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Australian Animal Protection Society

Leah an 8y.o staghound & Daisy 18month old Beagle X are a dynamic duo

that are seeking a place to call home together. These gorgeous girls are a

vibrant happy team that keep each other in check. As you can see both are

well mannered and tolerant. Daisy has a fail-safe party trick where she will sit

at your feet, hoping for a treat!

Daisy

Leah

Easter enews 2014

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AAPS is glad to report that all the animals featured in the Christmas eNews edition have since been adopted. This could not happen without community

support or the tireless efforts of our shelter volunteers. The shelter currently has a number of positions available, so if you`re interested and have passion

for animal welfare refer to our website for further details www.aaps.org.au

Training Tips

Training videos

One of the greatest benefits for both pets and family members is putting time on to training your pet. It is

amazing how a little time and effort can make everyone’s life a bit easier as your pet can understand what

you expect from them and in turn provide some predictability to the owner. Basic commands such as “sit”

“stay” “drop” “ok”and “come” cover most scenarios. You can use words that have a similar meaning

however they need to be basic, short one syllable words to help your pet learn. Remember to your pet it’s

like learning a new language and as you would when learning a foreign language, simple basic terms enable

you to learn more effectively.

Here is a link Purina have published for good videos on training exercises for your dog to “Sit”, “Drop”,

“Come” and “Stay”.

Casual Animal Attendant required

Casual Relieving Animal Welfare Coordinator/ Office/ Administration Officer

Experienced Vet Nurse (Casual)

See other ways you can assist the shelter by checking the following link

“How you can help”

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The AAPS vet clinic was established to not only provide care to shelter animals but to also provide affordable vet care to the community. Refer to the link for

vaccination and other related healthcare costs. Whilst looking after your pet health needs you are also helping shelter animals as all the proceeds from

Veterinary surgery help with the running of the shelter.

For further information Phone ( 0 3 ) 9 7 0 1 5 7 8 5 to make an appointment or refer to the vet clinic link below..

Vet Clinic Information

Feline health – Kitty Cautions

You may be surprised! We're alerting you to a few kitty dangers you

might not have thought about.

These are just a few of the hazards we find people forget about or are

not aware of.

Human medicines - medicines such as panadol and antidepressants

pose a serious threat to your cat, so keep them in a place he can’t get in

to. Common houseplants can be hazardous to your cat's health: lillies,

poinsettia and tulips are the main culprits

Some chemicals taste especially good to cats - keep these and all

chemicals locked away: antifreeze, bleach, detergents, fertilizers,

herbicides, insect spray (eg. ant rid) and rodent bait

Dog flea and tick medication - A cat that shares a house with a dog that has had supermarket pyrethrum flea treatment is at risk. These can KILL your cat. Ask us for the safest flea prevention for ALL of your pets

Household products - chicken bones, dental floss, yarn, string, lights and tinsel can lead to intestinal blockages

If you think your cat might have ingested something toxic - phone us immediately for advice

Wildlife help

Many will be driving long distances this holiday season and it is not uncommon to come across injured wildlife along the way.

What should you do?

Keep a cardboard box and towel in the boot of your car in case you find an injured animal

If you see an animal beside the road pull over only when it is safe to do so and put your hazard lights on

Approach the animal carefully and cover it with a towel or blanket to calm it and contain it

Stress is the major killer of injured animals so keep handling and disturbance to a minimum

Keep it in a dark, quiet and warm place and do not try and feed the animal, however you can offer water

Contact a local vet or local wildlife hotline in the appropriate state and they will direct you on what to do next. Remember to leave out a bowl of water for our wildlife in the hot weather AND keep cats and dogs inside and under control wherever possible.

AAPS VET CLINIC

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MEMOIRS OF A VOLUNTEER DOG

WALKER

It’s been over two years now since I first started walking the

doggies at the Keysborough Shelter. Every Thursday, around 8 am,

rain, hail or shine you will find me there (unless I’m sick or on hols).

