The UK'S Only West Highland White Terrier Magazine
ISSUE 25, VOL 1
September 2022
A Day in the Life of...
ISSN 2634-4130
NUTRITION
The fabulous
fungi
a Vet Nurse
helping your
Westie’s immune system
NEWS
Q&A
The RSPCA Derby Celebrate
150
The Founder of Burns on community, charity, and receiving an MBE
years
PROFESSOR NOEL FITZPATRICK
SUPERVET A 10-Step guide for Westies with kidney disease
Does your Westie have dry, red and itchy skin? The Dermoscent ATOP 7 skin range harnesses the power of natural active ingredients to help manage your pet’s skin. Available as a shampoo and easy-to-apply mousse and spray. n
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Reduces itch
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Improves the skin barrier function
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Recommended by vets
Available through your veterinary practice or through online veterinary pharmacies.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
IT’S OUR SECOND ANNIVERSARY! And what a two years it has been! We started this monthly magazine right before the Covid-19 pandemic hit… but it’s all good, because ultimately time flies when you’re thinking and writing about Westies and their welfare, and there is no better way to spend a day, at least not for me. We’re thrilled to have Professor Noel Fitzpatrick as our main interview this month. Of course, we love seeing how he helps animals and their owners from around the world and we usually shed a few tears too, but I think it’s his warmth and sense of humour that people are also drawn to. He is obviously highly intelligent, but he doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously and he comes across that he can pretty much relate to anyone and everyone.
Kim Latham Editor
As some of you may know, Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer, was diagnosed with kidney disease around two years ago so I spend quite a lot of my time researching what’s best for him and the more knowledge I have to help him (and other Westies), the better. This month, Tony Booth, who certainly knows his stuff when it comes to this awful disease shares his 10-step plan to put Westie owners on the right path from the start of the diagnosis and into what the future holds. So, as it’s our second anniversary we’ve decided to launch our own Facebook Group – Westies & Besties Magazine VIP Club. The aim of the group is to bring members extra free content – interviews and competitions that you won’t find here in our magazine. Come and join us! We have some great discounts off fabulous brands to kick start the group off with too! Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer Photo credit: Image supplied by Kim Latham
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Publisher Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road, Cardiff, CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Front Cover Image Supplied by Neil Reading PR Design Jayden Ali Printing WPG Group Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by WPG Group. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westies & Besties Masthead/logo is trademarked and are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the Publishers cannot/ will not be held accountable for the accuracy of the information here therein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited articles or manuscripts in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All photographs have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Advertising Standards Authority. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert. Readers are advised to see a fully qualified veterinarian before attempting to try any of the suggestions made by a contributor.
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28 6 A KNIGHT TO
REMEMBER Join Sir Tony Robinson and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the RSPCA Derby
8 REVAMPING
RESOURCES The Pet Industry Federation upgrades its website for members of pet businesses large and small
10 HOLISTIC &
CONVENTIONAL Dr. Nick Thompson gives his opinion on whether Vets are working together or separately
12 FABULOUS FUNGI
Mushrooms are an excellent form of food that can help prevent disease in dogs
14 SQUIRREL-CHASING INJURIES Athletic Westies can be prone to forelimb lameness
16 WESTIES WITH
KIDNEY FAILURE A 10-step action plan to start today to avoid further deterioration
24 WORLD COCONUT DAY The health benefits for Westies (and humans) of this aromatic fruit are numerous
26 THE SUPERVET
What’s next for the man that saves animals from around the world?
32 LIVING SPACE
An update from AdvoCATS on bringing landlords and pet owners together
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38 BEHIND THE SCENES
A day in the life of a Royal Veterinary Nurse and her daily routine
44 COMMUNITY, CHARITY & AWARDS John Burns on his recent MBE, his plans for his pet food brand, and his treasured local initiatives
48 RECIPE
A homemade recipe for Westies with kidney disease
50 COMMUNITY
A Day in the Life of… Mylo & Finn
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NEWS
PATRON OF THE RSPCA DERBY, FOR AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION
THE CHARITY CELEBRATES ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH
Sir Tony Robinson and Holly Berry Image supplied by Sir Tony Robinson
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oin the RSPCA Derby for an evening with Patron, Sir Tony Robinson, as he recalls his career and accomplishments, from acting in Blackadder and presenting Time Team, to writing numerous books and TV shows, and adopting the beautiful Holly Berry. Joining Sir Tony on stage is host for the evening, BBC Radio Derby presenter, Andy ‘Twiggy’ Twigge. Featuring an audience Q & A and the premiere of a short film about the history of the RSPCA, the evening is set to be a fascinating
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look into the life of one of Britain’s most beloved national treasures. The RSPCA Derby will also be holding a raffle - tickets will be available to purchase (cash and card) throughout the night. All proceeds go to the RSPCA Derby, an independent, self-funded animal rehoming centre based in Derby. This year, the charity is celebrating its 150th anniversary – a huge milestone that has been made possible thanks to the support of the local community.
Westies & Besties - September 2022
NEWS
Sir Tony Robinson and Holly Berry Image supplied by Sir Tony Robinson
To purchase tickets, visit:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/ rspcaderby/t-jzzrmrv Event details: Thursday 29th September 2022 at Derby Leisure and Events Venue, DE24 9HY. Doors open at 6pm, event starts at 7pm. Food is available to purchase (card only) from the bar until the end of the break. Drinks are available to purchase (card only) from the bar throughout the evening. Cash and card can be used to purchase raffle tickets and to make donations to RSPCA Derby throughout the evening.
Image supplied by Sir Tony Robinson
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NEWS
New Website Launched by The Pet Industry Federation
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, the PIF provides essential information
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he Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has launched a completely revamped website, packed full of useful industry information and business advice. Easy to navigate, the site provides help and resources for all PIF members, whether they are new businesses starting out or long-established figures in the pet industry.
Westies & Besties - September 2022
NEWS
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_244536394
DID YOU KNOW? Founded more than 70 years ago, PIF represents and promotes the largest number and widest range of people who work in pet businesses. PIF represents its members at government level, ensuring their voice is heard and keeping members informed of legislative changes on a weekly basis. PIF has a membership of more than 2,000 organisations across the sector. From small and micro businesses through to large multinationals, PIF members work across all areas of the pet industry and uphold a ten-point charter.
