Issue 13 I Spring 2021 I themayhew.org
In this issue...
Saving lives overseas Beatie Edney talks pets and Poldark Summer plans with a four-legged pal
SPRING 2021
We’re here for you in 2021
H
ello and welcome to your spring issue of Tails magazine.
Front cover photo of rescue Dora with Mayhew Animal Care Assistant Janet Nobbs by Pooch & Pineapple.
Our vision
A society where people understand the importance and value of animal welfare.
Our mission
To promote animal welfare by delivering a broad range of community-based veterinary, care and education services in the UK and overseas.
Editor: Shelley Warnaby shelley@mayhewanimalhome.org Design: arc, www.arc-cs.com
Many thanks to our contributors and photographers: Charlie Care, Ruth Crafer, Jess Feehan, Audrey Granger, Anne Heslop, Sarah Hastelow, Alissa Johnson, Pooch & Pineapple, Natassja Yoxall. Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please pass on to a friend and recycle after reading.
Contact us
@
info@mayhewanimalhome.org 0208 962 8000
Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ www.themayhew.org Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter @themayhew Registered charity number: 1077588 VAT number: 820 4030 87
Company limited by guarantee number: 3837732 2 I
We hope that – like us – you’re managing to enjoy the brighter evenings and find some positivity as we head into spring.
At Mayhew, we’re focusing on what we can do, rather than what we can’t. And what we can do is continue to provide expert care and support to cats, dogs and local communities, here at home and abroad. We’re taking inspiration from success stories such as our 15year collaboration with Indian charity HOPE & Animal Trust in Ranchi (see pages 12 and 13) and using our experiences there to work towards similar goals with our teams in Georgia and Afghanistan. After reading our round-up on pages 10 and 11, we hope you’ll want to be part of that too. All the information you need to make a donation can be found in the cover letter included with this issue.
We’re also committed to caring for you, our wonderful supporters. From advice on pet-safe plants (page 6) and tips on dog training (page 20) to what to do when it’s time to say goodbye (page 17), we’re here to make sure you have everything you need to look after your pets through life’s ups and downs. Together, we can weather anything – so bring on 2021!
Contents 04
Mayhew news
08
17
Guest chat: Beatie Edney
Coping with the loss of a four-legged friend
9
20
05
Rehoming with a homely touch
Cat curiosities
06
Happy home, happy pets: the benefits of houseplants
Play and learn with your canine pal
10
Our life-saving work overseas
14
Making sure your holiday goes swimmingly
22
Your letters
I 3
NEWS
SPRING 2021
A big hand for Mayhew students!
C
ongratulations to Kayleigh Jackson (pictured), Bethan Barefoot and Sylvie Wilcock, three students who have recently completed their apprenticeships at Mayhew and achieved their Level 3 Animal Care Diplomas. They have worked really hard and we’re delighted to have supported them at the start of their careers in animal care. “Mayhew has pushed me to go above and beyond the criteria for my apprenticeship to see me thrive,” says Kayleigh.
Support Mayhew for a chance to win a huge cash prize!
D
id you know that by playing The Weather Lottery you are also helping the animals in our care? You can take part for as little as £1, and with every entry a donation is made to your nominated charity. The prize draw takes place every Monday, with £25,000 up for grabs each week. Sign up to play at theweatherlottery.com and select ‘Mayhew Animal Home’ as your charity. Good luck!
Thank you, Burns Pet Nutrition
O
ver the last year, Burns has provided us with all the food needed for our resident cats and dogs, plus rehoming packs for adopters to help welcome their new furry family members. They also donated food towards our winter care packages, which we delivered to pets and owners in need. That’s an awful lot of kibble! We’re so grateful that Burns has helped us during such a difficult year and are delighted to announce that they will be continuing to support Mayhew throughout 2021.
4 I
Happily rehomed Mayhew moggies
I
n 2020 we rehomed 331 cats, and by mid-February this year we’d already matched 51 lucky cats and kittens with their forever families – like Toby and Arthur, pictured here enjoying a little screen time! If you are interested in offering a home to a feline friend in need, visit themayhew.org/cats.
Rehoming with a homely touch
A
s we know all too well, dogs find themselves needing a new home for all sorts of reasons. The transition from their existing environment into a shelter and then out to a new family can be hugely stressful for an animal, especially those with separation anxiety. It can also be very hard for their owner, who may have been forced to say goodbye to their beloved pet through no fault of their own.
We know that a lot of owners are tempted to try and rehome unwanted pets through their own networks or via online advertising sites, and we understand the appeal, but with Rehome from Home we are able to make sure the individual needs of both owner and dog are met every step of the way. Our scheme also prevents
unscrupulous responders taking advantage of a desperate owner with a vulnerable animal, which is a real concern.
“Over the past few years, it’s become easier than ever to rehome a pet online and we have seen a significant rise in the number of pets listed on virtual ad sites,” says Zoe Edwards, Head of Animal Welfare.
Through Rehome from “Home, we are able to contact and advise owners about the dangers of selling online and give them peace of mind knowing that any potential adopter has been vetted by Mayhew professionals.
“
Our Rehome from Home scheme* offers an ideal solution to such scenarios by enabling dogs to stay with their current owner while a new home is secured. With our expert support and guidance behind them, owners are able to keep their dog in a safe and familiar environment and can usually meet their pet’s new owner themselves to pass on any advice or settle any worries. As our Dog Adoption Officer Lisa Guiney explains, “Rehome from Home reflects Mayhew’s community approach to animal welfare. By supporting animals and owners in their own homes, we are able to assess dogs in a realistic environment and gain a better understanding of their true needs and personality, which will help us find them a new family. The scheme also allows us to free up space in our kennels for dogs in urgent need.”
