Spring Newsletter 2016

HELLO FROM ABBA

To all of our special friends (furry or otherwise). We at Abba Kennels and Cattery would like to wish you a happy and safe Spring!

Many of you will be planning your Melbourne Cup or Christmas holidays soon and we look forward to the fun we’ll have taking care of your furry friends when you’re away.

The weather’s already starting to warm up and pets love to play outside and will get bored and into mischief if not occupied when you're at work. Keep your pets - and you happy this Spring by dropping them off at ABBA during work hours. They can socialise with other dogs, exercise and have fun with their friends at daycare with our experienced carers.

From the team at ABBA

SPRING VIP MEMBER SPECIAL

Book your pet into ABBA this Spring and receive a free toy for your dog or cat! Mention the newsletter to receive your special offer. 

 

 

SPRING FACEBOOK CELEBRITY

And the winner is...
Craig McTaggart

Congratulations Craig McTaggart! Our Spring Facebook Celebrity prize is a FREE 2 night sleepover for your pet at the time of your choosing.

Please contact us within the next two weeks to claim your prize! Craig has two Cavaliers called Bella and Casey and has been bringing them to stay at ABBA since 2012. Thanks for your support Craig!

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.

DOGGY DAYCARE AT ABBA

Did you know that your furry friend(s) could have fun every week at ABBA?
In Spring many dog owners want to catch up with friends and have some much needed “time out” after the cold miserable days of Winter. Our pets also want to have fun, enjoy doggie company and play outside. Your friends at ABBA love spending time with your pet and will make sure they are happy and fully occupied.

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. Don’t feel guilty when you go out or leave for work! Call us to book! 

MELBOURNE CUP DAY

Don’t forget that Melbourne Cup weekend is creeping up! Please give us a call as soon as possible to book in your pet! Remember to check and make sure all vaccinations are up to date well before your check in date.

ABBA PET CELEBRITY

Guaranteed to be a real “Wag of a Tail”!!

LILY

Q. What is your name?

A. My name is Lilly Corbisiero.
 

Q. How old are you and what is your breed?

A. I am 20 months old and I am a Black/Brindle English Staffordshire Terrier.
 

Q. What's your favourite food?

A. My favourite food is meat and anything my humans are eating.
 

Q. What about treats? Any favourites?

A. I love pigs ears and pigs feet. I hate Smackos!
 

Q. What's your favourite hobby/pastime?

A. I love going for walks and in the car to the park to play.
 

Q. Do you like to play? What are your favourite toys?

A. Yes, I like to play and my favourite toys are my squeaky toys and my pull rope.
 

Q. Do you have any friends or sworn enemies?

A. I have lots of friends! Fizzle is a German Shepherd and she is my best friend. I don't think I have any enemies ... I  love everyone!
 

Q. What's the naughtiest thing you've ever done?

A. This is a hard one. I have done a fair few naughty things when I was younger but my humans would say ripping up 2 two-seater lounge chairs or spreading Nugget on the carpet. That's why I go to Daycare at Abba!
 

Q. What's the funniest thing you've ever done?

A. That would be my Superman jumps off the couch.
 

Q. Do you do any tricks for your human? What are your best ones?

A. I shake hands and Hi-5 them … but only if I feel like it. I’m like that!

Accell Therapy Sessions Now Available!

Is your pet sore, suffering from arthritis and feeling the cold weather ... we know how they feel!

Abba now has Accell Therapy sessions available. These sessions will aid in the healing of your pet’s new and ongoing injuries, relief from old age aches and pains, as well as providing general relaxation sessions for your pets.

So how will this therapy help your dog?

The Accell Therapy devices provide one of the safest forms of physical therapy available for pets, utilising CVT, a three dimensional vibration therapy.

Accell is clinically proven to work in four main areas -
Increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage
Relaxing muscle and increasing nerve muscle
Increasing joint mobility, wound healing
Relieve musculoskeletal pain

The benefits will continue for up to 8 hours after the therapy session has finished providing a simple, reliable and effective therapy for your dog.

Repeatable therapy can enhance the healing recovery in many areas including -
Reduced recovery times with increased healing for postoperative surgery. Reduced inflammation, bruising and contusions.
Can also be effective as a behavioural tool to reduce pet separation anxiety.
Contact our office for any enquires.

TIPS FOR RENTING WITH YOUR PET!

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world. Despite this broad acceptance of pets as part of our daily life, many landlords declare a blanket 'no pets' policy. This causes unnecessary stress on both the owner and their pet. It also puts a strain on shelters who need to look after thousands of extra animals per year.

If you are looking to move to a new rental property with your four-legged friend, consider creating a CV to show your potential landlord that you're a responsible owner.

