Paws & Claws E-News!

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JANUARY 2010

In this month's edition:

Welcome to our first Paws & Claws summer E-News for 2010.

We hope you and your pets had a safe and enjoyable festive season and that our tips and advice to keep your pets healthy and happy throughout summer came in handy.

If you didn’t get to spend much time outdoors with your pet these holidays, not to worry! Summer is still here and we have more great ideas about keeping your pets safe and happy.

In this E-News read about the RSPCA's grand opening of their new Miami store. The opening drew a crowd of both four-legged supporters and their human counterparts, all eager to show their support for an institution that is set to re-home the thousands of abandoned and forgotten animals found on the Gold Coast each year. This RSPCA store is unique as it a re-homing, op-shop and pet store all in one!

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY HERE

We are sure every pet owner is on high alert for fleas and ticks throughout the summer months, but it is also important to watch out for fertilizers and poisonous plants. Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. More than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances which can cause harmful effects in animals.

Recent studies show that dog bites increase in the summer months due to crowded dog parks and hot agitated dogs. A way to avoid this is to keep your dog on a leash, away from small children and areas that are heavily populated with other dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog can reduce the likelihood that he will bite and provides many other health benefits. For more great tips download for free the latest magazine for pet care advice from industry experts.

Is your dog bored and alone at home when you are out at work? Paws & Claws Award winner Dog Trainer Danielle Dickinson from Urban Dog Training shares her expert tips, tricks and strategies to help dog owners provide their pets with a more fulfilling life. Be sure to check out this article below for some great ideas about how to keep your dog occupied while you’re not at home throughout the day. There is even a great list of pet toys that you can make yourself.

We hope you and your pets enjoy the rest of summer!

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...

. . . A Tired Dog Is A Good Dog . . .

At Urban Dog Training’s recent seminar “Backyard Fun for the Home Alone Dog”, which was held at the South Brisbane Softball Association, the audience was invited to learn how to keep their dog mentally stimulated and avoid common problems associated with boredom.

Award winning Dog Trainer Danielle Dickinson shared her expert tips, tricks and strategies to help dog owners provide their pets with a more fulfilling life.

Dogs get lonely and bored when their owners leave them home alone, Danielle stressed thro-

Danielle’s constant companion is her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Steve.

ughout the seminar that “a dog is not naughty, he is simply bored, therefore destructive”.

“Bored dogs often resort to making their own fun in ways their owners do not approve of, like barking, fence running, pulling washing off the line, and digging up the flowerbeds or chewing things,” said Danielle.

Other tell tale signs of dog boredom include, excessive barking, destructive chewing, digging, hyperactivity, escaping, neurotic behavior such as tail chasing, obsessive licking and self mutilation as a result of the stress bought on by boredom.

Danielle provided great suggestions on how to keep dogs stimulated while their owners are not home, meaning no more chewing shoes and digging up the garden.

“It’s important to make it harder to keep your dog stimulated,” she says

“Dogs don’t need that much entertainment, just enough to keep them stimulated. If you keep them stimulated you should have a happy and healthy dog.”

Danielle shared new and interesting ways in which dogs can enjoy their daily intake of food; the audience was thrilled in learning these new ideas about feeding their pets to keep them stimulated.

“People are excited about changing their dog’s life; to stop feeding them out of a bowl. People don’t realise that there are so many ways to use their dog’s food to entertain them” she said.

Danielle also shared some innovative ideas for dog toys and activities, most of which dog owners can make themselves.

“The night was very beneficial! Danielle was very informative and kept the crowd very entertained,” said event sponsor Jason Allender from Paws & Claws.

Danielle went on to explain how dog boredom is stemmed from pets picking up on their owner’s morning routine, which can create separation anxiety.

Pets know what time their owners leave the house and when they are expected home.

Throughout the time the owner is away, the dog can turn to destructive activities in order to keep himself amused.

Not only did the night prove helpful to all the pet owners who attended, the proceeds from the night also went to the charity organisation Canine Helpers for the Disabled.

