CAS wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !

CAS (Costa Animal Society) and Dutch charity HzH (Hond zoekt Huis) have rehomed many, many dogs and cats in 2009.

These happy dogs send their Christmas wishes to everyone who has helped to give them a better life.

(click on the image to start the movie)

Fund Raiser Thanks

CAS would like to thank Jan & David Neale, who once again arranged a Charity Christmas Dinner Dance at the Hotel Andalalus, Maro in aid of CAS and Cudeca. The evening raised a total of 480 Euros for CAS and the committee would like to thank everyone for their support.

The Coach & Horses in Nerja held their annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along on Friday 18th December. A capacity crowd attended and a Charity Auction was held in aid of CAS which raised the grand sum of 330€.
CAS would like to thank everybody at the Coach & Horses for organising the evening and, in particular, John who conducted the auction.


Simon Wilkinson
Who ran the Granada Half Marathon, Sunday December 13th 2009.
He came in under the two and a half hour target  AND  raised €350 for CAS. Read more...


The CAS Glitz & Glamour Ball was held on Saturday 28th November and sponsored by the Hotel Al Andalus, Maro.
Despite the current economic climate, 138 tickets were sold. 
This was the largest number ever to attend the CAS Annual Christmas Ball.
Entertainment was provided by Andy Time and Mark Peters, of Global Radio, who kept everyone dancing until the early hours.
The event raised some 2980 Euros for CAS.

CAS would like to thank all their supporters for making the evening such a success and raising such desperately needed funds.


A Grand Raffle was held with prizes being donated from the following sponsors.:
Hotel Al Andaluz. Euopa Network, Langhams. Simply Beauty.Simple Care, Talleres Tivoli, Proud Scout, Irish Annies, The Rib House, Hotel Rural, El Puents, Hotel Plaza Cavana, The Victoria, The Cottage, DBS Bar, Walli Ron, Bar Punta Lara and Rogellio.

How to wash a cat

This was simply too much of a time saver not to share it with you
 
1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom. 
3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close the lid. You may need to stand on the lid.
4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.  
5. Flush the toilet three or  four times. This  provides a 'power-wash' and rinse'.
6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.  
7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.
8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.  
9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.    
 
Sincerely, 
 
The Dog
 

Leishmania: Important information if you keep a dog in Spain

The chance of a dog catching Leishmania in Spain is extremely high, many veterinary surgeons put it as high as 30 to 35 percent. In reality, the figure is much higher because there are many stray dogs with the disease and the figure given applies only to dogs registered with a veterinary surgeon. It is an incurable disease and one that has been widely publicised here in Spain yet many people hear of it for the first time when they arrive in Spain from other parts of Europe. However, there are still many dog owners who are not aware of this disease. Dr. David Hart, Lecturer in Parasitology at King’s College London calls it- "One of the most underrated diseases in the world".
 
Leishmania was discovered in 1900 by Scottish bacteriologist, Sir William Boog Leishman, while serving as a colonel with the British Army in India. This disease is classed as a tropical disease. Cats cannot contract it.
 
Over the years the disease has spread to other countries, sometimes under other names, the Sand fly disease being the most common. This name is misleading because the disease has nothing to do with sand or flies.  I never let my dog go on the beach because of the sand flies is an often heard remark. The beach has nothing to do with it. Your dog is equally at risk in town, country, woodland or wherever. Mediterranean disease is another name, even though it is found as far north as Lyon in France.
 
Leishmania is an immuno suppressive disease, which means that it breaks down the natural ability of the body to fight off diseases.  In this way it is vaguely similar to AIDS in humans.  There are two types of Leishmania: Cutaneous and Visceral.  Cutaneous affects the skin and Visceral attacks the internal organs. The best person to advise you about which kind your dog has is your vet. Each case is different, and so is the form the treatment will take.
 
Any dog can catch Leishmania but there is evidence to indicate that shorthaired dogs are more susceptible as obviously the offending mosquito can more easily penetrate the skin. Bear in mind two very important facts: there is no cure and there is no vaccination against the disease. However there are treatments which can afford an affected dog long periods of remission, often reminiscent of a cure. A dog with Leishmania in a mild degree can live to a very ripe old age.
 
What are the symptoms?  Watch out for prolonged nail growth, ulceration of the ear tips, thick dandruff, bald patches on the skin, sunglasses effect around the eyes, getting thin although eating well (in this latter case, check firstly for worms), whiteness of the cornea of the eyes. These are all warning signs that your dog could have Leishmania.  The only way to make absolutely sure is to visit your vet who will analyse a blood sample and you will have the results within a day or so. It is indeed a relief when the results prove negative. We all want to care for our dogs to the best of our ability and care means preventing your dog from getting this ultimately fatal disease and it can certainly be prevented.
 
You can do a lot to ensure that your dog does not get Leishmania. The disease is carried by a certain type of mosquito, so small that it is virtually invisible to the human eye.  The creature flies at dusk and at night whenever the temperature is over 20 degrees Celsius. In the south of Spain, especially, this can occur in the middle of winter. There is a belief that the mosquitoes are very low flying and therefore dogs in a high building are safer. This is true only to a very limited degree. A strong wind can carry mosquitoes to great heights.
 
