Pet Prints March 2021 by Pet Prints Magazine

Contents

8 Pg 4 Get to know Dr Liezl Horn from Strand Animal Hospital Pg 6 From Our Readers

Pg 28 Community page

Pg 36 PETS NEED A BREAK TOO - Traveling With Brian Berkman and Julie

Pg 32 Lifestyle - All about sustainable living

Pg 42 Euthenasia Of Your Pet Fish - Dr Sasha Saugh

Pg 8 Esmarie Yssel on broadcasting and her bouncy Bearded Collies Pg14 TOP TIPS - For walking your dog Pg 16 Get Pet Food Savvy- What you should know about pet food ingredients

Pg 44 Horsing Around - The Origin Of Horses Pg 46 Ask the Vet with Tygerberg Animal Hospital Pg 48 Adoptions

Pg 20 Rhino Art

Pg 50 Breed Specific Adoptions Ridgeback Rehab

Pg 26 Fascinating Otter Facts

Pg52 Welfare Directory

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

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FROM OUR READERS Zellie

Hilda and her sister, Raspberry, were originally bought as layer chickens, but we have completely fallen in love with their super friendly, quirky personalities, and they have become much loved members of the family (with the added bonus of supplying us the occasional breakfast treat)! – Meagan Beier

Issabelle

This is Romi. We adopted her in December, when we moved into our new home, as a friend for our older cat. She has since taken over the household. When she is not sleeping somewhere in a box, she can be found stretched out on the couch. She loves playing fetch with her favourite pom-pom and may also be seen bouncing after ping-pong balls. She has many facial expressions and we laugh at her, and take photos of her daily. Our little princess forever! – Kim Hawes

Hilda & Raspberry

ROMI

Zellie, my starfish. Sometimes rescuing animals feels like a daunting experience - and I often feel overwhelmed by posts of abandoned and neglected animals on social media. A passionate animal lover like me might become despondent when faced with the vast amount of animals that need help, but I would like to remind everyone about the Starfish story that can be found on the internet. (https://eventsforchange.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/the-starfish-story-onestep-towards-changing-the-world/) Zellie is one of my starfish stories! – Susan De Wet

Meet Isabelle, a rescue Pitbull that has graced our lives for the past two years. We are so fortunate to have this happy-go-lucky little girl as part of our family. Bella loves smiling for the camera and doing cute tricks! The friendliest lap dog you will ever meet, who will forever try and be an advocate for the rescue of pit-bulls and how important it is to give them a second chance! – Frenet Botha

Tag us on instagram @petprintsmag 6

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Rose came to our family recently after her original owner had passed away. She is such a happy, friendly little dog, and is an absolute laugha-minute character! – Meagan Beier

SAM

ROSE

Odin

From the tiniest puppy to the biggest boy, we clearly made no mistake in naming him Odin. It has been such a pleasure watching my shy pup grow into a gentle giant in only 2 years. I cannot believe how big he has grown in what feels like the shortest time. Mommy’s goofy boy, that will always remain a baby, even as he outgrows me! – Danielle Botha

Sam is a 1 year old Pekingese that has a heart of a puppy. Sam’s favorite toy is a fluffy Rogz ball, he only has about 24 of them! - Michelle Scrooby

dante “Hi, my name is Dante. I am a 4 year old Africanis male. I was born in Johannesburg and, along with my sister, we were rescued by my Mom, Lucinda, from a man trying to sell us at 3 weeks old. Life is great! I am currently living in the South of Portugal, near the beach (it’s like a giant sandpit, but I don’t really like the water). I enjoy having my head tickled, eating biscuits and going on long walks. When my parents are late in taking me for a walk, I sing and dance to remind them they are running late!! I am very friendly and love playing with other dogs, except I don’t understand the other dogs’ language when they bark at me since I don’t bark in Portuguese! I live at home with my 15 year old brother, Razor. He is a Cocker Spaniel that I love very much and I’m very protective of him. I also have a crazy cat stepsister, Cleo (she scares sometimes). Thanks for talking with me but now my dad, Jo, is calling, its walking time!” – Lucinda

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MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Y PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA O’BRIEN WORDS BY MARISE BURGER AND ESMARIE YSSEL BELLE GROOMED BY THE DOG AND CAT SPA ESMARIE GROOMED BY NELLA’S CLOSET & PINK HOTNESS ARTISTRY 8

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Esmarie Yssel &

D E D R A E B Y C N ON BOU ASTING C D A O R B COLLIES

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

A “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

This is the inspiring message that I took away from my interview with Esmarie Yssel, the well-known voice for Klankkoerant, the current affairs breakfast show of Pretoria FM. This is, of course, a quote from Lord of the Rings, one of Esmarie’s favourite movies. Talking to Esmarie feels like you’re catching up with an old friend. There are no uneasy pauses or carefully constructed answers. It’s just a conversation between two people talking about life. We digress and talk about movies halfway through, what is supposed to be a professional interview, and laugh and joke at some of the comments when we get back on track. It’s easy to see why Esmarie chose a career in journalism and why she and radio are such a good fit. She is a conversationalist and puts people at ease, with ease.

Starting her day at 4am every morning, means that Esmarie grabs a cookie as she walks out the door, careful not to disturb her family who is still soundly asleep when birds have hardly woken up themselves. When the red “On Air” sign lights up, it’s game time.

Armed with a cup of Rooibos in one hand and a microphone in the other, Esmarie and the team of Klankkoerant wakes up the citizens of Pretoria with news highlights and current affairs. The discussions on this show are informative and intellectual and so are the specialist spokespersons who are invited to join in the discussions. From there it’s all about the news and putting together the sound clips that make up the bulletins we so easily dismiss for everyday radio reporting. This, however, does not mean that Esmarie is just a serious person. She is intelligent and has a keen eye for news, but she is also one of the bubbliest and light-hearted people you’ll meet. Once the working day is over, Esmarie heads home to spend time with her family. Esmarie and her husband, Elrich, share their home with two very boisterous and bouncy Bearded Collies, Bentley and Belle. With personalities as big as their “fros”, these dogs are the life of the party. Counter surfing and gardening being their main talents. It’s easy to dismiss Bearded Collies as placid or submissive dogs due to their fluffy appearance. The main thing to remember here is that they are still a Collie breed. Bred in Scotland as working dogs, Bearded Collies aren’t very common in South Africa. They are high maintenance with regards to training, exercise and grooming. As with all journalists, it was clear that Esmarie had done her research and knew of all this before she and her husband considered the new additions to become part of their family. “Bentley was 16 months old when we adopted him from Ashvale Bearded Collies. We were already on the waiting list for a puppy, but wanted to give him a forever home. His adoption came at the perfect time, as it had already been four years since Nina passed on, and my dog-mom heart was still longing for that kind of love. It was the best decision we’ve ever made. We got Belle as a puppy and named her after Beauty and the Beast’s Princess Belle, which means beautiful.” As can be imagined, Bearded Collies need a lot of exercise. They need walks and runs, and since Esmarie and her husband are keen hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, it pays off to have an active canine companion or two. About three years ago, after one of these long walks, Bentley started limping.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

What was thought to be inflammation turned out to be Osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that starts out in a bone tumour, but can quickly metastasize to the lungs. The prognosis was not good and the vets were not optimistic , but thanks to the holistic approach of Dr Gary Eckersley, Bentley was spared the amputation of his leg, and treated with specialist surgery to remove his ulna.

conversations she recaps draws you in and makes her an exceptional storyteller. So, it should come as no surprise that Esmarie also writes poems and stories. Story-telling, in many forms, is in her blood.

“ Today Bentley is healthy, but his leg is sometimes still sensitive, especially in overcast and cold weather. We feel a new growth on the exact same spot where the sarcoma was surgically removed. He is however still on seven naturopathic medicines, prescribed by his specialist, including CBD oil, and there’s no sign that the cancer is back or that he’s feeling any discomfort.

