How many animals have been re-homed since the start of the charity?

Our current number stands at 1950. The majority have been re-homed and others have been transferred to other rescue charities when we have run out of space. The number signifies all those who have come into Four Paws’ care. We are due to reach our 2000^th dog and we are hoping to have a surprise celebration for the family who will be adopting the 2000^th dog.

How many active members have you got?

At present we have 30 active foster carers, 4 trustees and approximately 30 fundraising volunteers. No one at Four Paws receives a wage; we are all volunteering our time and skills.

Like any good animal charity Four Paws has a strict vetting policy and the requirements can be found on their website here Can you explain why you have such strict criteria?

Some people may see our procedures as being quite strict, however our main concern is always the welfare of the animal and the prospective owners. Many of the animals that come to us have been unwanted, neglected and sometimes abused. It is our duty to make sure they are treated with love and kindness in their next home.

One of the many dogs up for adoption - copyright Four Paws Animal Rescue (SW)

When do you turn people down?

The main reason we may turn an application down is when we have lots of applications for the same dog. It is inevitable some people will be disappointed, but we try to match the most suitable home to the dog so it is never a personal reflection of the applicant.

We also may turn people down if their current animals are not vaccinated or neutered. We also have a policy where we do not home with children under the age of five.

The hardest reason we may have to turn people down is, if they are planning on leaving a dog for longer than four hours. We know that this is a difficulty for many people but it is important to note that many rescue dogs have abandonment issues and for some dogs over four hours is too long to be away from their human companions. We never home a puppy where they will be left for more than 3 hours as we feel they need input into behaviour and training whilst they are small.

You mainly re-home dogs and have currently one cat in care. Why is that?

The reason Four Paws Animal Rescue focuses mainly on dogs is that they are more at risk of needlessly being killed at the pound. We have taken in many animals over the years including cats, birds and even a ferret! As a charity we find homing cats very difficult and as a consequence we have a limited number of spaces to be able to help them. We have recognised that there are many cats out there that need help and as a result we have recently been helping spay female cats to help the unwanted kitten problem.

Five year old Mandu is currently the only cat in care and in desperate need of a loving home as he's been with the charity for quite some time - copyright Four Paws Animal Rescue (SW)

What other animal charities do you work with to re-home and help for example cats in need?

We work with many other charities to help our animals, and for cats we often refer people who need help to Cats Protection, the RSPCA and Catwell.

What kind of dogs are the most difficult to re-home?

Brindled male Staffys! Any bull breed is hard to home but if it is a brindle colour they have been known to stay with us for up to a year. We also have difficulty finding foster homes for bull breeds due to their stereotypes, despite the fact that they are possibly the most loving breed.

One of the many dogs up for adoption - copyright Four Paws Animal Rescue (SW)

And what kind of dogs are the easiest to find homes for?

Any pedigree dogs that come to us such as Cavaliers, Spaniels, Yorkies etc. The smaller the dog the easier it is to re-home. We also have a great deal of interest when we have puppies, unless they are bull breed pups of course!

You have private fosterers as well as kennels – is that correct?

We do not have a rescue centre but a network of foster carers who dedicate their time and love to their foster dogs whilst helping them find a forever home. When we can not find a foster home for a dog we rent a kennel from a local boarding kennel. This is very expensive for us but necessary when a dog needs quarantining or has behavioural issues they need help with.

The recession has a negative effect on pet ownership. How much has the amount of animals in care increased since 2008?

The rates of dogs being handed into the pound has risen exponentially since 2008! We tripled our re-homing rates in the first year of the recession. We also have a hand-in list where people apply to hand their dogs in to us. Traditionally there have always been around 30 dogs waiting to come to us, however since the recession we have had a static number of 120 on our waiting list. It is devastating to see how many people have lost their jobs, homes and the financial means to continue looking after their furry companions.

What is the most common reason people have brought in a dog to re-home?

The main reason people hand their dogs in to us is that they can not cope with behavioural issues such as separation anxiety, toilet training or aggression. Some of these are quite simple to deal with and others not so. Therefore it always reminds us that training and socialising a dog at a young age is vital in making it a happy and healthy animal. Another common reason is the arrival of a new family member and we often see people handing dogs in as they are unable to cope with a new baby and a dog or they are worried how the dog would react to a new baby.