Zoe Edwards, Head of Animal Welfare
Dogs that are part of the scheme will also benefit from a full health and behavioural check-up by our Vet and Kennels teams and will be microchipped, vaccinated and neutered for free.
A new home for Dexter
Eighteen-month-old Dexter joined our Rehome from Home scheme last year after his original owners were left unable to cope and could no longer look after him. They cared for Dexter greatly and really appreciated the chance to stay involved in his adoption process and meet his new owners. Dexter is an incredibly friendly and energetic young dog and he benefitted from being able to remain in a familiar home environment throughout. He also suffers from anxiety outdoors, which would have made the transfer into and out of a shelter difficult for him.
Thankfully, Dexter’s new owner reports that now he is used to his brand-new home, he is beginning to overcome his fears and has settled in extremely well. They told us, “Dexter is getting along wonderfully – he is very well behaved and is getting less and less scared of the outside world. The seamless transition worked out perfectly for all of us.” *At the time of going to press, our Rehome from Home scheme is on hold due to Covid-19 restrictions. We plan to restart as soon as we are permitted.
I 5
SPRING 2021
Happy home, happy pets: the benefits of houseplants
O
ver the last year, we’ve all had to spend much more time than usual in our flats and houses and, as a result, many of us have looked for ways to create a more relaxing and enriching indoor space within our homes. If you’re missing the outdoor world, one way to deal with this can be to simply bring a little bit of it inside. It’s no secret that plants can boost our wellbeing, from the grounding and calming effect they have on our mental state to their ability to purify the air and reduce the amount of harmful substances that we breathe in. These same benefits can also be felt by our pets: houseplants can provide our four-legged roommates with extra stimulation and enrichment, while also reducing stress and anxiety levels, all of which becomes even more important 6 I
now that their familiar environment includes crowded kitchen tables and noisy video calls! While it’s vital to be careful about the types of plant you bring into your home, as some can be toxic to domestic pets, thankfully there’s a wide variety of pet-approved greenery that is safe to have around your animals at home.
Pooch-safe plants
Areca palm, Chinese money plant, banana
plant and several varieties of fern are a few examples of plants that dog owners can safely keep.
For flowering plants, try lavender: it can be grown indoors and its scent has a soothing, calming effect on both humans and canines. Your dog may enjoy sniffing the plant; however, try and make sure they don’t eat the lavender, as the plant matter can still be harmful in high quantities.
“
Bringing plants indoors can be great for both you and your pet, but do your research to make sure all your plants are safe – lilies, for example, are toxic to cats, whereas cat grass or the catnip plant can bring lots of safe entertainment.
Cat-friendly flora
Catnip, a member of the mint family, is a plant famous for attracting cats and making them hilariously flop over and zone out if sniffed or eaten, but did you know its sedative effects can help reduce a kitty’s anxiety? Pop a pot of catnip on your windowsill and watch your cat go crazy for it! The plant’s effects can vary so monitor your cat to make sure it isn’t making them feel a little sick.
Spider plants are another very popular houseplant that cats seem to love snacking on, and they are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. They can have a similar effect to catnip, so you should keep an eye on your
“
Kayleigh Kilcommons, Head of Cattery
feline friends and consider keeping the plant out of reach if they seem to like it a little too much. Cat grass is something you can easily grow and care for indoors that any cat will be attracted to and love to chow down on. At Mayhew, we place pots of cat grass in the enclosures of our adult cats and vaccinated kittens for them to munch. This plant seems to help increase a cat’s intake of vitamins and minerals and can even help their digestion (it can occasionally make them vomit, but this is natural). Having cat grass in your home might also help protect your other houseplants from being nibbled!
The ones to avoid
Some common houseplants such as lily, aloe vera, asparagus fern, devil’s ivy, philodendron, daffodil, chive and the rubber tree plant are extremely toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. This is not an exhaustive list, so we recommend you take extra care to check that any plants you bring into your home are safe for your pets. If you are worried your pet has eaten something that is making them sick, contact your vet immediately.
The ones to avoid READER OFFER
Stock up on houseplants!
If you’re looking for some plants to brighten up your home, our greenfingered friends at Patch Plants are offering Mayhew supporters a discount of 15% off all orders over £50.* Head to patchplants.com and use the code PETPATCH at checkout. Their website even includes the handy option to filter for ‘Child and Pet Safe’ houseplants. *Excludes P&P. Offer valid until midnight, 31 May 2021.
I 7
SPRING 2021
Guest chat: Beatie Edney
A
ctor Beatie Edney has appeared in over 60 film, television and theatre productions, most recently playing Prudie in TV series Poldark. Beatie is known for her love of animals and is a much-valued Mayhew ambassador. She chats with us about animal welfare, her own dogs (Mayhew rescues, naturally) and life during – and after – lockdown.
What sparked your passion for animal welfare?
I think it started when I adopted my dogs, Billie and Button. Our family has always had rescue dogs and cats, but I think it’s my passion for my own dogs that has led to me caring more about animals worldwide – animal welfare is important for a civilised society, isn’t it? 8 I
What for you is key to improving the lives of dogs and cats?
Educating people that animals are sentient beings is a good start. And of course, ‘adopt don’t shop’ is a really important message. There’s a worrying trend of people buying and selling dogs online, when they should be speaking to rescue centres instead. Unfortunately, as long as there is a market for buying dogs there will be people making money from it. Animals are not a fashion accessory or a commodity.
When did you first become involved with Mayhew? It was really when I decided to get a dog in 2012 and was matched with Billie, a pup who was staying with a wonderful foster family (just one of the things I love about Mayhew is your army of volunteers!). Then, in 2014, my mum [actress Sylvia Syms] adopted Bunny, a Jack Russell terrier, and in 2017 Yorkshire terrier Button joined our family. Between us we now have three rescue dogs, all from the Mayhew – how could I not become a supporter?
