VIP Specials & Winter Tips - ABBA Newsletter

Hello from ABBA

To all of our special friends (furry or otherwise),

We at Abba Kennels and Cattery would like to wish you a warm, cozy and safe Winter!

Remember if you go on holidays over Winter, we’d love to take care of your furry friends until you get back.

As the days get shorter and it’s dark and cold when you return home from work, our pets tend to receive less exercise, become bored, unhappy and put on weight. Keep your pets happy and healthy this Winter - drop them off at ABBA during work hours where they can socialise with other dogs at daycare and receive extra exercise and attention from our experienced carers.

From the team at ABBA
 

WINTER VIP MEMBER SPECIAL

When booking your pet in for a stay at ABBA, mention your VIP status and refer to one of the specials below to claim your freebie!

VIP Seniors & Aged Pension card holders 

Mention the Winter newsletter or check in at ABBA on Facebook and receive a 20% discount on all boarding between June and August 2014.

Dogs - discounted from $24.00 per day.
Cats - discounted from $20.00 per day.

VIP Dogs and Cats 

Mention the Winter newsletter when checking your pet in at ABBA and receive a bag of ABBA treats!
 

WINTER FACEBOOK CELEBRITY

And the winner is....

Ana Tan! (Angel)
Congratulations Ana, our Winter Facebook Celebrity prize is a FREE 2 night sleepover for Angel at a time of your choosing.

A bit about Ana and Angel the Japanese Spitz…
Anna is new to ABBA and we look forward to getting to know her and Angel a lot better. We loved having Angel come stay with us.

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?

Throughout Winter 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 when you get home from work (and cold!) 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.
  

ABBA PET CELEBRITY - MISSY

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

Q. What is your name?
A. Hi, my name is Missy

Q. How old are you and what is your breed?
A. I am nearly 3 years old and I am a Staffy I think? Maybe my mum or my dad wasn't a Staffy but I have a very soft, golden coat that I am quite proud of.

Q. What's your favourite food?
A. I have lots of favourite foods and I love trying almost anything my family feeds me. Raw chicken necks are always a big treat!

Q. What about treats? Any favourites?
A. Treats? Like I said chicken necks are great, but I remember once getting pancakes at ABBA Kennels, that was pretty special!

Q. What's your favourite hobby/pastime?
A. My hobbies are playing with other friendly dogs, chewing my Kong, going for long walks off my leash with my family but most of all I like having a snuggle on the couch every night with my Mum.

Q. Do you like to play? What's your favourite toys?
A. I love playtime. I wrestle on the carpet with Dad at home and sometimes I chase the tennis ball until I'm really puffed. When all else fails I chase my tail until I get some attention.

Q. Do you have any friends or sworn enemies?
A. Apart from all of the friends I've made at ABBA, my favourite pals are my cousins: Shona the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Winnie the Golden Lab and Sasha the Shepherd pup.

Q. What's the naughtiest thing you've ever done?
A. I don't like talking about the naughtiest things I've ever done, because they're too many to list and I never meant to cause any harm to anyone. No one saw me do it and you can't prove anything anyway - next question please...

Q. What's the funniest thing you've ever done?
A. I get a laugh every time I chase my tail, but I seem to bring the house down when somebody sneezes and I stop what I'm doing and rush to their aid. My family joke that I'm saving the world one sneeze at a time. Personally I don't see the funny side of a serious sneeze.

Q. Do you do any tricks for your human? What are your best ones?
A. I don't do a lot of tricks. I suppose my biggest trick was convincing my family to rescue me from the RSPCA. I hope they realise I try my hardest to repay them every day with all the love I can give. I don't like being alone and I try every trick in the book to make sure that I'm never left behind.

Thanks for your time ABBA, I look forward to hanging out with you tomorrow at daycare! Cheers, Missy

REST IN PEACE COCO

All of the staff at ABBA would like to express our condolences to Kerryn, Mark, Jasmine and James on the sad passing of Coco, their Labrador, on 31st May. 

As told by Kerryn, Mark, Jasmine and James…..

“Sadly, our dog Coco passed away on 31/05/2014. A regular visitor to Abba Boarding Kennels for 13 years, Coco enjoyed her holidays at Abba. She was a popular and gentle chocolate lab who loved eating, walks, playtimes and companionship. After a short period of declining health and a further setback on Friday, the hard decision was made by her loving and caring family.

We are grateful that Coco had been healthy and happy over the years and had reached her lifespan, but we will miss her dreadfully. Thank you Jane and all of the caring staff at Abba who cared for Coco so very well and took into account her additional needs as she grew older. Kerryn, Mark, Jasmine and James. “

REST IN PEACE SIBYLLA

All the staff at ABBA would like to express our condolences to Clare and Alan on the sad passing of Sibylla and having Cassius pass away before Christmas the house would be very quiet.

