Adopting pets during lockdown - is it the right thing to do?

Whilst most of the world’s population is in lockdown due to the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a lot of coverage in the media about adopting a pet. But is this enforced confinement really an ideal time to welcome a new cat or dog into the household?

In theory it could be – when else would we be confined to our homes for such a long period of time, and so be there throughout the day to help settle a new family member into their new home?

Some people may be feeling isolated and lonely, cut off from their friends, family and colleagues, and longing for the company that an animal companion would undoubtedly bring during self-isolation.

These are worthy reasons to consider adoption, and without doubt there are thousands of pets looking for their ‘forever home’ and the love of a new owner.

However, adopting a pet is a huge undertaking, and many prospective owners don’t consider the full implications first. The lifetime cost of owning a dog is calculated at anything between £5,000 – 15,000 depending on the breed (source PDSA https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/the-cost-of-owning-a-dog) and that may be without factoring in vet’s fees and insurance!     

When the pandemic finally ends and life begins to return to some sort of normality, many people will return to work and study, leaving homes empty for much of the day. Dogs can’t be left for more than a few hours, so unless you are lucky enough to have a dog-friendly workplace or the option to continue to regularly work from home, think very carefully before adopting, as it will be hard to adjust back to a different pattern once a dog is part of the household. Dogs need regular daily exercise so time for walks should be factored in.

Moreover, many dogs have come to be in a centre because their previous owner could not (or would not) adapt to having a dog and had to give them up. What could be more distressing for the dog who is returned to a shelter, having had a taste of being part of a loving household?    

Cats are by nature more adaptable, but considerable thought is still required before adoption. Whilst they are naturally more independent than dogs, many cats are especially loyal to their owners and miss them when they are away. If you plan to keep a cat indoors, he will need stimulation in the form of toys, a comfortable place to sleep, a litter tray, and fresh water and regular feeding. Two cats can be company for one another, if they get along. Consider whether it is safe to install a cat flap, allowing access to the outdoors. It may be fine if you live in a quiet area away from busy roads, but, sadly, many cats lose their lives to cars each year so this may not be the best option.

Animal adoption organisations and sanctuaries have taken different approaches during lockdown. Battersea’s adoption centres are closed during the COVID 19 epidemic. Cat’s Protection is limiting adoption through its centres for the safety of  staff and volunteers. Dog’s Trust is  rehoming only an exceedingly small number of animals, and its rehoming centres are closed for th duration of the pandemic in the interests of both staff and animals. Remember that once the pandemic is over, the dogs and cats will still be there, needing homes more than ever, and adoption decisions can be made in the light of the situation people find themselves in then, which may be very different to how it used to be, pre-lockdown.

Think very carefully about animal adoption, particularly in this unsettling time. Undoubtedly, welcoming a canine or feline companion into your life can be one of the best things you can do, and giving a home to a previously homeless animal is to be commended.

But it may be better to wait until ‘normal’ life has resumed before taking that big step ...

Chester Zoo – Good news for animal conservation

For the first time in its nearly 90-year history, Chester Zoo has recorded the highest number of animals! This is amazing news for the charity's conservation efforts, as it continues to protect the future of threatened species. 

Welcome little one; photo courtesy of Chester Zoo

The annual headcount revealed that the wildlife conservation charity is home to a grand total of 35,139 animals from more than 500 of the world's rarest species. The site is home to:

• 1571 mammals
• 1759 birds
• 339 reptiles
• 677 amphibians
• 6739 fish
• 24,054 insects

Last year saw many breeding successes, which resulted in thousands of births and hatchings at the zoo, including a critically endangered West African chimpanzee, an Eastern bongo calf, a Sumatran orang-utan, and thousands of rare Bermudian snails.

Mother and baby; photo courtesy of Chester Zoo

"The huge new figure is an absolute credit to our teams, who are working incredibly hard to prevent the extinction of a multitude of species. The data gathered will help to form future plans of international breeding programmes for the world's most endangered species."  

Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo's Director of Animals and Plant Collections 

The site also welcomed a host of new species to its state-of-the-art habitats, including three new lemur species, fossa (Madagascar's cat-like carnivore), and the world's most threatened small carnivore, the Grandidier's Vontsira.

A Grandidier's Vontsira; photo courtesy of Chester Zoo

This news comes as 2019 saw a record two million visitors pass through the zoo's gates: especially encouraging after the devastating fire at the end of 2018. The income generated enables the zoo to make a hugely positive impact on wildlife through its carefully-managed breeding programmes and it's field project in more than 30 countries worldwide. Some of the projects undertaken last year include: helping return five critically endangered Eastern black rhinos to an area of Rwanda where they were previously extinct; carrying out the world's first radio tagging of a giant pangolin, one of the world's most trafficked animals, to gather data of their movements in Uganda; bred hundreds of endangered large heath butterflies ready to release this year in Manchester's mosslands.

Here's hoping that 2020 is just as successful for Chester Zoo and conservation efforts.

Short-haired dog TLC

Everyone loves, and deserves, a good pamper session, and our four-legged friends are no exception! Many assume that long-haired breeds need the most care and attention when it comes to grooming, but that's not the case. In today's blog, we look at tips for keeping your short-haired dog clean and fresh!

Not sure if your dog is a short-haired breed? A useful rule of thumb is if they have very straight hair, with coat length of around one inch (2.5cm) or less. Examples of short-haired breeds are:

• Labradors
• Greyhounds
• Great Danes
• Boston Terriers
• Staffies

Give them the works! 

Short-haired dogs may not be moulting, so obviously, as they shed slowly throughout the year. For this reason, regular brushing is essential; at least once a week (more if your dog is prone to shedding). When brushing your dog's coat, make sure to cover all areas, and not just the obvious spots like the back and face! Take extra care when brushing areas such as ears, tail, tummy, legs and paws. As an added bonus, all of this brushing will help to stimulate the production of protective oils, which will help to ensure that their skin and coat are in a healthy condition. 

Rub-a-dub!

When it comes to bathing your dog, it's best not to do so too frequently. Unlike their long-haired counterparts, short-haired dogs only need to be bathed around once a month, unless they get extremely dirty or muddy. More frequent, and you risk stripping their coat of its nature oils. Use a shampoo designed for dogs, and ensure this does not get into your dog's eyes.

Here's a really nifty tip: combine grooming with a general health check. Run your hands over your dog to check for lumps, bumps, cuts and bites; inspect the condition of your pup's skin, ears and gums; examine their paws, toes and nails. As always, if you have any concerns, be sure to get your dog checked over by your vet. 

National Love Your Pet Day

This year, the unofficial occasion of ‘Love Your Pet’ day falls on a Wednesday.

Now, we don’t need to tell you to love your pet, but the day serves us all as a reminder of the personalities in those furry friends, and their needs and wants.

You can show extra appreciation in any small way today, whether it be taking a slower walk, so that your dog can enjoy the different sights and scents they encounter, or learning how to give your pet a veterinarian approved massage. Maybe you're a dab hand in the kitchen, and you want to learn how to make homemade treats for your four-legged companion.

For those of us without pets at home, you can show your gratitude by volunteering at a rescue centre or animal charity near you. This is a fantastic way to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged pets, as well as helping out the team of humans!

If you'd like some thoroughly researched information, from field experts and experienced pet owners, look no further than Hubble & Hattie publishing; promoting compassion, understanding and respect between all animals since 2009. Since then, many more books have been added to the range, all of them with the same underlying objective: to be of real benefit to the species they cover.

Our pets are under our charge for all of their life, and for all the unconditional love they offer us, we think it’s quite fitting to dedicate this day to giving a little more of our time and patience to our animal friends. So whether yours is tall or short, shaggy or smooth, big or small – we love them all!

Here's to happy pets and compassionate owners, Happy Love Your Pet Day!

The strays of Istanbul

I had the good fortune to spend new year 2017 in Kadiköy, in the Asian part of Turkey. It was amazing – the coffee, the exotic-sounding language, and the plaintive and incomparable call to prayer, ringing out every few hours from the mosques.

