290 November 18 - Gryffe Advertizer

38
The Advertizer
Check Bonfires For Hedgehogs
As the bonfire celebrations creep up on us,
please remember to check bonfires carefully for
sleeping hedgehogs before lighting. Every year
rescue centres receive numerous hedgehogs
with burns from bonfires or fireworks.
If possible the entire pile should be re-sited
before being lit, if not possible, use broom
handles to lift the base of the pile, and shine torches, looking and listening
carefully for any sign of life.
Going to an official organised fireworks display is a far safer option for
humans and animals.
You can also help hedgehogs by offering food such as meaty cat or dog
food, and water, especially in the run up to their hibernation months.
Please #rememberhedgehogs on Bonfire Night.
www.britishhedgehogs.or.uk
Fireworks Fear
While Bonfire Night is very entertaining for
most of us, our pets don’t appreciate it as
much.
The days leading up to fireworks events can
be hugely stressful for all pets, but it’s dogs in
partiuclar that are often the worse affected.
This is often the time of year that sees the
most pets being reported as missing when
they’ve scarpered at the louds bangs of
fireworks. Vets see a particular increase in
pets involved in road traffic accidents after
being spooked.
Not all pets are affected by fireworks but it’s always best to take precautions
such as:
• make sure that your dog is inside on Bonfire Night with windows and
doors securely closed
• try to provide background “white noise” such as the TV, radio, or music
in advance of the fireworks starting to try and drown out the sharp
bangs
• take your dog for their usual walk before the fireworks display is set
to begin and make sure that they are kept on their lead at all times,
especially if you’re in any doubt about whether they will bolt or not at
the sound of a firework
• ensure that your pet is wearing ID so that if they do run away there is
a greater chance of them being returned to you
• also ensure that your dog is microchipped and wearing a collar with a
tag - these are both legal requirements
• comfort your pet if they are acting scared - just like us, our pets seek
comfort in numbers, so your presence will be reassuring
It is illegal to buy “adult” fireworks if you are under the age of 18 or to set
off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on bonfire night when the
cut off extends to midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New
Year, at 1am.
Even with these rules in place, it’s not uncommon for stray fireworks to be
heard beyond the cut off time and after organized events have ended, so
try to keep your pet inside at night unless you have a fence that they can’t
vault over if they get spooked.
Re-homing Pets
Newspapers for Hedgehogs
Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue are running
short of newspapers. Hedgehogs
especially are really messy, and some
of the bigger birds in care need lots of
newspapers too. If you can drop any off
at the centre they’d be really grateful,
or perhaps you could start collecting
some at work or from friends.
Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust
Gateside, Beith, Ayrshire KA15 1HT
Can you offer a home to any of our
featured pets?
Leo - 9 y/o male Domestic
long-hair
Leo came to the centre as a
stray, with a rather interesting
and unique story. He had been
spending his days sitting in the
trolleys at his local Tesco! He became a bit
of a local celebrity in his time there! He isn’t
Leo
too fond of other animals, just people and
supermarkets apparently. However he should be okay with older
children who will give him space when he wants it. His ideal home is
one with outdoor access (not near a busy road). Is this you? Every
little helps.... Couldn’t resist!
Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Glasgow G66 5LD
Telephone: 0141 779 3341
Isa - female
Gerbil
Isa is looking for a new home after she
arrived in our care through no fault of her
own.
She is a very sweet little gerbil who is well
handled. She likes nothing more than
constructing new tunnels in her substrate Isa
and rolling around in a sand bath.
Ideally we are looking for Isa to be homed with another female gerbil
so she has some company.
To contact the centre about any animals, please call 03000 999 999
or visit www.scottishspca.org/rehoming
Bodie - 8+ y/o male
Terrier Cross
Bodie is an older boy who
is like a puppy at heart and
loves to keep active. Living with a family
who enjoy walking or outdoor activities
would really benefit him. He is looking
Bodie
for an owner that has owned dogs before
and is around most of the day to let him settle.
Bodie can live with other dogs but not with cats. He loves to be out
in the garden playing so having a secure garden with a 6ft fence is a
must! A home with children over the age of 16 years old is required.
Don’t let Bodie’s age put you off as he will make a wonderful addition
and is still full of beans!
Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow,
G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (inc weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays;
closed: Wednesdays
Deadline date for our December October issue - - Friday 14th 16th September November - you don’t want to miss it!!