Credit Crunch

MAN’S best friend has become a victim of the credit crisis – with hard-up families in areas across the country abandoning their dogs or having them put down.Rescue centres in Cornwall have reported an increase in the number of animals handed in by owners who have either been evicted from their homes or are struggling with rising interest rates and fuel and food prices. Animals are also facing neglect because their owners are having to take second jobs or work over-time to meet costs.And with summer approaching, sanctuaries are dreading the influx of strays when families abandon their pets rather than pay for boarding kennels.Cambourne-based Sue Smith, who runs one of the county’s canine campaigning groups, said: “People are looking within their families to reduce their outgoings, and non-necessities and dogs are becoming the invisible victims.“It’s soul-destroying. To some people dogs are their family, their life and their passion and they are pleading with us and desperate.”

Does Your Pet Have Alzheimer's Disease?

Many pet owners are overlooking the tell tale signs of Alzheimer's in their pets. Recent research has revealed that many pets may be suffering from a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease according to a study conducted by VetPlus.

The survey, which elicited responses from 981 pet owners, found that a third of pets aged seven and older show significant signs of cognitive dysfunction. Commenting on the findings, Bo Bronserud, managing director of VetPlus, says, “Most pet owners are unaware that their pet is suffering from “Alzheimer’s” even though they may see the changes associated with age-related behavioural disorders. However, this will often be accepted as part of the aging process, and as pet owners are largely unaware of any treatments that are available, they may not see the point in taking any action. “We are a nation of animal lovers, and with more than 5 million dog owners alone in the UK, the number of animals suffering from “Alzheimer’s” without their owners being aware could be as high as a million,” says Bronserud.

According to animal behaviourist Sarah Heath, early signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (Alzheimer’s) include decreased alterations in social interaction, increased disorientation, altered sleep patterns and changes to toileting habits. “Dogs, and particularly those over 8 years of age are more likely to start displaying signs of cognitive decline, which can result in them becoming less sociable with familiar people and animals and appearing disorientated within their own homes ” explains Heath. "In addition, they are even hostile towards people they know. They may sleep more and have an increase in “accidents” around the house." Pip Boydell, who runs the Animal Medical Centre in Manchester and Yorkshire spends his working life dealing with diseases of the brain and eye at his animal referral hospitals was quick to support the findings. “Where an older dog is not showing normal interaction with the family or owner and further investigation has helped to rule out any of the potentially nasty brain diseases, it may be that the underlying condition is age-related brain degeneration.” In the past, pet owners have been reluctant to take their pets to the vet in such cases as for many years euthanasia was the only option offered. Side affects often associated with traditional drugs that have been used to treat age related cognitive dysfunction have contributed to the low number of people who have opted to treat their pets. This concern can now be allayed with the emergence of a new form of treatment that has none of the side affects associated with previous treatment methods.

Sarah Heath who was involved in clinical trials to test the new treatment explained “Aktivait is a nutraceutical which has been proven to aid the management of dogs suffering from cognitive dysfunction behavioural symptoms. It is the first canine nutraceutical to be scientifically proven in this expanding field”.

Boydell adds: “Although I retain a degree of scepticism I find many dogs with diseases that involve degeneration of brain tissue often associated with brain tumours and meningitis for example, show a marked improvement following supplementation of Aktivait.”

Copyright © K9 Media Solutions Ltd, 2005. All rights reserved.

PET STREET

PetStreet.co.uk is a social networking website, but unlike MySpace orFaceBook, PetStreet has a specific purpose ­ its members have a passion forthe animals that share our lives. It¹s free to use, every owner has a pageand then can open pages, and upload photos, for all their pets. Once signedup, people can talk to people and pets can talk to pets and so ideas,information and experiences can be shared. PetStreet was set up by Maurice Melzak ­ a zoologist and film-maker with a huge interest in the important role of companion animals in our lives. One of the things that makes PetStreet unique is that there is a clear editorial voice. The editors blog raises all sorts of issues that often generate a great deal of discussion on PetStreet. Examples include Dublin City Councils recent attempt to ban tenants keeping certain breeds of dog,VAT on vets bills, dogs electrocuted by lampposts in London or the Teesside man given an Asbo for a string of offences, including throwing dogs into the path of oncoming traffic! Many issues are raised by PetStreet members ­ one, Rachel Sanderson, a passionate pet owner living on a farm, was not allowed to rehome a dog because her farm was not enclosed. This opened a vigorous debate on the criteria used by rehoming centres. Another member, a young man who keeps Staffy-type dogs was tired of being compared with less responsible owners. So raised the question of a PetStreet campaign where kids who want to keep these dogs are educated and encouraged in responsible dog ownership. PetStreet also has a poll to gauge public opinion on pet-related issues. A current one asks if it is too easy to own a dog. There are also fun items like cartoons and a themed Pet Idol competition where members can upload photos of their pets to be voted on by other members. PetStreet is only just beginning, but its clear ethos of ethical and responsible pet ownership is beginning to strike a chord with pet-loverseverywhere.