Canine Helpers for the Disabled provides training assistance dogs for people with a disability. They offer an individually tailored program so that each client receives an Assistance Dog that is perfectly suited to their needs.

“It takes around $25,000 to get a helper dog for disabled people and they raise this money for people who cannot afford it,” said Danielle.

Danielle describes herself as an advocate for making dogs work for their food and thanks to her techniques many dogs are now leading more fulfilling, stimulating lives.

One happy dog owner with a pooch that is no longer bored sums it up in this way: “A tired dog is a good dog!”

Urban Dog Training provides seminars on a frequent basis at various locations throughout Brisbane. These seminars are designed to educate dog owners in order to provide their dogs with rich, fulfilling lives. For further info on upcoming seminars visit www.urbandogtraining.com.au.

By Emily Creswick

Top-left: Urban Dog Training holds group dog training courses and free Puppy Play groups throughout Brisbane. Top-middle: Canine Helpers is a charity organisation providing assistant dogs for people with disabilities. Top-right: Danielle on stage at the 2008 Paws & Claws Top Trainer Award presented by TV celebrity, Ranger Stacey Thompson and renowned dog trainer, Steve Austin.

. . . Grand Opening Signals Grand Future For RSPCA Miami . . .

A labour of love for all those involved, the grand opening of a brand new RSPCA Miami store on December 7th drew a crowd of both four-legged supporters and their human counterparts, all eager to show their support for an institution that is set to re-home the thousands of abandoned and forgotten animals found on the Gold Coast each year.

A first for the RSPCA on the Gold Coast, the store incorporates the former Nobby’s beach Op Shop with RSPCA’s World for Pets Superstore and an RSPCA Road Home Adoption Centre.

The opening coincides with the notoriously difficult December-January holiday period which sees thousands of kittens and hundreds of adult dogs destroyed upon admission to many RSPCA shelters across the country.

RSPCA Branch Spokesperson Peggy Hayes stated that she hoped the store would be a bright spot for those looking to find a new addition to their family during the Christmas period.

“Our aim was to make the store a fun and happy place, where people can come and sit and interact with the animals we have here,” she said.

“We want to raise some money, obviously, but we also want to really become a part of the community”.

Interlocking with this sense of community is the stores Road Home Program, which is designed to take homeless animals out of the shelters and into the community so they can be more easily adopted.

“We can’t keep animals overnight here so the road home program relies on volunteers to take the animals in as foster careers until a permanent home for them can be found,” said Ms Hayes.

Adoption Coordinator Joanne Parkes stated that as long as people adopted responsibly around the holiday period, it could be the perfect time to look for a new pet.

“The adoption process is a great opportunity for us to educate people looking to adopt a pet,” she said.

“We ask our prospective families to consider their home set up, if they have any experience with animals or have young children or regular visitors to their home”.

Ms Hayes urged people to consider the advantages of adopting an animal from the RSPCA.

“All our animals are micro-chipped, de-sexed, vet checked and wormed,” she said.

“They are behaviour tested, have passed medicals and are looking for someone to love them”.

CEO of RSPCA Queensland Mark Townend agreed that the most important thing for people to consider before they adopt an animal was their lifestyle.

“Some people come in looking for a German Shepherd when they are living in a small apartment – they really would be better suited to a goldfish,” he said.

In addition to featuring merchandise, which encompasses everything from high-end leads and collars to kitty litter, Hills Science Diet food and aquarium supplies, the store also incorporates a vibrant Op Shop staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers, with all proceeds going directly to the RSPCA.

Volunteer Coordinator Ann Carroll stated that the job satisfaction involved in becoming an RSPCA volunteer made it all worthwhile.

“It’s so good to know you’re helping animals who are unable to speak up for themselves,” she said.

Volunteer of eight years Wyn Burnley summed up the passion and drive which fueled her desire to work with the Miami team on their new project.

“I love animals more than I do people,” she said.

