Animals in Distress Charity

What you need to know about pet insurance

2011-09-09T17:56:00.005+01:00

What you need to know about pet insurance

A new pet becomes part of the family, so you obviously want to keep it healthy. However, this can be costly. It’s vital to have pet insurance to cover for unexpected vet bills and a wide range of other costs.

As with all types of insurance, pet insurance policies vary greatly, so it’s important to shop around and get a number of pet health insurance quotes before making a final decision.

Pet insurance won’t cover you for vet bills for standard treatments such as claw clipping, neutering, spaying, vaccinations and boosters. However, many policies will cover unforeseen vet bills such as x-rays for breaks and medication for conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and glaucoma.

Pet insurance can basically be grouped into two main types of policies. First, there is the type of pet insurance policy that covers for a set limited period, normally a year, meaning you will only be able to claim for a condition during that time.

Then there is the lifelong pet insurance policy, which covers your pet for the whole of its life. Naturally, this type of pet insurance is recommended for a pet that has a health condition.

Pet insurance policies have a maximum pay out amount for each condition annually, so it’s imperative you check payout limits with the insurance providers when you are gathering pet health insurance quotes.

The pet insurance market is large and varied. Shop around for the policy that meets your needs at a competitive price. Searching online is an excellent idea as it gives the best opportunity to compare prices and the specific details of each pet insurance policy.

Remember that it’s not just a case of finding the best price. When comparing your pet health insurance quotes you must consider what it is you are getting for your money. Some policies cover you for incidents involving your pet, for example if your pet bites or scratches somebody, or a driver swerves to miss your pet and damages their car.

Insuring your pet is crucial. Take time to find the right policy that provides the cover you need, compare prices online and purchase the pet insurance that will protect you from unforeseen costs and give you peace of mind.

16 pet rats found crammed in cage.

2010-05-18T12:18:00.004+01:00

Animal rescue staff were horrified to find 16 rats crammed into a hamster cage.
Staff from Animals in Distress, at Irlam, were tipped of by a member of the public to go to a block of flats in Swinton where some pet rats had been dumped.
Expecting to find only two, they were astonished to find 16 in the cage.
A shocked Joanne Sumner, an animal carer at the Silver Street sanctuary said: "We just couldn't believe it - nor could we believe they were all still alive.
"We fully expected to find some had suffocated, but apart from being covered in faeces and bite marks from where they had been fighting, they had all survived.
"We think someone got a male and female as pets and irresponsibly let them breed continously until it got out of hand.
"Then they dumped them in a hamster cage, with the lid off, hoping, I suppose, for them to run away but strangely they didn't.
"We are really very angry that whoever owned them let it get this far. "They have behaved totally irresponsibly and have left others to pick up the pieces."
When the rats were taken back to the sanctuary, one of the young females immediately gave birth to six young.
All the male rats have been neutered and the whole brood are ready for rehoming.

Ring the sanctuary on: 0161 775 2221 for further details, or come along to the open day on Sunday May 23, from 11am to 4pm.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Rabbits hoping to hop into a nice new hutch

2010-05-08T12:41:00.005+01:00

Rabbits hoping to hop into a nice new hutch

A sprightly pair of rabbits are in need of a home where they can hop together.
Siblings Ethan and Emily are eight-month-old baby rabbits who are being looked after at Animals in Distress sanctuary in Silver Street, Irlam.
The bunnies are in need of a loving home where they can live together.
Kitty is a beautiful elderly cat with a temperamental personality.
Animal carer Jay Browne said: "She doesn't get on with other cats and generally prefers men more than women."
Cat Nora was placed in the shelter after her owner died. Jay said: "She is about five or six years old and is a nice cat."
And finally Brian the ferret is a stray that was brought to the shelter. He is looking for a home with experienced ferret owners.

Anyone wanting to adopt these pets or one of the many gerbils and dogs at the centre can drop in 10am to 4pm most days or call: 0161 775 2221 for further details.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Give old ladies a home to retire to

2010-03-27T13:26:00.006Z

Give old ladies a home to retire to

Two 'old ladies' are on the look out for a place to live out their final days. Polly and Kitty are two elderly tortoishell cats who have been returned to Animals in Distress, in Silver Street, Irlam, after their owners died.

Polly, who is about 10 years old, and Kitty, who is just over 12, were both adopted by their late owners from the sanctuary when they were kittens.

Joanne Sumner, an animal carer at the refuge, said: "We are very glad they hMissy, terrier cross, ave had loving homes for so long and that the relatives of the deceased were sensible enough to bring them back to us rather than just abandon them.

"But it would be a perfect ending if they could live out their final days in another loving home. It's asking a lot but we know there are some true animal lovers out there, people who will take on a pet even though they know they wont have them for many years."

Also hoping to appeal to the public is Missy, a five-year-old terrier cross who has been a lodger at the sanctuary since last August.

Joanne said: "Missy tends to be a rather nervous dog , but once she gets to know you she is very loving and has quite q character.

"We are looking for a very special person who has the time and patience to bring her confidence back.

"They will also need to have a secure garden with a high fence because she is a jumper."

Anyone interested in giving Missy a home should write to : Animals in Distress, 55 Silver Street, Irlam, M44 6HT stating why they would like to adopt her.

