficient. In an environment where horses are stabled, obtaining a manure sample is an easy task first thing in the morning. But how do we get individual samples from horses living outside in a herd? This is one of the reasons why some owners might choose to simply deworm the entire herd, and yet there are fairly simple methods of getting individualised samples, and it is definitely worth the little bit of extra effort. The average horse produces four to twelve piles of manure every single day, so the first method is to take a relaxing time‐ out and spend a few hours in the paddock or field with the horses. We find that, usually within 2 hours, every member of the herd would have given us a sample that is easy to collect and label right away. It is also a good time to watch herd dynamics, or merely sit and appreciate these beautiful animals, reminding ourselves of why we love them so. Another method involves a bit of exercise to get the bowels moving. You can take the horse for a ride, and with a bag or glove for the sample in your pocket do light lunging or even get the entire herd moving in their paddock or field. Both physical and psychological strain will cause a horse’s bowels to move, so you can also introduce an interesting or never‐ before‐seen object into the herd, or simply lead your horse past an object he is not used to or sometimes finds quite intimidating. After obtaining the sample, another matter preventing owners from doing worm counts is not knowing where to have them tested. You can contact your local vet for advice. Also, it is often worth locating your nearest state vet laboratory and taking the samples directly to them. There are also service providers who bring the necessary equipment to your yard or farm and do the tests right there, as well as advising you on the correct dewormer to use. The time has come for the entire equestrian community to get on board with responsible and effective deworming programs. The results are worth it, because nothing is as beautiful as a healthy horse, inside and out.

JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

Ask the Vet

Q: Hi Dr. Travis. I’m curious about cat eye discharge. What is normal and what is not? We adopted a one-year-old cat last year, and she constantly has dried eye goop inside the corners of her eyes. I clean it daily, although she hates it. It doesn’t look like it bothers her, but should I be concerned? My other cats have never had this problem. A: Chronic eye discharges in healthy cats are quite common. There can be several causes of this, including a blocked tear duct, allergies, infections or abnormalities of the structure of the eye itself. If the eye seems red, or has a milky appearance, this is an indication of inflammation, and the patient should be seen by a vet. If the patient is showing any squinting or blepharospasm (constantly holding the eye closed), then this is an indication of pain, and should also get veterinary attention. Viral and bacterial infections of the eye usually cause a thick, yellowish discharge, sneezing, and a discharge from the nose. These normally require antibiotics to clear up. If your cat isn’t showing any of the abovementioned symptoms, I wouldn’t be too worried.

rate. As an emergency vet, I’ve seen many cases of THC toxicity in dogs, and some were caused by well-meaning owners trying to give products without consulting their vet. So be cautious, and don’t give anything to your animals without consulting your vet first. Q: Dear Doctor, I have a German Sheppard who is very destructive. He digs up the garden like crazy! My friends say that it’s because I don’t exercise him enough, but he has bad hips and I’m afraid to walk him. Do you have any guidelines for this? I don’t want him to feel pain while walking, but my garden is also becoming a frustration. A: When dogs become destructive, then unfortunately boredom is often the cause. In dogs with hip problems, exercise is an important way to help maintain joint health, if done in moderation. Sedentary dogs are more prone to weight gain, which increases the load placed on the hip joints. Exercise is also important to maintain muscle strength and joint range of motion. But you have to be careful.

Q: Hi Doctor Travis, I’m curious to get your opinion on CBD products. I recently spoke to someone who claims that there is no effect of this product on animals, but I’ve also spoken to people who have had great success calming their dogs with pet products containing THC. Do you care to share you experience?

A: The use of CBD products in veterinary medicine is still quite controversial, and this is largely because there are very few decent studies to support its use. CBD oil is claimed to help with an array of problems from pain and anxiety, to seizure control. Some vets and clients find it beneficial in their patients, while others view its use with more caution. The uncertainty is compounded by the wide variety of CBD products that are available. Some contain higher amounts of CBD than others, while some may be of poorer quality, or contain THC. Therefore, if you are interested in using CBD in your animal, I would suggest chatting to a veterinarian who has experience with its use, so they can advise a brand that is trusted. THC is the psychoactive compound of marijuana; in other words, the compound that causes the “high”. Unlike CBD, the use of THC is not recommended in dogs, and causes adverse effects like incoordination, drooling, mental depression, and lowered heart

Low impact exercise such as swimming is a great way to maintain joint mobility without putting strain on the joints themselves. Some animal physical rehab centers have water treadmills that help in this way too. If swimming isn’t an option, then controlled lead walking can also be beneficial. Walking up gradual inclines might be uncomfortable for him at first, but will help strengthen the extensor muscles at the back of the hip. When walking a dog with any joint problems, never walk them for longer than they seem comfortable. I would suggest against any running because of the high impact, and steps are best avoided as climbing them would place a lot of strain on the hip joints. If exercise isn’t an option, then you might want to look into boredom busting toys that could occupy his attention. Some toys and puzzles release treats as the patient plays with them, and can keep them interested for lengthy periods of time. Just remember; you don’t want him gaining weight if he has bad hips, so if you’re feeding more treats, you’ll have to reduce his food a little to compensate for the additional calories. JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

While this may not apply directly to this question, I just want to add that working with an animal physical rehabilitation center can really benefit patients with degenerative hip diseases. When a patient has pain in their hips, they might not use their leg muscles properly, and compensate with other muscle groups while walking. This can weaken certain muscles in the legs, and place strain on other areas such as the back. A veterinary physiotherapist would be able to recognize these weaknesses, and assist with exercises that help maintain strength and overall joint health. Q: Hi Doctor Travis, my kids are nagging me to get rats as pets. What do I need to keep in mind while considering this? A: Rats can make fantastic and loving pets! While they may be relatively low maintenance compared to other animals, they are not maintenance-free, and will require proper care and nutrition to live happy and healthy lives. They normally live for around two years, so by getting one, your children need to be ready for at least a two-year commitment. Since rats are social animals, it is often better for them to have a partner in addition to the human attention that they get. To prevent unwanted babies, make sure that they are of the same gender or have the male neutered.

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Before getting the rat, be sure you have an appropriate place for them to live. Rats require more space than hamsters do, and the cage should preferably have different levels so they can climb around. Keep the cage away from draughts, loud noises or direct sunlight, and if you have any cats or dogs, make sure they can’t get to the area where the cage is being kept. This cage will have to be cleaned at least weekly to prevent respiratory disease. Rats are very intelligent creatures, and require stimulation in their environment. This can be provided by rat-friendly toys and chewing blocks. They also need daily time outside of their cage. Supervise your children while they are playing with the rats to be sure they aren’t too rough with their handling. Rats are small and can be seriously injured by children who hold them too tightly.

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Lastly, before getting a rat, make sure that one of your local vets is able to help you if they get sick. Not all vets know much about rats, or are comfortable diagnosing and treating

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.

Address Unit12, The Siding, 22 Plantation Road, Ottery General Email info@bm.co.za

Dr Travis Gray Tygerberg Animal Hospital

Office Number 021 704 2720 JULY 2022 | PETPRINTS

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