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Wednesday 20 July 2016

News from the Stable



Pretty much everyone loves donkeys – what’s not to love, afer all?! The traditional British beach holiday wouldn’t be complete without ice cream and donkey rides. However, this is, perhaps, the only time a thought is given to these amazing animals: many people don’t realise that the stoic, hard-working donkey and mule are still used as working animals throughout the world. Sadly, this also means that many do not receive the care and respect they deserve, and suffer unduly as a result.

Sanctuary

Thankfully, there are some who work tirelessly to improve the lot of these wonderful animals, and here we take a look at The Donkey Sanctuary. One of the UK’s best-known and best-loved animal charities, the Sanctuary was founded in 1969, and has since grown from its Sidmouth base into a truly worldwide concern (it has seven centres in the UK alone).

Operating in 34 countries, through major projects and collaborations, the Sanctuary reaches 1.6 million donkeys, and directly treated over 250,000 donkeys and mules in 2015. Since its inception it has provided life sanctuary for over 18,000 animals.


Many will be familiar with the Sanctuary in Sidmouth, nestled on the south coast, in the East Devon Area of Outstanding National Beauty, but few will be aware of the vast range and scope of its work. In fact, it does so much that we couldn’t possibly fit it all in our blog … best head over to the Sanctuary’s website to get all the info on the amazing work they do direct from the donkey’s mouth, so-to-speak – or why not pay a visit to the Sanctuary? Entry is free (donations welcome) and it's a great day out!


Donkey adoption

Just one of the many ways you can help is through the Sanctuary’s adopt a donkey scheme, and this is precisely what Hubble & Hattie’s publisher, Jude, has done. This fantastic scheme ensures that your adopted donkey is guaranteed a future free from want and stress. Not only do you get a welcome pack, including a framed portrait of your adopted donkey, but you’ll also receive regular updates about your donkey through the Sanctuary’s Stable News publication. You’ll also learn how your support is helping to give donkeys around the world a better future.

KUWTD

(Keeping Up With The Donkeys)

Of course, in this digital age, if you can't make it in person to a donkey sanctuary near you (click here to see your closest), then there’s no better way to keep up with your donkey than facebook and twitter, and you can follow all the antics of your donkey – and more – at …

Twitter: @AdoptADonkey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdoptADonkey 

With so much work to do, the Sanctuary is always in need of support, and there are many ways that you can help. From donations, donkey-themed gifts, and volunteering, to rehoming donkeys or mules … and adoption, of course!

So take a look at The Donkey Sanctuary’s excellent ongoing work around the world … and see how you can help a donkey in need!

www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk




There's no place like home…

A record-breaking rescue

For the past twenty-six years, ADI (Animal Defenders International) has been working to increase public awareness of animal suffering at all levels, from investigation and evidence gathering, to scientific and economic research, to enforcement and protection. The organisation has a formidable track record of helping animals across the globe.



This April, ADI concluded Operation Sprit of Freedom in spectacular fashion. Helping the Peruvian government with the enforcement of a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. Lasting nearly two years, the operation was the biggest circus rescue mission ever undertaken, saving almost 100 animals. You can read all about this amazing rescue over at ADI’s website, and see how these plucky, and lucky, lions are now back in Africa in their new ‘old’ home.  



As you can imagine, transporting dozens of animals from South America, across the ocean to Africa, is a truly mammoth task, but with expert guidance, and expert staff, all the animals were safely moved to their new homes. How? By air, of course!





Of course, the hard work isn’t over yet. Reintroducing animals into a more natural environment can be a lengthy and difficult process. Some had never seen life outside a small enclosure, and many have endured brutal pasts, still carrying the scars of the cruel treatment they were exposed to.





Even though the lions are now free from the circus, ADI still needs plenty of help and support to give these fantastic animals the quality of life and care they well and truly deserve. None will be able to live in the wild, so work continues on the construction of the enclosures and habitats that will be their new homes. 



So head on over to the ADI website, or read all about the lions' amazing story at Lions back to Africa … and please help if you can … these guys would be most grateful…









Friday 15 July 2016

Tara – The terrier who sailed around the world (Trailer)

TARA is the extraordinary story of a Jack Russell terrier, who sailed the oceans of the world, and who was more at home on a boat than on land.



Tara – The terrier who sailed around the world is the exciting and touching story of a Jack Russell who had at least nine lives – and many more adventures – with her owners, Rosemary and Robert Forrester, as they sailed around the world on a yacht.


The story begins when Robert flies from Columbia to Florida to buy some essential boat parts, and returns with a six-week-old puppy. Rosemary is both delighted and anxious: how will a dog as lively as a Jack Russell adapt to living at sea? This tiny dog has to learn how to keep her balance on a boat which is tilting sideways one minute, then crashing down on a wave the next; how to find a way to play ball without being washed into the ocean; how to learn to eat fish instead of meat; how to swim in the sea and get back on the boat; how to see-off all potential intruders, including marauding seagulls and customs officials.


Above all, Tara has to learn how to survive when she is washed overboard – not once, but twice. Rosemary recounts their incredible adventures as they sail from the Panama Canal to Australia, and on to Malaysia and Thailand, where they survive the Boxing Day Tsunami. Finally, their journey takes them through the Indian Ocean to Mozambique, where Tara ends her days.

For animal lovers everywhere – especially those who like travel and sailing boats – this is an emotional and uniquely entertaining tale.

Tara – The terrier who sailed around the world by Rosemary and Robert Forrester is coming soon!

Monday 4 July 2016

Camping? Take Fido!

Get the most out of your camping trip… take your dog!

There's no need to leave your dog behind when you go camping.

Glastonbury has been and gone, and camping is once again the subject on many people's lips. Holidaying at home is becoming more and more popular, and what better way to experience the great outdoors than camping… with your dog, of course!


Camping with your four-legged friend has to be one of the best experiences you can share with your dog, and you'll not find a keener companion for your camping trip. To most dogs, camping must feel like the longest, bestest walk in the world!

Solo campers get great company (not to mention a handy night watchman), while families will have an (almost) inexhaustible playmate for the kids. And just imagine what your dog will make of all those places to discover, run in, and sniff!



There are many things to consider before sharing your tent with Fido, of course, and some challenges. Making sure that you're both safe and have everything you need for your trip can be tricky, particularly if you've never camped with your dog before. Luckily, those cool chaps over at coolcamping.co.uk have some fantastic pointers for anyone wanting to camp with their dog.


Cool Camping highlights the very best campsites and places to stay throughout the UK and Europe, and has a fantastic series of guides to help choose a location for your camping adventure. It's not all camping, of course … you can go glamping, stay in a B&B, go to a festival … checkout Cool Campings excellent guide to camping with dogs here.

It's easier than ever to find the perfect spot for your camping holiday, and, whilst we're focussing on dogs in our blog today, there's plenty of places that take other animals … We Accept Pets is a fantastic place to start. Stay up-to-date with the latest animal-friendly places on its Twitter and Facebook feeds.


To get you started on the road to doggy camping, we've created this handy infographic that shows you the seven doggy camping essentials …



Of course, some of you will be old hands at camping with your dog, and we'd love to hear your stories. Tell us your doggy camping story (preferably with some photos), recommend a good place to camp with your pooch, or pass on some sage doggy camping advice, and you could win two brilliant Hubble & Hattie books worth over £15!



So… grab Fido and head off into the great outdoors … you'll be amazed at how much fun you'll BOTH have!