I only go for a couple of hours each Thursday, but to my way of

thinking if everyone gave just a small amount of their time

REGULARLY it would be fabulous. You don’t need to spend hours

and hours, just be reliable and go the same time/day each week. It

makes it so much easier for the co-ordinator. Walking only a

couple of hours also means it can be done EVERY WEEK at the same

time and you don’t get ‘burnt out’. That’s me anyway.

I used to worry why the dogs were there, how could anyone give

their dog/s away, why are they thin, how come they are so healthy

looking etc. etc. they must have been loved once. Now I don’t

think about it as much, all I know is that they are well fed, very well looked after, loved by all staff and volunteers, safe and secure and, believe it or not,

happy and waiting for their new homes. AND THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEIR WALKIES. You only have to see it in their faces when volunteers arrive.

Pick me! Pick me! What about me! I’m next they say. They bark and yell at each other as if they are jealous that another dog is getting a walk and

not them. But they ALL eventually have a walk – sometimes two and three times in a day which is just wonderful.

I have been slobbered on, licked on, jumped on, scratched on (even ‘humped on’) and recently even piddled on!!! But I wouldn’t have it any other way,

because as the dogs love their walkies, so do I love giving them a walk. Unconditional pleasure in each other’s company and quiet chats and the

occasional cuddle as we meander down the road outside the Shelter.

Rhona Van Der Kaay

Rhona and Cocasse

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The toxic components in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine, and the level of toxicity is based on the type and quantity of chocolate consumed.

Different types of chocolate have different amounts of theobromine and caffeine; dark chocolate contains the highest concentrations and white "chocolate" contains the least. Early clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhoea and trembling.

For more info refer to this website

Toxic Foods List

In the event you dog has consumed a toxic substance seek veterinary advice immediately

Chocolate is toxic for

dogs

Other items that are toxic for your dog include

Onions garlic grapes raisins Avocado mouldy food

xylitol Artificial sweetener macadamia hops nuts

TIPS FROM THE AAPS FOR EASTER AND PETS

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Hi I’m Cooper and this is my story. I was born in 2009 and my beagle mum and dad were successful show dogs

at the time. I was in a pen inside with my mum when a young couple came to see me. Also in my pen was my

twin brother.

It was apparent to me that this young couple had done their research, knew about puppy farms and also my

breed “Beagle” hence why they came and saw my mum and where I was brought in to this life. It was a big

change for me leaving my k9 family to go to my new home, but I went to school to learn some manners. This

was easy because every time I did the” right thing” I got a rewarded with one of my greatest loves FOOD. I had

to work for it, but really appreciated the effort mum and dad put into training me as it really helped settle in to my

new home.

At just 4months of age I had a large health scare, when during my usual afternoon kip lying on the couch I

suffered a seizure. Dad looked very worried about me and took me to the vet where I was to under-go tests the

following day. A few hours later I suffered another seizure and my parents rushed me to the hospital where I was

placed on observation overnight. Luckily after my third seizure that night they seemed to have stopped.

Around a month later I suffered another seizure whilst in was in the car coming home from my great aunty`s

place and dad who was away at the time asked mum to take me straight back to the hospital. I was lucky in

some ways as my dad being a shift worker kept in touch throughout the night with my vets and whilst it was

traumatic I felt I was in good hands. I had a lot of tests done and thankfully no serious or unfixable issues were

detected and at just 4 months of age I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I was a bit worried as I know this was very

expensive and hadn’t been in my new home for long. I just hoped that this wouldn’t affect my relationship with

my new family.

I was lucky in that dad didn’t even think twice before spending money on me but always did before spending it

on himself! I was one very lucky beagle pup. I heard my nana say to my dad how we were destined for each

other for a reason and that this was maybe why as like me I was well aware that the care I needed may not have

been so forth coming by other people. My dad was very proactive in getting me as much of a normal life as

possible as drugs needed to control my seizures tended to be quite aggressive on my little growing body and

organs. He decided to put me on a less aggressive drug, which was a good call as I still to this day have not had

a seizure since and can gladly say I’m now off all medication for over 2 years now.

