September « 2011 « Wellington SPCA

Archive for September, 2011

September 29, 2011

My new foster family

Today I get to write a personal story, hurray! – Joanna, Marketing & Communications Officer.

Given that I sit next to Nick, our Animal Care and Adoptions Manager, it’s surprising it took me six weeks to end up taking some animals home with me, but now I am a foster parent, and I’m loving it.

When we got the first kittens of the season and I got clucky, I thought about how although I have a cat of my own, I have a spare room in my flat. I signed up to be a fosterer for a mother and kittens, because while I work full time, I knew that all I would need to do would be to make sure the mother had food, water and a clean litter tray, and that she’d take care of the kittens. I also knew that Wellington SPCA would supply all the food and litter and vet treatments needed, and all I’d have to do was open up my heart and home, and get extra kitty love in return.

I knew that at some stage soon unfortunately we’d be getting in another abandoned mother and kittens, but it still caught me by surprise when Nick asked me last Friday if I could foster two grown cats who have been out in isolation with the sneezes. I was a bit worried about them being confined to my spare room, but then I realised it’s much more spacious than the cages in the isolation container. I was also assured that their sneezes won’t put my cat at risk as they’d be kept separate. so I agreed. And that’s how Posie and Emily came into my life.

Posie was surrendered to an inspector because her previous owner couldn’t care for her anymore. She was initially a bit shy, but has taken to snuggling up to me as soon as I sit down anywhere near her. She loves to be stroked and scratched, and likes having her belly rubbed. She purrs unbelievably loud for such a small cat too!

I was initially quite worried about her as I haven’t seen her eat at all or use the litterbox. After talking to one of our feline caregivers, reception made me a vet appointment and I brought her in to be checked out. All was well, she’s not constipated or dehydrated, and while I felt a little bit silly for being overprotective, that’s what we’re here for, to make sure that both animals and fosterers are totally comfortable!

By contrast, every time I go into the spare room, Emily jumps up and starts eating. I think she got the message from my worries about Posie not eating! Emily was brought in by an inspector after being attacked by a dog, with no trace of a family. I have a suspicion that Emily is secretly Cat Girl. Her ears are so pointy and her face looks like she’s wearing a mask, and I think she’s got a really adventurous spirit. She’s so far been pretty independent, and settled in pretty easily. She loves lying in front of the heater and eating, and would be really keen to have a wider area to explore.

Posie and Emily will be staying with me until ten days after they stop sneezing, and then I can bring them back into the centre for them to have free range over our cat runs. Posie is currently available for adoption already, and Emily will be after she’s been desexed. I love having them with me, because it’s great to be able to go in to get extra cuddles, but I’d love it even more if they could find a forever home. To that end, I’ve made them a page on Facebook which you can follow, and share with your friends.

Fostering is definitely a great experience, and I’ll be doing it again. If you have a spare room in your house or apartment, I encourage you to consider doing it too. We really need fosterers, and you’ll be improving the lives of beautiful animals. And seriously, look at those faces. Awwww!

September 23, 2011

Topics: Happy Tails /Latest

China in good hands

Remember China, who was the subject of an appeal letter earlier in 2011?

Spoiler alert: happy ending ahead.

One day last November a visitor came by our house to see my family. Something must have upset him as he flew into a violent rage. Unfortunately, I was an easy target for his temper. The attack only lasted a minute but that minute of abuse turned my world upside down.

My family rushed to my aid but, by then, I lay in a crumpled heap, whimpering in pain. They knew they needed to get help – fast!

The vet at Wellington SPCA said that the cruel beating had badly damaged my front leg. To make matters worse, I had sustained a neurological injury, probably due to being stomped on. My brain was sending messages to my legs to stand up, but the connections weren’t working and I would fall to the ground in a frustrated heap.

I was in need of a lot of dedicated care. My family were told that I may never fully recover and that I could be permanently affected by the severe beating. They said they didn’t want me any more.
Sad, sore and abandoned by my family, I was terrified of what would happen next.

I was a very lucky girl to end up at Wellington SPCA. The team here took great care of me, tenderly nursing me and offering words of love and encouragement. With their help, I grew stronger and my trust in humans slowly returned.

I am still a little wary of strangers; I probably always will be. I can’t help thinking that someone might lash out at me and hurt me again. Although the vet couldn’t say what the future would hold for me, I can now run and play with other dogs, and my eyes sparkle with the mischievous happiness that every dog should feel. One leg is still slow to react, which causes me to lose my balance at times, but I don’t let that hold me back.

