Laura Hamilton celebrates a special birthday when Lily, her one on a million, turns 6

Lily: Part 1 of 2  by Laura Hamilton

Every dog’s birthday is surely worth celebrating. But on 5 May, when my Golden Retriever, Lily, became six years old, we had four fantastically worthy reasons to celebrate, considering she has survived not just once but twice when we honestly wondered if she would.

The first reason for a celebration is that she actually made it to her first birthday. Born with an extremely rare swallowing disorder (cricopharyngeal asynchrony), Lily couldn’t get enough of her mother’s milk into her tummy to thrive. Though a perfect birth weight at 406g, she was quickly left behind in her development by her littermates. By Day 19 of their lives, they were three times bigger. Lily was hanging onto life by her little nails. And she was losing.

 Lily, one third of the size of her two littermates 

So at noon on Day 19, I began having her lick puppy mousse from my finger, a little at a time. She still choked and risked aspirating food into her lungs as she licked. She couldn’t even lap water. But hand-feeding saw a big improvement.

The gripping and heart-warming story of how I have kept finding ways to keep Lily alive during and since that first year is not overstated in Hubble & Hattie’s book Lily: One in a Million, A Miracle of Survival.

She still has to be hand-fed every mouthful and hydrated no more than a tablespoon at a time every day.

The second reason to celebrate is that Lily has had two books published about her. That’s pretty impressive in itself! The first was Lily: One in a Million, A Miracle of Survival in 2018, followed by the children’s book, also published by Hubble & Hattie, The Adventures of Lily and the Little Lost Doggie in 2019. It tells, with 53 illustrations that I drew, what happened when Lily found a lost toy doggie under my hedge as we left to go to school where she regularly worked as a Pets As Therapy dog.

Laura's books about Lily, published by Hubble & Hattie

The third reason for celebrating Lily’s birthday is her impressive work as a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. The earliest age at which PAT will assess a dog is 9 months, and Lily was just 9 months old when she passed each of the 15 stringent tests with the best possible results. Within days, she began helping children and adults. Lily had worked an astonishing 235 assignments before she had to stop last autumn.

Lily in April 2019, ready to work as a 'Pets as Therapy' dog

The fourth reason we’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate her birthday is that on 5 May 2020 she had her sixth birthday, which we had hardly dared to hope she would see, because the previous October she was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive cancer. Without emergency treatment, she had months, possibly only weeks, to live.

Lily after her 6th chemotherapy treatment

We had never given any thought to what it would be like to have a dog with cancer. Now we were to find out, as the next Animal Magic will reflect ...

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.

The future is meat-free ...

The rise in popularity of flexitartian, vegetarian and vegan diets is not just the latest fad to sweep social media, but actually linked to a growing consciousness of the state of our ecosystem.

With companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, and supermarkets like Waitrose and Sainsbury's paving the way with plant-based alternatives, is it any wonder that a new report has predicted that by 2040, around 60% of meat products consumed will be either cultured or plant-based alternatives? 

Conventional meat production not only raises concerns about the welfare of animals within the process, but can also have a detrimental effect on the environment. There have always been ethical questions surrounding meat production, but now recent scientific studies have shown the huge environmental impact these processes have, from destroying wild habitats to make way for farmland, to the pollution of rivers and oceans. 

The report in question, by AT Kearney1, denotes that by 2040, an estimated 35% of all meat products consumed will be cultured, whilst 25% will be plant-based alternatives. 

"For passionate meat-eaters, the predicted rise of cultured meat products means that they still get to enjoy the same diet they always have, but without the same environmental and animal cost attached," said Dr Carseten Gerhardt, a partner at AT Kearney.

Due to the vast majority of the population being used to a meat-orientated diet, it is likely that cultured meat will win out against vegan alternatives in the long run. However, the growing industry of these plant-based products will be fundamental in the transition phase.