Anyone wanting to adopt one of the cats or any of the many rabbits and gerbils at the refuge, can pop down between 10am and 4pm most days or ring 0161 775 2221 for further details.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Home needed for escape artist

2010-02-17T11:44:00.004Z

Home needed for escape artist

The 'Great Escaper' is looking for a new home - but only if it has got an eight foot fence.
Missy, a four-year-old terrier cross, has been a temporary resident at Animals in Distress sanctuary in Silver Street, Irlam since last August when she was brought in by her previous owners.
Sanctuary manager, Jay Browne said: "She is a lovely little dog but very nervous and incredibly agile - I have seen her clear a six foot fence from a standing start."
She added: "We would like her to go to a very special person - someone who can give her the patience she clearly need.
"But because of her agility, the new owner will need to have a secure garden and a very, very high fence, possibly about eight feet.
"But she is a bright and loving little character, and with the right environment, will really come out of her shell."
Anyone interested in rehoming Missy should write to: Animals in Distress, Silver Street, Irlam, M44 6HT stating why they want to adopt her.
New homes are also being sought for cats Angel and Grubi, plus rabbits Hiro and Isle.
On the plus side, since he featured in the Advertiser, Bailey, the Neapolitan Mastiff, has been found a new home on a farm in Chorley.
Jay said: "He has really landed on his feet, has plenty of free land to roam in and has an owner who knows what his needs are and how to handle him.
"She saw the pictures in the Advertiser and fell in love with Bailey and immediately wrote to us.
"She had lost her own Neapolitan Mastiff just before Christmas so Bailey was perfect for her."

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

A ban on giving puppies and cats for Christmas

2009-12-15T12:13:00.004Z

A ban on giving puppies and cats for Christmas

Animal sanctuary bosses have put a ban on kittens and puppies being given as Christmas presents to children.

None will be available for rehoming until after the festive season at Animals in Distress, in Silver Street, Irlam say staff.

Refuge worker Brian Donaghy said: "We have had several enquires over the phone about whether we have any cute kittes or puppies and we always say we do not rehome them as Christmas gifts.

"It's just so wrong - the animal is made a fuss of for a while, then the child gets bored and can't be bothered feeding it or taking it for a walk.

"The lucky ones end up being looked after by the parents - the unlucky ones are just abandoned.

"Our message to the public is always the same. Wait until after Christmas and if you still feel the same, then come and see us."

His remarks come as another waif and stray - a young black cat called Puddles - is being cared for by the Silver Street sanctuary after being abandoned one night in the yard.

The cat narrowly escaped drowning after its carrier was left near the cattery shed during a downpour.

Because that area of the yard is prone to flooding, when staff arrived in the morning, the terrified moggy was standing in its cage in four inches of water.

Brian said: "Whoever, left it there knew where the cattery was but was very stupid not to think it through.

"He could clearly have drowned if we had not got there in time.

"He's recovering very well and we have renamed him Puddles. He is a beautifully natured youngster and we will make sure he goes to a good home."

Also looking for a new home is a very nervous stray female cat called Jill, who sanctuary staff think may have been semi-feral before she was rescued.

She will need careful rehoming and lots of patience, say staff, before she becomes more confident.

On a happier note, all the degus have found new homes. Although no young animals will be rehomed over the Christmas period, the public will be able to adopt the more mature animals, but only they have visited them at least three times and been interviewed by staff.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Holiday Pet Care Advice

2009-12-14T22:42:00.005Z

Holiday Pet Care Advice From Animal Friends Pet Insurance: Your Ethical Choice

The Christmas season can be wrought with dangers for our furry friends, but thankfully a host of pet healthcare experts have advised on keeping our companions safe during the holiday season.

Owners may be aware that the festive season comes with a host of pet healthcare dangers, but thankfully animal care specialists have offered some useful advice in the run-up to Christmas on keeping animals safe. The holidays are a time when many new and exciting objects and foodstuffs are floating around the house. Owners must be especially vigilant to keep these items out of their dog or cat's mouth.

Guests who do not know any better may be tempted to hand a pet a morsel of something highly appetising, but they should be discouraged from doing so as soon as they enter the house as much holiday fare is poisonous to our four-legged friends. Chocolate is well known to be harmful to animals, but so is anything sweetened with xylitol. Even rich foods can make them sick if they are not used to eating this - and the bones from the Christmas bird can cause choking. Unattended drinks could easily send a dog or cat into a coma if consumed.

Ingesting decorations such as tinsel or plug-in lights can also be highly dangerous and any festive adornments should be securely fastened out of reach. Even the sap from the pine tree can cause harm, either through fertilisers or the bacteria bred in stagnant water. Confetti thrown about on New Year's Eve can also become lodged in a cat's intestines.

Other holiday dangers come in the form of mistletoe and holly. The latter can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea while mistletoe can provoke cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal upset. Well-meaning guests bringing bouquets of flowers should be careful they do not contain lilies, which are poisonous to cats.

Of course, all items that are likely to be knocked over such as vases, Christmas trees or , need to be tightly secured. This is because with all the excitement of company, many pets may be overexcited and running around. While some pets love company and socialising and getting petted by dozens of friends and family, this type of activity can be a great source of stress for others.

Experts advise owners set aside a space where animals can go to be away from all the hustle and bustle. To minimise anxious feelings, people should aim for minimum disruption of a dog's feeding and walking schedule, to help enforce normality.

All the same, the excess of noise and activity could cause some pets to want to bolt, so guests should be warned prior to coming over not to leave the doors open. Likewise, if they have children or are unfamiliar with animals visitors should be informed on how to play with furry creatures. The individual preferences and personalities of dogs and cats should be made known to those coming to the home at Christmas so there are no surprises or stressful incidents. Also, if kids are going to be part of the festivities in a household that is unaccustomed to tots, owners should make sure dogs and cats do not swallow toys, as these can become lodged in the oesophagus, intestines or stomach.