If it wasn’t for Wellington SPCA I don’t know who would have helped me. I now have the opportunity to grow old with a family that will love me and never hurt me again. And, to me, that’s pretty special.

China was adopted during our Second Chance at Love along with another dog Kate, and we just received an update from her new family.

“We adopted Kate and China back in February and we thought you might like an update. Kate turned one today and she has had a great day hanging out with her big sis China. They love going to the beach, chasing sticks and splashing in the waves. This summer China is going to teach Kate how to swim They love going to Doggy Day Care once a week and lying in the sun at home. They also enjoy treasure hunts for treats around the garden and puzzle balls. And China is still obsessed with playing fetch with a tennis ball.”

Look at Kate and China sitting patiently in their birthday hats! What happy dogs they are now. It’s so lovely to hear about animals we got to know doing well.

There are so many other animals in our care right now who could use their own happy tail – see who could become part of your family now!

September 22, 2011

Topics: Happy Tails /Latest

Duck, duck, loose

Today we have a story from our Chief Inspector Ritchie about some ducklings he rescued on a callout last night.

Last night I was asked by Inspector Clare if I could attend an incident where four ducklings had fallen down a culvert in Tawa. Clare had already logged a call with the Wellington City Council requesting assistance to remove the grate.

I attended the incident around 7pm where I met with caller who showed me the culvert that the ducklings had fallen down. I was able to remove the grate and check inside, but unfortunately the lil’ guys and girls had ventured further down the pipes into the main storm water system.

Just as things were starting to look bleak, a WCC works truck arrived. The worker and I had a quick discussion about the incident, and we then set about removing the man hole cover to the storm water drain. After some 20 – 30 odd minutes of levering and belting with crow bars and sledge hammers, we managed to remove the cover and access the drain junction. I climbed into the drain and immediately rescued two of the ducklings, but the remaining two duckling ran about 10 -15m up the storm water drain completely out of reach.

We then decided to run water down the drain to wash the two down the pipe into my waiting net. While I was waiting for the council worker to flush the ducklings down, I began a long barrage of arduous whistling like a duckling, which fortunately resulted in both returning back down the drain where I was able to capture and place them with their siblings. The council worker was really positive, ready and willing to assist in the rescue of the ducklings, it was fantastic.

Without the assistance of the council worker, it would not have been possible as access to the storm water drain required tools that we do not carry. This rescue had an excellent outcome.

I took the ducklings home as there was no mother around and they were stressed, and placed them with a clucky hen I have, where she kept them warm and safe for the night. This morning I transported them toCraig Shepherd’s duck sanctuary where they will be raised and released.

Normally though, it is best to let nature be, and leave the animals where they are, as mothers are often close by. If ducklings are all by themselves with no mother around, or if you’re unsure, you can give us a call on 389 8044.

September 21, 2011

Topics: Latest /Volunteer

Animal Rescue Unit on TV

In February this year after the Christchurch earthquake, Wellington SPCA’s Animal Rescue Unit headed down to the city to help rescue animals in need. They responded to calls from animal owners who lived within the cordoned inner city zones, as well as calls from Urban Search and Rescue Teams who also located animals through the course of their job checking properties and buildings. The team worked with engineers to determine what buildings could be entered safely to bring out the animals, and while it was dangerous work, it was done with expert skill and calculated risk.

“Our team got a lot out of Christchurch,” says Blair Hillyard, the rescue manager. “It was good to use the skills that we have. Comments from the Australian and American search and rescue teams highlighted that the service we provided was fantastic, and internationally groundbreaking. It also highlighted the need the need for such a team as ours to exist.”

A total of 71 animals were rescued by ARU – 11 Cats, one rat, one dog, two Chinchillas, one Terrapin, 11 caged birds, two rabbits, two guinea pigs and 40 chickens, as well as three tanks of tropical and cold water fish.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker was quoted at the time saying “The SPCA deserves so much thanks for what it achieves for our community. These amazing people have worked tirelessly, caring for the many displaced animals following the earthquakes. Pets are such an important part of our lives. The SPCA has again stepped up and ensured that the animals continue to receive the care they so richly deserve.”

The crew of SPCA Rescue who normally work with Auckland inspectors happened to be in Christchurch filming at the time of the February earthquake. They were able to film some of the ARU’s work, and a one-off episode of SPCA Rescue featuring the ARU’s work in Christchurch will air on TV One on Wednesday October 12. Make sure you check it out!

