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AnimalsAbout

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Plus: Cats and Dogs - French style, Cat Travel - We look at the options,Dogs scavenging - How to put a stop to it, Get Creative - Great vegetarian Christmas recipes,

Animal Adoption - The gift that keeps on giving

CHRISTMASAND BEYONDanimal charitiesneed your help

Autumn/Winter 2012

NELLIE

JEANNIE

NEXT TIMEGIVE A GIFTWITH THE‘AHHHHHHH’

FACTOR.ADOPT A HORSE OR DONKEY.

WEAREOPEN 7DAYS,2 PM. TO 4.30 PM.

SITUATED CLOSE TO A90

(DUNDEE/ABERDEEN)SIGNPOSTED

FROMTANNADICE (B957).

Scratching your head trying t

o think of an unusual

present for a loved one or fr

iend?

Why not give agift of adoption

of a horse or donkey

fromMountains Animal Sanc

tuary. By adopting one

of these beautiful creatures

youwill be helping to

make sure that our horses a

nd donkeys continue to

receive the care, love and att

ention that they deserve.

As Scotland’slargest equine

rescue centrewe care

for over 100 horses, ponies a

nd donkeys.

We desperately need your h

elp to raise funds.

To adopt a horse or donkey call us on the number below.

With your help can give them a secure future to look forward to.

Mountains Animal Sanctuary, Milton of Ogil, Glen Ogil, Forfar DD8 3SQ.TO FINDOUTMORECALL US: 01356 650258.YOU CANALSODONATE AT:mountainsanimalsanctuary.org.ukSEE OUR FACEBOOKPAGE.AcharityregisteredinScotlandNoSC037536andinEnglandandWalesNo290356

TO ADOPT call us now on FREEPHONE 0300 999 999 3or to donate text: PONY33 followed by the amount in £’s to 70070

3About Animals 3About Animals 3About Animals

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4

12

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CONTENTS4 Cats and Dogs –French Style

6 Make it Count –animal adoption

12 Travelling andMoving Home –transporting your cat

14 Charity begins atChristmas –Supportingyour favourite charityand shop on-line

16 Stealing Food andScavenging – breakingbad habits in dogs

18 Get Creativein the Kitchen –Vegetarian recipes

21 Update –Various news articles

22 Charity News –Animals rescuedwith help of charities

23 Subscription

Cover image ©Fotolia

Editor's Letter &

ContentsWelcome to theAutumn/Winter 2012 editionof About Animals.

It’s that time of year againwhen we all have the quandaryof what to buy friends andfamily for Christmas. Have youthought about animal adoptionas an alternative present, idealfor animal lovers and at thesame time giving much neededsupport to many animals.

See page 6 and 9 for some inspiring ideas.

Also, this year let’s not just think about givingto friends and family, why not add your favouritecharity to your list. Animal charities worktirelessly all year round providing help andsupport to animals in need and there are manyways in which we can help and support theirmuch needed funds. You can buy your Christmascards, calendars and a wide variety of giftson-line, see pages 14 and 15.

Domestic dogs have their food supplied by us,but they still retain the instinct not to wasteanything – whether it be an unguarded sandwichin the house or animal droppings in the park.If you have a problem with your dog stealing orscavenging food, read on page 16 how you cancontrol and prevent this situation.

Moving home can be a risky time, when indoorcats may wander in the commotion of moving andoutdoor cats can become confused and even getlost in their new territories. On page 12 read howto plan ahead to reduce the risks, to avoid lossand escape when moving to your new home.

We also offer some great vegetarian recipes foryou to try over the Christmas period. See page18 for some of our favourites from theVegetarian Society.

Finally we hope you enjoy the magazine andwould like to take this opportunity to wish allour readers a happy and prosperous New Year.

Published by:

Amra Media SolutionsThe Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street,Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES

Tel. 01296 632700

Fax. 01296 632720

Email: info@amramedia.co.uk

Website: www.aboutanimalsmagazine.com

Designed by: Tom Evans Design

All rights reserved. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced without the prior permissionof the publisher. The opinions expressed in thismagazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Although every care is taken to ensure theaccuracy of the information and the advertisementscontained within the magazine, the publisherscannot accept any liability. About Animals wouldbe pleased to receive your articles andphotographs for possible publication. Althoughall reasonable care will be taken the magazine canassume no responsibility and contributors areadvised to retain a copy.

E d i t o r ’ s L e t t e r & C o n t e n t s

‘For me the assignment waslike a love affair. I just lovebeing out on location and

capturing cats showing theirtrue personalities in their own

environment.’

Quote from Rachael

I love cats because I enjoy myhome; and little by little, theybecome its visible soul.

Jean Cocteau(1889 – 1963, French poet, novelist,playwright and filmmaker)

4 About Animals

‘ C a t s a n d D o g s ’ – F r e n c h S t y l e

‘Cats and Dogs’ –

I have studied manyphilosophers and manycats. The wisdom of catsis infinitely superior.

Hippolyte Adolphe Taine(1828-93, French criticand historian)

All the staff at‘About Animals‘ embracetechnology and most of us ownkindles. However with Christmasin mind we wanted to highlight twobooks that are exquisite in theirprinted forms and would make theperfect Christmas gift for animallovers and Francophiles alike.The French Cat and Dog depictstunning French scenes and theirfeline and canine inhabitants.From chateaus to farmhousesevery image offers Rachael’sunique perspective on Franceand the animals that live there.Throughout the book there arequotes from famous historicalfigures, the following two pagesoffer a taster.

It occurred to me that the reasonFrench dogs are so well behaved

and so interesting is becausethey’re not bored; they live fulllives, get plenty of exercise and

are encouraged to play.

The bestthingabout aman ishis dog.

Frenchproverb

5About Animals

‘ C a t s a n d D o g s ’ – F r e n c h S t y l e

– French Style

In keeping with the Frenchlove of dogs, their designatedareas are not miserly fenced-off compounds worn bare bycountless scampering paws,but a true part of the park

Extracts from The FrenchCat and The French Dogby Rachael McKenna,published by HardieGrant Books

6 About Animals

M a k e i t C o u n t

Christmas is the season for giving but sometimes it feels like the huge commercialisation of theseason is not in keeping with the original spirit.

Presents received can become quickly discarded, put to the back of a drawer and forgotten about, or even re-sold onauction sites. So this year when thinking of what to buy friends and family why not give the high street a miss and lookat finding a way to give that will help animals.

Animal adoption or sponsorship is a fantastic way of giving someone a truly memorable gift but at the same time makinga wonderful contribution to animal welfare. It really is the gift that keeps on giving. It works like this; an animal isadopted or sponsored for a period of time and in return the adoptee gets the opportunity to follow the development oftheir chosen animal or perhaps where possible visit. There are also a range of goodies that often come with the adoption,everything from cuddly toys to day passes to wildlife parks. It can be a great alternative for children and adults alike whofor whatever reason are unable to keep a pet, or larger animal such as a horse and also can encourage them to develop aninterest in wildlife conservation. No other gift can teach a child love and compassion, the qualities most important in a

child’s development.