Situated at number 2172 along the Gold Coast Highway, Miami, the RSPCA store is seeking volunteers to walk the dogs, play with the kittens and foster the homeless animals as part of the RSPCA’s Road Home Program.

By Samantha Dean

Check out the RSPCA Miami Store Photos on Facebook! Click here

. . . VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR KITTY RESCUE . . .

Robyn’s Happy at Home Pet Care runs a kitten rescue program which cares for unweaned kittens, some only as young as a few hours old.

Most of the kittens cared for are found near shopping centres and industrial sites.

Kittens are also brought into vets under circumstances where the mother has been hit by a car or the kittens have been stranded.

The carers are volunteers and care for the kittens from around 10 to 12 weeks.

In this time the kittens are de-sexed, micro-chipped and nurtured to the best of health.

This kitten rescue program has received positive feedback from families who adopt these nurtured kittens.

The kittens have been hand raised, making them a loving and affectionate cat.

Kittens are also suitable for families with dogs and many carers have dogs in which the kittens become accustom to living with.

The kitten rescue program always needs new volunteer carers as there are many circumstances where kittens are found and left to fend for themselves.

To become a Kitty Rescue Foster Carer please contact Robyn on (07) 3297 0987 or 0419 649 465

What's On:


HURRY! CHRISTMAS PET PHOTO COMPETITION ENDS		25 January

Got a funny photo like "Theo" and his poodle mates rummaging through a basket full of Christmas dog treats? Or a cute picture like "Benji", waiting for his turn to open his christmas present?

These are the kind of photos you will find when you check out our "Santa Paws 2009" album on Facebook!

If you have a picture of your pets enjoying the Christmas season just as much as you did - share it with us!

Send it in to us (photos@pawsandclaws.com.au) along with your pet's name and where it was taken, and you will go in the draw to win a "Summer Pet Pack" valued at $100.

WIN a Rufus & Coco Inner Balance pet supplement and high quality pet treats sponsored by PolaPaws Australian Pet Treats (www.polapawswholesale.com.au).

Competition ends 25/01/10 12pm. Winners will be notified via email.


AUSTRALIA DAY ON THE PARK		26 January

Get into the spirit of Australia Day with your whole family!

Enjoy an event full day at Evandale Parklands on the Gold Coast full of jam-packed entertainment including a Dairy Farmers Billylids Playground for the little ones, non-stop on stage acts, champion axemen competition and get up-close and personal with all sorts of animals such as snakes, pigglets, ducks and more!

Time: 10:00am
Where: Evandale Parklands, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Click here for full event program.


WETLANDS PADDLE, PEDAL & PAWS		Saturday, 30 January

Get active – healthy wetlands, healthy people.

Lace up your shoes and leash up your pet, jump on your bike or grab your canoe and join us in celebrating the value of Brisbane’s wetlands.

This annual event aims to raise awareness about the enormous environmental, economic, social and health benefits wetlands provide.

Brisbane City Council will be providing a limited number of canoes for those who don’t have access to their own. Better still, registered participants will receive a complimentary breakfast AND go into the draw to win some fantastic prizes on the day.

Time: 6.30 – 9.00 am
Where: Nudgee Beach Reserve, Brisbane Qld

To register for the Paddle activity, phone Queensland Canoeing on (07) 3349 1933.

To register for the Pedal and Paws activities, phone Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888. Starting locations will be given to participants upon registration in an activity.


GOLD COAST CAT CLUB SHOW		6 February

The Gold Coast Cat Club invites you to our All-Breeds Championship Cat Show on Saturday the 6th of February 2010 at the Albert Waterways Centre, Broadbeach (opposite the cinema end of Pacific Fair).

Watch the judging of pedigree and companion cats, browse cat merchandise stalls, and chat to the breeders. Refreshments, cat-related merchandise stalls, and terrific raffle prizes. Some purebred kittens will be available.

Show Schedule available here.

For further information, please email Jenny Weekes or phone 07 5569 2905.