It was especially impressive hearing the Iman calling from Istanbul's fabulous Blue Mosque, which is quite magnificent, both inside and out, and it reminded me of the time I spent in Northern Cyprus some years ago.

Turkey was just as I expected and more besides. What I hadn't expected to find, here in Istanbul and Kadiköy, were the numerous stray cats and dogs who populate the streets, apparently living in harmony alongside the people of Turkey. There are a huge number of these animals – unwanted by some but not unloved, it seems – and a scheme has been implemented whereby strays are taken in by resuce centres; checked over, vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, neutered, tagged and then returned to the streets, where local people (and a great many tourists) ensure their day-to-day living is taken care of. It's quite common to see both dogs and cats sleeping peacefully on the floor inside shops, cafes, and bars, oblivious to the coming and going of customers. It is hoped that this regime will mean an eventual reduction in the number of strays, which should, in theory, be the case.

I was both heartened and humbled to experience how Turkey is trying to accommodate these animals (who are, by the way, beautiful, and very affectionate by nature), who have become strays through no fault of their own. Far, far preferable is this to America's kill policy so enthusiastically implemented ... it could learn a lesson from Turkey's example.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqOkAqmkduE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OROY_0GSANs

International Animal Rescue with Four Paws Charity

Whether it's the constant news stories in the media, or JK Rowling's efforts last year on Twitter to save a family from the war-torn capital of Aleppo, it's hard to escape hearing about the Syrian civil war. Despite how much is being reported on the people within the country, not much is heard about the animals that are also suffering because of the ongoing conflict. Well, lucky for some four-legged-friends, Four Paws have been able to help!

Four Paws is a UK animal welfare charity that operates internationally, and its main aim is to help create a world where humans treat animals respectfully, with empathy, and have a full understanding of their way of life. Amongst a huge number of ways in which it executes its plans to provide direct assistance to animals in need and re-home them in its own sanctuaries. This is exactly what happened when it came to rescuing the animals at the Magic World Zoo, situated near Aleppo. 

Over the course of the summer months, the team at Four Paws worked tirelessly in order to save the remaining 13 animals from the zoo. With the help of the Turkish Ministry of Forestry and Water Management, Turkish aides, and a local security team, they were able to cross the boarder into Syria, rescue the animals, and bring them to a rehabilitation centre in Turkey, before transporting them on to their new homes. 

Amongst the animals were five lions, two bears, two tigers, two hyenas, and two dogs, all of which showed signs of physical and mental trauma, as well as being malnourished and emaciated. One of the hyenas was even found to have been suffering from kidney failure. All animals had to receive veterinary care at the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Karacabey, Turkey, before they were able to be transported to their new home, Al Ma'wa for Nature and Wildlife in Jordan, a Four Paws project partnership.

Most of the animals will now stay and make Al Ma'wa their new home, apart from the two tigers, who will be moved to a specialist Four Paws sanctuary in the Netherlands. Although the lasting psychological effects will have had a profound, and unfortunately irreversible, effect on the animals, they are now at least safe, well cared for, and exploring their new surroundings with excitement, all thanks to the amazing team at Four Paws!

Hello summer!

It may have come to your notice that it’s SUMMER! Yes – that big golden-orb-in-the-sky that you dreamed about over winter has finally put in an appearance! For us humans, it’s usually a time to get out and enjoy the fine weather and long days. For us pet owners, it’s a time when we can spend more time outdoors with our animals, whether in our gardens, or out in the wilds.

Whilst we may be desperate to soak up the sun and head outdoors, it’s vital that we consider our pet’s needs at this time of year. We may think nothing of spending hours in the hot sun (covering up appropriately, and applying sun cream, of course), but, for our pets, it’s a different story …

To help you help your animals, we’ve created a list of things to keep in mind when out – or in – and about with your dog or cat.

