December 21st, 2011
Tommaso, a four year old former stray, has joined the ranks of such rich pets as Alexander McQueen’s dogs and Trouble, after inheriting a fortune worth €10 million. The black cat was taken in by Maria Assunta, an Italian widow of a wealthy property tycoon. With no children and fearing for her beloved cat’s future, she bequeathed her entire estate – including houses in Rome and Milan – to the pet. The nurse who looked after the 94 year old Assunta in her final months will now care for Tommaso.
By Sinéad. Posted in Cats, News
December 19th, 2011
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New Zealand woman, Annette Swoffer got quite a shock when she discovered a sleeping seal pup on the couch of her suburban home. A clattering noise alerted her to the fact something strange was happening downstairs: “I thought the cats brought a rabbit or something in, so I went down and had a look – and there’s a seal in my kitchen,” she said.
“I thought, ‘I’m hallucinating; this is just wrong’… Then it looks at me with those huge brown eyes. It was so cute, but I didn’t touch it because you don’t with wild animals.”
Swoffer quickly called her local SPCA, who alerted New Zealand’s Department of Conservation – they had already been on the look out for a seal spotted waddling around the area. Despite the seal’s adorableness, officers say that it would actually be capable of giving quite a nasty bite.
They said that it had come from the harbour at nearby Welcome Bay. From there, it had made its way across busy residential streets, through a cat flap, up a flight of stairs and onto its napping spot in the kitchen. Swoffer named the seal pup ‘Lucky’, before it was released back into the harbour by conservation officers.
By Sinéad. Posted in Funny, News
December 16th, 2011
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Christmas is one of the most dangerous times of year for our pets. With extra food, decorations, and hustle & bustle around the house, their health and well-being can be affected. Follow our tips for peace of mind about your pets’ safety this Christmas.
1. Food: Unfortunately, our holiday favourites are among the foods most dangerous for pets. Turkey is especially hazardous – the pointy bones can cause choking or a punctured digestive tract, while the fatty skin will give them an upset stomach. Avoid feeding them turkey meat that has come into contact with anything onion-y – onions are toxic to cats and dogs.
Chocolate is probably the biggest food risk for pets at Christmas. Depending on the type of chocolate, the size of the animal and the amount of sweets consumed, it could result in hyperactivity, seizures or even death in dogs. It will not take them long to sniff out a wrapped box of chocolates under the tree or to gobble every single edible hanging decoration.
Other festive ingredients that must never be given to pets include raisins, apricots, cherries, nutmeg, macadamia nuts, coffee, salt, garlic, and of course, alcohol.
2. Plants: As with festive foods, the plants we bring into our homes around Christmas are annoyingly the ones that put our pets at risk the most. Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias can be extremely poisonous if eaten. If you feel your home just wouldn’t have the same Christmas feeling without this seasonal greenery, please do make sure that your pet can’t get their paws on it.
3. Tree: Your Christmas tree is actually one plant that is not toxic to pets if ingested. However, it does pose a threat in a number of other ways. First of all, it must be anchored very securely so that a climbing cat won’t knock it over. Place shatterable or sharp baubles high up on the tree or reconsider using them all together. Similarly, keep hot fairy lights out of reach of inquisitive kittens to avoid burns. Tape down or conceal the electrical cords of the lights – it could prove very dangerous if nibbled upon.
4. Decorations: Besides the tree, there will be other decorations around the house that are a risk for your pet. Tinsel, ribbons, wrapping paper and string are all favourite playthings of cats but could cause serious intestinal damage or choking if ingested. From artificial snow to candles to plastic cracker toys, Christmas accoutrements should be positioned around the home with care.
5. Guests: Although having much more people over than usual will probably not directly harm your pet, it could cause them undue stress and annoyance. Loud family gatherings can leave your pet overwhelmed and irritated by the fact that their territory has been taken over.
During particularly busy visiting times, you might want to set aside a secure room in the house to give your pet some peace and quiet. This will also ensure that they cannot slip out the front door, unnoticed amongst all the comings and goings. It is very important throughout the year, but at Christmas please do make sure that your pet has proper identification, just in case it gets lost outside.
By Sinéad. Posted in Cats, Dogs, Pet Care
December 13th, 2011
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By Sinéad. Posted in Funny
December 12th, 2011
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The Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is calling for any information on the whereabouts of 5 dogs that were stolen in a raid of the Heathlawn animal sanctuary on Saturday night.
Some of the dogs are recovering from serious surgery and are in need of urgent follow-up medical care.
Also taken was the sanctuary’s supply of leads, collars and other equipment.
The organisation expressed their dismay at the robbery in an urgent newsflash, “Such a horrific thing to happen to these poor animals who have already been through so much in their lives. When will this ever end???”
Pictured is Kanute, a male husky taken in the vicious break-in. Please check the GSPCA’s website for more pictures and info on the stolen dogs.
Anyone with any information is being urged to contact Portumna Garda Station – 0909 741 004 or the Garda Confidential line – 1800 666 111. The GSPCA’s Facebook will be updated with any further details.
The animal welfare association pleaded further with the public to come forward with any information: “Stolen from Heathlawn. All Micro chipped. If you have knowledge to the whereabouts of these dogs, some still need urgent vet care and medication . PLEASE contact Portumna Garda station or any Garda station. PLEASE don’t be silent, we need to get these animals back. These animals will be no use to anyone, as sadly they stole the ones that need immediate care.”
By Sinéad. Posted in Animal Welfare, Dogs, Lost & Found, News
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