To maximise protection for your dog you should never let him sleep out at night. Of course, it would like to sleep out on your terrace or balcony on those hot summer nights, but you are its guardian and you make any decisions in its best interests. Your dog should be indoors as soon as darkness falls and temperatures are 20 degrees Celsius or higher. The room in which it sleeps should also be protected. Open windows, if a necessity during summer nights should be covered with mosquito netting, which you can buy cheaply at any hardware store.  If stretched on a wooden frame it does not obscure your views and has the added bonus that it also keeps wasps and other nasty insects out.
 
There is a very special insect repellent collar called Scalibor that is highly recommended by all vets, which will protect your dog from bites from this mosquito and also from fleas and ticks and, unlike the tick and flea collar, lasts for 6 months as opposed to 3 months.  There is also a lotion called X Spot which comes in ampulets and as an alternative to the Scalibor collar should be applied to the back of the neck and rump of your dog. This will take either one or two ampulets, depending on the size of your dog. An extra protection is to use those small mosquito gadgets sold in many shops that use tables or liquid and plug into electricity points.  This all sounds very extreme but, with something as serious as this, it is necessary to take extreme measures.
 
There are also those of us who have so many dogs that it would be impossible for them all to be indoors after dusk but X Spot and Scalibor collars will protect your dogs from bites if they live outside in the open.
 
For other important information about dogs diseases in Spain visit this website:
www.leishmaniasis.info

Two Ducks and a Turkey????

CAS gets asked to home all sorts of critters but when Jane Kirk, received the request to find homes for two duck and a turkey she was stumped until she remembered the Noah’s Ark in Sedella. Knowing that I kept ducks, geese and chickens and had in the past homed guinea fowl, quail, and a peacock to say nothing of the pig and rabbit I received a copy of the request with the footnote, “one for you I think”……
 
“Oh good”, I thought, “Christmas is coming and I haven’t ordered my turkey yet”.
 
My husband and I contacted Alf and Jaki, the people who had kept said 2 ducks and a turkey as ‘pets’ and arranged to meet them to collect the birds in the car park at the supermarket half way between our homes.
 
We found out that the birds are a bit old for eating but still decided to do the decent thing and let them live out their days amongst our flock in happy retirement so we took them home. Alf and Jaki have no idea what breed of ducks they are but I think they are Muscovies, a breed we don’t have. I am hoping, therefore, that when the spring comes the drake, who is thought to be gay, gets amorous and does the deed so we can increase our stock with some good plump eaters. 
 
The ducks have settled in well and been accepted by the rest of our ducks and geese and I find the very fat (but sadly old) turkey waiting for his breakfast each morning by the feed hopper so he is obviously happy enough not to be off his food.
 
Alf requested a photo of them all after they had settled in and preferably AFTER Christmas so of course I will oblige and if we get ducklings I’ll also let them know.
 
In the meantime I’m just off to place my Christmas order at the butchers……

Granada marathon run for CAS

The pictures show Simon Wilkinson running the 1/2 marathon of Granada.
He and his sponsors raised around 350 Euro for the CAS organization.
 

Bonny, Lola, Toby, Rags and Ruben fly to Holland

On the last rescue flight for 2009, Bonny, Lola, Toby, Rags and Ruben flew to their new homes in Holland. Now a total of 179 dogs were adopted through our sister charity organization Hond zoekt Huis in Holland.
 
 
 
 
 

Pet Airways Flies Rescue Dogs To Freedom

Thanksgiving Day Holiday 2009. Operation Thanksgiving Day Pet Flight to
Freedom will provide a plane load of pets with a free flight to a better
life. The first ever pet rescue airlift will take place this Thanksgiving
Holiday with a flight from Pet Airways' Pet Lounge at Chicago's Midway
Airport to the Pet Airways Pet Lounge in Farmingdale, New York.

In conjunction with Best Friends Animal Society, Pet Airways is helping to
place these currently homeless dogs with new families by providing free
transportation to the New York area where they will be made available for
adoption.
As part of its ongoing mission of working toward a time when there are No
More Homeless Pets, Best Friends collaborates with rescue and shelter
organizations throughout the country to place needy pets in loving homes.
One of the issues of rescuing large numbers of pets is getting them to new
homes.

Pet Airways is helping in this endeavor, by flying an entire planeload of
rescued dogs to New York, where a local shelter has come forth to accept
these pets to help them be adopted.

Pet Airways was created to provide a safe and comfortable alternative to
flying pets in the cargo hold of planes. Pet Airways Pawsengers fly in the
main cabin of our aircraft with a Pet Attendant watching over them at all
times.

As part of Pet Airways' Corporate Responsibility Policy, Pet Airways
provides space on our planes to help pets that need to be rescued.
Thanksgiving is a great day to not only give our pets a hug for all the love
that they give us, but to also help out some pets in need.

Follow the rescue and how the pets travel on the Pet Airways website. Pets
are being driven to Chicago by Best Friends on Thanksgiving Day where they
will have their Thanksgiving dinner at the Pet Airways Pet Lounge. After the
dinner, pets will enjoy the love of lots of volunteers, will sleep happily
that night, and board the Pet Airways Pet Flight to Freedom on Friday
morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc2lvz1LGTc

How to donate to CAS

The "Donate" button sends donors to the Spanish PayPal site. Even if you
don't speak much Spanish, you would be able to fill in the little boxes with
your first and surnames, your type of credit card and details and the amount
you wish to donate.