Readers will be interested to know how they can help animals in need. What does Four Paws mostly need, not only in terms of donations, but practical help?

Four Paws Animal Rescue is always looking for people who would like to foster. We look for people who spend quite a lot of time at home, enjoy walking and can help a rescue dog adjust to family life.

We know that not many people can foster so there is plenty of other things to do. We are always looking for people to help us run stalls at events, hold a tin outside pets at home or run your own fundraising event!

Whatever you decide to do, please feel free to come and be part of our online community where you will find lots of dog lovers, friends and practical animal owning advice.

What has been the biggest challenge for the charity?

The biggest challenge for our charity was rescuing the two Springer spaniels Bertie and Wooster. They were dumped in the pound to be put to sleep, but rescued by Four Paws. After a short period in a foster home they were re-homed. After two weeks in their new home we received a phone call to say that Bertie was going to be put down by the vet due to a spinal injury. On further inspection it turned out that Wooster had run head first into his brother crushing his spine. The family had not taken out pet insurance and as a result could not afford treatment and so agreed to have him euthanized. FPAR retrieved both, Bertie and Wooster, and spent several thousand pounds on life saving surgery for Bertie. Bertie is now living permanently with his foster carer who adopted him. Wooster has his very own home where he swims in a lake every day. It was a challenge emotionally and financially for a very small charity, but we knew that it was our duty to do the very best for our animals.

And what has been the biggest success?

Our foster carers are our biggest success! Without them FPAR couldn’t save the dogs that we have. We have a lot to thank them for. One other success is that Kirsty Thomas, the founder of the charity, won the Dogs Trust Award for “A Dog’s Best Friend”. It was wonderful to see her rewarded for all her hard work.

What are your future plans for the charity?

One day we hope to have our own rescue centre. It is a long way off but we hope to realise it one day.

When’s the next big charity event?

10^th December 2011 – Christmas Event at Buttrills Community Centre, North Walk, Barry, CF62 8BX

Thank you very much for the interview Seran.

Website here

Facebook here

Twitter here

Eileen Jones started this organisation in 2003 when her micro-chipped Yorkshire Terrier Sophie went missing. Despite her efforts of finding Sophie by putting up posters and distributing leaflets her dog never returned.

During her search for Sophie,  Eileen became aware of the plight of abandoned dogs and in particular the situation of puppies which were farmed in Wales. This subsequently led her to found “Friends of the Animals”. While in the initial years Eileen had run the charity from home by herself, she has now dedicated volunteers in different parts of the country, who are rescuing animals, the majority of them dogs, though they also rescue cats and small animals. According to their website no animal is ever turned away and the volunteers aim to find suitable homes for all animals. They are also responsible for fostering their rescued animals, transporting them, finalising the adoption procedures and raising much needed funds for their animals in care to meet costs of vet bills and food. The volunteers also make sure that the animals are neutered, vaccinated, wormed and de-flead prior to re-homing.

“Friends of the Animals RCT” is always looking for volunteers who can help with fund raising or are able to foster animals in their own homes. The charity also runs an online auction twice a year for which it asks for donations.  The next auction called “The Wonky Welsh Wonders Auction” is running from the 22^nd of April until the 8^th of May. So if you want to donate, volunteer, adopt an animal or bid for an auction item you can do so by following this link.

Website: Friends of the Animals RCT

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheAnimalsRCT?sk=wall

copyright Paul White

In my last blog I mentioned that we had to take Bobby to the vet on Saturday and now I’d like to tell you why.

When we got home from the craft fair she greeted us as usual with her delightful chirruping voice, but not long after, she started to show some odd behaviour. She went to the litter tray, tried to wee, then stormed outside – squatted again to wee, but couldn’t, then she ran back into the house. This went on for quite some time – her back fur stood up dinosaur-like – until we realised that she obviously couldn’t wee at all. We rang Valley Vets, a surgery which is thankfully not far from where we live, and were advised to bring her in.

