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Uniting to help battle animal abuse in SA

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Animal Abuse

THE Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL), in partnership with dotsure.co.za Pet Insurance hosted Walk on The Wild Side, a 5km fun walk at the Rietvlei Zoo Farm, South of Johannesburg recently.

The event managed to raise much-needed funds, a whopping R50 000, which will assist the AACL in looking after the animals in their care — a result of which both the AACL and dotsure.co.za are extremely proud of as they share a passion for animal well-being and giving every homeless pet a fighting chance.

Pooches and pet lovers united to march through the beautiful Rietvlei koppies for a generous cause close to the hearts of all the participants. The money raised at the event will go a long way in assisting the AACL Johannesburg with the massive task of feeding the animals in their care as well as with their sterilisation project. Around 200 people and 150 furry friends took part in the adventurous stroll. Some lucky pet parents even walked away with awesome prizes and goodies from dotsure.co.za, Montego and Regal. Generous participants also donated dog food at the event.

Managing Director of pet insurance provider dotsure.co.za David Roache said: “One of the causes closest to our heart is the work done by dedicated non-profit organisations like the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL), to combat animal cruelty.

“We’re proud of the fact that we can play our part in helping them make a difference to animals across South Africa. We are also very proud of our long-standing partnership with the AACL.”

The AACL is involved with all aspects of animal welfare, including providing shelter for abandoned animals, promoting an efficient adoption program, prosecuting animal cruelty cases, running welfare hospitals for lower income groups, visiting underprivileged areas with fully equipped mobile clinics and regularly educating schools and clubs on the challenges of animal welfare.

AACL Johannesburg Marketing Manager Carren Nickloes said: “On behalf of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League Johannesburg and dotsure.co.za Pet Insurance, we would like to thank you for supporting the first Walk on the Wild Side 5km fun walk, allowing us to raise much-needed funds for the animals in our care.”

Due to the public’s amazing support and passion, the second Walk on the Wild Side will be hosted in February 2020. See you next year for a better and bigger fun walk.

Source: News 24

Pet New Years Resolutions – part 3

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Pet

Image: Pixabay

Pet New Years Resolutions – part 3

Your pets can be healthier and happier in 2024 with some or all of these pawsome pet new year’s resolutions!

A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.

Re-publication: Originally published 18 January 2023

CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT & A SPACE THAT IS ONLY THEIRS

  • Keep toxic substances like medications, cleaning or gardening products, alcohol and toxic plants out of reach.
  • Just because a pet shop or vet sells something, doesn’t make it safe. Buy safe bedding and toys made of natural material without strong smells.
  • Clean their food and water bowls daily. We prefer stainless steel bowls to plastic.
  • Be careful about cleaning products, non-stick pans, air fresheners, or perfumes and candles you use that can affect your pets.
  • Resolve to take the time to safely secure your dog in the car on all car trips, regardless of the length of the journey. Never leave them alone in a car!
  • Start firework preparation before the festivities catch you unprepared.
  • Secure your yard so it is safe and so that pets can’t escape or get poisoned from the street.
  • Keep your cats safe in your yard.
  • Make sure there is proper shelter from all the elements.
  • Have a safe space in your home that belongs to them.

CREATE A PET-FRIENDLY GARDEN

Since our pets spend the most time at home or in the garden, we should do our best to build them safe, entertaining places to rest and play. Make sure all potentially harmful plants or substances are out of reach. Create some nice hiding places and vertical territory for your pets to enjoy and explore. Learn more about zoopharmacognosy, which allows your pet to self-select remedies that best soothe them, especially during periods of anxiety.

OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR PET EMERGENCIES OR GET PET INSURANCE

Be better prepared for the unexpected. This is a healthy habit and can save you a lot of worries later. Pet owners can now choose from a variety of pet insurance plans that meet their needs and fit every budget.

WRITE A BUCKET LIST FOR SENIOR PETS

What do you think your senior pet wants to do before crossing the Rainbow Bridge? You can make the last phase of your pet’s life memorable by compiling and completing a list of activities that will have their tail wagging and your heart soaring. Prepare in advance to navigate the Rainbow Bridge journey and making the tough but kind decision to euthanize your pet.

Pet

Image by The Paw Company

DO SOME COMMUNITY/PHILANTHROPY WORK FOR ANIMALS IN NEED

  • adopt or foster a pet
  • donate to a rescue or shelter
  • donate pet products like beds, towels, bowls, leashes, collars or food
  • volunteer at a shelter
  • say thank you to rescuers (and a vet)
  • take a shelter dog for a walk
  • sign a few petitions to help us save more animals
  • share lost and found animal posts to improve their chances of being reunited with their owners
  • join a specific cause like “stop fireworks”, “say no to the circus” or sterilizations campaigns

BALANCE YOUR MOOD (ENERGY)

Animals can pick up on our energies. We see how sensitive animals are to our emotional state. They get excited when we are or try to comfort you if you are down by climbing on your lap. If you’re continuously agitated or angry when you come home, this could negatively affect your pet’s emotional state. Maybe a good New Year’s resolution idea this year is to learn how to have balanced energy before coming home to see your furry family. Even though a walk might do you good, maybe not attempt it on a day that you are angry or frustrated or not in the mood because you might ruin the experience for your pet.