Animal adoption is also a very important method of fund raising, andan ideal option for any animal lover. The details vary but the essentialsremain the same. The person receives a certificate, pictures of theiranimal and in some cases a cuddly toy, all helping to create thatspecial bond.

Over the next twopages we providea great choice forpotential adoptees,take a look andmake this yeara truly givingChristmas. Givethe gift that keepson giving

MAKE IT COUNT

Monkey World –Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre inDorset is set in 65 acres of woodland, offering

a safe haven for over 240 primates who havebeen rescued from all over the world. Thesanctuary works in conjunction with foreigngovernments worldwide to stop the illegalsmuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia. At theCentre refugees of this illegal trade, as well asthose that have suffered abuse or neglect, arerehabilitated into natural living groups. If youdecide to adopt with Monkey World you can beassured that every penny goes directly to therescue centre’s beneficiaries. From just £20,just choose your monkey or ape such as Bartor Paddy (pictured). Adopting a primate makesa superb present for both adults and children,especially at Christmas, but also at any timeof the year.

www.monkeyworld.org

Bart & Paddy ©Monkey World-Ape Rescue Centre

Redwings Horse SanctuaryRedwings Horse Sanctuary, cares for over 1,200horses, ponies, donkeys and mules every day.They have eight centres around the UK,including three visitor centres in Essex, Norfolkand Warwickshire. The charity aims to re-homeas many of their equines as possible and prefersto use adoption as the means to provide help forresidents while they are in their care. TheRedwings Adoption Club is the fun way tosupport the charity and at the same time make anew friend in the process. It’s a great way to givehelp towards the daily care of the manyresidents such as Rumpel, who was rescued fromSpindle Farm in Buckinghamshire in 2008 wherehe had been living in truly awful conditionsalong with almost 100 other horses anddonkeys, many of which were soweak they were barely ableto stand. Once atRedwings Rumpelrecovered well fromhis terrible ordeal,however during histraining, Rumpelshowed them thatbeing riddensimply wasn’t forhim and so he willstay happily withinthe Sanctuary forthe rest of his days.

www.redwings.co.uk

Rumpel at Redwings one year on

AT AGLANCE

Adopt today and getFree entry pass to the park

for one yearAdoption certificatePhoto of your chosenprimate or groupNewsletter 3 times

a year

AT AGLANCE

Adopt today and getStandard ‘Nosebag’:

Photograph and adoption certificateYour adopted animals story and how youcan visit your new friend

Update and new photo just before their birthdayInvite to your adopted animals party!

Or Online ‘Nosebag’A year’s worth of access to yourchosen horse’s Nosebag,featuring exclusive diary,photos, videos and

wallpaper to download.

Greatgift

Canine Partners T: 01730 716026 E: adoptapuppy@caninepartners.org.uk

For further details visit: caninepartners.org.ukRegistered address: Canine Partners, Mill Lane, Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 0ED

Canine Partners for Independence. A charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 2516146. Charity Commission Reg. No. 803680 Scottish Reg. Charity No. SC039050

Your Adopt a Puppy pack includes:

• Photos• A cuddly jacketed

toy dog• A personalised

certificate• Regular updates

Adopt a Puppy like me for £1 a weekand help us transform the lives of disabled people

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is a Registered Charity Number 1068911

Do something different and beDel Boy’s friend by adopting himfor just £12.50 and we will use yourdonation to feed and care for himand all his friends.

There are 20 horses anddonkeys you can adoptAdoptions cost just £12.50‘Standard’ or ‘Online’Adoption availableMakes a wonderful giftfor absolutely everyone.Registered Charity No 1068911

REDWINGSAdoption Club

Call 01508 481010 or visitwww.redwings.co.uk to takeout your adoption today!

JOIN THE REDWINGS ADOPTION CLUB

AND BE A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND!

WE ALL NEED

OUR FRIENDS!

Join our family & adopt a primate at

Help protect our futurethis Christmas

Adopt a bird for a loved one this Christmas and help WWT save species from excinction

Available to buy at WWT centres, online at wwt.org.uk, or call 01453 891198

WWT reg charity in England & Wales, no. 1030884 and Scotland, no. SC039410. Funds raised through bird adoptions helps WWT’s conservation work saving wetlands wfor wildlife and people around the world.

Nic

kC

ottr

ell,

Dom

inic

Hea

rd&

Jam

esLe

es

It’s not just dogs that can feel vulnerable and alone.

Are you feeling concerned about the welfare of your dogs and need someone to talk to?

Are you struggling to cope and cannot give your dog the attention it requires?

Call us now in complete confidence:

BREEDERS’ HELPLINE0845 30 30 180*

*This service is for welfare issues only and does not support any queries relating to Kennel Club activities or services. Registered Charity No. 327802

9About Animals

M a k e i t C o u n t

Canine PartnersCanine Partners trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities to enjoy greaterindependence and a better quality of life, providing practical day to day assistance withtasks that may be difficult, painful or impossible to perform. Every disabled person hasa different story to tell, has different levels of ability, different needs, different thingsthat are preventing them from getting the most out of life, and each dog is tailor-madefor each individual to make the maximum impact. They also provide that specialcompanionship, unconditional love and affection which is so unique to dogs.

You can sponsor a Canine Partners puppy like Baxter, a gorgeous chocolate Labrador(pictured) for £52 a year, which can be spread over monthly or weekly payments.This is a co-sponsorship scheme where you help to fund the training of a future caninepartner that will subsequently be matched to a person with disabilities to give themindependence and a better quality of life.

www.caninepartners.org.uk

Baxter

AT AGLANCE

Adopt today and getIntroductory letter about

your puppyA personal certificateA photograph and a

toy puppyFour updates per yearcomplete with newsof your puppy’sprogress

The Wildfowl &Wetlands Trust(WWT)The Wildfowl &WetlandsTrust (WWT) is a leading UKconservation organisation,saving wetlands for wildlifeand people. Founded in the UKin 1946 by the late Sir PeterScott, today they work globallyto save important wetlandhabitats and species as well asproviding a network of nine UKvisitor centres.

All around the world wetlandsare being lost or damaged morerapidly than any otherecosystem, threatening manyspecies with extinction. Theiconic Bewick’s swan is just oneof these species. Each year theyfly thousands of miles from theRussian Arctic to spend the winter inthe UK. Their migration is fraughtwith danger and unfortunatelynumbers are declining.

WWT is working hard at raisingawareness of these issues, and byadopting a Bewick’s swan, you canplay your part and help the recipientof your gift get closerto nature.

For only £27 you can adopt a Bewick’sswan or one of the other four species: nene(Hawaiin goose), lesser flamingo, mallard,common crane.

www.wwt.org.uk

Bewicks swan ©James Lees

AT AGLANCE

Adopt today and getCuddly toy of chosen species

Reusable jute bagComplimentary ticket to a

WWT centreTwice yearly newsletter,adoption certificate,

fact sheet &bookmark.