PIF CEO, Nigel Baker, commented: “Listening to feedback from our members it was clear that the previous site needed a revamp, so we’ve taken that feedback on board and created a site that is both easy to use and full of essential information for PIF members. We know that digital communications are absolutely key for today’s businesses, and this is just Phase 1 for the new website; keep an eye out in the coming months for even more developments.” Phase 2, which will become a central hub for the pet industry this autumn, is already in development including a Find A PIF Member feature where members of the public will be able to search for a PIF member near them. To access the secure Members’ Area of the new site, or to join PIF today, visit www. petfederation.co.uk
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QUESTION TIME
VETS, VERM-X AND THE HEALTH OF YOUR
We catch up with holistic Vet, Dr. Nick Thompson
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ou’ve written about why you chose a natural approach to animal health and why many medicines keep disease/ health issues at bay as opposed to curing the health issue. Is there a danger, though, that dog owners are starting to see an ‘us versus them’ scenario when it comes to conventional and holistic vets? How do dog owners know which kind of Vet is best to choose for their pet? There might be, but I don’t really see it. I work side-by-side with dozens of conventional Vets, and we all get on fine. It’s not an us-and-them scenario; what usually happens is the owner takes the dog to a conventional Vet, and they treat. If dog gets better, great. If not, they might seek a holistic approach. Either that or they’ll ask their Vet for a referral to see a holistic Vet, and that’s usually fine. I spend hours a week writing to conventional colleagues. 10
Westies & Besties - September 2022
Dr Nick Thompson Image supplied by the RFVS
QUESTION TIME
Image supplied by shutterstock_1020103849
Surely, it’s a big problem that the Veterinary community appears to be divided? Conventional Vets want scientific proof and Holistic Vets want alternatives to pushing pills…how do you see the Veterinary community moving forward with this? I disagree - we all want good science. It’s just that conventional colleagues are limited to drugs almost exclusively to treat their patients. They work closely with the drug and ultra-processed food industries who advise them. Holistic vets have raw food, herbs, homeopathies, acupuncture, supplements, and a broader worldview. Most Vets, holistic or otherwise, realise that drugs
have their place, but it’s best to avoid them when possible. You are a huge advocate of raw feeding. If a Westie owner prefers to feed their dog kibble, for example, is there still a benefit to giving their dogs a healthy natural product like Verm-X? If they insist on feeding kibble and the dog’s gut and skin are fine, then fair enough. I wouldn’t do it in all but the most extreme cases. Using Verm-X, in my experience, does two things: first, it helps with gut hygiene which, together with regular worm counts, helps to reduce or eliminate www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com
unnecessary drugs. Secondly, I find it helps to improve gut health and microbiome. Both help promote health and keep dogs away from unnecessary Vet visits. Tell us about why you decided to partner with Verm-X. I am a Veterinary consultant to Verm-x and have been for over 10 years. I like working with them because they allow me to explore the world of veterinary herbal medicine and communicate a holistic message to the pet-owning world. They are a hard-working bunch set on animal health while minimising unnecessary drug use. 11
Nutrition
Properties
Your Westie’s health will benefit from this versatile plant as mushrooms boost the immune system and prevent disease BY SUE MAKEPEACE
I
absolutely love mushrooms, deep fried in breadcrumbs with a creamy garlic dip, sautéed and served in a delicious sauce, a yummy mushroom risotto. If it’s got mushrooms, then I’ll eat it. But that’s enough about me and my culinary tastes, let’s talk about why and how to feed mushrooms to our Westies. Mushrooms are an incredibly powerful food as they are packed full of healing properties. They are incredibly versatile and can help with the prevention of disease. They have been known to protect against cancer, they have been known to help with the regeneration of cells and of course they have the ability to boost the immune system. Different types of medicinal mushrooms have a wide range of healing properties, my personal favourite for my Westies is the Turkey Tail. I tend to
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give this as a supplement in powdered form, but of course you can lightly cook in a pan with a little coconut oil then blitz them up. They are packed full of essential sugars that can help keep the immune system activated, they have also been known to help protect from infection and to fight some diseases. Not every type of mushroom has a medicinal benefit, but most of them do have healing abilities, and this is down to their nutritional value. They’re a great food source for us, and they’re a wonderful addition to add to your Westie’s diet. The other mushrooms that pack a powerful punch for Westies are Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake and Maitake, they all have health benefits and like the Turkey Tail have shown to improve the function of the immune system. They have also been shown to help fight cancers, pulmonary
disease, kidney issues, heart disease, asthma, and allergies to name a few. They work well together so it’s perfectly fine to give your Westie a mix and get the healing benefits of every one of them! I understand the fear of using medicinal mushrooms for pets. Westie owners are always going to worry about wild mushrooms being poisonous or toxic, but if you purchase organic mushrooms from a reliable source, then there is no reason to worry about safety. Mushrooms are another eating experience you can add to your Westie’s bowl, they have a different texture and smell, and the more eating experiences you can offer your dog, the less likely you are to have a fussy eater. At the end of the day if there are any left you can always fry them in garlic and butter and nosh them yourself.
Westies & Besties - September 2022
Sue Makepeace is the Founder of the Westie Advice Group on Facebook and is also a certified Raw Dog Nutrition Specialist
Nutrition PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1909633414
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HEALTH
Supraspinatus Tendinopathy is a common cause of forelimb lameness in dogs
Squirrel-Chasing Injuries BY FAYE ANDREWS
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1554030599
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SUPRASPINATUS SYNDROME IS COMMON IN ACTIVE DOGS Westies & Besties - September 2022
remodelling will show up. Other possible investigations would include: • Ultrasound of the supraspinatus tendon • MRI scan of the muscle and area As mentioned previously, antiinflammatories alone and rest don’t really improve the condition. To rehabilitate the tendon, it needs to be stimulated in order to create inflammation. Now this may sound crazy, but to heal a chronic injury we need to start from the very beginning!
The Supraspinatus muscle is part of the rotator cuff muscles, these consist of four small, but very important muscles, as in humans the rotator cuff is designed to stabilise the head of the humerus (arm bone) in the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade), this forms a ball and socket joint at the shoulder. So, as you can imagine its quite a small muscle. When activated, the muscle extends the shoulder, in other words it lifts the arm forwards allowing the forelimb of the dog to reach forwards when walking, trotting, or running.
Terminology Tendinitis/Tendinosis – inflammation of the tendon Tendinopathy – Degeneration of the tendon
Supraspinatus tendinopathy is a common cause of forelimb lameness in dogs, especially those that are performance or active dogs although this can also occur in companion dogs. The most common cause is overuse due to chronic repetitive activity which in athletic dogs could include landing on an outstretched forelimb from a jump, quick turns, jump-turn combinations (this places the muscles under extreme stress in the shoulder). All of these are found in canine sports such as agility, flyball and herding. Because of this it is important to keep any dog in a comfortable and muscularly prepared state by using physical therapy to make sure the dog can achieve the aims of the sport/s without added stresses causing injury. Although I have mentioned supraspinatus tendinopathy in relation to sports dogs, it can also occur in common manoeuvres such as when a dog chases a squirrel or plays fetch. Any continuous overload without intervention will cause tendon fibre disruption, this then causes the dreaded scar tissue within the tendon. This can compress the Biceps tendon and lead to secondary Biceps muscle issues. Mineralisation (calcium within
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_ 1504478210
the supraspinatus tendon) may occur or even bone remodelling. Lameness is a common sign to occur and often worsens with activity and doesn’t improve with rest or antiinflammatories. You may even see the forelimb swing outwards from the shoulder.
Other signs may include: • Shortened stride/step • Changes in performance
During a physical examination form the Vet or physical therapy practitioner may find other signs and symptoms: • Discomfort on shoulder flexion (this stretches the supraspinatus muscle) • Discomfort on palpation of the tendon • Muscle atrophy (wasting) especially if chronic (Discomfort on abduction caused by spasm of supraspinatus if concurrent with medial shoulder instability). The Vet will likely suggest x-rays to rule out other bone disease, at the same time any mineralisation within the supraspinatus tendon or bone
In both humans and animals, we have something called the healing process, basically a time frame for inflammation. Contrary to popular belief we actually need inflammation to help heal structures, however we don’t want it hanging around for too long as it can then be detrimental. Inflammation helps protect the area from further damage and bring healing properties to the area. After a few days we then want to start to reduce the inflammation so we can gain movement in the joint and flexibility and strength to the muscle. So, once we have recreated the inflammatory process by stimulation, we can then use rest, anti-inflammatories, and appropriate rehabilitation to help heal the tendon. Rehabilitation includes: • Improving the range of motion at the joint • Strengthening the muscle • Flexibility • Reconditioning for long term use with appropriate exercises If none of that works and the issue is caused by mineralisation then surgery may be required to remove the calcium deposits. If this is the cause then you can expect to see improvement in two to four weeks post-surgery and full recovery in six to eight weeks, and rehabilitation with appropriate exercises would be important to follow up with.
Faye Andrews is a human and canine osteopath and runs her own clinic in Surrey.
REPETITIVE ACTIVITY = INCREASED BIOMECHANICAL LOAD = TENDON STRAIN INJURY STRAIN INJURY = DECREASED STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY OF THE TENDON www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com
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HEALTH
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his month’s article looks at Supraspinatus Tendinopathy. Firstly, lets go through a little bit of anatomy so you can visualise things. We’ll also go through some basic terminology.
HEALTH
10 WITH KIDNEY FAILURE WHILE MANY WESTIE OWNERS WILL UNDERSTANDABLY GO INTO PANIC MODE AFTER HEARING THE DIAGNOSIS, IT IS VITAL TO START TAKING STEPS TO AVOID FURTHER DETERIORATION
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_521629657
BY TONY BOOTH
W
hen renal failure is first diagnosed, owners and Vets must act fast to improve blood level results and arrest further deterioration of the kidneys. This 10-step plan of action gives a dog the best possible chance of improving its quality and longevity of life. Although other vital interventions remain necessary, these fundamental steps can help a canine companion get over
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the first hurdle and create a window of opportunity for more extensive Veterinary assessment and treatment. Some dogs may not respond to this plan of action, because their kidneys are so badly damaged. However, I am of the “nothing tried, nothing gained” body of people. It is a sad fact that chronic kidney failure cannot be cured. It is a progressive illness that will ultimately prove fatal. The 10step plan is only the first stage
Westies & Besties - September 2022
of trying to extend life – maybe for a few months, possibly for a year or two – but extending life is not enough on its own, as we need to stabilize and improve quality of life too. Owners should make daily, weekly, and monthly assessments of how their dog’s health is changing... and there may come a point when it is consistently deteriorating, which is also the stage when difficult decisions might be required.
