Pet Prints March 2023

It’s quite easy to be negative about things when you listen to the news or read through social media these days. The constant ping of a loadshedding alert every few hours also doesn’t help to calm anyone’s nerves. I often find myself wondering if this is just the way life gets as we get older or if it’s a mindset. Meeting up with Carl Wastie helped me to realise that this is very much a mindset, because no matter how hard things get, you can always decide to be positive. You can always decide to help instead of complain. Whether it be a small donation of food or blankets to a shelter or a share of a post on social media. We all have the power to be a positive influence in someone else’s life. Carl’s article is on page 8, and I hope it inspires you, the way he inspires me!

With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, we’re seeing a lot more events and fundraisers popping up to assist animal welfares with funds and resources, which in itself is a wonderful sight to see. We feature such a fundraising initiative, called Paws-awhile on page 28. If you’re in the Cape

The Project Earth Mission

Town area, this is a monthly event that is not to be missed. There are plenty of puppies to be cuddled and positivity to go around. If this is something you’d like to get involved in, please contact their organizers.

We also have a new writer in our group! Kiarin Naidoo is an avid hiker and Pitbull parent, over the next few issues he’s going to be sharing his experience of how to keep your dogs safe and entertained while hiking as well as sharing some of his favourite trails with us. You can head on over to page 42 for more on this.

As always, we love hearing from you, please pop us an email or DM us on social media. We would love to hear from you!

Happy Reading!

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

ISSUE1, 2023

EDITORIAL

Marise Burger

Gerhard Maritz

Nelda Cilliers

Gaironesa Atkins

PHOTOGRAPHY

Emma O’Brien Photography

PRINTING

Optic Printers

CONTRIBUTORS

Get-to-Know Dr Verenia Naicker - Chatworth Animal Clinic

Top Tips for for making your kids dog savvy - Bryony van Niekerk

Fascinating African Elephant Facts - Bill Aston

The Dog Mum - Estaschia Cossadianos

Pets Need a Break Too - Brian Berkman

Pets and Pancreatitis - Jennifer Davies

What to know before hitting the trails - Kiarin Naidoo

Dr Travis Gray - Tygerberg Animal Hospital

COPYRIGHT:

Marise Burger

071 382 7795

marise@projectearth.org.za

@petprintsmag

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.

WHAT

We are spoiled for choices when it comes to hiking trails in South Africa. Kiarin shares his favourite tips with us on how to keep your pooch safe on the trails.

Iwas born in Isipingo, south of Durban, and don’t ask me why but I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. Whenever someone asked what I wanted to be, it was always the same answer. This surprised a lot of my family and friends, as no one I knew was a vet, and I had never been to one or worked with one before. It was like saying I wanted to be an astronaut: a nice dream, but does anyone actually do it?

As with most Indian families I was encouraged to do medicine, otherwise ‘How would I find a job?’ However I persevered and managed to get myself enrolled in veterinary school. I can honestly say that that was the best decision of my life. Campus life at Onderstepoort was an equal balance of fun and study, and I made lifelong friends. I was one of the tiniest people on campus, and I used to worry about learning my way around horses and cattle, but where there’s a will there’s a way, and I made it out in one piece.

I started working at the Chatsworth Animal Clinic under Dr Rambally as soon as I graduated, and I have been here ever since. I am grateful to her for teaching me, especially

Get to Know from Dr. Verenia Naicker

surgeries, and also for keeping me on during the dreaded COVID times. I can tell you being a vet isn’t for everyone, but it’s the best feeling knowing you are helping patients who are unable to speak for themselves.

When I’m not at work, I’m usually running after my two kids and three kittens that I adopted from the clinic. I love taking my family to Flag Farm, as I feel it’s important to introduce my girls to animals from a small age. I also bring them to visit my work on occasion. My husband, who was never a cat person, now ‘baby talks’ to our ginger cat, Pandy, and squeezes him regularly.

All vets know about the potential to ‘burn out’, so whatever job you have, always try to make time for yourself, even if it’s just an hour or two. Have that bubblegum milkshake or chocolate gingerbread latte, or buy yourself that special thing you always wanted. You only have one life, so make the best of it, and for future vets, try not to be too hard on yourself; you’re saving the world one pet at a time.

FROM OUR READERS

CAsEY

Hi my name is Casey, I am 11 years old (in hooman years) I love my morning walks with my favourite person and I don’t like sharing my walk time with my brother and sister. My favourite spot to hang out is on the couch in my dad’s office so I am nice and close, he needs me all the time so I need to be sure I am always around in case he needs a cuddle or a sloppy kiss. Dad says I need to learn about personal space, but what does he know, I know better.

E MMA

This is me, Emma. I was saved when I was a little pup - destined to be a 'fighting dog' but was put in the path of my saviour. I have been with my mommy for 7 years now. I love the beach and chasing the waves but I also love cuddling.

- Jenny Roux

rEX

This is Rex, the most beautiful dog in the world. He enjoys chasing birds, but also shares his food with them. He was adopted when at just a year old. He is perfect and a large breed, he just doesn't realise it yet as he is still very playful – Lauren Julies

kENzo

Meet Kenzo! He is a Sable coloured GSD. He is 4 months old and very curious. He has a fascination with slippers (on my 4th pair since I got him lol) and he absolutely loves water, which makes gardening so much easier, right? He is very loving, very protective and gives the best puppy cuddles! He loves making doggo friends and enjoys playing fetch. - Fazlin Abrahams

goggA

Hi my name is Gogga. I'm 5 years old. I'd say the name fits me perfectly because I'm so tiny, I look like a little gogga. I was just a month old when I was rescued. I was living behind an Italian restaurant and I must admit the smells coming from the restaurant was good but a dog can't live off smells alone. Soon I was brought to a loving family who takes good care of me. Nowadays I eat some really yummy food thanx to my loving human family. - Luke Wyngaard

TAro, TAMArA + TAYLA

Taro (7 years) and Tamara (6 years), are the daddy and mommy of Tayla (4 years). They are real jet-setters, and go with us on holidays. This photo was taken in Nieuw Bethesda in a guesthouse. Ronel Vortster - Melkbosstrand

s T or M

I’ve been around for 13 years looking after my human pets. I spend most of my time chilling out and lounging around except when my sister barks and makes lots of noise, she really riles up the pack. I’ve tried teaching her how to be soft and quiet but she has her own way of doing things, it’s a good thing I can’t hear, she would drive me crazy if I could.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA O’BRIEN

WORDS BY MARISE BURGER & CARL WASTIE

and his Boston Besties Carl Wastie

If I said it once, I’ll say it a million times more. Never judge a book by its cover.

Meeting Carl Wastie just re-established this for me. Whether you tune in to the Expresso Show in the morning, listen to the Flash Drive on KFM or attending an event where he’s the Master of Ceremonies, you’ll know that Carl is well known for his dad jokes and quick quips. He is hilarious and so quick witted. Beneath the funny exterior is also a man that is highly educated, ambitious and a brilliant businessman. This dog dad of four has been the most amazing person to work with. Carl is a lover of animals, but also of people, and after studying psychology at UCT, he found the opportunity to work in radio and TV, offering him a bigger network of people to connect with. His ultimate goal has been to facilitate happiness and it’s clear to see this when you interact with him on any of his platforms. This has also earned him the title of Radio DJ of the Year 2022 at the VN Awards, a welldeserved win!

Did you know that Carl is the proud dog father of four Boston Terriers? It’s true! He shares his home with a pack of K-9’s that are as enthusiastic about life as he is. Here’s a bit more about the Wastie crew.

Chester company. In the week of Chester’s snip appointment, he got locked up with Chardonnay, like he knew what was about to happen. Weeks later, she had a litter of seven, which we named after all the days of the week. We found homes for five of them but had to keep two as one had some health issues which the Panorama Veterinary Hospital sorted out. They are incredible at what they do there. So that’s how our final number became four and it has changed my life in so many

The pack leader is, of course, Chardonnay. She rules the house with grace and is very protective of her family. Chilli, the younger male, is the athlete and entertainer of the group, showing off for everyone and is a very kind soul. Then there is also Champagne, a timid girl with health issues when she was little and has taken to be the quiet one in the pack. She even prefers eating where it’s quiet and will often take her pellets to eat in

What are their Vourite

“Chester’s favourite pastime has to be stealing balls from the other dogs and then wanting them to take it from him. I suppose it’s his way of establishing some sort of command in lieu of Chardonnay’s dominance.

Chardonnay loves running and she is a sprinter, so the everyday walk is actually proper cardio for us.