Finally, animal lovers were told by a number of experts that for all of the reasons stated above, Christmas was not the right time to get somebody a pet as a present. Animal Friends Insurance would like to re-iterate the now thirty-one year old slogan coined by The Dogs Trust: "A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas". As one of the largest independent pet insurers in the UK, Animal Friends offers dog insurance, cat insurance and horse insurance to UK residents. You can get a quote and buy pet insurance quickly and easily online.

Who Will Take Care of my Pet While I'm on Holiday?

2009-11-22T14:01:00.004Z

Who Will Take Care of my Pet While I'm on Holiday?

There are many things that have to be taken care of before you can go on a holiday. One important thing to remember is to make sure you find reliable care for your pets. There are several different choices that can be made. You could put your pet in a kennel or cattery. You can have a friend or relative watch your pets. You can hire a professional pet sitter. Another option may even be to take your pet on holiday with you.

The most important thing to remember is the welfare of your pet. You have to consider where and with whom they will feel most comfortable in your absence. Some animals handle change well and others have a hard time being taken out of their daily routine. The option you choose will also depend on how long you plan on being away.

The ideal scenario is to have someone that you trust stay at your home with your pets when you are on holiday. There are also professional pet sitters who offer a variety of services. There are many reputable companies that have trained professionals who are CRB-checked and specialise in pet sitting.

Pet sitters will take care of your pets according to your specifications. They will stay in your home whilst you are away, or may offer one or more daily visits to your home. They will care for your pets, take them on walks, feed them and groom them. Good pet-sitters will also water your plants, pick up your mail and open and close your curtains for you so that it does not appear that your house is empty. There are also companies that specialise in giving personal care to your pets in their own homes. They will take your dog or cat into their homes and care for them in your absence, often in the company of other pets - a good option if your pet dog or cat is sociable and would enjoy the companionship of other animals, but not so good if your pet is used to being king of the hill, so to speak.

Depending on friends or neighbours to take care of your pets might seem like the ideal arrangement; but sometimes people get involved in other things and unforseen circumstances crop up in everyones' lives. Since most people have busy lives they might not always remember, or only be able to give your pet a few minutes of their time. There is one thing you can do to avoid this from happening and to make sure your pet gets good care, and that is to treat this as a business arrangement instead of a favour.

If you set up a deal with your neighbours, friends or relatives to watch your pet for a certain amount of money you will definately get better results. People will do a better job when they are getting paid and not just doing a favour. You can set up the exact amount you will pay and what you expect to be done whilst you are on holiday.

If you want to hire a professional animal caregiver you will want to start planning and looking for someone in advance of your trip and not at the last minute. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to check out the person who is going to come into your home and take care of your animals. This is as big a decision as choosing a babysitter for your children - if you are not 100% comfortable with a pet-sitter then you need to continue searching. You can ask your vet, friends and neighbours for recommendations. You can also ask someone at your local rescue centre or a dog trainer if they know of anybody. You can also use the internet to find professional animal caregivers in your area.

Always look for companies that have had their staff checked with the Criminal Records Bureau and are fully insured. You want to ask the person you are considering for references and make sure you check them out yourself. You will want to find out if the person can take care of any special needs your pet may have, such as medication or other special requirements. Once you have done phone interviews and find the person you think might be the one; invite them to your home for an interview. By inviting the person to your home you get to observe how they interact with your pets. This way you can see how comfortable the person is with your pet and also how comfortable your pet is with the person. This is also the time to let the professional get a feel of your home and to show them where supplies are, etc. if you feel that they are suitable.

Once you have decided this is the right person to look after your pet you want to make sure you ask some basic questions. You want to know how often the sitter will visit or whether they could stay in the home. You also want to know what backup plans the person has in place in case they are not able to care for your pet. You will also want to make sure you leave an itinerary of your trip and phone numbers where you can be reached. Also make sure you put your vet's number and emergency numbers and your pet insurance policy documents in a place that is easy to get to.

If you can't leave your pet at home for any reason, and if taking pets on holiday is not an option for you either, you will have to find a good kennel or cattery that will take good care of your pets whilst you are on holiday. Follow the same steps for this as you would when looking for a pet sitter. You will want to find out if the boarding place is insured, licensed and bonded. After you have made some initial calls and narrowed down your choices; you will then want to visit the establishments in person. You might also want to see if your vet office provides boarding services. Take some time to check out the facilities, ask lots of questions and visit the existing boarders to make sure you will be comfortable leaving your own pet there.

Most pets are more comfortable in their own homes while their owners are away, and can become very stressed when put in a new environment. By planning ahead you will be able to find the best solution for your pet whilst you are gone. That way you will be able to relax and enjoy your holiday and not be worried about your animals.

Animal Friends can help protect your pet against the rising costs of pet insurance - you can buy online quickly and easily, and they have a range of policies to suit every need and budget.

