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In
this month's edition: |
| Welcome
| FREE Summer
Issue | Feature
stories| What's
on | Latest
news | On the
web |
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Welcome
to our February E-News! As
summer ends and autumn quickly approaches, be on the look
out for the upcoming issue of Paws & Claws
magazine out March 1st.
In this E-News!
we share with you a great feature story by Animals Asia,
a wonderful charity dedicated to ending cruelty for all
animals in Asia; we are always so proud to promote them
and create awareness to their campaigns.
Are
you looking for that special someone that shares your passion
for animals?
Or are you on the hunt for some furry friends for your beloved
pooch? We have a special review about a new match-making
website which caters primarily for single pet owners looking
to meet a compatible partner; the site is also popular for
people looking for friendship with like-minded animal lovers.
Looking
for that perfect gift?
See on display the magnificent and stylish PAW-traits below
created by Wonderland Studios – where your
most magical dreams come true!
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DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE COPY HERE
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The great
team at Central Produce are holding an exciting competition:
they are giving all our readers the chance to win
12 months of FREE pet food for your cat or dog! It’s
simple to enter, see our What’s On section
below for further details.
Be sure to check out
the On the Web section and have a laugh at a funny
forward that was sent in by one of our readers. Whilst you
there - become a fan on our Paws & Claws Facebook
Page and be part of this fun pet-loving group!
Plus all the latest
news, including what’s happening around South-East Queensland.
Enjoy!
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Our
aim is to bring you the most informative and educational
feature stories while promoting responsible pet ownership
and care for our wildlife. To date, we have donated
over $220,000 of advertising and
article space in Paws & Claws Magazine to non-profit
animal organisations. Thank you to all our
advertisers for their continued support; they
are the lifeblood of this magazine. They deserve our
deepest gratitude and your support, for without them,
there would be no free pet and wildlife magazine.
Thank you for your interest in keeping all our animals
safe.
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. . New-born bear cub clinging to life . . . |
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A
tiny moon bear (Asiatic black bear) born unexpectedly
on Saturday, February 13th, at Animals Asia’s
Moon Bear Rescue Centre in Vietnam is still clinging
to life.
Belinda
Bordelon, Bear Manager at the sanctuary in the Tam Dao
National Park, near Hanoi, said that little “Tiger”
had gained 10g in weight and was doing well so far,
drinking 20 to 30ml every 2.5 to 3.5 hours – up
from 5ml on Saturday.
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| “Now
he’s 410g, up from 400g at birth. The frequency
he wants to eat, and the volume, has steadily increased
over the past 48 hours,” Ms Bordelon said. “He
has also started to crave attention, and will not go
back to sleep without some attention first. A gentle
neck and back massage seems to do the trick. He is very
vocal, will let you and anyone else nearby know when
he is not happy, and has shown a very stubborn ‘bear
attitude’ from day one.”
Animals
Asia’s resident vet at the sanctuary, Dr Kirsty
Officer, said that while the slight weight gain was
a good sign, it was still early days. “We are
still concerned about him and his rough start to life,
and will not be relaxing for some time yet.”
Italia,
along with 18 other endangered moon bears, were rescued
from a stifling 40ft cargo container on a bile farm
in southern Vietnam just three weeks before she gave
birth. Our veterinary team was taken by surprise by
the birth, as Vietnamese farms don’t breed. (The
birth suggests that Italia was probably taken from the
wild).
The
pregnancy was not looked for at Italia’s initial
health-check as the vet team concentrated on the areas
of most concern (the liver and gall bladder) and kept
the examinations brief so the bears were under anaesthesia
for as short a time as possible – and so they
could be removed them from the cargo containers and
settled into the quarantine area as quickly as possible. |
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The
vet team anaesthetised and health-checked 19 bears over
three days. They also performed a full exploratory surgery
and post mortem for “Raspberry”, who was
euthanised after his organs were found to be literally
rotting away.
Veterinary
Director Dr Heather Bacon said all the bears were palpated
during their initial health-checks, but it was difficult
to detect a pregnancy if the muscles were tense. (Vets
perform “palpation” by using their hands
to apply pressure on the abdomen and feel for any abnormalities.) |
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. . Magical Paw-traits at Wonderland Studios . . . |
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Located
in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, Wonderland
Studios specialise in creating enchanting images
for families to enjoy and love forever.
The
idea for Wonderland Studios grew out of love, inspiration
and the imagination of founder Jeneen Hunter’s
grand-daughter.
