PDSA Survivor award

About PDSA Pet Survivor

In October, alongside the Sunday Express, we launched our nationwide search for the PDSA Pet Survivor of 2013: the pet that has faced the worst injury or illness – yet lived to tell the tail. After receiving an overwhelming number of extraordinary stories a panel of judges, including TV vet Steve Leonard, pet lover and Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon, and PDSA vets, shortlisted six miracle pets to take part in a public vote.
Pet lovers throughout the UK voted in droves for their favourite story of death-defying survival against all the odds and today we can announce that the winner of the title PDSA Pet Survivor of 2013 is courageous cat Robbie, from Croydon.
Robbie survived terrible burns after sheltering in an abandoned sofa that was later set on fire – with the poor cat still inside.
The Pet Survivor Award recognises Robbie’s sheer determination to pull through against all the odds, as well as his owner’s devotion to his care and the dedication of the vet team, who provided his life-saving treatment.
Robbie was nominated for the competition by his now owner, Gill Smith (54), a retired police officer from South Croydon. Gill took the kitten in after his fire ordeal so he would have a safe ‘forever home’. Robbie was just six-months-old and thought to be a stray when he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Warning: the stories below contain images which some may find upsetting

Robbie

Robbie suffered horrific burns, but stunned everyone with his survival spirit and patient nature

Pet Survivor Award winner - Robbie

Stray kitten Robbie trapped in sofa inferno
Age: 6 months (at time of injury)
Location: Herne Bay and Croydon
Looking for a dry bed for the night little stray Robbie managed to find himself a very comfy spot inside an abandoned sofa. Sometime later his sweet retreat became a raging inferno with Robbie still inside.
Robbie was rushed to nearby Broadway Vets with severe burns to his face, head, legs and paws. Principal Vet Sarah Platt said: “Robbie was in shock when he arrived and needed intensive care. He stayed with us for six months during which time he had two skin grafts and daily dressing changes. One of his back legs also had to be amputated. But Robbie always loved attention even when he was critically ill, very few animals could have coped the way he did.”
Despite the pain and discomfort, Robbie was very tolerant and patient as he received thousands of pounds worth of treatment to put him back on all-fours. Incredibly, much of this was paid for by the local community after the vet practice published appeals in the local paper.
Gill was visiting Herne Bay when she saw Robbie’s story in the local press and joined in the fundraising activities to finance his treatment. She visited him regularly, despite living some distance away and, when no owner came forward, she offered Robbie a home for life.
PDSA Vet Elaine Pendlebury said: “Robbie is a truly inspiring story for us all. He coped so well with his pain and suffering and fought back against severe injuries that not all pets would have overcome.”
Pet Survivor Judge Liz McClarnon, said she found the judging of the six finalists almost impossible as all touched her heart: “When I read Robbie’s story I thought what a beautiful and brave feline he is. To be honest I cried reading his story.”
Vet and TV presenter Steve Leonard added: “All of the Pet Survivor stories made me very proud of my profession and grateful to work alongside such dedicated animal enthusiasts. Animals so often surprise us with their stoicism and tenacity, and there are so many lessons we could learn from them. Robbie’s is a horrific story, but has an amazing outcome with a great community effort.”

The competition finalists

One-year-old Robbie was up against five other incredible pet survivors in the competition plucky pets who are in the running for the title of PDSA Pet Survivor of 2013. Although Robbie romped away with the winner’s trophy, his two closest runners-up in the voting were:
Rex, the Border Collie who suffered severe head injuries after squeezing through a crossing gate and being hit by a train. Rex’s skull was shattered and he eventually had to have an eye removed but he still managed to wag his tail.
Will, a three-year-old Saluki-Lurcher cross who was found abandoned, starving and with a broken leg in the Yorkshire Dales. He had been there for around three-weeks before a group of walkers discovered him and the Upper Wharfdale Fell Rescue Association were able to bring him to safety.
PDSA would like to thank everyone who entered their incredible pets for the competition and everyone who voted for their favourite per survivor. All funds raised from the text votes will help PDSA provide treatment for the sick and injured pets in our care.
Watch the website for details of the PDSA Pet Survivor Awards 2014!

Rex

Rex’s determined nature helped him to survive a collision with a train, which shattered his skull

Rex

Rex was hit by a train, shattering his skull
Age: 2
Location: Brough, East Riding
Playful Border Collie Rex was on a walk near his home and decided to race a train on the nearby track. Suddenly he disappeared from owner Philip Aberthany’s sight. He managed to squeeze through a crossing gate and, to Philip’s horror, was hit by the train and thrown onto the opposite tracks.
Rex was rushed to the vets with severe head injuries and with his left eye out of its socket; Vets at the Swanbridge Veterinary Hospital stabilised Rex but advised the distraught owners that he was unlikely to last the night. And even if he did there was a chance of permanent brain damage.
But when owner Caroline visited Rex at the surgery he managed to lift his head a little and wag his tail. “I left him with a blanket that I’d kept stuffed inside my jumper jumper all day, hoping the smell would comfort him,” said Caroline. “He looked so poorly but he was determined to hang on.”
Eventually Rex was strong enough for vets to operate: “His skull was in bits,” said John Levison, “His eye eventually had to be removed and all through his treatment Rex never growled or snapped once. We were amazed at the speed of his recovery.”
Now Rex is back on four paws he is due to visit local schools to highlight the dangers of straying onto train tracks.
PDSA Vet Elaine Pendlebury said: “I think that many other dogs would have died after being hit by a train. Rex must have been at death’s door and showed that ‘fighting spirit’ to overcome his life-threatening injuries. Rex’s bravery is truly an awe-inspiring story.”

