For Pets Sake

DETAILS: DON’T forget that cats and dogs aren’t the only type of animals who are looking for loving new homes at the Limerick Animal Welfare Sanctuary in Kilfinane.

There are plenty of other small animals too including plenty of adorable rabbits who are just waiting to be rehomed.

All the animals at the sanctuary are neutered and ready to  go to their new families.

So if you are interested in any of the animals at the sanctuary from cats and dogs to rabbits, simply pcontact the Field of Dreams Sanctuary in Kilfinane on 063 91110.

IF RESEARCH over the years is anything to go by the health benefits of owning a dog in later life is something that shouldn’t be ignore. A small but growing body of research is now showing that owning a pet at any age but particularly when you are older can help give the pet owner both physical and psycholical benefits alleviating stress, anxiety and lonliness. Experts also believe that owning a pet can help to decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels and most importantly can offer opportunity for socialisation and exercise.

One particular study in Canada looked at the rate of senior use of health care services, based on pet ownership and non-pet ownership and found that looking at a sample of elderly people living at home over the course of one year, researchers found that all of those who owned a pet had, on average, 30 uses of healthcare services, compared to 37 uses of healthcare services of the non-pet owners. The pet owners’ healthcare average cost was also lower than the non-pet owners’ average cost and the average length of hospital stays among pet owners was eight days, while non-pet owners’ hospital stays were 13 days.

Another study in America showed that pets can also benefit Alzheimers patients with the use of a therapy dog in the University School of Nursing in Texas resulting in increased socialisation and decreased agitation amongst participants.

In the UK then a study of pets and the health of older people was carried out by the Department of Psychology at the University of Warwick with self-esteem, loneliness, stress and anxiety levels compared between pet owners and non-pet owners.

The participants in the study were nine men and 21 women, all over 60 years old. Two of the men lived alone, and eight of the women lived alone. Eighteen participants were pet owners (13 dog owners and 5 cat owners), while 12 participants had no pets.

The non-pet owners reported the highest incidence of physical health problems overall. The men who had no pets reported over 20 percent more physical health problems, compared to the men who had pets, reporting the lowest incidence of physical symptoms.

Psychological symptoms showed a similar result. Men who owned pets reported the lowest incidence of psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety, while men who did not own pets reported the highest.

How about the difference between cats and dogs? Well apparantly cat owners in the study found to report fewer physical and psychological problems, and reported higher self-esteem and feelings of well-being. Cat owners did, however, report more feelings of loneliness with dog owners found to feel less lonely, possibly because of social opportunities that dogs can provide when going for walks etc.

Through all these studies though the results are obvious. Pet ownership can bring love, laughter and companionship to elderly people all over the world with many nursing homes now implementing the use of companion animals to help the elderly lead happy, healthy lives and give them independence and hope. Perhaps this is something that we in Ireland should embrace more. With so many elderly living in nursing homes or communities surely anything that could help promote health and happiness is worthwhile investigating.

Pets for seniors living alone can also be very worthwhile, after all birds, cats, dogs and other pets can prove great companions and help the elderly to keep active and give them a chance to nurture and receive

love in return for caring for a pet.

Owning a pet can give them a new lease of life and bring energy and love into their lives making the owner feel needed and keeping them busy as they see to the pet’s daily routine.

Research has also shown that touch is very important to the well being of humans and whether its a dogs offering its paw or a cat curled up on your lap the friendly touch of a pet can make anyone feel loved and can also offer a sense of security.

However before anyone thinks of owning a pet, senior or otherwise they should always consider the physical effort and financial commitment it requires and also make sure that there is support from other family members in case it is needed.

Dear Catriona

I love reading the pet page every week and when I got this funny email from my friend I just had to share it with you and your readers. I have a dog called Mutley and a cat called Misty so I love both but I think this really illustrates the difference between cats and dogs personalities!

Keep up the good work

Best regards

Elaine Chawke by email…

WHAT PETS WRITE IN THEIR DIARIES

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary……

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm – Doggy Bone! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the family! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat’s Diary…

Day 983 of my captivity…

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. B******s.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously stupid and beyond help.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…

ACCORDING TO animal welfare organisations like the Irish Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  (ISPCA) the popularity of exotic pets has risen in Ireland over the years. However while many of these are relatively harmless pets like lizards etc there is a increase in Ireland of more dangerous species of animals which could pose a real risk to the public if not regulated properly. In particular there have been varioius reported cases of dangerous animals and exotic breeds escaping from their keepers posing a threat to both the general public and animal livestock.

While most of these cases have been resolved quickly and without incident it could be only a matter of time before a more tragic incident occurs and this is why organisations like the ISPCA are calling for legal boundaries. At the moment in Ireland there is no actual law which regulates the keeping of such exotic animals on private property to which the public are not granted access. This means you need a licence for a dog but not necessarily a dangerous animal which you might find in a circus, a mini zoo or with private dealers which may lead to injury or worse in the future the ISPCA warns.