When asked if she would ever consider another career, the answer was quite surprising. “I would love to make a career change and become a nature conservationist. I would focus on my passion for the natural environment. If I could be in forests or be hiking up mountains as part of my career as well as with my husband and beardies, I would have everything that I could possibly want.”

Words can’t describe how grateful we are that we could save his leg. In May of this year, it’ll be three years since diagnosis. His prognosis – with chemotherapy – was 3 to 6 months.” As a journalist, Esmarie has made it her life’s mission to tell the stories of others. The rhythmic recollection of the

She loves watching all kinds of different movies and series. Everything from documentaries to fiction.

I think this is exactly why Esmarie writes the most amazing travel guides and reviews. Adventures in Thailand and New Zealand are summarised in her travel blogs, and tell the stories of adventures shared with her husband, Elrich. Elrich Yssel, by the way, is also a wonderful story teller and shares his talents on

screen as a film maker. He recently won the award for best short story at the Forum Films Film Festival. So, what does a day behind the scenes really look like in a household that homes two bearded collies and two full-time professionals? Do the kids ever get naughty? “Belle has destroyed more shoes than I could keep count of. They love playing tug of war with socks or slippers that they’ve stolen. And Bentley is the gardener. He has a special talent for digging holes. It sometimes looks like he’s planning a prison break. Our beardies are also talented counter surfers, so, one should never ever leave any pleasantsmelling food on the kitchen counter.” This is not surprising, we’ve all been there and we still love our pets dearly. No, you won’t get that block of cheese back, and yes, the grass will grow back! Life with a dog will always be an adventure. As always, we wanted to find out what advice a seasoned mother of beardies had to give to anyone wanting to bring a Bearded Collie into their home.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

“Brace yourself for the purest kind of love and affection. If you’ve never had a beardie, you won’t be able to grasp the emotional bond that you can have with a dog. A beardie WILL steal your heart. There’s also something about their eyes. You can see the light and life of the beardie’s spirit in them. And their noses… they give them a teddy bear-like appearance. They’re bouncy and very active. If you’re not an active, outdoorsy person who likes to throw a ball or play tug of war, a beardie is not the breed for you. You have to make time to play with them and to take them for walks. As they also have active minds, they need to explore for much-needed stimulation.

Your backyard should also be big enough for a beardie to run at full speed. They are double-coated dogs who need intense grooming to prevent the undercoat from matting, which takes effort and time, but once you’ve owned a beardie, you’ll never want another dog breed ever again. Bentley is a cuddle bunny and Belle a busy bee. Bentley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma more than 2 years ago and our journey with him has been one of blessings and gratitude. Both of them sleep on our bed, so, they’ve stolen our bedroom and our hearts.”

“Words can’t describe how grateful we are that we could save his leg. In May of this year, it’ll be three years since diagnosis. His prognosis – with chemotherapy – was 3 to 6 months.”

It’s easy to see why Esmarie is so fond of her “beardie bears” as she calls them. She shares many of their traits. She is fun-loving and outdoorsy, intelligent and charming. We hope to see a lot more of Esmarie, Elrich, Bentley and Belle in the near future. Whether it be on television, on a hiking trail in Pretoria or in their Instagram Stories where they venture into the hills of Scotland. This is definitely a couple you want to keep eyes on.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

BY BRYONY VAN NIEKERK

for your

Walking Dog 14

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Picture this: A magical early morning, the sun is shining, there is a gentle breeze blowing, and your pups can barely contain their excitement, because you are almost at your destination - the dog park (or in our case, a lovely park that is frequented by many a dog). You hop out of the car, clip on the leash and off you go. As you are completing the first loop, you spot a woman and her larger dog near the entrance. Since your dogs are not particularly fond of others, you put them on a short leash and place yourself between them and the other dog. Then, to your horror, the woman proceeds to unclip her dog’s leash allowing her dog to approach you. Your dogs are getting anxious and growling, and they are starting to turn on each other. Like a well-rehearsed scene, you and your partner each swiftly pick up a dog, breaking up a potential fight and hold them out of reach of the intruder. All the while, the woman just stares at you with a big smile saying, ‘He’s friendly! He won’t bite’, oblivious to the fact that your sweet, little dogs have turned into rabid beasts in your arms. By this stage you are fuming, partially deaf and no amount of death glares and replying, ‘my dogs are NOT friendly,’ deters the crazy woman.

make it difficult to restrain and control your dog, if the need arises, so rather stick to a conventional 1,2m material leash.

Scenes like this have happened to us on one too many occasions and I am sure that many of you can relate as well. Lack of consideration, or even ignorance, can make walking your dog in public places very stressful and may even lead you to avoid certain places all together. Read on for some top tips for dog park etiquette.

Scoop The Poop

Tips If You Like It, Put A Leash On It!

Your dog should always be on a leash unless you are in a dedicated “off leash” area, and even then, only do it if your dog has excellent recall and is voice trained. Calling out ‘its ok, he’s friendly’ does NOT make it alright. Many dogs are on a leash for a reason; they may be reactive, scared, nervous or even deaf. Dogs, like people, need personal space and having it invaded (even by a friendly dog) can heighten their insecurities and cause them to react in a negative manner. I also recommend not using a retractable leash. These are perfect for walking in wide open and secluded spaces, but not populated areas where you are likely to encounter other people, dogs and cars. Retractable leashes

Colour Code

There is a very popular system used around the world using different colours to signify different health or behavioural issues; be it aggression, deafness, blindness, nervous disposition or in training, to name a few. There are 8 colours with the following meanings: red- caution, orange- no dogs, green- friendly, white- deaf/blind, bright yellow- up for adoption, light yellow- nervous, blue- in training, purple- do not feed. Owners can either attach a coloured ribbon to their leash, or use a coloured bandana, or even colour coded collars and leashes with large, embroidered writing on it to alert people to their dog’s particular issue. This system is very effective as the colours are visible from a distance and provide advanced warning to others. While it is not widely adopted in South Africa, many pet parents are aware of this system and are turning to it more and more.

I know, I know, it’s a dreadful job and no one likes doing it, but it really is a must. And you have to do it EVERY TIME. It just takes one person not cleaning up after their dog for the next person to come by and think, well if they didn’t have to do it, neither do I. Before you know it, it is dog poopageddon and it really is as scary as it sounds. I suggest attaching a poop bag carrier to your leash so that you are never caught unawares, disposing of the package in the nearest bin. Whether you have a small Yorkie, or a small horse disguised as a Great Dane, remember to SCOOP THAT POOP!

Ask Permission

This might seem like a no-brainer, but I have witnessed countless interactions that prove otherwise. Before unleashing your dog on some unsuspecting person in the name of socialization, first ask permission. The same applies before approaching and petting another dog. People, especially children, assume that they can pet my dogs because they are small and just come charging in, not realizing that my

dogs have not been exposed to children and are prone to snapping. Always ask permission and teach your kids to do the same.

No Puppies

Taking your puppy to a park might seem like a good idea, but the reality is that you could be exposing them to a variety of threats, especially if they have not had all their vaccinations. Parvo is a real danger, and your puppy can become infected with the virus through direct contact or through contaminated faeces (another reason to scoop that poop!). If you would like to socialize your puppy, rather attend a puppy socialization class.

Assume The Worst

This might not be a conventional tip or even apply to everyone, but, if like me, you have semi reactive dogs who can be slightly unpredictable in their behaviour (I never quite know which dog he will like, or if the person walking by will offend him), assuming the worst is a good mind set to have. For me it means putting my dog on a shorter leash and placing myself between my dog and the other person. This ensures that I have my dog under control and creates a buffer, thereby protecting both my dog and others. Additionally, this lets me assess each situation as it arises, and I can either permit the interaction to take place or avoid it all together.

Respect

In the words of Aretha Franklin R.E.S.P.E.C.T. It is as simple as that. Having respect for the park rules, the environment, fellow dog walkers and other users of the park will go a long way to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the communal space.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

GET PET FOOD

Y V V A S

BY JENNI DAVIES

“Most of us don’t even think twice: dogs and cats eat pet food that we buy in packets or cans, and that’s that. After all, it’s convenient and contains everything they need…right? Well… it’s complicated. Pet nutrition is still a relatively new field and there is endless controversy, and no consensus, over what’s best. This, combined with a highly competitive, multibillion-dollar pet food industry that isn’t always transparent, makes it challenging for pet owners to make informed decisions about what we dish up for our furry friends.