OR do a direct transfer with this information:
Bank: Cajamar Account No. 2720100283
IBAN ES913058072803 BIC-SWIFT CCRIES2AXXX

Try it... and get that lovely, warm feeling that helping animals gives ;)

December events

CHRISTMAS CHARITY MARKET - Saturday 5th Dec
Petanque Court, Punta Lara. 11am-3pm
Gifts, Christmas Fayre, Tombola, Lucky Dip
Visit from Santa & Sons, Children's Competions
Proceeds to CAS, Cudeca, Taller de la Amstrad, Donkey Sanctuary



Cómpeta Christmas Market - Saturday December 5th 2009

10 a.m. Plaza Ayuntamiento, La Rampa, Cómpeta
Many stalls - Father Christmas


Cómpeta CAS  Christmas Dinner Dance - Friday December 11th
Balcon de Cómpeta
Choice of 3 main courses.
€17.50 including wine and music.
Giant raffle. 19:30 for 20:00
Call 616 5300 71


Competa Christmas Quiz at La Roca, Competa - Sunday  13th  Dec              
Food available. Raffle & Prizes
7 for 7.30pm. Entrants 3€.


Coach & Horses Annual Christmas Carol - Friday 18th Dec
Sing Along in Aid of CAS
Entrance Free, Food Available. Grand Raffle/Auction
All Welcome. Commences 7.00pm


CAS Christmas Party - Tuesday  22nd  Dec
Nerja Club Hotel
Three Course Buffet with Wine
Entertainment with Carlos
7.30 FOR 8.00PM. Tickets 20€

Veterinary Charity Warns of Christmas Injuries to Pets

Christmas injuries to pets have soared, says vet charity PDSA.

The festive season is an increasingly perilous time for our pets, with trips
to the vet at Christmas rocketing by 50 percent over the last four years,
says PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity.

Falling Christmas trees, chewed wires and swallowed turkey bones have all
contributed to a sharp rise in pet casualties seen by vets at PDSA PetAid
hospitals throughout the country. Last year, PDSA vets treated 15,600 pets
over the Christmas period, compared with just 10,455 in 2004.

"Vets see many injuries to pets resulting from Christmas celebrations, and
most are preventable with a little more planning and consideration," said
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon Sean Wensley. "Typical examples include dogs
swallowing tinsel and baubles, pets suffering from over-eating, electric
shocks from chewed cables, and Christmas trees toppling over."

To prevent further pain and distress to four-legged friends this Christmas,
PDSA urges pet owners to take a few simple precautions. A quick home safety
check, for example, can identify potential dangers.

"Think of your pet as like a curious child who may be fascinated by bright
lights, sparkling tinsel, electrical leads and other typical Christmas
trappings," added Sean Wensley. "Then protect it by taking the necessary
precautions to help prevent accidents."

Last Christmas almost spelled disa-'star' for Yorkshire Terrier Charlie who
swallowed a discarded Christmas star decoration after rummaging through his
owner's rubbish bin but luckily he made a full recovery thanks to PDSA
veterinary staff at Plymouth PetAid hospital. Brightly coloured Christmas
decorations and festive food can be an attractive but dangerous combination
for mischievous pets!

PDSA tips for ridding the home of pet hazards:

Chemicals - make sure any potentially dangerous substances are stored in
sealed containers and in secure cabinets out of a pet's reach.

Electrical equipment/utensils - If you have cats, keep tumble dryers and
washing machines shut and always check inside before switching them on. An
overheated non-stick pan can release toxic fumes which can be hazardous to
birds. Carbon monoxide poisoning, can also cause problems for birds, small
furry pets and cats.

Food - some can be potentially harmful, for example, if pets eat large
amounts of chocolate it can cause death, due to the compound theobromine
that affects the heart and other body organs. Other items such as alcohol,
green potatoes, macadamia nuts, onions and any mouldy food can also be
harmful to animals.

Objects - many pets, especially puppies, kittens and small furries, may play
with foreign objects which at this time can include Christmas decorations,
children's toys and other small objects which can easily become lodged in
the mouth or intestines.

Smoking - passive smoking can also affect pets. For example, cats exposed to
passive smoking are twice as likely to develop cancer, compared with cats
whose owners do not smoke.

Plants - beware poisonous houseplants. Poinsettia plants which are popular
at this time of year can cause irritation and can be fatal. The ornamental
houseplant 'philodendron' can be harmful as the whole plant is toxic and
pets are tempted to eat the leaves. Keep any large, safe house plants on the
floor in heavy containers to avoid them being pulled or knocked over by
boisterous pets.

Electrical hazards - young curious pets, house rabbits, guinea pigs and
other small furries can chew on live electrical cords like Christmas light
cables which can cause electric shocks. Ensure that electric wires are out
of sight and out of reach. If this is not possible, wires should be covered
with plastic conduit and secured to skirting boards or run under a carpet.
Small batteries can cause problems if swallowed.