With these sorts of diets proving to be good for animal welfare, our delicate ecosystem, and our  own health and wellbeing, this news is a positive step towards an all-round better way of living.

1 https://www.atkearney.com/retail/article/?/a/how-will-cultured-meat-and-meat-alternatives-disrupt-the-agricultural-and-food-industry

Fur-Free Fashion Week 2019

London Fashion Week 2019

It’s very nearly time for the fashionistas of the world to see where the world of fashion will take its inspiration for Spring/Summer 2019. 

In 2018, LFW declared that its Autumn/Winter exhibition would be entirely fur-free. A bold move by designers such as Burberry, Gucci, Armani, Versace and others, who have historically used the material liberally in their collections, to emphasise the premium quality of their brands. 

As Gucci’s CEO, Marco Bizzarri, announced “fur is no longer modern,” so other designers are working on innovating, in the anticipation of trends that are being led by consumers. The cruelty-free movement has been applying pressure to high-fashion names for decades, but it has taken bold strokes by the biggest names to turn the tide, with fashion power-house Chanel going even further in winter 2018 by banning not only fur, but all exotic skins from its product lines.

Well-known animal rights advocate Stella McCartney has always made a statement with her designer clothing brand, vowing to never use leather, skin, fur or feathers in any products, making it known to the world of fashion and animal welfare, that she will continue to make animal, and environmentally-friendly products a priority in premium fashion. 

This dedication to innovation led to the birth of Stella McCartney's ‘bio-acetate’ eyewear, and a vegan training shoe/sneaker in partnership with Adidas. This is nothing new from the ethically-conscious mogul but partnerships with other, more accessible brands, such as Adidas, are an important step in bringing the issues to the forefront of a wider audience. Online brand Asos announced its commitment to remove silk, cashmere and mohair from products featured on its website.

So, how to tell if fur is real or fake? Firstly, don’t be under the illusion that cheap, high street items cannot be real fur. Sadly, animals used for fur in some parts of the world are raised in such poor conditions that items such as coat trims, bobbles on winter hats, and even keyring pom-poms from affordable retailers have been revealed as real fur. Follow these tips to be sure that what you are purchasing is synthetic.

1. Examine the tips of the individual hairs; the tips will come to a point like a needle if the fur is real. The ends will be blunt, where the material has been cut, if it is faux fur.
2. The base material should clearly be either fabric, with an identifiable weave if you’re looking at fake fur, whereas real fur will be set in pelt.
3. Maybe not a method to try in the shop; burn a fibre slowly. Real fur will singe and smell like burning human hair. Synthetic fibres will melt. If you’re still not sure at this stage, it’s probably a good idea to leave the item on the shelf – better that than unknowingly buying real fur and contributing to the quick-and-dirty fur trade.

Autumn/Winter London Fashion Week was just the beginning for ethical fashion, with plant-based materials taking an increasingly larger place on the runway. Hopefully the collections of Spring/Summer 2019 will continue to prove the importance of animal welfare in fashion.

New laws for dog breeding

The Animal Welfare Act (2006) is about to undergo some major changes with regards to dog breeders. In today's blog, we go through what is going to change come October 1st ... 

The new legislation, entitled Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations, will revoke legislation currently in place, such as the Pet Animals Act 1951, Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963, and Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999. The changes are due to the number of significant advances in the understanding of dog behaviour and welfare in recent years, as a large number of acts that pre-date the Animal Welfare Act (2006) are severely obsolete. 

So, what is happening? 

A single licence for pet selling, dog breeding and animal boarding establishments – including home boarders and day-care establishments – will be introduced. These licences will be issued for a fixed term, set at any point in the year, with the aim of preventing a backlog of inspections at any one time. Local authorities will be able to use a risk-based approach to licensing, meaning lower risk and high performing operators will be allowed a longer licence and fewer inspections. It is hoped that this will encourage licence holders to constantly work to high standards.