”

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PFISA The Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI) is a non-profit, voluntary industry body formed in 1998 by pet food manufacturers dedicated to upholding quality standards and safety in pet nutrition through regular, regulation testing. Michelle Khoza of the PFI says that, “While membership is not mandatory, those brands that have chosen to join our association have committed to uphold high standards of quality and safety, putting the wellbeing of pets first.

for about 160 years and South Africans only took to pellets from the 1960’s. Just as we see the effects of a processed diet in people, we see the effects in animals too. It makes sense, then, to go for as natural a diet as possible. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to feed them raw food, but it does mean we need to respect the balance of nutrients and food sources needed for good health.

Choosing a PFI member brand is an additional check point, to ensure that you are feeding the best food that you can afford.” Suspect products (both members and non-members) can be reported to PFI.

Michelle explains that, although the PFI itself can not legally take action, they offer a vehicle to raise concerns; they can investigate and then ensure they’re brought to the attention of the relevant regulatory bodies. You can check if your pet’s food is a member, find other member brands, and report pet food issues at www. pfisa.co.za or by emailing info@pfisa. co.za.

URVIVING VS THRIVING

It is important to understand that there is a big difference between an animal simply staying alive (surviving) and being the healthiest and happiest they can be (thriving). Wild canines and felines ingest some plant matter and grains from the stomach and crop contents of their prey, and by nibbling plants. However, the majority of their food comes from animal sources, mainly flesh (mammals, reptiles, fish or birds), although they also eat insects, grubs, eggs, etc. All these contain both carbohydrates and protein, fibre, fats, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, amongst others. Nowadays our pets may not be living wild and their digestive systems have evolved accordingly over thousands of years. Commercial pet food has only been around

HAT’S IN THE BAG?

In broad terms, most commercial pet foods contain a mixture of protein (usually from meat/meat by-products, but may be soy or pea), carbohydrate (usually feed-grade cereal), fat, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and additives, such as gelling or thickening agents, stabilisers, flavourants, colourants and preservatives. Nutraceuticals (food substances thought to have extra health benefits) and herbal extracts may sometimes be included for specific conditions.

HAT’S ON THE TAG?

For pet food to be sold legally in South Africa, it should be registered with the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) according to Act 36 of 1947. Certain things, including the registration number (aka ‘V Number’), ingredients list, nutrient breakdown and manufacturing and expiry dates must appear on the label. If something isn’t listed clearly and you want more information, ask – if the company doesn’t want to tell you, alarm bells should ring. An additional ‘check point’ is to find out if the brand you’re buying is a member of the Pet Food Industry Association of South Africa (PFISA) as they have all undergone additional checks in terms of ensuring compliance to the law before they are ratified as members.

Meat/meat by-products: This can include anything from pieces of meat, to offal, blood, bone, skin, sinew, cartilage and fat, amongst others, and may be listed as ‘meal’ (dried and ground). Chicken, beef, lamb and fish are most used. You may see the term ‘novel protein’ in hypoallergenic and premium foods this refers to less-common sources like duck, rabbit, venison and ostrich; the idea being that they’re less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive pets.

used are wheat or corn/maize (usually GMO), although barley and sorghum are also popular. Other sources include sweet potato, peas, potato, tapioca or rice, especially in hypoallergenic products. Pellets can contain 50% carbohydrate; without this, the process used to make dry pellets (extrusion) and provide a long shelf life, would not be possible. Food would also be much more expensive. Wet food tends to contain less carbohydrate.

Soybean meal/ flour: This is often

included as an inexpensive protein and fibre source. There is a lot of controversy over the use of soya in pet food, and most sources are GMO.

Fat/oil: This comes from animal and/or plant sources, and is either saturated (animal fat and coconut oil are often used) or unsaturated (e.g. sunflower, canola or olive oil). It provides energy and flavour. Some oils contain essential fatty acids, like omega 3s, which are good for skin and joint conditions. Ash/Crude ash: This sounds scary, but

they’re actually just minerals, mainly calcium, but also magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, etc. Also called inorganic matter or incinerated residue.

Colourants: Colouring is only there for us – dogs and cats can’t see colours the way we do, especially red, green, purple and orange. Some colourants are naturally sourced and generally problem free (such as beetroot or turmeric extract). Potentially problematic artificial colourants include, but are not limited to: E102 (Tartrazine or Yellow 5), E110 (Sunset yellow or Yellow 6), E124 (Ponceau 4R or Cochineal red A), E127 (Red 3 or Erythrosine), E131 (Patent Blue V or Sky Blue), E129 (Allura Red or Red 40), E132 (Blue 2), E143 (Green 3 or Fast Green), E150 (Caramel) and E171 (Titanium dioxide).

Carbohydrate: This may

be listed as cereal or grain, and the most commonly

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Flavourants and aroma: These often come from concentrated meat-and-bone broths, fat, and sources like nutritional yeast, caramel, molasses and herbs. Monosodium glutamate (MSG or E621 - may be listed as ‘natural flavouring’ or ‘hydrolysed protein’) and Sodium Acid Pyrophosphates (SAPP) are among the artificial/synthetic flavour enhancers used in pet food. Preservative: Don’t panic if you see E306-

309 (tocopherols) – they’re synthetic vitamin E which has antioxidant properties – or E300, which is vitamin C. Rosemary extract is sometimes used as a natural preservative. Potentially problematic artificial preservatives include E202 (Potassium sorbate), E320 (BHA), E321 (BHT), E324 (Ethoxyquin), E310 (Propyl gallate), E1520 (Propylene glycol), amongst others. Canned/pouch/sachet food tends to contain less preservative, which is why you must refrigerate after opening.

Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Commercial pet foods are fortified (in the same way that our breakfast cereals are). There are also many supplements available that you can add to your pet’s food if you feel they need something extra.

STEPS TO SELECTION

Your pet is relying on you to do your very best for them – and it starts with what’s in their food bowl.

2. Research. Investigate brands in your price bracket. The internet is your friend, as you can check ingredients, compare prices and read reviews from other pet parents.

3. Do your maths. Divide the pack size by the daily amount you’ll feed (check the feeding guidelines) to work out how many days a pack will last. Then divide the price by the result to get the cost per day. According to PFISA, “Most premium brand, provide more nutrition per 100g, which means meal portions are generally smaller.” In other words, higher priced products may actually work out cheaper as you feed less per day. 4. Go natural. Choose foods with the least

artificial ingredients possible.

5.Choose transparency. Favour brands

which declare all ingredients and are happy to provide information if you request it.

6. PFI SA members. Brands that are

part of the association have all undergone additional checks to ensure they comply with the law and have to submit to regular random testing and agree to uphold a high-quality standard. Michelle Khoza of the PFISA says

1. Visit your vet. Allergies,

health conditions, age, breed, size, etc. all impact on your decision, so find out what they need and ask for feeding advice.

1860

The world’s first commercial pet food was made by American electrician, James Spratt, after seeing harbour dogs eating discarded sailors’ hardtack (plain wheat crackers used on long sea voyages). It was called Spratt’s Meat Fibrine Cakes, and contained wheat, vegetables, beetroot pulp and the ‘dried unsalted gelatinous parts of Prairie Beef’ (the source of which he never divulged).

Taste test

Dogs have 1700 taste buds and cats only have 470 (humans have 9 000 – 10 000), so flavour is relatively low down on their list of priorities. The smell is more important to dogs and cats than taste. Texture and temperature are also part of the picture – cats prefer food at around 35°C; dogs are said to prefer ‘room temperature’.

that, although most members display the PFI logo on pack, not all can incorporate it, so the best way to be sure is to check the PFI membership database on their website.