Which aspect of our overseas work is of particular interest to you?
What I love about Mayhew is you always look at the bigger picture. You’re brilliant in the local community and then you do all this amazing work overseas. When I hosted an event introducing supporters to Mayhew’s
international work in Georgia, we heard how the team has introduced a spay and neutering programme which is bringing the free-roaming dog population under control and is helping to prevent the suffering that overpopulation causes. You also train overseas vets, contributing massively to the welfare of animals worldwide.
You’ve found some novel ways to fundraise for us. What’s next?
When I was filming Poldark, I thought if I could get signed scripts, books etc, I might be able to auction the items for Mayhew. I pestered all the cast and we ended up with quite a treasure trove of signed items, which we auctioned online, making £3,854. I also recently did the 2.6 Challenge, completing 26,000 steps to raise money for Mayhew. Every little helps, even if I’m just raising £100. I’ve had an idea so watch this space…
Once life returns to normal, what are your tentative plans for 2021?
I had theatre work planned for the whole of last year and was due to start rehearsals for a new play just as lockdown hit last spring, then everything was cancelled. So, in 2021 I need a job, please! That said, one of the joys of lockdown has been being with my dogs. Billie and Button have got rather spoilt as we are never apart, which we all love!
Cat curiosities
C
ats have lived alongside humans for centuries, so it’s no surprise that history is brimming with fascinating E V E RY B O DY WA N T S TO B E A C AT stories about them. Our Cat Adoption Officer – and feline fact aficionado – Matt Pearson shares some of his pawsome knowledge.
Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “The smallest feline is a masterpiece.” He even painted cats into 11 of his works! It’s hard to argue with a legend, and it got me thinking… Cats have been around forever – we’ve been worshipping them since the time of the Egyptians, after all – so what other curious cat tales and facts are out there? Well, some weird and wacky stuff, that’s for sure! 01
I
07
I
2020
A person who loves cats is called an ailurophile, which is derived from the Greek word for cat. An ailurophobe is someone scared of cats.
We don’t know exactly why cats knead, but scientists believe it’s something called a ‘neotenic behaviour’ (a childhood trait continued in adulthood) because kittens knead their mums when nursing. It might be that they are marking you as their territory.
In the 1870s, authorities in the Belgian city of Liège tried to train cats to deliver letters in waterproof bags tied around the cats’ necks. Needless to say, it was not successful.
COPYRIGHT STUART MASTERS
One legend claims that cats were created when a lion on Noah’s Ark sneezed and two kittens came out.
In the original Italian version of Cinderella the benevolent fairy godmother figure was a cat.
A cat’s carbon footprint is similar to that of a VW Bug, whereas a dog’s is more like a Hummer.
Some animal shelters in the US don’t allow adoption of black cats in October for fear of them being harmed or used as Halloween accessories.
The reason why kittens sleep a lot is because their growth hormones are only released during this time.
A cat’s brain is 90% similar to a human’s, with the overall structure and the sections that control emotion being almost identical.
The cat-headed Egyptian goddess Bastet was thought to fight a nightly battle with the serpent of darkness (the enemy of the sun). When the sun rose every morning, it proved Bastet had won.
Cats may have a lower social IQ than dogs but research has shown they can solve more difficult cognitive problems. When they feel like it, of course!
Research suggests black cats may be more resistant to some diseases.
Some sources claim that cats have better long-term memory than dogs.
I 9
SPRING 2021 YH
ATION
AL. MA
EW I
Mayhew International updates
E NT R N
Our teams in Afghanistan and Georgia faced many challenges throughout 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite these difficulties, Mayhew Afghanistan reached their original target to neuter 10,000 dogs in the first 12 months of their programme in October, and Mayhew Georgia surpassed their target to neuter and vaccinate 1,000 dogs in 2020! As we move into 2021, we caught up with both teams to find out more about their recent work. ATION
EW I
E NT R N
I
YH
AL. MA
Georgia
n 2020, Mayhew Georgia made incredible progress: they neutered and vaccinated 1,054 free-roaming and community dogs, and provided training for four local vets!
Amid the festivities for Orthodox Christmas (celebrated on 7 January), our Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Return programme in Tbilisi was put on hold from the third week in December 2019 until mid-January 2020. There then followed a curfew in Georgia due to strict measures to control the spike in coronavirus cases in the country; however, our vets were able to restart the programme on their return in January and continue their vital work. 10 I
Our team is also working hard to continue its work with mobile veterinary clinic Doggie Doc. Their collaborative programme, which focuses on neutering and vaccinating free-roaming and community-owned dogs in areas with no veterinary provision, has been on hold until spring due to harsh winter conditions which have made the more remote regions less accessible, but we plan to now target five new areas.
Helping dogs in need in Tbilisi
Mayhew Georgia’s Veterinary Surgeon Dr Ana and the team have recently been helping a vulnerable dog owner in the city who was struggling to cope. Local doggy day care provider Barbare contacted us about an
owner with several puppies (including these two pictured above) who were in a severe condition and were diagnosed with canine parvovirus. Luckily, with the help of Barbare and under the guidance of Dr Ana, the puppies were treated in isolation and thankfully have recovered. Most of them have also found new homes, with Mayhew Georgia covering their vaccinations and neutering. This is a sensitive and ongoing case which our team continues to work on. We hope to share an update later in the year.
international
EW I
ATION
YH
AL. MA
M
Afghanistan
E NT R N
ayhew Afghanistan also ended the year on a positive note: they neutered 9,193 dogs and vaccinated 12,210 dogs against rabies in total in 2020! We’re so proud of the incredible steps our team has made in spite of work being put on hold due to the coronavirus between March and June 2020.
