In This Issue:
- HAPPY EASTER from ABBA
- RAFFLE WINNER!
- AUTUMN VIP MEMBER SPECIAL
- REST IN PEACE MOLLY
- AUTUMN FACEBOOK CELEBRITY
- ABBA PET CELEBRITY
- CREATURE FOCUS ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY
- AUTUMN RISKS FOR YOUR PETS
- PET EASTER ACTIVITIES
- PET RECIPES
- TOP 10 REASONS IT’S GOOD TO BE A DOG!
- CAT PRAYER
- UPCOMING PET EVENTS
- DID YOU KNOW?
To all of our special friends (furry or otherwise),
We at Abba Kennels and Cattery would like to wish you a Happy and Safe Easter!
We enjoyed caring for your special pets over the Christmas period and hope your holidays were relaxing and fun. Stay safe and remember your pets will have a "pawfect" time with us over the Easter holidays - we'll make sure of that!
We would also like to thank everyone that came to the Dingley Pet Expo a few weeks ago. We had a great time! It was lovely to catch up with everyone at our stall, see some new faces and meet some of our Facebook followers at the Expo.
From the team at ABBA
Eastern Regional Pet Expo - 7th April in Knox Park, Knoxfield
Come and visit us at our stall at the Eastern Regional Pet Expo! A great family day or a nice outing for you (and your dog). Expect pony rides, amusements, microchipping, animal nursery for the kids, working dog demonstrations, see Polly the performing pig and Timothy the sheep, and watch rangler Jane with Arriba the horse. We had such fun at Dingley we can't wait to see more lovely faces at Knox.
Thanks to everyone who entered our raffle draw - we had over 30 entries from the Dingley pet expo and our Facebook followers. To determine a winner we entered all the entrant names into Random.org and randomised the list of names. The name that came up first was our winner!
We'd like to congratulate ROS LEMIN!
THE PRIZE...Ros will receive a two night luxury package in our penthouse suite for one lucky pet and a Creature Focus Animal Photography voucher worth over $250! This includes a photography session and a mounted print! (Click here for more info on Creature Photography)
Our Penthouse Suite 2 night package at ABBA includes air conditioning, in room TV, a complimentary bedtime treat, playtime and a bath to go.
Mention the Autumn newsletter or check in at ABBA on Facebook and receive a FREE playtime for your pet's next stay OR a half price Mega Play for your dog!
Playtimes at ABBA usually $5.00
A playtime consists of 30 minutes of supervised fun for your dog or cat. This time can be spent either 1:1 with a staff member and your pet or, if your dog is sociable, they can play with other dogs of their own size during their playtime.
A cat playtime consists of 30 minutes of play with toys, brushing or cuddles with a staff member and for elderly dogs or dogs that don't like to play with others, their playtime can be taken 1:1 with a staff member to receive pats, brushing, gentle play with toys or time to themselves outside.
Mega Plays at ABBA usually $20.00
Dogs love our mega plays! Social dogs play with other friendly dogs also staying at ABBA of a similar size and temperament. All mega plays are for 5 hours a day and are supervised in a group of 7-9 animals. Mega plays are generally held for 3 hours in the morning, followed by a quiet break for lunch and another 2 hours of play in the afternoon.
Doggy Daycare now at ABBA!
Did you know that your furry friend(s) could have fun every week at ABBA? Now Summer is at an end, many dog owners struggle to find the time and motivation to take their pets for a walk every day as they should. It's dark (and cold!) when you arrive home and many dogs put on weight, get bored and destructive when left alone all week whilst you're at work and they don't get their daily walk.
Book your dog in to spend a day or two a week at ABBA - drop your pet off before 9 and pickup at 5 (or arrange pickups), your dog will thank you for the playtimes and extra attention during the day. Stop feeling guilty when you leave for work (and when you get home) - introductory pricing at $20 a day, call us to book!
Sneak Preview - A day in the life of our doggies at ABBA
Your dogs deserve to be this happy all day every day!
All of the staff at ABBA would like to express our condolences to Karen and Graham Turnock on the sad passing of Molly, their Abyssinian cat, in February.
Molly was 16 yrs old and was featured as our Summer pet celebrity in our newsletter. Karen and Graham have been bringing their animals to stay at ABBA since 2003, we all enjoyed looking after Molly when she was with us, she will be sadly missed!
