www.sapetpages.co.za FREE FOR YOU ISSN 2078-550X Abyssinians Rottweilers WIN A SPRINGER FOR sumMer CYCLING Mix 93.8 FM Roxy Blows’ Animal Show Summer 2011 - Issue 9 - Gauteng 55,000 Copies Nationally SA Pet Pages Derek van Dam Sunshine on a Cloudy Day
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C O N T E N T SThere have been some horrific stories in the news of late. We need to recognise when we have the opportunity to jump to the rescue, we can make a difference every single day. In the world of pet ownership, it starts with ensuring that our own pets are well cared for, sterilised and
vaccinated. There are lots of dogs and cats in shelters around South Africa - you can be their hero by simply providing a walk or a cuddle. We can support others in the life saving work they do, organisations such as Barking Mad featured on page14 who depend on donations of our time and money in order to function.The noble Rottweiler is showcased on page 20 and I am sure you will enjoy our entertaining article, “There’s a Tiger in My Garden”, featuring the Abyssinian on page 18.
See you on Facebook,
Karen Seoighe
DISCLAIMERWhile every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this magazine, we cannot be held responsible for the information herein or any consequences arising from it. All material is the copyright of SA Pet Pages and no part may be reproduced without written permission from the editor.
The Pet Food Industry Association of SAPFI Members commit to promoting a quality orientated Pet Food Industry in Southern Africa, which is recognised by consumers as having the nutritional well-being of household pets as its prime concern.
YOUR PET PAGES TEAM Editors Karen Seoighe Craig Millar Helen LilienfeldContributors Debbie Badham Marian Buechert Pets in the City Barking Mad www.petwise.co.zaGraphic Design Imp Studios Distribution LAKATO (PTY) LtdPhotography Tamed & Framed Norma Hush
TO ADVERTISE Call: Craig on 074 125 9114 Email: [email protected]: 086 576 6843ON THE COVER Derek van Dam with his Vizsla, Balou. All photographs by Tamed and Framed. www.tamedandframed.co.za
Winner of the Ortho-Pet BedBasil, the 12½ year old Jack Russell, owned by Gail Rennie of Ruimsig. Basil can now enjoy his new memory foam bed from www.ruffraff.com.
W I N a s p r i n g e r f O R S U M M E R C Y C L I N GSummer is the time to be out and about with your best friend. Hop on your bicycle and take your dog with you with the “Springer” from Africa Spring. Ride yourself and your dog to good health with this unique dog exerciser.
The Springer is easy to install and has a heavy duty steel spring, positioned low on the arm, which absorbs up to 90% of the force of your dog’s tugs. It allows you to keep your balance on the bike, while protecting your dog from traffic, pedals and wheels. If you dog gets caught around a tree or post, the safety release will free him instantly.
Manufactured in Norway, the Springer has been used successfully by over 600,000 families in countries around the world since 1988. Distributed by Africa Spring, call Julie Avenant on 083 267 9639 or email [email protected]. Visit www.africaspring.blogspot.com for more info.
WIN A SPRINGER WORTH R750Email your name and contact details to [email protected] to stand a chance to win a Springer from Africa Spring. Competition closes 15th January 2011. Competition open only to South African residents. The prize is not transferable and the judge’s decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into.
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Inter view with MixFM’s Roxy BlowsWhat inspired you to have a Animal Show?I believe we should all do our bit. Sometimes we don’t know where to start or how to go about it, so having the animal show is a way to generate that awareness and inform people.
I have been helping animals actively for over a year now. It’s so weird because at first I thought there was not enough time but there is time. You find time for things important to you, its called time management albeit I’m still getting use to the concept. I read this saying and think it sums it up ‘’well done, is better than well said.’’ - Benjamin Franklin.
What Pets do you have?I have two gorgeous dogs. Barney after the dinosaur and Rascal.
Who is your Hero/mentor?I have many; Tony Robbins, Robin Sharma, Nelson Mandela and Benjamin Franklin. I like people who help others by helping themselves, to lead by example.
What are you thoughts on kill shelters?Kill shelter? It’s very sad, but the reality is that it is the reality. I wish we could have a place where all abandoned animals could go where they would be loved and looked after or even a world where money was no issue, oh how different things would be.
