Paws for a cause – Peace by Piece

Peace by Piece is Animals Asia’s new landmark campaign to help rescue and rehabilitate over 130 moon bears in Nanning, China. These bears have been kept in horrendous conditions – many trapped in tiny cages from birth – and farmed for their bile.

Animals Asia is taking over custody and care of the bears, leasing the land and facilities. This will be the largest rescue of its kind in the world – a remarkable project to turn the old bear farm into a home for these amazing animals. Not only that, the site will also house a sanctuary and education centre. By uniquely working with the Chinese government, Animals Asia will also ensure that this new sanctuary will provide meaningful jobs to the nine existing farm workers, who are being retrained to become skilled bear carers at this new groundbreaking sanctuary. So, this isn't just a bear rescue, it's a landmark initiative to help change the hearts and minds of other farmers in the region.

The farm will be transformed into an amazing sanctuary, with cosy dens where the resident bears can
sleep at night in hanging-basket beds, and retreat for shade and rest during the day; pools to play and relax in; a special indoor/outdoor cub area with climbing structures to keep them happy and active, and a play area with ever-changing enrichment toys to challenge the cubs and keep their intelligent minds stimulated. Additionally, there will be an onsite veterinary clinic, bear kitchen (where the bear's healthy meals of chopped fresh vegetables, grains, dog food and fruit are prepared), and an accommodation and training centre for our onsite vet and bear care team, including the retrained farm workers.

The project has had a lot of attention from celebrities, including Dame Judi Dench and Olivia Newton
John. Even the cast of Downton Abbey is helping to spread the word!

 

This inspiring, groundbreaking project hopes not only to give the 130 bears of the Nanning farm better lives, but through education and rehabilitation, raise awareness of this amazing animal in surrounding communities, with the aim of preventing the needless cruelty that many of China's bears still endure.

To find out how you can help, or to learn more about the project, visit the Peace by Piece website.

Have a pet-safe summer!

Summer is a great time to get out and about, whether it be a two-week camping trip, a long walk in your local area, or even just a day spent playing in the garden! Whatever you're up to this summer, we're sure your faithful furry friends will want to be at your side, so with that in mind, make sure to follow our helpful tips to ensure your pets are summer-safe.

Dogs die in hot cars

Even with the window down or a screen over the windshield, a car can get dangerously hot very quickly, so NEVER leave a dog in the car unattended. Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting, and in a stuffy, hot car, it's not possible for them to cool down, leading to heatstroke and even death.
To see just how hot a car can get, check out this incredible video of a vet experiencing what it's like for a dog trapped in a car:

If you're taking a trip, make sure that where you're going is dog-friendly before setting out to ensure your dog can accompany you.
For more advice on what to do if your dog suffers from heatstroke, or if you see a dog locked in a car on a hot day, visit the RSPCA's dedicated site by clicking here.

The trick to ticks
It's tick season, so be on the lookout for these bloodsuckers on yourself and your pets, particularly if you've been out walking in long grass or wooded areas. Check around the eyes, ears, legs and underside in particular. Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to avoid the spread of disease, and they must be removed properly to prevent any part of the tick remaining in your pet, and to avoid stress to the tick itself. A stressed tick can regurgitate the contents of its stomach, heightening the risk of infection in you or your pet!
Invest in a tick removal tool like this, which you simply slide under the tick, twist and lift gently. The tick should let go of its own accord after a few twists.

 Sticks and stones ... 
What dog doesn't love to play fetch when you're out and about? It's great fun ... but make sure you're playing with safe toys and not sticks or pebbles. Sticks can shatter and get lodged in your dog's throat, and stones and pebbles can chip their teeth and block their windpipe if accidentally swallowed. Instead, why not take your dog's favourite frisbee, a tennis ball, or even a Kong Safestix, which are not only safe, but float, too, for seaside fun!

Don't forget your suncream!

Pets can get sunburnt just as easily as we can! Ask your vet about pet-safe suncream, particularly if your pet has light colouring. Pink noses and white ears are especially susceptible, so take care to keep them covered!

Finally, always make sure your pets have access to fresh, clean water, and cool, shaded areas if the heat gets too much. When you're out and about with your dog, make sure you take a bottle of water and something for your dog to drink from, and avoid going out at the hottest part of the day.

Most importantly, have a fun, safe summer with your pets!

Competition time with Kong!

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 Kong toys on the website, and remember to like the Facebook page for all the latest news, photos and competitions! 

Paws for a cause – Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Established in 1965, Margaret Green Animal Rescue is the oldest and largest animal rescue charity founded in Dorset. Every year, the charity cares for over 1200 animals – many of whom have been abandoned, unwanted or ill-treated – and rehomes them to loving owners. With two centres in Dorset (Lincoln Farm and Church Knowle) and one in Devon (Wingletang Rescue), there is always a large variety of animals looking for forever homes, including dogs, cats, rabbits, donkeys, goats and pigs, to name just a few!
Margaret Green, founder of the Charity, was an amazing lady with incredible strength and determination. She passed away on Christmas Eve 2009, age 94. Despite being hospitalised for some weeks prior to her death, she still wouldn’t stop thinking of animals. Even on the night before she died, she insisted on checking that arrangements had been made for her annual Christmas donation of carrots for Angel and all the other horses at the Church Knowle Centre.

Margaret devoted much of her life to the rescue and care of animals, and everyone involved with the charity promises to continue her good work for the sake of all the animals in their care.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue receives no government funding, and relies heavily on donations to continue carrying out its important work. Every penny of every pound donated goes towards animal welfare.
Check out this video to find out a little more about the folk at Margaret Green Animal Rescue:

 

The Church Knowle centre near Wareham, Dorset, is free to visit, and has a great visitor's centre. It's also the place to go if you're thinking of adopting an animal such as a cat, rabbit, guinea pig or field or farm animal. Give them a call on 01929 480474, between 10am and 4pm every day for details.
Church Knowle also hosts an annual companion dog show and family fun day on Sunday 3rd August between 11am and 4pm. Why not enter your hound in the pedigree and novelty classes; enjoy the stalls; enter the raffle or grand draw, and enjoy something to eat and a glass of Pimms!

If you are thinking of giving a dog a loving forever home, please call the staff at Lincoln Farm Rescue & Rehoming for Dogs, Blandford on 01929 471340, or if you are thinking of rehoming a cat or a dog and you are based in Devon, please call the staff at Wingletang Rescue & Rehoming Centre for Cats & Dogs, near Tavistock on 01822 810215. 

For more information on any aspect of the work carried out by the Margaret Green, or to rehome an animal or make a donation, please contact your local Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre. Alternatively, email ck@margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk or visit the website.

Jenga cat!

If you've not seen this video yet of a cat playing Jenga, then you are in for a real treat! This clever moggy is even better at the game than we are!

Click here to check it out. Altogether now ... "Ahhhhh!"

We love pet dads!

June 15th is Father's Day, and we wanted to take some time to celebrate each and every dad out there, including those of you whose kids are ... well ... a little on the fluffy side!

Throughout the month, we'll be asking you to send us your pictures of the pet dads in your life. Send us your pet dad pics, like the ones above, and we'll add them to our Facebook gallery!

Simply like the Hubble & Hattie Facebook page, and post your pet dad photo directly on to our wall. Alternatively, you can tweet your image to @HubbleandHattie, or email info@hubbleandhattie.com. Remember to use the #DAD2014 hastag!

Looking for the perfect present for a pet dad? Check out the H&H website for some great gift ideas!

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!