The sale of puppies below the age of eight weeks will be prohibited in all cases. Furthermore, anyone breeding three or more litters per year will now require a licence – lowered from the previous five or more litters. These changes mean that if you breed from your dog to make a profit – even if the dog in question is your pet – your local authority licensing department may deem you to be "selling dogs as a business," and the rules will be applicable to you. If in doubt, contact your local council.

The way in which dogs can be advertised for sale, and how sales records must be kept will be clearly outlined with this new law. Any dog kept or sold must have a record kept of him, showing the following details:

• The dog's full name
• A record of whether the dog was bred or purchased
• The sex of the dog
• The dog's age
• Information on the dog's veterinary records and any veterinary treatment they have undergone
• If they are currently undergoing veterinary treatment, this must be recorded, and, if relevant, that the dog is not to be sold
• The dog's date of birth – or the date the dog was acquired
• The date on which the dog was sold to a new owner
• If relevant, the date of the dog's death 
• Records should be retained for at least six years

The full list of criteria that must be adhered to when advertising a dog for sale includes the following:

• A breeder licence number
• Name of the local authority that issued the licence
• A clear, recognisable photo of the specific dog for sale
• The age of the dog offered for sale
• The dog's country of origin and country of residence

Dog owners will soon be able to check whether an establishment has a licence, as well as see what star-rating – on a scale of one to five – it has been awarded. 

Who must now be licensed?

To summarise, the following concerns will require a licence. 

• Boarding kennel
• 'At-home' boarding establishment
• Breeders – anyone breeding three or more litters per year
• Doggy day-care provider
• Anybody selling dogs they did not breed themselves – including pet shops

Those that do not require a licence are: dog walkers, groomers and hydrotherapists. 

We hope that this has helped clarify the changes next month. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your local council.

Animals in the News

In today's blog post, we bring you two contrasting news stories relating to animal tourism.

Tourist guard shoots a polar bear in Norway

Whilst leading a group of tourists from the MS Bremen cruise ship on the northernmost island of Norway's Svalbard archipelago, a polar bear attacked and injured a ship guard. A second guard shot the bear "in self-defence," and unfortunately, the polar bear died. 

The action has caused outrage, with many blaming the attack on human intrusion of the polar bear's natural habitat. The Svalbard Islands are known for their rugged landscape of glaciers and ice caps, and are home to around 3000 polar bears – greatly outnumbering the human population in this part of the world. 

Comedian Ricky Gervais was one of the many who spoke out against the bear's killing.

Bears behaviour has changed in recent years, as they react to a shrinking mass of Arctic ice by spending more time on land and travelling further distances to hunt. This, combined with the sharp rise in Arctic tourism over the last few years, has meant that there are now very strict rules, with one guide posting on the Haag-Lloyd website that "we all need to be vigilant when we are ashore."

Although it shouldn't have come to this, we hope this incident was a one-off, and that those visiting the islands can be safe, whilst respectful of remaining local wildlife.

Thomas Cook has stopped selling tickets to visit SeaWorld, Florida

Florida might well be the place where many Britons flock to see all the incredible theme parks, but if you are booking with Thomas Cook, you'll no longer be able to get tickets for SeaWorld. The tour operator said the decision was made because of customer feedback and evidence from animal welfare specialists. 

Thomas Cook's chief executive, Peter Fankhauser, said:

"This was not a decision we took lightly. We have actively engaged with a range of animal welfare specialists in the last 18 months, and taken account of the scientific evidence that have provided."

The ban on the sale of tickets to attractions that hold captive orcas, which also includes tickets to Tenerife's Loro Parque, will start from next summer. This also covers 29 other attractions that have been removed from sales as a result of the new animal welfare policy.

It's a step in the right direction for animals in captivity, and we hope that many other travel providers can follow Thomas Cook's lead!

Kac and Lisa are seeing stars!