“She
wanted to be turned into a Fairy Princess with wings,”
Jeneen recalls,
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“Like
any grandma, I spent hours and hours turning my grand-daughter
into her dream.”
Jeneen
moved from New Zealand to the Gold Coast and teamed
with an Aussie Partner, Debbie Walatara, to create
these magical portraits.
Their
images can be created from the simplest of photos
and the finished products have a fairytale and wonderland
adventure theme.
Due
to popular demand, Jeneen and Debbie now specialise
in creating enchanting images of pets.
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Known
as PAW-traits, these custom-made images give families
the ability to create a unique portrait of their furriest
member.
A
PAW-trait can make a beautiful keep-sake for children
with pets, is a great gift idea for pet lovers or
for the person who has everything.
Paws
& Claws were lucky to have Wonderland Studios
work their magic in creating our June-September Winter
2009 Issue Cover Page (featured left).
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If
you are interested in what Wonderland Studios
can create for you, visit Robina
Town Shopping Centre from the 10th – 12th
of March where Debbie and Jeneen will be
displaying some of their magical images. They
will also be releasing a new range of artwork
- so be sure to be there to get your exclusive
view of their latest fantasy portraits, mention
Paws & Claws and go in the draw to
win a ‘Wonderland Studios Package’.
For
more information please visit the Wonderland Studios
website: www.wonderlandstudios.com.au
or contact Debbie on 1300 204 282.
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. . How to meet a Pet Lover . . . |
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Pets
are increasingly being regarded as family members
with 63% of households owning a pet and 91% of pet
owners feeling very close to their pets.
As
people are paying more attention to animal and pet
welfare there has been an increase in pet cafés,
pet funeral services, dog walking and grooming businesses.
So why not create dating site aimed at matching like
minded pet lovers?
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As
mainstream online dating sites place little focus
on the role pet’s play in people’s lives,
Meet a Pet Lover is different.
Meet
a Pet Lover believe that successful relationships
are about compatibility and the website allows members
to profile their pets as much as you.
The site caters primarily for singles looking to
meet a compatible partner but is also popular for
people looking for friendship with like-minded animal
lovers.
“The
website is also a great way to tee-up pet minding
and dog walking get-togethers.” says Paul
from Meet a Pet Lover.
The
primary focus is getting people together who share
a passion for particular animals or breeds rather
than simply answering “yes” or “no”
to “do you like pets?”
Meet
a Pet Lover also allows members to enter specific
details about their pets, including whether their
pets live indoors or outdoors. This makes it simpler
to find compatible matches for members.
Meet
a Pet Lover is a niche online dating website
as it takes into account that every pet owner is
an individual and the importance of their pet plays
in their lives can be very different.
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With
a membership 1,200 strong, the popularity of
Meet a Pet Lover is on the rise. If
you are interested in becoming a member visit
www.meetapetlover.com.au
to set up a free online profile and
start meeting like-minded animal lovers.
If
you have met a special someone or made some
great friends through Meet a Pet Lover
we would love to hear from you! (email
us)
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| 50TH
ANNIVERSARY PAWKNOCK APPEAL |
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21
February - 6 March
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This
year marks the 50th anniversary of the Guide Dogs Queensland’s
Pawknock Appeal.
The
appeal raises money for Guide Dog QLD’s orientation
and mobility services in Queensland.
Between
21st of Feb to 6th March 2010, over 4,000 volunteers
will pound the pavement or email friends to collect
vital funds so GDQ can continue to provide their life
changing services.
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All
volunteers will be armed with id badges and official
receipt book – EVERY
CENT COUNTS!
Every
dollar donated goes straight to the breeding and training
of GDQ’s world class puppies and Guide Dogs.
Its
not too late to join the Pawknock!
If
you have a couple of hours spare to Pawknock - give
us a call! Or visit the QDQ webpage http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/
to become an Everyday Hero and join the appeal online.
For
more information Free Call our Pawknock Coordinator
on 1800 007 460 or email pawknock@guidedogsqld.com.au.
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| EXCLUSIVE:
FREE PET FOOD COMPETITION |
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Monday,
1 March |
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HOW
WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN 12 MONTHS OF FREE PET FOOD FOR
YOUR CAT OR DOG?
Simply
grab the Autumn Issue of Paws & Claws
out March 1st and bring in the promotional advert
coupon found on page 33 along to your next visit to
Central Produce, fill out their in-store form and
be in the draw to WIN!
