WHAT'S ON PETS OF THE NATION RAILWAYS ... - Aspire Magazine

Pets Of The Nation
Aspire Magazine: sponsored by
www.annakennedyonline.com
Feature by
Emily Davison...
Pets Of The Nation: sponsored by
Molecular Diagnostic Services www.mds.uk.net
Molecular Diagnostic Services:
Testing The Best
Happy & Healthy
The love affair between humans and animals has
blossomed over thousands of years. The Ancient
Egyptians had such a deep respect for animals, of all
kinds, that they were a daily feature in the religious lives
of farmers, craftsmen, priests and rulers. The Ancient
Egyptians thought extremely highly of the great cats of
Africa, with the Pharaoh often being compared to a
‘fearless lion’. Smaller cats, such as the Cheetah, were
tamed and kept as pets, but others were hunted and killed
for their skins. Other highly respected animals include
Rams, a symbol of fertility, Dogs, used for hunting and
guard duty, and Cattle, a prized possession providing
meat, milk and leather.
Make your home a safe environment - Unfortunately,
making your home safe is often a job that is overlooked.
Pet proofing your home can lower the risk of a serious
accident occurring. A pet owner needs to be aware of
several potential dangers. Poisons in the home that can
kill or seriously injure your pet include some kinds of
house plants (dieffenbachia, philodendron, hyacinth, and
mistletoe), pesticides, and medications. Low electrical
cords are extremely hazardous when chewed. Keep
harmful objects out of your pet's reach. A little prevention
may be just enough to avoid a pet tragedy from
happening in your home.
rabbits, plus many more. Thanks to the PDSA, vaccinating
your furry friend just got easier. To help owners learn
more about vaccinating their pets, PDSA has produced
a FREE vaccination leaflet offering advice and guidance
on protecting pets from preventable illnesses. For
more information, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk. Your
veterinarian should also conduct a comprehensive exam
that includes a lab analysis, heart check, and dental
exam.
Domestic animals need our love and care. Owning one is
a big commitment that is often too much for some, which
is why Aspire would like to encourage all of our readers
to do their research first before they make such a big
commitment…
Make sure your pet receives a complete check-up - Most
people only take their pet to a veterinarian when a
health problem already exists or for routine vaccinations.
Vaccinations are used to prevent often fatal diseases,
such as parvovirus and distemper in dogs, leukaemia
in cats, myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease in
Design a diet and exercise plan to meet your pet's specific
needs - Obesity leads to serious health problems such
as heart disease. Exercise is important, but a pet will only
exercise if there is an incentive to do so. Your veterinarian
will consider what stage of life your pet is in, the amount
of activity your pet enjoys, and the time of year before
outlining a specific plan. The right kind of food and
physical activity can add to the quality of your pet's life.
As more and more becomes known about our own human make-up, so increasingly pet owners want to
know where their animals have come from. If you’re a breeder, you could benefit from the services offered
by Molecular Diagnostic Services (MDS) UK. Established in the late 1990’s in South Africa, MDS established
themselves within the UK in April 2008, with the main aim of providing a cost effective and efficient personal
service to vets, breeders and individuals.
Founded by Dr Denis York and based in Durban, the MDS laboratory
is a highly advanced molecular diagnostic laboratory with 10 years’
experience and an international reputation, thanks to bases here in the
UK alongside Europe and Australia. MDS UK provides avian sex and
virus testing, as well as bloodline testing for equine, canine and bovine.
MDS UK Director, Kathy Martin, told Aspire: “We’re extremely wellestablished
in avian testing, but the bloodline testing is a new area
for us that we’ve introduced due to demand. These tests have always
been available but as more and more people become aware of them,
so more and more people want their animals tested to prove their
bloodline, whether it’s to prove pedigree for sale, or for showing. The
system is so simple, and very competitively priced, it’s easy to see why
so many vets and breeders come back to us again and again.”
In order for animals to be tested, MDS UK provides customers with
the relevant kit (for a small charge) and the collection of a sample is
done easily and simply by the customer themselves. Each kit contains
a safelock tube containing a strip of special paper and a sterile needle
for the customer to collect a pin-prick of blood, which will be tested.
Collecting the sample may sound daunting, but it’s actually a simple,
non-invasive procedure. Results should be available for customers
within 10-days of the MDS UK depot receiving the sample.
Avian sex tests cost just £7.50 per bird, with discounts available for ten
birds or more, while avian virus tests cost £12.50, again with discounts
for volume orders. Bloodline testing is a little more complicated, ranging
from £30 to £100 depending on the type and number of animals tested.