http://www.petstreet.co.uk/

Tug

No Chester thats not helping your suppost to be on the boys side!

All aboard

The boys share a chew.

Not sure about this getting wet thing!!!

I dont have that many paws!

Companion Dog Show - Jarrow

1 June 2008

Event ~ Companion dog ShowVenue
Headworthfield Community Centre, JarrowTime ~ Sunday 1st June

Caer Urfa Canine Ringcraft Club are once again holding their annual Companion Dog Show in aid of Pets As Therapy and Hedworthfield Community Centre. Come along and meet some of the Pets As Therapy volunteers and their PAT dogs, while joining the Pedigree and Novelty classes.

Taking a rest

Butcher's Great North Dog Walk

This June make it a Father's Day to remember and take part in the Butcher's Great North Dog Walk. Taking place on Sunday 15th June in South Shields, enjoy a leisurely day out with the whole family whilst taking part in the largest ever dog walk. Come and enjoy the great outdoors!The internationally recognised event, which was first launched in 1990, takes place over some of the county's most stunning landscape. There will be a selection of four different routes ranging in distance and stretching across beautiful coastal paths with breathtaking sea views, so there is something for all abilities. Surfaces also range between grass, gravel and concrete allowing for buggies, wheelchairs, the young and the elderly, disabled and older dogs. There is no excuse not to take part! A great day out for adults and children alike, with activities to keep the whole family entertained from face painting to doggy displays.

Registration opens at 9am and the walk officially starts at 10am.

To participate in the Butcher's Great North Dog Walk either visit www.cooksondogwalk.co.uk to fill out your registration form, or participants may register on the day.

IVT PRODUCTIONS - are looking for dog enthusiasts

ITV Productions...Are looking for dog enthusiasts to take part in a new series.

Do you spend more time grooming your dog than you do yourself? Is it actually your dog who dresses to impress rather than you?

Is looking good too much like hard work because you’re always covered in muddy paw prints, dog hairs and drool?

If your dog is more glamorous than you, or if the clothes you buy revolve around your love of animals then contact us NOW.

Undress2@itv.com or 0871 626 6666

Grandma and Granddad's

Today Chester had his first Sunday lunch at Grandma's, its her Birthday next week so the whole family attended, including 7 dogs. We all enjoyed our lunch!

Chester meets Trudy

I can see you!

Toys

Its fab here I have taken over the toy box and no matter how much my dad's tidy up I empty the box!

Ladies Man

Hard work

Its so hard working being the baby of the house! Luckly there are loads of beds around here!

Poppy Love

Hi my mum was called Poppy will you look after me?

Josh takes Chester under his wing

Well Josh has found a new buddy and Chester a new mentor. Josh is teaching him how to watch the fishes in the pond and the great game of tug. Josh also took Chesters to the Vets this morning for his first shot. Chester was of course just like Josh, a big brave dog, not even a wimper with the injection.

Welcome to Chester

No not the place but the new addition to the pack. We picked Chester up yesterday from a fantastic place near Kings Lynn, 500 plus miles later we were home. Chester and Josh have become best buddies, with Josh teaching Chester to play tug this morning. More Chester information and Pictures to follow, mainly so Tracy can keep an eye on him!

Puppy Update

Many of you will know we have tried for a second time to mate Jessie (Chocolate Roan) with Josh (Blue Roan). Well Jessie went for her scan this week which was negative. The vet did say that there maybe one pup hiding somewhere and we need another scan, but it looks like Josh is too old to be a daddy!!! The search now starts for another male pup of our own or a stud. So what this space there maybe the sound of tiny paws!