Trip and fall hazards - a dog running up the stairs can trip or fall,
especially if the carpet is loose or frayed. A pet can crash into glass
doors and windows which can cause serious injuries. Use safety glass, or
make sure that the glass is frosted so it is visible. Balconies should
always be securely screened.

You can never predict when or if your pet might become ill or if you might
have to deal with an emergency situation but there are steps you can take
should an emergency arise:
. Keep the name, address and telephone number of your vet next to the phone.
. Keep a working pen and paper next to the phone to take down an emergency
telephone number on any answer phone message or instructions.
. Always telephone before you take an injured pet to any veterinary
practice.
. Keep a Pet First Aid Kit with you at home or travelling with your pet

PDSA encourages pet owners to pick up its 'Pet Safety Indoors' and 'Pet
First Aid' leaflets, which offer more advice on what to do in an emergency.

The leaflets are part of a series of Responsible Pet Care information
produced by PDSA that cover a variety of pet care topics. The leaflets are
available from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA charity shops nationwide or
can be downloaded from the PDSA website, www.pdsa.org.uk.

UK Vets Raise Rabies Awareness

Organisations around the world aimed to raise awareness and understanding
about the importance of rabies prevention on the third annual World Rabies
Day on September 28.

The BVA's Overseas Group supported World Rabies Day by urging UK veterinary
surgeons to raise their clients' awareness of the implications of rabies
when they travel abroad.

"While we are used to discussing the risks of rabies to pets, most vets
probably know much less about the risks of rabies to humans," says Zoe
Belshaw, a member of the Overseas Group. "World Rabies Day is an ideal time
to promote understanding of this devastating but preventable disease."

The Overseas Group has produced some information on the disease which is
available on the BVA's website. It offers simple advice on reducing the risk
of contracting the disease and gives guidance on vaccination and wound
cleansing. It also aims to dispel some common misconceptions - such as that
a deep bite is necessary for the disease to be contracted. 'A lick on broken
skin or mucous membranes or a scratch from an infected animal is
sufficient,' it points out.

Rabies kills at least 55,000 people each year, half of whom are children
under the age of 15. "Rabies is primarily a disease of children, who are
particularly at risk from this terrible disease, due to their close contact
with dogs, the major global source," said Dr Deborah Briggs, Executive
Director of the Alliance for Rabies Control. "Children are more likely to
suffer multiple bites and scratches to the face and head, both of which
carry a higher risk of contracting rabies. Children are often unaware of the
danger that dogs transmit rabies and may not tell their parents when a bite,
lick or scratch has occurred from an infected animal."

The World Rabies Day initiative aims to bring together relevant partners in
an effort to address rabies prevention and control. "This is a coordinated
effort to let the world know that this disease can be readily prevented
through education, pet vaccination and increased human awareness of proper
wound management and administration of rabies vaccination after an exposure
has occurred," added Dr Briggs.

Visit the BVA website http://www.bva.co.uk for advice on many aspects of
animal care.

UK Rules

Don't Delay - Do it Today!

Like all other local animal welfare groups, CAS is struggling to cope with
the number of requests for help from people returning to the UK. Too often,
they contact CAS just a few days before they leave! This is absolutely
ridiculous and means that the charity cannot help at all. CAS was founded to
help abused and abandoned dogs & cats. It was never intended to act as an
Agency for Re-homing family pets.

CAS has a very long waiting list, limited space in kennels (12 all together)
and too few fosterers to allow us to care for the "abanondos".

We are strongly urging all ex-pats living on the Costa del Sol to act now so
that IF they need to return to the UK for whatever reason (family issues,
health, economic reasons etc. etc.) they will be able to take their pets
with them and not abandon them to an unknown & possibly unsafe future. It's
easy to do, wont cost too much money and people can rest assured that they
have taken the correct, responsible steps towards keeping the whole family
together. Being forced to return to the UK is stressful enough without
suddenly having to consider the fate of a beloved pet.

Here's what they need to do to prepare a pet for travel to the UK.

Dogs and cats need a microchip & an EU (blue) passport
They need vaccinations (Polivalente) plus the all important Rabies
Injection After three weeks the vaccinations are repeated. They must wait
one month & then have a Rabies Blood Test They then wait out the six month
quarantine period After this point they get a Health Certificate Just before
traveling the pet will need treatment for ticks and worms. Details of all
treatments are entered into the passport. Altogether the process can take as
long as 6 to 8 months before the final blood test in done and the pet can
travel. So basically all that is needed TODAY is the microchip, the passport
and the vaccinations. Please visit your vet and discuss how best to do this.
No more worries. Remember, CAS will probably be unable to help and there are
serious cost implications if one is seeking a 6 month Dog Sitter.

A comprehensive explanation is available on the CAS Website
(www.casnerja.org) as well as a link to the government website.

Couriers wanted for dog flights

With the large number of dogs flying to Holland and Germany, we would welcome people that can take dogs with them when they fly (back) to Holland or Germany.

"Taking dogs with me on the flight, isn't that a lot of hassle?"