HEALTH
Many manufactured dog foods are unsuitable and damaging for dogs with kidney failure. They contain ingredients that include low-quality protein, phosphates, corn, sodium (salt), grains, unspecified animal derivatives, chemical-based preservatives, artificial colorants, sweeteners, and other potentially harmful additives”
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Measure Blood Pressure
Studies confirm that up to 93% of dogs with kidney failure also have high blood pressure. Hypertension causes an increased and rapid deterioration of renal function and can also inflict acute blindness in a dog. It is vital an owner gets their Vet to do a blood pressure check on their best friend at the point of diagnosis. Treating hypertension is the first priority in helping reduce stress on the already compromised kidneys. While ACE Inhibitors are the standard treatment, they are also often ineffective in dogs with renal disease. A joint treatment of an ACE Inhibitor and Amlodipine, which widens blood vessels and improves blood flow, usually proves more successful.
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Confirm the Diagnosis
There are times when inadequate testing is conducted and assume kidney failure from blood level results alone. The following assessments need conducting, before it is possible to make a true and correct diagnosis (and importantly, together with a confirmed diagnosis of kidney failure, some of these tests might also divulge what has caused it): Blood panel tests will check levels of BUN (blood urea nitrogen), creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium, as well as other potential abnormalities. These tests are insufficient on their own, because
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HEALTH
Owners should make daily, weekly, and monthly assessments of how their dog’s health is changing... and there may come a point when it is consistently deteriorating, which is also the stage when difficult decisions might be required”
low or high readings are also indicative of other illnesses including dehydration, heart disease, various cancers, Addison’s disease, urinary tract infection, bladder stones and hypothyroid disease. Additional testing will discount these potential health concerns. Abnormal blood results can also occur due to errors made when collecting the blood sample or while storing it or while being tested at an in-house or external laboratory. It is, therefore, useful to repeat the process a day or two later to confirm the results. Certain dog breeds also have ‘naturally occurring’ high blood readings, which are sometimes misdiagnosed as being abnormal by some Vets. For example, greyhounds often have a higher-than-normal creatinine level, due to their muscle mass. Urine testing will check whether the specific gravity is lower than normal and whether there are larger volumes of released proteins, which are typical symptoms of certain types of kidney failure. The urine should also be centrifuged and examined under a microscope, as any evidence of casts (sloughed cells) will suggest a disease of the kidneys, while other sedimented red or white blood cells will suggest a primary or secondary disease elsewhere in the body. A complete blood count (CBC) will show any anaemia, which is common in kidney failure due to decreased erythropoietin production. This hormone increases the rate of red blood cell production, so a lack of it causes a low red blood cell count, which adversely impacts on the health of all organs and tissues. X-rays are vital to assess the condition, size, and shape
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
of the kidneys. A reduction in the normal size of the kidneys suggests some chronic destruction of the functioning organ tissues have already taken place (chronic renal disease), while larger sized kidneys point either to cancer or to an acute renal problem requiring urgent treatment. Specialized types of x-ray (including intravenous pyelography) can help diagnose a urinary infection, confirm the size and shape of the kidneys and give a rough assessment of current renal function. An ultrasound scan is very useful, as it determines how dense the kidneys are and helps confirm whether they have enough tissue remaining to perform their normal function. It is also possible to do a biopsy while conducting the ultrasound. A biopsy can, in certain circumstances, help find the cause of kidney failure. A comprehensive history of the dog will help assess potential problems and how and why they may have occurred. Details about the breed, where the dog came from (parentage), diet, changes in behaviour and recent symptoms are all relevant, as well as a thorough physical examination to look for any other health abnormalities. When considering toxaemia as a suspected cause, Vets should ask about the normal habitat of the dog (such as, whether it has had access to garden and/or household chemicals, human medicines or inappropriate foods). The physical examination should include a comprehensive inspection of the mouth and teeth. Poor dental health and infection of the gums are common contributors to chronic kidney failure.
HEALTH
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1219865494
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Commence Fluid Therapy
HEALTH
Although a dog with kidney failure is drinking apparently adequate amounts of water and urinating regularly (even excessively), the build-up of toxins are not flushed from the system and continue to spiral out-ofcontrol. In addition, a dog will probably be suffering from dehydration, despite outward signs to the contrary. The problem is they cannot conserve water for hydration because their kidneys can’t create concentrated urine, so they excrete almost all the water they drink. The toxins produced by kidney failure causes severe health problems and affect the normal balance and function of other organs. This increase in toxins is due to a failure of essential balancing mechanisms, partly brought about from abnormal sodium, calcium and potassium being retained and/or released inappropriately into the blood stream. The short-term fix for dogs with late stage-3 or stage-4 kidney failure is to rehydrate with intensive intravenous (IV) fluids, usually over at a least 3-day period. This process takes the workload stress off the kidneys and creates the best prospect of returning blood levels closer to normal. ‘Dog specific’ fluids are essential, which should have added minerals, electrolytes and supplements determined from the abnormal blood level readings. Further blood level checks performed during IV fluid therapy will help confirm whether the type and strength of additions to the fluid need amending. Additional blood tests will also help a Vet find out whether the treatment is stabilizing the kidney failure or not. After the first treatment of IV fluids, owners can continue the process at home by giving subcutaneous (SubQ) fluids. There is a special technique to this process, which Vets should help with by training an owner before prescribing, preparing, and issuing appropriate fluids and equipment. Giving SubQs at home will help reduce the cost of veterinary treatment for the owner and help relieve stress and anxiety for the dog. SubQs can be suspended once blood levels fall to within normal range – and re-started again, if levels start to deteriorate. Some Vets inappropriately supply normal saline solution for either IV or SubQ treatment of kidney failure in dogs. It is best to avoid saline solutions in canine renal failure (sodium abnormalities are very common with the disease), so always double-check the fluid bag label before administering. If the words ‘sodium’ or ‘saline’ are written on the bags, raise it with your Vet and ask them to explain why they have prescribed this type of fluid.
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PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_293942942
Studies confirm that up to 93% of dogs with kidney failure also have high blood pressure. Hypertension causes an increased and rapid deterioration of renal function and can also inflict acute blindness in a dog. It is vital an owner gets their Vet to do a blood pressure check on their best friend at the point of diagnosis.
Westies & Besties - September 2022
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Change the Diet
Most dog food manufacturers now supply renal diets, which are readily available from good pet stores. These typically offer the right balance of nutrition while avoiding ingredients that are generally considered harmful. The standard approach is to offer a low-protein and low- phosphorus diet because proteins and phosphates are more difficult for the kidneys to deal with and tend to increase the level of toxins. While this is certainly true, there is also an argument that high-quality proteins (compared with low-quality proteins) are actually suitable, safe and beneficial to dogs suffering from kidney failure. This is an important consideration for owners that produce or intend to produce a homemade diet for their dogs. High-quality proteins are often found in human-grade meats and poultry, as well as some better-quality manufactured renal-specific dog food products. Progressively change from one diet to another over several days, incrementally adding more new food and less of the old food to a dog’s bowl. This helps prevent gastric upset caused by sudden diet changes. One of the problems with manufactured renal diets is they are very unpalatable. Overcome this by drizzling a teaspoon of something beneficial and tasty on your dog’s food, such as all- natural honey, pure coconut oil or 100% virgin salmon oil. I am not an advocate of dry foods (kibble) for dogs – and I am even less impressed over some of the claims made by the manufacturers of renal-specific dry dog food products. I believe tinned renal foods are better, because they contain about 80% water, which will help routinely rehydrate a dog that may already be dehydrated and will further aid the flushing of excess toxins from the system. Introduce an Anti-Nausea Medication
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It is typical for dogs with kidney disease to feel nauseous with the build-up of toxins and acid in their stomach. This causes them to eat very little or refuse food altogether. When a dog
HEALTH
Most manufactured dog foods are unsuitable and damaging for dogs with kidney failure. They contain ingredients that include low-quality protein, phosphates, corn, sodium (salt), grains, unspecified animal derivatives, chemical-based preservatives, artificial colorants, sweeteners, and other potentially harmful additives. These ingredients inflict stress on damaged kidneys and rapidly cause the condition to deteriorate. It is therefore crucial to change a dog’s daily food intake to a renal specific diet from the point of diagnosis. It is equally important to keep to this diet and be cautious of giving treats or food scraps that have any of the ‘bad ingredients’ listed above.
starts to turn their nose up at food, ask the Vet to prescribe a suitable anti-nausea medication. There are many available and all work in a similar but slightly different way. If, after a couple of days, one particular medication fails to have the desired effect, ask the Vet to change it to an alternative...eventually, one will be found to work. More consistent eating will provide much-needed energy and essential nutrients to help battle the disease. One of the problems with metabolic acidosis is ensuring Vets treat it with the right medication. Treatment involves administering an alkalinizing salt, usually sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate, in an amount enough to increase the blood bicarbonate concentration into the normal range. Much depends on the potassium and calcium levels to decide which of the two forms of medication above are the right choice. Antiemetics for nausea and vomiting should include metoclopramide, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such as ondansetron hydrochloride or dolasetron mesylate, or the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist maropitant [Cerenia—Pfizer] or low doses of phenothiazine tranquilizers (prochlorperazine). Passing this information on to an inexperienced Vet could prove helpful.