Carl Wastie – radio and tV personality, Boston terrier dad and superhero!

Before We get into all that, tell us aBout your oWn four loVes of your life and hoW they BeCame part of the family.

Chilli loves playing fetch and is proficient at it. He likes the ball being thrown in such a way that he gets to jump and snatch it out the air like some kind of show dog.

Champagne, believe it or not, is a swimmer. She loves the pool and can handle a whole swim session with her humans with ease.”

Anyone who’s ever had the privilege of meeting a Boston Terrier on their home turf would know that these little pooches can get up to a lot of mischief. They are busy! So, guess who is the naughtiest of the pack?

“Champagne and Chilli are the naughty ones and have the best way of smoothing over a misdemeanor with their puppy eyes. They are both fans of eating their

beds when no one is looking and as a result, we’ve had to use blankets as their beds as there have been way too many moments where my backyard looks like a winter wonderland clad in stuffing that they thought amusing to rip out of their beds.”

Carl’s had a love of animals since he was young and could typically be found playing with birds, cats, and dogs at his friend’s house instead of the children. He grew up with a Rottweiler-Labrador cross, named Shayna, as well as a Poodle-cross named Princess.

WhiCh traits aBout the Boston terrier Breed dreW you

to them?

“Boston Terriers are personality dogs who match their demeanor to their owners, and I love that about them. My lifestyle is very busy but having dogs who know you and feel your every emotion is such a perk for me. I can have a rough day and they will lay at my feet like they are making themselves available for love, or if I am braaiing and relaxed, they will set the mood by playing outside and being joyous. The Boston breed is very special.”

take the kids With you to a shelter or a driVe of any sort and alloW your family to CultiVate selflessness. It’s huge in the long run.”

By now, I know you are all wondering about their names. Here’s where the inspiration comes from.

“I mentioned this earlier, but Chester was named after the Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington who passed on a year before I rescued Chester.

Chardonnay and Champagne were named by their mom who enjoys a glass or two here and there. Chilli was named after my love for everything spicy. All together you will notice that their names start with a “Ch” which was the plan, and we sometimes affectionately call them “The CHardashians”.”

When it comes to supporting charity, Carl is no stranger to the industry and the needs of those who are unable to speak for themselves.

you support and Want to enCourage south afriCans to get inVolVed in?

“I love using my platforms for good and if I can make a difference, it is my responsibility to do so. I love the SPCA, but I have no problem supporting more animal causes, and human causes for that matter, when time permits. I don’t want to be specific, but I would definitely encourage pet owners to find a charity and drop off some food or toys. The same goes for anyone with kids who would like to encourage a ‘giving’ culture in their home. Take the kids with you to a shelter or a drive of any sort and allow your family to cultivate selflessness. It’s huge in the long run.”

I don’t know about you, but I would love to run into Carl on a hiking trail. The route would be so much fun listening to the puns and commentary of a bright and caring soul like him. One thing is for sure though, we’re going to see a lot more of Carl in the future. Stars like him lead the way for all of us.

5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

Carl

What is your favourite part about your job?

“My favourite part of my job is the impact I have on so many people and the way radio and tv is such a powerful part of people's lives and mental health.”

Favourite football team?

“Real Madrid, Bafana, Brazil, France and Spain.”

Favourite musician/band?

“Linkin Park, and everyone local. Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Oasis, Eminem. The list goes on.”

Favourite pastimes?

“Board games with the family and braaiing. More recently also hiking and CrossFit.”

you oBViously knoW What joy it Was for skunk and his mom to Be reunited thanks to your efforts. so many pets go missing and so many negleCted animals are left to fend for themselVes on the streets. you’re a proud supporter of the spCa and the Work they do. are there any other Welfares

Top Tips for making

BY BRYONY VAN NIEKERK

There are two types of children: those who launch themselves with open arms at every dog they see, and those who cower and run away from anything with four legs. I definitely fell into the former category. Every dog, cat, horse, or pig, I approached with all the excitement in the world. It never occurred to me that not all animals are friendly or want to touched or kissed by a tiny

SAVVY Your kids dog and vice versa

Tips for kids

• Knowledge is power

From a young age start teaching your child all about dogs; what it means when they are wagging their tail, barking, licking, raising their lip, growling. The more information you can provide them with, the more comfortable and confident they will feel around dogs. Discuss dogs you see when you are out and about, and ask them how they think that dog is feeling. Is he happy, sad,

Just as important as asking for permission, is respecting and accepting the owners decision. If the owners answer is no, it’s no. Hanging around and bothering the owner could result in the situation escalating, especially if the dog is reactive.

• ApproAch cArefully

How you approach a dog makes all the difference. One should never run up to a dog, or approach them from behind, as you could startle them. Instruct your child to approach slowly, stop about halfway and invite the dog to come the rest of the way to them. By doing this, you are giving the dog a choice. They can either choose to come to you or not. Should the dog opt out of the interaction, provide your child with a noncontact option. They can wave at the dog or a blow kiss.

If the dog does come up to your child, have them squat down (if the dog is small) and sit parallel to them, not face on. They can also hold out a closed hand and let the dog sniff them first.

• pet, pet, pAuse

Children can often be a bit rough when it comes to petting animals, so you want to make sure that your child knows to use soft, gentle strokes. Children should avoid putting their faces close to the dogs, and should not give them hugs either. Additionally, most dogs don’t like their heads, tails, legs and feet to be touched as they can be trigger points. ‘Safe’ zones tend to be the chest, neck and upper back.

A great method to use when petting a dog is the Pet-Pet-Pause approach. This entails giving the dog two pets/pats, and then pausing. This pause allows you to see if the dog wants you to continue petting them. It they nudge you, or move towards you, this means they would like you to carry on with the love. If the dog moves away, take that as a sign that they have had enough, and are no longer interested.

Tips for dogs

• AdvocAte for your dog

It’s ok to say no if a child, or even an adult, asks to pet your dog. Perhaps it is because they are eating, sleeping or even just decompressing with their favourite toy. Or maybe your dog’s body language and other cues are indicating that they are uncomfortable with the situation. It is your job to advocate for your dog, and remove them from the situation.

Never force your dog into an interaction that they clearly do not want.

• n ever punish A growl

Contrary to popular belief, you should never admonish your dog for growling. A growl is your dog’s way of telling you, in ways that you can understand, that they are uncomfortable. In fact, a growl is one of yours dogs last resorts. They have most likely told you with body language (whale eyes, lip licking, head turning) that they are not happy. Subtle clues that you probably missed.

So if you punish a growl, you are taking away their early warning system which could lead to them suppressing their growl, often resulting in your dog ‘biting without warning.’

• good vibes

Positive reinforcement is your greatest tool, and should be used from a young age. Reward your dog with treats and love when they behave well around children, be it from a distance or from afar. This will lead to associating good things with children.

It’s important to remember that not all dogs will like children. Some will never be their best friend. And that’s ok. In this case, reward them for not reacting to children, and rather engaging and remaining focussed on you. A neutral reaction is a win as well.

PETS+

Your canine companion had a field day in the rubbish bin and now they’re literally sick as a dog – throwing up, nursing an aching tummy, and feeling very sorry for themselves. Probably just indigestion from

BY JENNI DAVIES

PANCREAS 101

First, a pop biology lesson. Cells are the body’s building blocks and, in order to function, they need energy in the form of glucose. When animals eat, digestive enzymes are activated in the small intestine to break food down to get glucose. The hormone insulin is released to allow glucose to be used or stored; when stored energy is needed, the hormone glucagon signals it to be released. What does all that have to do with the pancreas? This tiny-butmighty organ produces several of those crucial enzymes, along with insulin and glucagon. Essentially: no pancreas, no life. Unfortunately, for reasons we don’t fully understand, sometimes things go wrong and the pancreas becomes inflamed. This is pancreatitis and it is serious.

WHAT IS PANCREATITIS?

This is a complex condition but, in a nutshell, the pancreatic digestive enzymes are activated prematurely within the pancreas, instead of in the small intestine. They then start digesting the pancreas itself and can leak into the abdomen, damaging organs, particularly the liver and kidneys.

Two types of pancreatitis affect dogs and cats: acute (sudden onset) and chronic (ongoing), ranging from mild to severe. Dr Gray says, “We see acute

less commonly seen; probably about a case every one to two months. But, again, this is likely because it's difficult to spot and diagnose. Often, a patient is treated for something else and we see a positive response.” In short: these cases are probably the tip of the iceberg.

