Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws
Paws & Claws Paws & Claws
Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws
    Paws & Claws Paws & Claws Paws & Claws   Paws & Claws
Latest News
Paws & Claws

If you cannot read this email correctly please click here.

 
 

FEBRUARY 2010

  In this month's edition:
Welcome | FREE Summer Issue | Feature stories| What's on | Latest news | On the web
 

Welcome to our February E-News! As summer ends and autumn quickly approaches, be on the look out for the upcoming issue of Paws & Claws magazine out March 1st.

In this E-News! we share with you a great feature story by Animals Asia, a wonderful charity dedicated to ending cruelty for all animals in Asia; we are always so proud to promote them and create awareness to their campaigns.

Are you looking for that special someone that shares your passion for animals? Or are you on the hunt for some furry friends for your beloved pooch? We have a special review about a new match-making website which caters primarily for single pet owners looking to meet a compatible partner; the site is also popular for people looking for friendship with like-minded animal lovers.

Looking for that perfect gift? See on display the magnificent and stylish PAW-traits below created by Wonderland Studios – where your most magical dreams come true!

 


DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY HERE

 

The great team at Central Produce are holding an exciting competition: they are giving all our readers the chance to win 12 months of FREE pet food for your cat or dog! It’s simple to enter, see our What’s On section below for further details.

Be sure to check out the On the Web section and have a laugh at a funny forward that was sent in by one of our readers. Whilst you there - become a fan on our Paws & Claws Facebook Page and be part of this fun pet-loving group!

Plus all the latest news, including what’s happening around South-East Queensland. Enjoy!

Our aim is to bring you the most informative and educational feature stories while promoting responsible pet ownership and care for our wildlife. To date, we have donated over $220,000 of advertising and article space in Paws & Claws Magazine to non-profit animal organisations. Thank you to all our advertisers for their continued support; they are the lifeblood of this magazine. They deserve our deepest gratitude and your support, for without them, there would be no free pet and wildlife magazine. Thank you for your interest in keeping all our animals safe.

 
     Feature stories...
 
. . . New-born bear cub clinging to life . . .
     

 

A tiny moon bear (Asiatic black bear) born unexpectedly on Saturday, February 13th, at Animals Asia’s Moon Bear Rescue Centre in Vietnam is still clinging to life.

Belinda Bordelon, Bear Manager at the sanctuary in the Tam Dao National Park, near Hanoi, said that little “Tiger” had gained 10g in weight and was doing well so far, drinking 20 to 30ml every 2.5 to 3.5 hours – up from 5ml on Saturday.

“Now he’s 410g, up from 400g at birth. The frequency he wants to eat, and the volume, has steadily increased over the past 48 hours,” Ms Bordelon said. “He has also started to crave attention, and will not go back to sleep without some attention first. A gentle neck and back massage seems to do the trick. He is very vocal, will let you and anyone else nearby know when he is not happy, and has shown a very stubborn ‘bear attitude’ from day one.”

Animals Asia’s resident vet at the sanctuary, Dr Kirsty Officer, said that while the slight weight gain was a good sign, it was still early days. “We are still concerned about him and his rough start to life, and will not be relaxing for some time yet.”

Italia, along with 18 other endangered moon bears, were rescued from a stifling 40ft cargo container on a bile farm in southern Vietnam just three weeks before she gave birth. Our veterinary team was taken by surprise by the birth, as Vietnamese farms don’t breed. (The birth suggests that Italia was probably taken from the wild).

The pregnancy was not looked for at Italia’s initial health-check as the vet team concentrated on the areas of most concern (the liver and gall bladder) and kept the examinations brief so the bears were under anaesthesia for as short a time as possible – and so they could be removed them from the cargo containers and settled into the quarantine area as quickly as possible.

The vet team anaesthetised and health-checked 19 bears over three days. They also performed a full exploratory surgery and post mortem for “Raspberry”, who was euthanised after his organs were found to be literally rotting away.

Veterinary Director Dr Heather Bacon said all the bears were palpated during their initial health-checks, but it was difficult to detect a pregnancy if the muscles were tense. (Vets perform “palpation” by using their hands to apply pressure on the abdomen and feel for any abnormalities.)

 
For more info please visit Animals Asia at http://www.animalsasia.org.
 
     
. . . Magical Paw-traits at Wonderland Studios . . .
 