Do you think it is important for us as a community to get involved.Communities especially should get and be involved! Mother Teresa said it best. Sweep your own doorstep before you fix the worlds. I reckon its the best way to start making things better.
Do you think that education on animal welfare should be offered in schools. Absolutely! Education is the solution. Educating children will help us in the future.
What are you thoughts on implementing a new law that makes owner get a license to own there animalYes, I reckon that should be a law for some adults before having children too! Having a pet is a privilege it shouldn’t be a right! And at least people would be checked out before trusting them with these beautiful creatures who can not speak for themselves.
Roxy Blows’ Animal show on 93.8 MixFM Wednesdays from 9 - 12am – Co-produced by Judd & Clawds Helping Hands
Visit www.sapetpages.co.za for more information. Please email [email protected] if you would like to add your event to our Events Diary. SA Pet Pages is not responsible for errors or omissions in this calendar. In no event will SA Pet Pages be held liable for any damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this calendar.
Events Diary and 2012 CalendarsSAINTs Book Sales - first and last Saturday of every month at Northriding Square (Checkers/Dros Centre), Bellairs Drive, Northriding. 9am – 2pm. Call Viv 082 259 0905 or [email protected].
Date Organisation Event Contact12 Nov Cats'9Lives "Open Day" at Waterkloof Animal Hosp Avril: 072 391 503512 & 13 Nov Happiness Is Herbs for Animals Workshops [email protected] 21 - 25 Nov Border Collie Rescue Visit the BCR stand at the SBSA XMAS Market -
Standard Bank Head OfficeDina-Vera: 082 772 8525
23 Nov Animals in Distress Christmas Carols at the Paddocks, Midrand Bev: 078 458 914326 Nov Pug Rescue SA ‘Animal farm’ Yappy hour for small breed dogs. Sadye Dodgen: 082 578 69493 Dec Marks Park All Breeds
TrainingFun Day for you and your pet, fleamarket, food, fun show and demos
Marissa: 074 122 1812
16 Dec Pug Rescue SA ‘Santa Claus & Christmas’ Yappy hour for all small breed dogs.
Sadye Dodgen: 082 578 6949 Belinda: 082 877 8501
29 Jan Weimaraner Klub of GP Open Show 2012 Renée Minny: 082 750 31724 Feb Pug Rescue SA ‘Valentines’ Yappy hour for small breed dogs. Sadye Dodgen: 082 578 6949
14 Feb Border Collie Rescue Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera hosted at the Teatro Theatre, Monte
Grooming ParloursGrooming ParloursCraighall Park Le Pawtique 011 447 0995Florida Happy Hound Grooming Salon 011 472 1413Fourways, Sandton Sandton Pet Salon 011 465 1180 Glenanda North The Dog Club Grooming Parlour 011 433 1442Kempton Park Keringa Dog Laundry 011 976 3030Mondeor Madame Flea Flee Pet Parlour 011 433 2399Pretoria East Glamour Pets 082 505 5327Randburg Tailwaggers Grooming Parlour 011 787 8327Rivonia Moggie Doggies 084 267 3830Sharonlea, Randburg Paws Galore 011 704 2792
Mobile Grooming ParloursNorthern, Western and Eastern Johannesburg The Wheely Wash Tub 083 325 9584Ruimsig Barkers Mobile Dog Groomers 071 871 0873
Dog Behavourists and TrainersFourways Paws-n-All Dog Training & Socialisation 083 309 0400Johannesburg Thinking Pets 082 049 9209Muldersdrift Dog Challenge Behaviour and Training 083 360 5839
To list your Grooming Parlour or Puppy / Dog Classes, phone Craig on 074 125 9114 or email [email protected].
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Barking Mad & Dogtown SABarking Mad’s purpose is to end the pointless killings of healthy animals. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home South Africa’s abandoned pets.