The essentials

Water, water, everwhere …

At least, that's what you should be thinking. With longer, warmer days comes an increased risk of dehydration. On very hot days, (yes, we do have them), simply sitting in the sun is enough to dehydrate us. Whilst dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do, they still lose water through panting, and sweat through their paws, and they can still become severely dehydrated. So, tip number one is to be alert and ensure your pet always has access to plenty of clean drinking water. That’s always, folks. And if it’s SUPER hot, slip a few ice cubes in the bowl, too!

Gimme shelter …

Just as important as water when the sun is out, it’s imperative that your animals have access to a shaded, cool area, where they can retreat to out of direct sunlight whenever they wish. This is particularly important for cats, for whom shade-seeking is an important strategy for coping with hot weather, along with reduced physical activity … no, they’re not simply being lazy in the hot weather! 

The area should be large enough to allow your pet to stretch-out and cool-off, and shouldn’t cramp them … just like these fellas …

If you have a couple of pets, they may want stay close to one another, but make sure that there’s enough room for them to space themselves out a bit: huddling together will increase their body temperature. Some pets, particularly older ones, like to fall asleep in the sun, and may not move into the shade unless woken. If you think your pet is about to snooze in the sun, move them into a shaded, cool area, or indoors.

Summer breeze …

Of course, even indoors temperatures can soar, so ventilation is vital. Keeping windows open to enable a flow of cooler air is a good start: screens can be used if you’re concerned your pet could make off, or if you live in an urban environment. Cooling fans are also a good idea, although some animals can be irritated by the constant breeze. Try placing a fan near a window to direct air into a room, rather than onto Fido’s bed. 

Everybody's free (to wear sunscreen) …

If you’re on a public beach, or out-and-about, shelter may be difficult to find, and whilst we can slip on a t-shirt or hat, for our furry friends, it’s not so easy. Clothing to shade your pet from the sun is a particularly good idea for smaller dogs – but be especially careful this doesn’t make them hotter!

No doggy clothes? Sunscreen or wipes are the way to go. If your pet has white or pale fur, they’re likely to have pink skin, too, and this will catch the sun more easily. Cats with white ears are particularly prone to cancer on their ears precisely because of this, and dogs are no exception (I even know of a horse that needed to wear sunscreen), so a little application of sunscreen, either as a spray, cream, or wipe, on any pale areas is a good way to prevent sunburn in your pooch or kitty. Or horse. You should talk to your vet about an appropriate sunscreen for your pet (a number are available): NEVER USE HUMAN SUNSCREEN, as this contains zinc oxide which can be lethal to pets if ingested.

Paws for thought …

If you’ve ever walked barefoot on the pavement on a hot summer’s day, you’ll know how scorchingly hot it can become, so spare a thought for a dog’s paws. One evolutionary theory says dogs evolved in freezing, arid conditions, so whilst they're adapted very well to the cold and dry, hot and dry climates are more challenging. Whilst contact burns from sun-baked asphalt are uncommon, dogs with more sensitive pads, such as those with immune or skin conditions, are more liable to get a physical burn. The biggest issue, though, affecting all dogs is body temperature. Dogs have a dedicated thermo-regulatory system in their paws that moves colder blood from the pad to the body, where it warms up again. In hot weather, this mechanism can cause a dog to overheat simply by walking on a hot surface, no matter how big or small their paws are. Keeping your dog off dark, hot surfaces is the best way to help here, or limit walks on asphalt to the cooler times of the day. Keep in mind, too, that asphalt temperatures continue to rise for a while after the hottest time of the day, so early morning or evenings are good times for walkies. Or you could buy him some doggy boots.

Work. Out.

We’ve all seen people jogging along with their dogs in hot weather, and whilst wild dogs can run for a looooong time in extreme cold, and even extreme heat, jogging along with their owner on a hot sunny day is a completely different matter to being in the wild. You may enjoy a sprint in the sun, but for Fido, it could turn into a very nasty, or even fatal, experience. With an owner 'in charge,' many pets will jog along until the point of collapse if you’re not careful. The best advice in hot weather is don’t make your dog exert himself. If you need to go for a run or cycle, leave Fido at home until the weather cools down … just make sure you’ve read Summer breeze, above!

Paw-l party, anyone?