Kac Young has many attributes to her name – producer, TV writer, director, multiple doctorates – and now, dog owner. Together with Lisa Tenzin-Dolma – founder of the Dog Issues Advice Line (DIAL) and The International School for Canine Practitioners (ISCP) – she has written The Supposedly Enlightened Person's Guide to Raising a Dog, an exceptional book that explores Kac's latest venture of becoming a 'dog mom.'

Having previously only been a cat owner, Kac never imagined having a dog, until she met Talulah; sometimes; the dog choses you! Having consulted Lisa on all-things dog-related from the start, it is only natural that Kac's anecdotes should be followed by Lisa's observations and guidance. Combined, Kac and Lisa provide a vital insight into the best way to establish a loving and trusting relationship between you and your dog.

This book is proving a very popular read amongst Hubble &Hattie fans, with multiple five star reviews; it seems that Kac and Lisa have hit upon a winning formula with their co-production!

"The book takes the reader through rehoming centres, and how to find the right dog for you; this is all achieved in super true-story form in how Talulah settles in, and necessities such as toilet training, feeding, other pets … in this case six cats! Chapters follow with Talulah making appearances in photos throughout. I love the last paragraph, as I think it is so important: 'Have fun with your dogs, and make the most of every moment. Drink in his love and devotion and offer the same in return.' Both entertaining and informative, this book is totally delightful, and a wonderful read for dog owners new and old."

– Dog Training Weekly

"Enjoy an uplifting read about learning to love a dog, and learning to earn a dog's love too! Marc Bekoff's foreward to this book is an enduring endorsement of the pioneering work of Hubble & Hattie in publishing books written by ethical guardians of other species. Behind this superbly illustrated saga shines a beautiful bright light that will never be extinguished. Kac Young's gentle self-deprecating humour permeates The Supposedly Enlightened Person's Guide to Raising a Dog and offers comfort and wisdom to the newbie dog guardian. Lisa Tenzin-Dolma is the patient mentor strengthening the connection between Kac, Talulah, and then also Truffle. Lisa taught Kac the language of dogs in this insightful journey of developing an enduring, respectful relationship between species. Integrating an adopted dog into the busy lives of two professional adults is hard work. Kac's carefully documented account offers so much. It covers every imaginable aspect of helping a dog to understand the chaotic world of humans.

"Kac shares her aspirations as an adoptive guardian in a heart-warming read. She embraces her new role with humility, a willingness to learn and a heart full of unconditional love. Lisa's generous advice is also compressed into easy-to-follow dot points. The Supposedly Enlightened Person's Guide to Raising a Dog is irresistible."

– Geelong Obedience Dog Club

"I loved this book so much! A proud rescuer myself, I related to everything Kac wrote about here, and even learned a few cool new things about my boy, this creature who never ceases to amaze me (and exasperate me) at the age of seven. If you're a dog lover – or a cat lover (or a something in between) – you'll enjoy this book. Happily, they also bring to light a few tips and tricks that will definitely come in handy if you're having trouble training your young and stubborn one. This is such a great book! Wonderful job, Kac and Lisa – and very well written, too!"

– J Randy and Spencer, NY Times Book List Best Seller

"The stories of life as a first-time adopter describe Kac's progression from slightly shell-shocked beginner to savvy, adoring dog guardian. Entertaining and informative, readers will see how Kac consulted with behaviourist Lisa Tenzin-Dolma on all-things dog-related, and will get Lisa's own observations and guidance on a wide range of subjects following Kac and Talulah's many stories. An engaging, entertaining, and informative read from cover to cover, The Supposedly Enlightened Person's Guide to Raising a Dog will help anyone with a new canine companion of their own start off on the right foot – or paw – with a new dog, or get reacquainted with a long-time canine friend and companion!"