Actually, it is not. The procedure is very simple, and the CAS volunteers do all the work for you:

You wait in the queue to check in your luggage, just as you normally would. While you're queueing, CAS people will fill in the forms at the FlightCare office. When it's your turn at the check-in counter, you check in your luggage. CAS will show the dog passports to the airline employee, and he/she will then stick a luggage sticker on the dog cage(s).
Sofar all is the same as usual for you. Now we all take the dogs and cages to the scanner for the special bagage (where also golf clubs, skis, bicycles, etc. are scanned). The cages are scanned, the dogs are placed in the cages, and off they go. CAS hands the dog passports over to you, and you can go through security to the gate. So at Malaga airport, it takes you about 5 minutes more than usual.

After your flight, you have to wait for the bagage and the dogs to arrive. The dogs arrive when all the luggage is off the plane. They are brought separately on a cart. In most airports, this means that the dogs are there
before the last piece of luggage is on the belt.

You take the cart(s) with the dogs and walk through customs to the arrivals hall. There you are welcomed by the volunteers of Dutch charity Hond zoekt Huis, as well as the families that have adopted the dogs. It's probably the biggest welcoming committee you've ever had waiting for you at the airport (unless you're Robbie Williams, Mick Jagger or David Beckham).

All in all, it is not much extra work to accompany dogs to their new homes.
Only 5 minutes at the Malaga airport (but you have to wait for the plane anyway, right?). And a few minutes extra at the arrival. But the reward of happy children welcoming their new friends is more than worth it.

Please contact CAS if you are flying to Holland or Germany, or if you have guests flying there.

No food or water before a flight

When dogs fly to their new homes in Holland or Germany, the foster families are asked not to feed the dogs 24 hours in advance, and no water in the last 12 hours.

Isn't that cruel?

No, it isn't.
Actually, it is cruel if you do feed them, or give them water shortly before the flight !

First, there is a car ride of 45 minutes to an hour. In many cases that means a ride along a windy mountain road. You don't want the dog do that on a full stomach. Then they arrive at the airport. There is not a play field for them to do what they want. The dogs are put into their cages at the Malaga airport, and they won't be released until they arrive in Holland or Germany, hours later.

So if you have fed them or gave them water, this means that they probably have to lie in their own dirt. That is no fun for the dog, but also doesn't make a good first impression on their new family :-)

And at the airport, the new families have water and biscuits ready. So all stress of the flight and being hungry and thirsty, is quickly forgotten.

Choose a puppy by its size

This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know
precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you'll want to
share this one with your loved ones and special friends)!

'Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this
animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started
all of this,' the mother told the volunteer.

'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.
'Puppy size!' replied the mother

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.' 'I
know..... we have seen most of them, ' the mom said in frustration...

Just then Danielle came walking into the office

'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom.

'No, not this time,' Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come
back on the weekend?'

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed

'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a
supply,' the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't worry,
I'll find one this weekend,' she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her.
They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not
looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.

'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning .
By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that
housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the
first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the
animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a
closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one.
One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The
volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and
held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' She
screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'

'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few
weeks,' Mom said.

'No not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said.

'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love
depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!'


The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to
laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of
both.

'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work
and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it
sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said. Then, holding the puppy up
close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his
heart!'

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I
not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a
sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot
day. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you
hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that
take our breath away.'



I hope your life is filled with Sighs!!!

Obesity In Older Dogs

Obesity is a very big problem in our society, and this problem goes for dogs
as well. All dogs are susceptible to gaining weight as they become less
active in old age. But some breeds have been reported to be more likely to
become obese than others as they watch the birthdays fly by. West Highland
White Terriers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Cairn terriers, and
Retrievers are breeds that are noted for obesity in old age.

Older dogs are about twice as likely to be overweight as younger dogs,
probably because of genetic factors and the general slowing down of life.
Also, smaller dogs can run around the house for exercise, but larger dogs
need to be taken out. Because most dogs depend on people to take them out,
it doesn't always get done.

As adult dogs become elderly, a number of factors limit their exercise -
including their physical and physiological condition (and perhaps that of
their owners as well, if the owners are also slowing down a bit). So, lack
of exercise coupled with the same amount of treats as they had when they
were younger can lead to obese pets. Female dogs are more likely to be obese
than male dogs and cats, and spayed animals are more likely to be obese than
reproductively intact ones.

Here's an interesting statistic: Pet owners who are 40 years old and older
are more than twice as likely to have obese dogs as younger owners are. Not
only are the owners getting older and probably less fit, but so are their
pets!
Overweight dog Patrick was given a year to live but, thanks to diet,
exercise and support from the RSPCA's Pets Get Slim website, he's lost 6kg
and is looking forward to a healthier life.

Patrick, a Jack Russell x Corgi, weighed a massive 20kg and was clinically
obese when Dani Halfpenny (16) adopted him a year ago after his elderly
owner could no longer care for him.

Dani, of Cockermouth, Cumbria, said: "Patrick had been eating lots of
treats, and hadn't been getting much exercise. He was so big he could hardly
walk and his stomach dragged on the ground. If he rolled onto his back, he
couldn't get up. When the vet said Patrick only had a year to live, we had
to try and do something about it.

"We carefully weigh out his ration of dog food and he now enjoys two hours
of exercise a day. It's taken a year for Patrick to reach his target weight.
I'm amazed at the change in his body shape, and he has a new lease of life.