Mountains AnimalSanctuaryMountains Animal Sanctuary isScotland’s largest equine rescuecentre, caring for over 100horses, ponies and donkeys.They provide food, shelterand medical care as well asunconditional love and patienceto help the recovery andrehabilitation ofmany abusedand neglectedequines.

Adoptioncan be apopularsolutionfor horseloversgenerally,who don’thave thefacilitiesthemselves tocreate a home for thehorse. One of the horsesavailable for adoptionat the sanctuary is Dayzee(pictured) an ArgentineanMiniature Horse who came tothe Sanctuary in September2010 at just 11 weeks old, anorphan.With round the clockcare and first class veterinarytreatment she now enjoys lifeto the full with her fieldcompanions. Funds are crucialfor horses like Dayzee for themto continue to receive the care,love and attention they deserveand by adopting one of theseequines, it’s a perfect way to givea gift and support them at thesame time.

www.mountainsanimalsanctuary.org.uk

Dayzee

AT AGLANCE

Adopt today and getAdoption certificatePhoto of your chosen

horse, ponyor donkey

An information sheetabout your animalA Rosette

P i o n e e r i n g A l t e r n a t i v e s

sophisticated MEG scanningequipment which enables themto carry out a whole array of non-invasive human brain research with-out using animals in areas includingbehaviour, pain, hearing, speech andvision and they recently launched theUK’s first paediatric scanner.

Today, the DHT isrecognised as one of theworld’s leading exponentsof non-animal research andis consulted internationallyfor its expertise inreplacement researchmethods by scientists,

governments, education, animalwelfare organisations and industry.

Without government funding,the DHT has made a significantcontribution to changing the face ofmedical research. It is vital that itsvaluable work continues. Some ofthe ways you can help would be to:

• Surf the net and shop onlinewhile raising money for theDHT via Every click, Give asyou live, ebay for charity oreasyfundraising.org.uk

• Recycle mobile phones, printercartridges, old jewellery, old andforeign banknotes to raise funds.We can also recycle your unwantedCDs and DVDs - call us and we cansend you some envelopes or justsend them in to us. You can evendonate your car.Visit giveacar.co.ukor call them on 020 0011 1664.

• Set up a regular donation bystanding order or through yourpayroll. Some companies will evenmatch your donation to us. Regulardonations help us plan our spendingmuch more effectively.

• Leave a legacy.

• Make a quick and easy donation bymobile phone - Text HADW01£ andeither 5 or 10 to 70070 to donatesimply and easily. The text messageis free, there are no charges on anynetwork and all of the donationswill be passed to the DHT. You canalso add Gift Aid which means webenefit from an extra 25%.

To find out more, go towww.drhadwentrust.org

The good news is that EU governmentshave recently passed legislation that isdue to be integrated into law in EUcountries as well as the UK in January2013. This clearly states that wherealternative methods exist, they mustbe used in place of animal experimentsand many new technologies are alreadyreplacing animal experiments withsuccessful results.

One organisation that hasdedicated the last 42 yearsto funding replacementsfor animal experiments isthe Dr Hadwen Trust forHumane Research (DHT).The DHT is the UK’s leading medicalresearch charity and has been adriving force in funding andpromoting the development oftechniques and procedures to replacethe use of animals in biomedicalresearch and testing.

Since it was established in 1970, theDHT has awarded grants to hundredsof research projects for some of themost advanced and successful human-related techniques in diverse areas ofmedical research including cancer,Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease,asthma, kidney, heart and liverdisease and diabetes as well asmental health disorders.

Funded solely by charitable donations,the DHT supports and financiallyassists scientists in universities,hospitals and research organisationsacross the country to develop andimplement alternative researchtechniques which are more human-relevant and replace animalexperiments in the fight againsthuman illness.

Last year, the DHT gave financialassistance of more than £750,000 to18 such research projects includingadvanced brain imaging techniques,nanotoxicology testing, Huntington’s

disease, asthma, skincancer, pain andCystic Fibrosis.

Funding from theDHT has, for example,enabled ProfessorFurlong and the teamat Aston Universityto develop highly

It is a sad fact that nearly 3.8million animals, including catsand dogs, were used in medicalresearch experiments last yearalone yet in over 100 years ofusing animals in this way, we

still don’t have a cure for cancer ormany other diseases.

In spite of alternatives that do not useanimals being available, recent HomeOffice statistics show a shocking 2%increase in the last 12 months in thenumber of animals, many of themcompanion animals, used in scientificprocedures. The use of domesticatedanimals such as dogs, cats, birds andfish has risen by up to 26% in the lastyear alone. These numbers are thehighest that have been recorded since1988 when the proper recording ofanimal statistics began.

Scientists acknowledge that resultsfrom animal experiments are highlyquestionable in their value to humans,that many diseases simply do notexist in animals and the way ananimal’s body deals with disease or adrug is very different to the way ourbodies deal with them.

Yet, animal use has reached itshighest level in 24 years in spite ofmajor scientific advances and changesin attitude that have seen the use ofalternatives to animal experimentsbecome an accepted part ofeveryday science.

PioneeringAlternatives

About Animals10

Sometimes it’s hard to decide who to help.

But you don’t have to choose between saving a helpless animal from suffering or saving a human life when you choose the Dr Hadwen Trust. You will be helping both.

For 42 years, the DHT has funded ground-breaking medical research that does not harm any animals and has helped in the fight against cancer, heart disease and mental health disorders, to name a few.

We rely solely on voluntary donations and legacies from people who are compassionate about animals and want to support our valuable and essential work.

By leaving us a legacy, however large or small, you will help us create a world in which all life is precious.

Help us continue to save lives, both human and animal.

To receive your legacy pack:Call: 01462 436 819 orEmail: info@drhadwentrust.org

Large or small, your legacy will make a big difference.

Registered Charity No. 261096

For more information about our work visit www.drhadwentrust.orgSuite 8 | Portmill House | Portmill Lane | Hitchin | Hertfordshire | SG5 1DJ | United Kingdom

12 About Animals

T r a v e l l i n g a n d M o v i n g H o m e

Travelling and Moving HomeWith the exception of outgoing extraverts and those that were accustomed totravel at an early age, most cats prefer to stay at home when you and your familygo away on holiday. Moving home is another matter. This is a risky time, whenindoor cats may wander away in the commotion of moving and outdoor catsbecome confused and even lost in their new territories. Plan ahead to reduce risks.

Most cats are stay-at-homesIf you’re going on holiday, you can putyour cat in a well run cattery or, asmost cats prefer, you can arrange for itto stay in its own home, either with acat (and house) sitter who moves in, ora neighbour or professional cat visitorarriving once or twice each day toempty the litter tray, fill up the foodand water bowls and play with yourcat. Gregarious personalities will needadditional amusement if they are athome alone.

Your vet can help you find temporaryaccommodation for your cat; theyusually know good catteries andreliable cat-sitters or visitors.