7. Remember: no matter how cheap it is, poor-quality food is false economy. Deficiencies and health issues caused by incorrect feeding can lead to more vet visits, not to mention potentially shortening your pet’s life span. DRY DOG FOOD IS THE TOP SELLING PET FOOD WORLDWIDE. IT MAKES UP 70% OF ALL PET FOOD SALES IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Rhino Let our children's voices be heard “The cry of a wounded rhino never leaves you. It is the sound you hear when a rhino awakes with half its face missing and struggles to its feet, dazed and confused, into a fate it will never understand.” Dr William Fowlds In 2013 The Kingsley Holgate Foundation and Project Rhino KZN initiated a conservation project called “Rhino Art, let the Children’s Voices Be Heard”. The aim of the project is to educate as many school children as possible on the importance of rhinoceros conservation, and to gather a record number of messages from the youth, to use in a callto-action to stop rhinoceros poaching and all forms of wildlife crime. The “Rhino Art” team arrives at the school with the permission of the headmaster and gives a short presentation on the importance of rhinoceros conservation to the school. The children are then given an A3 piece of paper with the outline of a rhinoceros on it, and instructed to colour it in in any way they want. Where possible, the children are also asked to write a “Heart and Minds” message on the art, explaining what rhinoceros poaching means to them. The team returns to the school approximately a week later to collect and judge the art. The “best” artist is awarded a prize, and this judging process creates another opportunity for the “Rhino

Art” team to engage with the children on the importance of rhinoceros conservation. Feedback on this project shows that this is a very effective and memorable way of engaging with youth, especially in rural areas, on the importance of conservation. It serves as a way for conservationists to engage with communities and foster better relations between game reserves and the communities that surround them. Who would have thought, that what started as an A3 piece of paper with an outline of a rhino in a rural school in 2013, would grow into the most comprehensive youth-orientated community conservation education programme ever carried out as a world-wide call-to-action against rhino poaching and all forms of wildlife crime? It is far more than just a colouring-in competition: the new Rhino Art template launched in 2016 is a rhino conservation lesson-on-a-page that educates and encourages young people to record their thoughts about the ongoing rhino poaching crisis and use their voices as a call-to-action against rhino poaching and all forms of wildlife crime. The programme also engages with local communities that are, at times, silent witnesses to the rhino poaching war playing out in their midst, and assists game

reserves to forge beneficial relationships with their community neighbours. As the “Rhino Art” project grew and evolved, it was introduced to urban schools and adopted by a number of conservation agencies overseas and, most importantly, in Vietnam. Public interest in the project grew as people began to understand the power that the voices of the youth had in combating rhinoceros poaching. At the same time the team was beginning to understand the limitations of the “Rhino Art” project, in that the education element of the project was basic and subject to time constraints and the varied level of interest and competency encountered at each school. Again, through a series of reflection and action, the team identified a need to recognise and reward artists that have excelled at the art and shown a commitment to conservation. It was realised that a bigger platform was needed, where the youth of today could interact and form networks with each other and be able to converse and learn from leaders in the industry. Through this process it was decided to host a youth summit based on the issue of rhinoceros conservation.

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The inaugural “Youth Rhino Summit” was held in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in September 2014, and was attended by 132 children from around the world. All delegates were selected for their involvement in the “Rhino Art” project, and were able to learn from and engage with world renowned conservationists. Following on from the realisation that a deeper insight into the youth perceptions towards rhinoceros poaching and conservation was needed, all the delegates were required to take part in a survey at the initiation of the summit. This was done to assess their basic level of understanding of rhinoceros poaching and the perceptions they held towards rhinoceros conservation. By asking open ended questions about specific conservation issues, the summit organisers were able to better understand the beliefs held by the youth towards conservation. Based on the success on the first “Youth Rhino Summit”, a second summit was held in Zinkwazi in July 2015, a third World Youth WILDLIFE Summit was held at SA Wildlife College in Hoedspruit in 2019 and we are hoping to hold a number of smaller Summit Youth Camps in 2021 at SA Wildlife College and elsewhere around SA. In 2016, we introduced ‘Rhino Vision’ – taking rural Rhino Art winners on 4-day Wildlife

Camps hosted by Project Rhino KZN founding members, Wildlife ACT and WESSA, at their environmental camps on Somkhanda Game Reserve (Zululand) and the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve (Midlands). 120 children and 16 teachers not only got up close to rhinos, but also had 4 days of comprehensive ecology and environmental education, hearing directly from game rangers and rhino monitors of the challenges they face from armed poaching gangs, learned how to track rhinos using telemetry and discovered the wide wonderful world of wildlife – from dung beetles to giraffes and everything in between. All the participants have returned to their rural communities as ardent, budding conservationists and vocal advocates for ending the senseless slaughter of rhinos.

porridge packs. We are looking forward to continuing this initiative along with the Rhino Art in 2021.

KZN Zulu Cultural Ambassador Richard Mabanga, nicknamed ‘Mahlembehlembe’ is the face of Rhino Art conservation education in KZN and has become a popular and wellknown advocate against rhino poaching and wildlife crime. When schools closed in 2020, due to the Covid19 pandemic, the Rhino Art Rig started feeding people living on the outskirts of the reserves and have so far distributed over 400 000 of The Do More Foundation nutritional

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

create happy moments! AVAILABLE AT LEADING PET AND ONLINE STORES

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Dogs love to play together with their owner. The Sumo Team encourages active play together with the dog. It increases mutual respect and trust, this encourages cooperation. The Sumo Team is available in orange and green.

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Due to the special shape, the Sumo Play bounces in all kinds of unexpected directions. That creates a surprise effect that the dog cannot get enough of. Ideal to give the dog movement and mental stimulation. These toys can also be filled with dog treats.

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It’s one of those products that everyone thinks “why hasn’t that been done before and how have I actually lived without one of these for so long.....Austen Kinsley and Adele McLeod are the brother and sister team behind EcoNation, the company that has created the “keep it tidy” car litter bin. A bin that you use in your car to keep it tidy!

Made from water-resistant, up-cycled and recovered advertising billboards, the car bins are sturdy, and easy to clean. Each bin has an adjustable strap which you can attach to the headrest or gear lever of any vehicle, making for a great gifts. The car bins are produced by a team of micro-entrepreneurs, each of whom effectively operates as their own small grassroots manufacturing business. Aside from being a great way to create jobs and reuse billboards that might otherwise go to waste, EcoNation’s car bins are stylish, unique, and most practical. Available in a range of trendy designs, from funky cats to deep blue denim.

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MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

K E E P I T T I DY ! CAR B IN S

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

FASCINATING Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily, Lutrinae. Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which also includes skunks, weasels, badgers, mink and wolverines, among other animals. There are thirteen different species of otters that exist around the globe, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Most otters live in freshwater rivers, lakes and wetlands. The sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. AS PREDATORS THAT ARE NEAR THE TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN, OTTERS ARE HUGELY IMPORTANT FOR KEEPING THEIR ENVIRONMENTS BALANCED. Most otters are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails and soft, dense fur. Otters have webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, that make them strong swimmers to enable them to catch fish and fight the flow of streams. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. River otters are much smaller than sea otters, (averaging from 4kg to 14kg) with a cylindrical body and small head. Sea otters weigh more (averaging from 20kg to 40kg) with large, furry faces. Sea otters have the densest and thickest fur of any animal— Their fur contains between 600,000 to 1,000,000 hair follicles per square meter.

There are two layers of fur - an undercoat and then longer hairs, that are visible.

Otters love to rest in groups. Researchers have seen concentrations of over 1,000 otters floating together.

The layers manage to trap air next to the otter’s skin, which keeps the otters dry and warm, and helps with buoyancy.

Generally, a group of otters on land are known as a romp, while a group hanging in the water is called a raft.