Will

Will is happy in his new home after his terrible ordeal on the Yorkshire Dales

Will (Wufra)

Lost in the Yorkshire Dales for three weeks with a broken leg
Age: 3
Location: Grassington, North Yorkshire

Starving, freezing cold and with a broken leg, Will, a Saluki/Lurcher cross, was saved from certain death when a group of walkers spotted him in the Yorkshire Dales. Vets believe he had been there for at least three weeks.
Brought to safety by Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (who called him Wufra), Will had no known owner, so local dog lovers Brian and Helen Coates took him in, and rushed him straight to the Kingsway Veterinary Group practice.
Will had a shattered leg and weighed just 12kg, just half the weight he should have been. His internal organs had begun to shut down and at that stage he was closer to death than life: “Will arrived at our surgery in a terrible state,” said vet Tony Turnbull. “He was so severely underweight and dehydrated, we were worried he wouldn’t last the night. He needed a lot of intensive care, but he was a real little fighter and stunned us all with his determination to live.”
Finally, after three weeks and a 5kg weight gain, he was strong enough to undergo an operation to repair the fracture to his leg. Loving owner, Helen said: “I felt we had to give him a chance. He had come through so much and he was still hanging on to life, even though the odds were stacked against him. It’s so wonderful to have him here in his forever home in front of the fire, and that’s where he’s staying!”
Alan Scowcroft from UWFRA said: ”Wufra (Will) is extremely lucky to be alive and we’re very pleased that he is now making an excellent recovery. Our team is on call for emergencies 24/7 whether those requiring rescue have two legs or four.”

PIP

Pip was crushed by a tractor wheel shattering her pelvis, hydrotherapy helped her recovery

Pip

Crushed by a tractor but sheepdog Pip fights back
Age: 1
Location: Blackburn
One hot afternoon, Blue Merle Border Collie Pip took a breather under the wheel of a tractor to shelter from the sun. Seconds later, hidden from the driver’s view, Pip was horrifically crushed as the vehicle moved forward.

Distraught owner, Joanne Waggett, rushed young Pip to Abbeydale Veterinary Surgery where she heard the shocking news that her dog’s pelvis was completely crushed. To compound matters, the vet team also discovered that the diaphragm had ruptured and Pip’s stomach had been forced into her chest. The only saving grace was that she could move her tail, indicating her spinal cord was still intact.
Pip’s pelvis was rebuilt by plating the right side and removing the hip bone. Miraculously, Pip not only survived but was trying to get to her feet just two days after surgery.
“Pip is an extraordinary dog,” says Head Nurse Lianne Lowe. “It was so rewarding to see her survive against the odds.”
Back home on the farm, Joanne slept by Pip’s side for two weeks. She was even given her own hydrotherapy pool – a converted cattle trough filled with clean water and sterile salts for Pip to swim in twice a day.

“That she survived the accident is a blessing, but that she is now able to run and play and herd like a normal dog is truly a miracle,” said Joanne.
To top it all, Pip recently passed her initial sheepdog assessment and is all set to make a super, loyal, hard-working sheepdog.
Vet Martin Gabbot said "Pip’s survival was unbelievable, I have never seen a dog come back from this type of injury in 12 years. Pip is very intelligent and incredibly friendly, and the family made a huge effort with the recovery."

Malteaser

Malteaser almost froze and starved to death, but was saved by vet nursing and love from her owner

Malteaser

Frostbitten cat found in compost and ‘loved back to life’
Age: 5
Location: Ely, Cambridgshire (now living in Yorkshire)
When Bengal cat Malteaser went missing in February, her owner Amanda Kayes (36) was very concerned for her normally stay-at-home pet.
Though heavily pregnant, Amanda searched for Malteaser that evening and took the next day off work to find her beloved pet. “I put up fliers and called the all local vets. It was so cold and the temperatures were dropping rapidly. I was beginning to think that we would never see Malteaser again.”
It was five long, cold weeks, with temperatures reaching -12C on some nights, before Amanda received a call from a vet. A concerned householder had found a cat collapsed in their compost heap and taken her to the surgery.
Malteaser was found five miles from her home but thanks to her microchip she was reunited with Amanda: “I was so relieved, I rushed to see her and she made a few squeaks when she recognised me. She was really unwell though, had lost half her bodyweight, lost several teeth and had heavily frostbitten ears and paws.” The frostbitten cat stayed with Cathedral Veterinary Surgery for two weeks, where Amanda visited her twice a day.
“Malteaser was really sick and just skin and bone,” says vet Ian Halliday. “She needed intensive care and was extremely malnourished. What saved her was the daily visits from Amanda”.
Now fully recovered, she is enjoying every minute she spends with Amanda and the new baby. Vet Ian Halliday says: ”In our opinion, this cat was loved back to life.”
PDSA Vet Elaine Pendlebury said: “Malteaser was at death’s door – she’d lost about half her body weight and was extremely malnourished. Cat, owner, vets and nurses all worked to pull Malteaser through what could have been a very grim outcome.”