Moving homeMoving home is a different matter.Speaking from my experience,the safest and most pragmaticarrangement is for your cat tospend a few days at an approvedcattery from before you move until afew days after the move. By that timeyou’ve got your furniture in placeand know exactly where your catstuff will be. That way there’s nochance of escape or loss.

If that isn’t possible, either get outthe crate you used as a kitten pen, orselect a small, safe room in your home(from which you’ve already removedthe contents, so the movers don’t haveto go in it) and use that to protectyour cat during the move. Set up thecrate or room as you did when yourcat arrived, with litter tray, food andwater bowls, bedding and toys.

Pet Travel DocumentsWhile an up-to-date vaccinationcertificate and proof of parasitetreatment is usually all that is neededto visit a cattery, more complicatedand expensive documents are needed ifyou plan to visit or move to rabies-freeregions such as Hawaii, Australia,New Zealand, Sweden, the UnitedKingdom, or Ireland. Health officialshave a habit of changing regulations,so always check the relevantgovernment’s website before youtravel, but in most instances a catmust be microchipped, vaccinatedagainst rabies, and have a bloodsample taken a few weeks laterthat confirms protection.

Moving day and afterBefore the movers arrive, ensure yourcat is in its safe place. For the journey,your cat goes with you, not themovers! It might sound self-evident,but some of my otherwise intelligentclients have sent their cats in acarrier with the delivery van. The catcarrier you use to take your cat to thevet should be fine for the move. Give alight meal, or no food if you know yourcat is a poor traveller. If it’s a terribletraveller, your vet can providesomething toease the journey,from motionsicknessmedication tosynthetic cheek-gland scent sprayto use in thetransport carrier.

When your cat arrives in your newhome, either with you or from thecattery after after you've started tosettle in, restric it to a single roomuntil it wants to investigate its newhome. Some cats take weeks to settlein, while others want to exploreoutdoors immediately – but take care.These are new and unexpecteddangers outside. Sprinkle a little ofyour cat’s urine-soiled litter close toyour new home to act as an outdoorsignpost for its new home, andpersonally escort your cat outdoors onthe first few visits. Itusually takes several weeks before acat becomes fully accustomed to itsnew indoor and outdoor territories.

Bruce’s identity update tipA house move is the time when yourcat is most likely to go missing, eitherbecause it knows something is up andcan’t be found before the move, orbecause it forgets how to get back to itsnew home when exploring at the otherend. In either case, a microchip isinvaluable for reuniting you with your

pet – but it’s surprising how manypeople “fit and forget”, so themicrochip record contains theirprevious address. Update yourcat’s details promptly and makesure the new owners of your oldhouse have your number – if youhaven’t moved far, your cat maygo “home”.

An extract from CompleteCat Care by Bruce Fogle,published by Mitchell Beazley.ISBN 978-84533-544-1

Caring forAnimals

2001Charity No. 1097762

Black and white cat called Pepe

Tame Jay FIV positive

Glen - FELV positive

Feral cat, now tame and living permanently at the shelter.

Peppermint before and after, brought in by Pest Control.Peppermint FIV positive.Ace was abandoned in a factory Tame Sandy FIV positive

Please help us to give feral/virus positive cats a long and happy life, as others like them

are not so lucky and are destroyed in their thousands.

With more funds and more land we can help more cats

2 Irvine Gardens, South OckendonEssex RM15 5JP

Tel: 01708 854567www.caring-for-animals.org

Our vet bills for last year totalled £52,130.95

Park House Animal Sanctuary(supported by Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund)

A lifeline for animals of all kindsWe provide sanctuary to animals who become homeless or whohave been injured or abused, and vital veterinary care to those onlow incomes. We also provide ca#ery/kennel facili"es for your

pets whilst you are away from home.Homes some�mes needed for cats, dogs, equines

and small animalsVisit the Lord Whisky Tea Room at Rhodes Minnis, CT4 6XY

Open every day from 10am - 4pm. Groups welcome

The sanctuary receives no government fundingand relies en�rely on dona�ons and legacies to

con�nue its valuable work.For further informa�on contact: Mrs M Todd MBE (Founder)

Park House Animal Sanctuary,Stelling Minnis, Nr Canterbury, CT4 6AN

Tel. 01303 862622www.lordwhisky.co.uk

Registered Charity No. 283483

Christmas is the season of good will anda time to give gifts to our loved ones.However, this year, let’s not just thinkabout giving to friends and family. Animalcharities work tirelessly all year roundproviding help and support to animals in

need, but do we spare a thought at this festive time asto how they manage to survive. This year why not addyour favourite charity to your list. There are manyways in which you can help, it’s easier than you think.Most of the charities have websites which have afantastic range of gifts available, suitable for childrento grandparents. As well as gifts, why not order yourChristmas cards from your favourite charity, yourcalendar for next year too!

There is a vast array of giftsavailable online from manyanimal charities, some ofthe best include The

HumaneResearchTrust, aregisteredcharity thathelps peopleand savesanimals. TheTrust raisesthe necessaryfinance tofund andpromotepioneering

medical researchinto human disease

without the use of animals or animal tissue,with the aim to eliminate the need for animals in humanmedical research. You can help fund research in to manydiseases by buying Christmas cards, gifts, toys as well asskincare beauty products from their online shop.

Greyhounds in Need,a charity dedicated to thewelfare and rescue ofGreyhounds, especiallythose in Spain, havea variety of specialitems and giftswith a greyhoundor galgo theme.As well as theusual Christmascards andcalendars, you canchose gifts from aunisex polo shirt,jewellery, books andmuch more includingstocking fillers such asbook marks, key rings,plus there are also itemsyou can buy for your twolegged friends too!

Giving a donation or leaving a legacyto the Dog Aid Society means youwill help us continue to find loving new homes for dogs allaround Scotland.

Every dog deserves the right to be wanted

The Society re-homes dogs of all breeds and ages.

www.dogaidsociety.com – 0131 668 363360 Blackford Avenue, Edinburgh, EH9 3ER

Reg Charity No SC001918

Their future is in your hands

Dog Aid Societyof Scotland

The Humane ResearchTrustThe firstTrust to promote

medical and scientific researchwithout the use of animals

The Humane ResearchTrustBrook House, 29 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall,Stockport, Cheshire SK7 2DNTelephone: 0161 439 8041Email: info@humaneresearch.org.ukWebsite: www.humaneresearch.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 267779

HUMAN MODELS FOR HUMAN DISEASESHELPS PEOPLEAND SAVESANIMALS

Skincare range from HumaneResearch Trust

Unisex Polo Shirtfrom Greyhounds in Need

CHARITY

15About Animals

C h a r i t y b e g i n s a t C h r i s t m a s

The NationalAnimal WelfareTrust (NAWT)has some greatanimal themedcards and giftsincluding someadorable coasters,and everypurchase youmake goestowards helpingunwantedpets/animalsin their care.

Or why notsend a Charity

Greeting that will let your friends,family and colleagues know you are thinking about them,while supporting a worthy cause too.

NAWT have joined forces withCharityGreetings.com , providingan innovative alternative totraditional greeting cards,CharityGreetings.com allowsethically minded consumers todonate to a charity, at the sametime as sending a specialmessage.