As we move into 2021, we are hoping to complete the third year of our mass rabies vaccination programme and move into our fourth year. Recently, there have been five confirmed positive cases of rabies in freeroaming dogs in Kabul, so our Community Engagement team has been visiting these areas to raise awareness of rabies and revaccinate dogs to reduce the spread.
Working with the district elders
Tragically, a young boy in District 12, located on the outskirts of Kabul, passed away from dog-mediated rabies in November 2020. The local residents were shaken by the terrible news and felt extremely upset and scared. As a result, a few residents requested for all the dogs in the area to be culled. Dr Abdul-Jalil Mohammadzai (Dr Mo), Country Director for Mayhew Afghanistan, arranged a meeting with local leaders – the district elders – to work out how Mayhew Afghanistan could help. After speaking about our mass rabies vaccination programme and our parallel neutering programme, Dr Mo was able to convince them to drop their request to cull the dogs, and we immediately sent our team to conduct a concentrated vaccination drive in the area.
Our team is implementing new ways of working more closely and effectively with the district elders across all districts in Kabul. Two years ago, they set up a rabies hotline in Kabul and as their work becomes more recognised in the community, the team has started to receive many more calls. In 2020, they received a total of 254 calls about dog bites, sick dogs and concerns regarding high numbers of dogs in an area. As awareness of our work increases, there have also been some calls enquiring about vaccination and neutering. It is essential that we continue to work closely with the communities and district elders in Kabul, and we are delighted to be getting positive feedback from them.
Developing veterinary skills in Kabul
In recent months, Dr Mo has been providing Continued Professional Development (CPD) for the vets at our Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre to help them develop their skills. One such session included training on wound management and reconstruction in dogs – a vital skill. “In order to continue building [our vets’] skills and confidence, it’s essential that we provide CPD,” says Dr Mo. “Conducting neutering surgeries every day can be repetitive,
and this training is helping to keep them motivated and interested. By providing regular training to vets who will later train others too, we are also helping to pass knowledge down to future generations.”
SUPPORT OUR WORK OVERSEAS
Our achievements in Afghanistan and Georgia have been made possible thanks to your support and generosity. In order to continue our work to improve the lives of dogs, cats and communities over the coming years, we need your help. Please turn to the cover sheet included with this issue of Tails magazine to find out how you can donate to support our work overseas. You can also make a donation via our website: donate.themayhew.org.
I 11
SPRING 2021
EW I
ATION
YH
AL. MA
A leap forward for animal welfare in Ranchi, India
E NT R N
S
treet and community dogs in India often face a number of challenges – they lack access to resources and are at risk of disease, traffic accidents and, sadly, abuse. For over 15 years, we’ve supported local charity Helping Organisation for People, Environment (HOPE) & Animal Trust to improve the lives of free-roaming dogs and protect communities in Ranchi, northern India. At the end of 2020, we wrapped up our work in Ranchi and will be focusing on our vital programmes in Georgia and Afghanistan. Our collaboration with HOPE & Animal Trust has led to some fantastic achievements, which we are so proud to have been a part of. Since 2008, we’ve been funding HOPE & Animal Trust’s Animal Birth Control and Vaccination programme. Rabies is a deadly disease and India a particular hotspot. Under this programme, thousands of freeroaming and community dogs in Ranchi city have been neutered and vaccinated, helping to break the chain of virus transmission and prevent the spread of rabies, as well as attempting to humanely control the dog population.
*Humane Society International Dog Population Survey, 2019.
12 I
Today, Ranchi has a stable dog population, with no growth in the number of dogs on the street.* Almost 100,000 dogs have been neutered and vaccinated, which is over 72% of free-roaming dogs, and there have been no recorded human rabies deaths in the city since 2017.
More achievements to be proud of
We’ve worked hard to support HOPE & Animal Trust with capacity building, which has involved several Mayhew vets spending time in Ranchi over the years. Dr Mo worked with the team at HOPE & Animal Trust to redesign and modernise their veterinary clinic – and the team were so delighted with the results they named the new clinic after him! We’ve helped with training local vets in
the latest neutering techniques, skills and expertise, which have then been passed on to others. In total, 47 local vets have been trained during our collaboration.
We also funded an Education Officer to visit local communities and schools. The education and awareness programme has reached well over 500,000 people and has had a huge impact according to HOPE & Animal Trust founder and CEO Praveen Ohal: “Over a decade of educational activity has helped Ranchi’s population understand the importance of sterilisation, ‘dos and don’ts’ with dogs and how to be kind towards all animals. I think this is making a big difference in helping us to change behaviours and build compassion towards the stray dogs.”
international
“
Mayhew International supported animal welfare activities in Ranchi where it was most required. There was not even a single animal welfare group in the northern region prior to 2006, when we introduced the first vaccination and education drive and a good animal shelter was funded in the city.
“
HOPE to the rescue
The team at HOPE & Animal Trust often see free-roaming dogs who are in desperate need of medical intervention. Here are a few recent cases they have dealt with.
Praveen Ohal, founder and CEO, HOPE & Animal Trust
Kalu (above top) was found near a shopping mall. It appeared that his eye had been pierced with a sharp object and he must have been in an excruciating amount of pain. He was rushed to HOPE’s veterinary clinic, but sadly his eye was so badly damaged it couldn’t be saved. Following surgery to remove the eye and a period of recuperation, he made a full recovery and was released back onto the streets.
HELPING OUR WORK IN AFGHANISTAN
The team at HOPE & Animal Trust were an integral part of training of our dog-catching and vaccination teams in Kabul for Mayhew Afghanistan. They generously passed on invaluable advice and expertise in this field, for which we would like to express our sincere thanks.