"I read about the RSPCA's Pets Get Slim website in a national newspaper and
decided to sign up. The website provided fantastic support and inspiration
to keep the diet going. It's satisfying being able to record your animal's
progress, and I found feedback from other owners invaluable. Patrick was
also twice nominated Slimmer of the Week which helped boost our morale."

The journey isn't yet over as Patrick (9) will need to stick to his new diet
and exercise regime if he's to retain his new svelte figure. It'll be hard
work, but Patrick has already repaid Dani for her efforts by helping her
overcome her fear of dogs.
She said: "I used to be terrified of dogs, but I started taking Patrick for
a walk to try and help get over my fear. I ended up falling in love with
him, giving him a new home*and now hopefully a longer, healthier life!"

The RSPCA is urging owners of overweight animals to put their animals on a
diet and help them live longer, healthier lives. The call comes after a
shocking 65 per cent of animals seen in August last year by vets at the
RSPCA's Pets Get Slim roadshows were deemed overweight.

Pet obesity is not an issue to be taken lightly as it can affect an animal's
quality of life, lead to arthritis and cause internal illnesses like
diabetes, liver disease and heart disease.

Diets can be difficult when a pet is begging for treats with pleading eyes -
but by using the website, pet owners can share their experiences to help
motivate each other. www.petsgetslim.co.uk

Log onto the CAS website - www.casnerja.org to see our own obese dog - Linda
- who is undergoing a similar regime to regain her youthful figure! (page
16 of the Dog Section of the website)

Stoker Brown Fund Raiser

Richard of Stoker Brown's recently held a tapas evening in aid of CAS. The evening raised a total of 190 Euros for CAS and the committee would like to thank Richard for his efforts and those who so generously supported CAS.

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however.. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under
the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people..
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don't ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don't smoke or drink,
(7) don't want to wear your clothes,
(8) don't have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and
(10) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children...

Arrival of Narco and Lara in Holland

Narco and Lara arrived at Amsterdam Airport yesterday, dogs # 173 and 174 that were adopted in Holland.
And if you ever thought a large German Shepherd was a dog to be feared, then look at the pictures below.









Dedication

Missy and Badger flew to Holland last week, see pictures here. They had to be at the airport at around 8:30am, which means leaving Nerja at around 7:30am.

But...... the foster woke up the middle of the night, realizing she forgot the vet to ask for the passport. And without a passport, the dogs can't fly. So she called the vet - Expedito from Clinicas Veterinarias San Fernando in Nerja - at 6am, and agreed with him to come to the clinic to pick up the passport at that unearthly hour.

Now, this is what we call dedication !

Tour of Morocco - March 1 to March 7

7 DAYS AND 6 NIGHTS - FULL BOARD

This tour will be for people from the Almunecar and Nerja areas of the Costa del Sol. The minimum number of passengers has to be 35 and the maximum number of passengers will be 55. The first and last days will be relatively easy distances with sociable starting and finishing times. Please note that there will be a fair amount of coach travel BUT the culture and visits are worth the effort.  The cost, (euro 650 sharing and euro 750 single), is a reasonable estimate based on current prices and is not expected to change by more than euro 10 per person. The trip is open to all clubs and organizations in our area. Bookings will be on a first come first served basis; a booking and contact form can be obtained from Sean Brown. A deposit of euro 100 per person will be required to guarantee a firm reservation. Any net profit will be shared between those clubs and organizations taking part. The trip is being organized and led by Sean Brown who can be contacted on 958 640 948 or, preferably, by e-mailbrownseasand@terra.es  There will be an English speaking Moroccan guide for the trip. The programme will be:


Monday 1st March
Depart Almunecar (MacDonald’s) at 0800 and Nerja 0830. Fast ferry from Algeciras to CEUTA.  A panoramic bus tour of the city and then on to TETUAN, plus a stop for an included lunch. Overnight in Tangier.


Tuesday 2nd March
Depart for CASABLANCA with comfort stops and an included lunch. Overnight in Casablanca.


Wednesday 3rd March
Panoramic tour of Casablanca by bus after breakfast plus an included visit to the inside of Mezquita Hassan 11 and then depart for MARRAKECH. Usual stops on route and an included lunch.  A TWO NIGHT STAY in Marrakech.


Thursday 4th March.
A complete day in MARRAKECH, with a guided tour and an included lunch. Free time for the souk and shopping. The main square by night makes the visit really worthwhile.
In the evening a fantastic MOROCCAN evening including dinner. ** INCLUDED *


Friday 5th March. 
Depart for RABAT, usual stops and an included lunch. Overnight in Rabat.

Saturday 6th March.
Morning tour on foot and by bus of RABAT highlights.  Lunch included on route for Tangier. Overnight in Tangier.


Sunday 7th March
Morning panoramic tour by bus and a visit to the Medina.  Plus an included lunch.  Afternoon fast ferry to Spain from CEUTA and home to Nerja and Almunecar.