Another charity promoting thewellbeing of all animals is Caringfor Animals. At present theydeal primarily in the rescue,neutering and rehoming of feralcats. Their dream is to have afarm or small holding wherethey can create a sanctuaryfor all types of animals notjust feral cats, but obviouslythis needs funding and theytoo need all the help they canget. Take a look at their on-line shop for cards, calendars,

and some cute animal brooches,ideal for children, priced

at only £1!

Did you know you can even buyyour Christmas pudding on line!Ferne Animal Sanctuary whohas been saving the lives ofabandoned animals for over 70years strives to provide care and

refuge for unwanted domesticand farm animals. All theanimals are given the care,attention and TLC theyneed to enjoy a life whilethey are at Ferne. Visittheir on-line shop toorder your pudding andto see lots of othergoodies too.

As well as buying gifts, you can also help charities in otherways.Why not indulge yourself with an afternoon creamtea at Lord Whisky tearooms, near Canterbury. As wellas afternoon tea they provide a wide variety of food, andsurplus fundsfrom the tea roomare donated tothe charity whoprovide sanctuaryto animals whobecome homelessor who have beeninjured or abusedthrough no faultof their own.

At this time ofyear manycharities haveFetes and Christmas fairs and you can often pick upthat unusual gift for a friend or family member, whilstat the same time contributing to raising much neededadditional funds.

Sponsorship of kennels and cattery’s are yet another wayof giving a gift to an animal lover and at the same helpingprovide a safe and warm haven to dogs and cats whilstthey await their new home.

Although Christmas is a great time to remember to helpothers, the best giving is regular giving. Setting up amonthly direct debit for just a few pounds a month allowscharities to plan their long-term development. Askyourself, would you really miss a few pounds a month?Around £10 a month would help animals in dire needwhich is just equivalent to a couple of glasses of winein the pub.

Finally, do remember charities when making a will. It’s anexcellent way of leaving a donation to a charity you havesupported in your lifetime and an easy method ofproviding long-term support. A legacy, no matter howsmall can make a huge difference.

Visit the following on-line shops:The Humane Research Trustwww.humaneresearch.org.uk

National Animal Welfare Trust www.nawt.org.uk

Greyhounds in Need www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

Caring for Animals www.caring-for-animals.org

Lord Whisky www.lordwhisky.co.uk

Ferne Animal Sancuarywww.ferneanimalsanctuary.org

Dr Hadwen Trust www.drhadwentrust.org

Canine Partners www.caninepartners.org.uk

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust www.wwt.org.uk

Christmas Card from NAWT

Buy on-line from Caring for Animalsand help unwanted animals

Visit Lord Whisky tearooms for a delightful afternnoon tea

Buy your Christmas Pudding onlinefrom Ferne Animal Sanctuary

begins at Christmas

About Animals

not “Maybe”. It’s advisable to teachpuppies or new adult dogs the word“No” early on. Then walk your doground the house on collar and lead.If he approaches any food, check himwith the lead and tell him “No”. Ithelps to leave food out in a containerwhich allows it to be seen and smeltbut which prevents the dog fromgetting a reward if he snatches it.This is vital, as one food rewardmay be remembered for ever.

The rules are made clearer to yourdog if you never hand-feed him, andnever offer food to him from yourplate. Few dogs waste their effortsstaring and drooling at the plates ofpeople who never feed them by hand.It’s natural to hand your dog a portionof what you are eating, as a way ofsaying, “Let’s share but don’t take”.However, what this signals to the dogis that whenever you have food thereis always a chance of a reward, andthis simply increases the likelihoodthat he will start helping himself.

DeterrentsIn my experience, deterrents are lesseffective than prevention. Some peoplerecommend discouraging theft byleaving out food smeared with anunpleasant-tasting substance, such asmustard. This is usually a waste oftime. Most dogs smell the horriblepotion and steer well clear of it, butstill continue to steal untreated food.Others will just eat anything and lookfor seconds – treated or untreated.

Prevention AdviceDogs develop the habit of taking foodfrom tables or kitchen surfacesbecause of careless owners. It onlytakes one successful foray to establishthe practice! The best prevention isnever to leave food unattended. Lockevery tempting morsel away. This willeliminate the reward and stop thehabit developing – especiallyimportant in the puppy andadolescent periods, when badhabits are easily formed.

humans who leave cakes,sandwiches, biscuits and otherdelights on temptingly low tables.It would be unnatural for a dog toturn up such an opportunity.Each successful foray reinforcesthe dog’s instinct to hunt downsuch supplementary snacks.

Often, dogs learn to steal foodmore out of boredom than fromhunger. Dogs which have beenleft for long periods of time withlittle stimulation seek toentertain themselves, just as wewould if we were stuck in a roomfor too long on our own.

Following Their NosesTheir acute sense of smell encouragesthem to explore, and the excitingaromas escaping from the kitchen binare irresistible. Tipping over the binnot only provides a food reward butalso fun in the form of rummagingand investigating. Having found theexperience rewarding, a dog islikely to repeat it. To prevent this,it’s wise to secure all bins, indoorsand outdoors.

Some breeds are gluttons in the firstdegree – Labrador Retrievers arefamous for this. Such dogs don’t needan excuse to eat what they shouldn’t!Gobbling up unattended food comesnaturally.

Why Dogs Steal Food• Nature – dogs are programmednot to waste food.

• Opportunity – food is left inaccessible positions.

• Boredom – bored, lonely dogs seekentertainment.

Training DigestFood is the strongest driving forcefor animals in the natural world.Domestic dogs are fed on a regularbasis, but they still have the urge tosupplement this occasionally withwhat they hunt (find)Dogs which have been left for longperiods of time with little stimulationseek to entertain themselves bystealing food, just as we would if wewere stuck in a room on our own.Having found the experiencerewarding, a dog is likely to repeat it.To prevent this, it’s wise to secure allbins, indoors and outdoors.

Obedience TrainingAt home or in the park, teaching yourdog to obey your obedience commandsis the only sure way to preventscavenging. Since dogs cannot under-stand our views on food, they need tobe taught that “No” means “No” and

Dogs are scavengers bynature.Wild dogs owetheir success to theirvirtually omnivorouseating habits and theirreadiness to supplement

hunting kills by eating carrion andanything else they find. To a wild dog,any food source can mean thedifference between life and death.Domestic dogs have their foodsupplied by us, but they retain theinstinct not to waste anything –whether it be an unguarded sandwichin the house or animal droppings inthe park.

It follows that dogs don’t understandour views on stealing food, or indeedthe concept of stealing – they merelyeat what they find as their wildcousins do. So they find our reactionsquite incomprehensible. Dogs learn byassociation. If every time a dog finds adelicious piece of decaying rubbish hisowner chases him, grabs him and triesto prise it out of his mouth, what isthe dog to conclude but that the ownerwants it for himself? Understandably,the dog learns that the best responseis to make a run for it – and since hehas two more legs, the resultingvictory is a foregone conclusion!

