animal talesa special advertising section of the bermuda sun n May 31, 2013 n page 29

By aManda daleadale@bermudasun.bm

A Facebook page set up to reunite lost pets with their owners in Bermuda has attracted more than 500 followers in less than two months.

Already the social media site is helping to find miss-ing animals and return them to their families.

Libby Cook-Toppan, a pet owner who set up the Facebook page, said she believes it has a 50 per cent success rate.

OverwhelmedAnd she said the more

people who join, the more successful it will become.

Mrs Cook-Toppan, a beverage marketing manager at Dunkley’s Diary and a graphic designer and photographer, specializes in social media. She manages Facebook pages for various organi-zations including BFAB (Bermuda Feline Assis-tance Bureau).

Mrs Cook-Toppan said: “Someone approached us

at BFAB about a lost cat but the charity is no longer involved in finding lost pets, so it was a case of, ‘Well, why don’t I do it?’. A friend then encouraged me and so I set up the Face-book page.

“It is purely dedicated to lost and found pets, and it’s been quite amazing just how many people have joined in such a short space of time.

“We’ve had more than 500 people ‘like’ the page in less than two months. I’ve been overwhelmed at the response.”

As of yesterday, the page had 542 ‘likes’, or Facebook followers.

Mrs Cook-Toppan said: “The more people who like the page, the more reach people’s posts will have, and the greater the chance that someone may know something that could reunite a pet with their family.

“The ultimate goal is to have as many ‘likes’ as possible.”

The Facebook page ‘Bermuda Lost & Found Pets’ was set up on April 2.

“It provides a central connection for residents of Bermuda who have lost or found pets,” said Mrs Cook-Toppan.

“Though the picture on the header depicts a cat and a dog, the page is for any pets. For example, there

are currently two lovebirds on the page, one lost and one found.

“Users are encouraged to feel free to post and share informa-tion about lost and found pets. You never know who

might see the post and recognize the pet.”

Mrs Cook-Toppan also creates mini-posters with a photo and the details of a missing animal, to share on the social media site.

“The mini-posters seem to be more easily shared and therefore get more attention. I did one for a dog which was shared 102 times and seen by 6,341

people, which is incred-ible,” she said.

Unfortunately D’zoro, whose poster accompanies this article, has not yet been found.

Although ‘Bermuda Lost & Found Pets’ is non-profit, Mrs Cook-Toppan said she hopes to attract sponsors.

“There is Facebook advertising available for the mini-posters about a lost animal. It’s not expen-sive — for $50, a pet’s poster can be seen by more than 8,000 people.

“Facebook can inform the sponsor of the number

of people who have viewed the ad.”

She said there are up to 30,000 registered Face-book users aged over-13 in Bermuda.

“The Facebook page is such a simple way to help people,” she said.

“All you have to do is share a post on your own Facebook page. It will then feed into your news feed and be seen by your friends.

“If I was to share a post appealing for information about a missing pet, I have 800 friends who have a

chance of seeing it.”So far, the Facebook page

has helped to reunite six dogs and cats with their owners that Mrs Cook-Toppan has been told about.

She said: “There is prob-ably more who have been found through the page, which I haven’t been told about.

“Whenever I hear about a pet being found I move any mini-posters into the ‘Found — Good News album’. This then shows up automatically wherever the post has been shared, so users can see that the pet has been found.

“I will also hide posts on the Facebook page so people are no longer look-ing for the animal.”

Mrs Cook-Toppan said: “The feedback from the site has been fantastic. People think it’s a great idea and are really grateful there is a dedicated place to go for lost and found pets.

“I think a lot of people in the commnity care when it

How social media is reuniting pets with their familiesn image courtesy of Libby cook-toppan

sharing: Libby Cook-Toppan’s ‘Bermuda Lost & Found Pets’ Facebook page, above, has attracted more than 500 followers in less than two months, to help find lost animals.

See Missing pets, page 30

cook-toppan

‘I have lost pets in the past and it has been traumatic. The worst part was not knowing what had happened to them... ’

libby cook-toppanBermuda Lost & Found Pets

30 n May 31, 2013 animal Tales: a special advertising section THE BERMUDa SUN

comes to missing pets.“For many people, their

pets are family members. Imagine how it would feel to lose a family member?

“Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows how awful it feels. You just feel so helpless.

“I have lost pets in the past and it has been so traumatic. The worst part was not knowing what had happened to them.

Devastated“When I was seven-years-

old my beloved cat Thomas disappeared (see accompa-nying photo).

“I was devastated and searched all over my neigh-bourhood for him for more than a month.