NOTE
This tour will use 4* hotels and is fully inclusive (including local guides, entrance to the mosque in Casablanca and the evening spectacular in Marrakech) …. The only extra cost will be for personal drinks. On the return journey a collection will be made for the Moroccan guide and driver.  ** A VALID PASSPORT FOR THE TOUR DATES AND AN EXTRA 6 MONTHS IS VITAL ** Insurance on the tour is included and details of the cover will be provided on receipt of your deposit.


Adopt Pinkey - PLEASE

Please adopt Pinkey. She is pet of the week and a very loving cat.
Click on the link to see a video of her nice character: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asmfrzKN3XI
 

Missy and Badger arrive in Holland

Missy and Badger arrived in Holland yesterday. They are dog # 171 and 172 adopted through our partner organization HzH (Hond zoekt Huis).

The first thing they noticed in Holland was that it was cloudy and very windy. But I guess they have to get used to that as it will happen more often.







Happy Anniversary !

Last Monday we saw dog number 170 fly to Holland. 4 more await flights.

So far, Jane has amassed 2,944 emails from HzH, the first appearing November 1st 2006 – so Happy Third Anniversary!

The first flight was Sunday 11th February 2007
Our last flight was Monday 2nd November 2009

5.15 dogs per month! Over one dog per week! What a history!

Jojo, Lakmé, Molly and Chula arrive in Holland




















(click to enlarge)

Jojo, Lakmé, Molly and Chula arrive at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam and are welcomed by their happy families. This makes 170 dogs rehomed in Holland. And many more to come....

The Lonely Dog (poem)

Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home.
I had no place to go, No-one to call my own.

I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.
I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore. My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat, or to gently say my name.

I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.

"No one again will hurt you was whispered in my ear."
"You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear."

"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat."
"And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."

I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let a human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur
She told me about the rescue group and what it meant to her.

She said, "We are a circle, a line that never ends."
"And in the center there is you protected by new friends."

"And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,
And those that share their home after you've been found."

"And all the other folk are searching near and far.
"To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see."

"And then they'll join our circle they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."

I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.
Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.

Then just when I began to think It wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you."

Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.

But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street.
And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet."

- Arlene Pace
September 18, 1998

 

Molly, Goldy, Bobby, Minny and Fudge arrive in Holland

(click on the picture to enlarge)

 

5 more dogs flew to Holland on the 30st of October. The total nr of dogs rehomed in Holland is now 166,

 

This sounds so easy, but it involves a lot more than you think.

Jeroen, one of the volunteers for Dutch charity HzH (Hond zoekt Huis), had taken the afternoon off to fly to Malaga from Amsterdam. There he waited a few hours before the CAS volunteers arrived with Molly, Goldy, Bobby, Minny and Fudge. After the check in procedures, Jeroen boarded the aircraft with Bobby in a bag, while the other 4 shared 2 cages in the hull.

 

Well after midnight, Jeroen arrived in Amsterdam, where the dogs were welcomed by their new families.

 

Our request: if you have friends flying to Holland, please ask them if they are willing to help out by bringing a dog to HollandThey don't need to do anything, the volunteers from CAS and HzH will do all the work. The only difference is the large welcoming committee that’s waiting for you at the airport in Amsterdam (or Rotterdam or Eindhoven).

 

CAS Events for November and December 2009

Every Week of the Year in Nerja  

Sunday morning at the car boot sale, Almijara II

CAN YOU HELP? We urgently need more Bric A Brac for our Sunday Car Boot.

Please deliver to the CAS Office or Tel Richard 952037095 for Collection 

El Trapiche: Alternate Tuesday mornings at Farmers Country Market

(near the airfield)

 

Saturday  Nov 28th
CAS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BALL  "GLITZ & GLAMOUR".
Hotel El Andaluz, Nerja        7.00 for
7.30pm
Welcome drink, Canapés, Choice of 3 course meal with wine, Coffee & liqueurs.
Entertainment with Mark Peters & Andy Time.         Tickets €35
Make up a table of 10 or more to get 1 place free
Menu choice can be seen and selected in the
CAS Office

 

Saturday Dec 5th

Christmas Market Cómpeta.

Plaza Ayuntamiento. 10:30 onwards. Many stalls and Santa Claus too!

 

Friday Dec 11th

CAS Cómpeta Christmas Dinner Dance

Balcon de Cómpeta. Drink on arrival, canapes, 3 courses inc wines

Music, Games  & Raffle

Just  €15 per person

 

Both events - contact Jane Kirk 616 5300 71

This is why CAS exists and how it helps.

Nico & Elsa were the dogs of Lynn. Lynn was born in Australia, lived in Holland for a while, and moved to Spain a little over 2 years ago. She lived in a house in the campo near Velez Malaga. On the way to her house she passed an old Spanish house every day. There was a young dog, tied to a short chain the whole day without any shelter for sun or rain. So, one day she had enough! She went to the house, unchained the dog and took it with her. The dog she named Elsa, was about 6 months. A few weeks later when she went to the basura to throw away her rubbish, she heard a soft yelping in one of the containers. She looked in and saw a puppy of only a few days old. She climbed into the container and took the puppy home. The first thing she did was give the puppy (and herself) a good wash :-)

Some time ago, Lynn was diagnosed with breast cancer. After months of chemo therapy she planned to go back to Australia to finish her treatment. As she felt she was not fit enough to take proper care of her dogs, she asked CAS to re-home Elsa (2.5 years old) Nico (2 years old).