When the truly scorching weather hits us (fingers crossed … ), it’s often all we can do to go out into the garden and sit in the shade. If you’re active, though, many dogs simply can’t resist joining in the fun, and if you’ve a kiddy-sized paddling pool, it can be a great way for everyone to have fun together, let off some steam (literally), and keep cool at the same time. Just make sure you don’t overfill it – not all dogs are naturally good swimmers! Board shorts are optional … and don’t use the hot tub.

Your pet is an amazing animal, and nature has given him the ability to know when and how to keep cool in most conditions. But keeping the above points in mind will make sure that your animals are comfortable, and can enjoy the hot weather. 

Above all, be vigilant. Remember that many animals love the sun just as much as we do, and sometimes may do a little too much, particularly when it's absent for so much of the year! Keep the above pointers in mind, and you’ll ensure that your animal companion doesn’t suffer in the sun. 

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…

National Pet Month – Ten tips for responsible pet ownership

April is National Pet Month; a chance for animal lovers to come together and celebrate companion animals everywhere!

This year's theme is promoting responsible pet ownership, and NPM has put together ten great tips to help you do the best by your animal companions. Check them out!

Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about their special requirements. 
Making the decision to add a new member to your family is a big commitment, so make sure you do your homework. Do you have enough space? Will you have the time to take care of your pet properly? Are you committed to caring for a pet for two, four, or even twenty years?
What do you need? Do you have the right equipment to give your new addition the correct living environment? Is your home pet-safe? Does the animal you're bringing into your home require special lighting or heating? Getting a book about the species/breed, talking to the breeder or rescue centre and doing some general research will go a long way toward ensuring that your pet has the best, most natural welcome to his new home.

Ensure your pet is sociable and well trained. 
It's important to start socialising your pets from day one, but make sure you do so in a way that builds their confidence. For dogs, books such as Life skills for puppies, Your dog and you and Helping minds meet from H&H will help you to understand your dog, and give you the tools to socialise and train him through positive, reward-based methods.


Provide a nutritious and well-balanced diet. 

Did you know that, like humans, guinea pigs need vitamin C, but can't produce it themselves? They require fresh, leafy veg every day, or they're likely to develop scurvy!
Make sure you're feeding your pets the right stuff, and that they're getting a healthy, nutritious and well-balanced diet. This is especially important if your pet has any specific dietary requirements. Ask your vet about the best thing to give your pet. Want to be sure of exactly what your dog is eating? Books such as Dinner with Rover and Dog cookies contain easy to follow, healthy recipes that your dog will love!


Provide suitable housing and bedding. 
Imagine moving into a new house and being shown your bedroom, only to find the room doesn't have a bed! Make sure that your new family addition has somewhere suitable and comfortable to sleep, and own space where they can feel safe and secure. A crate or a basket is ideal for a dog; a comfy bed somewhere off the ground will make your cat happy, while your hamster will need somewhere warm and dark where they can burrow and make a nest out of sight.

Clean up after your pet and worm him regularly. 
It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it, and your pet is relying on you! Ensure that you pick up after your dog when you're out and about. It makes for a nicer environment for everyone, and helps prevent the spread of nasty diseases. Make sure you stick to this mentality at home, too. Ensure that you pick up after your animals daily – be that clearing out the litter tray or changing the sawdust in the corner of the rabbit hutch  – and give the whole place a thorough clean at least once a week.

It's also important to make sure your pets are wormed regularly. Worms not only make life very uncomfortable for your pet, they can also make them very ill. Speak to your vet about regular worming treatments.


Protect against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice. 
It's incredibly important to vaccinate your pets. Puppies and kittens require two injections before they should be let out of your home and garden to protect them from nasty diseases, and should be topped up as required. Your vet will let you know when your pet is due a booster, so make sure you keep the appointment!

Prevent unwanted animals: neuter your pet when appropriate. 
Rescue centres around the UK are inundated with unwanted puppies and kittens, so make sure your pets are neutered or spayed when they are old enough. Spaying and neutering can also help with behaviour problems, and reduce the risk of disease or illness as your pet gets older. Speak to your vet to find out when is the right time – and why not ask if they'd be able to microchip your pet at the same time?