September 19, 2011

Topics: Latest /Volunteer

Animal rescue unit know the ropes

Here at Wellington SPCA, we are extremely lucky to work alongside a volunteer section called the Animal Rescue Unit (ARU). The ARU is a unique concept in Australasia, and they provide our community with specialist skills to humanely rescue animals from dangerous situations.

As an example of the work the ARU does, in July a very large Mastiff Cross dog fell off the side of a cliff, and was stuck halfway down. Luckily, the team have trained in cliff rescues, and they were able to retrieve the very grateful dog.

The ARU team encompasses a wide variety of people, from a kindergarten teacher to a project manager. What they have in common is they’re physically fit, like the outdoors and have a passion for animal welfare. Some people have no experience and they’re looking to get some. Not all members had much experience before they started but the ARU provides full training.

“We have both internal and NZQA units,” says Blair Hillyard, the Rescue Manager. “We’ll on track to obtaining 16 national certificates at our ceremony in December”.

Seven of the members will be receiving National Certificates in Specialist Rescue Rope Technician, six will be getting National Certificates in Urban Search & Rescue Operations, and three will earn National Certificates as Specialist Rescue Rope Instructors.

“There are very few people in New Zealand at that level,” says Blair, “it’s a very elite group”.

Their dedication and the high level of training the ARU have attained and continue to hone, ensures happy outcomes for many animals.

The current team has been together for several years, and has demonstrated their commitment to safety when dealing with animals in some very trying situations such as after Christchurch earthquake. We’ll have more on those particular rescues soon…

September 9, 2011

Topics: Animal Crew /Latest

Activities for the October school holidays

Kids aged 6 to 12 years are invited to take part in our exciting school holiday programmes. There will be six sessions jammed packed with fun and educational activities

Can you think of a better way for your young animals lover to spend part of their school holidays than making friends, playing outrageous games, and hanging out and helping some amazing animals? At Wellington SPCA’s school holiday programmes kids can do all of these things. Kids will learn how to train, care for, and be a responsible animal guardian, along with how to make your community a safer place for our pets. But kids are not the only ones who will have fun…we will also be spending a lot of time with our centre animals. We are happy to offer this opportunity to mature, respectful young people.

We are looking for kids who want to build on their love for furry friends by learning how to provide a lifetime of love and care for companion animals. Our Animal Crew programmes are designed to promote kindness and compassion for all animals. Our school Holiday Porgrammes combine animal care and behaviour learning activities, team projects, craft activities, and hands-on interactions with animals such as cats, kittens, dogs, rabbits, rats, and more!

For more information about any of our programmes, please email our Humane Educator Jennifer Rizzi or phone her on 04 389 8044 ext 27.

Programmes:

Dedicated to Dogs

When: Monday, 10 October 2011; 2pm to 5pm

Cost: $35 – Afternoon tea provided

SPCA Adventure (All SPCA Animals great and small)

When: Wednesday, 12 October 2011; 9am to 12pm

Cost: $35 – Morning tea provided

Cool Cats

When: Friday, 14 October 2011; 2pm to 5pm

Cost: $35 – Afternoon tea provided

SPCA Adventure (All SPCA Animals great and small)

When: Monday, 17 October 2011; 9am to 12pm

Cost: $35 – Morning tea provided

Animal Camp (An all day animal adventure at the SPCA)

When: Wednesday, 19 October 2011; 9am to 4pm

Cost: $70 – Please pack a lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided

Dedicated to Dogs

When: Friday, 21 October 2011; 9am to 12pm

Cost: $35 – Morning tea provided

All programmes are at Wellington SPCA, 305 Mansfield Street, Newtown

Spaces are limited, bookings essential. To register, head to our online registration form.

Spaces left at Curious Cats Animal Night

Kids ages 6 to 12 can come along for a fun and educational afternoon learning all about cats. We will make some special cat toys and meet some amazing cats. The afternoon will be filled with lots of games and activities to help us learn more fun cat facts, about caring for cats and about cat personalities. If you have a child who is cat crazy, this is the event for them!

When: September 23, 5.30-7.30pm

Where: Wellington SPCA, 305 Mansfield Street, Newtown
Cost: $15

Click here to register your child for Curious Cats.

September 8, 2011

Topics: Latest

First kittens of the season

Today Wellington SPCA received its first newborn kittens of the seasons, and we’re expecting many, many more to start flooding in.