“Eventually my family admitted that a neighbour had found him dead in their garden.

“Although my family thought withholding the information was the best thing to protect me, I remember being upset with them for not telling me the

truth and for letting me search for him knowing he was already dead.

“Seven years ago we lost two silver Maine Coons (long-haired cats) within weeks of each other. We contacted the vets and the SPCA, published ads, and put big banners up all over Paget with their photos on them.

“Sadly one was found dead, but we are grateful to know what happened to him.

“The other one, an un-spayed breeding female (who is microchipped), has never been seen again though.

“We hope that someone has her, though we are so sad that they never came

forward with her.”Mrs Cook-Toppan’s fami-

ly currently have two dogs, seven cats, 14 cockatiels and 10 chickens.

She said: “Death is an inevitable fact of life. Pets can teach us so much about unconditional love and responsibility, but most importantly, pets can be the greatest teachers about death.

“I am so grateful for the times when I have known what happened to pets I have lost. I have made sure not to keep such informa-tion from my son.” n

See Bermuda Lost & Found Pets on the Facebook website, www.facebook.com

Continued from page 29

missing pets: Social networking on the Internet can also help animalsadvice for pet ownersn microchipsLibby Cook-Toppan says: “Make sure your pet is microchipped. This is essen-tial! “and be sure that your vet has your updated contact information. “Please call them and make sure they have at least one contact telephone number to reach you.“When a cat of ours was run over recently, the SPCa picked his body up, scanned him and found his micro-chip. “They then called the vets who were able to identify who he belonged to. “The SPCa inspector Glyn Roberts was then able to contact me to let me know what had happened. “as sad as we were to lose Mercury, we were so grate-ful to know what happened to him and to be able to bury him in our garden.”

n Collars“Though cats tend not to be fans of collars, it is a good idea to make sure that your dog always wears a collar with a name tag and tele-phone number engraved on it,” says Mrs Cook-Toppan.

n animal ControlHerb T. Marshall of Government’s animal Control department has said on the Bermuda Lost & Found Pets Facebook page: “Can we also remember if you lose or find a dog to please call animal Control (on) 239-2327, or after hours (on) 295-0011 and have the police page the warden on duty. “all legal dogs should be chipped and it is usually very easy for us to find the owners. “also if they are wearing their tags (which all dogs should) we are able to look them up in the database and again usually find the owner easily.” nn images suppLied

appeal: Two of the mini-posters Libby Cook-Toppan has created for the Facebook page, and above right, as a seven-year-old with Thomas the cat.

‘For many people, their pets are family members.’

libby cook-toppanBermuda Lost & Found Pets

THE BERMUDa SUN animal Tales: a special advertising section May 31, 2013 n 31

How to look after your pet when the heat is onBy aManda daleadale@bermudasun.bm

In the sweltering heat of summer, not only is it important to cover ourselves up but to make sure our pets are protected from the sun too.

This means plenty of shade and water, avoiding non-ventilated confined spaces and keeping their hair cut short.

Jonathan Nisbett, Government veterinary officer, said: “When you think about the summer-time, first and foremost it’s the heat.

“In Bermuda we have a very hot and humid climate, so certain prob-lems arise from that.

“Animals are subject to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so one of the ways to prevent that is to remem-ber all animals need shade.

“As the sun moves it will not be in the same place in the afternoon as it was in the morning.

grooming“Don’t keep the dog box

(kennel) in the sun because it will heat up and become like an oven if it’s not venti-lated. Keep it in the shade and make sure it is well-ventilated.

“Also ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean drink-ing water, and that the bowl or bucket is cleaned regularly. Clean it once a day to get the algae out and other substances that can foul the water.

“Some pets even like a bit of ice in their water. Also, make sure the bowl or bucket is secure and is not something that could be kicked over by a leash or a bouncing animal.”

Dr Nisbett said: “It’s also important to avoid exces-sive exercise.

“ Unlike us, cats and dogs don’t sweat, so they can’t cool down the same. Instead, they pant.

“If you’re taking your dog for a walk or your horse out for a trot, any exercise

should be during the early morning or evening, when it’s cooler.

“Remember that the roads can also get hot, so animals can burn their pads walking on hot roads.

“Also, don’t leave a dog or cat in the car, not even with the windows cracked open.

“Cars can overheat quickly, especially if they have dark interiors.

“Be aware that someone is also likely to call the SPCA, the dog warden or police, so you may come back to find your windows broken.

“If you really have to stop, then run and do your

errand for no more than five minutes. But it’s best not to stop at all.”