Both dogs had become a big part of the ABBA family having stayed with us for over 10 years.

They were always great fun and such a pleasure to look after, truly gentle and loving and the staff looked forward to each time we had the pleasure of their company.

RIP Together again at the Rainbow Bridge.
 

REST IN PEACE MISTY

All the staff at ABBA would like to express our condolences to Helen and Steve on the sad passing of Misty.

Misty had a very special personality she was very loving and always loved to have cuddles. Misty was a regular over the past 17 years and she will be truly missed by all the staff.
 

REMEMBERING ZANJEER: THE DOG WHO SAVED THOUSANDS

Twenty years ago, a series of twelve bombs detonated throughout the city of Mumbai leaving 257 dead and 713 injured.

Zanjeer’s fellow officer honoring the heroic canine.

According to Reuters, thousands of lives were saved thanks to a brave golden labrador named Zanjeer. The heroic canine detected more than 3,329 kgs of explosive RDX, 600 detonators, 249 hand grenades, and 6,406 rounds of live ammunition. Zanjeer, a treasured member of the Mumbai Police Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, also helped avert other potential explosions by detecting three more bombs in the days following the initial blasts.

Mumbai’s police dog squad has been in effect since December 1959, as reported by the Times of India. It began with only three Doberman pinschers who were used to track criminals. Since then, the police dog division has come a long way. The squad now comprises of around two dozen Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, and labradors who assist in all types of police investigations.

The Pune Mirror reported that in November 2000, Zanjeer died of bone cancer at eight years old. During a ceremony for the departed labrador, one of Zanjeer’s fellow officers laid a floral wreath on the canine before his burial. This image resonated with people all over the world, and on the 20th anniversary of the bomb explosions, the picture has gone viral on Facebook.

A labor union leader named Dilip Mohite told Mid-Day, a compact Indian newspaper, that Zanjeer’s extraordinary detection skills deserve recognition. “Policemen who die a martyr’s death get accolades, but canine members go unnoticed,” stated Mohite.
Zanjeer was buried with full honors, and twenty years later, his story still captures hearts around the world. This brave dog is missed but will never be forgotten.
 

DOZER THE GOLDENDOODLE CRASHES THE MARYLAND HALF-MARATHON

A 3-year-old dog named Dozer joined the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center annual benefit marathon after escaping from his yard.

According to Today.com, “Dozer’s owners had no idea that the active young dog had joined more than 2,000 runners around mile 5 of the 13.1-mile race.”

Maryland Half Marathon co-founder Jon Sevel told ESPN Page 2 that although many runners saw Dozer running the course and even drinking water from cups at the water spots, none of them realized that the dog was on his own.
The energetic Goldendoodle, muddy paws and all, crossed the finish line with other runners at an impressive 2 hours and 14 minutes.
However, since he joined the race late, he did have a bit of an unfair advantage.

Today.com states that the Maryland Half Marathon is trying to find ways to incorporate the energetic pooch in the future.

Dozer currently has his own fundraising page on the race website and he’s already raised nearly $1,900 for cancer research. He even received his very own finisher’s medal for this year’s race!

Sevel told ESPN Page 2 that they would love to have Dozer join them for next year’s race, saying, “At the very least, Dozer will have his own bib number — K9.”

Lifewithdogtv.com reports that “Dozer has been given a clean bill of health by his vet, and this week race co-chairmen will be honoring him with a medal and dog treats.”
 

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DOG TO TAKE A BOW

1. Start with your dog standing up. It's helpful if your dog is able to stand on command.

2. Hold a treat at the tip of your dog's nose, and slowly move it down, holding it close to your dog's body. In this way, you will use the treat to lure your dog down until his elbows are on the floor with his rear end remaining up.

3. Hold your dog in the bow for a few seconds and then use the treat to lure him back into a standing position.

4. As soon as your dog completes the bow and is standing up, tell him "good" and give him the treat.

5. Practice the bow command with your dog several times a day for no more than 5 minutes each time. Before you know it, your dog will be taking a bow on command.

 

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS WINTER

If your pet spends the majority of their time outside then proper outdoor housing is a must. Make sure their housing is placed away from the seasonal elements. Cold winters days can be uncomfortable for small, younger or older dogs. 

Watch for animals around your cars and warm engines

Pets tend to cram themselves into the smallest nooks and crannies to escape the cold, and a favourite hiding spot for cats is underneath a car close to a warm engine. Keep an eye out for roaming neighbourhood pets around your vehicle and keep watch on your pets when they venture outside.
 