Last summer, the team came to the aid of a young dog (above bottom) who was found with a wire deeply embedded in his neck – not only extremely painful but leaving him open to life-threatening infection. Luckily, vet Dr Ajoy was able to carefully remove the wire and stitch up the wound and the dog was soon happily back on his paws!
HOPE & Animal Trust have made outstanding progress in improving the lives of both dogs and people. We have enabled them to achieve this through our collaboration, providing funding, support and expertise, and they are now in a strong position to continue their great work. We wish the team the best of luck!
“
If a stray dog is injured or needs help, people call us. Lots of local people are even adopting the dogs from the streets and coming forward to get them neutered if they’re not already. The compassion towards stray dogs is definitely improving, and the local communities are starting to see the benefit of living harmoniously alongside the dogs.
“
Praveen Ohal, founder and CEO, HOPE & Animal Trust
A dreadfully sick pup was found suffering from a painful prolapse and parasitic infection. Dr Ajoy operated on the area to help her condition and neutered the pup at the same time. She was treated with parasite control and pain relief and luckily, with the help of the team, she was able to make a full recovery.
I 13
SPRING 2021
Making sure your h liday goes swimmingly
W
e don’t know about you, but after the last year we’re longing for our next holiday. If you are planning your first trip once restrictions allow, there’s a lot to think about for your pet, whether they’re staying home or packing their suitcase too! And if you’ve become a new pet owner since lockdown, you may be extra unsure about where to start. From purrfect summer breaks to winter va-cat-ions, with the right planning any holiday can go smoothly for you and your four-legged friend. Here are our top tips to consider from Cat and Dog Adoption Officers Matt and Lisa.
To take or not to take?
First thing’s first, you need to decide if bringing your pet on holiday is right for them. For cats, we would generally advise that they will be happier and safer left at home with a trusted sitter, in the environment they are used to. In certain situations, such as if you have a regular holiday home which you want to visit often, and if your cat has become used to travelling from a young age, this can be worked around. Consider your cat’s personality and make the right choice for them.
14 I
Many dogs will love the opportunity to come on holiday with you, be it a UK staycation or further afield. But again, think about your dog’s individual character – if they are nervous of new environments, they might feel more comfortable at home too. While short journeys can be a good part of kitten and puppy development and training, we would not advise planning a holiday while your pet is younger than six months old, or if they have been with you for less than six months if adopted as an adult.
“
Preparation is everything if you do decide to share your holiday with your pet. As long as the whole trip has been thought of from their perspective, you can look forward to creating amazing memories together.
“
Lisa Guiney, Dog Adoption Officer
Staying home
Both dogs and cats will cope better while you are on holiday if they are in familiar surroundings. You can ask your local vet to recommend a trusted pet-sitter in your area to look after your four-legged friend in your home; or if you have family or friends you and your pet trust, that can be even better. If you are using a pet-sitter, or if a neighbour is popping in to care for your pet, it’s a good idea to have them over to your home beforehand to start building a relationship. Catteries and kennels are the alternative if pet-sitting really isn’t an option. Pay a visit to make sure you like the facilities and staff and are happy to leave your pet there. Cats and dogs will need to be fully vaccinated, including for kennel cough for dogs, and it’s a good idea to flea and worm beforehand as well.
Cats and dogs should always stay on the same food and feeding routines, so you should provide supplies and information to the cattery or kennel, or to the people caring for your pet at home. For cats staying at home, pheromone plug-ins are a great tool to use in preparation and during your time away to keep them extra calm – we like Feliway or Pet Remedy.
We’re all going on a summer holiday
When travelling together, you’ll want to think about the destination carefully: a brachycephalic dog such as a pug is unlikely to appreciate a Mediterranean temperature, while a thin-coated Dobermann would need a suitable jacket before joining your alpine trip.
Think about how the change in environment will affect your dog. If they are used to rural life, a city break where they may see lots more dogs and strangers might be a shock to the system, and you will need a plan for managing that. Make sure that not just your accommodation but the activities and locations you will visit are pet-friendly. And find out where the local vet is, save their phone number and note if they are open for emergencies 24 hours a day.
Check that your pet insurance will still be valid if you are going abroad and speak to your vet to understand what vaccinations or other preparation is needed, particularly if heading overseas. It’s a good idea to update your pet’s tag with the details of your holiday home or hotel just in case they go missing.
Travelling abroad with your pet after Brexit
You can no longer use a pet passport issued in England, Wales or Scotland for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. You can, however, still use a pet passport that has been issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland as normal. An EU-issued pet passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is now required for travel to the EU and Northern Ireland. Travel outside the EU requires an Export Health Certificate (EHC). Please discuss your pet’s travel at the earliest opportunity with a veterinary surgeon with Official Vet status, who will be able to advise on the requirements and issue the relevant paperwork if appropriate. See gov.uk/taking-your-petabroad for further information.
I 15
SPRING 2021
Wish you were here
A few of our volunteers share their favourite holiday snaps!
“Here is my cat Herman enjoying his second/holiday home in Kent. He loves exploring the fields behind my mum’s house and watching the squirrels and birds.”
Tanya
Are we there yet?
Once you’ve planned and are ready to go, it’s time to make the journey itself comfortable and stress-free for your four-legged companion. If flying, call the airline to see if your pet can travel with you in the cabin – cargo environments can be stressful, with low temperatures, which we would strongly advise against. If you are taking a ferry, never leave your pet in the car unattended. Check the rules for pets travelling with you on deck or in your cabin.