Just
off the M1 motorway at Exit 75, Central Produce
has all your family pet care needs. Whether you own
a dog, cat, horse or bird, Central Produce
carry a large range of pet and animal supplies, including
hay, stockfeed, chaff, fertilisers, veterinary supplies,
poultry and birdseed, plus all the needs for the family
pet.
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Central
Produce also runs a convenient and efficient
delivery service, bringing your weekly order to the
house or stable door. And their friendly staff members
are always kept up to date with the helpful nutritional
information, which can take the guesswork out of feeding
your pony or pet.
Central
Produce is located at 8 Elysium Rd, City Link Estate,
Carrara 07 5530 2077.
Competition
ends 31st May 2010.
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| PETS
HAVEN MOVIE FUNDRAISER |
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Sunday,
14 March |
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| RSPCA
QLD ROARING '20S BALL |
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Friday,
19 March |
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Roaring
‘20s Ball to raise vital funds for the RSPCA!
Dust
off your Mary Jane’s, slip into your best frock
and brush up on your Charleston. The annual RSPCA
Qld Gala Ball is on once again at the Brisbane Convention
and Exhibition Centre Friday 19 March.
This
is the sixth consecutive Gala Ball hosted by RSPCA
Qld. This year the event will be compered by the charming
Loretta Ryan and Moyd Kay from radio 4BH 882, and
includes a stack of entertainment including casino
games, musical performances and live and silent auctions.
RSPCA
Qld spokesperson Andrea Fagg said based on past experience
it’s sure to be a night to remember.
“The
Gala Ball is always a lot of fun, but this year we’ve
themed the event around the roaring ‘20s so
it’s sure to be a hoot!”
“We’re
hoping that our guests will get into the spirit of
the evening and come along dressed as gangsters,
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flappers,
daddies and dames. The look is all about fringing, feathers,
beading and of course pinstripes for the guys”
Ms Fagg said.
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| Proceeds
from the event will help the RSPCA continue to care
for all creatures great and small. RSPCA Qld has an
annual operating budget of $22.9 million and receives
less than 2% government funding.
For
more information visit the RSPCA Qld website rspcaqld.org.au,
email events@rspcaqld.org.au, or call 3426 9932. |
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SEND
YOUR LATEST NEWS, PET OR ANIMAL EVENT TO NEWS@PAWSANDCLAWS.COM.AU. |
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COLLECT
THEM ALL! |
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A-Z
DIRECTORY FOR ALL YOUR PETS & HOMECARE NEEDS
ONLINE BREEDERS DIRECTORY | MAGAZINE DOWNLOAD | PHOTO GALLERY
| FREE |
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A CAT WITH AN UNUSUAL
TALENT |
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A
US cat has the unusual talent of being able to predict
when a patient is about to die.
In 2005 the Steere House nursing home in Providence
adopted Oscar the cat. Since then, he is known to snuggle
up to patients throughout the final hours.
Since
2005, Oscar has predicted 50 correct calls, a process
US scientist David Dosa explains in a book released
this week, Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary
Gift of an Ordinary Cat.
Dr Dosa theorises the cat imitates the nurses who raised
him or can smell odours given off by dying cells, perhaps
like some dogs who scientists say can detect cancer
using their sense of scent.
While Oscar is a gentle and friendly cat, Dosa was concerned
with patient’s relatives feeling that it would
be inappropriate for the cat to be spending time with
their loved ones throughout their final hours.
Although
"people actually were taking great comfort in this
idea, that this animal was
there
and might be there when their loved
ones
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eventually pass," says Dr Dosa, "He was there
when they couldn't be."
Oscar spends his days pacing from the hospital sniffing
and watching patients, yet spends most of his time with
patients that have just hours to live.
Oscar is so accurate that he will even scratch the door
of a dying patient’s room trying to get in.
The daughter of a patient told Dr Dosa that although
she felt guilty, being unable to be there for her mother’s
passing, yet she felt heartened to know that she didn't
die alone. Oscar was there.
Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au
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A
US study has proven that having dogs in the workplace
can reduce stress, increase productivity, help co-workers
get along and even allow people to work longer hours.
US organisation Google is famous for their relaxed work
culture which includes an official dog policy as part
of the online employee benefits package, meaning dogs
are able to be brought into the office on selected days.
Australian companies are taking notice of this trend
and becoming increasingly more pet friendly. It’s
an important factor considering 63% of the 7.5 million
households in Australia own pets.