Groom your pet regularly. 
Being out and about exploring is great fun, but can leave hair a bit tangled. Regular grooming not only helps keep your pet clean and healthy, but it's a great way to spend quality time with your animal friend that will help to strengthen your bond. It should be an enjoyable experience for both of you, leaving you feeling relaxed and content. Ensure you use the right type of brush for your animal's fur or hair type.




Control your pet and ensure they are properly identified. 
Microchipping your dog will, from the 6th April 2016, be mandatory in England, Scotland and Wales. Speak to your vet, or check out the Dogs Trust FAQ for more information. While not yet a legal requirement, it's also a very good idea to microchip your cat, horse or rabbit, to protect them should they become lost or stolen.
Remember that your dog should also wear a collar with an identification tag. This tag should carry your address or phone number, but not your dog's name.

Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.
No one likes to think of their pet getting hurt, but should they become injured, lost, or cause damage, it's best to be prepared. Make sure your pet is insured to cover against unexpected vet bills and third party liability. A small payment each month could make all the difference if the worst should happen.


For more information about National Pet Month, visit the website.

Animals and wellbeing – part three

Over the last few months we’ve looked at the various benefits our interactions with the animal world have on our general wellbeing. This month, we're turning the tables and looking at how we can be of benefit to our animal's wellbeing ...

We’ve proven that our animal friends do us the world of good. It only seems fair, then, that we do everything in our power to return the favour – and that includes making them the priority for a little while each day. It’s easy to take our pets for granted, especially when there are other things going on in our lives to occupy our time and attention. With work deadlines, money issues and other day-to-day worries vying for our attention, a game of fetch in the garden may end up being bottom of our to-do list. But perhaps it shouldn’t be. After all, a break from all of those worries won’t just benefit your dog … it’ll benefit you, too!

There are lots of ways to enrich our pet’s life, and they’re not too far removed from our regular routine. For instance, instead of your normal walkies route, try taking your dog somewhere new. Take your time, allow your dog time to sniff all the things you’d normally encourage them to pass unsniffed. These scent walks provide vital mental stimulation in your dog, as well as encourage natural behaviours. This valuable time will give you an insight into your dog’s behaviour – what makes him tick, what he enjoys – and will certainly strengthen the bond between you. 

If you’re a cat owner, it’s time to take a look at your home. Cats naturally like to be up high, and ensuring your home is filled with lots of tall, safe, cat-accessible vantage points will make your cat feel at ease. It also gives her a space of her own, away from other pets, children (and even adults!) who might be giving them unwanted attention.

If you’ve got multiple cats, make sure they have separate feeding stations and litter boxes. Sharing these commodities can cause your cats  needless stress, so ensuring they have their own space is vital for their wellbeing.

Regardless of what kind of pet you have, it’s important to set aside time each day to just be together, having fun. Our pets rely on us for food, warmth and comfort, but this in itself is not enough. They also rely on us to play with them, to entertain them, and to love them. We’ve already seen the benefits that interaction with animals can give us, and the same is true for the animals we interact with. Playing fetch, bouncing a cat-teaser, time in a hamster ball or out in a rabbit run ensures our pets are active – physically and mentally – and, most importantly, enjoying their lives with us. After all, we chose to have these animals in our lives, and the least we can do is ensure they get to enjoy the simple pleasure of doing something together, with us, each and every day.

Animals do so much for us. Their antics entertain us, they comfort us when we need them to, and they keep us safe. Their very presence is uplifting, and they help keep our minds and our bodies active throughout our lives. It’s easy to forget, but they do all of this without being asked, and with no expectation of a reward. Put simply, they love us unconditionally.

We can learn a lot from our animal friends, and we can start by applying their own philosophy to the way we treat them. By paying attention to their needs, their wants and their natural behaviours, we can enrich their lives, make each day fun, and do a lot for their mental and physical wellbeing. It’s the very least we can do.

Competition time with Nina Ottosson!