Driving is the safest and most comfortable option. Cats will need a large, oversized carrier that they are used to travelling in. For crate-trained dogs who see it as their safe space, using their crate in the car might be a good option; otherwise, buy a secure dog harness that can attach to a seatbelt. They will need to wear this even if they sit with a human (which can be good for keeping them calm!). Make sure your pet has had a long walk or roam around before setting off. Pack fresh water for the journey, as well as some treats, toys or food in a slow-feed dispenser to keep them entertained. Factor in toilet and rest stops and be very mindful of the car’s temperature getting too warm. Remember: dogs die in hot cars, so never leave them alone in a car on a warm day, even for just a few minutes. 16 I
Bon voyage
Finally – you’ve arrived at your holiday destination! The next couple of days are all about settling your pet in, doing some final safety checks and relaxing into your break. Even if your pet is used to being left alone, we advise spending the first days with them as they adapt to their surroundings. Make a plan for the times you will need to leave them alone – they might not be as calm as they are at home. Bringing their bed from home, familiar toys and treats will help them feel comfortable.
Walk around the gardens or grounds, looking out for any ponds, gaps in fencing or areas where your pet may be able to dig out. If you do decide to let your dog off the lead, don’t leave them unattended. We wouldn’t advise letting cats outside at all unless it is a familiar second home where you are spending several weeks at a time. Once you and your pet are happy, try to keep to your home routine in terms of walks and mealtimes, and it’s a good idea to bring enough cat or dog food for the whole trip. Now you can relax and enjoy making welldeserved happy memories!
“Raf enjoys his (pup-friendly) ice cream on the beach after working up an appetite swimming in the sea in Cornwall!”
Francesca C
“Here is a happy, sandy Tilly at East Portlemouth beach in Devon, which is one of our favourite places.”
Francesca O
Coping with the loss of a four-legged friend
S
aying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments many of us will ever face. Our animals become central to our family and for some people are their only companion, so it isn’t surprising that we can feel overwhelmed by grief when we lose them. Pet loss is something that has recently been discussed in the media after comedian Miranda Hart movingly shared her own experience, but it can be a hard subject to talk about for many. We asked our Veterinary team to share their expert advice to help pet owners.
Time to say goodbye
Many pet owners find themselves having to make the difficult decision to have their pet put down. This can cause feelings of guilt and sadness, and it can be tempting to avoid making the decision in the hope that the pet will pass away on their own. Sadly, in many cases pets will not pass away peacefully in their sleep. Euthanasia literally translates as ‘good death’. Taking responsibility for a pain-free, peaceful death is maybe one of the kindest things an owner can do for a much-loved pet.
What to do when your pet passes away
If you believe your pet has died at home, it’s important to check that they have truly passed away. Place two fingers on their
chest behind the point of the elbow – if your pet has passed, you will be unable to feel a heartbeat. If your pet’s eyes are open, they will not blink when you tap at the corner of the eye. You should always contact your vet so that they can confirm the death. Being unsure what to do with your pet’s remains can add to the distress that you feel. You may wish to bury your pet at home. In the UK it is legal to bury pets on land that you own, but not in the grounds of rented property or public spaces. Another option is to have your pet’s remains cremated. This can either be arranged through your vet or directly with a local pet cremation service.
I 17
SPRING 2021
Assessing your pet’s quality of life
There are some questions that you can ask yourself or discuss with close friends and family to help you decide whether your pet still has a good quality of life. Please check with your vet or veterinary nurse to see if there are any adjustments you can make at home.
Are they showing signs of pain?
These might include being unwilling to get out of bed; panting, shaking or trembling; hiding away; or avoiding being stroked.
Are they eating and drinking normally?
Adequate food and fluid intake is important for your pet’s health and eating food is an activity that pets usually enjoy. If they no longer take any enjoyment in eating, this will have an impact on their overall quality of life.
Are they toileting normally?
Cats may stop using their litter tray. Dogs that are normally housetrained may stop letting you know that they need to go outside to toilet. Sometimes pets may urinate or defecate while they are sleeping.
Do they still enjoy activities that they used to?
It can be helpful to write a list of a few things that your pet enjoys most, such as playing with toys or going for a walk, and review whether they are still able to do these things.
Are they sleeping normally?
Some pets may sleep much more than they used to; others may struggle to sleep and might start barking or meowing during the night.
How well are you and your pet coping with any treatments they need?
If you are struggling with giving medications to your pet, discuss this with your vet or veterinary nurse as there may be alternative options that are easier to administer.
What happens when a pet is put to sleep?
Euthanasia is usually carried out by injecting an overdose of anaesthetic, most commonly into a vein on a front leg, although it can be given in other areas of the body. If a pet is stressed or agitated, they may be given a sedative beforehand to help them feel more relaxed.
As the injection takes effect, the animal will start to feel sleepy and then peacefully fall unconscious within a few seconds. After a short time, their breathing and heart will stop. The vet will confirm that they have passed away by listening with a stethoscope. It may be helpful to discuss with your vet what to expect during the euthanasia procedure so you are as prepared as you can be.
Time to grieve
Losing a pet is very upsetting and people deal with the loss in different ways. Give yourself time to grieve. Pets are an important part of our lives and it is natural to miss them. Feeling shock, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal and there is no right or wrong way to experience grief – how you feel is unique to you. Children, in particular, can find coping with the loss of a pet difficult. It may well be their first experience of death and it can be hard for them to understand. How you explain what has happened will vary depending on the age of the child, but in general it is best to be honest, leaving out any distressing details and using straightforward terms. Try to avoid phrases like ‘put to sleep’ or saying that the pet has gone away as this can be confusing.
Many people find it helpful to talk about how they are feeling with a supportive friend 18 I
or family member. Help is also available from bereavement counsellors or pet bereavement support services.