Queensland vet, Dr Mark Perissinotto, has two staff
members that bring their dogs in to work daily which
he says boost morale and productivity.
“We
have personal leave for pets written into work contracts,”
he said.
“If a pet is sick, staff can take time off to
look after them.”
Many Australian industries allow dogs and cats to be
part of the work scene, including mechanics, produce
stores and trades people that have dogs to mind their
equipment and office environments that allow pets are
on the rise.
“It's
difficult for the pets to be left at home as they have
to be locked up,” says Dr Perissinotto.
“It's
a better situation for the staff, and better for the
pet. They help build staff morale and camaraderie, reduce
stress and stimulate employee creativity, and as any
employer will
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know,
a happier workplace results in enhanced job performance.”
Research
by companies in pet industry, including Nestle Purina,
indicates that having pets in the workplace is not only
entertaining but also create real benefits to business.
Not
only are the pets happier, some employers also feel
that employees work harder and are more productive when
pets are allowed into the workplace.
“It
makes for a fun workplace, and a great stress relief,”
says Kim Braganza from Nestle Purina.
“Even
if you're not a pet owner, having that contact with
pets is still enjoyable.”
NSW
Veterinarian and Dogs spokesperson Dr Peter Higgins,
agrees that dogs in the workplace can create a fun atmosphere
and release stress levels.
Dogs NSW encourages employers to cater for employee’s
dogs in the workplace to revitalise workers and create
a more positive and productive environment.
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| Creating
a 'pets in the workplace' policy
Ask your employees for their thoughts and opinions
on the idea and check that they are comfortable with
pets in their working environment.
• Only allow sociable and well trained pets into
the office.
• Encourage employees to keep their pets on a
lead to prevent them from wandering.
• Create a ‘dogs only’ space if you
have room in your workplace.
• Also restrict the areas in the workplace where
pets can roam e.g. the kitchen, bathrooms.
• Ensure that all employees that bring their pets
to work know they are responsible for them and any mess
they create.
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The
Breeder License Scheme will require pet owners to apply
for a permit if they want their dog or cat to have a
litter. The push for The Breeder License Scheme comes
after a Sunshine Coast woman was viciously attacked
by a dog.
“The number of dog attacks on humans and animals
is increasing and something must be done before this
epidemic gets beyond control,” she says.
“Dog registrations are not sufficient. Too many
people get a dog for the sake of having one. Many people
don’t understand the breed of the dog or how to
correctly care for the dog.”
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Gold
Coast Deputy Mayor Cr Daphne McDonald opposed the
requirement, branding it “another stupid law”
fearing that crossbreeds will be bred out if a breeder
license scheme goes ahead.
If
the law is passed, licensing pet breeders might be
charged a permit fee “at a very reasonable rate
to begin with as an incentive,” says Gold Coast
Councillor Cr Jan Grew.
“Pet owners should wake up and take responsibility
for high numbers of unwanted cats and dogs that have
to be euthanized,” Cr Jan Grew adds.
"If
you do not desex your animal and it has a litter that
is your fault. You can't blame the dog because it
jumped the fence."
The Gold Coast City Council had approved the Breeder
License Scheme 11 votes to four as part of the Keeping
and Control of Animals (Amendment) Subordinate Local
Law 2010.
A
public comment will be held and the scheme is expected
to come into force by April this year.
Let
us know what you think:
Should the Breeder License Scheme go ahead?(email
us)
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Got any funny pet or animal pictures or
videos that you found on the web?
Or a funny forward you'd like to share with us?
Send it to news@pawsandclaws.com.au! |
| This
has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed.
It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta
Journal.
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SINGLE
BLACK FEMALE seeks
male companionship, ethnicity
unimportant. I'm a very good
girl who LOVES to play. I love
long walks in the woods, riding
in your pickup truck, hunting,
camping and fishing trips, cozy
winter nights lying by the fire.
Candlelight dinners will have
me eating out of your hand.
I'll be at the front door when
you get home from work, wearing
only what nature gave me...
Call (404) 875-6420 (404) 875-6420
and ask for Annie, I'll be waiting.......
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SCROLL
DOWN... |
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Find
us on Facebook |
Click
below to become a Fan! |
 Over
150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta
Humane Society! LOL If
you don't pass this along, a dog will come out
and pee on your keyboard! |
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Sent in by Janett Seymour, Bilambil Heights Qld
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