In acute canine cases, the most common signs are abdominal pain (your dog may pace, moan, whimper, arch their back, stretch in the ‘downward dog’ position or onto their belly, lick at their abdomen, and snap if you touch), and repeated vomiting, leading to dehydration. Nausea (shown with excess salivation and lip licking) and diarrhoea could be present. They won’t want to eat, they’ll seem flat and lethargic, and might have a fever. They can develop shock, systemic inflammation, and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (severe bloody diarrhoea). This is not the time for home remedies – this is a serious veterinary emergency. As many as 40% of dogs

Clinically, we tend to assume the severe cases with terrible abdominal pain and vomiting are acute, since chronic cases tend to have milder clinical signs such as poor appetite and occasional bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea. However, chronic pancreatitis patients can have an ‘acute-on-chronic’ episode where there is sudden, severe disease clinically, but chronic changes at the cell level. Patients that start to develop issues such as diabetes mellitus, or pancreatic insufficiency [where the pancreas can’t produce enough digestive enzymes] are considered to have chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis in cats tends to be chronic in general.”

WHAT CAUSES PANCREATITIS?

“The most common cause is high amounts of fat in the blood,” says Dr Gray. “This can be due to dietary misjudgement with consumption of a high fat meal, but some dogs just tend to have fatty blood and can develop pancreatitis if the owners aren't careful with what they're feeding. Some medications, especially anti-seizure medications, have been linked with pancreatitis as well. In cats, pancreatitis is often linked with a larger disease complex involving inflammatory bowel disease and inflammation of the bile ducts in the liver.”

Statistically, obese pets are at greater risk, particularly those regularly fed the wrong food, but, even if animals eat a picture-perfect diet, suddenly wolfing down lots of rich or fatty food can trigger it, which is why vets see more cases around the festive season. Middle-aged and senior animals, particularly females, are more likely to develop it, as are certain breeds, including Cavalier King Charles spaniels, miniature schnauzers, poodles, and Siamese cats. Pancreatitis can also be brought on by physical trauma (e.g. car accident) and ingesting certain toxins, especially chocolate, organophosphates, and lilies. But, really, any dog or cat can get pancreatitis and, in most cases, there’s simply no known reason why some develop it and others do not.

HOW IS PANCREATITIS DIAGNOSED?

As Dr Gray explains, this condition is tricky to spot and diagnose. In suspected cases, vets usually run several tests to confirm suspicion and rule out other causes. A full blood count looks for signs of infection and inflammation and, because pancreatitis affects the liver too, liver enzymes may be checked. Testing for raised pancreas-specific lipase can be done but some animals with pancreatitis have normal levels (false positives). X-rays help rule out other causes, like intestinal blockages. Ultrasound finds around two-thirds of acute cases (not chronic) and can look for other problems, like liver inflammation, gallstones, or pancreatic abscess. Biopsy is the most accurate but it’s rarely done because it’s invasive and animals with acute pancreatitis are generally poor surgery candidates.

Diagnosis is usually made by combining test results with the clinical picture (symptoms, history, and risk factors). Because pancreatitis is time-sensitive, even if there’s no definitive diagnosis, vets often start treating for it anyway.

Make no mistake, if pancreatitis isn’t obvious, that doesn’t mean it isn’t smouldering beneath the surface, waiting to flare up, nor does it mean it isn’t serious. As long as it’s left untreated, it is causing damage.

Can pancreatitis be treated?

Pancreatitis can’t be cured - treatment is supportive and symptomatic, and focuses on reducing possible triggers. “Acute pancreatitis can have a good prognosis with prompt and aggressive treatment,” says Dr Gray. “Unfortunately, necrotic pancreatitis, where parts of the pancreas are actually starting to die off and leak into the abdomen, has a very poor prognosis. Regarding chronic pancreatitis, each vet will have their own experience, but in cases which I’ve seen, this doesn't generally have a good prognosis from a quality of life perspective. Some patients can do well, but a lot of them battle with frequent relapses and issues with diabetes that usually result in them having to be put to sleep.”

Pets with acute cases are usually admitted to hospital, receive pain and anti-nausea medication, and may be put on a drip for intravenous fluids. Antibiotics aren’t helpful for pancreatitis. Early enteral nutrition (tube feeding) reportedly shortens hospitalisation so, once they’re stable, your pet may be syringe- or tube-fed. Mild cases can sometimes be treated as outpatients. Depending on severity, your dog could be hospitalised for a few days or a couple

of weeks, and recovery can take one to two weeks afterwards. However, there is a chance of relapse or of it turning into a chronic case.

Dogs with chronic pancreatitis and those recovering from acute cases cannot go back to their old ways. They need good-quality, easily digestible, low-fat, high-fibre diets, such as prescription low-fat kibbles. Plain cooked skinless chicken breast and veggies like butternut, pumpkin, and squash are good additions if needed. Maintaining a healthy weight is imperative, as is ensuring they get enough exercise and have minimal stress. Probiotic supplements can support digestion, and milk thistle (Silybum marianum), which has been found to have a protective effect on the liver and pancreas, may also help (under veterinary supervision). In some cases, pain medication is also prescribed. Cats, having a different metabolism, need some dietary fat, although food should still be high-fibre, good quality and easily digestible, and their weight must be controlled.

exercise, and weight management, and by keeping potential toxins out of reach. Saying no to those sweet little faces when they’re asking for extras is tough, but, considering the possible consequences, saying no to treats now could mean saying yes to the rest of their lives.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This

Although pancreatitis can’t always be prevented, you can reduce the risk of it starting or reoccurring with diet,

"Diagnosis is usually made by combining test results with the clinical picture (symptoms, history, and risk factors). Because pancreatitis is timesensitive, even if there’s no definitive diagnosis, vets often start treating for it anyway."

article does not replace the advice and treatment of a registered veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, do not delay in seeking veterinary help and follow their instructions for treatment.

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LET’S GET POOPY WITH IT

As you gaze at that new fluffer of joy, and you beam from ear-to-ear, you realise you will be challenged with teething, potty issues, training, adapting to a new soul in the house, and so many new things. I, however, never thought that as a dog parent I would ever have to pay so much attention to poop. Yeah, you read that right - dog doodee.

I learned very fast that a dog’s poop can tell you a lot about their health, and I proudly own up to the name ‘Inspector Gadget’ every time Echo is busy with a number two, inspecting it from every angle for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. The biggest issue to keep an eye on when you have a puppy still building an immune system, is parvovirus. It is more commonly

known as cat flu, and this bugger is one of the most contagious viruses your dog can get before their vaccination rounds are complete. I was not about to lose my precious girl due to ignorance; Google was both my worst fear and best friend.

I guess in some way I caused my husband a form of PTSD with my constant urging to keep a close eye on Echo whenever I had to go out.

BY ESTASCHIA COSSADIANOS

the television would be turned on, just in case he misses some little detail – shame, the poor guy.

On my return, Steph will still be sitting on the couch with his eyes locked on wherever Echo is, usually still in her same position, not even

Paranoid dog parent, table for one please. Don’t get me wrong though, Echo is well socialised with all animals and surroundings, despite me keeping her inside a bubble until she had all her shots. She was the most playful and inquisitive bean, and it was tough keeping up with her. Bernese Mountain Dogs are labelled as lazy couch potatoes, and they are, but only after they have played their hearts out and ran through everything they can. Being a working dog, they do need efficient outlets for their energy as well as mental stimulation. Berners have short bursts of energy and Echo would always play and then train for a while before collapsing behind the ottoman where it was cool and snuggly, recharging for her next round of puppy mayhem.

“If she looks like she wants to vomit, or her poop is just a little runny, you better tell me. If she looks lethargic or doesn’t want to play or eat, I need to rush her to the vet!”

Due to her energy levels, I began booking a few puppy playdates via friends we made on her Instagram account. We settled into the doggo community quite nicely, as this was all during that dreaded covid time and experiencing life through your doggo’s point of view was much better. Real life sucked, who wouldn’t prefer to run an animal account and look at cute animals?

Once lockdown reached a level where we could move around with masks and sanitise every two minutes, I enrolled my baby bear into day care. Yes people, dog day care isn’t a myth. Think of it as a crèche but take away the screaming kids and replace them with barking, howling, playful doggos. I remember when the bus picked her up and she was a tad unsure about the situation - this is probably what mothers feel like when their kids go to school for the first time. I watched her drive off with her little lunch bag I packed, and then ran back to bed – hello blissful sleep! Receiving pictures of Echo playing made me tear up. I could see how much fun she was having interacting with new friends. It was phenomenal.