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Withhold All Other Medications (If Possible)
Most pharmaceutical medications have a negative impact on the kidneys. Drugs break down to produce toxic by-products, which healthy kidneys ordinarily deal with without any problems. But a dog that is already in renal failure cannot process the byproducts effectively. This further stresses the kidneys and increases the likelihood of more toxins invading the canine system. It is therefore beneficial to avoid any and all medications, except those that are necessary for maintaining and promoting good health (such as drugs prescribed for an existing illness or to treat a specific symptom of kidney failure). It is prudent for your Vet to conduct a risk- assessment of any drugs prescribed, as other alternatives might be safer and more suitable. Herbal remedies are also best avoided unless a Vet has suggested something specific. Many herbal remedies contain ingredients that can further damage the kidneys. Just because something is natural, it doesn’t necessarily follow that it’s safer. Remember that the most toxic substances known to man come from the natural world and some herbs and plant-extracts are more poisonous to dogs than they are to humans. It is also useful to avoid further annual vaccination boosters (except those that are obligatory and legally required), because these will temporarily reduce the effect of the auto-immune system, causing a marked
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HEALTH
deterioration in kidney function and vulnerability to dangerous infections. Spot-on flea and tick treatments are also best avoided, although much depends on the season, the area you live and country of residence. Ask your Vet about safe alternatives to such treatments and learn about preventive measures you can adopt.
recommends using ground-up eggshell as a natural phosphate binder. One large eggshell (washed, dried and ground) produces 2,000 mg of elemental calcium per teaspoon. Half a teaspoon is the dose recommended for a medium- sized dog with normal calcium and phosphorus blood levels.
There are certain medications that can promote improved kidney function or deal effectively with the repercussions of damaged kidneys. Calcitriol (the hormonally active metabolite of vitamin D) and ACE inhibitors (Benazepril or Enalapril) are among the most useful medications your Vet should consider.
Although supplementing with eggshells can have beneficial results, it is important to know that they contain calcium carbonate, which needs Veterinary approval before being given. The only time eggshells are safe for use in this way is when the ionized calcium level in the blood is within normal range, otherwise hypercalcaemia can occur with devastating consequences. Regular blood testing is essential.
Start Using a Phosphate Binder
7
Phosphorus is a mineral consumed in almost all foods. It converts into phosphate, which circulates in the blood. The amount in a dog’s blood is normally kept in careful control, as it needs to fall within a safe ratio with calcium to support a good and healthy bone structure. Dogs with kidney disease usually develop high phosphorus levels, because excessive amounts cannot be excreted in urine. This in turn causes bones to weaken, become brittle and break easily. Most manufactured renal dog food is low in phosphorus, but eventually the levels start to rise and bone structure becomes seriously undermined. A phosphate binder is usually prescribed to cut levels that are already out of control when diet restriction alone is no longer achieving results. A phosphorus binder helps reduce amounts of the mineral absorbed.
Calcium acetate (available from a Vet by prescription) has much better phosphorusbinding abilities and is therefore safer, requiring about 40% less calcium to bind the same amount of phosphorus. This makes it less likely that hypercalcaemia will occur, though frequent blood testing is still required to check the situation.
There are several different types of binder and, after careful monitoring and assessment of other associated elements in the blood, your Vet will consider the best one to prescribe for your dog. Calcium-based or aluminium hydroxide-based binders are the most commonly used, but there are also some problems associated with them. A relatively new and somewhat more expensive phosphate binder called Sevelamer Hydrochloride (Renagel) doesn’t use either calcium or aluminium and might be a better and safer alternative. Although this has proved successful in human kidney failure, it has not yet (at the time of writing) been formally approved for dogs. Some material on the Internet 22
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_2129294156
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Reduce Salt & Phosphorus Intake
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It is important to avoid all foods or treats containing high levels of sodium or phosphorus, as both these minerals cause more problems for dogs with kidney disease. Most manufactured renal dog foods take this into consideration, but owners devising a home cooked diet will need to give this some thought. It is also worth noting that some household water supplies are high in sodium levels, so it is better to give kidney failure dogs filtered water and not simply fill bowls from the kitchen tap. Introduce Useful Supplements
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Beneficial diet supplements include pure organic salmon oil (containing omega-3), rice bran (a fermentable fiber), natural yogurt (only unflavored, unsweetened and low in phosphorus varieties) or a probiotic specially designed for dogs, Milk Thistle (protects the liver and kidneys), and Azodyl for dogs (which is thought to help reduce azotemia). Many supplement manufacturers make some extraordinary claims about their products, but none to my knowledge have been properly and scientifically tested to prove or disprove such claims. The supplements mentioned above are among those that have some Veterinary and research study validity. I also suggest adding a dessert spoon of cooked, chopped cabbage to the diet every three days. Cabbage has some excellent qualities and is known to help prevent stomach ulcers forming, which is a common symptom in kidney failure. It is also sometimes useful to supplement with certain vitamins, notably vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), vitamin B-complex and vitamin E. However, some of these vitamins can cause adverse reactions with other treatments and/or can themselves be harmful in certain cases and depending on existing
HEALTH
The urine should also be centrifuged and examined under a microscope, as any evidence of casts (sloughed cells) will suggest a disease of the kidneys, while other sedimented red or white blood cells will suggest a primary or secondary disease elsewhere in the body” blood test results. Always consult your Vet before supplementing with any specific vitamin. Maintain Regular Blood Level Testing
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The shock of receiving a Vet’s diagnosis of kidney failure and details about prognosis often place owners in a traumatic and emotionally charged situation. It is little wonder that many fail to book forward appointments for blood testing there and then or in the difficult days and weeks that follow. Both regular and frequent blood testing are crucial for the treatment and management of kidney failure because the condition can change quickly – and each change requires a slightly different approach. The blood results will show whether the condition is deteriorating or improving and whether there is a need for other supplementation, further changes to diet or alternative medications. Some vets also have a tendency to “write off” a dog with severe chronic kidney failure and are reluctant to suggest further blood testing or offer an intensive treatment plan. In such cases, I would recommend seeking a second opinion from an alternative Vet, because early intervention is absolutely crucial, and time is always of the essence.
Tony Booth has years of extensive reading and research on this subject gained as an administrator for the MedHelp Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs user group, to experiencing and treating kidney failure in his own dog. However, Tony is not a Veterinarian. Readers are advised to consult with their own Veterinarians when it comes to the individual health of their dog. For more information on Tony’s research, visit: www.tony-booth.com
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ACCESSORIES
WORLD COCONUT DAY!