They must carefully groom their fur and furry undercoat to keep them clean and sealed off to water, because they’re not covered in the fatty layer that other sea creatures have. An otter’s lung capacity is 2.5 times greater than that of similar-sized land mammals. Sea otters have been known to stay submerged for more than 5 minutes at a time, while river otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes. The increased time underwater improves otters’ opportunity to sense prey and forage for food. OTTERS HAVE STRONG TEETH AND A POWERFUL BITE. A sea otter’s tooth enamel is much tougher than that of humans, helping to prevent their teeth from being chipped when cracking into the prey using their high bite force. Research suggests that the sea otter’s bite force may not be sufficient to open the hardest-shelled prey items, such as marine snails and thick-shelled bivalves, and they often make use of tools. They typically use a rock as an anvil and repeatedly bash their prey against it until the shell cracks open, then extract the meat from the shell with their canines. Sea otters are one of the few mammals (apart from primates) to have developed tool use. They have a loose patch of skin under their armpit to store both the food they’ve foraged, and their rock to crack it open.

Sea otters will wrap themselves up in seaweed, forming something that resembles a raft - hence the word raft. Sea otters spend the majority of their lives on their backs, only flipping over onto their fronts when greater speed is required. Sea otters can reach up to 9km/h underwater, while the maximum speed of the giant river otter is an impressive 14km/h.

Sea otters are polygynous (males mate with multiple females). While mothers and pups are usually solitary, sea otters can form social groups of up to a few dozen. A DAILY FOOD INTAKE OF 15–20 PERCENT OF BODY WEIGHT IS KEY TO SURVIVAL FOR SEA OTTERS. They adapt their patterns of predation and hunting behaviour to make the most of the prey available during the leaner months. Sea otters’ diet includes fish, sea urchins, crabs, mussels, clams and crustaceans.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

FACTS To find food, sea otters may occasionally dive as deep as 70 meters and will use their sensitive whiskers to locate small prey inside crevices or their strong forepaws to dig for clams.

duos will spend most of their time either feeding or sleeping.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO NAP, SEA OTTERS ENTANGLE THEMSELVES IN KELP, SO THEY DON’T FLOAT AWAY.

Otters might look soft and cuddly, but remain dangerous wild animals.

They also sometimes intertwine their feet with another sea otter, so that they stay together.

River otters don’t breed until they’re at least five years old.

Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction.

Despite regulations designed to protect them, many species remain at risk from pollution and habitat loss. The sea otter is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, pressured by pollution, pesticides and conflicts with fishermen who kill them for eating their fish. Asian otter species also face threats from the illegal pet trade.

River otters are especially playful, gambolling on land and splashing in rivers and streams. Baby otters are called pups or kittens. Sea otters can have a pup any time of the year. Southern sea otters breed and pup year-round, while northern sea otter pups in Alaska are usually born in the spring. A new-born pup needs constant attention and will stay with its mother for six months until it develops survival skills. Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals, such as beavers. Sea otters give birth in water, with females having only one pup at a time. The mother will produce milk, hunt, and teach the pup how to dive for food until the youngster is five to eight months old and can fend for itself. THEY LEARN TO SWIM WHEN THEY ARE ABOUT TWO MONTHS OLD, WHEN THEIR MOTHER PUSHES THEM INTO THE WATER. Otter families are usually limited to pups and their mothers, and these

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Did someone say Birthday?!

s we’ve reached 2021, we would like to reflect on our achievements for the previous year. In the past year, we have sterilized 4,105 dogs and cats, performed specialized and life-saving surgery on 2,983 animals, performed consultations and vaccinations for 39,568 and attended to 1,664 animals at our mobile clinics. On a monthly basis, we receive approximately 600-700 stray, unwanted and abandoned animals, and provide them with safe shelter. For the past 12 months alone, without our services, in excess of 50,000 dogs and cats would have suffered and would not have received the essential primary animal health care they deserve.

Our banking details are as follow: Acc Name: Animal Anti-Cruelty League Cape Town Acc Number: 071 465 820 Bank: Standard Bank Branch Code: 025 009 Ref: XRAY2021 Keep an eye out on our social media for exciting events & announcements.

Facebook & Instagram – AACL Cape Town For any more information, email Kelly (Marketing Manager) on info@aacl-ct.co.za

Given the uncertain times we find ourselves in, I can say that this year has been exceptionally challenging for us and many other welfare organizations alike. Financially, we have struggled, but we were able to still service impoverished communities and their animals in need. The AACL Cape Town celebrates our 52nd birthday this year, and our one wish is to equip our Bellville branch’s theatre with an X-ray machine and developer, as they are still currently using a manual developing system. We are one of South Africa’s largest, independent animal welfare organizations, relying entirely on the generosity and goodwill of the animal-loving public for financial support. Any donation toward this will significantly change the lives of countless animals.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

BY DR TRAVIS GREY

Sangkhlaburi Animal Sanctuary

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

think a lot of people thought I was crazy when I told them I was taking leave to volunteer at a small animal sanctuary in rural Thailand. To be honest, I also wondered what I had thought when the bus dropped me off in a sea of people where nobody seemed to speak English. The Baan Unrak Thai Animal Sanctuary is located in Sangkhlaburi, a small town in the west of Thailand, close to the Myanmar border. It is about a 7 hour bus drive from Bangkok, and the nearest veterinary clinic is 3 hours drive away. The Sanctuary is managed by a lovely lady called Denise; the heart of the operation, who sometimes has to take a pay cut to make sure there is enough food for the animals. Not only does she have the best interests of the animals at heart, but she also makes sure we don’t overwork ourselves as volunteers. “We try to work as a family here,” she told me as she drove me from the bus station to the sanctuary. Everything in Sangkhlaburi is within walking distance, but it gets incredibly warm and I really appreciated not having to walk in the midday sun. Denise is helped by Song, who is the general handyman, driver, translator, animal wrangler and pretty much anything else you need him to be. The sanctuary provides FREE veterinary attention to the animals of Sangkhlaburi and surrounds, although some clients do leave donations to show their gratitude. Vaccinations are charged for, although the price barely covers the cost. All veterinary work is carried out by qualified veterinarians from all over the world who volunteer their time. While there, I worked with vets from the Netherlands, Italy and Bulgaria. In addition to veterinary care, the sanctuary also takes care of about 30 dogs and 6 cats who have nowhere else to go. The dogs are kept in little camps in groups of 2 to 4 and each dog has their own little house where they sleep and are fed at mealtimes. A lot of the volunteer work goes into making sure the camps are clean and well maintained. While every effort goes into making each dog’s stay as happy as possible, these dogs are all up for adoption and the hope is to get them all into loving forever homes. Over 60 dogs have found families this way, in homes all over the world!

at the sanctuary while I was there, we were able to go out to the jungle or to temples on “Spay Camps”. This is a similar concept to the “steri-drives” we have here in South Africa; a bunch of vets pack their surgical kits and some medication, jump on the back of a bakkie and head out, with the mission of spaying as many animals as possible before the end of the day. The locals were welcoming and grateful. I will always remember the one lady who arrived by bicycle, from who knows where, with her SIX cats for spay and vaccination. Without the sanctuary, people like her would have nobody to help their animals. Most volunteers stay at the volunteer house, which is a five minute stroll away from the sanctuary. A few of the dogs, and all the sanctuary’s cats, live here as well. The accommodation is super cheap, and it is easy to make friends with the other volunteers. I didn’t stay at the volunteer house, but spent a fair amount of time there. It is easy to become friends with the other volunteers, and when the work of the day was done, we would go and explore Sangkhlaburi and the surroundings together. There were a couple of days where Song would take us sightseeing at the Myanmar border, or one of the stunning waterfalls in the area. On other days, we would go and have supper at the local watering hole, the Dog House. This is a bar run by volunteers, and all proceeds go to the sanctuary. It is also one of the few places to get a decently priced drink in a fairly conservative community. I only stayed in Sangkhlaburi for ten days, but I would have loved to stay for longer if I could have. Hopefully, one day I will be able to go back. The sanctuary relies solely on volunteers and donations to keep them going, and without them the animals of Sangkhlaburi would be in a lot of trouble. If you would like to help keep this amazing organization going, please go visit their website or Facebook page. Perhaps you would like to volunteer as well? I can guarantee you that it will be worth it!