Day care helped me a lot as I worked from home and I didn’t need to worry about her being bored or not getting the proper playtime or stimulation.

My mind was at ease knowing she was in good hands for a few hours, learning and doing what dogs do. Again, we saw a strong pet community and became a part of it. Echo would come home with the bus and plop right down on the tiles and sleep for a solid two hours. Thank you, day care. I love you.

I had the carers at the day care on poop patrol too, don’t think that ceased to exist just because she was not with me. The lovely people entertained me and gave me her poop updates as they could. Everyone was on poop patrol – I run a tight ship.

Puppies are fun and magical, but they also bring so much responsibility because they can’t speak up if they don’t feel well.

They can’t tell you where it hurts or what is going on. Prevention is better than cure and you have to try your best to know, because sadly, you don’t know until you know. You can’t research what you don’t know exists – but you can try. Thus, the slightest change in mood or behaviour should set off an alarm with you. Waiting isn’t always good.

Let’s be pro-active.

FERAL CAT PROJECT

The Feral Cat Project was founded in 2012 by Brenda Kerr. Since 2012, approximately 21 000 cats have been sterilised. Brenda was introduced to the ‘world of rescue’ in 2004 at a cat show. Soon after, she was asked to trap a mommy and kittens at a school nearby. They were fed for 13 years.

A team grew as more cats needed assistance across the whole of Cape Town. To trap cats, there needs to be a feeding program in place first. The main focus of the Feral Cat Project is Trap−Neuter−Return (TNR).

Initially, Brenda took cats to a welfare vet for sterilisation. As the numbers grew, the group started a weekly (one day per week) clinic in 2012.

Last year it was possible for The Feral Cat Project to have their own premises where it runs the sterilisation clinic every Thursday. Our amazing team consists of Dr Tracy Dicks, two nurses, and two assistants. The clinic is based in Sunnydale, Cape Town. We sterilise around 60−80 cats every Thursday.

ASIDE FROM TNR, THE PROJECT ALSO:

–Runs a feeding program. Cat colonies across the Cape Town area receive assistance from the project. It is pointless sterilising a cat only to let it starve to death. Food is provided, as well as assistance when feral cats show signs of illness.

– Educate people on the importance of sterilisation. It only takes one friendly female cat to have kittens which are never socialized to start the line of semi-feral to feral.

–Sterilise cats whose carers cannot afford the cost of private vets & very often have no transport, let alone a cat carrier. This is done on a needsassessment basis. We ask for a minimum donation to help cover some of the costs. The team of volunteers pick up and return the cats. They also provide the carriers for transportation.

– Fosters kittens. We often find moms with kittens. If the kittens are young enough to be socialised, they are placed in foster care so they can be tamed and homed.

The Feral Cat Project relies on donations from the public to keep sterilising the cats & kittens.

4,203 cats and kittens were STERILISED in 2022

Account name: Feral cat project

Bank: FNB

Branch name: Kenilworth

Branch code: 210046

Account number:

62913182705

Trust registration: IT000154/2020(C)

PBO 930075496

FASCINATING

ELEPHANTS FIRST EVOLVED 80 MILLION YEARS AGO.

They were related to the Mammoth.

Loxodonta Africana is the scientific name for the African elephant.

Elephant trunks have more than 40,000 muscles.

The elephant's trunk is a versatile body part. It is used for smelling, breathing, touching, holding and producing sound.

Elephants have a very strong sense of smell, but weak eyesight.

Elephants use their tusks for lifting, digging, collecting food, prying bark from trees to eat and for defence.

Botswana has more elephants than any other country.

Elephants really look after their young. Mom often wraps her trunk over the baby elephant while emitting a gentle rumbling sound.

A baby elephant is called a calf.

Most baby elephants are born at night.

A baby elephant adds about 1 kg of

Male elephants usually leave the family clan within the ages of 12 to 15.

Elephants can run faster than a human, up to 40km per hour (even faster than Usain Bolt!).

THE LENGTH OF AN ELEPHANT’S TUSKS CAN INDICATE ITS AGE.

Elephants have incredibly poor digestion, with only 50% efficiency. As a result, they release an incredible amount of gas (so don’t stand too close!) and produce around 250 pounds of manure a day!

Elephant skeletons have between 326 and 351 bones.

An elephant skull is highly shockabsorbent and flexible.

An elephant is pregnant for almost 2 years.

Elephants have the longest pregnancy of all mammals.

Elon Musk once changed his name on Twitter to "Elon Tusk."

Elephants are highly social animals, and form some of the strongest family bonds of all species.

Elephants are born blind, but they can stand almost immediately.

A newborn elephant already weighs more than 100kg.

Newborn elephants can walk minutes after they are born.

A calf normally learns how to use their trunk proficiently after about a year.

Elephants have “fingers” on their trunk for grasping (they don’t look like our fingers!).

African Elephants

ELEPHANTS HAVE NO NEED FOR MASCARA, THEIR EYELASHES CAN BE UP TO FIVE INCHES LONG.

Elephants can eat up to 150 kgs of food every day!

Elephants are some of the smartest animals out there!

Elephants really do have a thick skin, the average elephant’s skin can be around 2.5 cm thick.

THEIR SKIN MAY BE THICK, BUT IT IS HIGHLY SENSITIVE.

Elephants have created their very own sunscreen, wallowing in mud. Clever!

Elephants have an extremely slow pulse rate, around 27 beats per minute. Compare that to the average human (80 bpm) or Canary (1000 bpm).

ELEPHANTS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN OUR ECOSYSTEM. ONE WAY THEY HELP IS THAT MANY PLANTS ARE DEPENDENT ON PASSING THROUGH AN ELEPHANT’S DIGESTIVE TRACT BEFORE THEY CAN GERMINATE.

ELEPHANTS CAN’T JUMP.

Elephants can purr like a cat.

AN ELEPHANT’S TRUNK IS USED TO TRUMPET, TO DRINK AND TO GRAB THINGS, BUT IS ALSO USED AS A SNORKEL IN DEEP WATER.

Elephants spend around 16 hours a day eating.

Elephants can drink up to 225 litres of water each day.

Elephants grieve when one of the herd dies.

BY BILL ASTON

FACTS

An elephant’s molar tooth weighs about 2 kg.

Elephants are the largest living land animal, weighing up to 5000 kg.

Elephants can live to be 70 years old. Musth (pronounced MUST) can increase testosterone levels in a tusker by almost 60 per cent, and makes them highly aggressive

During musth, middle-aged and elderly male elephants roam the savanna for females, spending little time eating or resting.

Elephants can recognize themselves in the mirror. They join humans, apes, and dolphins as the only animals with self-awareness.

THEY ARE AFRAID OF BEES. FARMERS EVEN USE BEEHIVES TO DETER ELEPHANTS FROM COMING ONTO THEIR LAND.

They suck their trunks for comfort, like humans suck their thumbs.

Believe it or not, but the elephant's closest living relative is the dassie.

Just like us, elephant’s yawn.

ELEPHANTS HAVE EARS SHAPED LIKE AFRICA!

Elephants can communicate with vibrations. Elephants can communicate with one another from miles away by making subsonic calls that vibrate the ground.

Elephants are very intelligent. A reason for this is the structure of their brain.

SADLY, ELEPHANTS ARE IN TROUBLE. MANY ARE KILLED BY HUMANS FOR THEIR IVORY TUSKS, BECAUSE THEY’VE COME INTO CONFLICT WITH COMMUNITIES OR SIMPLY FOR SPORT.

Around a hundred elephants die every

For our first event of 2023, we threw a “Pitty Pawty” which we hosted on the Sea Point Promenade. It was a great success in terms of achieving our objectives of changing the narrative around the “pit bull” breed, raising awareness and exposure for our organisations and traders and of course, for adoptions!

The event was very well attended by our much-loved animal welfare organisations, including the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, AACL, PDSA-SA, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Pit Pals, as well as by the “pit bull” and animal loving community members, and friendly passers-by! Absolute Pets hosted their famous mobile pet store with fun games for dogs and their parents, Lukuno Pet Food handed out sample bags which everyone loved and Ricky’s pet products also donated their delicious pet biscuits as treats for doggies who joined us on the day!

We were thrilled to have our Paws-aWhile Patron, City of Cape Town’s Ald JP Smith, Councillor’s Patricia Van Der Ross and Nicola Jowell stop by to show their “suppawt” too - as well as the Metro Police Equestrian Unit!