Thumper

Thumper was nearly paralysed in a fox attack, but surprised everyone with his will to live

Thumper

Left for dead: miracle rabbit walks again after fox attack
Age: 4
Location: Worthing, West Sussex
Four-year-old rabbit Thumper faced the fight of his life when he was attacked by a fox in the garden of his home and left for dead.
On finding her beloved pet in a terrible state, heartbroken owner Emma Miller rushed him to Grove Lodge Veterinary Group in Worthing. Vets warned her that Thumper might not last the night: “When I heard this my whole world fell apart,” recalls Emma. “Thumper has been with me through thick and thin and I would be lost without him as he’s part of my family.”
When morning came, there was good news at last for Emma. Thumper was still holding onto life despite the result of the x-rays showing he had sustained four fractured ribs. There was also a wound on the back of his neck, where he had been shaken – indicating there was a chance he had spinal injuries:
“Thumper was mostly paralysed but he was still fighting so were we not prepared to give up on him, “said vet Laurel Bowker. “Most rabbits would have died from shock after an attack like this but not Thumper - and our nursing team wanted to give him every chance.”
Gradually he became more responsive, and the vets confirmed that he still had feeling in his legs so he was almost ready to go home. “Thumper couldn’t hop for two weeks,” said Emma “but now he can do four hops and the vets are all amazed by his progress. They call him the bionic bunny!”
Judge Liz McClarnon said: “I know all too well about rabbits dying of shock, when I was younger mine died after a fox attack. Thumper is so brave.”
PDSA Vet Elaine Pendlebury said: “Thumper must have been just a whisker away from dying. Rabbits are so prone to shock and it is a miracle Thumper pulled through. That Thumper overcame all of these injuries is inspirational and truly can be called a survivor!”

Always give the PDSA your support donate today even £1.00 helps

Donate to PDSA

There are many ways to support our work and make a real difference for Pets in need of Vets; from a one off donation, supporting one of our projects to leaving a gift in your will.
By making a donation today you can help us continue our vital services and please gift aid your donation.
   

Baby left in forest rescued by dog

 A stray dog saved the life of a newborn baby after finding the abandoned infant in a forest and apparently carrying it across a busy road and through some barbed wire to her litter of puppies, witnesses said.

The stray dog found the infant, clad in tattered clothing, in a poor neighborhood near the Ngong Forests in the capital of Nairobi, Stephen Thoya told the independent Daily Nation newspaper.
The dog apparently found the baby Friday in the plastic bag in which the infant had been abandoned, said Aggrey Mwalimu, owner of the shed where the animal was guarding its puppies. The seven-pound, four-ounce infant was taken to the hospital for treatment on Saturday.
“She is doing well, responding to treatment, she is stable. ... She is on antibiotics,” Kenyatta National Hospital spokeswoman Hanna Gakuo told The Associated Press from the hospital, where health workers called the infant Angel.
Kenya’s media often report the abandonment of newborns by mothers. Poverty and the inability to care for the child are seen as the root cause of the problem. Most people who abandon babies are never caught.
The child had not yet been claimed.
“Abandoned babies are normally taken to the Kenyatta National Hospital because it is a public hospital,” Gakuo said. “People are now donating diapers and baby clothes for this one.”

grim news

Cats, dogs and other animals have been integrated into humans' lives to a surprising degree: A child growing up in the United States today, for example, is more likely to have a pet than a father at home, according to the American Humane Association.

But in households with a history of domestic abuse, pets can be a complicating factor. Not only are pets likely to be the target of abuse, but people who are the victims of abuse often refuse to seek shelter for fear of abandoning their pets.