And the winner is...Anu Vats! (Yogi)
Congratulations Anu, our Autumn Facebook Celebrity prize is a FREE 2 night sleepover for Yogi at the time of your choosing.
A bit about Anu...
Anu has been bringing Yogi to ABBA for almost a year. We love having Yogi (her gorgeous 2 year old German Shepherd) stay with us. Thank you so much for being a fantastic advocate of ABBA, we know you & Yogi will enjoy the celebrity prize!
Do you want to be a winner?
We love reading the feedback and comments on our Facebook page. To say thank you for your valued contribution to our online community we will be choosing one loyal follower each season as the winner of our Facebook celebrity award.
Guaranteed to be a real "Wag of a Tail"!!
Q. What is your name?
A. Bonnie: I'm Bonnie and this is my brother Angus. We have the same dad but different mums.
Q. How old are you and what is your breed?
A. Angus: I will be 3 in September.
Bonnie: And I will be 2 on Anzac day. We are German Shepherds.
Q. What's your favourite food?
A. Angus: Whatever is in Bonnie's bowl. Or on the kitchen bench. The food in my bowl never tastes as good.
Bonnie: Whatever our humans feed the cats. Although we don't mind Royal Canin German Shepherd. The humans say it's good for our digestion, whatever that means. I think it has something to do with the words they say when they walk around the back yard with a plastic bag in their paws.
Q.What about treats? Any favourites?
A. Bonnie: I like treats but I get suspicious cos my human gives me one when she tries to get me to go outside. My favourite would be liver treats but we don't get them all the time. I think our human forgets we like them although I heard her tell the other human that they were to be kept for something called "training". I don't mind a bone but Angus thinks he owns bones so I have to wait until he lets me have whatever he's finished with – that's if he hasn't buried them.
Angus: I have to keep my physique so I'm not a big one for treats. When they give me one I'll take it to be polite but will usually spit it out. Bonnie, who should worry about her waistline, will eat what I try to keep for later so I often have to bury them. I do like the pigs' ears I get at Abba, though.
Q. What's your favourite hobby/pastime?
A. Angus: I love to chase balls. And swim in the river.
Bonnie: And sleep on the couch.
Angus: Shhh.
Q. Do you like to play? What're your favourite toys?
A. Angus: I like to play tug o'war with my humans. I let them win – it makes them feel good. I love toys that squeak but whenever I get one my humans take it away and when it comes back it doesn't squeak anymore.
Bonnie: That might have something to do with him going on and on and on with the squeak. I prefer to wait until we are out walking and then I'll roll in the grass and if I'm really lucky I'll slip my collar and get to play chasies with my humans.
Q. Do you have any friends or sworn enemies?
A. Bonnie: Angus and I are best friends as well as brother and sister. I like to play with other dogs but sometimes their humans act funny. I think it's because Angus and I are so beautiful and gentle although I heard my humans say that they wished people understood our breed better. We share our humans with two cats. I'm not sure whether I like them or not. I think I would but every time I get close I get a sore nose.
Angus: I like playing with other dogs when we stay at Abba and when we meet other dogs at the off lead park. I don't like it when other dogs are allowed to run around on the path near my fence. I bark to tell them to get away and then I get yelled at by my humans. It's not fair.
Q. What's the naughtiest thing you've ever done?
A. Angus: I'd tell you but my humans might read this and then I'd be in strife.
Bonnie: He has sworn me to secrecy. Not that I had anything to do with it!
Q. What's the funniest thing you've ever done?
A. Angus: When I was a wee pup I managed to lay flat on the coffee table and eat everything on it. The humans must have thought it was funny because they jumped up and shouted and clapped their paws. It was something called "Christmas" and the food was delicious. I didn't feel very well the next day, though.
Bonnie: That was before my time. Our humans laugh when we come back from a walk and go and stand in our water bowl to cool our feet. I think that's why they bought us a really big plastic water bowl that we can both fit in. We also get lots of laughs when we bite the water that comes from the hose. Angus tried to bite the water and got a mouth full of mint and rosemary. I thought it was very funny but he didn't like the taste.
Q. Do you do any tricks for your human? What are your best ones?
A. Angus: Tricks? I'm a German Shepherd – we don't do tricks!! We indulge our humans when we feel like it. They seem to get really excited about something called "shake" and "drop". And then they insist on giving me a treat *sigh*. If they knew what I was really capable of they would be amazed.