We aim to create an educational space at the Paws-a-While and our question for the day was: What defines a “pit bull”? They come in so many different shapes and forms, from the mixed breeding due to a lack of education, and also sadly from people who choose to breed these dogs irresponsibly.

Hero in my Hood story books are one of our treasured Paws-a-While family members and joined us with their incredible “how to love your pit bull” pamphlets which they distribute within the communities that need extra education, starting with the children who very often are the ones to most effectively educate their parents!

The Paws-a-While is a fun and unique monthly event that promotes adoptions of rescued dogs and cats from registered animal welfare organisations, who are members of the Cape Animal Welfare Forum - uniting organisations and well-known brand’s to show that we are truly better when we work together.

Photography by Lee van Huyssteen @bellelumierefoto

Our next event was on the 12th of February

The Paws-a-While focuses a lot on the incredible need for companion animal sterilisation and our goal for this year is to begin fundraising for Paws-a-While mass sterilisation and outreach days. Spaying or neutering your pets are the most effective ways to end pet overpopulation, and help decrease the amount of animals coming into this world unwanted and needing to find homes.

February, themed “Date-a-Rescue-Dog” to celebrate Valentine’s Day, where members of the public are invited to take a rescue dog on a picnic date for only R50 which goes directly to their dates rescuers! We have put together “doggy bags” thanks to our incredible sponsors, which will also be available to send to the shelter dogs who aren’t able to make it on the day, and share the love with them too!

Each month comes with a different theme to keep our events fun and exciting - we welcome new traders regularly and would love to encourage everyone to come and visit us at our future events! We have something super special planned for our event on the 5th of March too, so keep an eye on our socials and please remember when you’re looking to add a new furry member into your family - opt to adopt!

Two new quality products from Lionel’s Choice. Protect. Love

Conditioning Pet Shampoo

Rooibos Extract supports and soothes irritated and itchy skin while also assisting in strengthening brittle and damaged hair.

Deodorising Pet and Bedding Spray

Witch Hazel Extract helps to reduce topical inflammation.

Aloe Vera helps replenish the natural moisture balance of your pet’s skin and coat while reducing pet odors.

A refreshing dog shampoo that will gently clean and nourish dry, itchy, and allergy-prone skin. It contains natural ingredients which support to soothe the skin, while the all-natural aroma will help calm your pet during the bathing process.

It is pH balanced and ideal for your dog’s skin. Natural conditioning additives provide excellent wet and dry detangling and conditioning properties, leaving your dog’s coat soft after every wash.

Coconut Oil can improve damaged skin and reduce allergens. Avocado Oil promotes the growth of new coats by providing a protective covering to the coat follicles and skin which helps prevent moisture loss.

Our aromatic deodorising spray contains a uniquely formulated blend of silver nanoparticles and botanical extracts to help soothe and rejuvenate skin irritations.

Witch Hazel Extract, a natural anti-inflammatory, helps soothe skin irritations while Avocado and Coconut oil promote healing.

Both products contain a solution of Quantum.Silver, which consists of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles display anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Quantum.Silver assists in fighting these skin infections topically. Helping your pet’s skin and coat to stay healthy.

iS r za Rainbows & Unicorn

Rainbows & Unicorns

– because dogs are magic. This comfy cork collar is made from cork fabric with accents

350.00

www.localislekkerza.co.za

EpEt StOrE Fresh Pearls Cat Litter Deodoriser

These little Cat Litter

Deodoriser pearls from M Pets are real gems. They absorb, capture and neutralise odours at the source, r160.45

www.epetstore.co.za

Tail-waggin’

pet supplies

La briE

M-Pets Pongo Interactive Dog Ball

Pongo Interactive Dog Toy ball emit sounds when rolled or shaken.

r 285.00

www.labrie.co.za

DOG

DL Unicorn Hoodie Purple

Make sure your doggos are cosy when they gallop off to bed in this magical Dog's Life Unicorn Squad Jacket

r360.00

www.dogslife.co.za

EarS

Until Every Cage Is Empty Tee

The new TEARS Until Every Cage Is Empty apparel range is all about getting homeless pets out of the shelter and into warm, loving homes.

200.00

www.tears.org.za

takEaLOt

Scruffs - Wilton Dog or Cat Carrier - Black

Available in two colours, complete with fold-out water bowl and adjustable shoulder straps. Machine washable. r659.00

www.takealot.com

pEtitE FrEnch anD cO

The Triangle Tug Toy

It's play time! Let your dog chew, tug and play away the day with our nifty Triangle Tug Toy. r280.00

www.petitefrench.com

Fur & babiES

The Fluffy Cloud Pet Bed

This Fluffy bed in Beige Brown is just amazing for your four legged friends, both young and old. r550.00

www.furandbabies.co.za

Medium Pet Food Bowl

Serve your pet in style with Le Creuset's pet food bowls. Stoneware construction makes this bowl durable, and it is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. A wide base prevents tipping.

www.lecreuset.co.za

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups milk of choice OR 1 cup milk of choice + 1 cup cool rooibos tea

• 2 tablespoons B‐well Canola Oil

Summer Blueberry Zinger Smoothie

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 2 peeled bananas

• 3 oranges OR 4 naartjies

• 2 cups frozen peeled blueberries

• 1 cup frozen strawberries

METHOD

1. Add ingredients to blender in order listed above.

2. Blend until smooth, and transfer into four tall glasses.

3. If blender doesn’t blend frozen fruit well, consider lightly thawing berries before adding.

BIZZIBABS CORNER Aunty S Branded Bandanas

At Bizzibabs we believe all pets should be spoilt with a little something sometimes and when that “something” doesn’t cost a fortune - why not? Bizzibabs has teamed up with Aunty S because we believe she is the best when it comes to vinyl printing on fabric and she can do this on just about everything - leashes, dog jerseys. Another example, Buy a quality ROGZ collar from Bizzibabs and Aunty S will personalize it for you with your dog’s name or something cute like “I wuff every pawdy” or your mobile number. Aunty S says the vinyl printing is washable - a must for our dogs - their bandanas frequently need a wash.

Bizzibabs Bandana sizes available are Small to X-Large. A bandana without a collar starts at R90. A Bandana with a collar starts at R160. To order or to discuss what you need: Visit Bizzibabs.com for more or WhatsApp us a message 082-6851745

PETS NEED A

Breaktoo!

BY BRIAN BERKMAN

“

“ 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.

WWith Ceres as your base you can happily explore the surroundings of this fruit-growing valley. There are attractions for all weather conditions. A greater chance of snow than elsewhere in the Western Cape during winter and hot summer temperatures too.

The Ceres Zipline Adventure takes you across a series of mountain crevices and is highly recommended especially on account of the handle-breaking mechanism which means you don’t have to slow yourself down using your hand with only a glove for protection as you need to do in most other Zipline experiences.

Accommodation options are also very varied and many are pet friendly. Our stay on Fairfield Farm, just six kilometres outside of the town of Ceres on the road that heads to Prince Alfred Hamlet and onwards to the Witzenberg Valley and the Tankwa Karoo beyond, is conveniently located if you want to take advantage of the restaurants in Ceres.

At Fairfield Cottages there are three accommodation options, the largest of which is Fynbos Cottage which can accommodate 12 people. It also has an enclosed backyard if you want to keep your pets nearby. You may be blessed with frequent wildlife visitors like birds, small antelope and baboons. We stayed in the six-sleeper

Klipspringer Cottage which is unfenced and which meant that Julie needed to be kept on the leash outside on most occasions.

There is Wi-Fi available at reception with a comfortable lounge and large patio which can be used as a workspace. There too you can purchase firewood but note it is 300 meters away from the cottages. The six-sleeper Mountain Spring Cottage has wi-fi signal too. We had acceptable Vodacom reception most of the time.

What is special about Klipspringer Cottage is there is an outside Victorian slipper bath surrounded by a kraalstyle fence. Nearby, but separately, is an outside toilet too with a stone wall for privacy. One of the bedrooms in Klipspringer has an outside door which makes it easy to access the outside loo and shower. The main bathroom with a large shower is in the centre of the house and if you, as we were, are staying in the main bedroom, the route to the bathroom is somewhat circuitous and via the lounge. The reason for this is that the cottage accommodation was a refitting of an existing building that was constructed before en-suite bathrooms were the requirement they are today. In the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area there is a large indoor fireplace on which you can braai. And there is a stove and small oven too.

A DSTV service is available and there were books and games to use during our visit. Although it would be lovely and cosy in the cottage during inclement weather, the environmental beauty of Fairfield Farm with its apples and pear orchards and livestock too is outdoors. There is a well-marked hiking

route and a distance away there is a farm dam in which you can swim and paddle if you’d like to.