– Midwest Book Review

"I have read this book at least three times before commencing this review, and, as someone who has been involved with the subject for a lifetime, learned something new each time I read it. I found it fascinating and am convinced that anyone, irrespective of experience, who has a new dog, no matter whether puppy or adult, will find it an extremely helpful guide. I found each chapter – no matter how short – interesting and instructive. I was learning without realising it! I am sure that it is not a book that will be left gathering dust on the shelf, but will be referred to time and the again. Buy it, read it, and be educated and entertained. Whatever your experience, I am sure you will not regret the decision."

– Trevor Turner, BVetMed, MRCVS, FRSH, MCIArb

In addition to all of these fabulous reviews, Kac has taken it upon herself to go on her own press tour, scheduling radio and television interviews around California and beyond, to talk about her book, ahead of its in-store release in the United States. During these interviews, we get to learn more about Kac's new found home life: how she simply fell in love with Talulah in an instant, despite being convinced that the only pets she ever needed were her cats; how Kac's and Lisa's friendship developed over the years; how Kac was inspired by Lisa's story with her own rescue dog, Charlie – which you can read for yourself in Lisa's book Charlie – The Dog Who Came in from the Wild, also from Hubble & Hattie – how the idea for this book came about … the list really does go on! Click the following links to hear Kac's and Lisa's interviews.

• Home Town Radio
• Conscious Talk Radio 
• Conscious Living

Radio host Wendy Garrett, from Conscious Living, also shared her own review of the book off-air, which we have for you here:
"Timely perspective and insight on so many relevant topics. Choc-full of compassionate understanding, gentle reproach and non-punitive, illustrative techniques to help reinforce and reward our cherished companions in ways that speak directly to them, you succeed in advocating guidance that is a win/win situation for the pet, especially for those who know their person has a heart but is flat-out of clues. The beautiful pictures are so well done and fun!"

See for yourself what makes this book so incredibly marvellous, by heading over to our online shop – as well as Lisa's book about Charlie –  and consider yourself 'supposedly enlightened' as well!

 

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!

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

A day in the life of ...

... a KAR Rescue Centre Volunteer

High in the Besparmak Mountains of Northern Cyprus, is Kyrenia Animal Rescue. It's a rescue centre very dear to H&H Publisher, Jude, as it's where she met and adopted Immie, the resident H&H hound, 14 years ago. The centre is run for the most part by hard-working volunteers, and we would like to take a moment to salute these dedicated people who make the lives of Northern Cyprus' stray dogs and cats a lot brighter.

Over the next few months, we'll be getting to know some of these volunteers as they take us through a typical day working with the animals in their care. In this instalment, we're joining Caroline as she gets cooking ...

  

"Up at 6.00am – an early start. A hasty snack for breakfast before I pack my bag with the requisite items: sandwich for lunch, water and a pair of appropriate shoes. It looks as if, yet again, it will be hot. Very hot. I swap my small bottle of water for a larger one that has been in the freezer.

"I join two of the team who live nearby, and we pile into the car, heading through the early morning traffic to Girne, all of us chuntering about the state of the roads. We manage to negotiate the worst of the traffic and roadworks, and join more of our fellow workers at the KAR van. A well-worn but trusty vehicle, it stands high off the ground, and we short ladies with a larger waistline have a bit of an undignified scramble to climb in the front. Those who can’t fit next to the driver sit on old cushions on the floor in the rear for the trip up to the Arapkoy Centre. In all there are six of us today.

"The combined choir of three hundred-plus dogs in the compounds greets our arrival. The cats yawn, stretch and peer sleepily out of their beds and boxes. On this particular morning, there are no animals abandoned at the top of the track leading to the Centre – an all too common occurrence. The team are allocated specific tasks, and today I am on ‘The House’ – responsible for the animals staying in the main building (two puppies and two adult dogs), cleaning up the kitchens, loo and prep rooms, cooking a vast amount of pasta, and subsequently feeding the fourteen dogs in the adjacent compounds. A busy day lies ahead ...