Bonnie: Angus....you're dreaming.
CREATURE FOCUS ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Creature Focus' aim is to create cat and dog portraits that animal lovers can display with pride and enjoy on a daily basis. Creature Focus believes that the experience of getting professional photography of your pet should be more than just a novelty; it should be a happy memory.
Photographer, Anna Clemann, is an experienced artist and pet lover who knows how to capture animals at their best and bring out their true character. With a little patience and an eye for capturing pets in their best light, she creates beautiful photographic memories that you can treasure forever.
Your pet photos can be taken in the Creature Focus professional studio, or on location for your convenience. Whether you choose a studio or location session, your animal photos will be styled to highlight the beauty of your pet and the loving relationship you have with your furry friend. View Website
Chocolate
Whilst overindulging during the Easter period may result in a few extra kilograms for humans, the consequences for our animal companions are much greater and much more serious. The accidental ingestion of chocolate or baked goods containing chocolate can lead to serious illness or even death for our beloved furry friends.
Paralysis Ticks
The Paralysis Tick and the Brown Dog Tick are the two most common ticks on dogs. However, it is the Paralysis Tick that is by far the most dangerous. It causes paralysis in a variety of forms but a 'typical' case starts with weakness of the hindquarters that progresses to total paralysis of all four legs. Other typical early signs include an altered bark or meow and vomiting. When the chest muscles and muscles of the throat become affected, the dog or cat is in serious trouble.
When a Paralysis Tick affects a pet, the pet often dies. Preventing tick paralysis is a much safer and cheaper alternative than treating the condition once it has occurred.
Poisonous Plants for Cats and Dogs
There are over 700 plants that can be poisonous or toxic to your pet.
The list included here cannot possibly begin to cover every single poisonous plant in existence, and it should also be said that some of these plants are much more toxic than others are. It is important to use your best judgment when determining whether or not these plants should remain in your home or garden.
Consider your personal situation and the normal behavior of your pets. If you keep any of these plants in areas that cannot be accessed by your pet, or if you have a pet that has never bothered with getting into your plants in the past, then it is likely you shouldn't have a problem with keeping those particular species of plants in a home with pets.
The most important thing for you do to when assessing your current plant situation, is to dig a little bit deeper and find out exactly how toxic certain plants can be and how they can affect your animal.
10 Most Common Poisonous Plants
Marijuana - Animals who attempt to snack on this plant can suffer serious consequences such as diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, drooling, in-coordination, and even possibly seizures and coma.
Sago Palm - While the seeds and nuts of this plant are most poisonous, the entire plant is toxic.
Animals ingesting parts of this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Lilies - Plants of the lily variety are very poisonous to cats. Even very small amounts of this plant could cause serious kidney damage.
Tulips - The toxic portion of this plant is the actual bulb, which can cause drooling, central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac issues and convulsions.
Azalea - The toxins in azalea plants can be very severe and potentially cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, central nervous system weakening and depression, and in some cases possibly coma or death.
Oleander - All portions of this plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, hypothermia, heart problems and possibly death.
Castor Bean - Poisoning as a result of this plant can cause abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting increased thirst, loss of appetite and weakness. More serious cases could also lead to dehydration, tremors, seizures, twitching muscles, coma and possibly death.
Cyclamen - The most poisonous portion of this plant is located in the root. Ingestion of the plant can cause severe vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. In some cases death has been reported as a result.
Kalanchoe - Ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac rhythm and rate problems.
Yew - Poisoning as a result of the yew plant can affect the nervous system and cause in-coordination, trembling and breathing difficulties. It may also result in gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac failure and could possibly lead to death.
Things You'll Need
- Six Large cardboard boxes
- Packing Tape
- Scissors
- Heavy Object
- Stackage timber blocks
Instructions
- Lay the boxes out to form your tunnel.
- Match them by height to create a consistent tunnel.
- Do not put any sudden turns into the tunnel, as this will cause racing dogs to crash.
- Make sure the boxes are tall enough to comfortably accommodate larger dogs.
- Use the scissors to cut out the tops and bottoms off the boxes, so that each box is left with two open sides surrounded by four closed sides.
- Lay the boxes end to end to build a tunnel
- Use the masking or shipping tape to tape each box to the next and secure the tunnel.