The three cottages are relatively close together which means that while you will benefit from privacy if you are travelling in a group together, if you want to visit each other this can easily be done. Outside too is a shared swimming pool and sun loungers as well as a braai pit under a big tree. Forward views are over the apple orchards but behind the houses is the mountain and pine forests. If you want to eat out, the nearest spot to do so is Anna’s which is also pet friendly. There is a seating in the pretty garden and seating outside but on the raised stoep and under cover. Inside, there is plenty seating too. Offering typical steakhouse fare, portions are generous and quite well priced.

Another dining option in Ceres itself is Homegrown Bakery Cafe nearer the entrance to the village and the aforementioned Ceres Zipline Adventure. They make a sensational chicken salad. Serious coffee lovers will have their fix at Tremor in the main road of Ceres and, if you venture into the Witzenberg Valley, there is a new spot, SIP, just as you enter the valley doing fabulous coffees, pizza and other beverages too. Pets are welcome under the trees and on the outside deck too.

www.FairfieldCottages.co.za cottages@Cedro.co.za 071-309-6355.

Brian Berkman says a visit to Ceres is long over due and the best news is you can take your four-legged family with you.

AAlthough only graded three-stars, Norfolk Guesthouse in Hermanus with its five suites offers so much value and comfort in albeit homely accommodation that the value for money and enjoyable time you will have there almost elevates it to a luxury offering.

In fact, the Blue Crane suite, one of two that are pet friendly and which we occupied had a kitchenette along with a fridge large enough to self cater if we wanted to. There is a two-plate stove, microwave, kettle and toaster and an electric frying plan as well as a Weber braai in the large and enclosed outside area.

What Julie loved most about this accommodation was the private and walled outside area where

cool home for herself in the foliage amidst the Bougainvillea, Geranium and Angel’s Trumpets. And, the two resident cats and hotel dog, provided plenty distraction for her too.

What we loved about Norfolk, apart from the very competitive price, was that it is one short block away from Fick’s Tidal Pool and the fabulous seasonal restaurant there.

Fick’s, owned by the folks from Dutchie’s restaurant on Grotto Beach Hermanus, is the perfect pet-friendly spot for lunch or drinks and snacks heading towards sundowners. No reservations are taken at Fick’s but there is a row of chairs on which to sit and wait for an available table or lounge setup. And the views are as spectacular no matter where you sit

But, back to Norfolk. Not only is it easy to find with two giant Norfolk Pines outside in the wide Church Street but there is also a large open field directly opposite on which to walk dogs if you don’t want to walk the block to the Cliff Path.

There is cosy off-street secured parking and wi-fi. Storm Kreusch is the guesthouse manager and she will welcome you and show you around. Enjoy their extensive DVD and book library which is intended for guest use. The full DSTV bouquet is available. A king-sized bed and comfy chairs in the room along with a plastic table and six chairs outside also makes this a suitable spot for entertaining.

Brian Berkman says Hermanus is a wonderfully democratic destination and staying at Norfolk Guesthouse is among its more affordable.

The small plunge pool is set in a rockery with cascading water feature and a great spot to catch the rays or to cool off. Hermanus is rightly famous for its shore-based whale watching and the Cliff Path is the ideal place to walk and meet other walkers and their dogs. On a Saturday until 2pm there is an outstanding food and craft market near the Hermanus Cricket Club which will welcome you and your pets alike.

If you’d like to treat yourself and pooch, book Afternoon Tea on the lawns at The Marine Hotel, one of Hermanus’ most established and elegant hotels. The Marine has a special petfriendly menu of chef prepared items.

The public art and sculpture along the coast and in the village itself is part of the Hermanus FynArts Festival and aside from being Instaworthy is a wonderful opportunity to engage with art at no financial cost. Perhaps this is part of the enduring allure of Hermanus? While there are mansions and costly places there is also much that is available at no additional charge. In its way Hermanus is wonderfully democratic.

Norfolk Guest House 30 Church Street Hermanus TEL: 0765261000

bookings@norfolkguesthouse.co.za

What to know before hitting the trails with your dog

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to hiking trails in South Africa, so I’ve personally found this to be the best method of staying active and making sure my dogs get their required exercise.

Not only is it great exercise, but there are many other benefits to hiking with your canine companion. It’s an amazing opportunity to bond with your pets and will mentally stimulate them by introducing a variety of new sights, smells and sounds that they typically would not encounter in our backyards. While hiking can be a fun and enjoyable activity, it’s important to be prepared before hitting the trail. In this article, we’ll discuss some important safety tips and essential items to bring with you to ensure a safe and successful hike for you and your best friend.

As owners, it is extremely important that we are mindful of our dog’s capabilities. If you have a puppy or an adolescent dog, you don’t want to be taking them on too strenuous an outing. Until fully grown, the growth plates on their bones have not yet closed, and too much strain on your dog’s growing bones can cause pain and more serious longterm issues.

Similarly, older dogs who want to please their owners will push through on long trails, but often suffer from painful joints and sometimes develop arthritis. It is therefore important to not overexert them, and if you are unsure of their capabilities, consult your vet.

With regard to breed, be aware that short-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers, as well as thick-coated breeds, such as huskies and St. Bernard’s, can be prone to overheating. Keep this in mind when considering the weather and distance of your hike.

For the safety of both your dog and yourself, stick to the trail on your hike. If your dog does not stick close to you, or tends to wander off when they have freedom, having a strong, perhaps retractable, leash is essential to sticking to the path. It is also important to consider that most trails in South Africa require your dog to be leashed. This will help keep your dog safe from potential hazards such as wildlife, other dogs and poisonous plants. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings and watch out for any of these potential hazards. In terms of essential items to bring, water is at the top of the list. Bring enough water for both you and your dog, and consider bringing a portable water bowl for your dog to drink from. Another important item is a first aid kit for your dog. A basic dog first aid kit should include items such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, saline or water, a pair of latex gloves and antibiotic ointment. It's also a good idea to include any medications prescribed by your veterinarian, such as tick and flea prevention products. A flashlight or headlamp can also be useful, especially if you plan on hiking in the early morning or late evening. It can also be helpful to have a map of the trail on your phone or kept in your bag, especially if you're hiking in an unfamiliar area.

Finally, it's important to have a plan in case of an emergency. Make sure someone knows where

Cape Town based nature lover and dog enthusiast. Passionate about power breeds and enhancing my skills and knowledge in animal behaviour and nutrition. Follow the adventure: @_all. bark.no.bite

you're going, and when you plan on returning. Take some time to familiarise yourself with basic first aid techniques and know-how to handle situations such as bite wounds, snake bites, or heat stroke, and keep the emergency contact number of the vet on hand should it be necessary.

In summary, hiking with your dog can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it's important to be prepared and take safety precautions. Make sure your dog is in good physical shape and able to handle the hike, check the forecast, and bring essential items such as water, a first aid kit and a leash. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards, and have a plan in case of an emergency. With a little preparation and these safety tips in mind, you and your canine companion can enjoy a safe and successful hike.

Kiarin Naidoo

PET MEMORABILIA COPING WITH THE GRIEF OF LOSING YOUR BELOVED PET

The death of a pet can be a devastating experience for pet owners, sometime surprising them with unexpected feelings of sadness, loneliness, and emptiness. While it is completely normal and acceptable to mourn the loss of a pet there are ways to help cope with this loss. Pets are often an integral part of their owner’s lives and their families and provide comfort, fun and companionship. The bond between a pet and it’s owner is one that is unique and special thus their loss can be felt as deeply as that of human loved one. To cope with this loss many pet owners choose to do a memorial service or memorialize their beloved pets by preserving their memories and mementos. Preserving a memory can be done in various ways. Pet grief is like any grief and may go through cycles (in no given order.) Each cycle of grief is unique and can last for varying lengths of time, but memorabilia can provide comfort and support throughout the entire process.

5 stages of grief and the benefits of a keepsake.

1. Denial: When a pet owner is in denial, the memories and mementos of their pet can provide a source of comfort to facing the reality of their passing but also remind them that their pet was real

something positive and productive.

3. Bargaining: The process of creating pet memorabilia can give pet owners a sense of control over their loss and allow them to hold onto their pet in some way.

4. Depression: Having a physical reminder of their pet can bring comfort and joy to pet owners during their period of sadness and help them remember their pet's love and presence.