"KAR depends solely on the donations of the public, its voluntary workers and the kindness of a variety of benefactors to keep it going.  Some hotels kindly supply us with leftover food from their kitchens to help feed the animals – and the results can be fairly interesting. As we are slopping out today’s mush of bread, gravy and veg to feed the four dogs in the back room of The House, I come across a rather odd-shaped lump of flesh. I am wondering quite what this is when one of the lads informs me that it’s a sheep testicle.  We dig around in the slop (rubber gloves a must) and find several more, so we chuck them in a pan ready to cook later for the puppies. I casually mention that I shall have to chop them up into very small pieces, at which there is a concerted wince from the chaps. Concealing a smirk, I take the items out to be boiled and put on two huge vats of pasta to cook. 

"In the back rooms of our building we have treatment pens for small, sick animals, or those undergoing treatment. Larger dogs who need to be isolated are accommodated with their beds in the two rooms available. Today, I have two small Pointer pups in one of the pens – siblings who are being given preventative treatment for Parvo. A pretty Golden Spaniel and a black-and-tan Lurcher make up the remainder of the group.

"I set to with the poop scoop, mops and buckets to clear up the night’s detritus, cleaning out the pups and moving them into a fresh, clean pen with a plastic bottle to play with whilst I get their food ready. It is not a job for the squeamish, or those with a sensitive stomach! 

"The main office holds the Centre administrative functions, and is where we greet visitors. A different mop and bucket is hauled out (another load of pasta is put on to cook) and I dust, polish and mop to make the place look nice and tidy. Through the door, I can see my team-mates trundling their equipment around, hosing out the pens, filling bowls with fresh water, and making sure that any medication is administered. The ‘cat people’ move a group of cats out of their pen into the play area, and do the same.

"Next I clean the kitchen areas, and I decide to boil the testicles while I am working in there. The resultant pong is truly horrendous, and every fly in the neighbourhood drops in to see what this delicious concoction might be. I beat a hasty retreat, leaving the noisome mess bubbling on the stove whilst we break for coffee.  

"A family turns up with cans of dog food. They tour the pens and fuss the dogs, then bath two pups. One takes exception, making a bid to escape and causing mayhem as he runs around the yard with us in hot (literally) pursuit. The bath may not be popular, but the strokes and cuddles while being rubbed down and dried make it all worthwhile. 

"After lunch, another four packs of pasta are boiled up. The preparation room now holds dustbins full of food, and it is time to feed the dogs. Bowls (many well chewed) are filled and taken out. I stand in the pens that I am working on as the occupants eat to make sure that war doesn’t break out, also giving the animals some fuss – and a once over for ticks and fleas. Some dogs like to have their food placed up on top of their kennels, others cheerfully amble from dish to dish, sampling everyone else’s as well as their own. There is no animosity; everyone gets enough to eat. The bowls are washed up and the residue of gravy, bread and vegetables cleaned off the prep room floor. Empty food bins are hosed out and the testicles, now cooked and cooled, are chopped up and gleefully welcomed by the puppies as their second meal of the day. Yummy!

"I clean up behind the pups and dogs in the back room again, then head outside to watch a puppy out in the main run. She is racing round, nipping her mates and jumping on them. The others join in, and a mad five minutes of silliness ensue before they all suddenly collapse and go to sleep in the shade, piled up together in a furry heap.

"Last job – clean the loo so it’s fresh and nice for the staff and visitors the following day. The team have closed up the pens, made sure that the security cameras are on and the gates to the walks are locked. We have had people breaking in, vandalising the compounds and upsetting the animals. I put all my mops in water and disinfectant, then do a last-minute water bowl check, pat a head and rub a proffered tummy. 

"Back on the van, the return journey is a mirror image of the morning. As I get home, my own three dogs race around the corner of the house to greet me, three lucky little animals who all came to us from the Centre. I throw my clothes in for washing, shower and sit down to a peaceful evening. One dog hops up beside me on the settee and puts her nose on my knee. It has been a busy day – ten hours from end to end – but worth every moment for the pleasure of seeing vulnerable animals well cared for."

