DCH Newsletter

CEO &

Horse Coordinator

Nadia Frischknecht

02 4576 0495

Secretary &

Dog Coordinator

Judy Findlay

02 9674 4824

Treasurer &

Cat Coordinator

Megan McDowell

02 9627 2767

DCH 2009 SHELTER APPEAL..

DCH Animal Adoptions is looking to expand into having a centralised shelter so we can run more effectively and rescue more animals on death row than ever before. We think the work of our foster carers in invaluable in providing not only a loving family environment for our foster pets until permanent homes are found, but also in matching up rescue pets with appropriate new homes based on the day to day knowledge of the pets that just can’t be gained in a kennel situation.

So why a shelter?

Most of our rescue animals come directly from pounds and shelters across NSW and unfortunately these pets often haven’t had the best start to life, being underweight, with unknown vaccination histories leaving them susceptible to disease. Having a shelter will provide much needed quarantine of these animals before they are put into carers backyards.
The last 12mths has seen an increase in the number of dogs and cats needing to be boarded due to variety of reasons and this is big financial burden on DCH. If we had our own Shelter it would be much easier to house our rescues when these emergency situations arise.
A shelter would provide more space to house more rescue horses.
Centralised administrative and storage location
We often have volunteers willing and able to help who can’t foster care or do transport, currently there is limited opportunities for these volunteers to help us out. With a new Shelter we would always be able to use a spare set of hands.

So next month, DCH are launching our first ever major fundraising appeal. We’ll have a variety of fundraising activities over the next 18months to help us reach our goal. A special website set up to let you know how you can help and how we are progessing. We’re also planning a major Trivia and Auction fundraising evening in November (more details to come soon) and we are asking for businesses who can donate prizes to contact us now so we can make this event as successful as possible. If you have an item you wish to donate please contact Judy on 9674 4824.

We Need Your Donated Goods and Services to Make our Fundraising Night a Success – Please Help us Reach our Goal!!

Puppy Mills in Australia...

PetRescue, have recently launched Where do puppies come from? - a public awareness campaign exposing puppy farming in Australia.

It might seem like an innocent question, but asking 'where do puppies do come from?' can have a very sad answer.

As an animal lover, you may have heard that buying a puppy from a pet shop is not a good idea - but do you know why?

Puppy farming is a hidden industry in Australia, but puppy mills throughout the country breed thousands of puppies for the pet shop and Internet market each year. At first glance, puppy farms might not seem so bad, but breeding dogs often live without human contact, socialisation, grooming or bathing and certainly without ever knowing love and affection.

Petrescue and DCH Animal Adoptions are asking animal lovers like you to support this campagin by visiting the website and spreading the word. With your help, we aim to make more of the public aware of why they shouldn't buy puppies from puppy farms.

For more information please visit www.wheredopuppiescomefrom.com.au.

CAt Allergies

Do you or your family members have allergies involving cats? You may be interested to know that you don't necessarily have to give up your cats because of allergies. Thousands of victims of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies are able to cope with their allergies while living with the cats they love (including me!). DCH gets a number of calls each month with people looking to rehome pets due to allergies. But allergies don’t have to mean an end to pet ownership.

What Causes a Cat Allergy?

Many people think that allergies to cats are due to the fur or hair. However it’s not the hair which causes the allergic reaction. The most common culprit appears to be cat saliva which contains an allergen; this allergen is a protein called Fel d 1. When a cat washes itself, saliva is deposited on its fur (or skin in the case of hairless cats). The saliva dries into dust (dander or dandruff) which is released when a cat scratches or moves and when humans stroke or brush a cat.

People with pet allergies have supersensitive immune systems that react to these harmless proteins in the pet's dander, saliva or urine. This over reaction in the body leads to the all too familiar symptoms of itchy eyes, sneezing, asthma and rashes. If allergen levels are low or sensitivity is minor, symptoms may not appear until after several days of contact with the pet. In highly sensitive people symptoms will appear within 15 to 30 minutes.

Cat allergens are almost everywhere. Pet dander is even in homes never occupied by these animals because it is carried on people's clothing and while you may never be able to eliminate allergies entirely, you can certainly help to minimize the symptoms. Many cat lovers who are denying themselves the pleasure of feline companionship because of allergies can learn to manage their condition.

Tips to Reduce Allergies?