Have a heart, give a home

2009-11-15T13:54:00.001Z

Drive to adopt a veteran

WOULD-BE pet owners are being asked to put it in writing if they want to adopt a 'veteran' dog at the Irlam Sanctuary.
      Staff at Animals in Distress, in Silver Street, Irlam are desdesperate to find a home for China, an eight-year-old Staffie, brought into the refuge in April.
      Animal care worker, Jo Sumner said: "China's owner could no longer look after her and was forced to bring her in.
      "We've had one or two enquiries but they came to nothing. One woman wanted to take her but wanted to keep her in the back garden, and as she is eight-years-old now, that would not be suitable.
      "She's a lovely natured animal and would make an ideal family pet and we want her to end her days in a loving home.
      "We want people to write to: Centre manager Jaye Browne, Animals in Distress, 55 Silver Street, Irlam, M44 6HT, saying why they want to adopt China and what they can offer her, and then we will make a decision,"

Also looking for new homes are Jack, an 18-month-old unwanted cat, who came in with his brother a few months ago, Winnie, an older cat who has been at the sanctuary for about six months, and Edward, a seven-year-old cat, who also came in with his brother.
      Happily, a loving home has been found for Misty, another veteran cat, who finally found a new berth after being at the sanctuary for six months.

The adoption fee for China will be £100, and for the cats £50.

All animals will be neutered, microchipped and de-flead.

For further details ring the sanctuary on: 0161 775 2221 or call in between the hours of 10am to 4pm.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

2009-11-02T18:32:00.001Z

Protect Your Pets on Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is a time for fun and celebration, but can also be a distressing time of year for household pets. You will want to plan ahead to make sure that you keep your pets safe.

Bonfire Night or also known as Guy Fawkes Night is on November 5th and is an annual celebration. It celebrates the downfall of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Guy Fawkes and a number of Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up the House of Parliament in London.

This event takes place all over the United Kingdom with both private and public celebrations. There are firework displays and bonfires, not just on the night itself but often spanning an entire week or more. There are many traditional foods that are eaten on Bonfire Night. These include bonfire toffee and parkin. You can also eat toffee apples, jacket potatoes and black peas and vinegar. This is a wonderful and fun British custom that the whole family can enjoy.

The RSPCA says about 45% of dogs in the UK will show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. You should never show anger towards your animals if they are afraid; it will only confirm to them that it is something to be afraid of.Traditionally, Bonfire Night always sees an increase in dogs becoming missing. This is because they can run away after being frightened by the fireworks and noise.

To prevent your dog from becoming one of the missing animals during this celebration you should keep them indoors when fireworks are going off. You will want to make sure all doors and windows are firmly shut so your dog can’t run outdoors. Remember to secure the dog flap too. To prevent your pets from becoming missing you should have them tagged or microchipped to ensure they will be returned if they are lost. You can prevent your dog from being distressed on Bonfire Night by planning ahead and making sure your pet is indoors and comfortable.

All animals can be terrified of fireworks and you can eliminate some of the stress by following some general guidelines. Also remember that small animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits can also be frightened by the noise. If possible bring small animals indoors. If that is not possible then you should put them inside an outhouse or garden shed to give them more protection from the noise.You can play the TV or a radio in the background to muffle the noise from the fireworks. You can also play or pet your dog to calm them when the fireworks are going off. If you pay attention to them they will associate the noise with something nice and not scary.

Horses have to be protected from fireworks too. Often the noise from fireworks will make a horse bolt and they could become injured. You should make sure that all of your horses, donkeys and ponies are stabled during fireworks. You should close the stable door so the fireworks can’t be viewed by your equine companions.

Furry friends looking for a happy home...

2009-10-24T11:56:00.008+01:00

This month's furry friends looking for a happy home include an unwanted cat and two Chilean rodents.

      Smokey is a male moggy around four to five years old who came to Animals in Distress sanctuary as an unwanted pet.
      Joanne Sumner, animal carer at the Irlam centre, said: "He seems friendly and he doesn't seem mithered by the female cats.
      "It's probably not a good idea to have him with any male cats although he hasn't shown any signs of aggression"
      Alongside Smokey there are two degus who have been at the centre since they were born five months ago.
      The boys are the last in a litter born when their mother came into the sanctuary.
      Joanne added: "They've got to have sand baths and I wouldn't say to let them out because you would never catch them again.
      "We've been feeding them guinea pig food pellets for the Vitamin C and they have certain vegetables as well.
      "They need someone who knows sbout them or will take time to read up about how to look after them first."
      Also in need of a home are Nieletta the female guinea pig who came to the sanctuary with a mite problem but is back to full health now and Bugs a young bunny who was an unwanted pet.
      The sanctuary is still stretched to capacity as less people are rehoming animals.
      Joanne said: "We're still choc-a-bloc but we're doing a bit more homing on the cats.
      "However we rehome one and get two more in so it doesn't make much difference at the moment."
      For more information call the Silver Street sanctuary on: 0161 775 2221

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

2009-10-01T23:13:00.009+01:00

No doorstep droppers

Animals in Distress are pleading with people not to just dump animals on their doorstep anonymously.
The Irlam sanctuary is full up as the number of people rehoming animals has dropped off recently.
      Last week two cats were dumped at the Silver Street shelter and are currently being housed in a temporary cage due to the lack of space.
      Manager Jay Browne said: "We're still chocka.
      "The two cats that were dumped have been pets and it looks like one is heavily pregnant.
      "It would be nice if people came in and asked us rather than just dumping them on the doorstep."