The statistics are grim: Seventy-one percent of pet-owning women who go to abuse shelters reported that their abuser had injured, maimed, threatened or killed pets, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Pets and Distracted Driving: What You Need to Know

When we hear the term "distracted driving," most of us think of the obvious culprits - eating, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, texting, or rummaging for a dropped object on the car floor. However, few of us consider the driving distraction leaving our furry friends unsecured can cause. This fact is underscored by a 2011 Kurgo and AAA survey of people who frequently drive with their pets. The survey found that, while 64 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in a potentially distracting pet-related activity, and 29 percent admitted to actually being distracted by their pets, a full 84 percent allowed their pets to ride unrestrained. It's easy to see how an unrestrained pet could be distracting. An anxious dog may cry uncontrollably, pace, or seek comfort from its owner. A dog or cat who becomes suddenly frightened might jump or run around unpredictably. A curious dog might burst into the front seat to get a better view of something interesting he spotted from the back window. A small dog or cat might try to burrow under your seat, or worse-into your lap. In the survey, drivers admitted to doing everything from petting their dogs, carrying them on their laps, to playing with them and even giving them treats while driving. Three percent of drivers admitted to taking photos of their dogs as they drove. Restraining pets in vehicles isn't just about pets causing distracted driving. It's about what can happen during an accident. Unrestrained pets can be seriously injured or killed if they are thrown from a vehicle. Pets carried on drivers' laps can be crushed by the impact of an airbag. Frightened pets have been known to escape vehicles and run away in shock after accidents. And unsecured pets can actually put everyone in the car in danger; during an accident, a 60-pound dog can suddenly become the equivalent of a 2,700-pound projectile. Keeping your pet and human passengers safe and secure is as easy as using the right safety restraint. From pet seat belts or pet car seats, to crates or front seat pet barriers, there is an option out there that will suit your pet and your vehicle. Taking the time to find it may save you the hassle and danger of driving distracted. It may make trips with your pets more fun and worry-free. And it just may save the life your pet - or your own. About TripsWithPets.com TripsWithPets.com is the #1 online resource for pet travel. Named best pet travel site by Consumer Reports, TripsWithPets.com's mission is to offer resources that ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe while traveling. The website features a directory of pet friendly hotels and accommodations across the United States and Canada, as well as airline & car rental pet policies; pet friendly restaurants, beaches, and events; a user-friendly route search option; pet travel tips; pet travel supplies; and other pet travel resources. About the Author Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TripsWithPets.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular web site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the US and Canada, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

puppy fur dog bed

boredom breakers rabbit tunnel small animal toys

Red Dog Bed

Red Dog Colar studded

Pets on Parade salutes dogs of war

That’s how U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Dolezal simply summed up the value of war dogs on Sunday when the four-legged veterans were honored for their service at the 15th annual Pets on Parade Awards Luncheon at the Doral Desert Princess Resort. On average, war dogs each save an estimated 500 lives per year, Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit said in presenting the “Saving American Lives” trophy to Marine Corps Maj. Kim Keefer, commanding officer of the Twentynine Palms Provost Marshal’s Office. “We work our dogs very hard. We demand a lot of them,” said Dolezal, a four-year veteran who has served three of those years stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms where he is partnered with “CChaz.” “The things we can train a dog to do is just amazing,” he said. The dogs — generally German and Czech heritage shepherds and Belgian Malinois — begin training at about a year old for a variety of uses, including sniffing out bombs. Their sense of smell far exceeds a human’s, making dogs ideal for finding explosives or narcotics, and search and rescue. Dogs are reported to have 10 to 20 times the number of receptors in their nose than humans do, and the olfactory part of their brain — devoted to smell — is much larger, giving them the ability to detect faint odors and to discriminate between very slight differences in chemical composition, according to the U.S. War Dogs Association website. Specialized search dogs, used for sniffing out explosives, are trained to work off leash by voice and hand commands, said Cpl. Jared Sellers, who has been working with the military canines for four years. The dogs carry radios on their harnesses and on average work 100 meters away from their handler, but can go as far as 300 meters — or 328 yards, Sellers said. Without the dogs, there would be more human casualties, he said. “It’s nice to see (the dogs) be appreciated and get recognition. They deserve it,” Dolezal said.

keeping your pets safe

The day after the Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for pet shelters.
Nationally, research shows that shelters see an increase in occupancy by about 30 percent.
This causes a major problem for many shelters that are already near capacity.
Shelters like the Humane Association for Warren County are already housing dozens of pets, which makes such a drastic and quick influx problematic.
In addition to Independence Day, pet shelters say you should keep a closer eye on your pet around New Year’s Eve and during thunderstorms.
Pet experts have advice to keep your dog or cat from going into a frenzy because of the loud noises fireworks cause.
Mari Lee Schwarzwalder says you should microchip your pet. This will help you locate them after they've run away.
“It's important if people would microchip their pets,” said Schwarzwalder, executive director of the Humane Association of Warren County. “That way, if the dog runs off for any reason, or a cat, and ends up in an animal shelter or a veterinarian's office, we can scan it and we can find out who the owner is. That's much better than putting identification on a collar because they can lose their collars.”
Pet owners can also take proactive measures to ensure their pets safety, Schwarzwalder says. One way is make sure your pet exercises, which will help your them relax and feel more comfortable when the loud noises start.
She also says you should find a safe place for them to stay inside while they fireworks are going off.
This advice can also work in situations where your pet may be exposed to other loud noises such as thunderstorms.