5. Acceptance: Pet memorabilia can serve as a reminder of their pet's life and faithfulness, helping pet owners to ultimately accept their loss and move forward.

Navigating through the feelings of loss can be difficult and keepsakes or pet memorabilia can be a source of comfort during this time, reminding pet owners of their pet's unique personality, love, joy and very often the companionship/ friendship they provided.

Legacy Pet Crematorium has put together a list of ten suggestion of keepsake ideas that you can choose from to suits your pet's unique personality and quirks.

• A keepsake box -A keepsake box that can hold all of your pet's favourite toys, tags, collars, and other meaningful items. Creating a personal and special memento, one that you can display in a special place outside or inside your home. When you get your pet's ashes returned after cremation, you could scatter the ashes in their favourite place and then keep their lead or toy with a photo in the scatter box.

• Photo albums – As with humans, we hold onto photos because they remind you of a special time or specific place. Creating a photo album filled with pictures of your pet at various stages of their lives and of course moments with you could become a useful tool during your period of grief and after. Capturing their life from birth to death could be a source of comfort on days that are especially hard. This can be a healthy group activity to work through the loss of a pet that can include younger members of the family, such as children who may also be experiencing the grief and feeling emotional on account of the loss. You could also get a wooden photo frame casket.

• A custom portrait of your special pet –A wonderful idea next to a photograph would be to commission an artist to paint or draw a portrait of your pet, capturing their unique features and spirit that could be displayed for you to see

• Jewellery – Is a very unique method of memorabilia. A piece that is specifically designed that would involve your pet’s ashes infused into a piece of jewellery, such as a pendant or charm. It’s a special way of keeping their memory close to you, physically and wherever you are. Being able to touch your pendant or charm when feelings or memories arise could help you to move through the process of missing them.

• A memorial garden – This is often an option should your premises allow, to dedicate a special area of your yard or garden as a memorial garden. Planting flowers or trees in memory of your pet or adding a moulded headstone to remember your pet would add that extra special touch. Legacy Pet offer a bio-tree urn for your pet's ashes to grow into something beautiful.

• An urn – It’s a special choice in selecting an urn that reflects your pet’s life and it is a wonderful idea that is also easy to keep close by in your home or office. Choosing the one that will hold your pet's ashes could range from a simple wooden box to a decorative lamp holder.

• A memory quilt – This offers physical comfort and warmth, by gathering your pet's favourite blanket, toys, and other items and have them sewn into a memory quilt.

• A memorial plaque - Create a memorial plaque with your pet's name, dates of birth and death, and a special message, quote or any other special words that were unique to your pet as only you would know. This plaque could be on display or in a personal place that keeps their memory alive. Legacy has a selection of garden stones to place outside.

• Glass keepsakes – Are especially a precious choice with the option to have your pet’s ashes blown into a glass keepsake that could be the same colour as their eyes were.

• Personalized memorial book: Create a personalized memorial book for your pet, filled with photos, stories, and special moments. This is an easily accessible way to walk down memory lane with your pet and overcome the feelings of loss but rather of happiness looking back at times when you know they were happy. Children would especially enjoy putting together the memorial book and to process their loss.

Many pet parents celebrate World Pet Memorial Day on the 8th of June every year around the globe by many owners who have lost a furry or feathery friend. You would possibly notice social media posts with some of the above ideas in their owner’s posts marking a day of remembrance in their own special way. This is also a day that their memory could be honoured by donating to welfares in honour of their lost pet/s.

In conclusion, pet memorabilia can be a powerful tool in helping pet owners cope with the loss of their beloved pets. It can provide comfort, reminding pet owners of their pet's unique personality and the love they shared. Whether it is a simple keepsake or a custom portrait, the process of creating a memorial for your pet can be a therapeutic way of honouring their memory and preserving their legacy. It is not too late to consider one or more of these options even if you have had a pet that has passed months or years ago.

Honour their legacy for years to come

Pet ash memorials offer comfort, reminding you of your beloved pet’s one-of-a-kind personality, unconditional love and unwavering devotion, even a er they've crossed the rainbow bridge.

www.legacypet.co.za

Memorial Bead and Silver Charm

Receive your pet's remains in a lovely sca er box, along with a touch of the ashes beautifully infused into a piece of glass jewellery.

Q: I have heard other pet moms use Rescue Remedy (human medication) for their pets, is this advised? If yes, what other human medication is ok to use?

A: Rescue Remedy is a combination of five flower essences that are believed to help stabilize emotions, and by doing so, help relieve stress and anxiety. The use of flower essences have been documented in a wide range of animals, but after some searching, there doesn’t seem to be much clinical data to prove their effectiveness. There is, however, a lot of anecdotal evidence from pet owners and vets using the product in their own animals that seems to show that Rescue is effective. Additionally, reports of any side effects or nasty reactions are very hard to find.

If you look at the website for the company that makes the original Rescue Remedy (Bach Original Flower Remedies), they do state that the human formulation is not recommended for dogs. Rather, they recommend the pet formulation which doesn’t contain alcohol.

It’s also important to remember that there is never a silver bullet for stress and anxiety issues in pets. While Rescue Remedy certainly seems to have a place for short term use, like before a thunderstorm or car trip, it may not be as effective for long term use. All pets are different, and for more complicated behavioural issues, I would advise that you rather work with a vet or animal behaviourist to tailor a treatment for that specific animal.

In general, human medications are never okay to use in animals unless you have discussed them with your vet first.

Q: Hi Dr. Travis, we adopted 2 rescue dogs from the SPCA about 2 years ago. One is a Husky cross, and the other a tan girl called Maisie. They were both puppies at the time. We fed them Hill’s Puppy Food for the first year, and then switched to Jock’s Multistage February last year. Then Maisie started scratching about 6 months ago, and her skin is getting so irritated and damaged. I then changed her to Petley, Spar Wood wet food, which I then mixed with the pellets. It seems to make a difference, but is there a solution here? Money is tight so we are looking for an affordable option.

Ask the Vet Q&A

A: Skin itchiness and inflammation can be difficult and frustrating to treat, and does usually involve some trial and error. The reason for this is because the skin is exposed to everything that the animal comes into contact with in the environment, as well as everything that they eat.

I would first start with the basics. Make sure that their tick and flea control is up to date. Even if you can’t see any fleas, that doesn’t guarantee that they aren’t there, and mites are impossible to see with the naked eye.

If that is all up to date, then the diet would be the next thing to look at. Dogs can have allergic reactions to food that can present as rashes or ear infections, even if they aren’t showing any digestive issues. We know that certain proteins such as chicken or beef can be allergenic in some dogs, as well as some grains. There’s even a chance that it might be a preservative or other non-nutritive ingredient that she is reacting to. The best way to investigate this would be through a diet trial, but this is easier said than done. You would have to be feeding them a diet composed of protein and grain ingredients that the patient hasn’t been exposed to before. No treats aside from the chosen food are allowed, and it takes about 8 weeks to see results. Of course, this is easier to achieve with formulated anallergenic diets, but those are expensive.

Unfortunately, for most dogs with skin issues, it is a combination of both food and environment that causes the itching. In these cases, continuous management is the only solution. Adding supplements containing Omegas 3 and 6 help to boost the skin barrier, and regular washing will help remove allergens and excessive bacteria from the skin. Some dogs require cortisone to help with flare-ups, which is a cheap medication, but does require a visit to the vet for a prescription.

As you can tell from this (very long) answer; skin is complicated, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of the subject here. If Maisie continues to battle, I would recommend taking her to your local vet, and they can help plan a treatment that can offer relief, and (hopefully) fit your budget.

Q: Hi, my Pitbull of 10 years old is prone to skin tags. They look like moles. He is fawn and white, and a couple of years ago the vet told me not to worry about it, but it feels like they are becoming more. Is this something to stress about?

A: Older dogs are prone to getting a variety of benign skin lesions such as skin tags, lipomas and cysts. It’s always a good idea to get them checked by a vet when you notice them. Sometimes this involves performing a needle aspirate, which is a procedure where we pierce the tag or cyst with a small needle, and see what cells we get out. This can only be done if the tag or cyst is big enough, otherwise we miss or, even worse, stab our fingers.

If the physical examination of the lump and aspirate sample don’t show any reason to be worried, then it’s usually best to leave the tags alone. The only reasons to be concerned would be if the tag is prone to injury and keeps bleeding or getting infected, or if it seems to bother the patient. Unless you’re noticing anything like this, you probably don’t need to be worried.