To learn more about the work of KAR and the animals in its care, visit the website.

Meeting and greeting

Hubble & Hattie author Gill Garratt is out and about meeting some interesting people!

Our great new book, Your dog and you ... Understanding the canine psyche, is due out near the end of the month, and the book's author, Gill Garratt has been tirelessly promoting it – and having fun at the same time! Check out this great photo of her enjoying an evening with the charming Gyles Brandreth – who was very interested in the book, and another of her and author (and dog-lover!), Patrick Gale! Fantastic, Gill!

Your dog and you will be available near the end of the month. For more info check out the Hubble & Hattie website!

It's National Pet Month! Celebrate your pets this April!

National Pet Month is a chance for pet lovers across the UK to come together and celebrate life with their pets. Not only that, but it's a fantastic opportunity to remind ourselves of how important it is to look after our pets responsibly, and to support the work of the many pet charities across the UK who work tirelessly for injured, ill and homeless pets. There are loads of really simple ways to get involved and show your support. Check out the NPM website for some fundraising ideas, and to check if there are any events happening near you! You can also get involved via social media by liking the National Pet Month Facebook Page. For dog lovers, there's also Park Bench Facebook page, and Scratching Post for cat fans! You can also connect through Twitter – remember to use #NationalPetMonth hashtag when tweeting about your events or experiences!

This year's theme is one very close to our hearts, pets and the elderly. Animals bring so much joy and support to the lives of older people; they provide comfort, companionship and mental and physical stimulation to many people who might struggle to find it otherwise. Charities, such as Pets as Therapy, make a big difference to the lives of nursing home residents by bringing animals to visit. And don't forget our older animal friends, whose needs may change as they become seniors. Hubble & Hattie's range of care books, such as My Cat has Arthritis, My dog has arthritis and My dog is blind focuses specifically on caring for pets with age-onset conditions, and aim to help owners understand the needs of their animal friends, and ensure a happy and comfortable retirement for your pets. Visit the Hubble & Hattie site for more info.

This month is also a good time to raise awareness of older animals in rehoming centres who may be overlooked because of their age. Charities such as the Oldies Club work to ensure seniors find loving forever homes to spend their retirement years in. H&H's own Liz recently adopted an Oldie of her own, Maggie May, and the two of them have never been happier!

Competition time with H&H and National Pet Month

In honour of National Pet Month, we're giving away a copy of our fab book, My Dog, my Friend, every week for the next five weeks! To be in with a chance of winning, simply email us at info@hubbleandhattie.com with your favourite animal-related charity, and each week we'll pick our favourite to feature on the Hubble & Hattie blog and Facebook page! If we feature your charity, you're a winner! Remember, the theme is pets and the elderly, so we're especially keen to hear about charities which enlist the help of animals to aid the elderly, or those that help older animals. Good luck!

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.

Animals and wellbeing – part two

Us pet owners are a lucky bunch – as we've already discovered, our pets have a tremendous impact on our general wellbeing. From getting us out of the house for a spot of exercise, to making us feel better when we’re down, our pets definitely have the ability to enrich our lives.

Over the next few months we’re going to take a look at the various benefits our interactions with the animal world have on our general wellbeing. This month, the focus is on animals and our physical health.

Animals and physical wellbeing

Let’s face it – if given the option to either go out for a brisk, healthy walk, or stay in and snuggle up on the sofa, many of us would choose the sofa. Thank goodness, then, for our dogs! Their get-up-and-go ensures couch-potatoes everywhere are up, out and active at least twice a day. 

Walking the dog has obvious health benefits. Even a short walk means you’re burning calories, keeping your heart healthy and your muscles active.