Located in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, Wonderland Studios specialise in creating enchanting images for families to enjoy and love forever.

The idea for Wonderland Studios grew out of love, inspiration and the imagination of founder Jeneen Hunter’s grand-daughter.

“She wanted to be turned into a Fairy Princess with wings,” Jeneen recalls,

 

“Like any grandma, I spent hours and hours turning my grand-daughter into her dream.”

Jeneen moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast and teamed with an Aussie Partner, Debbie Walatara, to create these magical portraits.

Their images can be created from the simplest of photos and the finished products have a fairytale and wonderland adventure theme.

Due to popular demand, Jeneen and Debbie now specialise
in creating enchanting images of pets.

 

Known as PAW-traits, these custom-made images give families the ability to create a unique portrait of their furriest member.

A PAW-trait can make a beautiful keep-sake for children with pets, is a great gift idea for pet lovers or for the person who has everything.

Paws & Claws were lucky to have Wonderland Studios work their magic in creating our June-September Winter 2009 Issue Cover Page (featured left).

If you are interested in what Wonderland Studios can create for you, visit Robina Town Shopping Centre from the 10th – 12th of March where Debbie and Jeneen will be displaying some of their magical images. They will also be releasing a new range of artwork - so be sure to be there to get your exclusive view of their latest fantasy portraits, mention Paws & Claws and go in the draw to win a ‘Wonderland Studios Package’.

For more information please visit the Wonderland Studios website: www.wonderlandstudios.com.au or contact Debbie on 1300 204 282.

 
 
     
. . . How to meet a Pet Lover . . .
 

 

Pets are increasingly being regarded as family members with 63% of households owning a pet and 91% of pet owners feeling very close to their pets.

As people are paying more attention to animal and pet welfare there has been an increase in pet cafés, pet funeral services, dog walking and grooming businesses. So why not create dating site aimed at matching like minded pet lovers?

As mainstream online dating sites place little focus on the role pet’s play in people’s lives, Meet a Pet Lover is different.

Meet a Pet Lover believe that successful relationships are about compatibility and the website allows members to profile their pets as much as you.

The site caters primarily for singles looking to meet a compatible partner but is also popular for people looking for friendship with like-minded animal lovers.

“The website is also a great way to tee-up pet minding and dog walking get-togethers.” says Paul from Meet a Pet Lover.

The primary focus is getting people together who share a passion for particular animals or breeds rather than simply answering “yes” or “no” to “do you like pets?”

Meet a Pet Lover also allows members to enter specific details about their pets, including whether their pets live indoors or outdoors. This makes it simpler to find compatible matches for members.

Meet a Pet Lover is a niche online dating website as it takes into account that every pet owner is an individual and the importance of their pet plays in their lives can be very different.

With a membership 1,200 strong, the popularity of Meet a Pet Lover is on the rise. If you are interested in becoming a member visit www.meetapetlover.com.au to set up a free online profile and start meeting like-minded animal lovers.

If you have met a special someone or made some great friends through Meet a Pet Lover we would love to hear from you! (email us)

 

 

     What's On:

     
     50TH ANNIVERSARY PAWKNOCK APPEAL  
21 February - 6 March     
     

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Guide Dogs Queensland’s Pawknock Appeal.

The appeal raises money for Guide Dog QLD’s orientation and mobility services in Queensland.

Between 21st of Feb to 6th March 2010, over 4,000 volunteers will pound the pavement or email friends to collect vital funds so GDQ can continue to provide their life changing services.

 

Sponsor a puppy
www.guidedogsqld.com.au

All volunteers will be armed with id badges and official receipt book – EVERY CENT COUNTS!

Every dollar donated goes straight to the breeding and training of GDQ’s world class puppies and Guide Dogs.

Its not too late to join the Pawknock!

If you have a couple of hours spare to Pawknock - give us a call! Or visit the QDQ webpage http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/ to become an Everyday Hero and join the appeal online.

For more information Free Call our Pawknock Coordinator on 1800 007 460 or email pawknock@guidedogsqld.com.au.

 
     
     EXCLUSIVE: FREE PET FOOD COMPETITION  
Monday, 1 March     
     


 

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN 12 MONTHS OF FREE PET FOOD FOR YOUR CAT OR DOG?