Barking Mad’s goals are to:• Help feed dogs and cats in South African Shelters and impoverished
communities• Decrease the suffering, abandonment and euthanasia of South African pets
through education and a spay and neuter programme• Provide people and their pets with the tools they need to develop lasting and
successful relationships with one another and with their communities• Provide a central point for people looking to adopt and re-home their pets
The website, www.barkingmad.co.za, is a volunteer run website dedicated to the welfare of shelter animals around the country. Barking Mad support 24-30 shelters/rescue groups in our ‘click to feed’ project and provide a central point for shelters and the public to help re-home dogs and to provide free advice to pet owners. Barking Mad have a steady flow of regular visitors and are presently experiencing +-20,000 clicks a day. All money raised through advertising on the website goes to feeding and providing medical care to animals in shelters and impoverished communities.
Dogtown South Africa Pty. Ltd. is a non-profit, section 21 company. After completing a course at Dogtown USA on how to start and run an animal sanctuary, they have built our own sanctuary to complement the existing shelters. They saw that with the amount of animals being abandoned, it isn’t always possible for dogs to receive the special care they may need to help them find their forever home. Dogtown SA offer to take in long term dogs and dogs that have been deemed “problem dogs” from other shelters and provide them with the best care and rehabilitation programmes, whether it be behaviour modification or extensive medical treatments. They also have a retirement village for older dogs. The dogs taken into their care are assessed on arrival and then an individual training programme is put into place by their two internal behaviourists at Dogtown SA. Their dogs receive a full medical examination and are microchipped,vaccinated and sterilised. They offer a lifelong commitment to all the dogs that come into their care and a lifetime support to their new families.
People can assist by Barking Mad and Dogtown SA by:• Joining the Barking Mad Facebook Page• Clicking the ‘Click to feed Button’ daily on www.barkingmad.co.za• Advertising on www.barkingmad.co.za• Sponsoring a dog at Dogtown SA• Volunteering time to spend with Dogtown SA’s dogs
Derek van DamMeteorologist, Derek van Dam, has been changing the way we view weather since he arrived on our television screens with the launch of eNews in 2008. Derek has revolutionized weather broadcasting and won the hearts of South Africans with his passion, accent and sense of humour. We met up with Derek and his two Vizslas, Balou and Ruby, for some play time on the beach.
What brought you to South Africa?I came to South Africa through missions work for a church I attended in America. Along my travels, I came across one of the managers of e.tv. As I was a professional broadcast meteorologist in America, I knew that this opportunity to live and work overseas in my career only comes once in a life time. The rest is history.
What is your favourite way to spend a sunny day?I love taking my dogs to the beach and tiring them out by throwing the ball for them. Either that or going for a hike.
We see you on TV every day so a lot of us feel like we know you, but what are five things people would be surprised to learn about you?1. I am a Christian2. I love my family more than anything3. I am passionate about my job4. I enjoy Sushi5. Running makes me happy
How does one become a weatherman?Lots of math and natural science in school. Keep dedicated, as the subject matter is very difficult. An outgoing personality is always a plus. And being able to speak in front of crowds is important.
You are very involved in Humanitarian Aid, tell us a little about the NGO Compassionate Life?I currently sit on the board of directors for the Compassionate Life Foundation, which is a Christian Non-profit that focuses on Orphans, Widows and Vulnerable children in Swaziland. We help oversee an orphanage, health care clinic, safe community centre, a church and a school.
Derek van DamYour two Vizsla’s Ruby and Balou are beautiful. What is it that you like about this unusual breed?This is the breed my family has from America. It really reminds me of my family. I guess its that familiarity that I really enjoy most. Other than the fact that the animals are so incredibly active… which really suits my lifestyle.
What motivates you to support Barking Mad?Supporting an initiative like “Barking Mad” is important to me because I believe that every dog should have the opportunity to have a caring and loving home. I just love how this non-profit works to make this idea a reality.
What are your resolutions for 2012? I want to run a full marathon!
www.tamedandframed.co.za
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My Abyssinian and Other Tame Jungle CatsText by Debbie Badham. Photos by Norma Hush.
There’s a tiger in the garden. Silently slicing through the Agapanthus. Sheer agility and power from head to toe. Golden eyes alert, watching, ready to pounce. Before you start to panic though, I should tell you that my tiger is actually an Abyssinian cat named Hobbes, but shhh, don’t tell him he’s not really a wild jungle cat.