      The sanctuary is also in need of donations to help with the costs of running a full sanctuary.
      Volunteers and staff planned to raise some much-needed cash with an open day the first Sunday in September.
      In the meantime staff are still hoping to rehome some of their fluffy residents.
      Among those is Austin an adult male cat who was found with a broken leg that had to be amputated.
      Jay added: "He's been with us a good four or five months now.
      "He wouldn't really be good with kids because he can be a bit fiesty but he's ok with other pets."
      There is also a female adult cat called Mushy who came into the sanctuary when her owner died.
      Mushy came in with three other cats but is the only one left at the sanctuary and is friendly and would be fine in a family with children.
      Simples the male ferret was found as a stray and has now been neutered.
      Jay said: "For boys who aren't neutered their hormones kick in and they go wandering.
      "He's very friendly and used to handling and would be fine with kids."
      Two male rabbits, Salt and Pepper, are also looking for homes after coming to the sanctuary as unwanted pets.

      Anyone who can help with rehoming or donations can contact the sanctuary on: 0161 775 2221

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Sanctuary struggling to cope with inmates

2009-08-15T22:55:00.007+01:00

Our sanctuary in Silver Street, Irlam has been forced to turn owners away because we are struggling to cope with the 'inmates' we already have.
      Silver Street refuge manager Jay Browne said: "It is a really sad situation but our pens and kennels are full to the brim with injured and stray animals.
      "Everyone is feeling the pinch and while we would normally accept unwanted pets from the public turning up at our door, we are no longer able to do so - at least for the foreseeable future.
      "We have always encouraged people who don't want to look after their animals any more to bring them here - it is, after all, the sensible thing to do.
      "However, we are having to tighten our belts in order to survive.
      "I would also plead with people not to dump them anonymously on our doorstep - it's not fair on anyone."

Jay was quick to point out that staff would still accept stray or injured animals, such as the posse of cats they recently accepted. Two had remarkably similar injuries, both having been found struggling along the streets of Irlam with their collars caught round limbs.
      Bella, a tortoishell cat, was rescued with her collar stuck partly round her neck and partly under her arm.
      Cherry, a beautiful black cat, was in a similar situation, with her collar cutting into her skin making it raw.
      Both are being cared for at the sanctuary and recovering well and will soon be ready for rehoming.
      It costs £50 to adopt a cat,and that includes neutering and worming.
      Also looking for new homes are two cute puppies, Sprog and Cara. They are available at £200 each and have also been neutered and wormed.
      Prospective owners will be expected to pay £200 for each pup and visit the animals several times at the sanctuary to get to know them. Home checks will also be carried out by sanctuary staff. For details ring the sanctuary on: 0161 775 2221

If you would like to make a donation to the charity please visit our Online Donation page.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Feathered friends in need of helping hand

2009-07-14T22:26:00.007+01:00

Animals in Distress has been caring for some of our feathered friends lately.
The Irlam sanctuary is caring for a cygnet and six ducklings until their flight feathers have formed and they can be released into the wild.
The cygnet came to the sanctuary from Timperley after his mother was killed and the ducklings were taken from Patricroft bridge after their mother abandoned them.
Since last week the Silver Street sanctuary has been caring for Jack the six-month-old guinea pig who was an unwanted pet. He is yet to be neutered but can be rehomed after that.
One of the sanctuary's stalwart residents Kora the cat is still waiting for a home more than a year after she was brought to the sanctuary by someone from Patricroft. She had been a stray for the previous six months. Kora, who is 'middle aged' which means she is more than five years old, appeared in the Advertiser earlier this year but is still looking for a home - one with no children or dogs.
Brian Donaghy, who works at the sanctuary said: "She needs a home where people are prepared to have a little bit of give and take". "She takes her affection when she wants it, she can be quite moody and will probably suit a person who will give her her own space". "She could well turn into a lap cat but at the moment she potters about in her own space and seems wary of people".
"If she needs to stay in here for another year she will because we don't put an animal down and it would be lovely to see her re-homed". "She's a lovely cat and she's a very pretty girl but she likes things on her own terms".
The sanctuary is also suffering a downturn in people rehoming cats as people look to tighten the purse strings.
Brian added: "We've got cats that have been in the outside area for six or seven weeks. People are making excuses about the credit crunch but a couple of packs of cigarettes or a bottle of wine less a week could pay for cat food or dog food".
If you are interested in rehoming an animal call the sanctuary on 0161 775 2221.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Stolen Rabbits

2009-06-06T17:49:00.004+01:00

Two rabbits were stolen from our Silver Street sanctuary. Sanctuary manager Jay Browne said: "We are very worried about the health of Abbie and Lucy. They have been on special food since they were brought into us about a year ago and we are concerned that their health might deteriorate without it."

"we would urge anyone who has got them to get them checked up at the vets immediately."

The sanctuary was broken into sometime between Sunday night, 24th May and Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May, after the padlock on the main gate was forced open with bolt cutters. It appears that the thieves were after four rabbits but could only get hold of sisters Abbie and Lucy because they are very timid and cling to each other.

Jay discovered the break-in on Monday Morning and found the two other rabbits running around the yard. She said: "What the thieves have done with Abbie and Lucy doesn't bear thinking about. I hope they haven't been taken as the targets for dog baiting - but I think that's unlikely because someone stole a big hutch from us the previous week, so the chances are they are intended as pets. Anyone who had wanted to adopt them would have only had to pay £20 for each of them - a mere fraction of what we have spent on them in the last twelve months.

If anyone knows of the whereabouts of Abbie and Lucy, they can contact Jay Browne at Animals in Distress on:0161 775 2221

Animal Friends Insurance is your ethical choice for pet insurance, whether you require a dog insurance or cat insurance quote online or on the phone. We are the only UK pet insurance company to donate 100% of our net profits to help animal charities worldwide.