A typical day starts with taking the dogs out for a walk to the nearby river. This is followed by the morning feeding and camp cleaning. While there are non-veterinary volunteers, vets are also required to do manual labour if they are not busy with patients. Getting your hands dirty is all just part of the fun, after all. Working with the dogs was an enjoyable experience, and most of them really appreciated any attention you gave them. Others took a little bit longer to warm up to you. Since there were several veterinary volunteers

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

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Streetwear for Animal Lovers. The special breed of humans. The Daschund breed now avaliable on takealot.com. www.instagram.com/donnafoxwear

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Shampoo Bar. Born from a deep passion and love for the environment. This shampoo is made with Coconut Oil infused with wild-harvested Kahkibos, Castor Oil, Neem Powder and Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil and Citric Acid. It deep cleans while repelling any insects such as ticks and fleas. Give your pet’s fur some natural love. www.instagram.com/khaki.paws

scratzme Spencer’s

Stain & Odour Remover. This Stain and Odour Remover has a double enzyme formula which means that the spray removes the toughest old or new urine and other biological stains. It is gentle of fabrics and does not leave marks. The spray is formulated and made in a laboratory and used worldwide. Application: – Spray on affected area – Wipe with a dry cloth www.scratzme.com

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

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Handmade ceramic cat bowls. A swinging summer awaits! Don’t miss the perfect opportunity of getting your cat hammock and ceramic cat bowl www.catcocreations.co.za

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beeztees Sumo Play KettleBell. Because of its shape, the Sumo Play bounces in all sorts of unexpected directions, creating a surprise effect which your pup can’t resist. It stimulates their mental alertness and gives them some exercise.

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Belts & Dog Collars Enye belt Beautifully beaded, artisanal leather belts. Made from soft cow leather and finished off with recycled brass, handmade buckles Belts may vary in pattern, adding to their individuality. www.instagram.com/galagoonline

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halen.za Dog Collars and Leads. Locally made, vegan friendly, waterproof, durable and looks great! www.instagram.com/ halen.za

All prices are subject to changed and not guarenteed. Please only use these prices as a guide in your shopping experience.

Exclusive Preview

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

BY BRIAN BERKMAN

Never mind the 4 X 4, four-legged travel is where it is at. As we increasingly find we have to avoid other people, our relationship with our family unit becomes even more essential. And, if, as in ours, a pet is included in that family unit, then being away without them is a hardship and should be avoided.Happily, and ever more so, as hotels and guesthouses adapt to the new normal, well-behaved pets are invited too.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

JULIE THE STAR THE MARINE HOTEL, HERMANUS

The Marine Hotel in Hermanus recently updated their pet policy. Guests in groundfloor rooms with a balcony are most welcome to bring their princess pooches or, indeed, feline friends along for the visit at no extra cost, providing a pet service is requested at the time of booking. As an elegant yet comfortable seaside hotel, The Marine knows that those of us travelling with pets want to have clear directions about where we and our pets will be welcome. All the information, including a copy of the Bark-A-Licious menu and the option of an in-room pet sitter, was explained in a note addressed to Julie, our doggie daughter. Like all things at The Marine Hotel (and any of the other fine hotels in the Liz McGrath Collection), the warm hearted, yet efficient customer-centric service, will leave one wishing that handshakes or even hugs to show appreciation were again permitted. It is hard not to be emotionally touched by the staff at this landmark hotel.

Do be prepared though to have less of the limelight. Julie was certainly the star of the show during our recent visit, with all the staff knowing her name and enquiring after her. She may have been travelling with us, but from her perspective we were simply part of her entourage. While we selected our breakfast, sitting poolside under the awning where jasmine and pink bougainvillea competed for attention, the chef came to enquire how Julie would like her burger cooked. Any notion of our Julie being an elegant sophisticate, she does, after all, have a twinset (matching harness and leash), went out of the window as she inhaled her carefully prepared and presented burger and rice. As an aside, for days since returning home from The Marine, she looked accusingly at us come mealtimes. Although we always travel with food and a bed for Julie, The Marine Hotel has more than everything you will need even, thoughtfully, some snacks for her and a roll of poo-bags along with a plush cushion which, being the snob she is, she preferred.

in the crags. Also, in the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve, dogs on a leash are welcome to use the blue walking route. Note that this route is quite exposed to the sun during summer so take care not to overheat. But, with all the luxury and pampering on offer at The Marine Hotel you, as we, will be tempted to spend days at the heated pool. Room service includes cuisine from all The Marine’s restaurants, including the outstanding Origins, at no additional tray charge. Greater pet-friendly luxury will be hard to come by. The Marine Hotel, Hermanus https://www.themarinehotel.co.za

While in Hermanus, make a point to walk along the cliff path, 11km of craggy coast and likely the best land-based place to see whales. Julie is fascinated by the Dassies that live among the milkwood trees and

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

MOUNTAIN COTTAGES PETERSFIELD FARM COTTAGES, CITRUSDAL

Walk among the citrus orchards at Petersfield, a working citrus and rooibostea farm on the N7 near Citrusdal. Accommodations are self-catering and vary in size from the romantic twoperson Stonehaven cottage, high on the mountain, to an extended familysized house, Die Veepos cottage. Pets are welcome throughout, but note that Stonehaven is not fenced in while the others are. With more than a kilometer between accommodations, one feels wonderfully isolated. Although among the most

affordable of accommodation options, one leaves Petersfield with a sense of the owner’s generosity. Loads of additional firewood, is one example, and the invitation to pick lemons from the tree when you see them is yet another. Also, the thoughtful touches like salt and pepper in the kitchen and good quality kitchen implements are remembered. Standouts at Petersfield include outside baths (there are tubs inside too) and a plunge pool to stay cool in the heat. Or, come winter, the sort of sofa in front of the fireplace that simply invites sloth. Julie loved her walks around the dam

(take care that the dam is deep and plastic lined and dogs or children might slip in), through the orchards and the impressive avenue of poplar trees and up the mountain to look at the tea lands on the opposite side. There is good MTN mobile and data reception, and the tranquility of being ensconced in nature with your loved ones makes it a regenerative visit and worthy of an extended stay. https://petersfieldfarm.co.za/

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MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

BY DR SASHA SAUGH

nding the life of a beloved pet is not an easy topic to read about, yet it is important to know what steps need to be taken if and when the time arrives to humanely euthanase your pet. This may be due to sickness, injury or some other reason.

exposed to changes in water quality and temperature, including toxic chemicals which prolong distress prior to death. There is a potential for pathogens to be released into the environment as well, depending on the system used and dilution effect of the water.

Euthanasia originating from the Greek language means “good death”. Euthanasia that is quick, and which eliminates or minimizes pain, anxiety and distress as far as possible, is considered humane. Veterinary professionals should always get written consent from the owner prior to doing so. There is no particular method that is suitable for all aquarium species owing to variations in size and adaptation to different environments. What is considered the most humane method of euthanasia also remains to be defined due to our developing understanding of pain and distress in fish.

For the purpose of this article, the focus will be on euthanasing an individual fish.

It is important to note which are regarded as inhumane methods of fish euthanasia which include (but not limited to): suffocation (by leaving fish out of water); carbon dioxide; cervical dislocation (acceptable in small-bodied fish only, but not preferred); bleeding to death (by cutting across the throat area /gills); flushing down the toilet; decapitation without prior stunning/anaesthesia or follow-up pithing; immersion in an ice slurry or freezing (unacceptable in conscious fish, but can be used on stunned or anaesthetised fish); or boiling. Rapid chilling or an ice slurry is only a suitable for small bodied tropical fish. An additional note on flushing which is a commonly used method used by pet owners: fish exposed to this are

a certain location on the head and is difficult for smaller fish. For any of these physical methods to be successful, it needs to be performed quickly and correctly with the correct equipment, however there is considerable handling stress involved for the fish, and pet owners are likely not comfortable with such methods. Untrained and inexperienced individuals should never perform these physical methods on fish as incorrect procedure may lead to unnecessary suffering of the animals concerned. Decapitation followed by pithing is more suitable for small and medium tropical and temperate fish, whilst percussive stunning followed by pithing is more suitable for medium to large tropical and temperate fish.