Keep in mind that barking, humping and digging for example are natural behaviours, but don’t allow your pet to do things if it frustrates you as this will not be good for either of you. There are alternative and healthy ways to deal with such natural behaviours.

FIND A GOOD PET SITTER

Identify what type of pet sitter service you need. Start your search as soon as possible, ask for referrals and interview potential sitters. For us, a big factor (apart from being trustworthy) is someone who has training in pet first aid (behaviour and grooming are a bonus) and who has professional documentation (forms and terms & conditions). List your pet sitter at your vet.

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

If you are planning to get a new pet, please do your homework in advance about the specie and their needs. It is important that the animal and breed you choose fit with your family’s energy levels and lifestyle. Please do not support breeders who fuel this massive overpopulation crisis, so opt to adopt from reputable organizations that include home checks, a contract and sterilization.

Pet

Image by The Paw Company

LIVE KINDER

Only visit True Sanctuaries and say no to those that offer animal rides, interaction, walk with, pet, or taking of photos with the animals.

  • Use your birthday to raise donations for a reputable animal shelter by asking friends and families to donate or let your wedding registry be donations to an animal shelter.
  • Organize a community clean-up because plastic and other trash are harmful to the environment and animals.
  • Support the life in your backyard like the small ecosystems, and animals and insects that live around your home.
  • Say no to pesticides and poisons because poisoning rats and other animals influences the natural food chain.

Choose to wear it kind by buying and wearing clothing ethically. Avoid leather, fur and wool and try sustainable, animal-friendly alternatives because their lives matter! Don’t buy products that are tested on animals. You can find the approved beauty brands on the Humane Guide.

EDUCATE & ADVOCATE

This is one we really want you to help us with! Try and share an educational post about animals regularly to help others learn more about animal care and welfare. Advocate for the voiceless and the unheard, especially about topics like breeding, selling, petting farms, the circus and fireworks.

FINALLY, CREATE A PLAN

Almost done. You have your pet and you have decided to make some pet-positive changes in the new year. You even have some great ideas now for pawsome resolutions. To execute these resolutions though, there needs to be detailed goals and an easy plan to follow every day. It is important to create a plan that you can stick to. Consider asking a friend to check in with and make sure you are keeping to those resolutions. Maybe start a calendar and write down the days and the goals. The most important part…..get excited!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your pet? Are you sticking to them?

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Why Should You Become a Fosterer?

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Fosterer

Why Should You Become a Fosterer?

As the need for animal foster homes continues to rise in South Africa, more and more people are stepping up to provide temporary care for cats and dogs. Becoming a foster parent for these animals is a fulfilling way to make a positive impact in their lives. Global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS highlights the importance and benefits of fostering, offering valuable insights and guidance for potential foster parents.

In South Africa, many cats and dogs find themselves in shelters due to abandonment, rescue from neglectful situations, or simply because their previous owners can no longer care for them. Shelters are often overcrowded, and animals may not receive the individual attention and care they need. Foster homes provide a safe and nurturing environment where these animals can thrive.

 FOUR PAWS outlines the benefits of becoming a foster parent:

  • Saving lives: By providing a temporary home, you help reduce the overcrowding in shelters, giving animals a better chance at finding permanent homes. Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS, states, “Fostering can be a lifeline for many animals. It offers them a chance to experience love and care, making them ready for adoption.”
  • Enhancing adoptability: Foster homes help animals adjust to a home environment, improving their social skills and behaviour. This transition makes them more appealing to potential adopters.
  • Personal fulfilment: Fostering is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment, knowing you are contributing to the well-being of these animals.

FOUR PAWS outlines the essential steps to becoming a foster parent:

  • Assess your readiness: Evaluate if you have the time, resources, and commitment to care for a foster pet. Consider your lifestyle, family dynamics, and financial situation. FOUR PAWS provides a guide to help determine your readiness to foster here.
  • Application process: Complete a foster application with a reputable shelter organisation. The process typically involves a home check to ensure a safe environment for the foster pet.
  • Training and support: After approval, receive training on caring for foster pets. This includes understanding their needs, behaviour, and handling potential challenges. Detailed guidance on the fostering process can be found here.
  • Welcoming your foster pet: Prepare your home with necessary supplies like food, bedding, and toys. Create a designated space where the pet can feel secure. For tips on welcoming a foster pet into your home, see the FOUR PAWS guide here.

Miles further emphasises the importance of fostering, “foster parents play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of animals. They provide the care and attention that animals need to recover and thrive. As a foster parent, you become an advocate for your foster pet, helping them find a forever home.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, visit the FOUR PAWS South Africa website for more infomation. Your decision to foster can make a world of difference to a cat or dog in need.