The vet was really nice and carefully examined Bobby while gently talking to her –she was quite impressed with her too, because she didn’t hiss or scratch but endured patiently her examination. The vet checked her temperature in a different room and examined her vulva. While Bobby’s temperature was normal, her vulva was inflamed and the vet told us that it could be Cystitis, which is quite common in cats. She was given a painkiller and we were instructed to stop feeding her dry food for while, add water to her wet food and administer some anti-biotics. Not easy when your cat is addicted to her crunchies! And initially we didn’t hide away all her dry food – so the little sod managed to paw some out. Until Monday we made sure that we mashed up her food with a bit of water and then sprinkled her meds over the food. And sat next to her to make sure she ate it! And we also ordered a mini food processor for future cat food mashing purposes.

copyright Paul White

On Monday I rang our own vet Michael from the Cardiff Cat Clinic, whom I can highly recommend, because he takes a lot of time explaining things and never talks talk down to owners. We still had some meds so were advised to bring her in the next day to see how she is doing.

Bobby is surprisingly calm not only in her basket when we are driving, but also when waiting at the vets. Our vet told us first that because of her age she was more likely to be suffering from Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) which covers a range of conditions associated with the feline urinary tract including cystitis and crystalluria / urolithiasis, a condition where crystals or stones are formed in the bladder and Cystitis, the inflammation of the bladder. Cystitis usually affects cats aged 10+. However Bobby is coming up to 6 this year. After he examined her he said that her bladder is fine and obviously the meds and the change in her diet must have helped her getting back to normal.

copyright Helen White

Typical causes of FLUTD are stress (changes in the home and cat’s territory, new cats in the area or home), not enough litter trays, too much dry food high in magnesium and ph and not enough water intake. Obesity is also a risk factor.

FLUDT affects both sexes but can be more dangerous in male cats as they are more susceptible to blockages in their Urethra which is longer than in female cats.

So how do know if your cat is suffering from FLUDT?

If your cat tries to wee in places she normally uses, but can’t, it’s a good sign she/he’s suffering. If your cat goes to the litter box or outside to wee a lot, squats for a some time without  passing urine or  only few drops  (it’s easier to check this with indoor cats) or when she/he  passes blood in the urine. If your cat suffers from urethral obstruction you will notice that your cat becomes very distressed and will howl in pain, because of the bladder filling up with urine which causes painful bladder distension. It’s important to see the vet immediately as this can lead to kidney failure and eventually death if not treated promptly. Other symptoms your cat would show if suffering from urethral obstruction is protrusion and constant licking of penis (in male cats), lethargy, vomiting, avoiding food and water, hiding and eventually it will fall into a coma as a result of toxins passing into the bloodstream.

It’s very important to know your cat and his/her habits well, so you can act as soon as possible when you notice unusual behaviour.

You can read more about FLUDT here :

copyright Helen White

Dusty's paw marks - copyright Paul White 2009

It’s snowing and the country is in panic mode. I really don’t get it. It snows every winter – so by now everyone should be well prepared. In Germany when it snows and you want to use your car by law you have to have winter tyres. Anyway the news is full of snow features, but what about our furry friends – in my case – our cat?

Bobby thinking about going out - © Helen White 2010

Bobby has an odd relationship with the snow – she goes out and is surprised, then appalled and goes nuts. She runs back in through her cat flap like a cartoon cat, meows in protest and vents her frustration – because by that time her paws are frozen. I usually pick her up – which leads to a vehement protest, because she hates it – and try to warm her paws and then I put the fire on. As the cold always makes her very hungry she tends to eat a lot and demands extra food – which means that I spend some time just stroking her back while she eats. I know it’s weird, but ever since she was a kitten she needed protection while she’s eating. I sometimes wonder how she manages when we are away. Obviously she does, because she never appears to be thinner than before our holiday. After she has warmed up and she has eaten Bobby has already forgotten the snow – and is off again, and the ritual is repeated until – hurray she finally gets tired and demands to be tucked under our blanket on our bed. She loves her little cave – it keeps her warm and she thinks nobody will find her. It happens a lot that she somehow wraps herself up in there, when the bed is not made, and we can’t find her for ages!

..and she's off. - © Helen White 2010

So Bobby and snow is a strange one. Dusty on the other hand, who is a Norwegian Forest and therefore being able to cope with zero to sub zero temperatures comes naturally to her, loves snow. She is happy to go out and she looks so beautiful in her more natural habitat. Her already fluffy fur puffs up even more and she looks funny when she runs around. She can spend much longer in the snow than Bobs.

Dusty running towards the camera - copyright Paul White 2009

Dusty on the balcony - copyright Paul White 2009

Last week I have received a press release from Cats Protection on the subject of cats and snow and I would like to share their advice.

If you own a young cats who has never seen or been in the snow before: consider letting her wander in a safe and enclosed area like your garden and accompany her.