Q: Dear Dr. Travis, I know there are a lot of jokes about cats throwing up, and that it’s not uncommon, but I can’t help but worry every time it happens. Is there a reason cats vomit so much? And how much is too much? When should I worry?

A: When cats have the occasional vomit, it’s usually attributed to a hairball, eating too quickly or eating something that upset the patient’s stomach. Of course, if vomiting is frequent, then it could be a sign that there is something to worry about. There aren’t any concrete guidelines as to how much vomiting is too much but in general, vomiting once per week, or more frequently, may require further investigation.

Frequent vomiting should also worry you if there are other clinical signs such as weight loss, hair loss, increased thirst, diarrhoea or changes in behaviour.

Gastrointestinal problems in cats can be caused by a wide range of conditions. Digestive problems and food allergies are always high on the list of possibilities list in cats of all ages. In cats older than 8 years, illnesses such as kidney disease, thyroid issues and cancer would also need to be investigated. Finding the cause can sometimes be a frustrating and tedious process that requires a “process of elimination” approach.

D r Travis Gray

Ty g erberg Animal H ospital

Shirley Basset

Is a female Basset Cross, approximately 2 years old. She is a happy go lucky character who plays up a storm, loves her tennis balls and being with friends. She is a very picky person when it comes to choosing humans (Much like a cat, she will pick you or not).

Enigma

Is a female Terrier cross who is approximately 2 - 2.5 years old. A cheeky one but is still waiting for her forever home.

Black Panther

A female black cat who is approximately 9 months old. Happy purr machine and a bottle baby. Super loving, friendly and playful.

Rusty

Is a female crossbreed who is approximately 4 years old. She is happy dog who loves running around the yard. She is a bit shy and insecure but looks for a loving home that will work with her.

Enya

A female Terrier cross, who is approximately 1.5 - 2 years old. Enigma's daughter who has had one an eye removed. Plays up a storm with all her friends and can be a bit shy.

Adoption Fee – Dogs

R1500.00 per animal – Includes R300.00 deposit (non-refundable) for home check, vaccinations up to date, de-worming, microchip, parasite control, viral testing and sterilization.

Adoption Fee – Cats

R1500.00 per animal - This includes vaccinations up to date, de-worming, microchip, parasite control, viral testing for FIV and FeLV and sterilization. Please bring a secure cat carrier as we do not allow cats to travel loose in a car.

Contact number: 082 336 5568 - info@forasa.co.za / https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofrescuedanimals. And we can be found on google maps, FORA Friends of Rescued Animals in Carlton.

Mina

She is a 7-year-old female Africanis Cross who is friendly but shy. Once she trusts you, she is loving and loyal. She loves exploring, running, and relaxing next to you on the grass. She also loves tummy rubs.

Thea and Clara

Thea is an Africanis Cross Corgi and 5 years old. Clara is a 3-year-old Africanis Cross female. They are very friendly, loving, playful and loves children. They also love cuddles and each other and are bonded pair.

Brutus

Is a mixed breed and a 5-year-old male. He is calm, relaxed, friendly and loving. He loves exploring, people and he is fine with older children.

Daniels

Is a mixed breed and a 7-year-old male. He is extremely intelligent, calm and loving. He loves running, playing, exploring and swimming. He is very focussed and loves people and attention.

Hunter

Is a Staffie Cross, a 6-year-old male who is intelligent, playful and friendly. Loves going for walks and sitting on your lap and he loves rubs.

Bobby and Roxy

Are both Africanis Cross and 6 years old. Bobby is a male and Roxy a female. They are loving, friendly and intelligent. They love exploring, running, playing ball together. They love each other and are a bonded pair.

Leila

Is a 7-year-old Africanis female who is extremely loving and friendly. She loves people, children, running and exploring. She also loves swimming.

Gina

Is a mixed breed and 4-year-old female. She is very friendly and loves people. She is intelligent and loves running, playing and exploring. She absolutely loves her ball! She never gets tired of playing with it.

Adoption Fee

R950-00 (includes sterilisation, microchip, vaccination and deworming)

Contact details: 083 7676 345 - Reinette le Roux (Director) info@ptadogrescue.co.za / https://www. facebook.com/pretoriadogrescue/

Boston Terriers are known for their distinctive black and white markings, sturdy build, and short, smooth coats. Despite their small size, Boston Terriers are lively and energetic, requiring daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are intelligent, eager to learn and great companions!

People often ask us why we have so many Bosties who need to be in a home with no other pets. We are committed to finding them the home that will set them up for success! Unfortunately, in the case where a Bostie (or any different dog breed) is not socialised well with other dogs, cats, or animals when they are young you will have socialisation issues when they get older. Most people do not take their dogs out of their yards (ever!) which does impact their social skills. We do our best to work with them and do the basic training while in foster care, but it is only possible at certain times as resources are limited.

Boston Terrier Rescue is a non-profit organisation that is focused on helping to find homes for Boston Terriers forever in need. We started more than 10 years ago when we saw a need. The volunteers work tirelessly to rescue, care for, and place dogs in loving homes. They co-ordinate with shelters, network with other rescue organisations,

Adopt a

Boston Terrier

and provide foster care for dogs until they can be permanently placed. When you are considering adopting a Boston Terrier some questions you need to ask yourself are: are you looking for specific breed traits? Or do you want to provide a loving home to an abandoned pet? This is up to you. Firstly, you need to research the time, money and care required to ensure the well-being of the dog or cat you want. Do you understand their temperament and needs? And will they fit into your lifestyle? Research is so important. If you choose to adopt, research the breed and specific needs of the pet. Please speak to the rescue and let them assist you in matching the right Bostie to your home. When bringing your new furry friend home, ensure you have all necessary supplies such as a collar, leash, food and water bowls, bedding, toys, etc. Remember that the first few days at their new home can be overwhelming for your new pet, so give them time and space to adjust. Show them love and patience as they settle into their new surroundings.

If you are interested in adopting a Boston Terrier, please get in touch with Boston Terrier Rescue by emailing them at btrescuesa@ gmail.com. The organisation's volunteers will be happy to assist you in finding a Boston

Terrier in need of a forever home. They will provide information about available dogs, help you through the adoption process, and answer any questions about the breed. Adopting a dog from Boston Terrier Rescue will give a deserving dog a second chance at a happy and loving life.

Follow our Facebook page: Boston terrier Rescue South Africa for regular updates on adoptions and Bostie Fundraisers in your area (BostonTerrierSA) or facebook.com/ BostonTerrierSA or visit bostonterrier.org.za/ donate/.

Your generosity will help them to continue their mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing Boston Terriers in need.

All our dogs are fully vaccinated, sterilised, and microchipped before they go home. We do home across South Africa.

UP FOR ADOPTION

Dexter Charlie

Lucky

Is an 8-year-old Bostie who recently found a new lease on life and enjoys playing with toys and teddy bears. Charlie is not good with other animals, and we need to find him a home as an only dog. Special needs: Charlie's got a heart murmur, and he recently started his medication. Charlie needs a home in Gauteng.

Mango

Dexter and Penny -They are our 2 oldies who will soon be celebrating their 9th birthdays. They've been together all their lives, and we wouldn't want to separate them now. Unfortunately, Penny and Dex can't be with other dogs and need a home as the only pets.

Penny

Lucky and Sox - Are a fabulous pair of boys looking for a new home. They are both healthy, very loving and would love a home with a family. They are great with kids and very social with other dogs. They are 6 years old.

Sox

Is a 5-year-old girly who would love a home where she can relish all the attention while lying on your lap, a faithful little companion. She would do best in a house with no small kids or other pets, as she gets jealous. She enjoys her short walkies.

Dexter and Penny -They are our 2 oldies who will soon be celebrating their 9th birthdays. They've been together all their lives, and we wouldn't want to separate them now. Unfortunately, Penny and Dex can't be with other dogs and need a home as the only pets.

Odin Bruma

Is a 3-year-old Pitbul female. She is a fun-loving dog and would do great in a home that knows the breed. She loves having K9 company and is currently living with a medium mix breed male. (Only experienced Pitbul owners, please).

He is a small cross medium breed boy of not more than a year old. He is very social with everything and everyone he meets! He would make a great companion to any family.

Lucky and Sox - Are a fabulous pair of boys looking for a new home. They are both healthy, very loving and would love a home with a family. They are great with kids and very social with other dogs. They are 6 years old.

Luna

Is a playful 11-year-old Bostie looking for a new home. She's excellent with children and enjoys going for walkies and taking car rides. Luna is a little jealous, and a home with no other pets will be best. She doesn't have any health problems.

Emergency Welfare Directory