Get a housemate with no allergies to brush the cat daily and bathe him weekly (do not over bathe as this may worsen the problem, a simple rub down with a damp cloth is sufficient)
Veterinarians may be able to advise on sprays that help reduce coat dander
Replace curtains and drapes with solid blinds. Choose hardwood floors or tiles over carpeting or rugs and avoid overstuffed furniture in your home.
Vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a Hepa filter
Invest in an air purification appliance
Wipe down walls and flat surfaces regularly
Create and “allergy free” zone and keep your bedroom off-limits to cats.
If you don’t yet have a cat, consider a shorthair over longhair, they tend to have less dander. But no cat is allergen free, even the hairless breeds (ie Rex)

danielle Carer Profile

Your Full Name: Danielle Stagg
Your Suburb: Paddington
What Animals Do You Care For (Dogs/Cats/Horses)?

Cats
How Did You Become Associated with DCH? When I returned from living in the UK I was working 9-5 and my partner
was working 3-11 and would often get home well after midnight. I was lonely at night time but didn't want to get a cat of my
own in case we had to move back to the UK. I found DCH after Googling 'Cat Foster Caring'.

How Long Have You Been A Carer for DCH? About 2 years

How Many Animals Have You Rehomed? 41 at last count

How Many Foster Failures Do You Have? One. Miss Martha who was actually adopted and came back to me - it was a sign!
Most Memorable Foster? Myth who could climb upto the top of anything and Tyrone who was obsessed with water.

Which Animals Do You Have At The Moment?

I only foster one cat during off kitten season. I currently have a tabby and white boy who I haven't named yet
as I can't find a name that suits him!
What's the best thing about fostering? Meeting new people - especially the 'eccentric' ones!

Our Latest Doggie Rescue…

Poor Simba was rescued from Queanbeyan pound and whilst in transit to Newcastle the carer for the rescue group concerned advised that they could now not take him. Simba was left sitting in limbo just outside of Sydney. DCH volunteered to take him into care and we picked him up and took him to Woodstock vets who generously offered to keep him there until our kennels were able to take him in due to being full for the school holidays. While he was under being desexed the staff tried to brush out the terribly matted coat but it was so bad around the backside, rear legs and tail that he needed to be shaved in those areas. The staff were so upset that this had to happen to him as they all love him, he has such a gentle sweet nature and just loves everyone. After all this the poor boy got such an infection from the desexing operation that he could not lay down and was trying to go to sleep standing up. After another visit to the vets , appropriate medication, an Elizabethan collar and lots of TLC from the Flood family he is doing very well. He was suspected of being a Keeshond x when originally rescued from the pound but now he’s in care he is more likely a Samoyed x Belgium Shepherd. Whatever his parentage his, he is a stunningly unique looking 2 year old boy, being all black except for a little white patch on his chest and with the classic spitz pointed ears and face, a curled tail and thick long coat, what a particularly handsome boy he is.

Thank you Beth for doing the transport, Paula for liasing with Woodstock regarding his stay and for her daily visits to give him cuddles and make sure the staff are treating him like royalty, the staff at Woodstock Vet for their wonderful treatment of Simba and Tessa, David and family for offering to foster care him.

Fundraising Dates!

Fundraising is vital to DCH’s success - every dollar we earn can help to save a life
If you can help on any of these dates or with selling chocolates, please contact Megan or Judy.

Now- Chocolate Fundraiser - Boxes of Cadbury Chocolates

2^nd August – Saturday - Bunnings Dural

13^th September – Saturday – Bunnings Dural

14^th September – Sunday – Rose Bay People and Pets Day

14^th September – Sunday – Paws in the Park Castle Hill

21^st September – Sunday – Holroyd Petfest

28^th September – Sunday – Dog Day by the Bay

26^th October – Sunday – Mosman Festival

Thank You...and you...and you!!

Everyone should be recognised for their dedication and support of DCH. However, there are a few people who should be mentioned for going out of their way for our fosters.

ü Thank you to everyone who helped arrange the latest Nestle Purina pet food donation – in particular Nestle for their generous donation, Judy who as usual spent countless hours making sure all the pick ups and deliveries went to plan and thanks to Murray for taking time off work to be our official forklift driver.

ü Thank you to Carol for everything that she has done during her time with DCH. Carol was a much valued member of the team being our coordinator in the Wollongong area. We wish you luck with your new endeavours and thankyou so much for all your hard work over the past 3 years.

ü Thank you to Sally for sharing her wonderful talents to so many areas within DCH. Sally created our logo, business cards etc and because of her great work we look truly professional

The next issue of The Paw Print Newsletter will be published in October 2008. If you have any story ideas, or would like to make any suggestions or comments, please contact Megan on 9627 2767 or email dchanimaladoptions@iprimus.com.au