Read more: http://www.kypost.com/dpps/news/local_news/water_cooler/pet-tips-keep-your-pets-safe-secure-during-fireworks-displays_8634770#ixzz2YQRUMFXs

pets slimming comp

Dogs, cats and rabbits collectively carrying around 30 stone in weight are set to take part in an annual pet slimming competition.

The line-up of 13 dogs, five cats and three rabbits will all be hoping to shed the pounds in the six-month diet and exercise programme as part of the Pet Fit Club by veterinary charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) .

The gargantuan group includes hefty hound Mizzy, the Bullmastiff, and flabby feline, Ulric - the two biggest-ever finalists in the competition which has been running for almost 10 years.

The combined weight of Mizzy and Ulric is 13 stone 4lbs (about 84kg).

Tom cat Ulric, from Dorset, weighs in at two stone (12.65kg) - 111% over his ideal weight, and Mizzy, from Derby, tips the scales at 11 stone 4lbs (72kg), making her around 60% overweight.

Other pets battling the bulge include sweet-and-sour-chicken-loving Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Beetlejuice, (seven stone/44kg and 48% overweight) from London, Labrador Tia, from Birmingham, who weighs over nine stone (58.2kg - 94% overweight), and ice-cream-loving tom cat Prince, who is 44% overweight (7.2kg/1st 2lbs).

The fat fighters are all competing for the title of PDSA Pet Fit Club slimmer of the year, and they all fall into the category of obese or morbidly obese.

Elaine Pendlebury, PDSA senior veterinary surgeon, said: "Obesity is one of the biggest welfare issues affecting pets in the UK today - and it is entirely preventable.

"Sadly, it also means daily misery for millions of pets who are feeling the strain from carrying too much weight. "The owners of the pets in this year's competition are taking the vital first step towards a healthy new future for their animals.

"This helps reduce the likelihood of an early grave due to obesity and its related health issues. The good news is that it's never too late to make a positive change to improve a pet's quality of life."

PAWS Chicago to help pets in tornado damaged Oklahoma

help the pets in Chicago

A Chicago group is showing support to the tornado’s four legged victims.
PAWS Chicago is sending a medical team and volunteers to Moore, Oklahoma tomorrow.
According to its website, the organization is anticipating to bring about 75 homeless, displaced and injured pets back to Chicago to take some of the burden off of the Oklahoma shelters.
The pets will stay in a Chicago shelter for 30 days, so their Oklahoma families still have time to find them.

New Bill Would Allow Pets on Amtrak

By GENEVIEVE SHAW BROWN (@gsbrownabc)

May 23, 2013

If a bill that was introduced in Congress this week is passed, Amtrak will be required to allow pets onboard some of its trains.
The bill, introduced by Jeff Denham, R-Calif., states that Amtrak will designate one car of each train where passengers may transport "a domesticated cat or dog in the same manner as carry-on baggage" if the animal can be contained in a pet kennel and the kennel can be stowed in accordance with Amtrak size requirements for carry-on baggage.
"My dog, Lily, is part of our family and travels with us to and from California all the time. If I can take her on a plane, why can't I travel with her on Amtrak, too?" said Denham. "Allowing families to bring their animals with them will facilitate transportation and efficiency while also providing a much-needed source of revenue for Amtrak."
The bill would restrict passengers traveling with pets to trips fewer than 750 miles. It would require passengers to pay a fee.
Passengers with pets who are not able to travel as carry-on baggage would be able to transport their pets as cargo provided the pet kennel "can be stowed in accordance with Amtrak requirements for cargo stowage." The same rules regarding length of trip and extra fees would apply.
The bill is supported by The Humane Society of the United States. "Millions of American families have beloved pets, and allowing them to travel by train will support the human-animal bond," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO.
Service animals are already able to travel on Amtrak trains.
Amtrak did not comment on the bill, except to say they are "reviewing the proposal."

Speak Out: Should Pets Be Allowed on Amtrak Trains? 

 

   

 

If you're thinking of bypassing I-95 and hopping on the train for a weekend getaway, your seatmate could be a little furrier than usual, provided recent legislation to allow pets on Amtrak trains passes.
The Washington Post reports that Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Ca.) drafted a bill that would allow dogs and cats on some trains.
Currently, the train company only allows service animals.
Readers of The Post's story had mixed reactions on Twitter—some went all punny in excitement ("two paws up") and others leveled the proposal with concerns about people with allergies.