Euthanasia can be categorised into physical or chemical methods. The following methods applied to fish are considered humane and commonly used: chemical methods most commonly used by veterinarians include Sodium pentobarbital, buffered Tricaine methanesulfonate, or Benzocaine hydrochloride. These are commonly used anaesthetic agents which are overdosed to achieve euthanasia. These can only be made available when prescribed and administered by a veterinarian.

Pet owners often prefer to euthanase their pet fish at home for various reasons, and in these cases chemical methods are recommended. Clove oil which is a sedative can be used at higher doses for euthanasia and is easily accessible to pet owners. Medical grade clove oil is recommended, which can be obtained over-the-counter, or without a prescription from most pharmacies. The purity may vary between different brands which may cause variation in response to euthanasia. The clove oil should be added to water sourced from the tank or pond that the fish resides in to prevent osmotic and temperature shock to the animal. A sample of tank or pond water can be placed in a smaller container which is appropriate for the fish size. Although subjective, recommendations are to use at least 2 litres for small fish; 10 litres for medium fish; and 20 litres for large fish. A

Physical methods include decapitation following by pithing or cranial percussion (blunt force trauma to the head) to render the fish unconscious followed by decapitation, bleeding, or pithing. Decapitation involves separation of the brain from the spinal cord by severing the spinal cord. This needs to be followed by pithing to ensure a rapid loss of brain function since fish are relatively tolerant of hypoxic conditions. Pithing or brain spiking is where a sharp tool is used to pierce the skull and destroy the brain tissue. It is also recommended that pithing and decapitation be performed on stunned or anaesthetised fish. Cranial percussion has to be done at

minimum dose of 10 drops per litre or 0.25-0.50 ml per litre can be used. It is important to note that clove oil should be mixed well with a little warm water prior to adding it to the treatment water containing fish so that it disperses well. It should be added slowly over a few minutes since adding it all at once causes distress in the fish. Once gill movements have stopped for 30 minutes and eye-roll movements are lost (i.e. no eye movement when the fish is rocked from side to side) the animal can be considered dead. Aqui-S which contains the concentrated active ingredient in clove oil (iso-eugenol) is a commercial preparation that can be used as well, which dissolves well in water and would be more effective. The advantages of using clove oil is that it is widely available, low cost, it produces rapid anaesthesia and death, and in zebrafish it showed a lower cortisol response to euthanasia compared to Tricaine methanesulfonate. Finally, disposal of the fish body afterward also requires consideration. Appropriate disposal is important to minimize the risk of disease spread to fish populations in local rivers or streams. The animal can be buried deep enough (at least 30 centimetres) in soil after being wrapped in newspaper, in a location not near waterways. This will prevent birds or other animals finding and eating the body. The animals may be disposed of in the municipal / residential garbage after being sealed in a plastic bag. One could freeze the body until garbage collection. For further information on euthanasia in your pet fish contact @ aglobalveterinaryconsulting. MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

toe with its hoof to support the animals. The teeth had also become better adapted for eating grass. Scientists group these horses with the modern domestic horse.

By Dani Mc Neill

ave you ever wondered where or when horses came about? Well, scientists believe that the earliest ancestor of the horse was a small animal about 25 to 50 cm high. They called this animal Eohippus (dawn horse) or Hyracotherium. It existed about 65 million years ago in what are now North America and Europe. These prehistoric horses had arched backs and snout-like noses. They looked more like racing dogs, such as greyhounds or whippets than like the straight-backed, long-faced modern horse. They had four toes on their front feet and three toes on their hind feet. Each toe ended in a separate small hoof. Large, tough pads similar to those on a dog’s foot, kept the toes off the ground. These pads bore the animal’s weight. The next important ancestor of the modern horse was Mesohippus (middle horse). It lived about 35 million years ago. Scientists have found fossil remains of these animals in the USA. Mesohippus averaged at about 61 cm in height and had long, slender legs. Each foot had three toes, the middle toe being the longest. Horses, like animals, continued to develop, and Merychippuss (ruminants or cudchewing horses) appeared about 26 million years ago. It grew about 100 cm high. Like Mesohippus, it had three toes on each foot. The side toe was almost useless, but the centre toe grew long and strong. It ended in a large, curved hoof and bore all the animal’s weight. By the time of the “Ice Age”, about one and a half million years ago, horses probably looked somewhat like modem horses. They grew bigger than their ancestors. The side toes had become short bones along the legs, leaving the centre

No one knows where horses originated. Fossils show that during the Ice Age, horses lived on every continent except Australia. Great herds wandered throughout North and South America. Then, for some unknown reason, horses disappeared from the Western Hemisphere. Eventually, around 4 million years ago, Equus (Horses, Zebras, Asses, Donkeys, and Onagers) evolved. Now there are hundreds of different breeds of Equus all over the world, each breed slightly different from other breeds. Many of these have been through the process of artificial selection by humans, and have been bred to perform specific tasks, such as pull heavy loads, jump high obstacles, or gallop exceedingly fast. However, other natural changes have occurred within the different breeds, such as growing a thicker coat during cold seasons or having tougher hooves for rocky terrain. However, for the general habitat of a flat grassy plain, the horse has evolved over millions of years by elongating its legs, developing hooves, and altering its molars. The domestic horse has been used by humans for food, recreation, and work for thousands of years, and is still used today. It is one of the only species whose evolution has been strongly influenced by humans for hundreds of years. Thus, it is interesting to note that modern horses still have instincts, characteristics, and behaviours that have been passed down from their wild ancestors.

Mesopotamia, selected to draw chariots and transport the high-born and wealthy, would develop into the Arabian horse. Much later in history, Europe caught on to the use of horses, but they wanted heavy horses for work and carrying knights into battle. The result was two different strains of domesticated horse, the light and the draft, in Eurasia. The light Arabian horse would eventually be crossed with heavy European drafts to give us, over the centuries, today’s sport horses: Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, Morgans, Quarter Horses, Standardbreds and so many others. Meanwhile, the draft breeds would be specialized, creating strains with particular colours and physical traits, such as the protective feathers on the Clydesdale and Shire, or the bright red chestnut coat of the Suffolk Punch. Custom-made breeds seem modern, but selective breeding for particular traits is as traditional in horsemanship as red coats and black boots. The American Saddlebred is a wonderful example of this. The five-gaited Saddlebred is the result of centuries of selective breeding from Libya, the Barbary Coast and Western Europe. Natural pacers from northern Africa were brought into the European gene pool early in the history of the domesticated horse. They were light, tractable and extremely comfortable with their ambling pace.

There are more than three hundred breeds of horse and pony in the world today, Where did such diversity come from? If every breed descended from one little dog-sized creature, Eohippus, how did we end up with everything from the Shetland to the Shire?

Eventually the African bloodlines crossed with Europe’s draft breeds, resulting in a relatively light horse that was imported to New England, where colonists selectively bred and developed the Narragansett Pacer, which was a fast and comfortable horse for the great distances and poor roads of the New World. The Pacer was then crossed with Thoroughbreds, creating a new breed, the “American Horse”, at about the time of the Revolutionary War. The American Horse would be refined with more Thoroughbred, Arabian and Morgan blood, retaining its natural ambling gait, but lightening its body until the Kentucky Saddler was competing in horse shows.

Well, the answer is humans, of course. We know what we want, and we aren’t afraid to mix and match horses until we get it. But, in the case of horses, different groups of humans wanted different sorts of horses. The light-boned horses of

Today called the American Saddlebred, this naturally five-gaited horse is a stunning example of selective breeding; the creation of a horse breed through centuries of out-crosses and fresh bloodlines.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Evolution of the horse 45

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Ask the Vet

Q: Dear Doctor, we are moving soon and I would like to make the transition as easy as possible for my cats. I’ve heard that you should put butter on a cat’s paws when they are in their new home because they would instinctively lick it and pick up the scent of the new house. Is this true?

by a vet. While it’s difficult to know what the cause may be without actually seeing the animal, I wonder if this could be a dental problem. Rabbits have teeth that are constantly growing. These growing teeth are normally worn down by chewing, which is why rabbits should be fed a diet consisting mostly of high fibre hay. Pellets and fresh produce should only be fed in small amounts.