Helping other pets cope with loss
Whether or not to show the body of your deceased pet to any surviving pets to help them understand what has happened is a really common question. As long as the deceased pet doesn’t pose a risk of infection (check this with your vet if you are unsure) and you are comfortable doing so, then you can. Be aware that animals may not have the
Saying goodbye to Trilby
Mayhew volunteer Pete East shares how he has coped with the loss of his beloved cat.
Trilby was an unwanted stray who found his way into my life – and my heart. I named him Trilby after watching Foyle’s War on TV, where the main character wears a trilby hat. Unfortunately, he started suffering from caudal stomatitis [an extremely painful condition which same awareness of death as people so may not react as calmly and gently as you might expect.
The best thing you can do to help your surviving pet cope is to try to keep their routine as normal as possible to help them adapt to the change. It might be tempting to bring home a new pet so that they have a companion, but this shouldn’t be rushed into and should only be considered if it is the right thing for the whole family.
My vet was very kind and reassured me I was doing the right thing. The procedure was very quick, peaceful and calm, and they allowed me to be with him for a while afterwards. I felt overwhelming guilt and worry (“I shouldn’t have given up”; “Maybe if I’d done something different, he might still be alive”).
Remembering your pet
Once you have taken some time to grieve, you may wish to do something to commemorate your pet’s life. Celebrate the happy memories you had together by displaying photos of your pet around your home or planting a new plant in their favourite spot in the garden. You could also consider sponsoring one of our cat cabins or dog rooms to commemorate your pet’s life in a way that will leave a lasting legacy for other pets in the future.
FINDING SUPPORT
If you are struggling with the loss of a pet, there are organisations that can offer support and advice, including the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service (call 0800 096 6606 or email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk) and pet loss support website theralphsite.com.
to manage the disease. I found many different ways of giving the tablets to him – mixing them with hairball paste and getting him to lick it off my finger, mixing them with mashed-up tuna and sprinkling them on wafer-thin chicken. Last summer, Trilby started getting picky with his food, even when I coaxed him with his favourite dishes, and it seemed uncomfortable for him to eat. My vet said we were running out of options. The inside of Trilby’s mouth was very inflamed; he wasn’t interested in food and wasn’t sleeping in his favourite places, preferring to hide away. He had another steroid injection and I tried to coax him to eat in order to give him the oral medication and painkillers, but it seemed to cause him more pain as the days went on. I couldn’t bear to see him like this and felt I had to make the heartbreaking decision that it was in his best interest to have him put to sleep. I’ve never felt so sad.
causes inflamed gums and mouth tissue]. He had dental procedures over the years and most of his teeth were removed, which can often help cats with this condition. However, last year he needed steroid injections and tablets
My friends have been supportive. I’ve also called the Pet Bereavement Service several times and they have been fantastic. I think it’s really helpful to speak to someone who really understands what it is like to lose a pet.
Trilby was a real character, a big softy and such an affectionate cat. I’m so glad that I had him and was able to take care of him when he was poorly. I really do miss him so much.
I 19
SPRING 2021
Play and learn with your canine pal
A
s we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of pups being bought or adopted. While we have plenty of evidence for how beneficial the human–animal bond can be, owning a dog is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment.
Done right, this time can be really enjoyable for you both, so our team has put together some fun and helpful tips and advice on how to keep your pooch active, healthy and entertained.
You can teach dogs new tricks
Training and socialisation are an important part of your dog’s life. For puppies, training will help your little one develop into a great dog, while also providing mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. This can include anything from teaching your puppy basic commands and recall to toilet training and games to engage their brains – and it doesn’t have to stop once your puppy becomes an adult, as older dogs will benefit greatly from ongoing training too.
Socialisation is the process by which a puppy or dog learns to interact positively with people and other animals. While some elements of socialising your dog will be more challenging during the pandemic, it is a vital stage of development and should not be missed out on. Socialising includes getting your puppy used to new smells, familiarising them with the car and, of course, encouraging them to be confident around people and dogs outside the household.
20 I
Start with the basics
Teaching your dog basic commands will help keep them safe throughout their life. It also helps prevent undesirable behaviours in your house, such as turning your favourite shoe into a chew toy! A command like “leave” or “drop” will help in many situations, and a solid recall will make offlead exercise more relaxing for all.
Have a go at teaching your dog commands like “sit”, “stay” and “leave it”, and see how they get on. If your dog already knows these commands, keep
“
Find out what really motivates your dog – this could be a treat or a toy – and use this during training sessions to get the best out of your pup. Tanya Madden, Deputy Head of Animal Welfare
“
Taking care of a four-legged friend, young or old, requires a lot of hard work, long hours, dedication and training, as you may have already experienced! Your new family member will be totally dependent on you, so you need to be around the home as they settle down and begin to explore life in a new environment.
practising them frequently and try your hand at new ones. Can your dog learn the “down” command? There are plenty of online training resources if you’re stuck for inspiration.
Don’t forget to keep training sessions short and fun. Remember: they should be enjoyable for both you and the dog and always end on a positive note.
Ask an expert
Dog trainers and behaviourists can also be a great help when training your new best friend. It’s important to find a trainer who practises positive reinforcement. We recommend that you use one who is accredited by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (apdt.co.uk), the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (imdt.uk.com) or the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (apbc.org.uk).
Enrichment ideas for your canine companion
You will often hear dog owners, trainers and other specialists talk about enrichment, but what is this and why is it an important aspect of our dogs’ lives? Canine enrichment refers to any form of mental stimulation for your dog. Providing your dog with adequate and appropriate enrichment and entertainment will ensure your dog is healthier, happier and easier to live with.
There are plenty of ways you can incorporate enrichment into your daily routine with your dog, from feeding time to walks – it can even be used to help calm them down. Head to advice. themayhew.org for plenty of tips, tricks and inspiration that will help you enrich your dog’s life.