Taste BudsDogs have fewer taste buds thanhumans, and very different ideas onwhat is edible. Furthermore, they arenot bothered by human perceptions ofwhat might be toxic or dangerous. Todogs, therefore, the world is theirrestaurant.We, however, find itdistasteful when our pets vacuum upwaste food in the park or on thestreet. We also know that this isdangerous, since it can cause severefood poisoning.

Equally, it is natural for dogs to gobbleup cow, horse and sheep dung or, infact, the dung of any herbivorousanimal. The dung of herbivorescontains many partly digestednutrients, and the canine motto is“Waste not, want not”. Some dogs gofurther and roll in the stuff for goodmeasure, to help mask their ownscent. Again, humans are repelled bythis. We understand that dogs caningest parasites through eating dung.For wild dogs, incurring a parasiticinfection is an acceptable risk – butit’s a risk we prefer our pets to avoid.

In The HomeFood is the strongest driving force foranimals in the natural world.Domestic dogs are fed on a regularbasis, but they still have the urge tosupplement this occasionally withwhat they hunt (find). This isfrequently provided by neglectful

16

Stealing Food and Scavenging

S t e a l i n g F o o d a n d S c a v e n g i n g

About Animals

Direct ActionWhen your dog steals food in yourpresence, the “No” command can bebacked up with various aids, such asa water pistol or training discs. As hereaches for the food, squirt water athis face or throw training discs (or alarge bunch of keys) just behind him.The squirt or the clattering noisewill put off all but the mosthardened thieves.

Alternatively, you can use a remote-controlled spray deterrent collar. (Thisis not a shock collar.) The device isvery effective in interruptingundesired behaviour like stealingfood, although you will need to learnfrom a trainer how to use it correctly.The remote control means you canoperate the spray mechanism withoutthe dog realizing that you are directlyinvolved – instead he associates theunpleasant effect with his own action.

Setting Up Your DogThis “natural learning” method oftenhas the best chance of teaching a dogwhat is a bad deal and what is a gooddeal in life. If you wish to dissuadeyour dog from stealing food when youout of the room, then “set him up”. Tieseveral tin trays or empty bean cans(make sure there are no sharp edges)together with string, secure the otherend of the string to a piece of foodsuch as a tough piece of meat, andplace them all on a kitchen top. Thenleave the room.When your dog grabsthe meat, it will pull off the trayscausing the most almighty clatter.

Most dogs will be put off by the noise.Repeat the exercise regularly, withvariations and in different rooms, anda dog soon learns not to take foodunless it is in his bowl.

With a dog already conditioned tostealing, set the dog up regularly sothat you control the situation and arenot caught off guard. Allowing the dogto dictate training times is a recipefor failure. You must be in controlat all times.

The combination of young children,food and dogs can be a nightmare foryou – and a delight for most dogs.Toddlers often rain food down on dogsfrom their high chairs, and this is adifficult situation to resolve. Probablythe best solution is to keep your dogout of the room while the child iseating, and not let him back in untilyou have cleaned up all crumbs andsplatters. If the dog has learned the“No” command, you can use this to

restrain him – provided the child doesnot require all your attention.Alternatively, you can use the hookrestriction method. It’s important tobe in control, rather than let the dogdictate his own actions.

However, when dogs learn that aparticular behaviour may earn them afood reward, the habit can becomeingrained.

A dog has to learn that his food willonly be delivered to him through hisfeed bowl. You may deliver extratreats, but preferably not from yourown plate.

When offering food by hand, makesure that you call the shots.

Children love playing – and eating –on the floor. And dogs love them doingit too – there’s always the chance ofsnatching an extra morsel.

Training DigestTeaching your dog to obey yourobedience commands is the only sureway to prevent scavenging.The rules are made clearer to your dogif you never hand-feed him, and neveroffer food to him from your plate.The best prevention is never to leavefood unattended. Lock every temptingmorsel away. This will eliminate thereward and stop the habit developing.Deterrents are less effective thanprevention.

17

Using MuzzlesIn extreme cases where a dogconstantly takes food (especially inthe street or park where he may pickup dangerous substances), a muzzlemay be necessary. Once a dog isaccustomed to wearing the muzzle,he can go out anywhere without beingable to scavenge. This interrupts thebehaviour pattern and eventually, ifthis is combined with obediencetraining, he may learn not to eat whathe finds. The muzzle can be used inthe home for particularly persistentdogs or big strong dogs which aredifficult to manage. Muzzles shouldnot be left on dogs for more than twohours at a time, preferably less.

With the dog held under control bymeans of a collar and lead, it ispossible to work on the “No”command, diverting any lungestowards the plate with arestraining pull on the lead.

Training discs add an extra deterrenteffect. When you spot a dog about tosnatch some food, throw the discs onthe floor close to him. The clatter ofthe metal discs sets up an unpleasantassociation in the dog’s mind with theact of stealing the food.

Scavenging – recap• Don’t leave food unattended orwithin the dog’s reach.

• Work on the “No” command.

• Don’t offer titbits from your plate.

• Make stealing an unpleasantexperience (use a water pistol,training discs, or “set up” situationswith clattering trays).

• Dedicated thieves and scavengersmay need a muzzle – for shortperiods only.

An extract fromBreaking BadHabits in Dogsby ColinTennant,published byInterpetPublishing.

ISBN 978-1-84286-228-5

S t e a l i n g F o o d a n d S c a v e n g i n g

About Animals

Christmas is a fantastic time to prepare some mouthwatering cusine and a great opportunity for gettingcreative in the kitchen. Whether you are a vegetarian yourself or perhaps have friends and family whoare vegetarian, these recipes are sure to be hit!

SnowballsServes 4

Ingredients

100g milk chocolate

50g plain chocolate

100g desiccated coconut

25g butter

50g icing sugar sieved

To Decorate:

25g chocolate vermicelli

50g desiccated coconut

Method

1. Break the chocolate into smallpieces. Melt in a medium bowl overa saucepan of simmering water.

2. Remove carefully and stir in thecoconut, butter and icing sugar.Mix well.

3. Roll the mixture into small ballsand roll in the chocolate vermicelliand/ or coconut.

4. Put each ball into a petit foursweet case and leave in the fridgeto chill. Use within one week.

GET CREATIVE

18

Walnut & Spiced Plum Christmas Cob Can be vegan*

Serves 4

Ingredients1 round cob loaf or boule2 tbsp olive oilFor Spiced Plum Sauce:10 ripe plums, roughly chopped (usetinned if fresh not available)6 tbsp full bodied vegetarian red wine(*use vegan red wine)4 star anise8 cloves6 allspice berries

For the Rough Walnut Pate:2 tbsp olive oil150g walnuts1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped1 stick celery, finely chopped1 clove garlic crushed50g of the bread from hollowed out loaf10g Flat leaf (Italian) parsley1 chilli – deseeded (optional)1 tbsp soya sauce

Other:2 bunches fresh asparagus (about 32spears) – use tender stem broccoli orgreen beans if not available150g vegetarian brie or camembert(*do not use for vegan cob)Method1. Preheat oven to 180C.2. To hollow out cob loaf: place cobloaf on its side and cut off a lid.Using your hands hollow out centreleaving just a little bread on thecrust – do the same for the lid.Reserve 50g of the bread for later.Brush inside of hollowed out loafand lid with olive oil.