When it comes to look-ing after our furry friends in the heat, brushing and grooming is also important.

“Just removing their outer coat can help to keep them cooler in the summer months,” said Dr Nisbett.

“But trim a long-haired dog or cat rather than shav-ing them.

“Some animals are subject to sunburn and can even get secondary skin cancer, like us. They tend to be the light-coloured animals, with a light-coloured nose.

“If, despite all these

precautions, your pet is overheating, then you will see signs of lethargy, weak-ness and exhaustion, plus heavy panting.

“The animal will also have a very rapid heartbeat and a weak pulse. In this situation, they need veteri-nary care immediately.”

In ensuring our pets have a safe summer, we should also be aware of external hazards in and around the home. In the summertime we all love a dip in the pool but if you have animals around, then make sure your pool chemicals are locked up safely out of sight.

“Don’t let your dog or

cat drink the pool water, because of the chemicals in it,” said Dr Nisbett.

“And water safety rules also apply for pets.”

When socialising outdoors also keep an eye on food and drink.

“If you’re having a summer party, keep alco-hol away from animals. Don’t give your dog beer. Animals can be intoxicated just like people can,” said Dr Nisbett.

Barbecue food can also contain poisons for pets.

“Chocolate and onions can be toxic,” said Dr Nisbett.

Other poisons to look out for are radiator coolants

and insecticides.If you are changing the

coolant on your car, then flush away any chemicals on the ground or driveway.

“Also be careful with insecticides, and if you see a toad, clear it off the prop-erty with a broom.

Other summer hazards to look out for are thunder-storms and fireworks.

“Lots of animals get very nervous around loud sounds.

“Dog wardens get very busy around the 4th of July fireworks and thun-derstorms, as that’s a time when animals tend to run away,” said Dr Nisbett.

“And when it comes to hurricanes, don’t forget to include litter pans and pet food in your preparations.”

Another — very Bermu-dian — hazard is fish hooks.

“These smell good to cats but then they get them embedded in their paws and mouths, which can be painful. So make sure they are not lying around,” said Dr Nisbett. n

n suMMer healthcare

n mct photo by raLph barerra

cooling down: Nora, a four-year-old labrador, finds some respite from the heat of summer in the Southern US, in her wading pool. During Bermuda’s hot, humid summers we should also ensure our pets are safe from overheating.

‘Dog wardens get very busy around the 4th of July fireworks and thunderstorms, as that’s a time when animals tend to run away.’

dr jonathan nisbett

Government veterinary officer

32 n May 31, 2013 animal Tales: a special advertising section THE BERMUDa SUN

BGA/Purina prize holiday to Puerto Rico takes the biscuitBy aManda daleadale@bermudasun.bm

A couple have won a holi-day in Puerto Rico, assisted by their furry friends.

Lisa and Dennis White-head will spend a long weekend on the Caribbean island after purchasing Purina Beneful dog food for their pets, Rusty and Gracie.

The couple had to buy two products to enter a draw organized by wholesale distributors BGA (Bermuda General Agency).

Mr and Mrs Whitehead won the top prize in the contest — a trip to Puerto Rico with their dogs to attend National Dog Day, including flights, accom-modation and transport.

The second prize was a year’s supply of Bene-ful and the third was six months’ supply.

Mrs Whitehead, an office manager, said: “We’ve not

been to Puerto Rico before and are very excited.

“We are going to go sight-seeing and also go to the casino at the hotel.

“We’ve never been to a major dog show before so are also looking forward to that; it should be interest-ing.”

Mrs Whitehead said they are unable to take Rusty and Gracie, two German Shepherd/Rottweiler cross-es, as they are classed as an ‘illegal breed’ in Bermuda.

The brother and sister are 10 years old and were obtained from the Bermuda SPCA.

Mrs Whitehead said: “They are very loving dogs.

Rusty is mommy’s boy and Gracie is daddy’s girl. They are both very sweet.”

National Dog Day was created in the US by Colleen Paige, a pet life-style expert and author, to honour dogs and to recog-nize their patience, loyalty, love and the work they do.

It has taken a stand against breed bans and aims to encourage the public to adopt rescue dogs in need of a home.

National Dog Day is offi-cially held on August 26 but is celebrated throughout the year.

Events have expanded to Puerto Rico, Italy and the UK. n

n photo suppLied by Lisa whitehead

loving: The canine winners of the BGa/Purina Beneful contest. Rusty, left, and Gracie, right, are rescue dogs belonging to Lisa and Dennis Whitehead.

n photo suppLied

winner: Lisa Whitehead with her prize travel tickets.