According to the ISPCA they believe that a simple piece of legislation could be the answer to the problem.  They propose a simple, cheap licence to keep exotic animals which are not deemed to be dangerous species (i.e. most exotic birds, reptiles and smaller mammals) and a second type of licence for those animals which are realistically classed as dangerous. This would require owners to have secure and suitable caging, adequate public safety measures, etc.

The ISPCA are proposing that a licensing authority be set up to administer the law with experienced wildlife inspectors and veterinarians in charge of issuing licences and perhaps a Gardai appointed wildlife officer who could help with the implementation of the legislation.

This would mean that for a licence to be issued various criteria would have to be fulfilled including detailed information on health and safety, staff training, record keeping etc which would need to be submitted prior to inspection and consideration for licensing with licensed premises then inspected annually to ensure compliance.

According to the ISPCA the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have recently begun to rigorously enforce these regulations and brought qualified personnel from the UK to Ireland to inspect any premises that may potentially require licensing under the regulations and the ISPCA welcome this positive development and are asking the public to encourage further progress by calling on their local councillors, TD’s or MEP’s to implement further legislation. For more information on this subject log onto www.ispca.ie

Dear Catriona,

I live in the South side of the city and I have noticed lately a lot of stray cats in our area, a problem I’m sure is the same all over the city. The thing is some of these poor creatures are only a few weeks old and I can’t imagine they’ll survive the harsh weather conditions we’re experiencing at the moment.

So can you please remind your readers at the Limerick Post the importance of having your cat neutered as this simple procedure which doesn’t cost that much can help solve the problem.

Thanks Declan Lynch by email.

Catriona: Thanks for your reminder Declan and you’re right having your pet neutered is an integral part of being a responsible pet owner and can help stem the ever increasing flow of stray and abandoned pets throughout Ireland. I

What people sometimes don’t realise is that this relatively straightforward procedure which prevents female cats becoming pregnant by removing her ovaries and uterus and male cats impregnating females by removing their testes is a quick process and not that expensive.

Your local vet will go through the procedure with you from how it is done to what age is best suitable for your pet and he or she will also be able to tell you about the many health benefits that are also associated with neutering. Male cats who are neutered are known to be less likely to roam or fight and they are also less likely to contract serious diseases and display less territorial behaviour such as spaying.

Female cats meanwhile not only will avoid having unwanted litters of kittens but will also be less likely to contract diseases like FIV or FeLV and they are also less likely to develop cancer of the mammaries, ovaries or uterus than non neutered cats. Your vet will also dispell the many myths surrounding neutering like that it is beneficial for a cat to have a litter before being spayed etc. So why not pop in for a visit to your vet and organise to have your pet neutered you’ll be doing both them and the community a service…

PROVING that pet related events and topics are more popular than ever is the arrival in Ireland this March of dog whisperer and dog trainer to the stars Cesar Millan.

Forget concerts or musicals the latest phenonenom to hit the 02 is the dog expert’s latest tour which takes place at the Dublin venue this St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday March 17.

While many may be sceptical about such experts you can’t deny  the Mexican born presenters popularity from his work training the dogs of stars like Oprah Winfrey, Nicolas Cage and Will Smith to his book on raising the perfect dog to his Emmy nominated TV show”The Dog Whisperer” the enigmatic presenter has been entertaining dog lovers all over the world with his trade mark techniques when dealing with wayward or troubled pooches.

And for the first time he is bringing this talents on the road in his UK and Irish tour in which he promises to have audiences spellbound as he shares his unique insights on dog psychology and how people can inadvertently play a role in their dog’s “behavioural issues” dealing with all breeds from Sheepdogs to Schnauzers and Poodles to Pomeranians!

The show which features state of the art multimedia and a selection of friendly dog stars also deals with rehabilitating dogs and re-training owners on how to be calm and assertive pack leaders in order to improve the behaviour of their dogs.

ORGANISERS of a national dog walk in aid of the Carers Association of Ireland gathered last Thursday at the Petmania store at the Jetland Shopping Centre to announce details of the upcoming fundraiser.
The event which will see dog walks taking place simultaneously all over Ireland on the same day will kick off in Limerick on Easter Monday April 5 at 2pm.
Described by Limerick’s centre manager Steffani Jade McDonagh as a “fun day out for families, colleagues and four legged friends”, the walk will be 5k in distance and will begin and finish at the Petmania store at the Jetland shopping centre with all dog lovers invited to come along and take part!
Comedian and animal lover Pat Shortt and his beautiful labrador Rosie officially launched the fundraiser last Thursday morning and Steffani was thrilled with the turnout for the launch.
“We are absolutely delighted with the support we received from both Pat who launched the event and those who attended here today and we look forward to raising funds for the Carers Association on the big day,” she said.
The Petmania group meanwhile will be showing their support for the event with walks taking place at their branches all over Ireland, making it the first national dog walk of it’s kind.
All funds raised from sponsorship of the event will go to the Carers Association which was established in 1987 in response to the need for recognition of family carers and their rights and entitlements in Ireland.
To take part in this special sponsored dog walk and help raise funds for this crucial organisation log onto www.carersireland.com or telephone 061 310434 for your sponsorship card today.