After this life was all good, I had the run of the house, slept wherever I wanted to and went to the off leash park

and ran for hours with other k9 friends. I believe the human term is known as “spoilt”. Then I heard that we were getting a new addition to our family in the form of a little person mid-2011. While I

was excited I did wonder how this would affect my relationship with my family and if I would still be the centre of attention. I was hearing things like stay outside more and sleeping outside, less time

for him etc. My dad was reading this material produced by organisations trying to prepare pets for when human babies are born. Then I heard something comforting and possibly the funniest, least

expected thing I ever heard from my dad “If it was me, I’d be pissed if for no reason at all I got shafted like that!” He said why don’t we include Coops and not exclude him which was the general

genre in all this material. I went on holidays to the beagle Taj Mahal when my human brother was born and when I came home had some new boundaries which were fair, but most importantly I was

included in my family and very much a part of our new era. My new human brother was also the reason I could come off my medication as I now had the luxury of stay at home mum to keep an eye

on me 24/7. The same thing happened just 15months later where I then had two new human brothers but I wasn’t concerned this time.

I’m now 4yrs old and as mentioned before free of my seizures and loving spending time playing with my two human brothers. The moral of my story is treat others as you would expect to be treated,

invest time in to training me and we will both reap benefits from it and also little humans and pets can have a great value adding relationship for all of us given a chance to do so.

Cooper`s Story

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With the influx of animals to the shelter AAPS has many animals needing loving

homes and are now available for adoption. The animals listed have been in our

care for an extended period of time and would dearly love their own place to

call home.

AAPS is located at 1 0 H o m e l e i g h R o a d , K e y s b o r o u g h , 3 1 7 3 ,

V i c t o r i a , A u s t r a l i a - p h ( 0 3 ) 9 7 9 8 - 8 4 1 5 o r ( 0 3 ) 9 7 9 8 - 8 0 4 4

Photos taken by David Oakley of R I V I D – Fine Art Portraits website

www.rivid.com

For more information of animals available for adtion refer the the weblinks

below

1. Dog adoption

2. Cat adoption

3. Other animal adoption including Rabbits & guinea pigs

Roo was surrendered to us because her elderly owner could no longer care for her.

She is such a joy, so affectionate & playful. She has her quiet times when she just likes to

chill out & watch the world go by. She loves her walks & she’s pretty good on lead. She is

housetrained & best suited to a moderately active adult family or a family with teens. If

you would like to have Roo as a part of your life contact the shelter for further details.

TALK TO THE ANIMALS “ADOPTION SECTION”

ROO

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SAGE

Mishka is playful, energetic, alert & affectionate. She will do so

well in a calm, assertive environment where she will be provided with

training, exercise & a steady routine.

Rosie was surrendered to us because her

owners were moving. She is a quiet, yet friendly &

loving girl with the sweetest of natures. She has

always lived indoors & according to her former

owners, she is good with dogs.

NB. Rosie has been with us a very long time. She

celebrated her 12th birthday on April 1st, and

would love to be adopted before she reaches 12

years and 1 month! She is just so beautiful and no

trouble at all

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Daisy & Duke

Duke & Daisy

are a quiet, patient

brother & sister duo.

They have been waiting

very patiently for their

forever home in a nice

peaceful environment.

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Cocasse was

surrendered to us

because his owners

could no longer keep

him & it’s not often

that we would be

thrilled with an animal

being surrendered

but in this case, it

was definitely in

Cocasse’s best

interests. He had

been terribly

neglected by his

former owners. He

had fly bite that

became so infected

that our vets decided

it would be best for a

partial amputation of

his ear tips. His coat

was dull & unkempt &

he didn’t show much

interest in getting to

know people. He is

now a much

improved, very

handsome boy who

loves to play ball &

he is just so smart &

loyal with those he

knows. He loves his

walks & he would suit

an active adult family

or a family with older

teens.