 

Nina Ottosson has been developing toys and puzzles since 1990 together with dogs, for dogs. Her philosophy is that a dog has four legs and one head, and all five need activity in different ways – both physical and mental, and her toys, puzzles and games help exercise both mind and body.
The Treat Maze wobbles, rocks and spins, challenging and entertaining your dog before revealing a tasty reward! It's a great way to stimulate your dog!

We’re giving three lucky winners the chance to win a fantastic Nina Ottosson Treat Maze, suitable for small dogs!

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

(Here's a tip ... you can find the answer here!)

Email your answer and your name to us at prize@hubbleandhattie.com. We'll announce the lucky winners in next month's Animal Magic. Good Luck!
 

You can view the full range of Nina Ottosson games and puzzles at the website, and remember to like the Facebook page for all the latest news, photos and competitions!

Pause for a cause – Kyrenia Animal Rescue

We're looking at a charity very close to our hearts in this post – the very rescue centre where Immie, the H&H hound, came from!

The Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR), high in the Besparmak Mountains in Northern Cyprus, provides refuge for over 200 dogs and cats. A mixture of full-time staff and volunteers work constantly to maintain and improve KAR’s facilities, to the benefit of the animals in their care.

KAR was founded in 1997 by a small group of people who were saddened by the number of stray
animals they saw, and the conditions they were living in. A year later, the group was affiliated to the RSPCA in the UK. A year after that, the Forestry Department of Northern Cyprus donated a tract of land in the mountains where a kennel block, exercise compounds and caretaker’s accommodation were built, with the rescue centre opening in May. Since that time, KAR has initiated many incredible projects, all of benefit to the local community, their animals, and for animals without homes. These projects include a neutering programme; educational visits to schools; re-homing programmes; veterinary care; pet passports, and campaigns for changes in the law. KAR aims to change attitudes towards the welfare and care of animals in the community, and the centre has certainly taken leaps and bounds in the right direction.

One of KAR’s main successes is its neutering programme. This sees stray dogs and cats rounded up,
neutered, inoculated, treated for worms and fleas, and then released after they are fully recovered. Released dogs are also given a numbered ear tag to keep track of them.

A great number of the animals KAR rescues and cares for are able to be re-homed. Unfortunately, in a country as small as Cyprus, there aren’t many good homes available, so KAR also reaches out to people looking to adopt a rescue animal from other countries! Homes have been sought and found in Germany, France, and, as in Immie’s case, the UK. This process is much easier now than it would have been when Veloce’s Jude and Rod brought Immie home, following changes in legislation in 2012, so there’s never been a better time to adopt one of these lovely animals!

KAR continues to make improvements in the way it cares for its animals on-site. In November 2012, the charity moved into new office premises – with space in a large, open basement that looked an ideal place to set up its own veterinary clinic. It wasn’t long before the dream began to become a reality – funds were raised for partitions to be built, and a group of volunteers was formed to continue to raise funds, source equipment, and promote the clinic in local communities.

Donations of money, equipment, supplies and support were received, and gradually the clinic is taking shape. KAR’s plan is to employ a qualified vet who can not only neuter and treat the animals, but who could also mentor veterinarian students to be able to gain vital operational skills.
If you’re interested in giving one of KAR’s many gorgeous furry friends a forever home, details of the costs involved and the steps to take can be had by contacting KAR’s Pet Travel Department, or if you’d like to help KAR continue in its efforts to give the animals of Northern Cyprus a better life, then click here to find out how you can help!

Happy New Year!

A very Happy New Year from all of us at Hubble & Hattie! We've got some exciting things lined up for 2014, so watch this space for the latest news and happenings from H&H HQ!

Coming in 2014 ...

Some fantastic new titles coming up this year, including two new books from Life skills for puppies author, Helen Zulch! Click on the links below to learn more about each book on the H&H website!

  No walks? No worries! – Maintaining wellbeing in dogs on restricted exercise

Helping minds meet – Skills for a better life with your dog

My Cat has Arthritis ... but lives life to the full! – A practical guide for owners

My Dog has Epilepsy ... but lives life to the full! – A practical guide for owners

The Rex Factor – my dog, my friend