Kathy added: “The main aim of introducing MDS to the UK was to offer
excellent customer service with a quick turnaround to the many vets
and breeders who want to reassure their customers of why they’re
buying. It’s essential that all samples are accurately processed,
especially when it comes to sexing, and we pride ourselves on our
accuracy.”
For more information, or to purchase a kit, please call 01934 844671 or
visit www.mds.uk.net. Alternatively, please email kathy@mds.uk.net
BOUNCING
bunnies
Established in January 2003, Beech
Tree Bunnies is a rabbit and guinea
pig rescue, based at Kibworth in
Leicestershire. The brain-child of Lynn
Issitt, Beech Tree Bunnies began when
Lynn’s daughter wanted another
rabbit, and the family ended up with
another five.
Lynn told Aspire: “We’ve always had
rabbits but when my daughter decided
she wanted another I thought ‘why
not’, but we ended up with five more.
Then word seemed to get out that we
had land to spare and were willing to
take in unwanted rabbits and it grew
from there. I wanted to ensure it was
all done properly so I registered as a
charity and began rescuing and rehoming
rabbits and guinea pigs from
there.”
Beech Tree Bunnies take in rabbits
and guinea pigs of all ages, sizes and
with varying problems. Lynn added:
“We have a very successful re-homing
programme. Anyone that wants a
rabbit or guinea pig comes to us,
chooses their pet, then we ask them
to fill in a form and make a donation,
usually £10 or more for a guinea
pig and £15 or more for a rabbit.
Sometimes I’ll do home checks before
the animal is officially adopted, but
I always keep in touch with families
to ensure they’re getting on ok with
their new addition. We also offer the
opportunity for sponsorship of an
animal, which is great for children with
allergies, or families who feel they can’t
fully commit to caring for a pet, after
all, it’s a big responsibility. Sponsorship
costs £3 and the sponsored animal
sends a photo certificate; or £10 a year
for a certificate, birthday and Christmas
cards and updates on the sponsored
pet.”
As well as rescuing and re-homing
rabbits and guinea pigs, Beech Tree
Bunnies also offers boarding for small
animals, such as rabbits, hamsters and
even budgies, whilst families are on
holiday. “It’s a great way to raise funds
for the rescuing and re-homing side of
the business,” Lynn explained.
Beech Tree Bunnies is totally funded
by kind donations and fund raising
activities and in 2008, these kind
donations were put towards the
rebuilding and total refitting of the
animal house, small shop and utility
area. Almost £5,000 was needed
to complete this project and
unfortunately, funds are down to nil, but
the project is almost complete - funds
are needed for the guttering, windows,
and fitting out the interior. So, if you’d
like to send a donation to help feed the
rabbits and guinea pigs at Beech Tree
Bunnies, please send a cheque, made
payable to Beech Tree Bunnies, to Lynn
Issitt, Beech Lodge, Harborough Road,
Kibworth, Leicester, LE8 0RD.
Beech Tree Bunnies is normally open
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, between
11am and 3pm.
For more information, please contact:
Tel: 0116 2796640
Web: www.beechtreebunnies.co.uk
Email: lynn@beechtreebunnies.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 1132616
Arterworks Ltd
Your pets are special, so why not
celebrate them and keep their memory
forever with you
We can transfer your favourite photograph
onto a variety of merchandise from clocks
to T-shirts, bags to high-gloss wall mounts,
beautiful, high-gloss wooden jigsaws to door
hooks, from a canvas to a key ring!
We also take on commissions to paint portraits
using a variety of medium, from sketches in
pencil/charcoal to pastels or watercolours.
All you need to do is contact us for more
information. Images can be sent electronically
or hard copies can be posted, and would be
returned with your order.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Carol Arter from Arterworks
Email: sales@arterworks.co.uk
www.arterworks.co.uk
Tel: 01227 830068 Mob: 07876714242
MAD ABOUT CATS
Cat themed gifts, homewares and accessories
www.madaboutcats.com
Cat toys and accessories for your feline friends
www.madcats.co.uk
Secure online shopping worldwide
Tel: 01942 717667
HAPPY PETS
PROFESSIONAL PET CARE SERVICES
SERVICES INCLUDE:
• CAT SITTING • VETERINARY TAXI SERVICE
• PET SITTING • CAGED ANIMALS NEEDING A CLEAN OUT
• Police check certificate
• 45 years’ experience • Caring for pets
• Pet care insurance with NARP
Call Susan on 01604 249843
Mobile: 07840 741931
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