 

Kibbles and beds? Pets can vacation on Martha's Vineyard too

Hmm, let's see: the confines of the kennel, or sun and fun on the Vineyard? If the family dog was included in vacation planning, he would no doubt choose the latter. And, fortunately for Fido, more and more inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts on the Island are accepting four-legged guests.
However, policies and restrictions are as varied as the accommodations themselves, and many places have limits to how many pets they'll accept, so always call ahead and plan well in advance.
Keep in mind that dogs unaccustomed to staying in strange places can tend to bark when left alone. Noisy dogs, like noisy guests, are never welcome and, at some places, the owners will be asked to leave after only one barking incident.
Two of the largest inns on the Island recently started welcoming pets. The Mansion House on Main Street in Vineyard Haven has added eight ground-floor rooms that are all pet friendly. The rooms have double beds (and dog beds), balconies, and hardwood floors. Some have sitting areas. There is a $50 pet fee per stay. For more information, call 508-693-2200 or visit mvmansionhouse.com.
Last summer The Harbor View Hotel and the Kelley House (both in Edgartown) debuted their Vineyard VIP (Very Important Pup) policy. Dogs are now welcome for an added charge of $50 per night, per dog, available for up to two pups of any size. Right across the street from the historic Harbor View is a path to the Edgartown Lighthouse and a small dog-friendly beach. The two hotels offer a pet amenity pack for an additional charge. Call 508-627-7000 or visit harbor-view.com for more information.
The M.V. Surfside Hotel in Oak Bluffs has always been a pet-friendly establishment. All of the hotel's 40 rooms will accommodate dogs (or cats) and they will even call in a local pet lover who can be hired to sit in your room with your dog. Pet fee is $10 to $15 per night. The town beach, just steps away, is off limits to dogs during the day, but open to all before 8 am, after 5 pm, and anytime in the off season. Scenic Ocean Park, a popular spot for dog romps, is close by. Call 508-693-2500 or visit mvsurfside.com for more information.
While the hotel at The Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Katama does not cater to dog owners, at least a dozen of their 80 private townhouses are pet-friendly and dogs are allowed in certain areas on the expansive grounds.
"We're a family friendly resort, and we try to cater to everybody," says marketing director Susan Thompson. But she reminds people that dogs are not allowed on South Beach at any time, from Memorial Day to Labor Day except for a small area by Norton Point. She suggests instead that pet owners enjoy a walk on the bike path, which is located right in front of the property. The town houses are rented by the week and there is an addition $99/week pet fee. Call 508-310-1733 or visit winnetu.com for more information.
The Vineyard Vacation Homes compound in Edgartown is a mini resort made up of four houses on two shared acres of land. All are pet friendly (cats welcome) but, to respect the other guests, the owner is very strict about issues like pet hair on linens or upholstery and keeping the grounds free of dog waste.
A $150 returnable deposit is required to cover any damage or additional cleaning costs. There are dog-friendly wooded trails behind the property. The pet fee of $22 a night ($100 max) is waived for stays of one week or more. Visit vineyardvacationhomes.com or call 508-299-3291.
The Island Inn on Beach Road in Oak Bluffs is an ideal spot for dog owners. All of the inn's self-contained suites are pet friendly and open out onto the grounds. There's plenty of space for dogs to romp in and the bike path out front extends along the ocean to a public beach within easy walking distance (beach open to dogs during limited early morning and evening hours in-season). The only areas restricted to doggy guests are the pool and the flower gardens. No additional charge for pets.
More than half of the accommodations at The Beach Plum Inn and its neighboring sister the Menemsha Inn in Chilmark are dog-friendly. A number of the cottages with patios and also some rooms in the main building with outdoor access are available to pet owners. Between the two inns there's plenty of open and wooded ground for leashed dogs to cover and there are lots of trails behind the property, one of which leads to the dog friendly Menemsha Beach. For more information, 508-645-9454; beachpluminn.com.
Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites (formerly the Colonial Inn) in downtown Edgartown has two dog friendly suites out of their 34 rooms. They have allowed pets for 11 years and have hosted everything from a teacup chihuahua to a great Dane. There is no additional charge for pets. Call 508-627-4711 or visit vineyardsquarehotel.com.
Other hotel options
Hob Knob Eco-Boutique Hotel, Edgartown. 508-627-9510; hobknob.com.
Victorian Inn, Edgartown. One pet-friendly room available in the shoulder seasons. No additional charge. 508-627-4784; thevic.com.
Dog friendly B&Bs
Brady's NESW, Oak Bluffs. Three rooms, all dog-friendly. Open year-round, no extra fee. 508-693-9137; sonsol.com/bradys/
Tivoli Inn, Oak Bluffs. Six rooms, all dog-friendly. Year-round. $10 pet fee per night. 508-693-7928; tivoliinn.com.
Kathleen's Cottages, Oak Bluffs. May to October. Four rooms, all dog-friendly. $25 pet fee per night. 508-863-2734; kkonmv.com.
SummerStone, Vineyard Haven. Three rooms, all pet-friendly. Fenced-in yard, no extra fee. 508-696-3963.
This article was updated on March 25. The Mansion House in Vineyard Haven charges $50 per stay, not $50 per night, for pets.

