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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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And if you ever thought a large German Shepherd was a dog to be feared, then look at the pictures below.
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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 !
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-mail: brownseasand@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.
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.
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.
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 *
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.
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.
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.
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.+-+Badger,+Missy-745734.jpg)
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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!
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....
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