PET RECIPES

I can dream can’t I?

 

 

 

 

DOG CANDY CANES

Ingredients:

1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup warm water
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 large eggs
2 tsps red food colouring (see tip)
1 egg
Additional flour for kneading

Method:

• Whisk together the flour, powdered milk and baking powder
• In a small bowl, pour the warm water over the chicken bouillon, stir until dissolved and then whisk in the eggs
• Form a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined
• Knead the dough for about two minutes, adding more flour until the dough is no longer sticky
• Separate the dough in half and form a well in one of the balls of dough
• Wearing food safe gloves, knead the coloring throughout the dough
• Cool the dough in the refrigerator for 2 hours or in the freezer for 30 minutes
• Preheat the oven to 180
• Divide each ball of dough into tablespoon sized balls
• Gently roll each ball into a "worm" shape- each strip should be about 5 inches (Gently roll each ball into a "worm" shape- each strip should be about 5 inches long (12.7cm) long
• Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray
• Twist one plain strip with a red strip and curl the end to shape a candy cane
• Place on the baking sheet
• Whisk an egg in a small bowl and using a pastry brush, thoroughly coat each candy cane with the egg wash
• Bake for 10 minutes and then cool completely on a wire rack

Makes: 20 sugar free dog treats.
Storing: These dog candy canes will keep fresh for approximately two weeks in the refrigerator or keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Tip: Wearing food safe gloves is essential when kneading in the red food colouring to avoid staining your hands.

 

YUMMY ORGANIC CAT TREATS

Your feline will love these!

More cat owners are feeding natural or organic food to their cats.

So here’s a quick and easy recipe that you can use to make homemade organic treats:

Ingredients:

Greased cookie sheet
½ cup organic whole wheat flour
½ cup non-fat, powdered milk
½ cup cooked and chopped organic chicken
1 tbs. vegetable oil
1 organic egg, beaten
¼ cup water
1 tbs. chopped, fresh organic catnip (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 180
• Combine the flour, milk and chicken in a large bowl and mix together
• Add the water, oil, beaten egg and catnip (if using) and stir well until a sticky dough forms
• Form the dough into small sized balls and place on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten the balls into discs with your hand or a spoon. You can adjust the size of the treats based on your cat’s size and needs
• Bake the organic treats for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and turn each one so they brown on both sides. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until they turn a golden brown colour
• Cool the treats to room temperature and store in an airtight container or bag for future use
   

THE 11 GOLDEN RULES OF BEING A DOG

1. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
4. Run, romp, and play daily.
5. Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
6. On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass.
7. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
8. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
9. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
10. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
11. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

JUST FOR A GIGGLE

Little Harold was practicing the violin in the living room while his father was trying to read in the study.

The family dog was lying in the study, and as the screeching sounds of little Harold's violin reached his ears, he began to howl loudly.

The father listened to the dog and the violin for as long as he could, then he jumped up, slammed his paper to the floor and yelled above the noise, "For Pete's sake, can't you play something the dog doesn't know?"
 

INSPIRATION & SOURCES

http://www.globalanimal.org/2013/03/25/remembering-zanjeer-the-dog-who-saved-thousands/
http://www.ilovedogs.com/2011/05/dozer-the-goldendoodle-crashes-the-maryland-half-marathon/
http://dogs.about.com/od/basiccommands/a/bow.htm
http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/free-dog-treat-recipes.html
http://catfanciers.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/easy-to-make-organic-cat-treats/
http://lt-lt.fb.me/notes/bloom-one-day-at-a-time-/the-wisdom-of-dogs/304316412979298?fref=nf
http://www.jokebuddha.com/Harold/recent/2

IMAGE CREDITS

http://puppytoob.com/dog-health/preparing-your-pooch-for-winter/
http://beauty-places.com/icicles/
http://nanowriye.dreamwidth.org/
http://funny-pictures.picphotos.net/funny-dog-quote-about-tricks-and-treats/clipartqueen.com*image-files*dog-quotes-about-tricks-and-treats.jpg/
http://www.kimballstock.com/results.asp?image=DOG%2005%20CE0022%2001
http://blog.test.petflow.com/urgent-winter-warning-for-cats/
http://pussingtonpost.com/category/health/page/2/
http://www.squidoo.com/cat-food-recipes#module1400982
http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/free-dog-treat-recipes.htm
http://www.tica.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/iStock_000004963576Small.jpg
http://iwalkdogs.com.au/
http://equip.myersparkpres.org/2012/01/07/unleash-your-voice/