THE AROMATIC COCONUT BOASTS NUMEROUS HEALTH BENEFITS FOR DOGS & HUMANS All images supplied via PR Shots
Coconut Oil 300ml Holland & Barrett £5.46 This coconut oil is a great soothing lotion and is perfectly safe to use on your dog’s fur and paws if your pal’s skin has become a little dry during the summer months. Not suitable for dog consumption. www.hollandandbarrett.com
BeautyPro Coconut Infused Sheet Mask 22ml Sainsburys £5.00 Indulge in a soothing Coconut face mask sheet and let your worries wash away while your skin soaks up all the goodness. www.sainsburys.co.uk 24
Neem Oil Serendipity Herbals £10.95 This Neem and Coconut cream has been carefully formulated for pets. Neem oil is soothing for your Westie’s itchy, sore, dry, or sensitive skin whilst coconut is rich in nutrients essential for skin repair and rehydration. This neem cream is also easily absorbed, leaving the skin feeling smooth but not greasy or sticky. www.theneemteam.co.uk
Westies & Besties - September 2022
Three Shell Cacao Almond and Coconut Body Scrub Hotel Chocolat £14.95 Scoops of island shells transform dull skin. Polish, exfoliate and moisturise, the three steps to achieving beautiful smooth skin with these Three Shell Cacao Almond and Coconut Body Scrub. (For humans only.) www.hotelchocolat.com
BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL FOR YOUR WESTIE ++ RELIEVES HOT SPOTS ++ SOOTHES ALLERGIC REACTIONS, SORES, CRACKED PAWS AND ABRASIONS ++ HELPS WITH EAR MITES AND YEAST INFECTIONS ++ MINIMIZES EAR WAX BUILD UP ++ IMPROVES DENTAL HEALTH Source: Dr Karen Shaw Becker
Coconut Oil Products TKMaxx £5.99 These fabulous coconutty products from TKMaxx will have you oozing an all over glow from head to toe. With an oil for your skin, hair, and body to a sugar scrub that will have you walking around silky smooth, to a pure coconut lotion for your hands… you’ll feel like you’ve just come back off holiday! (For humans only.) www.tkmaxx.com
Beco’s Treats £2.99 This is a delicious way to help dogs master their skills through positive reinforcement. The Peanuts flavour is made with crunchy peanuts, quinoa, and creamy coconut, then baked into fun bone shapes in small batches in Devon. Furthermore, they are cooked in ovens powered by renewable energy. www.becopets.com
Coconut Macadamia Cartwright & Butler Take a bite out of these luxurious coconut biscuits brought to you by Cartwright & Butler and get your tastebuds tingling with delight. (For humans only.) www.carwrightandbutler.co.uk
Coconut Husk Candle Oliver Bonas £16.50 Treat yourself to an opulent coconut fragranced candle and enjoy an evening of relaxation and comfort. www.oliverbonas.com
Coconut & Vanilla Body Scrub Homesense £4.99 Scrub away the tensions of the day with this deluxe body scrub from Homesense and treat your skin to some tender loving care. (For humans only.) www.homesense.co.uk www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com
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ACCESSORIES
5
The Saviour Bath and Shower Oil Intensely Nourishing 200ml KMI Brands £9.50 Say hello to the ultimate saviour. This opulent blend of natural oils gently works to cleanse the skin, while leaving it feeling replenished and nourished. Enriched with argan and coconut oils to help rejuvenate parched skin, this oil formula locks in moisture for the ultimate cleansing experience. (For humans only.) www.lovenoughty.co.uk
COVER STORY
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
COVER STORY
PROFESSOR NOEL FITZPATRICK PREPARES FOR HIS UPCOMING UK TOUR BY JAMES RAMPTON
www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com
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COVER STORY
PROFESSOR
the country’s best loved orthopaedic-neuro Veterinary surgeon, cannot contain his excitement about his forthcoming live tour. “For me, touring is a break. The delight of going on tour is being able to have some downtime in the back of the van to sleep and to think a bit. I love getting away from my normal environment and meeting people who share that sense of love. It’s a great blessing”.
A
s we chat in the run-up to the tour, the man universally known as “The Supervet” is overflowing with the kind of infectious passion that has made him so popular right across the nation. He opens by enthusing, “I have to tell you that in all honesty, I am more excited about this than I’ve ever been about anything I’ve done!” In “An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick,” he will transfix audiences with his astounding stories, extraordinary bionic innovations, and heart-
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warming ethos. He will give us an insight into his remarkable world with tales of the amazing animals which have shaped who he is today. In his second live show after the sell-out tour of “Welcome to My World” in 2018, Noel will discuss his rollercoaster ride to success, picking out the particularly challenging cases that have defined his career. He will also underscore how much we can learn from our animal friends and how they can make us better people. Above all, he will emphasise why love is really the only thing that counts in life. A man who simply oozes magnetism from every pore, Noel is a compelling live performer. He spellbinds audiences with marvellous storytelling and sheer charisma. My recommendation? That you buy tickets for “An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick” very quickly indeed because they are selling like hot cakes, and this is a show you simply do not wish to miss. The vet reveals the heart of “An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick”, which begins at Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion on 3 November and ends at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on 1 December.
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COVER STORY
There are myriad methods of communicating love. As every pop singer and movie ever made will tell you, there are as many ways to interpret love as there are stars in the sky. But the interpretation of love that matters is the one that connects us to each other. It demonstrates why we are human at all. It is the very essence of our existence.”
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COVER STORY
What I want most of all is to entertain people. I want them to come to the show and escape from their everyday worries. But also, I want to give them something to take home. I want that woman who’s come from a very difficult situation to leave that room feeling that somebody cares, that it’s not all worthless, and that she is worthy.
“The show is fundamentally about love. I think I know how to translate love for the first time because I’ve had ups and downs and ins and outs. I’ve been a vet for 32 years now, so I have prepared a long time for this tour. “There are myriad methods of communicating love. As every pop singer and movie ever made will tell you, there are as many ways to interpret love as there are stars in the sky. But the interpretation of love that matters is the one that connects us to each other. It demonstrates why we are human at all. It is the very essence of our existence.” Noel exhibits that love through healing very sick animals that others may have thought were beyond salvation. “Love is about that moral responsibility at the moment when a family literally crumbles in the consulting room. Their marital difficulties, their cancer, the death of their father, the tensions in their lives – all their rawness is exposed through the cat or the dog or the rabbit that is in front of me. “That animal acts as a conduit past the blockages that exist in everyday life because in the presence of an animal crisis, all that is left at the door and what is revealed is the real currency of love. The challenge is, can you shed light on that darkness and bring hope and redemption, not just to the patient, but also to the entire family?” Over 16 series of Channel 4’s “The Supervet”, Noel has appeared in all 115 episodes, and performed some of the most breath-taking operations on animals ever filmed. His almost superhuman ability to nurse apparently fatally ill animals back to full health inspires wonder and tremendous loyalty in his legions of fans. They call him everything from “a real-life superhero” and “incredibly uplifting” to “a wonderful man” and “truly a person who is making the world a better place, on so many levels.” A major part of “An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick” concentrates on how animals can teach us to improve as human beings. The Vet, who is director and managing clinician at Fitzpatrick Referrals in Guildford, Surrey, explains, “With humans, it is nigh on impossible to let your shoulders down and truly be yourself. In your life, you might have two three people you can do that with. If you’re lucky, you can truly show them who you really are, warts and all. “But with an animal, you can do that morning, noon and night. They would prefer it if you smell, they would prefer it if you were not in your best clothes. They don’t care what you look like, they don’t care what your colour is, they don’t care what your religion is, they don’t care what your gender is, they don’t care what your nationality is. All they care about is, ‘are you capable of love?’”