Since September last year, we’ve had 1672 kittens come through our centres in Newtown and Waikanae, a total of 3110 cats and kittens over the past twelve months.

There’s no denying that these kittens are adorable, but the truth of the matter is they are unwanted, and if the owner of the mother cat had got the cat desexed, the kittens wouldn’t have needed to be born.

There are a number of ways that you can help us with our overload of kittens.

First, make sure your own animals are desexed. Preventing the problem is so much better than trying to solve it later. Contact your local vet centre for rates.
Second, we need more fosterers to look after our very young kittens. Read more information about fostering here.
Thirdly, once the kittens are big enough, they will need new forever homes. Could you adopt a kitten or a cat?

Of course, as an organisation who receives no direct government funding, we rely on the generousity of the community. You can make donations through our website using your credit card, or find out about other ways to donate.

September 6, 2011

Topics: Latest

Pet rabbits dumped in Judgeford

Wellington SPCA received a call on Friday afternoon stating that several pet Lop-eared rabbits had been abandoned on Harris Road, Judgeford (on Haywards Hill).

A local resident was able to catch two by hand, and an inspector was able to catch another three on Friday evening to bring them into the Newtown centre. At least three more rabbits are still loose in the area, although humane traps have been left so these rabbits can be brought in and taken care of.

“The six rabbits that were able to be caught are the lucky ones, there are at least two that remain at large and it scares me to think how they will cope in the wild,” says Senior Inspector Ben Lakomy.

“These are domestic rabbits that are used to having food and protection from predators provided to them, there is no doubt the two that remain in the bush will struggle to survive.”

The rabbits appeared to have been kept in squalid conditions before their release; their fur was soaked with urine and they were generally very dirty. Two of the rabbits also had urine-scolded skin causing an infection.

The rabbits are settling in well in our centre in Newtown but were traumatised by having to be caught. Wellington SPCA was already caring for 11 rabbits, so we now have 17 rabbits that are looking for new homes. Anyone interested in adopting a rabbit from Wellington SPCA needs to have a hutch that is no smaller than 2m X 80cm X 80cm. Any donations towards caring for these rabbits would be gratefully received.

“If someone finds themselves in a situation with too many animals to care for, they should call their local SPCA or Animal Rescue organisation to work out a solution; there is no need to dump them on the side of the road and hope for the best,” says Lakomy.

It appears an offence against the Animal Welfare Act 1999 has been committed: Section 29(g) – releases an animal, being an animal that has been kept in captivity, in circumstances in which the animal is likely to suffer unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress. The maximum penalty is $50,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Anyone who may know of an address where there were a large number of lop-eared rabbits that have now disappeared should call Wellington SPCA on 04 389 8044.

September 5, 2011

Topics: Animal Crew /Latest

SPCA Animal Crew September Events

This month we have some exciting events planned for our young supporters including a puppy socialising night as well as a animal night focussing on cats!

Puppy Socialising

Kids age 7 to 16 years can come along to help socialise some special SPCA puppies. Kids will spend time bathing, grooming and cuddling the puppies as well as training them. At the end kids will complete a special exercise learning more about dogs and how to help our very special SPCA dogs and pups.

When: September 7, 5:30pm to 7pm

Where: Wellington SPCA, 305 Mansfield Street, Newtown

Cost: $15

Click here to register your child for Puppy Socialising.

Curious Cats Animal Night

When: September 23, 5.30-7.30pm

Where: Wellington SPCA, 305 Mansfield Street, Newtown

Cost: $15

Click here to register your child for Curious Cats.

Next month we look forward to some more very exciting events including special programmes running during both weeks of the school holidays.

September 2, 2011

Topics: Happy Tails /Latest

Straight out for Compton

Today’s happy tail is the story of Compton, a lovely big cat who’s had a heck of a journey.

The first we heard of Compton was when we got a phonecall from a woman who said that there’d been a stray cat hanging around her property for two months who looked unwell. We sent an inspector out to look at the cat, but when the inspector tried to get Compton in a cage, he struggled, accidently opened his facial tumour on the carry cage and managed to escape. Undeterred, the inspector returned that night, and managed to bring Compton back to the centre.

Compton was in bad shape. As well as the tumour on his face, his eye was a little deformed, and he needed to have his ears trimmed. We’ll put the picture after the jump, because it’s pretty gruesome.
Read more …

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