Simply grab the Autumn Issue of Paws & Claws out March 1st and bring in the promotional advert coupon found on page 33 along to your next visit to Central Produce, fill out their in-store form and be in the draw to WIN!

Just off the M1 motorway at Exit 75, Central Produce has all your family pet care needs. Whether you own a dog, cat, horse or bird, Central Produce carry a large range of pet and animal supplies, including hay, stockfeed, chaff, fertilisers, veterinary supplies, poultry and birdseed, plus all the needs for the family pet.

Central Produce also runs a convenient and efficient delivery service, bringing your weekly order to the house or stable door. And their friendly staff members are always kept up to date with the helpful nutritional information, which can take the guesswork out of feeding your pony or pet.

Central Produce is located at 8 Elysium Rd, City Link Estate, Carrara 07 5530 2077.

Competition ends 31st May 2010.

 
     
     PETS HAVEN MOVIE FUNDRAISER  
Sunday, 14 March     
 
 
 
     
     RSPCA QLD ROARING '20S BALL  
Friday, 19 March     
     

 

Roaring ‘20s Ball to raise vital funds for the RSPCA!

Dust off your Mary Jane’s, slip into your best frock and brush up on your Charleston. The annual RSPCA Qld Gala Ball is on once again at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Friday 19 March.

This is the sixth consecutive Gala Ball hosted by RSPCA Qld. This year the event will be compered by the charming Loretta Ryan and Moyd Kay from radio 4BH 882, and includes a stack of entertainment including casino games, musical performances and live and silent auctions.

RSPCA Qld spokesperson Andrea Fagg said based on past experience it’s sure to be a night to remember.

“The Gala Ball is always a lot of fun, but this year we’ve themed the event around the roaring ‘20s so it’s sure to be a hoot!”

“We’re hoping that our guests will get into the spirit of the evening and come along dressed as gangsters,

flappers, daddies and dames. The look is all about fringing, feathers, beading and of course pinstripes for the guys” Ms Fagg said.

Proceeds from the event will help the RSPCA continue to care for all creatures great and small. RSPCA Qld has an annual operating budget of $22.9 million and receives less than 2% government funding.

For more information visit the RSPCA Qld website rspcaqld.org.au, email events@rspcaqld.org.au, or call 3426 9932.

 
 
SEND YOUR LATEST NEWS, PET OR ANIMAL EVENT TO NEWS@PAWSANDCLAWS.COM.AU.
COLLECT THEM ALL!
Free download at www.pawsandclaws.com.au.
A-Z DIRECTORY FOR ALL YOUR PETS & HOMECARE NEEDS
ONLINE BREEDERS DIRECTORY | MAGAZINE DOWNLOAD | PHOTO GALLERY | FREE
 

     Latest news :

     
     A CAT WITH AN UNUSUAL TALENT    
     

A US cat has the unusual talent of being able to predict when a patient is about to die.

In 2005 the Steere House nursing home in Providence adopted Oscar the cat. Since then, he is known to snuggle up to patients throughout the final hours.

Since 2005, Oscar has predicted 50 correct calls, a process US scientist David Dosa explains in a book released this week, Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat.

Dr Dosa theorises the cat imitates the nurses who raised him or can smell odours given off by dying cells, perhaps like some dogs who scientists say can detect cancer using their sense of scent.

While Oscar is a gentle and friendly cat, Dosa was concerned with patient’s relatives feeling that it would be inappropriate for the cat to be spending time with their loved ones throughout their final hours.

Although "people actually were taking great comfort in this idea, that this animal was there and might be there when their loved ones

 


eventually pass," says Dr Dosa, "He was there when they couldn't be."

Oscar spends his days pacing from the hospital sniffing and watching patients, yet spends most of his time with patients that have just hours to live.

Oscar is so accurate that he will even scratch the door of a dying patient’s room trying to get in.

The daughter of a patient told Dr Dosa that although she felt guilty, being unable to be there for her mother’s passing, yet she felt heartened to know that she didn't die alone. Oscar was there.

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 
     
     A DOG DAY AT WORK    
     

A US study has proven that having dogs in the workplace can reduce stress, increase productivity, help co-workers get along and even allow people to work longer hours.

US organisation Google is famous for their relaxed work culture which includes an official dog policy as part of the online employee benefits package, meaning dogs are able to be brought into the office on selected days.