Cocasse/Coco

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Bethany is a bit shy at first, but is a

very lovely rabbit who loves a nose

rub and an ear pat when she gets to

know you. She's beautiful with other

rabbits and will love a desexed male

rabbit to snuggle with for the rest of

her days.

Carrie is around 2 years old, and a

desexed female dwarf x. She is a very

sweet rabbit, and will be a great friend

for a desexed male rabbit of her

choosing.

Miffy is just over 2 years old and is a

desexed female dwarf lop. She will need a

desexed male dwarf lop as a friend. She's a

beautiful girl who will need to lose weight

slowly as she's too fat at the moment.

Gorgeous Rissy is a desexed

female dwarf x. She is

approximately 3 years old but

may be younger. She is

looking for a home with one of

the bunnies she came in with,

or a desexed male rabbit.

SPECIAL BUNNY ADOPTION SECTION

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Sasha & Buddha

were surrendered to us

because their owner could no

longer keep them. They are

great dogs, both friendly &

lovable. Sasha is the

contemplator & Buddha is the

more initially outgoing &

affectionate. They have both

had some basic training & they

are housetrained. They would

suit a moderately active adult

family or a family with teens.

They are available for

separate adoptions as well.

DYNAMIC DUOS LOOKING FOR HOMES

Snoopy & Indi were

surrendered to us because their

owner fell on hard times

financially. They are a gorgeous

duo, both very friendly, intelligent

& affectionate. We would love to

find them a home where they can

live together but we would

definitely consider separating them

for the right family. Snoopy

qualifies for our Golden Oldies

Program. He’s mature in years but

he’s still pretty sprightly! They are

available for separate

adoptions as well.

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Blue came to us aged 12 years because his owners were moving. Everyone at

the shelter instantly fell in love with this gentle, beautiful boy, who was very

stressed & depressed, being given up so suddenly by the family he loved.

It’s difficult for any animal being given up by their beloved owners but it’s the

Golden Oldies who seem to suffer the most. Blue wasn’t coping alone in his

pen so we took him into our office area & he fitted in so perfectly, always

respectful of the other animals & constantly wanting cuddles & lapsits from the

office girls.

We posted his details on our website & Facebook, hoping desperately that

someone special would come along & adopt him & we didn’t have to wait long

because two beautiful angels, Jacqui & Clara came along & took him home,

where he was lavished with all the love & creature comforts a dog could ever

want.

Jacqui & Clara have kept in regular contact via Facebook since adopting Blue

in 2011 & we were always thrilled to get the updates because they were just a

reminder that there are wonderful people out there for our animals. We

recently found out that Blue passed away on 2nd

March, 2014 & we’re all very

saddened by the news but not half as much as his mums must be & we send

out our love, thanks & condolences to you, Jacqui & Clara.

Bless you beautiful Blue & love always from your shelter familyxxxxxx

A Tribute to Blue RIP

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Above all else our goal is to not just find a home for animals in our care, we need to find the right home for them. Animals are living things and to take on

the responsibility should be an educated decision supported by all persons involved that are thinking of pet ownership. Listed below are links to documents

created by the RSPCA to assist potential new owners with information regarding purchasing a cat or dog as health care, training and microchipping are just

some of the initial steps to responsible pet ownership. The AAPS’s animal welfare coordinators are there to ensure and assist in this.

RSPCA Smart-Puppy-Buyers-Guide

RSPCA Pet Kitten or Cat Buyers Guide

If you’re thinking about adopting a pet or have a passion for animal welfare, here is a link to a feel good utube video the SPCA (America) created. This was

very well done and I think shares the same message that sectors of animal welfare all over the world have in common. Unfortunately rescue pets tend to be

tainted as “something is wrong with them” and this is just not the case, as you can see nearly all animals listed for adoption are there because previous

owners can’t care for them any more for one reason or another and hence are in our care through no fault of their own.

“Take a chance”

A feel good utube video which is the message we are all trying to get out there.

Watch "Take a Chance" Video here

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