Irlam shop has moved

2009-06-06T17:26:00.002+01:00

We have moved our Irlam charity shop from its existing location at 549 Liverpool Road, to a new location at 602 Liverpool Road, it is situated about 200 yards away on the opposite side of the road.
The capacity of the new shop is about four times that of the old shop and now has a Furniture Section.

There was a Grand Opening of the new shop on Friday 1st May 2009.

Our facebook group

2008-12-30T13:05:00.003Z

We now have our own facebook group, all are welcome to visit and join.

Update on Benson

2008-12-22T22:58:00.003Z

Hi all,

Happy to say that Benson has now found a new home and is very happy with his rottweiler girl friend. I am sorry I have not let you all know sooner but I have been a little unwell.

Can you help a starved dog?

2008-09-20T15:47:00.018+01:00

We are appealing for help to care for a rottweiler starved to half its normal weight. We have been caring for Benson since he was found in a field in Little Hulton and brought in to us by a member of the public on Sunday 30th August. We need donations of cash for the vets bills and padded blankets to help aid his recovery. Jay, our sanctuary manager said that it was the worst case of neglect she had ever seen, all the pads on his paws are totally shredded, he has also lost some of his nails so it seems that he was shut in a shed and starved.

Benson is in a horrendous state, he should weigh about 40kg and he only weighs 20kg. He will be staying with us indefinitely as we will not be able to rehome him for a long time. He has either mange or a severe case of mites. Any sort of donations help to go towards his vet treatment because it's going to cost a fortune to get him right again.

Donations can be sent to the Irlam sanctuary at 55 Silver Street, Irlam, Manchester, M44 6HT they can also be sent via our Donate Online page.

Benson is just the latest of our rescues, we are always in need of help. Remember Your small change can make a big change for an animal.

What are your thoughts about a person that could do such a thing to any animal, let us know if you think the laws should be tightened?

Update on Benson.
He is doing a lot better, when he was last weighed it was found that he had put on 10kg in the five weeks that he has been at the sanctuary. His fur is growing back and he seems to be more contented. Our local free paper Salford Advertiser will be featuring him again in a few weeks, we will keep you informed.

Two Terriers

2008-02-22T23:15:00.001Z

One of our drivers was called out to two cross breed Terriers called Bill and Ben in Irlam. He found them being held by a caring member of the public as they had been running about around the road. They were both suffering from a severe flea allergy, and must have been very uncomfortable. The vet checked them, finding them underweight and neglected. Animals In Distress gave them lots of love and attention. Bill and Ben are aged about five and seven. They have now been castrated, micro chipped, and have found new loving, safe, homes together.

Please use Everyclick to help charities

2008-02-08T12:56:00.000Z

Search the web and raise money for your favourite charity with Everyclick.com

Everyclick is a great new search engine. It works just like other major search engines but it also generates cash for the charity of your choice. Everyclick has already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide range of charities.

Help me change the world one search at a time.

http://www.everyclick.com/geraldbramwell

TV Celebrities

2007-12-19T23:47:00.000Z

A lady whose dog, a cross breed, had presented her with an incredible eleven puppies rang Animals In Distress for help. We agreed to do just that. Our driver picked them up and drove them to the vet to be checked. Happily all seemed well except for the one who sadly, did not survive as it had some internal problems. The other ten flourished. Four of them, who were named Honey, Jam, Marmalade, and Marmite appeared on the Paul O'Grady Show looking for loving homes. Nobody will be surprised to know that the terrific ten have now found the loving homes they so richly deserve.

Pet Insurance – The key points to ponder when buying a policy

2007-10-20T21:44:00.000+01:00

By james kermitson [ 24/09/2007 ]

Are you one of those who consider pets as genuine family members and would not flinch even from incurring a debt to save their pets? If that be the case, then you should in al wisdom go in for a pet insurance policy.

The treatments that are available now days for pets match those available for human beings. As a result, many ailments which were earlier never detected and consequently diagnosed are very easily identified and cured. This indeed is good news. But all upsides have a downside too. The cost of veterinary treatment has skyrocketed, and if you would go to any length to keep your pet healthy, go for a pet insurance as early as possible.

As is the case when you are taking out an insurance policy for yourself or your family, you must also be aware of certain fundamentals when you buy a policy for your pet.

The first and foremost point which you should enquire is how long the pet insurance company has been around? Needless to say, the longer a company is in the market the greater would be its experience and reliability.

Does the company have a substantial list of satisfied policy holders? In these age of various powerful search engines, you will always be able to locate a policy holders forum or at least blogs which will provide with all shades of opinions. You can make your judgment and draw conclusions at your own leisure.

The next point to ponder on is the financial security of the insurance company. To put it in plain terms, would it be able to shoulder the financial burden if the need arises, or would it try to escape the responsibility under the cover of unintelligible technical jargon?

Does the company have a countrywide coverage? This becomes a big issue if your job is such that you are constantly on the move shifting base from one state to another very frequently.

Usually all pet insurance companies have a list of recommended veterinarians. But some of them insist that they would entertain a claim only and only if it has been certified by a pet doctor on their list. This may prove to be a very big bother. So, find out whether the company accepts bills from any licensed veterinary doctor or not.

Also take the trouble to enquire whether the insurance company will reimburse you of the expenses you might have incurred when you visited a specialist with your ailing pet.

The last but very important point to verify is whether the policy covers the cost of treatment if your pet contracts cancer. This is a crunch point, because the cancer treatment of a pet is almost as costly as that human patient.