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
Hitting his rhetorical stride now, Noel carries on, “That makes us better people. Animals are the heart stents that bypass the emboli that we have allowed to clot up our bloodstream and mess up our lives. Because every single day, we allow the thoughts and the badness of the malign 1% of the population to infiltrate our molecular structure and cause us terrible problems. “But if we allow that heart stent of the love of a horse, or a goat, or a dog or a cat, or another human, then we could really free ourselves to be ourselves, to actually say, ‘you know what, Mary, this is me. I do get sad, I do go through periods where I’m really anxious and I feel inadequate.’ If you can do that with a human, you are blessed. Very few people can. But animals allow us to do that every single day. And that makes us better people.” Another principal focus of “An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick” is the importance of honesty. The vet, who grew up surrounded by animals on a farm in Ballyfin, Ireland, declares, “I love live theatre because I love the connection with other people which is truthful and not a hypocritical facade. That facade is often what we need to portray in this world of Instagram and TikTok. Because we need a job, we need to put on some semblance of respectability. ‘For goodness’ sake, I’m a professor of surgery, respect me!’ “But I don’t have a single one of my degrees on my wall. I have got dozens of them, and they’re all in a box
somewhere because they are simply a rite of passage in the same way that pain or accidents are. All I have on my wall is a sign that says: ‘Always be yourself unless you can be Batman. In which case, always be Batman’.” The Vet goes on to consider what he hopes audiences will take away from “An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick.” “What I want most of all is to entertain people. I want them to come to the show and escape from their everyday worries. But also, I want to give them something to take home. I want that woman who’s come from a very difficult situation to leave that room feeling that somebody cares, that it’s not all worthless, and that she is worthy. “That’s so important because we’re taught by the world that we’re just cogs in a big machine, that we’re inadequate and that there’s nothing we can do. We’re in a world of war and pestilence and global warming. We all feel helpless. But one of the big themes of the show is that we’re not helpless because we’re all in a community of compassion.” Noel adds, “In that safe space, I want you to understand that as an animal or a human being somebody has your hand or your paw, and you’re not alone. I would like people to take away a little molecule of that unconditional love inside them that they can hold on to in tough times and understand that when the sh*t hits the fan of life, they are going to be OK. “I see so many people go into the darkness of depression, sadness, anxiety, all kinds of things. I see
young people taking their own lives, people lashing out against the world and being involved in wars. I see people who are disenchanted with politics, or corporatism, or mass media. In the current climate, it’s really hard to remain as your own molecular structure, of which there is only one in the world. As Oscar Wilde once said, ‘Be yourself because everyone else is already taken.’ That’s the take-home message: love is inside you and you are worthwhile. Be yourself because you are enough.” Noel closes by reiterating how much he is looking forward to reconnecting with his armies of fans. He is absolutely relishing the joy of touring. “The reason I want to go out on tour is because it’s wonderful, but also I get some time off. It’s a holiday for me. I can’t believe some people go on tour and say, ‘I’m at work now’. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful to them at all, but for me touring is genuinely a relief from the stress of everyday life. When I go back to the operating theatre this afternoon, I could be there for possibly 7 to 10 hours, depending on how long this operation takes. I’m going to be in theatre until midnight tonight, as I was last night.” And so, “For me, touring is a break. The delight of going on tour is being able to have some downtime in the back of the van to sleep and to think a bit. I love getting away from my normal environment and meeting people who share that sense of love. It’s a great blessing.
Tickets for “An Evening with Noel Fitzpatrick” are available at noelfitzpatricklive.com www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com
(This interview is syndicated.)
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COVER STORY
But I don’t have a single one of my degrees on my wall. I have got dozens of them, and they’re all in a box somewhere because they are simply a rite of passage in the same way that pain or accidents are. All I have on my wall is a sign that says: ‘Always be yourself unless you can be Batman. In which case, always be Batman’.
FEATURE
WITH PETS FEWER THAN 7% OF PROPERTIES ARE DESCRIBED AS ACCEPTING PETS, YET THERE’S BEEN A 120% INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR PET-FRIENDLY RENTALS SINCE 2020 BY JENNIFER BEREZAI, CO-FOUNDER OF CHARITY, AdvoCAT
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
FEATURE PHOTO CREDIT: Image supplied by shutterstock_374046706
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An Update on the
FEATURE
Renting with Pets Campaign By AdvoCATS
The aim of the Heads for Tails! report and campaign is to make renting with pets easier and fairer for both tenants and landlords
I
t was around 8.31 in the morning, a largely unremarkable day in the middle of an ordinary week at my “proper” job, working for an upholstery company in the East Midlands, I settled at my desk, and just as I switched my phone to silent, it pinged a message from our Parliamentary Consultant AdvoCAT, giving a link to a national newspaper article, with the message in block capitals: WE’VE WON! This is the story of what we’ve won, how we found ourselves in that moment, and what the victory means for landlords and pet owning tenants going forward.
The link to the national newspaper article broke the news that the renters reform white paper was to be published the following day, and that the proposals included giving tenants the right to own a pet, permission for which could not be unreasonably withheld by the landlord, and landlords the right to insist of pet damage insurance being held
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
An impossible task? Renting with pets has long been a problem, but in recent years, and specifically since the introduction of the Tenant Fees Act with its 5-week deposit cap in 2019, it’s become an almost impossible task. Landlords felt they might no longer be able to recoup the costs of any pet damage, and the number of pet-friendly landlords fell by nearly 20%. At the time of writing, fewer than 7% of properties are described as accepting pets, yet there’s been a 120% increase in the demand for pet friendly rentals since 2020. Something needed to change. AdvoCATS’ Heads for Tails! report and campaign to make renting with pets easier and fairer for both parties was officially published on 1 September 2021, and sent to the then Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick, with a covering letter detailing the endorsement of industry heavyweights such as the National Residential Landlords Association, (NRLA), and cross party political support from many high profile names including the late Sir David Amess. It was the culmination of months of research, interviews, and
FEATURE PHOTO CREDIT: Image supplied by shutterstock_1148580119
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FEATURE
meetings which in turn had begun back in the autumn of 2020 as part of MP Andrew Rosindell’s private members bill to ban No Pets clauses, dubbed Jasmine’s Law. The report sought to explain the background to the monumental problem that renting with pets had become and proposed a couple of solutions acceptable to both sides.
Our campaign needs to move towards keeping the pet issue in the mix and making sure the “devilish detail” follows the spirit of the Heads for Tails! campaign, gives security to landlords and affords tenants the ability to rent with pets in confidence
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A government reshuffle, and a catchy renamed Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, saw the report and letter sent again just one month later to the new Secretary of State, Michael Gove. Soon his department were commenting on the delayed renters reform white paper, stating the need for “additional consultation” and the desire to avoid any “unintended consequences” of policy decisions. Proving a point At the end of November 2021, and as a direct result of a question regarding our campaign being asked of Michael Gove in the House of Commons, AdvoCATS were offered a meeting with Parliamentary Under Secretary for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Eddie Hughes, which took place just before the Christmas recess. The scale of the problem we were able to demonstrate seemed to surprise and resonate with the Minister, and a promise was made to look further into legislative and nonlegislative solutions, with the offer of a follow up meeting in the first half of 2022. We set about building further support for our campaign and undertook additional research to underline why we believed we had the policy change that would satisfy the needs Westies & Besties - September 2022
of tenants and the majority of landlords. The link to the national newspaper article broke the news that the renters reform white paper was to be published the following day, and that the proposals included giving tenants the right to own a pet, permission for which could not be unreasonably withheld by the landlord, and landlords the right to insist of pet damage insurance being held: this latter point a direct adoption of the Heads for Tails! report’s key recommendation, and one that figures show could change the stance of up to three quarters of landlords. Crossing the winning line On the face of it then, we have indeed won. Our umbrella campaign of 40 organisations and over 40 MPs and Peers, brought together opinion, achieved a broad consensus of the best way to tackle the issue and presented this to the very heart of government. The devil however, will, as always, be in the detail. The definition of “pet”, the list of “reasonable” exemptions a landlord will be able to use, appeal criteria - all these things need to be clarified and set out clearly for all stakeholders to scrutinise. The inclusion of an intended policy change in a white paper doesn’t guarantee it will become law, and there are other proposals which will eat up debating time. Our campaign needs to move towards keeping the pet issue in the mix and making sure the “devilish detail” follows the spirit of the Heads for Tails! campaign, gives security to landlords and affords tenants the ability to rent with pets in confidence.
FEATURE
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A DAY IN THE LIFE
MOST WESTIE OWNERS DON’T GET TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE LOCAL VETS AND IT’S SOMETIMES EASY TO TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED. SO, WHAT’S INVOLVED BEFORE AND AFTER THE PATIENT IS SEEN?
VETERINARY DERMATOLOGY Frances ED PE S O T Gaudiano P S US U SY &
KEEP N HER BU LE O D RO E I R A V
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A DAY IN THE LIFE PHOTO CREDIT: Image supplied by shutterstock_1169503468
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A DAY IN THE LIFE
What it’s Like to be the
Nurse A
s the designated “all things itchy and scratchy nurse” at our general practice surgery, I have something of a mixed experience of the dermatology nurse way of life. One day a week I work alongside my dermatology certificate holder colleague in clinic. A typical “derm day” starts with changing the stains, those colourful liquids we use to tint our skin samples. If they are not changed at least every two weeks, or even once a week if they are under heavy use, they grow their own population of nasties that will confuse our microscope exams even more than usual. Next up, I make sure we have nice clean otoscope ear examination heads, and fresh disinfectant baths for our instruments. Damp dusting the microscope, using that cool spray duster that’s usually reserved for cleaning computer keyboards, is crucial: I have terrible floaters in my eyes so don’t need any more little black dots in my visual field to confuse me. And you thought getting the operating theatre ready was hard work!