Wipe off road grit and other substances from your cat’s paws and fur when your cat comes in.

If your cats have access to outside, provide some shelter like a cardboard box partially covered with plastic sheets.

Keep doors to your sheds and other outbuildings shut or wedged open so cats don’t become trapped.

Always check under cars and the bonnet of your car before starting the engine – cats may have climbed into your vehicle for extra warmth!

If you provide your cat with an outdoor source of water, make sure it doesn’t freeze. Always make sure your cat has clean fresh water available inside if the outdoor source is not accessible.

Always check if you cat flap is still in working order and not frozen over or blocked by snow. If you let your cat wander further, then let them only outside when the temperatures are highest and traffic levels are lowest – though I have to admit I find this one a bit odd. During the day it’s obviously warmer but it’s also very busy, while at night it’s freezing but less busy. So basically it’s best not to let your moggie wander to far.

Cats with Arthritis need extra warmth on a snowy day, because the cold can severely affect inflamed joints. So it’s best to provide additional warm and comfortable places for your cat to rest or sleep. Also ensure that her resting places are easy to access and not too high up and that she can easily access her chosen toileting site.

Cats are at a much higher risk of being run over, stolen or maltreated by nasty people when it’s dark– so it’s highly recommended to keep them in at this time.

And finally if you haven’t got pet insurance, consider taking one out for your own piece of mind. Vet bills can get very expensive.

Enjoy the snow, but protect your cat from freezing.

Dusty's paw marks - copyright Paul White 2009

The Java, Caspian and Bali subspecies have already become extinct while life for the existing Bengal, Sumatran, Indochinese, Malayan, Amur and South-Chinese subspecies have become increasingly difficult.

The main threats to the tiger are: hunting for traditional “medicine” across Asia, with China being the biggest market, a depleted prey base due to over-hunting by humans, shrinking habitats and human-tiger conflicts in areas where humans and tigers live in close proximity to each other.

One organisation dedicated to the conservation of the Tiger and other wild cats is “Panthera”. If you have watched “Lost Land of the Tiger” on BBC1, you may already be familiar with its President and CEO, zoologist Dr Alan Rabinowitz.

Panthera has helped creating the Hukaung Valley Tiger Reserve in Myanmar, which is today the world’s largest tiger reserve. The organisation has two main tiger initiatives: “Tigers Forever”, which monitors the tiger and its prey populations and tries to mitigate the direct killing of tigers and their prey in Thailand, Myanmar, India, Lao PDR, Indonesia and Malaysia. The “Tiger Corridor Initiative” aims to identify and create safe corridors for tigers to move between protected core populations as well as throughout human landscapes. Panthera has achieved significant progress in its aim to preserve the tiger.  For example all countries (except Indonesia) where the Tiger Forever Initiative is taking place have recognised their sites as the country’s best protected areas. Panthera has also successfully established a ban on all commercial hunting in the State of Johor in Malaysia.

If you love tigers and want to see their population increase check out Panthera’s website for more information on how you can help: www.panthera.org

The last episode of “Lost Land of the Tiger” is on tonight at 9pm on BBC1

We adopted our moggie from CP in Cardiff and if it was up to me I would adopt another one – but Bobby might not be too happy about that. I will give it a few more years when she is older and then definitely adopt another cat. I can’t honestly imagine my life without cats, they make the best pets.

So if you consider buying a cat – check out CP’s adoption centres first or ask your local branch (which may not have an adoption centre) if they have cats in care. Ours was cared for by lovely foster carers, who became friends of mine, and not from an adoption centre as Cardiff hasn’t got one. 

 Here is a link to CP: http://www.cats.org.uk/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8396139.stm

It doesn’t take much effort to squash tin cans. Alternatively you could just make sure the bags are safely tied so the cats can’t rip them  and don’t put the bags out before very late at night.

Here are a few links to their website and a documentaries (in French) about the three adventurers.

 http://enfanceart.free.fr/miami_ushuaia/

http://enfanceart.free.fr/miami_ushuaia/videocast/   - loads of cute films about Kitty

 I am very jealous – Kitty is so easy going and curious. I wish we could travel like that with our mog. I hope the two will eventually take the cat back home to France.

This is quite a disturbing story I got emailed and I thought to pass this on. It’s quite sad that they let this happen in NI.