But why stop there? Our dogs' boundless joy at being out and about with you makes them the perfect personal trainers if you’re looking to start a new fitness regime! As this article from The Bark explains, exercising with your dog offers companionship and motivation that can help us stick to our plan with more success than if we were attempting it alone. For a start, your dog won’t accept "It’s raining so I won’t go jogging today," as an excuse!

Walking our dogs has obvious health benefits, but there’s good news for cat owners, too! Anyone whose had a purring cat curl up in their lap will know it’s a calming and comforting sound, but did you know it’s also good for you? The frequency of a cat’s purr can actually help lower blood pressure and alleviate stress, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke! In fact, cat owners are 40% less likely to suffer a heart attack than those who don't own one.

Our pets are also great for our children’s health. Kids who grow up with pets in the home are less likely to develop allergies, and will have a stronger immune system than those who don’t. Children who grow up with cats are also less likely to develop asthma as they grow older (providing their parents don’t already suffer with it, or have a cat allergy). 

Our pets can help reduce health risks and keep us healthy, but they can also keep us safe. Assistance dogs change people’s lives for the better, allowing freedom, independence and mobility.

Seizure dogs can be trained to alert others to someone having a seizure, or lay with the sufferer to keep them safe while a seizure occurs. There is ongoing research into the incredible ability of some dogs who can ‘predict’ when a person is going to have a seizure and alert them, giving them time to get somewhere safe.

Animals have the incredible ability to lift our spirits, and this in itself is a key benefit to our physical wellbeing. As explored in the book, Partners – Everyday working dogs being heroes every day, a hospital visit from a therapy dog, like Hoop, the Golden Retriever, can make a big difference to those in pain, or undergoing rehabilitation after an accident:

“In a rehab situation Hoop truly became a very unique therapeutic tool. Standing up more because they weren’t afraid of losing their balance, Hoop helped patients work longer and harder. Making their therapy fun while at the same time challenging them to do just a little more brightened their day without causing the usual anxiety or fear.” (p134)

We know that the animals in our lives can have amazing benefits on our mental health, and it turns out this is also true for our physical wellbeing. From getting us out of the house on a normal day to helping us re-learn to walk after an accident, animals remind us that we’re not alone. They’ll be there to encourage us and keep us safe. In short, they’ve got our back, rain or shine. All that’s left for us to do is make sure we do the same for them in return …

Are you ready for Ruffs?

 

Is your dog the happiest hound around? Have you transformed the life of a rescue dog? Then enter your dog in Ruffs, the RSPCA's alternative dog show!

Born out of frustration with beauty pageant-style dog shows such as Crufts, which judge dogs on the basis of their looks, even when it’s those very looks that can cause them to suffer unnecessarily, Ruffs welcomes all canines – from Golden Oldies to the Perfectly imperfect. This dog show with a difference celebrates dogs for the right reasons – their health, happiness, and welfare.

This year's categories are:

Happiest Hound – Send us pictures of your dog's happiest, smiliest or most contented face.
Perfectly imperfect – Especially for ‘wonky’ dogs who will never be ‘perfect’ according to  arbitrary ‘breed standards,’ but who are perfect in your eyes
Best transformation – Send in before and after pictures of your rescued pooch The RSPCA is after examples of the most heart-warming transformations which demonstrate that ‘rescued’ is the best breed!
Best rescued ex-breeder – Let’s not forget about the many dogs discarded when they’re no longer producing puppies. Send in pictures of your ex-breeders finally enjoying a slice of the good life.
Best RSPCA rescue dog – Was your dog adopted from the RSPCA? Send in your pictures and their stories.
Golden Oldies – For older ladies and gentlemen over eight years old. Send in pictures of your dogs enjoying their retirement!

The deadline for entries is 20th February 2015. For more information, and to find out how to enter, visit the RSPCA's Ruffs website, and keep up to date with news by following #Ruffs on Twitter. Good luck to you and your happy, healthy hounds!