Frances Gaudiano, RVN and VNDG member
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The Vet and I then review the appointments for the day ahead. If there are lots of new referrals from other practices, I make up several trays of take away containers lined with paper towel and decorated with microscope slides and set out the tools we will need: the sticky tape, permanent marker, flea comb, cotton buds, artery forceps and scalpel blades for any skin scrapings.
Westies & Besties - September 2022
A DAY IN THE LIFE
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A DAY IN THE LIFE
The pet owner is asked to complete a questionnaire before they arrive and this is transferred to the animal’s computer record, along with their general history. Nevertheless, the Vet still does a general exam at the start of the appointment, dictating to me as we go. Luckily, my other job is as a novelist, so I type remarkably quickly. Once the samples are collected, I inspect them under the microscope while the Vet educates the owner on skin disease. Cytological findings are used to help us decide on the treatment plan, and the owner is sent off with printed management instructions, and any food and medication required. A few appointments later, the morning is done. In the afternoon, I see immunotherapy (allergy vaccine) patients, call owners with updates, book future appointments, and write up referral reports, which are later reviewed by the vet. Flea school Every clinic has clients who desperately want to give their pets the very best care but face financial challenges. So how do we approach those skin cases? First and foremost, we explain that flea control is essential. We know adequate parasite control is the cornerstone of managing skin problems. This is a daily discussion, and I have considered getting the flea life cycle tattooed on my forehead so I can just point to it in the future. Many people do not understand that fleas live in the environment and thus the home, garage, car, and even the loft, must be treated as well as the pet. I also explain that all
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household pets, even the cat that never leaves the house or the shih-tzu that never leaves the garden, need to be treated. These are often long discussions, requiring a great deal of diplomacy and patience. The next hurdle is helping the owner pay for flea treatment. To improve access, it is possible to break up packages and sell treatments on a monthly, rather than a three-monthly basis. Clients can also apply for funds from animal charities and can ask the local council to treat their homes. Ear education Ear infections are common, and whilst whatever may be causing them is discussed briefly at the first consult, the emphasis is usually placed on teaching people to clean their dog’s ears. Owners tend to use two drops of the cleaner, as if it were a medication rather than wash, so I like to demonstrate on the first ear and have the owner tackle the second. I tell them to think about flushing the U-bend of a toilet or power washing a car to help them understand what I mean, and I also provide them with an educational handout at the end of the session. Many people say they do not want to waste the cleaner, but I explain the consequences of not doing it properly can include having to anaesthetize the dog and flush out the ear. When I give an estimate for that procedure, it puts the price of a bottle of ear cleaner into perspective. Cytology (looking at cells under the microscope) is the best way to determine the most appropriate aural medication, but if the owner is under financial constraints we will often start with a good clean
Westies & Besties - September 2022
of the ear. This is never wasted as we need to remove any debris to aid the efficacy of any future treatment. Mindful that ear infections are painful, the Vet may also prescribe topical steroid treatment, and I will discuss desensitising the pet to having its ears handled. Allergy workup We also care for allergic dogs. When seeing these we discuss a food trial - between 15 and 30% of dogs with environmental allergies also suffer from a food component. However, a diagnostic diet can be prohibitively expensive for some owners. This can present an ethical dilemma that keeps me awake at night. Do you ignore these dogs, or try two weeks of food trial and steroids, and then reduce the medication and assess how itchy they are? Or do you just treat for the symptoms and not the cause? I think we need to work with each pet and each owner as an individual, and accept that some people have limitations, whether they be financial or otherwise. Ultimately, we must be flexible and create the best plan we can for the animal’s welfare. Microscopic exam of what is in the skin folds, feet, and axillae are ideal in terms of choosing the best treatment, but sometimes the owner can only pay for the tests or the intervention – not both. In addition, many practices only carry one or two options for topical treatment. As the derm nurse, I read the ingredients and try to choose what is going to work best for that animal. If we don’t have what is needed in stock, I write it down and recommend that
the owner get the product online. I tend to suggest twice weekly shampoos, with other topical treatment on the non-bathing days. Most owners are happy with this schedule, but we must be aware of the physical obstacles for geriatric and disabled owners. Their pets may need to be booked in for nurse clinics. Rechecks are always necessary because allergies do not go away. If the treatment regime slips, the dog will show symptoms again, what we call a ‘flare up’. If the pet is on immunotherapy (allergy vaccine), attending clinic for injections presents a great opportunity to see how things are going, but if not, a telephone follow up is useful. Allergies are a neverending battle, and no one wants to see patients come back flaming red and covered in scratches. That’s why whenever I see an allergic dog, I make a note in the diary to follow up. Most clients appreciate the support. All in all, skin knowledge and expertise are an essential part of the dermatology nurse’s skillset. But just as important is the ability to educate and communicate with owners. Without advising owners, treatment may be given incorrectly, and the problem will not be controlled. Always busy, never boring Being a nurse of all things itchy and scratchy never gets boring. Sometimes it can be frustrating but being able to make a difference to our patients’ quality of life makes it all worthwhile.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Ear infections are common, and whilst whatever may be causing them is discussed briefly at the first consult, the emphasis is usually placed on teaching people to clean their dog’s ears
Frances Gaudiano, RVN and VNDG Member, (A Nextmune UK sponsored and BSAVA Affiliated Educational Group) trained as a veterinary nurse at the RSPCA Harmsworth in London. She has since then worked with the dermatology department at the Royal Veterinary College and at various private practices in the UK. Her book, Veterinary Dermatology, A Manual for Nurses and Technicians, was published by Elsevier Science in 2004 and although Frances insists it is somewhat out of date it is still great for getting started in dermatology. She has also published a novel, The Listener, about a naughty Border Terrier and is currently busy writing a sequel. Residing now in Cornwall, Frances works part-time in general practice and one day a week in Dermatology referral.
To find out more about caring for your itchy dog, visit https://nextmune.com/ gb/home-pet-parent/ For the latest tips and advice on managing your itchy pet follow Nextmune UK on Facebook @nextmuneuk, Instagram nextmuneuk and Twitter @NextmuneUK
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Q&A
John Burns, the Founder of Burns Pet Food, on his recent MBE award, the future of clinical nutrition, and his treasured charity programmes Compiled by Kim Latham
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
Q&A PHOTO CREDIT: Image supplied by Burns Pet Food
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Q&A PHOTO CREDIT: John Burns image supplied by Burns Pet Food
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
You set up The John Burns Foundations in 2006. What plans/initiatives are taking place in 2022? Like many charities we’ve been trying to adjust to life post-Covid (although we aren’t really past Covid yet!). There are three main programmes operated by the John Burns Foundation, two of which absolutely mushroomed due to the effects of the pandemic. The Burns by Your Side reading with dogs’ scheme lost some momentum however as we were unable to train volunteers and their dogs for almost 18 months. We are now well underway again with 20 dogs passing the Kennel Club Good Citizen Silver awards in June and July. These dogs and their handlers will be placed in schools to begin their careers as reading dogs in September. Our Better Tomorrow programme works with children and adults who have additional needs, be these physical, emotional, behavioural, or additional learning needs. Beneficiaries come to us to enjoy programmes related to horticulture, woodwork, cooking and healthy eating or to learn about how to take care of our planet. This programme has been bolstered this year by a major grant from the National Lottery and one from the Leader Rural Development Fund. This has allowed us to work extensively with schools in Carmarthenshire looking at subjects such as carbon sequestration, reducing food miles and healthy eating. Our final programme, Burns in the Community has always been very close to my heart. We are very proud as a company to be very firmly rooted within our community, and able therefore to respond quickly to the needs of some of the more isolated or vulnerable within our community. Post covid we have introduced a whole host of initiatives to allow people to begin to socialise once again. The new activities include chair exercise classes, gardening clubs, a luncheon club, a local shopping service and a club that offers varying social activities for the elderly. We operate a minibus service that allows those who would otherwise be unable to attend to join in with our activities. I must note however that we are truly blessed to have some wonderful volunteers working alongside our 14 members of foundation staff. Without these people who give their time so generously we would not be able to achieve so much. I do often say that I am in the very
privileged position to have everybody else doing the work! You’ve said that whilst working in general practice using drugs to treat ailments like itchy skin and ear infections didn’t really solve the problem. Do you think in the future Vets will be taught more about nutrition and alternative medicines at university? Is this something you would like to see happen? I have given a talk as a guest speaker at one young university Vet school. We are seeing more nutrition-based presentations at Veterinary conferences but I’m not sure what is happening in academia. I can only hope that more Vets will take a serious interest in Clinical Nutrition as a discipline. I still encounter frequently, even with problems of the digestive system, instances of Vets carrying out expensive investigations and leaving diet to the last. In my opinion, diet should be the first port of call in dealing with problems of the digestion.