Giving Blood Not Just For Humans, Pets Do It, Too

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – We’ve all heard the plea to donate blood. But it’s not just humans who need it during an emergency or surgery.
Blood can also save the lives of pets. And no one knows that better than the veterinarians at the University of Minnesota.
“Just knowing that she could be helping other dogs is great,” said Heather Stefanski, who has a 7-year-old black lab named Clementine.
Clementine is a long-time blood donor. She’s one of 52 dogs and cats that make up the vet clinic’s blood donation program.
And the need for blood is something Stefanski knows all too well. A physician herself, she understands the value of a well-stocked blood supply.
“We need to have it for our patients. We have a wide variety of patients that come in, be it for trauma, or surgical patients, or for chronic disease patients,” said Elizabeth Olmstead, a technician at the clinic.
As for Clementine, her commitment requires a visit every couple of months. Each time Clementine visits, she the gets a quick physical.
But that’s where the similarities between human and animal blood donation end.

“It’s a little different than a human giving blood, because they don’t just sit there and hold a leg out for us,” Olmstead said.
The prep work takes time, and blood is drawn from the jugular, a process that can take 30 minutes.
There are certain requirements if you want your pet to donate blood. Cats have to be 10 pounds, dogs have to be 50 pounds.
“We take a large volume…in order to get full unit of blood. So they have to be a certain size so we don’t remove too much blood,” said Dr. Julie Schildt, an assistant clinical professor at the U of M’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
During the blood draw, vet technicians are also replacing fluids, making sure recovery is quick.
“She never cries when she comes here and does very well,” said Stefanski. “I’ve never had issues when I get home.”
For Clementine, the reward is in a handful of treats. But for Stefanski, it’s saving the lives of dogs.
If you’re interested in the pet blood donation program, it’s a two-year commitment. The vet school will also run some tests to make sure your dog or cat is healthy.

Visit our updated website

Come and visit our  updated website and Pamper  your pet this Bank holiday

Ace Pets 'r' Us

Small animal hammock especally for FERRETS

4 way locking pet door

Natural Tunnel

small animal sweet buttons

The Cheeky Monkey dog toy

Studded Dog Collar

Latice Balls for Birds

Dog smart Blazer

 Just a few bits from our store

The Easy Kennel

Get them spayed or Neutered

Nearly 8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters each year, and approximately 4 million of those are killed annually. 

This is a staggering number of innocent lives that are lost. This number does not account for the millions more who spend many years, if not their entire lives, in a small cage waiting to be adopted.

In order to make sure that we do not contribute to this problem, it is important that owners have their pets spayed/neutered by their veterinarian or take advantage of free/low-cost options.

If you are interested in a new addition to your family, I strongly encourage you to visit a local animal shelter in order to find one. All dogs adopted from shelters already have been spayed/neutered, are up-to-date on vaccinations, and many are microchipped.

To help be a solution to this very real and unfortunate problem, please spay/neuter your pet and always choose to adopt a pet from a local shelter.






the author

Dr Jones Internet Vet

Now that we are in the peak of Flu season, I have had many pet owners ask WHAT they can do to help their pet fight off disease..
Should you vaccinate?
What about nutrition?
I encourage you to give my supplement a try. It contains a multitude of immune supportive products, is easy to give, and your pet will enjoy it.
If you have yet to try it, you can get a 50% OFF trial bottle here:
http://www.thedogsupplement.com
http://www.thecatsupplement.com

Immunity 101
Your dog and cat’s immune system reacts in a multitude of ways to protect against disease.
There are local cells called neutrophils that devour bacteria in infections.
Then there are the antibodies which are mounted in defense of viruses invading your pet’s body.
It is estimated that 60-70 percent of your pet’s immune system is found in the intestinal tract; it’s a largely overlooked role in keeping your pet healthy and preventing disease naturally in the first place.
TOO much immunity?
Unfortunately your pet’s immune system can be over-reactive; it responds inappropriately to ‘percieved’ invaders, resulting in disease.
Over-reactive immune systems produce those allergic signs; itching, scratching, hair loss, the skin odor.
Even more serious over-reactions can result in life threatening anemia ( Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia), or Immune mediated skin diseases such as Lupus.

Vaccines and Immunity

Yes they have a purpose; but clearly most pets in North America have been given far too many vaccines.
Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies and prevent specific infections, such as Canine Parvovirus. This is effective an appropriate for a young puppy, but completely not necessary for a 7 year old dog.
The repeated use of vaccines can over sensitizes the immune system- it overreacts to otherwise benign things, and the result is disease such as allergies.

Balance
What we want to achieve for our pet’s immune system ( and ourselves), is balance.
We want an immune system which responds well to disease, such as the flu, but doesn’t over-respond to ‘normal’ things, such as pollen in your yard.

So how do you go about achieving this immune balance?
Here are a few common sense tips…

1. Vaccinate less- give only the vaccines needed as infrequent as possible. I have said this many times before, and feel free to look up my advised vaccine regimen on my blog. You ultimately need to make this decision in conjunction with your veterinarian. I suggest that you discuss this with a veterinarian ‘open’ to change.

2. Quality and varied food. If you can feed a natural, organic food, do so. Avoid kibble as much as possible for cats. Feed some home diets, and some raw food. Watch my last video on Pet Food and add some of those ingredients to the food ( ie yoghurt, flax oil)

3. Supplements. There are a number of different nutrients which can be beneficial, and I have included many of them in my supplements. Whether you feed my supplement or not, at least consider adding 1-2 of the ingredients regularly to your pet’s diet. You can use something as simple as 3% regular yoghurt daily.