About the author:
Are you still not wiser about low cost health insurance, or seeking more information on international travel insurance please visit www.ReviewInsurancePolicy.com.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Cat Climbing: Something We Should Know

2007-10-20T21:24:00.000+01:00

By Dr. Hassany Ummar [ 12/09/2007 ]

After scratching, the climbing is the second nature to cats and even the youngest kittens will want to test out their skills on the nearest tree. In the wild some cats climb trees in order to pounce on their prey from above, while the leopard have been know to store food in a tree, away from hungry animals on the ground. The other reason cats climb is so that they can look down on almost every other animal - it's also the reason they hate birds.

Many domestic cats claw at tree trunk in order to leave their marks. See Why the cats scratch. Others will go as far as climbing to the tree in order to mark their territory. But in both cases cats want to climb instinctively and the urge to ascend a tree will be strong. Both domestic and wild cats climb trees usually as a hunting strategy or to escape being chased.

Why Do Cats Like High Places
1. Height can be a signal of dominance to a multiple cat household. The cat who sits atop the highest spot is usually the one who is in control, the boss.
2. Remember, our lovable furry friends used to live in the wild and many of their traits come from nature. By sitting in a high place, cats are better able to observe what goes on around them and in some instances use that vantage point as a place of refuge.
3. Heat rises! Usually the highest spot in the home is the warmest and that is exactly where your cat wants to be.
4. Being away from the action below is a way of calming themselves. Maybe they have had enough "interaction" with the baby, or the dog, or the other cats and just need a break.

Now, we have reasonable why we should adopt cat tree for our cat.
Here is a list of consideration cat tree we have to choose for our cats
1.The cat tree must be well balanced, so your cats cannot tip it over.
2.The cat tree should supply your cat with both carpet area for comfortable lounging and sisal scratching surface for scratching. Carpet may be an acceptable covering, but it should be combed first to make certain that there are no tight loops. Some cats prefer sisal, a piece of material from an old chair, or even bare wood for scratching. Sisal fiber is durable, inexpensive, attractive to cats, and last longer than carpet. Be certain to use a material that appeals to your cat.
3.Be sure that the base of the cat tree is heavy and large enough and maintain stability.
4.Take cat tree that will provide your cat not only with height and scratching surface, but and with comfortable places like shelves, trays and cat houses.
5.Be sure the components of the cat tree are sturdy and spaced, so that cats can climb up and down without slipping or falling.
6.Make sure the entrance holes of cat tunnels, cat houses or some kind of cube are large enough to accommodate your cat. Some furniture isn't made with super-sized cats in mind.
7.If you choose cat tree with shelves or trays, be sure that they can hold the weight of your cat.

Get more about cat: http://cat-world.50webs.com

About the author:
Idham Effendi
Email: chip_arm@yahoo.com
Website: http://cat-world.50webs.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Legal liberation of Chickens planned 13th July 2008

2007-10-19T21:59:00.000+01:00

The following email was sent to our charity

Hi All
Please forgive this mass email and again if I've emailed anyone out of
turn. Earlier this year Brighton Animal Action succesfully liberated over
3,000 chickens from an organic free range chicken farm in Sussex. I'm
contacting you all as I understand you took on many of these chickens and
I'm asking again if you would be able to take on anymore next July.
The farmer has been in contact with us and has informed us that the
chickens will be coming to end of lay on July 13th 2008 and she is giving
us the opportunity to rescue as many chickens as possible to save them
going to slaughter. It is sometime away yet however we would like to know
ASAP if we could indeed home many of the chickens hence the need to send
an email so soon.
Please reply to this email to let me know if you can take on any of these
chickens and how many you would be able to take. I will in due course send
you further details when all the logistics have been organised.
I look forward to your replies
Thank you
Tara (on behalf of Brighton Animal Action)

If anyone out there can help us rehoming these chickens. They are no good for meat, they will be 2 years old, they will be very thin, they will have never been outside. With all these problems they will be slaughtered and put in a dustbin. I will take some but we cant take a lot. They make great pets (if you have the space) they will fill out again and they will start to lay again. They will have no concept of danger though. If anyone has a small holding and is happy with a few eggs here and there they are great.

If you can help please contact either myself through the blog or website or contact the sanctuary on 0161 775 2221.

Friends and Neighborhoods

2007-10-12T21:51:00.000+01:00

Take a look at some of the blogs in My Friends and My Neighborhoods, one post I found particularly interesting was this one as it is concerned with animal rescues.

Rats: Ten Things You May Not Know About Them.

2007-09-29T20:49:00.000+01:00

By : Sarah Anne
Submitted 2007-06-07 13:56:31

The rat is the first of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. If you were born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 or 1996 then you were born in the year of the rat. The Chinese zodiac has a twelve-year cycle, so the next year of the rat will be 2008. Born in these years you are said to have rat like qualities, these being honesty, generosity, creativity, ambition, resourcefulness and being quick-witted. Here are more things you may not know about rats.

*In ancient Rome, the people called rats, “big mice” and mice were referred to as “little mice”. The actual translation was Mus Maximus (big mouse) or Mus minimus (little mouse).

* Near the Ino-Pakistan border in India is a small town called Deshnoke, famous for its 600 year old Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Temple of Rats. Karni Mata is believed to be the incarnation of Durga, the Hindu Goddess and thousands of rats are worshipped in the Temple. It is said that the souls of the followers of Karni Mata are in the rats and they must be looked after. The attending priests feed them milk and grain.