3. For spiced plum sauce: Place allingredients in medium pan andcook on low heat until plums have

softened – you may need to add alittle water to prevent plums sticking– the end mixture should be soft andmoist (not wet). Remove spices anddiscard. Allow sauce to cool.

4. For walnut pate: sauté both theshallot and celery in oil until soft.Add the garlic and sauté for further2 minutes.

5. Add remaining ingredients (except50g of walnuts) to a food processorand process until walnut mixturecomes together but is still rough andnot quite a paste. Roughly chopremaining 50g of walnuts and addto mixture.

6. For the asparagus/broccoli: cutasparagus in half and discard bottomhalf. Gently peel asparagus to exposepale green colour. Steam for between2-3 minutes, depending on size, untilsoft. Allow to cool. If using broccoli orgreen beans, trim ends and steam for2-3 minutes.

7. To assemble and cook: Divide thewalnut pate in half and place onehalf in bottom of hollowed out cobloaf ensuring mixture goes right intoedges. Press down well.

8. Place half of the asparagus over thetop alternating the spears end toopposite end. Spoon half the plumsauce on top, then add slices ofcheese (*omit for vegan recipe). Topthis with the remaining asparagus,then the remaining walnut pate andlastly the rest of the plum sauce.Press down well. Place the bread lidback on top.

9. Wrap whole loaf in tin foil and bakein oven for 1 hour – to test if the loafis ready, take out of oven remove thelid and place a knife in the centre.If the knife comes out very hot theloaf is ready.

10.Allow to stand for a few minutesbefore cutting into wedges.

These are just some of our favourites, courtesy of the Vegetarian Society.

For more recipes visit www.veggiechristmas.org

About Animals

Exotic Christmas PudServes 8.

Can be made 2 or 3 days beforehand.

Ingredients

100g ready to eat dried mango

100g ready to eat dried figs

125g ready to eat dried cranberries

200ml vegetarian fino sherry

100g light vegetarian suet

100g white breadcrumbs

100g light muscovado sugar

50g plain flour

1 ½ tsp cardamom seeds, lightly crushed

25g pecan nuts, finely chopped

1 large orange, zest and juice

2 large free range eggs, lightly beaten

15g butter (for greasing)

Method

1.Cut all the dried fruit into small dice(kitchen scissors can be less messy thanusing a knife) and place in a shallow bowl.Pour over the sherry and leave to soak for1 hour, stirring from time to time.

2.Combine the suet, breadcrumbs, sugar,flour, cardamom and nuts in a large bowl.Add the orange zest, juice and eggs to themarinating fruit and then combine withthe dry ingredients, mixing well.

3.Grease a 1 litre pudding basin and linethe base with baking parchment. Spoonthe mixture into the basin and level thetop. Cover with baking parchment,pleated to allow for expansion, then coverwith foil also pleated and tie with string.

4.Place an upturned saucer in a largesaucepan. Stand the basin on top andpour boiling water two-thirds up the sidesof the basin. Bring to the boil and simmerfor 3 ½ hours topping up with boilingwater as necessary.

in the Kitchen

19

Serves 6

Ingredients

25g butter

1 onion, finely chopped

225g carrots, finelygrated

2 celery sticks, finelychopped

225g pine nuts, grated

2 tbsp chopped parsley

squeeze of lemon juice

2 free range eggs

sea salt and freshlyground black pepper

freshly grated nutmeg

For the Sauce:

7g dried mushrooms,rinsed

600ml water

25g butter

1 small onion, thinlysliced

2 tsp cornflour

2 tbsp vegetarianMadeira or fortifiedwine

2 tbsp shoyu sauce

Method

1.Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas 4.Grease and line a 500g/1lb loaf tin.

2.Melt the butter in a large pan and fry theonion, without browning, for 5 minutes,then add the carrot and celery and cookuncovered for 10 minutes.

3.Remove from heat and add the pine nuts,parsley, lemon juice and eggs.

4.Season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg.Pour into the tin and bake for 40 minutesuntil golden brown and firm in the centre.To prepare the sauce: 1. Put the mushroomsand water in a saucepan, bring to the boilthen remove from heat and leave to soak for40 minutes, then drain, reserving the liquidand chop the mushrooms.

5.Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the onionand fry for 10 minutes until lightly browned.

6.Add the mushrooms and gently cook for30 minutes until tender.

7.Mix the cornflour with the reserved liquid,Madeira and shoyu, then add to themushroom mixture. Bring to the boil,stirring until slightly thickened. Seasonto taste.

8.Turn the roast out onto a plate, slice thicklyand drizzle with the mushroom sauce. Servewith roast potatoes, sprouts, carrots and allthe trimmings for a classic vegetarianChristmas feast that will be a sure-fire hityear after year.

Rose Elliot’s Pine Nut & Carrot Roast withMushroom Sauce

Our Restaurant and Tea Room Open 10am-4pm Daily

Tel: 01460 65214Email: info@ferneanimalsanctuary.org

ADMISSION IS F R E EF R E EFerne Animal Sanctuary, Wambrook, Chard, Somerset, TA20 3DH

One and a half miles outside Chard on the A30 Guided Tours, Coaches and Groups are welcome by prior arrangement

(Open daily except Christmas Day and New Years Day)

• Stunning Countryside • Restaurant/Tea Room • Home Cooked Food • Fun Packed Nature Trail • Over 300 Animals • Open 7 Days a Week • Childrens Play Areas • A Unique Family Experience

U p d a t e

About Animals

Animal loving Brits offeredamazing opportunity toenjoy Australian lifestyleAbout Animals Magazine was contactedrecently by British expat now Aussieresident Jan Riddell who is offeringan amazing opportunity to animalloving Brits.

Particularly suited to the retired or semiretired Jan through her company Allpetsis offering a chance to take a longvacation, usually 3 months house sittingin the beautiful city of Perth onAustralia’s west coast, in return for petsitting while the owner is away.

One recent retireewho did just that isBarbara Trumblealong with herpartner Bernard,Barbara explains

‘My partner and Iare both very fond ofanimals and alwayswanted to live in thesunshine near to thesea - and by purechance we foundAllpets in Perth,Australia. Ourdream has come true.

This will be our third season of living in andaround the wonderful city of Perth -- Allpetsallocate properties to us where the ownershave gone on vacation ; We look after thehouse and care for their pets as they do. Allthe houses we have lived in have been superb ,very often have their own pool and of coursethe animals have been a joy to live with.