Here are some of the immune supportive products:
Vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, selenium and zinc, can protect your pet’s body from free radicals. During illness there are more free radicals produced.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These have numerous documented benefits, so you should be having your pet on some type of daily EFA. Common dog and cat diseases- allergies, arthritis, cancer, all respond to EFA’s

Key Amino Acids. These are found in protein, and can be increased if you feed a primary animal protein diet. Certain ones are particularly helpful: lysine and arginine boost the functioning of the immune system. Lysine is one of the few treatments for recurring herpes virus infection in cats.

Colostrum is the powerful, nutrient-rich “mother’s first milk“, and it has over 37 potent immune factors.

Maiitake Mushroom is a key immuno-protective mushroom which has Laboratory studies have shown that maitake can block growth of cancer tumors and boost the immune function

Probiotics. These are the healthy bacteria which have a host of medicinal benefits, and a primary one being Lactobacillus which has been shown to enhance immune system and prevent risk of allergies.

Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language

Every loving dog owner has wished that their dog could talk to them from time to time; knowing exactly what your dog wants, needs, enjoys, or dislikes would make things much easier, but unfortunately, you don’t have the ability to sit back and have a conversation about why your dog hates the neighborhood cat. The good news is that there are ways you can tell what you’re dog, as well as other canines, is trying to communicate by paying attention to how he gestures his eyes, ears, and tail.
Reading the Tail Gestures
The tail is a great indicator to help understand what a dog is feeling, and as with human facial expressions, there are a wide variety of gestures to learn and understand.

• The happy tail is everyone’s favorite dog gesture. A wide, fast-paced wag moving in circles indicates a dog is excited and ready for your attention and affection.
• A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy. In fact, an aggressive tail can appear very similar to that of a happy one; a tail standing straight up with just the tip of it slowly swaying back and forth indicates a dog is feeling dominant and/or aggressive and could attack.
• A tense tail means that a dog is uncertain and is taking great precaution. This usually occurs when meeting strange dogs or new people. The higher and stiffer a tail is, the more tense and uncomfortable the dog is feeling, and keep in mind that a tense dog can easily become an aggressive one.
• A frightened and shy tail simply means that your dog isn’t in a very good emotional state; this occurs commonly if a dog is timid by nature, has a history of being abused, is placed into a brand new environment, or is just letting another fellow dog know it’s not trying to fight. The tail is tucked between the legs with its body crouching on the ground.Comprehending the Position of the Ears
  Just like the tail, the position a dog’s ears are in can say a lot about what the dog is trying to communicate.
  
• Relaxed ears occur when your dog is at ease; it’s not overly stimulated in any way, and the ears and head are both erect.
• Similar to feeling relaxed, excited ears are perked up high but with a tilted head and a wide wagging tail. This occurs when your dog is feeling playful and friendly.
• Aggressive ears are perked up and faced forward and are usually combined with a stiff, vertical tail as well as raised fur on the back. This can signal the dog is feeling threatened or is exerting dominance and could lunge.
• Fearful ears are pressed down while touching the head and occur when the dog is afraid or unsure of its surroundings.

Grasping What the Eyes are Saying
Dog eyes exude very humanistic expression and more often than not, they are the easiest part of a canine’s body language to understand, and paying attention to their direction as well as their shape can give you a great indication of what a dog is saying.
Recognizing aggressive eyes is fairly easy because the pupils widen as a dog is about to attack. If aimed at you, back away slowly and avoid making direct eye contact as that can be taken as a threatening gesture. If aimed at another dog, try to remove your dog from the situation, but never step in between.

• Happy eyes can vary but generally don’t change much shape; they stay round or slanted depending on the breed, but they can become squinty when experiencing extreme pleasure (such as a massage behind the ears).
• Frightened or submissive eyes never make direct contact with yours, and this can signal the dog is unsure of your presence or is trying to avoid an unpleasant interaction.
• Under the weather eyes can be squinty and the sclera (the white part) can often be an off color (either yellowish or red). This can happen if a dog is suffering a minor irritant (such as a sick stomach), but it can also be something more serious. If the condition persists, it’s always safer to have your dog checked out by a vet.
• Guard-dog eyes appear when a dog is keeping an eye on you by looking through the corner of its eyes to make sure you don’t grab its food, toys, or any other possessions. More often than not, this is a playful and harmless gesture, but for dogs that are possessive or food-aggressive, it can be something to watch out for.

Learning to read the body language of a dog can be extremely helpful in knowing what your dog needs or wants as well as keeping yourself protected. Clearly, most of these signs are hard to decipher all on their own, but by combining the tail gesture, ear position, and eye direction/shape, you should be able to get a good idea of what a dog is suggesting. Any caring dog owner wants their pet to be happy, and with some loving affection, the occasional walk, and a delicious treat, it’s never a hard task to accomplish.