* In western civilization the term rat has negative connotations when associated with people, often meaning that someone is suspicious, unattractive or possibility a criminal informant. It is thought that this use of the word stems from the medieval plague called the Black Death. Rats were seen as vicious, unclean parasitic animals and blamed for the spread of the disease, although this view is now widely questioned.

* Rats can actually last longer without water than camels, although absolutely no good for riding across deserts!

* A rat can fall 15 metres (nearly 50 foot) and land uninjured!

* An adult male rat can weigh up to 700 grams (1.5 pounds) and they live for two to three years.

* The female of the species can mate up to 500 times with various males during her state of receptivity. This state lasts for approximately six hours and she will experience such a state, fifteen times a year! This mating can produce a lot of offspring, as many as 2000 babies a year.

* Rats are pretty good swimmers, in a recent experiment where a rat was tagged in and left on an island off New Zealand, it next turned up on a nearby island, a swim of 400 metres. They can also tread water for approximately 36 hours.

* They are a very intelligent species and very rewarding to keep as a pet. They actually seem to enjoy human company in much the same way as a dog and will bond with their owner. They can learn a variety of tricks and even come when you call their name.

Author Resource:- Sarah-Anne has been an animal care expert for 10 years. If you want to know more about rats and keeping them as pets then Click Here!

Article From Article Emporium

Diets and malnutrition and the effects on cat health

2007-09-29T18:29:00.000+01:00

Every pet owner thinks he or she knows what is best for their companions. Because of this lots of homemade recipes and diets are applied, since the owners think they know what they are doing. Even though homemade diets are rich in some aspects, they lack efficiency in others.

Dogs are some of the most resistant pets one can have around their house. They can get sick, but there are lots of treatments available for the health of your dog. Cat health however, is much more fragile than your dog’s health. They too can benefit from a lot of treatments today’s science has to offer, but you should be very careful and listen to advices from professionals.

Setting aside many clinical hazards to cat health, we will talk mainly of the diets you submit your cat to. These present many perils and you should talk to a veterinarian for the best opinion regarding cat health. Here are some examples which you can avoid.

Cats love fish. Their eyes lit up like the headlights of a car when they see a fish. Even though it is one of their favorite foods, you should not feed your cat exclusively raw, freshwater fish. This is because your companion can develop thiamine deficiency. The same thing applies to liver, another food that cats love. If you were to feed them exclusively liver, they will develop vitamin toxicity.

Food allergies do not have an exact source yet. This is because the pattern cannot be pinpointed to one breed of cats or cats of a particular age. Cases are different from one to the other, but the main remedy for these situations is to avoid hazardous components in their food.

There are many solutions for feeding your feline companions. If you choose homemade recipes, you can be sure that cat health will suffer the repercussions. As it was pointed out afore, there are components of homemade kitten food that are beneficial to your pet, but they lack others.

For instance, kitten food prepared by the owner, no matter what formulation, is generally highly consistent in phosphorus and protein, but it lacks vitamin, calcium and microminerals like zinc, copper potassium. Other nutrients may have a better energy balance than these recipes.

Some homemade kitten food diets may be rich in energy and fat, but they contain vegetable oil. Cats do not find this oil too appealing, and, as a result, they consume less food than they would normally. This is a common cause for calorie deficiency, another health hazard for your cats. Situations are rare when a homemade diet is balanced for vitamins and microminerals.

There are two profiles in which most kitten food can be separated. One of them is for reproduction and growth and the other for maintenance of adults. Each of them is specifically designed for a particular stage in the life of your fury companion, with different values in each component.

The best advices you can receive are from the veterinarian. However, if you do not have the time to visit one, you can always go online and search information regarding which is the best kitten food diet.

Since you are the lucky owner of a feline companion, you should be well-informed about cat health. For this, you should be very careful about what kitten food diet you choose for it in order to avoid later unpleasant situations.

Article author: David Yuri

Article From Article Emporium

Volunteers wanted

2007-09-24T23:18:00.000+01:00

Volunteers are wanted in the Greater Manchester area to help with fund raising for the charity, very little time is involved, if you would like to help a worthy cause please leave some contact information such as an email address or telephone number which will be passed on to our fund raising officer. We are also in need of volunteers to staff our charity shops in Swinton, Irlam and Withington, again if you can spare the odd few hours or the odd day then please get in touch.

Visit our Animal Forum

2007-09-22T18:56:00.000+01:00

Why not pay us a visit on our Animal Forum its where you can Ask for information if you have a problem. Let us know If you have a useful hint or tip, and find General Announcements.

See you there soon.

Warmbells

Welcome to Animals in Distress

2007-09-21T14:19:00.000+01:00

Hi, I'm Warmbells Holly Tanglepaws, the webmaster and blogmaster for Animals in Distress. We are an animal rescue charity in the northwest of England and we run two sanctuaries. Our founder is Sylvia Durham MBE, our president is Dave Eager and our patron is Tina O'Brien (Sarah-Louise from Coronation Street)

The first sanctuary is at Pennisfield Farm, Silver Street, Irlam and is the rescue and re-homing centre. We have at times all kinds of animals in our care for which we always need caring homes. At the moment we have dogs, cats, kittens, rabbits, rats and hamster. More information can be found on our website. Our second sanctuary is at Leach Farm, Swaindrod Lane, Blackstone Edge, Littleborough and it cares for the more exotic, elderly and sick animals and those that are not re-homeable.

We have also started an Online Shopping Portal for our members, supporters and general public to help us raise much needed funds by doing their online shopping through our portal.

Warmbells