Time: 9:00am
Where: Albert Waterways Centre, Broadbeach (opp. Pacific Fair Cinemas),
Cnr Hooker Blvd & Sunshine Blvd


RSPCA QLD MONTVILLE GOURMET FOOD & WINE		11-12 February

Join RSPCA Qld's CEO Mark Townend and special guest Bob Irwin for a fun evening of classic cuisine and wine whilst perched atop the Blackall Range at the legendary Poets Cafe.

Featuring a pet photography masterclass with Zoo Studio, raffle, lucky door prizes and a quiz, the night promises to be both informative and entertaining! Tickets are strictly limited so please book today to avoid disappointment.

Time: 6:15pm for 6:30pm
Where: Poets Cafe, 167 Main St, Montville

For more information or to register, please call:
07 3426 9932 or email events@rspcaqld.org.au.

RSPCA Qld – Helping Animals. Enlightening People. Changing Lives.

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Latest news :


ANIMAL RELIEF COALITION FOR HAITI (ARCH)


Aid is finally reaching the people that have been devastated by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck on January 12, 2010. But the animals of Haiti are also in need. For the millions of livestock, pets and large stray dog population, help is urgently needed for the four-legged victims of the devastating earthquake that ravaged the nation. An international relief effort, the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), is currently underway to help the many animals of Haiti.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protections of Animals (WSPA) began this initiative that currently includes the ASPCA, American Humane Association, Humane Society International, United Animal Nations (UAN), Kinship Circle and Best Friends Animal Society.

Donations are urgently needed to purchase vaccines, antibiotics, bandages and other supplies for the mobile clinic. If you would like to help, please visit the IFAW website.

Source: http://ecoworldly.com. Full story here.


BARC NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

This time of year is great to spend with your family and your beloved dog. Sadly there are many dogs all over the world without a loving family to care for them.

BARC is a non for profit organization aimed at relieving the suffering, starvation, abuse and neglect of the street dogs in Bali. They take in uncared and unweened animals, provide them with medical care, food, rehabiliation, bedding and love, nursing them back to health and finding them a loving home.

To make this all possible, they need your help. If you would like to make a donation to BARC, please visit their website http://www.freewebs.com/balidogs/. Every little bit helps.


MANHUNT FOR BABY KOALA'S SHOOTER

A baby koala and its mother have been shot with a slug gun at a Morayfield property north of Brisbane on Tuesday. A hunt for the person responsible of such a sickening act is currently underway.

Vets at the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast have delayed the baby koala’s operation til he’s strong enough to undergo surgery. X-ray images show he has two slugs lodged in his body - one under his ribs and another in his lower abdomen.

When caught, offenders will hopefully face the full force of the law with a maximum penalty of $300,000 or two years imprisonment.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news


A MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Paula Bockman-Chato's dog, a saluki named Kaspar, has ultimately saved her life.

Kaspar had been keeping particular attention to an area under Mrs Bockman-Chato's arm; her beloved pooch would place his nose under her armpit and sometimes put his paw on it. She thought he was being affectionate until a medical check up revealed the early signs of lymph node cancer.

Recent studies shows that dogs are highly successful in

sniffing out cancer in humans, and there is a current move underway to enable doctors to have dogs present when screening patients.

A similar practice is already in place in the US with doctors able to have dogs in their clinics to calm patients and reduce their blood pressure while they wait to be seen.

Australian National Kennel Council Vet Peter Higgins is encouraging medical practitioners to have an open mind about it and give it a go.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/


SOUTH-EAST QLD'S LARGEST DOG

A beautiful five-year-old Great Dane name Bella from Ipswich is set to be the largest dog in South-East Queensland.

She weighs a whopping 75 kilograms and eats $1500 worth of food a year!

Not surprising she has her own bedroom.

Her owners, Karalee dog breeders Brad and Narelle Reynolds, said that some people get the wrong impression of Bella because of her size, but assures us that Bella is one big softy.

She absolutely loves people and is very loyal.

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

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!


THERE'S ONE IN EVERY HOLIDAY SNAP

Sent in by L Yee, Brisbane Qld

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