Q&A
Y
ou’ve recently been awarded an MBE for services to business and the community in West Wales. How does it feel and what does it mean to you? This award came out of nowhere (it seemed to me) and I was surprised to receive it. The reaction I’ve had from everyone has been very gratifying and I’ve been touched by the many expressions of support from so many people and organisations. It’s meant a lot more than I would have anticipated. I’ve instructed friends and colleagues that henceforth they must wait for me to speak first before addressing me!
How difficult was it at the time to start Burns? What did your peers think about your idea at the time? Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s I spent a lot of time and effort (off and on) looking into how to produce pet food commercially. I looked into buying a boiler and how to package and preserve the finished product. I approached many manufacturers of tinned pet food, asking if they would make food for me. Some offered to produce their recipes as my own brand but no-one was willing to make food using my own recipes. I even visited manufacturers in Sweden and the USA. So, a lot of wasted effort over a number of years before I was able to launch Burns. It would probably be much easier now. Some Vets were quite encouraging; others laughed at the idea. One university professor, who was actually very supportive, did tell me “You don’t have a snowball’s chance (in hell) of getting a manufacturer to make product for you, and you must be prepared to lose money on this venture.” When I was able to launch a product, he told me, “I never thought you’d do it, and the fact that you have is a tribute to your dedication and perseverance and I take my hat off to you.” A treasured memory. What are your future plans/goals for Burns? I have to think about succession plans. The competition in the pet industry is enormous – lots of new investors coming in with deep pockets and big plans. Also there is a great deal of misinformation (lying) about pet food. So it’s a difficult environment. The recent Which? Magazine/Consumers’ Association survey of members placed Burns as the most loved brand for the second year running so I’m hoping to make the most of that in the coming year. We’re continually looking at possible new products. We need an alternative Weight Control variety as the only one we have at present is chicken based.
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RECIPE PHOTO CREDIT: Image supplied by shutterstock_2143547457
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
Chicken with Egg
for
RECIPE
Westies
with Kidney Failure - a homemade recipe BY TONY BOOTH
I
t is always hard to get dogs with kidney failure to eat regular and nutritional meals. This is even more difficult because owners need to carefully control the amounts of phosphorus, sodium, low-quality protein, and other elements normally found in standard dog food products. Manufactured renal dog foods are often unpalatable and many of our best friends simply refuse to go near them. Most will offer them a sniff, but that’s it. In these cases, the answer is to try home-cooked meals made up of nutritional and beneficial ingredients that won’t cause further kidney damage. If you try this recipe, make the change from your dog’s regular food slowly and incrementally and after introducing both antacid and anti-nausea medication. It’s also worth mentioning that four or five small meals a day cause less stress on the kidneys than one or two larger meals. In all cases, please consult your Vet and ask about adding multivitamins or specific minerals to the diet (the type and nature of supplements will depend on current blood level results). It is also prudent to mention that both diet and chronic kidney failure go together with the changes that occur during a typical progression of the disease, so these recipes may need adapting for your own dog’s blood values. A nutritional breakdown has been given for each recipe, but owners should refer to the amount of each meal being given and calculate a nutritional breakdown based on what is right for the size and breed of dog. Importantly, omit any adverse ingredients according to current blood level results. For example, if a dog has high potassium, potatoes are best replaced with something more appropriate containing less potassium. These recipes are designed to act as a temporary plan while owners transition from standard dog foods to home cooking ... and climb the learning curve of understanding diets for dogs with kidney disease.
Chicken with Egg INGREDIENTS: Chicken leg meat (280g human grade), two free- range eggs, two medium-sized potatoes (400g), 1 tablespoon of chicken fat (juice from cooking the chicken), 1 tablespoon of chopped cooked cabbage, 2 teaspoons of pure 100% organic salmon oil. METHOD: Dry roast the chicken leg, ideally with the skin on. Keep the juice from cooking the chicken. Allow everything to cool, then cut the chicken meat into small pieces, being careful to remove all the bones. Peel and then boil the potatoes (potato skin has oxalates in it, which are harmful to the kidneys). Allow to cool and then cut into cubes. Don’t use green potatoes, as these also have a toxic compound called solanine. Allow to cool and then cut into cubes. Boil the cabbage and chop finely. Cabbage is useful, as it helps prevent stomach ulcers forming and is a beneficial fermentable fiber. Hard-boil the eggs, but only use one of the yolks (egg white has less phosphorus than the yolks), then chop and mix all the ingredients together. Drizzle the salmon oil over the top. Finely crushed dried eggshells are a natural (calciumbased) phosphate binder and can often be used to good effect with kidney failure in dogs. However, always seek Veterinary approval before using eggshells in this way, because the health and safety of this technique depend on the level of calcium, phosphate, and potassium in recent blood results. One dried and finely crushed eggshell produces about a teaspoon of calcium carbonate and half a teaspoon is enough for a pound of food. Independent researcher Dr. Doug Bibus (formerly of the University of Minnesota) completed a fatty acid study with dogs, and he recommends a ratio of between 2:1 and 4:1 omega-6 to omega-3. Most canine pet food products range in ratios of 5:1 to 10:1. The cooked ingredients will last three days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Nutritional Data for the completed recipe: Total Calories = 1175. Phosphorus 734mg; Potassium 2133mg; Sodium 384mg; Calcium 80mg; Iron 5.4mg; Omega-3 Fatty Acid 3821mg; Omega-6 Fatty Acid 8122mg; High Quality Protein 91.2g; Carbohydrates 82.8g; Magnesium 157mg; Saturated Fat 12.2g; Selenium 82.4mcg.
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COMMUNITY
MYLO AND FINN
LOTS OF EXCITING ADVENTURES FOR THESE BEST BUDDIES Carol Inglis reveals the routine of her beloved Westie and Scottie All images supplied by Carol Inglis
H
in poop! The first of aving pondered many I hasten to add over the so not pleasant. Tell us about your Westie’s idea of In the park, they day and get your dog’s getting ‘A’ dog for love to sniff every mug in the mag! Email as long as we can blade of grass, run info@westiesandbesties.com remember, never around chasing birds and get to meet in a million years other furry friends. did we think we Finn is so nimble on his would end up with two feet and can run at the gorgeous furries – Mylo speed of a whippet. It never (the Westie – from Hastings) ceases to amaze me how fast he then six months later Finn (the can run. Just watching them having Scottie/Westie mix from Wales). their kind of fun makes my heart Both are affectionately known as burst with joy. ‘The Hairy Hooligans’. Our only regret is that we wish we had Mum sometimes has to work from decided to take the plunge sooner. her office in Edinburgh, which From day one it has been complete means the hooligans get to spend love at first sight, and we are now a day at their doggie creche; the nearly seven years down the line. same creche from when they were both 16 weeks old. They love it Before breakfast, which is normally and their Auntie Monica gives the around 8am, Finn is always the hooligans such a warm welcome first one up at the crack of dawn (a when they arrive. Their fresh raw light sleeper like Dad) anywhere food meals, lovingly prepared by between 5am and 6am, to see if Mum, are kept in the fridge at the Mum is awake (customary face lick creche as feeding times are spread at this point) so that he can proceed out over the course of the day. The to carry out the first of his many expression ‘Meals on Wheels’ is mandatory patrols around the springing to mind! Mum returns garden checking for any unwanted after her busy day to collect two predators. Meanwhile, Mylo (a deep suitably knackered pups before sleeper like Mum) is more than they collapse into a heap during the happy to stay put on Mum’s bed drive home. snoring his face off or maybe he is simply ignoring Mum’s calls (the Evening times are pretty chilled classic selective hearing thing,) to especially after a day at the creche come downstairs for a sniff of fresh with cuddles on the sofa. There air and chase any birds (possibly are lots of chats about who they even a cat) within close range (it met and what games they played. wouldn’t be the first time!) Around 9pm, Mum gets the hard stare to tell her it’s that time of Most mornings consist of jumping the day for a last meal, a wander into Mum’s car and then we round the garden for toilet duties, head off to our favourite park followed by bedtime. – the Duchess of Hamilton in Tomorrow is another day for more Motherwell. This park was the first excitement and adventures. experience we had of Mylo rolling
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Westies & Besties - September 2022
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