Be in the know
From microchipping your pooch to picking up their poop, there are laws that will affect you as a pet owner. Here are just a few that are worth familiarising yourself with.
Collar and tag law When in a public place, your dog must wear a collar with your name and address on it or on a tag. As a preventative measure against pet theft, we don’t recommend adding your dog’s name to its collar. Microchipping Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement for your dog to be microchipped – a vital procedure that will help you and your dog be reunited should your dog become lost or be stolen.
Fouling The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 made it a criminal offence for an owner to knowingly allow their dogs to foul and not pick it up. So keep those poo bags at hand, ready to scoop the poop!
Here for you
Getting a bouncy, playful canine companion is thrilling and rewarding, but in all that excitement it is sometimes easy to forget that pet ownership is a lifetime commitment, one that has financial implications too. Sadly, puppies and young dogs get signed over to us all too often, soon after being bought, as families realise they cannot cope. If you are struggling with your dog, please contact Mayhew for help and advice.
Turn to Ma yhew advice hub ’s Head to
our website to check ou new advice t our bran hub and cat own : advice.themahew.org ders can find . Dog helpful hints from our Ve and tips t team and anim from how to toilet train yo al care experts, ur grooming yo ur pet. If the puppy to tips for re are any p topics you’d articular like covered , let us know emailing ta ils@mayhe by wanimalho me.org.
I 21
SPRING 2021
Your letters Turnip
Dear Matt,
Kari (was Carol) Hi Matt,
Just writing to thank you so much for allowing me to adopt Kari. She hardly leaves my side, is extremely affectionate and nudges me if I’m not giving her enough attention. I was even trying to type this with her sitting on my shoulder just now! She is an absolute sweetheart who has been a great companion during the recent lockdown. Many thanks, Lesley
Marly (was Tanna) Dear Lisa,
Marly has settled in straight away and is very calm. She responded to her new name very quickly and really loves her walks in the park, especially chasing squirrels. She goes through a lot of squeaky toys and rawhide bones and she thinks she’s a lapdog, but luckily for me she has lost a bit of weight! I love her so much; she is the perfect dog for me and she is very spoilt. Amanda
Turnip made himself at home immediately – he stepped out of his carrier and straight into our laps for a cuddle. His condition [radial hypoplasia, meaning his front legs haven’t grown to a normal size] doesn’t hold him back at all. He’s found his voice in a big way and likes to chat whilst following us around the house and helping us with work, but ultimately his favourite thing to do will always be snoozing! We’re absolutely besotted with him and are so thankful to Mayhew for bringing him into our lives. Hannah
Rocky (was Armando) Hi Lisa,
As you know, I helped my elderly parents look to rehome a suitable dog after their beloved Jack Russell, who came to them from Mayhew, passed away. Once again, they found the perfect match! Rocky has settled in so well and absolutely adores his new owners. He has such funny little habits and regularly makes us all laugh. He loves nothing more than chasing his squeaky toys and curling up on the laps of both parents. Rocky is a much-loved member of our family and entertains us all – thank you, Mayhew. Denise
22 I
Mill Lane Veterinary Surgery Advanced medical care for your pets Proud to support Mayhew Joshua Rusnak BVSc CertSAS MRCVS 68-70 Mill Lane London NW6 1NJ www.mill-lane-vet.com 020 7794 1777
New clinic now open: Alymer Parade Vet 17 Aylmer Parade London N2 0PH
Give a gift that
makes a difference
ad og
r fo
f
ay
at
ad
ac
ay ad
Would you like to feed a cat or dog in our care for a day? Or support our work overseas? Starting at just £3, every gift you purchase makes a difference to the lives of dogs, cats and communities we work with.
Feed
or
If you’re looking for the ideal present for an animal lover, we have a selection of virtual gifts that are just purrfect!
Feed
Purchase and download your e-gift at themayhew.org/virtualgifts.
Here for you
At At Mayhew, Mayhew, we we work work to to improve improve animal animal welfare welfare in in our our community community and and support support the the people people who who live live in in it. it. Our Our team team of of experienced experienced Animal Animal Welfare Welfare O�cers O�cers are are always always on on hand hand to to o� o�er er advice advice or or practical practical help, help, including: including: •• •• •• ••
rescuing Rescuing Rescuingstray, stray, stray,sick sick sickand and andinjured injured injuredcats cats catsand and anddogs dogs dogs supporting Supporting Supportingvulnerable vulnerablepet petowners owners ownersto to tostay stay staywith with withtheir their theiranimals animals animals Helping Helpingto to tomanage manage manage feral feral feralcat cat catpopulations populations populations helping Improving Improvingaccess accessto to toneutering, neutering, neutering,vaccinations vaccinations vaccinationsand and andhealth health healthchecks checks. checks. improving
Find Findout outmore moreabout aboutour ourwork workin inthe thecommunity communityand andcontact contactour ourAnimal AnimalWelfare Welfareteam teamwith with
any anyquestions questionsor orconcerns: concerns:
themayhew.org/community-support themayhew.org/community-support 020 0208962 89628000 8000 awo@mayhewanimalhome.org awo@mayhewanimalhome.org
“
At At Mayhew Mayhew, we we do do not not judge judge and and are are here here to to assist assist and and advise advise on on the the best best course course of of action action for for pets pets and and their their owners, owners, no no matter matter what what the the problem. problem.
Here for you A3 poster reduced
“
Zoe ZoeEdwards, Edwards,Head Headof ofAnimal AnimalWelfare Welfare
Mayhew, Mayhew,Trenmar TrenmarGardens, Gardens,Kensal KensalGreen Green London, London,NW10 NW106BJ 6BJ