Dear Catriona,
I read the article in the Limerick Post recently regarding the abandoned ponies. It was quite disturbing to learn that anyone would inflict such unnecessary pain and suffering on an animal and display such little respect for them. I see that the ISPCA has nowhere to house these ponies at the moment, so may I suggest that you try to engage local farmers to temporarily allow some of these stray ponies to roam their land, with the ISPCA paying for their fodder.
This would allow some time to find suitable homes for them.
As for the farmers, this would mean just adding one or more animal to an already large number, so it should not affect them too much.
Let me know if I can do anything to help this dreadful situation.
Kindest regards
Elizabeth by email

Hello to all at Limerick Post Pet Section
I am delighted to say that my German Shepard dog “Butters” was found safe and unharmed after almost a week of being missing!
Despite being a little muddier than usual, he seemed happy and healthy! Thank you for putting his picture in the Limerick Post.
Also a big thank you to Martin from Oola who rang us to tell us that he spotted Butters around the Oola area.
It’s a pity that dogs cannot talk because I bet that he could have some great stories to tell!
Thanks again,
Jenny by email.

Hi Catriona,
I have very good news we got Millie back yesterday she was picked up on the road thanks to Tony Carroll. Tony noticed her on the paper and gave us a call. We are very grateful to you and the Limerick Post paper for your support.
Many thanks, regards Brid by email.

It’s been a very difficult time for Ireland’s hotel trade over the last year with many establishments coming up with various offers and promotions to generate new business.
As a result hotel management are having to come up with new ideas to attract customers and pets are benefitting from this as even five star establishments across Ireland are now opening their doors to pets! This new business strategy is a bid to attract a new market of pet owners who wish to holiday at home in Ireland with their furry friends!
Some animal accommodating resorts are even going as far as offering spa type services for both dogs and cats that range from grooming to massage! However it’s important if you see ‘pet friendly’ on a venue’s website or brochure that you check what this means as some simply offer kennel space while others offer pure luxury! Even time share properties abroad are now offering dedicated suites to beloved pets in a bid to stimulating a stagnant market, so now is the best time ever to holiday away with your pet! So why not check out websites like www.selfcatering.ie, www.ireland-guide.com, www.pets.dreamireland.com, www.hidden-ireland.com/petfriendly-cottages to name but a few to book your next pet friendly holiday!

Lucy home at long last

Dear Everyone,
Firstly I must thank you all for your help, support, kind words and encouragement over the last 277 days. Yes two hundred and seventy seven days in total!
Today I am so happy to let you all know, Lucy the Lurcher will be back home tomorrow.
I received a call at 4.50pm this evening from Geena at Paws.ie animal shelter to let me know they have Lucy!
I have no other details as was so happy to hear the news I couldn’t think speak or do anything except go Oh my God…. is it her are you sure?
First thing tomorrow morning we are going to collect her.
So HUGE thanks to you all.
Lorna by email
PS: Make sure and get your pets chipped as only for Lucys chip we might never of got her home…

Change of venue..
Hi Catriona,
Just to let your readers know we are having the postponed New Years Day swim this coming Sunday February 7 in Kilkee.
The Kilkee Bay (which was mentioned in last week’s story) will not be open, so we have made arrangements with the Stella Maris Hotel to have rooms available with hot showers for the swimmers and we will also be able to get hot food there after the swim. We all hope to meet at the Stella Maris between 12 and 12.15pm on Sunday and the swim should take place at 12.30pm.  We will probably use the part of the beach near to the Stella Maris so that the swimmers won’t have far to go after the swim.
If you could give this a mention in this weeks Pets page, we would be grateful.
Many thanks Anne by email
Hi Catriona,
It is with regret that I have to advise that the Limerick Animal Welfare Sanctuary had to close to-day due to a virus in the kennels.  We will remain closed until further notice.  We will review the situation again in two weeks.

The bad weather over the Christmas period has led to a huge demand for our services.  We have done our best to accommodate as many animals as possible but at present we only have one isolation kennel which was designed to cater for dogs.  Our cats continue to be housed in temporary wooden buildings.  The situation is far from ideal and overcrowding in the kennels has contributed to the outbreak of this virus.

We urgently need to start Phase 2 of our building programme which will provide a purpose built isolation facility for cats and kittens.  We also need to build our main building which will contain a Veterinary Clinic and rehoming kennels for dogs and cats.  It will also provide badly needed office accommodation and service areas.  This is a huge undertaking at a time when our funds are at an all time low but we have no option but to do our utmost to provide better facilities for the abandoned animals.

We are most grateful to the all our supporters and volunteers who continue to help us each day and ask the public for co-operation during this most difficult crisis.
We would like to make an urgent appeal for donations to our Sanctuary Building Fund to enable us to go forward with the Building programme.

In case of emergency the phone numbers to ring are :  061 336740 and 087 6371044

Marion Fitzgibbon
Chairperson,
Limerick Animal Welfare
www.limerickanimalwelfare.ie