- Turn the tunnel over as a unit and tape the boxes together on the bottom side as well. This will help your tunnel stay together when dogs and cats are racing through it.
- Place something heavy in the center of the tunnel, against the side, to keep it in place during any games.
- Place a stack of timber under the front of the tunnel to raise the elevation. Dogs and cats will have fun jumping into the tunnel, and larger dogs won't have to duck upon entering the tunnel.
Finicky Cat Meal
This recipe is great for finicky eaters because it offers favorites by most cats. This recipe can easily be altered to fit your cats taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, boiled or microwave (do not cook with fat)
- 1/4 cup fresh broccoli, steamed
- 1/4 cup fresh carrots, peeled, shredded and steamed
- Chicken broth
Method:
Toss all ingredients together with just enough broth to hold it all together. This recipe can be varied using cooked and flaked fish or by adding different vegetables and/or rice.
Dog Liver Bread
Here is a recipe that's quick, easy, cheap, keeps well and dogs LOVE it.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of liver - pureed
- 1 cup of flour (any flour will do)
- 1 cup of corn meal
- 1 Tablespoon of oil
Method:
Puree the liver and mix in the other ingredients.
Line a biscuit tray with foil and oil it.
Spread the liver mixture onto the biscuit tray and bake at 180c for 25 minutes.
Cool and break in pieces.
Divide the liver bread into bags and freeze.
Note: The frozen liver bread thaws very quickly or your dog will enjoy eating it frozen.
TOP 10 REASONS IT'S GOOD TO BE A DOG!
1. If it itches - you can scratch it - even in public.
2. No one notices or cares if you have hair growing in some weird places as you get older.
3. Personal Hygiene ain't too bad - its not like you have to bathe everyday & somebody else combs your hair.
4. Having a wet nose is a sign of good health.
5. You don't need fancy entertainment systems - you got a bone.
6. You can spend hours smelling stuff.
7. You can spend all day sleeping, if ya want!
8. It doesn't take much to make you happy. You're excited just see the same old people day after day. All they have to do is leave the room for 5 minutes and come back in - and you're happy.
9. You never have to pay for lunch or dinner - OR worry about your table manners.
10. If you gain weight - it's someone else's fault!
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray this cushy life to keep.
I pray for toys that look like mice,
And sofa cushions, soft and nice.
I pray for gourmet kitty snacks,
And someone nice to scratch my back,
For windowsills all warm and bright,
For shadows to explore at night.
I pray I'll always stay real cool,
And keep the secret feline rule
To NEVER tell a human that
The world is really ruled by CATS!
Our Dogs are not just pets- they are family members.
Dogs are loved by world leaders, celebrities and everyday people.
They save lives, provide assistance, deter burglars, work the land, star in movies and are an integral part of everyday life.
Dog ownership teaches children responsibility and helps them develop their social and nurturing skills.
From providing simple companionship, stress relief, curing loneliness and as a means of social interaction, it is widely accepted that Dogs provide extensive benefits to their owners.
It's time to celebrate them!
The Dog Lovers Show will encapsulate the friendship and unconditional love that we share with man's (women's and kids!) best friend.
A wide array of entertainment and educational based activities will WOW dog lovers including a Puppy School, Breed Showcase and Face Painting with a major Dog Art Portrait Competition, Expert Seminars, high-energy demonstrations in the Main Arena and loads more!
It's a world-first concept that will have Dog Lovers leaving the show in their droves with a greater respect and understanding for the pooch in their life.
And this in turn will help provide more rewarding relationships.
Your dog and cat aren't spoilt ... You're just very well trained !
Inspiration & Sources
http://dogloversshow.com.au
http://animal.discovery.com/healthy-pets/cat-health-101/know-if-your-cat-is-in-heat.html
gardensandpolkadots.com
http://www.ehow.com
http://www.vetinfo.com/4-natural-cat-food-recipes.html
http://www.rspcavic.org/health-and-behaviour/seasonal-health/easter/
www.myconfinedspace.com
www.teen.com
http://dogaware.com
Image Credits
www.dpexpert.com.au
www.toptenz.net
freda1951.wordpress.com
davesgarden.com
www.getbusygardening.com
www.gardening-advice.net
elbalcondejaime.blogspot.com
stephens-views.blogspot.com
www.sodahead.com
aibob.blogspot.com
pets.thenest.com
maynardpress.wordpress.com
http://www.petalia.com.au