Selwyn_Times: January 31, 2024

Wednesday January 31 2024 Selwyn Times 25
PETS & PAWS
Water safety for your
dog this summer
Many of our doggy friends love to
wander by the water or even take a
dip. However, due to toxic algae in our
waterways at this time of year, care is
needed around our rivers, streams, ponds
and lakes. This naturally occurring algae
(cyanobacteria) produces toxins potentially
fatal for dogs, people and other animals. To
check water safety, visit the LAWA (Land
Air Water Aotearoa) website or our Selwyn
District Council website for local water
conditions.
In the river, you might see the algae as
dark brown or black mats formed on rocks
in the river bed with a slimy or velvety
texture and a musty smell. Unfortunately,
this musty smell attracts dogs who may
lick or eat the material. The algae mats can
break away and float on the
water, which may appear
cloudy, discoloured or with
small clumps.
The best way to keep
your animal safe is to
avoid areas with water that
may have algae in it. As
the toxins are fast-acting,
if your dog happens to
ingest it, sickness and
death can happen quickly.
Vanilla (Smash Jenanne)
Dog available for adoption through
Nightrave Greyhounds
Vanilla is the most loveable, hilarious and happy wee girl who is
just rising 3 years old. Despite her race name she never raced.
One of her favourite things in the world is her squeaky chicken
toy. She absolutely adores it! She will run up to you, squeak it
and then take off. Vanilla is dog social, sweet and loves cuddles.
She would happily live with other dogs or as an only dog. A fun
girl she would be great living with kids 5 plus. No cats for Vanilla
though as they are just too exciting!
Kahn
In dogs, the symptoms of Cyanobacteria
poisoning include lethargy, muscle
tremors, fast breathing, twitching,
paralysis, and convulsions. Don’t wait- act
quickly! Contact your vet immediately
if you suspect your dog is suffering from
cyanobacteria poisoning.
Humans can also have adverse reactions
to cyanobacteria poisoning. Symptoms can
include tingling or numbness around the
fingertips or mouth, breathing difficulty,
rapid onset of nausea and diarrhoea,
or skin rashes. In extreme cases, liver
damage can occur. If you feel any of these
symptoms after possible contact with the
toxic algae, seek urgent medical advice
from your doctor or contact Healthline on
0800 611 116.
Nightrave Greyhounds
Nightravegreyssi@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/nightravegreyhoundssouthisland
Www.Nightrave.co.nz
Dog available for adoption through Greyhounds As Pets
Khan (Thunder Hallows) is a happy go lucky boy with a big heart
and lots of love to give. He is extremely snuggly and will jump
up for cuddles. He loves the couch and will try to sit on your lap,
despite his size! Khan is strong on lead but he is treat-motivated
and very trainable and will walk nicely with positive reinforcement.
He loves his walks and would suit an active home where he can go
on hill walks and day tramps. He is great with larger dogs, but not
so keen on the small fluffies. He cannot live with cats.
An all-round cool dude with a love for life and his people, Khan will
make a great mate to go on adventures with, as well as to snuggle
up with at the end of a busy day together.
The Greyhound Adoption Programme Trust
(Greyhounds as Pets)
M: 027 204 4179 | E: lisap@gap.org.nz
www.greyhoundsaspets.org.nz
Considering a greyhound? Pop down to the West Melton
Community Market on Sunday 4th February between 9.30am -
12.30pm to learn about greyhounds, chat about adoption or just
for some greyhound cuddles with our adoptable greyhounds.
Lee Waddell
Photograhpy
Lee Waddell
Photograhpy
Email daniel.alvey@starmedia.kiwi
by 5pm each Wednesday
Kite Day, Saturday 11am-3pm at Foster Park Have a fun family day
outdoors, soak up the sun and enjoy the display of colourful kites in
the sky showcased by Peter Lynn Kites. Food and coffee trucks will
be available on the day – don’t forget to bring your reusable cups and
plates. If you’re feeling crafty, pop-in between 10.30am and 12pm to
join the ReDiscover team in creating sustainable kites using upcycled
materials recovered from the Pines Resource Recovery Park. Test out
your own kite flying skills. All ages are welcome (under 12 years require
adult supervision). Free to attend.
Hiking 101
Thursday, 6-7.30pm
Join Julz (co-owner of Further Faster
and Aarn Packs) and Wanda (Banks Peninsula
Walking Festival Director), both
worldwide hikers, as they talk about their
favourite hikes in and around the Selwyn
District and give an introduction to multiday
hiking. They’ll share what they’ve
learned the hard way (so you don’t have
to), tips and tricks they’ve learnt in their
years of hiking in many places around
the world, and a look into what gear they
would recommend. Whether you’re just
starting your journey into hiking or you’re
a seasoned hiker, this talk is for everyone,
ages 18 and over. Free, bookings required
on Selwyn Libraries website.
Te Ara Ātea
Lincoln University Art Collection Tour
Friday, 1-2pm
Lincoln University holds a collection of
over 300 artworks, with the majority of
these by renowned contemporary artists
from Aotearoa New Zealand. Two of these
works by Marilyn Webb are currently on
display in At Home at Te Ara Ātea. Join
curator Fiona Simpson on a tour of this
collection, as she talks about a selection of
paintings, sculptures and prints, answering
any questions you may have about
the artworks or collection. The tour will
start outside Lincoln University Library
Ivey Hall. Free parking is available in the
Orchard car park through gate three. All
ages are welcome. Free, bookings required:
selwynlibraries.co.nz/events
Lincoln University Library Ivey Hall
Clothes Repair Darning Workshop
Saturday
Darfield – 10.15am-12.15pm
Te Ara Ātea – 1.45-3.45pm
Worn elbows in your winter jumper?
Have your favourite pair of socks seen
better days? Head along to the hand darning
workshop to learn how to repair your
clothes and give them a second life! This
workshop focuses on creating an imitation
woven structure, using a needle and
thread for mending holes. For 18+ years.
Free, bookings required. selwynlibraries.
co.nz/events.
Zumba with Justine
Friday 10.25-11.10am
Zumba gold is a fun, dance-based, lowintensity
exercise class. Ideal for active
older adults; come along and have fun
learning some basic steps to music. Free,
drop-in.
Lincoln Event Centre
Lincoln Envirotown Mahoe Reserve
Working Bee
Sunday, 2-4pm
Join the community to look after our
reserve. Please wear suitable shoes, bring
spades, garden gloves, hat, sunglasses or
other eye protection, also a bucket for
mulch, if you can. Contact Sue Jarvis 021
100 1009 or Mahoereserve@gmail.com for
further info.
Mahoe Reserve
Lunar New Year Story Time
Thursday, February 8, 10-10.30am
Join us for an English and Mandarin
story time to celebrate the Year of the
Dragon! Aimed at 3–5 years. Drop-in.
Lincoln Library
BMX Coaching
Sunday, noon-2pm
BYO bike to these local tracks and test
out your riding skills. Onsite coaches will
assist you with your BMX skills, safety
and techniques. Suitable for all abilities
(including beginners). 7+ years. Free,
bookings required: selwyn.govt.nz/events
Prebbleton Domain pump track
Pickleball ‘Have a Go’
Saturday, February 10
West Melton – 10am-noon
Glentunnel – 1-3pm
Try your hand at this exciting paddle
sport that combines elements of badminton,
tennis and table tennis. All ages welcome.
$3 per person, bookings required.
Various Community Centres