A: Other than giving the cats something to do, I don’t think placing butter on their paws will do much to help ease your cats into their new home.

Moving can be very stressful for cats, and you are right to try and make this process as easy as you can for them. Be sure to keep their routine as normal in the days leading up to the move. Try to keep the transport boxes in accessible areas, and maybe even put some treats in them so that your cats know they don’t have to be afraid.

In the new home, I would enclose them in one room at first. Allow them to have blankets or bedding from the old house so they are surrounded by familiar scents. Pheromone diffusers, catnip and calming collars can also help during this period. If the cats are eating well, cleaning themselves and interacting with you as normal, then it means they are starting to settle. At this point, they can be allowed out of the designated room so they can wander around in the house. They may rub their faces against walls and other surfaces. This is a good sign. Even in the most settled cats, I would wait at least two weeks before letting them go outside. Q: Hi Doc, my bunny lost his appetite and only wants to eat green veggies at the moment. What could be the reason for this? Should I be worried?

A: This definitely sounds like a problem that needs to be seen

If the rabbit’s teeth overgrow or wear unevenly, they can cause painful sores in the mouth which makes them reluctant to eat. If this is the problem, it is fairly easy to treat by filing the teeth back to normal, usually under anaesthetic. Just be sure you take your rabbit to an exotic animal vet who knows what they’re doing! Q: Hi Doctor Travis, I’m looking at buying a French Bulldog. I’ve never owned a flat-faced dog. Are their needs different from a normal dog? A: In general, French Bulldogs are friendly, engaging dogs that are fairly easy to look after, because they don’t require much space or exercise. However, they are brachycephalic (flatfaced) dogs, which can present some challenges. For starters; if you are looking for a dog that can go on hikes, or run on the beach, these guys are not for you. Their flat faces make it difficult for them to exchange heat with the environment, which makes them prone to overheating. Even a normal walk in the heat of the day may be asking for trouble. If your living space tends to get warm, be sure you have a fan or air conditioner to help keep them cool when necessary. I must also mention that Frenchies are generally expensive pets from a veterinary point of view. Some require operations on their eyes or nostrils, and as a prospective owner, you need to be aware of this. Taking out pet insurance for your MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

dog is strongly advised. Other than that, they will require routine vaccinations and parasite control, just like any other puppy. Lastly, please make absolutely sure that you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder. There are some dodgy breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck. Not only does buying from one of these breeders encourage them to continue with poor husbandry, but you run the risk of getting a puppy that has genetic defects or infectious diseases. Q: Dear Doctor Travis, my name is Melanie and I am 11 years old. My mom said I can have a hamster if I tell her how I would take care of it. Can you please tell me what is important to remember? Thank you! A: Hamsters are fairly easy pets to look after, but they do have some needs which have to be met to ensure they have happy and healthy lives. The environment that the hamster is kept in must be comfortable, clean and well ventilated. Be sure to keep them somewhere quiet, away from bright sunlight and other pets, because they like to sleep during the day. They also like toys, exercise wheels and a secret place where they can hide or store food. Diet is also very important. Most commercial hamster rations should provide sufficient nutrition. You can also add small portions of fresh vegetables, such as spinach or carrots as treats, from time to time. Water can be provided in inverted drinking bottles, and this water must be changed daily. Be sure to watch out for any diarrhoea or loss of appetite. Hamsters can pick up lung infections easily, so make sure to take note of any coughing or sneezing. Not all vets see hamsters, so it would also be a good idea for you to check which vets in your area would be able to treat your hamsters when they become sick. There isn’t much space here to discuss these points further, but there are some really great pages to refer to if you want to read more. The website rspca.org.uk has quite a comprehensive guidebook that I think you could learn a lot from.

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

Please include as much information in the description as possible. Dr Travis Gray

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Tygerberg Animal Hospital

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Adopt a

idgeback Rehab was birthed in 2013, inspired by the love of the breed, a lifetime of relationship and the fact that no safe space existed for South Africa’s national dog. A hound whose trust, loyalty and highly sensitive nature is not for everyone. We undertook, and made an oath, to ensure the dogs were healthy in body, mind and spirit. We adhere to this every day and will not compromise any dog. Whilst our hearts were open to helping these fine and strong lion dogs, our experience and knowledge of exactly what it would entail, and the cost to lives and minds, was definitely not understood. The gigantic explosion in the demand for our services was unprecedented. Sadly, the support has been less than explosive, leaving huge, huge gaps in the needs of the dogs, and the ability to provide it all. Through the 7 years we have dealt with volumes of ridgebacks, many with health issues we had never encountered, or believed existed, in the breed. We’ve had a medical

Ridgeback education we never thought we would, as well as dealt with some of the most depraved and sick forms of abuse. A broken spirit is often the saddest of all that we must deal with, and cuts one to the core, at the same time making us very grateful that animals cannot speak the language of the human tongue.

care of the dogs is overwhelming.

Conversely, we bear witness to the miracle that patience, belief and commitment makes to these gorgeous beings as they begin, some slowly at first, others quicker, to recognize the greatest, perhaps the only true healer of all, Love. A glimmer of light from their hearts to their eyes, as we begin the process of rehabilitation.

Ridgeback Rehab is always open to committed volunteers who will forget their other worries whilst interacting with these gorgeous dogs.

Animal charities in South Africa are supported only by the kind hearts of animal lovers, as there is no governmental assistance of any kind. This makes it particularly challenging for shelters such as ours. Whilst we dream of giving these dogs a soulful sanctuary, a home until they find their forever homes, the dreams and the means are often unmatched, and the workload of fundraising and everyday

Maintenance is an area where we are seriously lacking. Our most urgent needs are funds for fencing, Wendy houses, concrete, labour, petrol driven lawnmowers and bush cutters, as well as a strong and reliable work vehicle for transportation of the dogs.

If you wish to become involved on a voluntary basis please do email ridgebackrehab@gmail. com ,and should you wish to contribute towards the expenses of the shelter, or the vet account you can do this by direct donations: Ridgeback rehab NPO FNB Account: 62535859419 Branch: 352655 S.A,’s National Dog Rescued Right SMS: “Donate RR” to 48748 - R10 per SMS 40580 - R20 per SMS

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

UP FOR ADOPTION Gustav

Gustav is a 5 year old male. He is a big goofball, strong and protective, loves his walks and travels well. He is good with other dogs and loves big and small humans. No cats.

Shiloh

Shiloh is a 3 year old female. She is very affectionate and playful. She is great with all people, including kids. No small dogs, she prefers medium to large male friends. No cats.

Zack

Zack is a 5 year old male. He is always happy and still young at heart. He is good with all people, including children. He loves his friend Zana! No cats.

Zana

Zana is a 7 year old female. She is extremely sweet and has a gentle nature. She is very affectionate and loves children. She loves her treats and cuddling with her friend, Zack. No cats

Tanda

Yogi

Tanda is a 5 year old female. She is shy, but a very sweet girl. She was found as a stray. She is good with other dogs and loves her walks. She is very easy going and would fit in anywhere. Cats unknown.

Yogi is a 2.5 year old male. He is a very sweet pooch who is also very protective. He is better with female dogs. He loves his walks and would thrive on a farm or big plot with lots of space to run. No cats.

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MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS

Never turn a blind eye to animal abuse or neglect The organisations in this list have made themselves available 24hours a day to assist when abuse or neglect is reported. To assist these organisations to do their work, report on the location of the incident or situation as specific as you can. Take photos when you can, but do not get involved in altercations with the abuser if possible. Try to stay with the animal needing assistance until help arrives.

MARCH 2021 | PETPRINTS