We suggest you include the following on your pet's CV:

• Name

• Breed

• Age

• Council registration details

• Vaccination status

• Any evidence of training

• Details of the pet's grooming requirements

• Mention if they are microchipped or desexed (a desexed cat, for example, is better behaved)

It may also be beneficial to include a reference from your regular vet or previous landlord. If appropriate, consider also offering an additional bond to give your landlord peace of mind. Show your potential landlord that you and your pet are good citizens!

DOG PARK ETIQUETTE FOR BEGINNERS

Every Park Has Different Rules– Just like most other parks you can typically find the rules posted. Even if you have been to another dog park before, each park may have different guidelines, so be sure to look for them.

Know Your Dog– Be sure to watch your dog, how is he responding to the other dogs? The people? Try keeping your dog on a leash for the first little bit and see how he is doing. He may be excited to run off and play or be apprehensive of the new environment, you know your dog best.

For The Kids– If you take your kids with you, be sure to talk to them about paying attention to dogs around them. Your dog may see your kids playing with other dogs as a threat so be sure to keep an eye on how things are going.

Carry Plastic Bags– Even though a lot of parks have bags, always keep extra ones with you. The one time you forget them the park will be out. Plus you may be able to help out another pet owner if they are in that predicament as well. Being respectful of the park is crucial!

Pay Attention To The Park Boundaries– Be sure to check out the layout upon arrival, especially if your dog is an escape artist. You may end up saving yourself a lot of chasing if you double check the boundaries and surrounds first.

PET RECIPES

Baking homemade snacks for your dog or cat is a fun way to show you care.

Doglicious Chicken Dinner Cubes

Your dog is going to LOVE this treat. Perfect in summer when the temperature is up and your dog needs to stay cool (and spoiled). Treats should be given in some moderation and if you have questions or concerns, please check with your Vet before you whip these up.
 

INGREDIENTS

1/5 cup frozen peas thawed
1/5 cup raw carrots chopped
1/5 cup raw broccoli chopped
1/3 cup cooked white rice
2- 3 chicken breasts
 

DIRECTIONS

Bake the chicken (unseasoned) at 180 for 20 mins. Let cool and then shred about 3/4 cup.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl to an even consistency.
Spread evenly into a standard ice tray.
Pour 1 cup of water evenly into the tray and fill the cubes to the top.
Put in the freezer for 4 to 5 hours until completely frozen.
Watch your dog enjoy these yummy treats.

 

Organic Cat Bites

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 tsp. organic catnip
1/3 cup dry milk
1/2 cup milk
2 tbs. melted butter
1 tbs. honey
1 large egg
 

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Add wet ingredients and mix to form dough.
Roll out, adding more flour if needed, and cut into squares or small shapes.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container, or freeze and thaw as needed.
 

TOP 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 - it’s 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 - just a bone.
6. You can spend hours smelling stuff.
7. You can spend all day sleeping!
8. It doesn't take much to make you happy. You're excited to 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!
 

JUST FOR A GIGGLE

You Can’t Teach An Old Dog To Fly

A customer called an airline customer-service desk asking if she could take her old dog on board.

“Sure,” they said, “as long as you provide your own kennel which needs to be large enough for the dog to stand up, sit down, turn around, and roll over.”

The customer was clearly flustered and replied,  “I’ll never be able to teach him all of that by tomorrow!”

Inspiration & Sources

http://www.rspcavic.org/health-and-behaviour/renting-wih-pets/
http://pennypincherjenny.com/dog-park-etiquette-for-beginners/
http://iheartdogs.com/doglicious-chicken-dinner-cubes/
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/kitchen/how-to-make-all-natural-pet-treats
http://www.schnauzers-rule.com/dog-joke-good-to-be-a-dog.html
http://2jokes.net/animal-jokes/you-cant-teach-an-old-dog-to-fly-animal-jokes-funny-jokes.html

 

Image Credits

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/433471532865545932/
http://amac.us/traveling-with-your-pets/
http://www.distinctivepetcare.com/contact/
https://www.flemington.com.au/calendar/2016-11-01/emirates-melbourne-cup
https://openclipart.org/detail/214639/black-cat
http://www.dogclipart.com/dog_clipart_images/dog_and_cat_0515-1102-0714-5126.html
http://korsipat.net/animal-paw-prints-printable-patterns/
https://yourlakesideconcierge.wordpress.com/2012/03/
http://clipartix.com/dog-bone-clipart-image-22305/
http://www.oldtownmanor.com/flying-with-a-dog
https://pwoldow.wordpress.com/
http://www.myredwingchiro.com/services/
http://iheartdogs.com/doglicious-chicken-dinner-cubes/
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/kitchen/how-to-make-all-natural-pet-treats