Australian companies are taking notice of this trend and becoming increasingly more pet friendly. It’s an important factor considering 63% of the 7.5 million households in Australia own pets.

Queensland vet, Dr Mark Perissinotto, has two staff members that bring their dogs in to work daily which he says boost morale and productivity.

“We have personal leave for pets written into work contracts,” he said.

“If a pet is sick, staff can take time off to look after them.”

Many Australian industries allow dogs and cats to be part of the work scene, including mechanics, produce stores and trades people that have dogs to mind their equipment and office environments that allow pets are on the rise.

“It's difficult for the pets to be left at home as they have to be locked up,” says Dr Perissinotto.

“It's a better situation for the staff, and better for the pet. They help build staff morale and camaraderie, reduce stress and stimulate employee creativity, and as any employer will

 

know, a happier workplace results in enhanced job performance.”

Research by companies in pet industry, including Nestle Purina, indicates that having pets in the workplace is not only entertaining but also create real benefits to business.

Not only are the pets happier, some employers also feel that employees work harder and are more productive when pets are allowed into the workplace.

“It makes for a fun workplace, and a great stress relief,” says Kim Braganza from Nestle Purina.

“Even if you're not a pet owner, having that contact with pets is still enjoyable.”

NSW Veterinarian and Dogs spokesperson Dr Peter Higgins, agrees that dogs in the workplace can create a fun atmosphere and release stress levels.

Dogs NSW encourages employers to cater for employee’s dogs in the workplace to revitalise workers and create a more positive and productive environment.

Creating a 'pets in the workplace' policy
Ask your employees for their thoughts and opinions on the idea and check that they are comfortable with pets in their working environment.
• Only allow sociable and well trained pets into the office.
• Encourage employees to keep their pets on a lead to prevent them from wandering.
• Create a ‘dogs only’ space if you have room in your workplace.
• Also restrict the areas in the workplace where pets can roam e.g. the kitchen, bathrooms.
• Ensure that all employees that bring their pets to work know they are responsible for them and any mess they create.
 
     
     BREEDER LICENSE SCHEME    
     

The Breeder License Scheme will require pet owners to apply for a permit if they want their dog or cat to have a litter. The push for The Breeder License Scheme comes after a Sunshine Coast woman was viciously attacked by a dog.

“The number of dog attacks on humans and animals is increasing and something must be done before this epidemic gets beyond control,” she says.

“Dog registrations are not sufficient. Too many people get a dog for the sake of having one. Many people don’t understand the breed of the dog or how to correctly care for the dog.”

 

Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Cr Daphne McDonald opposed the requirement, branding it “another stupid law” fearing that crossbreeds will be bred out if a breeder license scheme goes ahead.

If the law is passed, licensing pet breeders might be charged a permit fee “at a very reasonable rate to begin with as an incentive,” says Gold Coast Councillor Cr Jan Grew.

“Pet owners should wake up and take responsibility for high numbers of unwanted cats and dogs that have to be euthanized,” Cr Jan Grew adds.

"If you do not desex your animal and it has a litter that is your fault. You can't blame the dog because it jumped the fence."

The Gold Coast City Council had approved the Breeder License Scheme 11 votes to four as part of the Keeping and Control of Animals (Amendment) Subordinate Local Law 2010.

A public comment will be held and the scheme is expected to come into force by April this year.

Let us know what you think:
Should the Breeder License Scheme go ahead?
(email us)

 

 

     On the web :

Got any funny pet or animal pictures or videos that you found on the web?
Or a funny forward you'd like to share with us?

Send it to news@pawsandclaws.com.au!
     
     SINGLE BLACK FEMALE    

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

 
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me... Call (404) 875-6420 (404) 875-6420 and ask for Annie, I'll be waiting.......
 
 
SCROLL DOWN...
 
 
 
Find us on Facebook
Click below to become a Fan!

Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society! LOL

If you don't pass this along, a dog will come out and pee on your keyboard!

Sent in by Janett Seymour, Bilambil Heights Qld

 
 

Click here for all your pet care needs!

PIAA Member
We proudly support:
AWL Qld
RSPCA Qld
David Fleays Wildlife Park
Guide Dogs Qld
Dream World
Sea World
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

To Unsubscribe to this Newsletter Please Click Here and type "Unsubscribe" in the subject line

All Rights Reserved Arcadia Publishing ® 2005-2009.