During the summer the weather is gloriousand you can always be assured of a sunnyday so it is always better to excercise the dogor dogs in the cooler morning; then afterbreakfast , very often the hardest decision wehave to make is shall we go down to thebeach,fish off a jetty in the Swan River or theIndian Ocean , play some lawn bowls or justgo shopping , -- then come back for lunch. --and of course one added bonus , theaccommodation is free of charge and we areaway during the very cold English Winter.

MY GARDEN AND OTHER ANIMALSby Mike DilgerA regular face on TV, for the past year Mike Dilger has been involved in a project muchcloser to home: transforming his neglected garden into a wildlife oasis for native species.

Together with his partner, artist and illustrator Christina Holvey, the pair took a chanceon a run-down home just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Chew Valley Lake in Somerset.

They were completely won over by the potential of its 90-foot garden. And so began a twelve-month journey to create their very own nature sanctuary. Through the changing seasons Mikeand Christina painstakingly brought the garden to life, creating a patchwork of wildlife havensin their own special corner of Britain.We have 3 copies of the book to giveaway to readers. For a chance to win send in your name andaddress to Amra Media Solutions, The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton,Bucks, HP22 5ES, quoting AAA/MGOA, or email info@amramedia.co.ukClosing date: 10 December 2012

Meet and Greetover 200 breedsDiscover Dogs 2012,presented by theKennel Club, takesplace between 10-11November atEarls Court 1,London and isopen 10-5pmeach day.

Sponsored by Eukanubaand Metro Bank, theevent is expected towelcome over 26,000visitors and 3,000dogs over the twodays of the show.

The show providesa fantastic opportunity for visitors to

meet, greet and discoverover 200 different breedsof dog, and learn allabout the distinctivepersonalities, traitsand looks of eachbreed and how tobuy the perfectcanine partner.

The Kennel Club isthe organisationresponsible

for running DiscoverDogs every year. TheKennel Club wasfounded in 1873and is able to offerdog owners anunparalleled sourceof information,experience and adviceon dog welfare, doghealth, dogtrainingand dogbreeding.

For further informationand to purchase tickets online visitwww.discoverdogs.org.uk or call0844 581 1381 to book over the phone.

WIN!

Being “mum” to an orphanedanimal is a highlight formany volunteers at KhululaCare for Wild and volunteerAmanda Theoret took tomothering Casey the babybaboon immediately:

“That was the start of themost memorable experienceof my life. I was up by 5 amevery morning in order toprepare Casey’s 6 amfeeding of porridge and milk.Casey slept in a wooden boxbeside my bed and would actas my alarm clock, knockingon the door every morning toremind me when it was timeto get up. As soon as I’d openthe door she’d run out andlatch on to my leg where shewould cling, chirping awayas I prepared her bottle...

It didn’t take long for Caseyto feel like my very own.It's indescribable the wayyou can feel so maternal tosomeone who isn't even ofyour species. The bond I feltwith her was amazing,which made our goodbyethat much harder. I stillmiss her crazy antics andthink of her all the time,wondering how she’s doingand how much she's grown.”

Amanda travelled to Africawith African ConservationExperience:www.conservationafrica.net

BabyBlues

Jan Riddell and friend

21

BirminghamDogs Home

Stray and abandoned dogs likeme arrive daily at our kennels

from all over the West Midlandsusually in desperate need of loveand attention. This they receivein plentiful from Birmingham

Dogs Home but their greatestneed is a new loving home.

If you can’t rehome a dog, couldyou open your heart to help us.We are a charity that receivesno Government funding anddepends totally on donationsfrom the general public. Foodand blankets are also greatlyappreciated.

You can make a one-off cashdonation or sign up to one of themany sponsorship opportunitieswe offer.

New Bartholomew Street Digbeth Birmingham B5 5QSAppeals Office Tel: 0121 643 5018

Email: enquiries@birminghamdogshome.org.ukwww.birminghamdogshome.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 222436

New Bartholomew Street Digbeth Birmingham B5 5QSAppeals Office Tel: 0121 643 5018

Email: enquiries@birminghamdogshome.org.ukwww.birminghamdogshome.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 222436Tel: 0121 643 5211Tel: 0121 643 5211

TheSouthWestEquineProtectionrescue and rehabilitate wildmoorland ponies. One of theirmost recent success stories isabout a little Dartmoor ponycalled Lexie. As a young foal in2007, she was hit by a car on amoorland road where she wasseriously injured; she had agaping cut in her front legwhich needed immediateveterinary treatment. Due tothe location of the injury, thehealing process was prolongedand it took a lot of specialistcare from vets and the team atSWEP; at times it was uncertainif she would survive butagainst all odds she pulledthrough and has made a full

recovery. In the spring thisyear Lexie was chosen to beloaned out to a gentleman forhis pony mad teenage daughter.When Lexie was discovered byhis daughter in the stable onemorning, it was love at firstsight and they have beeninseparable ever since. Theyhave developed a true bondand now Lexie is a much lovedfamily pet and riding pony,who has a loan home for life.Lexie is just one of over 400ponies SWEP have rescuedsince 1996, most of which arenow in long term loan homesacross the south west.

For further information visitwww.swep.org

C h a r i t y N e w s

Injured Lexie is now amuch loved family pet

Orla finds her foreverhome at CatastrophesCatastrophes, a cat rescue charity based in East Sussex,is run by Liz Varney and her team, whose aim is tohelp any cat that is in need, believing that every catdeserves the chance of a good home. Liz rehomes catswhen they have little or no hope of finding a homeelsewhere, giving them freedom and comfort inidyllic surroundings, where they can live out the restof their lives in the peace and comfort they deserve.The cats in their care are given a high standard ofveterinary care and they strongly believe in spayingand neutering as a responsible part of pet ownership.While on a cat sterilisation project in Ireland, theycame across Orla, a lovely black and white cat, whowas going to be shot on a farm. They rescued her andbrought her back to the sanctuary to move in withthe rest of the feline inhabitants in the blissfulsetting of Half Moon Cottage.Many of the cats in their care need regular medica-tion for ailments, and some are on special diets be-cause of their age or their health. One way you canhelp with much needed funds is by sponsoring one ofthe cats like Orla.For further information visitwww.catastrophescats.org

In 2007 as aninjured foal

2012 as a muchloved riding pony

Please visitwww.aboutanimalsmagazine.com

for all pet related information

CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUEOver the years we have helped an increasing number of catsand kittens in distress, by taking them into our care and findinggood homes for them. The cats we take in have often been

abandoned or badly treated, some are simply strays who havenever had the chance of a proper caring home.

Our aim is to help any cat that is in need and we believethat every cat deserves the chance of a good home.

We do not believe in putting animals to sleep unnecessarilyand we actively encourage sterilisation as a vital part of petownership. Please remember us in your will. Your donationor legacy will help our work for the animals and save lives.

Contact Liz Varney

Catastrophes Cat RescueHalf Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane,

Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9JSTel: 01435 830212 Fax: 01825 768012

Email: lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.orgRegistered Charity Number: 1017304

and have About Animals magazinedelivered direct to your door.To subscribe, please complete the form belowand return with a cheque made payable toAmra Media Solutions for £6.00 (4 issues)

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