 

It is nearly impossible to re-home 2 large dogs together, so Nico and Elsa were separated and fostered by 2 different families in Spain, whilst waiting for a permanent home. Separating them was needed in order to prepare Nico for his new life. He was the younger of the two and was not used to making decisions on his own. He just followed his leader, Elsa.

A permanent home for Nico was found within a few weeks and he flew to Holland mid September. In the weeks at the foster home, waiting for his flight, Nico was taught the basic commands (sit, down, come, etc) in Dutch.

 

Nico is doing great, according to the feedback from his new family. He went with the children to school the first day after the holiday. The whole class came to greet him and scratch his belly. He loves the children and the children love him; running back after school to walk with Nico and play with him. For the moment, they don’t have much time for their human friends anymore.

 

A new home was found for Elsa a few weeks later, and she flew to Holland mid October. She has joined an English speaking household out there and the two boys made a Count Down Clock which ticked off the seconds until Elsa arrived at the airport.

She was fostered by Jane (editor of CAS E-News) & her husband, Brian.

They also had a Count Down Clock – but a sadder one that told them how little time they had left with this big bear of a dog. Putting her into a flight cage was difficult emotionally as well as physically (she’s 39 kilos!)

 

In Holland, Elsa was amazed to be confronted by something called “Stairs” in her new home – all her life had been spent in or around single storey homes!

A few lessons with Jennifer, Tim & the boys soon had her almost trotting up and down. The new family stayed in close touch with us whilst both families waited for Elsa to do her very first tiddle in Holland ! We all had to wait over 28 hours!

 

Epilogue: from the editor

After spending several weeks emailing back & forth with Jennifer- answering questions from her and, especially, the two boys; sending photographs of Elsa and describing her behaviour etc. – our two families became “E-mail Friends”.

We shared their joy when they collected Elsa from the airport and when her settling-in process was underway.

So, it was with horror that we read an email from her husband, Tim, telling us that Jennifer had been killed in a traffic accident!

Elsa has now become an even more important member of their family, giving back twice as much love as she receives.

 

Carpe diem!

Dog Haiku

"Haiku" is an ancient form of Japanese Zen poetry, known for expressing a timeless thought in just three short lines consisting of five, seven, and five syllables.

I love my master,
thus I perfume myself with
this long-dead squirrel.

I lie belly-up
in the sun, happier than
you will ever be...

Many dog behinds
I sniffed today. I rejoice
by kissing your face.

I sound the alarm!
Paper boy come to kill us!
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I lift my leg and
whiz on each bush. Other dogs
will sniff this and weep.

How do I love thee?
The ways are numberless as
my hairs on the rug.

My human is home!
I am so ecstatic that
I make a puddle!

I hate my choke chain.
Look, world, they strangle me!
Ack! Ack! Ack! Ack! Ack!

Sleeping here, chin on
your foot. No greater bliss - well,
maybe catching rats...

Cat is not all bad.
She fills the litter box with
little chocolste Rolls!

Dig under fence-why?
Because it's there. Because it's
there. Because it's there.

I am your best friend,
now, always, and especially
When you are eating...

As my owners kiss,
I lie here next to their feet
and fart a big one...

You cannot deny.
No human could ever love
you as much as I.

 

One phone call isn't enough

Many people who call the CAS volunteers think that a single phone call can result in the immediate solving of their problem.

Most people genuinely want to help a cat or dog but hope that calling one of the 2 or 3 active CAS volunteers will mean that they themselves will not have to actually do anything and that only CAS has any responsibility within local society to act. Totally untrue and unrealistic, I’m afraid.

 

We receive calls reporting the following kind of incidents

  • I’ve seen a black dog roaming free twice this week – can you come and get it?
  • There’s a mother cat and 3 kittens outside and it’s raining tonight. Can you come and get them?
  • Sorry to call at 11:30 but I can hear a dog howling in the valley below me…
  • We’ve just come back from a night out and there’s a dog messing in the rubbish near us……
  • There’s a man near Granada who keeps his dog on a chain all day, can you come and take it away?

 

And the one we really, really HATE….

  • We ‘re going back to England day after tomorrow. Will you come and collect our two dogs, cos they can’t come with us ?  OR
  • We’re taking our dog back to England tomorrow but we’ve a cat with 8 kittens that we don’t want. When will you pick them up?

These are actual calls that we’ve received lately.

 

It’s astounding how many people are “suddenly” returning to the UK and cannot (will not) take their pets. Personally, I call it the “Crime Stoppers Effect!”

 

Our resources to deal with such calls consists of :

Ø       3 volunteers

Ø       12 kennel spaces (always full!)

Ø       A network of fosterers – similarly always overwhelmed by our pleas to “Just take another cat/dog for a few days…..”

Ø       One Website (www.casnerja.org) on which we place photographs of cats & dogs along with information on each of them. This website is updated 3 or 4 times each day & is getting more and more “visits” from people interested in adopting an animal.

 

We can really only utilise our resources effectively if individuals help us – mainly by agreeing to care for the animal in question whilst we add details to the website and then investigate how we can move animals from one place to another and accommodate them.

 

Spread the Word please……..