Just like his namesake, the lovable tiger playmate from Calvin and Hobbes, an Abyssinian like this one may be the closest you’ll ever come to having a wild cat for a companion. With their distinctive ticked coats, muscular builds, and ears tailor-made for hunting, Abys as they are affectionately known, have a certain resemblance to the wildcats of Africa.
Lively and intelligent, Abyssinians are a delightful character blend of affectionate playmate, curious clown and skilled hunter. Though Abys are not likely to demand close cuddles all day, they are loving companions with quirky natures and soft, endearing voices.
The mystery surrounding the origin of Abyssinians adds to their intrigue. Their resemblance to the regal cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian art causes speculation as to whether they are descendant from Ancient Egyptian felines. Popular opinion prefers the theory that Abys originate from areas surrounding the Indian Ocean.
My tiger has spotted something. With perfect grace he launches himself at his target, landing with an air of inquisitive expectancy onto my lap. As Calvin’s Hobbes says, “You can take the tiger out of the jungle, but you can’t take the jungle out of the tiger”, and life is a great adventure with a tiger by your side.
Pets in the City’s Cat Litter is a completely re-usable, washable, cat litter that is eco-friendly and biodegradable. It works by way of a filtration system which filters out the urine. Solids are removed as necessary.
• Eco friendly – no dumping into landfill site• Kitty friendly – not carcinogenic nor
poisonous if ingested• Reduces tracking• Eliminates odours• Up to 12 month lifespan• Pink for girls and blue for boys• Economical• Completely washable• Biodegradable
Catteries that have started using this cat litter have noticed a substantial reduction in smell. The response to Pets in the City re-usable cat litter has been overwhelmingly positive. Learn more about this product at www.petcity.co.za.
Pets in the City - Re-Usable Cat Litter
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The Rottweiler - The WatchmanText by Marian Buechert. Photos by Norma Hush.
Those Rottweiler eyes. Big, dark, expressive. Watchful. Taking everything in. Making sure that nothing threatens home or family. Following the movements of an adored master or mistress.
Stinky, a ten-year-old Rottweiler, was recently crowned Service Dog of the Year for her work as a psychiatric therapy dog helping soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder. High praise for a dog of a breed that is often at the top of the list in legislation banning or tightly controlling ownership of certain breeds.
The Rottweiler has a bad reputation in many minds. Yet, this is a breed that has lived only to serve humans in many capacities over its long history. Records of the Rottie stretch back almost 2,000 years, when Roman legions on the march used mastiff-type dogs to control and protect livestock. In the German town of Rottweil, the breed was fine-tuned into an all-around helper for tradesmen, pulling small carts, carrying the owner’s purse around his neck for safekeeping, working stock, and guarding family and property. The breed became known as the Rottweiler Metzerhund—the butchers’ dog of Rottweil.
Today’s Rottweiler retains almost all of the characteristics prized in the old Metzerhund. Up to 68cm tall and weighing in at 40kg plus, he is a large, muscular dog with immense strength and surprising agility. He is calm but bold and usually aloof with strangers. Control and leadership are vital when dealing with this breed. Rotties that are not given consistent and firm training are likely to challenge their owners for alpha status in the household, a recipe for disaster. The Rottweiler with a job to do and guidance in how to do it is a happy dog. Almost all Rotties will enjoy obedience, agility, carting, herding, or some other purposeful training.
These robust dogs are generally healthy, but like most large breeds, reach their senior years fairly early, around age seven. Dysplasia is often seen in Rotties, though responsible breeders are working to reduce the incidence. Gastric torsion is a life-threatening condition. Owners need to be vigilant and take preventative measures, such as feeding several smaller meals during the day rather than one
large meal, and restricting vigorous exercise after eating.
The Rottweiler, standing proud in his striking coat of black with tan markings, is a handsome and hard-working member of the community.
Those soldiers, whose lives Stinky saved, are fortunate. One soldier could have been speaking of all Rotties when he said of Stinky: “That dog’s got a lot of love to give.”
Puppies available from time to time. KUSA registered, imported parents. Excellent watch dogs, loving nature and good with children. Many referrals available. Contact Estelle on:058 303 1677 / 083 458 5223 Bethlehem
SA Pet Pages is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this list. In no event will SA Pet Pages be held liable for any damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this list. Please email [email protected] to add your Veterinary Clinic to this directory.